Patent Grant
10852055
The invention relates to a home appliance device, in particular a home appliance chiller device, according to the main claim.
US 2007/104841 A1 discloses a home appliance, in particular a home chiller appliance such as a refrigerator, which comprises an inner liner defining a storage space and a shelf which is undetachably fixed to the inner liner and divides the storage space into at least two storage areas. The home appliance further comprises a container arranged inside one of the storage areas below the shelf. Additionally, the home appliance comprises an illumination device arranged at the bottom of the shelf for illuminating an interior of the container.
The objective of the invention is in particular to provide a home appliance device with improved characteristics regarding versatility. The objective is achieved, according to the invention, by the features of the main claim, while advantageous implementations and further developments of the invention may be gathered from the dependent claims.
A home appliance device, in particular a home appliance chiller device, is proposed comprising: an inner liner defining a storage space; a container arranged inside the storage space; a manual actuator configured for adjusting humidity inside the container; a receptacle at least partly accommodating the manual actuator; and a frame which is arranged inside the storage space and to which the receptacle is fixed.
The home appliance device may in particular further comprise an illumination unit configured for illuminating an interior of the container, wherein preferably the receptacle at least partly accommodates the illumination unit. The home appliance may in particular further comprise an insert insertable into the storage space, the insert preferably having an accommodation recess, and may in particular further comprise at least one separate fixing unit having a fixing element configured for detachably fixing the insert to the inner liner, wherein the fixing unit is advantageously at least mostly arranged inside the accommodation recess. Furthermore, the manual actuator may in particular comprise a control element, the manual actuator preferably defining at least one lock-in position for the control element in particular corresponding to at least one humidity level inside the container.
By means of the invention, a versatility of the home appliance device can be increased. Furthermore, a durability of the home appliance device can be improved, as the receptacle protects further units of the home appliance device, which are accommodated inside the receptacle. Also service, maintenance and repair works on the home appliance device may be simplified in particular due to the advantageous arrangement of the manual actuator and preferably of the illumination unit. Furthermore, operability of the home appliance device can be improved, in particular by enhancing a keepability of victuals stored inside the container. In addition a visibility of victuals stored inside the container can be enhanced.
In this context, “configured” is in particular to mean specifically designed and/or equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function is in particular to be understood that the object implements and/or fulfills said certain function in at least one application state and/or operating state. By a “household appliance device” is in particular to be understood at least a portion, preferably a sub-assembly group, of a household appliance. The household appliance is in particular provided for storing and preferably tempering victuals such as beverages, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, milk and/or dairy products in at least one operating state, advantageously for the purpose of enhancing a keepability of the stored victuals. However the household appliance could also be embodied as a household appliance for warming up and in particular for cooking victuals such as an oven, a steamer and/or a microwave. Advantageously, the household appliance is embodied as a household chiller appliance, which is in at least one operating state configured for cooling victuals. The household chiller appliance could in particular be embodied as a climate cabinet, an ice-box, a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerator-freezer combination and/or a wine cooler.
The storage space is in particular a space inside the home appliance device, which is provided for storing victuals. The storage space is in particular at least partly divisible into at least two storage areas, preferably a plurality of storage areas. In an installed state of the home appliance device, the container is in particular arranged movably inside the storage space, in particular inside at least one of the storage areas, and advantageously below the insert, the frame, the receptacle, a closing plate, a shelf and/or a cover of the home appliance device. The container is in particular configured to be arranged at least partly inside the storage space in at least two positions, a first position and a second position. The first position is in particular a storage position, in which the container is preferably configured for storing victuals, and a second position is in particular a use position, in which the container is preferably configured for receiving victuals. The container is in particular embodied as a drawer.
In this context, a “manual actuator” is in particular to be understood as a unit configured for receiving a manual input and preferably configured to adjust a humidity inside the container advantageously at least on the basis of the manual input. The manual input is in particular given via the control element. In order to adjust the humidity the manual actuator may in particular adjust at least one other physical parameter of the container on which the humidity depends, such as a pressure, a temperature and/or an air flow. The receptacle comprises in particular at least one shell, in particular a housing, configured for at least partly, preferably at least mostly and advantageously entirely accommodating at least one further unit of the home appliance device, in particular the manual actuator and/or the illumination unit. The term “at least mostly” with reference to an object is in particular to mean more than 50%, preferably more than 70%, and advantageously more than 90% of a volume, in particular an enclosed volume, and/or a mass of the object.
The illumination unit comprises in particular an illumination device including a light source such as an LED, an OLED and/or a display. In particular in an installed state of the home appliance device, the illumination unit, in particular the illumination device, is preferably at least partly, preferably mostly and advantageously entirely arranged on a bottom of the receptacle and advantageously faces the container. The illumination device is in particular arranged in such a way that the main radiation direction of the illumination device and the main extension plane of the receptacle include an angle between 0° and 90°, preferably between 0° and 45°. A “main extension plane” of an object is, in particular, to be understood as a plane extending parallel to a largest side of an imaginary rectangular cuboid which only just entirely encloses the object and preferably extends through a geometric center of the object.
In this context, a “frame” is in particular to be understood as a separate unit, which in at least one viewing direction, preferably perpendicular to a main extension plane of the frame, at least partly encompasses at least one further unit, in particular the receptacle, of the home appliance device. In this context, “separate” is in particular to mean separate from any other unit of the home appliance device and preferably not implemented integrally with any other unit of the home appliance device. “Implemented integrally” is, in particular, to mean, in this context, connected at least by substance-to-substance bond, e.g. by a welding process, an adhesive bonding, an injection-molding process and/or by another process that is deemed expedient by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Advantageously, implemented integrally could in particular mean made of one piece. “Made of one piece” is, in particular, to mean, in this context, manufactured from one single piece, e.g. by production from one single cast and/or by manufacturing in a one-component or multi-component injection-molding process, and advantageously from a single blank.
In this context, an “accommodation recess” is in particular to be understood as a recess which is at least partly, preferably mostly and advantageously entirely enclosed from at least three, in particular from at least four, sides and which is configured for at least partly, preferably at least mostly and advantageously entirely accommodating the fixing unit. The insert may in particular embodied as a shelf configured for storing victuals, as a bottle holder, and/or as a dividing plate which in an installation state of the home appliance device preferably divides the storage space into at least two storage areas. The insert is preferably configured for adjusting humidity inside the container. Further, the insert comprises advantageously at least one, advantageously a plurality of substructures of the home appliance device such as the receptacle, the manual actuator, the illumination unit, the frame, a cover for the container and/or a closing plate. In this context “detachably” is in particular to be understood as nondestructively and preferably toollessly detachably.
The lock-in position in particular corresponds to a preferably factory-set default level of humidity.
Furthermore, it is proposed that the receptacle is detachably fixed to the frame. In an installed state of the home appliance the receptacle is in particular configured for being removed from the frame at least by sliding the receptacle alongside the frame, preferably at least substantially parallel to a main extension direction of the frame and/or the receptacle. A “main extension direction” of an object is, in particular, to be understood, in this context, as a direction extending parallel to a longest side of an imaginary rectangular cuboid which only just entirely encloses the object. In this context “at least substantially parallel” is in particular to be understood as an orientation of a direction with respect to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction in particular of less than 15°, advantageously of less than 10° and particularly advantageously of less than 2°. As a result disassembly can be simplified. In particular service, maintenance and repair works on the home appliance device, preferably on the receptacle and/or on the units accommodated in the receptacle, can be performed advantageously easily.
For the purpose of fixing the receptacle to the frame, it is proposed that the receptacle comprises a deformable latching element and a holding element which has a higher degree of rigidity than the latching element, the latching element and the holding element being configured for fixing the receptacle to the frame. In this context, “deformable” is in particular intended to mean elastically deformable, preferably reversibly deformable and advantageously repeatedly reversibly deformable. In this context, by an object having “a higher degree of rigidity” than another object is in particular to be understood that the objects differ in regard to their deformability preferably due to design and/or material characteristics, such as elastic modulus. Advantageously, the latching element is at least partly deformable in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension direction of the receptacle and/or the frame. Alternatively or additionally the latching element could be at least partly deformable in a direction at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the frame and/or the receptacle. The term “at least substantially perpendicular” is, in particular, intended to define, in this context, an orientation of a direction with respect to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular if viewed in one plane, enclose an angle between 80° and 100°, in particular between 85° and 95°, preferably between 88° and 92° and particularly advantageously an angle of 90°. As a result the receptacle can be connected to the frame in a simple manner. In particular an assembly of the home appliance device can be further simplified.
The latching element and/or the holding element may in particular be arranged at an outer wall of the receptacle for the purpose of fixing the receptacle to the frame. In order to avoid additional components and tools for fixing the receptacle and to reduce costs, it is proposed that the receptacle comprises an outer wall which at least partly, preferably at least mostly and advantageously entirely implements the latching element. The latching element is in particular implemented integrally with the outer wall. The latching element comprises in particular a latching hook and a preferably deformable latching arm connected to the latching hook, wherein the latching arm is advantageously at least partly implemented integrally by the outer wall. In particular in a vicinity of the latching element the outer wall is implemented at least partly separate from a base plate of the receptacle. Furthermore, the holding element may in particular be at least partly embodied by the outer wall. The holding element may comprise in particular a wedge-shaped insert element and in particular a notch.
It is further proposed that the receptacle comprises an opening on at least one side through which the manual actuator at least partly extends. The opening extends in particular at least partly, preferably mostly and advantageously entirely over the one side, in particular such that the receptacle is at least partly, in particular at least mostly and advantageously entirely open on the at least one side. In an installed state of the home appliance device the partly open side is an upper side of the receptacle, in particular opposite the base plate of the receptacle. Furthermore, in the installed state of the home appliance device the partly open side faces the closing plate. The receptacle is in particular tray-shaped. Preferably the outer wall of the receptacle is arranged on the base plate and has a height at least substantially greater than a thickness of the base plate. “At least substantially greater” is intended to mean greater by at least 50%, preferably at least 100% and advantageously at least 150%. In this way an assembly and an arrangement of the manual actuator and/or the illumination unit inside the receptacle can be simplified.
Furthermore, it is proposed that the receptacle, in particular the base plate of the receptacle, comprises at least one pass-through recess on at least one further side, in particular opposite the partly open side, in which the manual actuator, in particular the control element, is at least partly accommodated. Advantageously, the one further side comprises an opening for the illumination device. As a result the manual actuator can be connected to further components which are arranged below the receptacle.
In a preferred implementation of the invention the home appliance device further comprises a closing plate, which is configured for at least partly closing the at least partly open side of the receptacle. The closing plate is in particular embodied as a shelf configured for storing victuals. As a result the receptacle can be sealed against humidity, in particular condensed water and/or spilled fluid, for the purpose of preventing water damage to units accommodated by the receptacle, in particular the manual actuator and/or the illumination unit.
In order to allow a user easy controlling of the manual actuator from above the receptacle, the closing plate comprises a receiving recess configured for at least partly receiving a movable control element, in particular the before-mentioned control element, of the manual actuator.
Moreover, it is proposed that the control element, in particular a surface of the control element, is at least substantially flush with at least one surface of the closing plate. In this context, by “at least substantially flush” is in particular to be understood that a height difference between two objects is less than 2 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm and advantageously less than 0.13 mm. It can thus be avoided that victuals, e.g. beverages, are placed unsafely on top of the control element, which could lead to water being spilled into the receptacle. Additionally, damage to the control element can be avoided.
In addition, it is proposed that the receptacle comprises a protective inner barrier configured for at least substantially preventing moisture from getting to the illumination unit. The protective inner barrier is in particular arranged inside the receptacle and is preferably distinguishable from an outer wall. The inner barrier extends in particular at least partly from the base plate of the receptacle to the closing plate. This allows preventing moisture damages to the illumination unit.
In an especially preferred implementation of the invention, the receptacle comprises at least two compartments, a first compartment at least partly accommodating the illumination unit and a second compartment at least partly accommodating the manual actuator, wherein the two compartments are at least partly separated by the protective inner barrier. As a result moisture-sensitive electronic parts of the illumination unit can be protected and can in particular be separated from the manual actuator.
Advantageously, the protective inner barrier comprises a drainage channel configured for collecting condensed water. The inner barrier comprises in particular at least two side walls, which at least partly define the drainage channel, a first side wall delimiting the first compartment and a second sidewall facing away from the second compartment. In particular the drainage channel comprises a slope configured for leading the condensed water away from the illumination unit. The inner barrier further comprises in particular a drain, which is connected to the drainage channel and configured for transporting condensed water out of the receptacle. As a result condensed water can be collected and can be specifically conveyed away from electrical components.
In order to adjust the humidity the manual actuator may be configured for adjusting a tempering device, a fan and/or a valve of the container. Advantageously, the container has an opening, wherein the manual actuator is configured for adjusting an opening degree of the opening for the purpose of adjusting the humidity inside the container. In this context, an “opening degree” is in particular to be understood as a percentage of uncovered opening surface of the opening. In particular the manual actuator is connected to a cover of the opening of the container in communicating fashion and is configured for adjusting a movement of the cover with respect to the opening of the container. As a result an air flow between the inside the container and an outside the container, in particular the storage space, is used to easily adjust the humidity.
It is further proposed that the frame comprises a securing recess, which is shaped at least partly corresponding to the latching element, and comprises a holding recess which is shaped at least partly corresponding to the holding element. In particular during an assembly, preferably in an assembly step, the holding recess receives the holding element when the frame and the receptacle are moved towards each other, preferably at least substantially perpendicular to each other. In particular during assembly, preferably in a further assembly step, the securing recess catches the latching element when the frame and the receptacle are moved alongside each other, preferably at least substantially parallel to each other. In an assembled state the securing recess is in particular configured for locking the latching hook of the latching element in place. In particular during disassembly, preferably in a disassembly step, the securing recess releases the latching element when the latching element is pushed towards the receptacle. In particular during disassembly, preferably in a further disassembly step, the holding recess releases the holding element when the frame and the receptacle are moved alongside each other, preferably at least substantially parallel to each other. As a result, an assembly and/or a disassembly can be simplified.
In a preferred implementation of the invention, the holding recess has an insert portion configured for receiving the holding element, in particular the insert element, and a holding portion for fixing the holding element, in particular the notch, in a form-fit manner. As a result an assembly and/or a disassembly can be further simplified.
Advantageously, it is proposed that the frame is detachably fixed to the inner liner. As a result an assembly and a disassembly can be further simplified and repair works on the receptacle can be performed easily.
In another aspect of the invention in particular for the purpose of having different quality features configured for a home appliance device, a first module for the home appliance device is proposed, comprising: the manual actuator configured for adjusting the humidity inside the container; and the receptacle, which at least partly accommodates the manual actuator and is fixable to the frame. Herein the first module is preferably free of any kind of illumination unit preferably configured for illuminating the interior of the container. In particular, in this context, a second module for the home appliance device is proposed, comprising: the manual actuator configured for adjusting the humidity inside the container; the illumination unit configured for illuminating the interior of the container; and the receptacle, which at least partly accommodates the illumination unit and at least partly accommodates the manual actuator and is fixable to the frame.
Based on selection of respectively the first or the second module a home appliance device can be equipped with different quality features such as the manual actuator and/or the illumination unit. In order to achieve a home appliance device having different quality features, in a further aspect of the invention a construction kit for constructing a home appliance device is proposed, comprising the frame; the first module and the second module. Furthermore, the construction kit may in particular comprise at least two, preferably a plurality of, first modules and/or in particular at least two, preferably a plurality of second modules. As a result a versatility of the home appliance can be increased.
For manufacturing a home appliance device having different quality features, in an additional aspect of the invention a method for manufacturing the home appliance device, in particular using the construction kit, is proposed, the method comprising the steps of: providing the frame; providing the first module; providing the second module; and fixing either the first module or the second module to the frame. In particular a method for manufacturing a set of home appliance devices, in particular using the construction kit, is proposed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a set of frames; providing a set of first modules; providing a set of second modules; and fixing either at least one first module of the set of first modules or at least one second module of the set of second modules to at least one frame of the set of frames.
It is also proposed that the fixing element is configured for fixing the insert to the inner liner when the insert is, preferably at least partly, at least mostly and advantageously entirely, pushed into the storage space in a push-in direction of the insert. In this context, a “push-in direction” is in particular to be understood as a direction, which is in an installed state of the home appliance device at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane of the home appliance device and which points towards a rear side of the inner liner. Advantageously, in a fixed position of the insert the fixing element blocks any movement of the insert at least in a pull-out direction and/or in the push-in direction. In this context, a “pull-out direction” is in particular to be understood as a direction which, in an installed state of the home appliance device, is at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane of the home appliance device and which points away from the rear side of the inner liner. As a result the insert can be fixed to the inner liner in an easy manner.
For the purpose of fixing the insert advantageously fixedly to the frame, the fixing element is at least substantially hook-shaped. An object is in particular “at least substantially hook-shaped” if it comprises at least a head portion which is arranged angled to a main extension direction of the object. In particular the fixing element comprises a head portion which is angled to a main extension direction of the fixing element, wherein preferably an obtuse angle between the head portion and the main extension direction of the fixing element is at least 270° and/or at most 360°.
Further, it is proposed that the accommodation recess comprises a receiving opening configured for receiving the fixing unit in assembly. The accommodation recess comprises in particular the receiving opening on a side facing, in an installed state of the home appliance device, a side wall of the inner liner. As a result the fixing unit can be arranged inside the accommodation recess in a simple manner.
In addition, it is proposed that the accommodation recess comprises a pass-through opening through which the fixing element passes when fixing the insert to the inner liner. The accommodation recess in particular comprises the pass-through opening on a side facing, in an installed state of the home appliance device, a bottom or a top wall of the inner liner. The receiving opening is in particular at least substantially larger than the pass-through opening. As a result the insert can be mechanically fixed to the inner liner in a simple manner.
In an implementation of the invention, it is proposed that the receiving opening and the pass-through opening are connected. As a result the fixing unit can be arranged inside the accommodation recess even more easily.
For the purpose of separating the assembly of the fixing unit and the fixing function of the fixing unit, the receiving opening and the pass-through opening have opening directions which are at least substantially perpendicular to each other.
It is further proposed that, the insert comprises an assembly element inside the accommodation recess, which is configured at least for connecting the fixing unit to the insert. The assembly element in particular comprises a pin which preferably has a snap member configured for fixing the fixing unit in particular in a direction at least substantially parallel to the opening direction of the receiving opening. This allows connecting the fixing unit to the insert in a simple manner.
In a preferred implementation of the invention the fixing unit comprises a bearing element which is connected to the assembly element, in particular to the pin, and is configured for pivoting the fixing element about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is in particular at least substantially parallel to the opening direction of the receiving opening. Advantageously, the pivot axis is a symmetry axis of the pin and/or of the bearing element. The pin and the bearing element form in particular a bearing unit.
In a preferred implementation of the invention, it is proposed that the fixing unit comprises an elastic element for counteracting a rotation of the fixing element about the pivot axis. An “elastic element” is in particular to be understood as an element which is configured to be elastically deformable. In this way it is achievable that the insert is connected to the inner liner semi-automatically.
The elastic element may be embodied as a spiral spring, a torsion spring and/or a coil spring. Advantageously, in order to implement the elastic element in a compact and simple manner, the elastic element is embodied as a bow-spring.
In addition, it is proposed that the home appliance device further comprises a snap edge coupled to the inner liner and configured for connecting with the fixing element. Preferably the snap edge is arranged on a side wall of the inner liner. The home appliance device may comprise a directing element which is configured for directing the insert in the push-in direction when the insert is inserted into the storage space. The directing element can in particular comprise the snap edge. Furthermore the directing element is arranged at a side wall of the inner liner and is in particular implemented integrally with the inner liner. Advantageously the directing element is embodied as a rail. This allows fixing the insert to the inner liner semi-automatically.
In an especially preferred implementation of the invention, it is proposed that the insert comprises the frame, which defines the accommodation recess, the frame being provided for connecting further substructures of the insert. Further, the frame comprises in particular the assembly element of the insert. As a result, substructures of the insert can be advantageously connected to the inner liner via the frame.
Further, it is proposed that the fixing unit is embodied as a one-piece unit. In this context, a “one-piece unit” is in particular to be understood as an element which is implemented separately from other units and which is made of one piece. This advantageously allows dispensing with further components.
In a preferred implementation of the invention, it is proposed that the manual actuator comprises a guiding element, which guides a movement of the control element and prevents at least one degree of freedom, preferably at least two degrees of freedom, of the control element. In this context, a “degree of freedom” is in particular to be understood as a possibility of movement of the control element in a spatial direction. As a result manual controlling of the manual actuator can be simplified.
In addition it is proposed that the guiding element prevents the movement of the control element in at least one direction which is at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane of the home appliance device in an installation position. Furthermore, the guiding element in particular prevents, in an installed state, a movement of the control element in at least one direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the home appliance device. In particular, the guiding element limits all but one degree of freedom. The guiding element is in particular embodied as a rail. In particular the guiding element limits a movement of the control element in a movement direction to a certain length. Furthermore, the guiding element is advantageously configured to function as a stop for the control element. As a result a poka-yoke-effect for controlling of the manual actuator can be achieved.
In order to achieve an on-off impression for a user controlling the manual actuator, it is proposed that the control element is configured to be nondestructively released from the lock-in position if a force acting on the control element exceeds a holding force holding the control element in the lock-in position. The force acting on the control element is in particular directed at least substantially in the movement direction of the control element.
In a preferred implementation of the invention, it is proposed that, the manual actuator comprises at least one snap element configured for locking the control element in the lock-in position. As a result the lock-in position can be configured in a simple manner.
In addition it is proposed that the snap element is deformable in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to a movement direction of the control element. The snap element is in particular deformable in a direction at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane of the home appliance device. Advantageously, in the lock-in position the snap element applies a force to the control element, which holds the control element in the lock-in position. This advantageously allows dispensing with further components for providing the force holding the control element in the locking position.
It is further proposed that the snap element comprises a first guiding chamfer and a second guiding chamfer, the first guiding chamfer being configured for contacting the control element and deforming the snap element in case of a movement of the control element in a first movement direction, and the second guiding chamfer being configured for contacting the control element and deforming the snap element in case of a movement of the control element in a second movement direction opposite the first movement direction. The guiding chamfers in particular respectively include an angle with the movement direction of the control element between 0° and 90°, preferably between 0° and 75° and advantageously between 0° and 45°. Hereby deformation of the snap element can be simplified. In particular, based on the angle between the chamfer and the movement direction of the control element, a resistance of the lock-in position can be set.
Advantageously, it is proposed that the guiding element and the snap element are implemented integrally with each other. This advantageously allows dispensing with further components.
It is further proposed that the manual actuator comprises at least one further snap element, which is located opposite the snap element, in particular with respect to a main extension direction of the guiding element. The further snap element is implemented in particular mirror-inverted with respect and preferably at least substantially identical to the snap element. In this context, “at least substantially identical” is to mean formed identically apart from tolerances and/or production errors. This advantageously allows dispensing with further components.
In a preferred implementation of the invention, the further snap element is deformable in a direction counter to a direction in which the snap element is deformable, in particular in a main extension direction of the guiding element. As a result the control element can be locked in the lock-in position even more safely. In addition, the further snap element can be used as an additional security measure if the snap element fails or even breaks.
In addition it is proposed that the lock-in position corresponds to a maximum humidity level inside the container. The maximum humidity level in particular corresponds to a minimum opening degree of the opening of the container. In particular, the minimum opening degree is reached when the surface of the opening is at least mostly and advantageously entirely covered. As a result the humidity inside the container can be capped to a factory-set maximum.
In a preferred implementation of the invention, the manual actuator defines at least one further lock-in position. The lock-in position and the further lock-in position are in particular situated at different ends of the guiding element. As a result the manual actuator can be equipped with factory-set default values regarding humidity.
In an especially preferred implementation of the invention, the further lock-in position corresponds to a minimum humidity level inside the container. The minimum humidity level in particular corresponds to a maximum opening degree of the opening of the container. Advantageously, the maximum opening degree is reached when the surface of the opening of the container is at least mostly and advantageously entirely uncovered. As a result the humidity inside the container can be capped to a factory-set minimum.
The home appliance device is herein not to be limited to the application and implementation described above. In particular, for the purpose of fulfilling a functionality herein described, the home appliance device can comprise a number of respective elements, structural components and units that differs from the number mentioned herein. Furthermore, regarding the value ranges mentioned in this disclosure, values within the limits mentioned are to be understood to be also disclosed and to be used as applicable.
Further advantages may become apparent from the following description of the drawing. In the drawing exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. The person having ordinary skill in the art will purposefully also consider the features separately and will find further expedient combinations.
If there is more than one specimen of a certain object, only one of these is given a reference numeral in the figures and the description. The description of this specimen may be correspondingly transferred to the other specimens of the object.
It is shown in:
The home appliance device comprises a container 14a. The container 14a is in at least one operating state at least partly arranged inside the storage space 12a, in particular inside the first storage area 142a. The container 14a is arranged movably inside the storage space 14a and is in particular extractable from the storage space. The container 14a is arrangeable in at least two positions, a first position and a second position. The first position is a storage position. In the first position, the container 14a is configured for storing victuals. The second position is a use position. In the second position, the container 14a is configured for receiving victuals. In
The insert 82a is insertable into the storage space 12a. The insert 82a is detachably fixed to the inner liner 10a. The insert 82a divides the storage space 12a into the two storage areas 142a, 144a (see
The home appliance device comprises the manual actuator 16a. The manual actuator 16a is accommodated inside a receptacle 20a of the home appliance device. The manual actuator 16a is configured for adjusting humidity inside the container 14a. The manual actuator 16a adjusts an air flow between an inside of the container 14a and an outside of the container 14a, in particular the storage space 12a. The manual actuator 16a is configured for adjusting an opening degree of the opening 60a of the container 14a for the purpose of adjusting the humidity level inside the container 14a, in particular by moving a cover 148a of the insert 82a with respect to the container 14a (see
The insert 82a comprises the frame 22a. The frame 22a comprises a guiding unit. The guiding unit is configured for coupling the frame 22a with the cover 148a. The guiding unit comprises at least one guiding profile. The guiding profile couples the cover 148a in such a way that it is movable with respect to the frame 22a (see
In an installation position, the frame 22a is arranged inside the storage space 14a. Furthermore, in the installation position, the frame 22a is detachably fixed to the inner liner 10a. The frame 22a is separate from any other unit of the home appliance device. The frame 22a is configured for connecting further substructures of the insert 82a to each other. Viewed in a direction perpendicular to the frame 22a, the frame 22a at least partly encompasses at least one further unit of the home appliance device, in particular the receptacle 20a of the home appliance device.
The insert 82a comprises the receptacle 20a. In an installation position, the receptacle 20a is detachably fixed to the frame 22a. The receptacle 20a is configured for accommodating at least one further unit of the home appliance device. The receptacle 20a comprises a shell 152a. Inside the shell 152a the further unit is accommodated. The shell 152a is in particular embodied as a housing. The receptacle 20a is at least partly open on at least one side 36a. In an installed state of the home appliance device, the at least partly open side 36a is an upper side of the receptacle 20a. The at least partly open side 36a is covered by a closing plate 42a of the home appliance device. The receptacle 20a can be made of plastic and/or of metal.
The insert 82a comprises the closing plate 42a. The closing plate 42a is in particular embodied as a shelf, which is in particular configured for storing victuals. The closing plate 42a is connected to the frame 22a of the insert 82a. The frame 22a carries the closing plate 42a.
The insert 82a comprises an assembly element 104a. The assembly element 104a is implemented integrally with the frame 22a. The assembly element 104a is accommodated inside the accommodation recess 84a. The assembly element 104a is at least configured for connecting the fixing unit 88a to the insert 82a. The assembly element 104a comprises a pin 176a. The pin 176a has a snap member 178a. The snap member 178a is configured for fixing the fixing unit 88a to the insert 82a, in particular in a direction at least substantially parallel to the opening direction 100a of the receiving opening 96a.
The fixing unit 88a is embodied as a one-piece unit. The fixing unit 88a has a fixing element 92a. The fixing element 92a is configured for detachably fixing the insert 82a to the inner liner 10a. The fixing element 92a is at least substantially hook-shaped. The fixing element 92a comprises a head portion. The head portion is angled to a main extension direction of the fixing element 92a. The angle between the head portion and the main extension direction of the fixing element 92a is at least 270°. While fixing the insert 82a to the inner liner 10a, the fixing element passes through the pass-through opening 98a.
The fixing unit 88a comprises a bearing element 106a. The bearing element 106a is connected to an assembly element 104a of the insert 82a, in particular via the snap member 178a. The bearing element 106a is configured for pivoting the fixing element 92a about a pivot axis 108a. The pivot axis 108a is in particular at least substantially parallel to the opening direction 100a of the receiving opening 96a. Advantageously, the pivot axis 108a is a symmetry axis of the assembly element 104a, in particular of the pin 176a and/or of the bearing element 106a. The pin 176a and the bearing element 106a form in particular a bearing unit. The fixing unit 88a comprises an elastic element 110a. The elastic element 110a is configured for counteracting a rotation of the fixing element 92a about the pivot axis 108a. The elastic element 110a is embodied as a bow-spring.
The fixing unit 88a is at least mostly arranged inside the accommodation recess 84a. When the insert 82a is pushed into the storage space 12a in a push-in direction 94a of the insert 82a, the fixing element 92a is configured for fixing the insert 82a to the inner liner 10a. In addition, in a fixed position of the insert 82a the fixing element 92a blocks any movement of the insert 82a at least in the push-in direction 94a and/or in an opposite direction, in particular a pull-out direction. The home appliance device comprises two separate fixing units 88a arranged inside the opposite accommodation recesses 84a.
The home appliance device comprises a snap edge 112a (see
In
Further, the home appliance device comprises a guiding tunnel 190b. The guiding tunnel 190b is configured for connecting the illumination unit to a control unit of the home appliance device. Inside the guiding tunnel 190b cables for connecting the illumination unit can be arranged. The guiding tunnel 190b keeps the cabling safe from external influences, such as moisture.
The receptacle 20b comprises an illumination opening 158b. The receptacle 20b comprises an illumination cover 159b. In this case the illumination cover 159b comprises two fixing elements. The receptacle 20b further comprises further fixing elements. The further fixing elements are at least partly shaped corresponding to the fixing elements of the illumination cover 159b. The illumination cover 159b is fixed to the base plate 188b of the receptacle 20b by the fixing elements and the further fixing elements.
In
The second module 78b comprises a further manual actuator. Further, the second module 78b comprises an illumination unit. The second module 78b comprises a receptacle 20b. The receptacle 20b at least partly accommodates the illumination unit and at least partly the manual actuator. The receptacle 20b is fixable to the frame 22b.
In
The receptacle 20c comprises a holding element 26c. The receptacle 20c comprises a further holding element 28c. The holding element 26c and the further holding element 28c are at least substantially identical to each other. In the following the holding element 26c is described in detail. The description of the holding element 26c may be correspondingly transferred to the further holding element 28c. The holding element 26c is configured for fixing the receptacle 20c to the frame 22c. Viewed in an installation position, the holding element 26c is arranged at a front side of the receptacle 20c. The holding element 26c has a higher degree of rigidity than the latching element 24c. Furthermore, the holding element 26c may be at least partly embodied by the outer wall 30c. The holding element 26c comprises an insert element 196c. The insert element 196c is circular-shaped. The holding element 26c comprises a notch 198c.
The frame 22c comprises a securing recess 64c (see
In one assembly step the holding recess 66c receives the holding element 26c when the frame 22c and the receptacle 20c are moved towards each other, preferably at least substantially perpendicular to each other. In a further assembly step the securing recess 64c catches the latching element 24c when the frame 22c and the receptacle 20c are moved alongside each other, preferably at least substantially parallel to each other. In an assembled state the securing recess 64c is configured for locking the latching hook 192c of the latching element 24c in place.
In a disassembly step the securing recess 64c releases the latching element 24c when the latching element 24c is pushed towards the receptacle 20c. In a further disassembly step, the holding recess 66c releases the holding element 26c when the frame 22c and the receptacle 20c are moved alongside each other, preferably at least substantially parallel to each other.
The manual actuator 16d comprises a subhousing 162d (see
The manual actuator 16d comprises the guiding element 118d. The control element 46d is arranged movably in the guiding element 118d. The control element 46d comprises a bolt 208d. The bolt 208d engages into the guiding element 118d. The control element 46d can be made of plastic, metal and/or metal-coated plastic. The guiding element 118d guides a movement of the control element 46d. The guiding element 118d prevents two spatial degrees of freedom of the control element 46d. In particular the guiding element 118d limits all but one spatial degree of freedom. The guiding element 118d prevents a movement of the control element in two directions 120d, 122d, namely a first direction 120d and a second direction 122d. The first direction 120d is at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane of the home appliance device in an installation position. The second direction 122d is at least substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the home appliance device in an installation position. The guiding element 118d allows a movement of the control element 46d in a third direction 124d. The third direction 124d is at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane of the home appliance device in an installation position. Furthermore, the third direction 124d is at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction 120d and/or the second direction 122d. Further, the guiding element 118d limits a movement of the control element 46d in a movement direction, in particular at least substantially parallel to the third direction 124d, to a certain length. The guiding element 118d comprises two ends, which function as stops for the control element 46d. The guiding element 118d is embodied as a rail. Further, the guiding element 118d is fixed to the subhousing 162d, in particular in a positive or non-positive manner. Alternatively or additionally the subhousing 162d and the guiding element 118d may be integrally implemented.
The manual actuator 16d further comprises an indicator element 164d. The indicator element 164d is movably arranged between the control element 46d and the guiding element 118d. The indicator element 164d is connected to the control element 46d. The bolt 208d of the control element 46d engages into the indicator element 164d. The indicator element 164d is configured to display a position of the control element 46d with respect to the guiding element 118d and in particular to display a humidity in a container corresponding to the position of the control element 46d. The indicator element 164d comprises at least two indicators for at least two positions of the control element 46d. In this case the two positions correspond to the control element 46d being stopped at each end of the guiding element 118d. The indicator element 164d can be made of plastic, metal and/or plastic-coated metal. The indicators can in particular be embodied as a print, as a separate element fixed with glue and/or as a stamping in particular on a sheet or on an extruded metal.
The manual actuator 16d comprises a direction transformation unit 168d. The direction transformation unit 168d is configured for at least partly transforming a movement of the control element 46d parallel to the horizontal plane, in particular in the third direction 124d, into a movement in another direction parallel to the horizontal plane, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the previous movement of the control element 46d, preferably into the first direction 120d. The direction transformation unit 168d comprises a transformation guiding element 172d. The control element 46d is movably coupled to the transformation guiding element 172d. The bolt 208d engages into the transformation guiding element 172d. The transformation guiding element 172d is angled with respect to the guiding element 118d. The angle formed by the guiding element 118d and the transformation guiding element 172d is between 0° and 90°. The manual actuator 16d comprises a link 170d configured for coupling the direction transformation unit 168d to a cover 148d configured for closing an opening of the container. The link 170d is connected to the direction transformation unit 168d. The link 170d is integrally implemented with the direction transformation unit 168d. The direction transformation unit 168d transmits a movement of the control element 46d to the cover 148d. By the movement of the control element 46d, in particular in the third direction 124d, the cover 148d is moved in another direction, in particular at least in the first direction 124d. The transformation guiding element 172a is embodied as a rail.
The manual actuator 16d comprises an adapter connector 166d. The adapter connector 166d connects further units of the manual actuator 16d, in particular the control element 46d, the subhousing 162d, the indicator element 164d, the guiding element 118d and/or the direction transformation unit 168d to the receptacle 20d.
In the following description an exemplary assembly of the manual actuator 16d is described. In assembly, the guiding element 118d is connected to the subhousing 162d. The subhousing 162d is inserted into the receiving recess 44d of the closing plate 42d, in particular together with the guiding element 118d. The adapter connector 166d is at least partly put over the subhousing 162d and in particular the guiding element 118d. The indicator element 164d is slid into the adapter connector 166d. In particular, the indicator element 164d is slid between the guiding element 118d and the subhousing 162d. The direction transformation unit 168d, in particular the transformation guiding element 172d is arranged below the adapter connector 166d and preferably on top of the base plate 188a of the receptacle 20d. The control element 46d is inserted into the subhousing 162d. The bolt 208d of the control element 46d engages into the indicator element 164d, the guiding element 118d and the transformation guiding element 172d. The receptacle 20d comprises a pass-through recess 38d. In assembly, a connection joint 210d of the manual actuator 16d engages into the pass-through recess 38d and in particular into the transformation guiding element 172d of the direction transformation unit 168d. The connection joint 210d connects with the bolt 208d of the control element 46d. In this case the bolt 208d and the connection joint 210d may form a screw connection and/or a rivet connection. Alternatively or additionally the connection joint 210d and the bolt 208d may be glued together. In an installed state, the manual actuator 16d is fixed to the closing plate 42d and the receptacle 20d in particular by the connection between the bolt 208d and the connection joint 210d. The link 170d of the direction transformation unit 168d passes through a further passthrough recess 39d of the receptacle 20d. The link 170d engages with the cover 148d. The manual actuator 16d comprises a further connection joint 212d. The further connection joint 212d connects the link 170d to the cover 148d.
In an operating state of the home appliance device the control element 46d can be slid alongside the guiding element 118d, in particular in a third direction 124d. By the movement of the control element 46d the bolt 208d is moved. The bolt 208d runs inside the transformation guiding element 172d of the direction transformation unit 168d. The transformation guiding element 172d gets deflected by the bolt 208d. As a result the direction transformation unit 168d is moved in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the movement direction, in particular in the first direction 120d, of the control element 46d. The link 170d couples the movement of the direction transformation unit 168d to the cover 148d.
A guiding unit 174d of the frame 22d comprises a profile 200d. The profile 200d has an inclination with respect to the frame 22d. Thus, the guiding unit 174d is configured to transform a movement of the cover 148d in the first direction 120d, in particular at least substantially parallel to a horizontal plane of the home appliance device in an installation position, at least partly into a movement of the cover 148d in a second direction 122d, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the home appliance device in an installation position. By the interplay of the manual actuator 16d and the guiding unit 174d a movement of the control element 46d in the third direction 124d is transformed into a movement of the cover 148d in the second direction 122d. A movement of the control element 46d, in particular in the third direction 124d, is transformed by the direction transformation unit 168d into a movement of the cover 148d, in particular in the first direction 120d. The guiding unit 174d transforms the movement of the cover 148d, in particular in the first direction 120d, at least substantially perpendicular, namely in particular into a movement in the second direction 122d.
The manual actuator 16d defines at least one lock-in position 114d for the control element 46d (see
The snap element 126d comprises two guiding chamfers 130d, 132d, namely a first guiding chamfer 130d and a second guiding chamfer 132d. The first guiding chamfer 130d is configured for contacting the control element 46d. The first guiding chamfer 130d is configured for deforming the snap element 126d in case of a movement of the control element 46d in a first movement direction and when the control element 46d applies a force to the first guiding chamfer 130d. The second guiding chamfer 132d is configured for contacting the control element 46d. The second guiding chamfer 132d is configured for deforming the snap element 126d in case of a movement of the control element 46d in a second movement direction, in particular opposite to the first movement direction, and when the control element 46d applies a force to the chamfer 132d. The guiding chamfers 130d, 132d respectively include an angle with the movement direction of the control element 46d between 0° and 90°, preferably between 0° and 75° and advantageously between 0° and 45°. The guiding element 118d of the manual actuator 16d and the snap elements 126d, 128d are integrally implemented.
The manual actuator 16d defines a further lock-in position 116d for the control element 46d. The further lock-in position 116d is implemented at least substantially identical to the lock-in position 114d, in particular as described above. The lock-in positions 114d, 116d correspond to the two different positions indicated by the indicator element 164d. The lock-in positions 114d, 116d respectively correspond to at least one humidity level inside the container. The lock-in position 114d corresponds to a maximum humidity level inside the container. The maximum humidity level in particular corresponds to a minimum opening degree of the opening of the container. In particular, the minimum opening degree is reached when the surface of the opening is at least mostly and advantageously entirely covered. The further lock-in position 116d corresponds to a maximum humidity level inside the container. The further lock-in position 116d corresponding to a minimum humidity level inside the container. The minimum humidity level in particular corresponds to a maximum opening degree of the opening of the container. Advantageously, the maximum opening degree is reached when the surface of the opening of the container is at least mostly and advantageously entirely uncovered.
The inner barrier 48e comprises at least two side walls 202e, 204e, namely a first side wall 202e and a second sidewall 204e. The first side wall 202e delimits the first compartment 52e. The second sidewall 204e faces away from the second compartment 54e. Furthermore, the protective inner barrier 48e comprises a drainage channel 56e. The side walls 202e, 204e define at least partly the drainage channel 56e. The drainage channel 56e may comprise a slope configured for leading condensed water away from the illumination unit. The protective inner barrier 56e further comprises a drain 206e. The drain 206e is connected to the drainage channel 56e. The drain 206e is configured for transporting condensed water out of the receptacle 20e. The drain 206e is embodied as an opening in the receptacle 20e, in particular in a base plate 188e of the receptacle 20e.
Furthermore a link of the manual actuator 16f is implemented separate from the transformation guiding element 172f.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/04908 | Apr 2015 | TR | national |
| 2015/04910 | Apr 2015 | TR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2016/058581 | 4/18/2016 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016/169900 | 10/27/2016 | WO | A |
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