CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of Turkish Patent Application TR 2024/000570, filed Jan. 18, 2024; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a home appliance, particularly a cooling device, including a body enclosing at least one compartment for receiving objects, the body having a body inner wall provided at a side facing the compartment, the body inner wall having a wall opening formed therein, an illumination unit disposed at the wall opening and configured to at least partially illuminate the respective compartment, the illumination unit having a support assembly defining a receiving space facing the compartment, the illumination unit having a reflector assembly at least partially disposed at the receiving space and fixed in the receiving space, a light module disposed on the reflector assembly to provide light and a diffuser disposed on the reflector assembly to emit light provided by the light module.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
In home appliances, particularly in domestic cooling devices such as refrigerators or similar devices, for instance, light is typically provided in a storage chamber provided for storing objects such as foods or beverages. Light has the function of illuminating the storage chamber. In such a case, it may be desired that lighting is integrated into the home appliance and is installed into the home appliance in the best manner possible from an aesthetical perspective.
In European Patent Application EP 4 253 887A1, corresponding to U.S. Publication No. 2023/0408061, a greater amount of light produced by a light source is spread to the inner part of a storage chamber. An illumination device provided at the lateral wall of the storage chamber of a refrigerator includes a light source which generates light and a light arrival part whereon the light, which is generated by the light source, is falling. The cap has a light output part formed on the front surface which faces the inner part of the storage chamber and which includes a protrusion which provides outputting of light to the inner part of the storage chamber; and a light reflection diffusion part formed at the rear side of the light output part, at a rear surface which faces the light source side, and pluralities of recesses each of which has an inner peripheral surface, and the light is guided towards the protrusion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a home appliance, particularly a cooling device having an illumination unit, which overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and which provides an additional improvement, an additional advantage or an alternative to the prior art.
One of the objects of the invention is to provide improved, low-cost and easily producible solutions for illuminating a compartment of a home appliance, particularly a storage chamber of a cooling device.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a home appliance, particularly a cooling device, comprising a body, at least one compartment encircled by the body for the placement of objects, a body inner wall provided at a side facing the compartment on which a wall opening is provided, an illumination unit configured to at least partially illuminate the related compartment at the wall opening, a support assembly provided in a manner defining a receiving space which faces the compartment, the illumination unit having a reflector assembly configured in a manner at least partially disposed at the receiving space and fixed in the receiving space and on which a light module configured to provide light is provided and on which a diffuser is provided which is disposed to emit the light provided by the light module. In the cooling device, the support assembly includes a one-piece support assembly body which has an inner wall provided at a side facing the receiving space, and an outer wall provided in a distanced manner defining at least one intermediate space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Thus, an illumination unit is provided which is reinforced against external forces, which is difficult to become deformed and at the same time, which is easy to produce. Moreover, due to the support assembly body structure, illumination units which are of different sizes can be produced without leading to complexity in production and without increasing the production costs.
In this case, the “home appliance” is any electrical home appliance used in houses, for instance, home appliance like ovens, refrigerators or similar devices.
In this case, the “compartment” is a chamber or room of the home appliance wherein objects are placed. For instance, if the home appliance is a domestic oven, the compartment is a cooking chamber wherein the foods to be cooked are placed, if the home appliance is a refrigerator, the compartment is a storage chamber or a storage compartment wherein the foods to be cooled or to be frozen are placed. In the cooling device, there can be more than one storage chamber or storage compartment. There can be one or more than one illumination unit in each storage chamber or storage compartment.
In this case, the “support assembly” is a reinforcement assembly fixed to the body wall of the illumination unit in a non-removable manner and whereon a reflector assembly can be fixed in a removable manner.
In this case, the “reflector assembly” is a structure which can be fixed in a removable manner to the support assembly of the illumination unit and whereon the light module and the diffuser are provided.
In this case, the “light module” is the module placed in a manner providing light to the medium into the reflector assembly and which includes at least one light source. For instance, on the light module, there can be a printed circuit board (PCB) having at least one light emitting diode (LED).
In this case, the “diffuser” is a panel which provides spreading of light, provided by the light source, to the compartment or a light distributor in cap form, namely a diffusor. Diffuser is the element which makes brilliant or intense light into a softer form at a wider area and which eliminates the undesired light flashing and thus which prevents disturbing of the eyes of the user due to light.
In this case, the “illumination unit” is the unit which provides illumination of the related compartment of the home appliance. The illumination unit can be formed by the abovementioned support assembly and the reflector assembly. Moreover, each of the support assembly and the reflector assembly can include more than one sub-element.
In this case, the “at least partially in the wall opening” inscription means that a part or whole of the illumination unit can stay in the wall opening. For instance, a part or whole of the support assembly of the illumination unit can remain in the wall opening. In the same manner, a part or whole of the reflector assembly retained to the support assembly of the illumination unit can remain in the wall opening.
In this case, the “to be at least partially placed to the receiving space” inscription means that a part or whole of the reflector assembly, retained to the support assembly of the illumination unit, can stay in the wall opening.
In this case, the “body inner wall” can be any one of the mutual lateral walls of the body which faces the compartment, a rear wall thereof which is at the opposite side of the front opening of the compartment or an upper wall of the compartment.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, in the support assembly body, there are multiple intermediate support extensions which connect the inner wall and the outer wall to each other at specific intervals and which extend in a manner defining more than one intermediate space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Thus, a support assembly body is obtained which is reinforced against external forces and which is difficult to deform.
In this case, the “support extensions” can be any extension or intermediate wall which exists between the inner wall and the outer wall and which connects these walls to each other.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the support assembly body includes a guiding channel which extends longitudinally and provided in a manner at least partially receiving a guiding step provided at a side of the reflector assembly, particularly at a side wherein the light module is provided. Thus, placement of the reflector assembly to the support assembly is facilitated. At the same time, in a case where the reflector assembly is fixed to the support assembly, the undesired movement of the reflector assembly in the width direction is also delimited.
In this case, the “at least partially” inscription means that a part or all of the guiding step can stay in the guide channel.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the support assembly body includes a connection part provided at an opposite side with respect to the guiding channel and shaped and dimensioned in such a way that a connection knob extension of the reflector assembly can be placed in order to fix the reflector assembly in the receiving space. Thus, the reflector assembly can be easily removed from and fixed to the support assembly.
In this case, the “knob extension” inscription can mean an extension and for instance an substantially spherical knob provided at an end part of the extension.
In this case, “knob extension” and “the connection part” can be shaped and dimensioned in a compliant manner to each other. Therefore, “knob extension” and “the connection part” can be provided in different shapes and dimensions.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the connection part is provided with at least one internally curved connection extension positioned in such a way that there is a space in between on the inner wall. Thus, the reflector assembly can be easily fixed to the support assembly by using a thrust force. In the same manner, the reflector assembly can be easily removed from the support assembly by using a drawing force.
In this case, the “internally curved connection extension” inscription means that the inner surfaces of the extensions that face each other can be provided in wavy form or in zigzag form.
In this case, the internally curved connection extensions can be a couple of connection extensions that are mutual to each other. The two mutual internally curved connection extensions can extend in the longitudinal direction of the support assembly body. In another embodiment, internally curved connection extensions can be at least two or more couples that are mutual to each other. In this case, the mutual internally curved connection extensions can be provided at specific intervals in the longitudinal direction of the support assembly body.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the support assembly body is provided in a manner having a U-like cross-section. Thus, a support assembly body is provided which has a receiving space in a manner receiving the reflector assembly therein.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the support assembly body is an extrusion profile. Thus, thanks to the extrusion profile made by using an extrusion method, a support assembly body is provided which is reinforced against the external forces for the illumination unit, which is difficult to deform and at the same time, which can be easily produced.
In this case, the “extrusion profile” inscription may mean a shaped profile with a specific cross-section which can be produced by using an extrusion method.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the support assembly includes support assembly end caps configured to at least partially cover the mutual end parts of the support assembly body. Thus, the mutual end parts of support assembly body are at least partially covered.
In this case, the “at least partially covering” inscription means that the support assembly end caps cover the end parts of the support assembly body partially or completely. For instance, at the end caps of the support assembly, there can be at least one opening for a socket or cable input. In this case, the support assembly end caps partially cover the end parts of the support assembly body.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, each of the support assembly end caps includes engagement extensions shaped and dimensioned in a manner corresponding to the related intermediate spaces. Thus, the support assembly end caps can be easily fixed to the support assembly body.
In this case, the engagement extensions can be provided in the form of extensions which extend from a surface of the end cap of the support assembly. The related intermediate spaces of the support assembly end cap and the engagement extensions can be shaped and dimensioned so as to be compliant to each other.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the engagement extensions are embodied in a retaining channel which receives the related end parts of the inner wall and the outer wall. Thus, the related end parts of the inner wall and the outer wall are aesthetically covered, and the support assembly end caps can be fixed to the support assembly body.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, there are adhesion surfaces provided mutually at a side of the support assembly body which is close to the compartment and provided in a planar manner in such a way that at least one adhesive element adheres from one side in order to fix the support assembly body to a wall of the body. Thus, the support assembly is fixed to the body wall of the home appliance.
In this case, the “adhesive element” can be a liquid-based adhesive or an adhesive band, particularly a double-sided adhesive band.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, each of the support assembly end caps has an end cap upper surface provided in the same alignment with the adhesion surfaces and in a planar manner in such a way that the adhesive element shall adhere from one side. Thus, the stability of the support assembly is increased and at the same time, the adhesion surface area is increased for adhering of the support assembly to the body wall.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the reflector assembly includes a reflector assembly body which has a couple of guide channels embodied mutually to each other in a manner guiding the light module extending in a longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly and provided in a vertical plane inside a receiving channel or a body space, and the reflector assembly body is an extrusion profile. Thus, the light module can be easily placed by being driven to the receiving part of the reflector assembly. Moreover, thanks to the extrusion profile produced by using an extrusion method, the illumination units which are at different dimensions can be produced without leading to complexity in production and without the production costs rising.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the reflector assembly includes reflector assembly end caps configured to hold to a mutual lower end part and upper end part of the reflector assembly body. Thus, the mutual end parts of the reflector assembly are at least partially covered.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the reflector assembly end caps include a connection extension embodied to engage to a connection hole of the reflector assembly body, and moreover, they include a cap connection tab embodied in such a way that the light module engages to a holding hole. Thus, the end parts of the reflector assembly body are aesthetically covered. Moreover, the light module is fixed in the body space of the reflector assembly body.
In this context, with the indications “ceiling,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “inner,” “outer,” “inwardly” “outwardly” etc. the positions and orientations given for intended use and intended arrangement of the home appliance and for a user then standing in front of the home appliance in a closed position of the door and viewing in the direction of the home appliance are indicated.
Each possible embodiment disclosed in this text can be combined with the other possible embodiments disclosed in this text if there is no any technical constraint.
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 home appliance, particularly a cooling device having an illumination unit, 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.
The brief explanations of the figures, which are herewith provided, are solely intended for providing a better understanding of the present invention and are as such not intended to define the scope of protection or the context in which the scope is to be interpreted in the absence of the description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the cooling device wherein the subject matter illumination unit is provided;
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the support assembly body which is provided in the support assembly which is in turn provided in the illumination unit;
FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the support assembly which is provided in the illumination unit;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support assembly which is provided in the illumination unit;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view related to a condition where the end caps of the reflector assembly and the light module provided on the reflector assembly body are exploded, in the first embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view related to a condition where the diffuser is provided on the reflector assembly body, in the first embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of the reflector assembly end cap which is provided in the first embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view related to a condition where the reflector assembly end cap is retained to the end side of the reflector assembly body, in the first embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view related to the first embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view related to a condition where the first embodiment of the reflector assembly is fixed to the support assembly;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view related to a condition where the end caps of the reflector assembly and the light module provided on the reflector assembly body are exploded, in the second embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view related to a condition where the diffuser is provided on the reflector assembly body, in the second embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the reflector assembly end cap which is provided in the second embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the reflector assembly end cap which is provided in the second embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view related to a condition where the reflector assembly end cap is retained to the end side of the reflector assembly body, in the second embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional view related to a condition where the reflector assembly end cap is retained to the end side of the reflector assembly body, in the second embodiment of the reflector assembly;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view related to the second embodiment of the reflector assembly; and
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view related to a condition where the second embodiment of the reflector assembly is fixed to the support assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In this detailed explanation, the inventive subject matter is explained with examples in order to make the subject more understandable without forming any restrictive effect.
Within this context, the “width direction (x)” describes a width direction of the home appliance, particularly the cooling device, a width direction of the illumination unit, a width direction of the support assembly, a width direction of the support assembly body, a width direction of the reflector assembly, and a width direction of the reflector assembly body.
Within this context, the “depth direction (y)” describes a depth direction of the home appliance, particularly the cooling device, a depth direction of the illumination unit, a depth direction of the support assembly, a depth direction of the support assembly body, a depth direction of the reflector assembly, and a depth direction of the reflector assembly body.
Within this context, the “longitudinal direction (z)” describes a longitudinal direction of the home appliance, particularly the cooling device, a longitudinal direction of the illumination unit, a longitudinal direction of the support assembly, a longitudinal direction of the support assembly body, a longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly, and a longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body.
Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen a perspective view of the cooling device as a home appliance. The home appliance has a body including an upper wall, a lower wall, mutual lateral walls and a rear wall. There is at least one compartment encircled by the body in which objects can be placed. The compartment can be accessed through a front opening. At least one door (not shown in the figures) is provided at the side where the front opening is located. The body is provided in a manner extending in the width direction, the depth direction and the longitudinal direction. The cooling device given as an example in FIG. 1 has three compartments. Each compartment is separated from the other by an intermediate wall provided in a horizontal plane. There is a body inner wall provided at a side which faces the compartment and on which a wall opening is provided. As seen in FIG. 1, the body inner wall can be one of the mutual lateral walls of the body facing the compartment. There is an illumination unit configured to illuminate the related compartment in the home appliance, at least partially in the wall opening. The illumination unit is provided in a manner substantially extending in the longitudinal direction of the body inner wall. Preferably at least one illumination unit is provided for each compartment.
With reference to FIG. 10, the illumination unit includes a support assembly provided in a manner defining a receiving space which faces the compartment. The support assembly is at least partially placed at the wall opening of the body inner wall. As will be seen in FIG. 3, the support assembly is formed of a support assembly body, support assembly end caps respectively provided at the end sides of the support assembly body, and at least one adhesive element. The support assembly body has a length in the longitudinal direction, a width in the width direction and a depth in depth direction. The support assembly end caps are moved in a cap assembly direction, and are retained to the related end part of the support assembly body as seen in FIG. 4. Thus, the support assembly end caps are provided in a manner at least partially covering the mutual end parts of the support assembly body, namely the first end part and the second end part.
In the invention, as seen in FIG. 2, the support assembly body has a one-piece structure which has an inner wall provided at a side facing the receiving space, and an outer wall at a distance in a manner defining at least one intermediate space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Due to this structure formed with the inner wall and the outer wall, the receiving space is defined. The support assembly body is substantially provided in a manner having a cross-section which is similar to a U shape. Preferably, the support assembly body is an extrusion profile obtained by an extrusion method. The support assembly body can be made of a rigid plastic material, preferably acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers. Again, in the support assembly body, there are multiple intermediate support extensions which connect the inner wall and the outer wall to each other at specific intervals, and which extend in a manner defining more than one intermediate space between the inner wall and the outer wall. The intermediate support extensions are provided so as to be substantially in an orthogonal direction to the inner wall and the outer wall between which the intermediate support extensions extend.
As will be seen in FIG. 3, there is at least one engagement extension on the support assembly end caps. The engagement extensions are shaped and dimensioned in a manner corresponding to the intermediate spaces. The engagement extensions are preferably provided in a holding channel. When the support assembly end caps are retained to the related end parts of the support assembly body, the holding channel at least partially covers the end parts of the support assembly body. In other words, the holding channel at least partially receives the related end parts of the inner wall and the outer wall. In this case, the engagement extensions have engaged the related intermediate spaces. On the other hand, as shall be seen in FIG. 2, a connection part has been embodied at a side of the inner wall which faces the receiving space. The connection part is defined by at least one couple of internally curved connection extensions positioned mutually in such a way that there is a space in between. The sides of the internally curved connection extensions which face each other are provided in a curved, namely wavy form. There is a guiding channel which extends longitudinally at an opposite side of the side where the connection part is embodied in the support assembly body. In other words, the guiding channel extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the support assembly body. At least one part of the guiding channel is defined by a longitudinal extension which extends from the inner wall towards the receiving space. The longitudinal extension is provided at an end part of the inner wall and outer wall embodiment. The longitudinal extension also provides a planar first adhesion surface for the adhesive element. There is a lateral guiding channel provided in an adjacent manner to the guiding channel and which substantially extends longitudinally. On the other hand, there is a horizontal extension which extends longitudinally at the opposite side of the longitudinal extension. The horizontal extension is provided at another end part of the inner wall and outer wall embodiment. The horizontal extension is provided in a manner starting from the inner wall and diverging from the inner wall and outer wall embodiment. The horizontal extension provides a planar second adhesion surface for the adhesive element. The adhesive element adheres to the adhesion surfaces from one side and adheres to a wall of the body that exists at the part which is the wall opening, as shall be seen in FIG. 10, from the other side. In this manner, the support assembly is fixed to a wall of the home appliance. With reference to FIG. 3, each of the support assembly end caps has an end cap upper surface provided in the same alignment with the adhesion surfaces and in a planar manner in such a way that the adhesive element shall adhere from one side. The adhesive element can be a one-piece adhesive element and one part thereof adheres to the upper surface of the related end cap and one part thereof adheres to the first adhesion surface and to the second adhesion surface. Preferably, the adhesive element is a double-sided band.
In the invention, two different embodiments of the reflector assembly are given as examples. FIGS. 5-9 relate to the first embodiment of the reflector assembly, FIGS. 11-17 relate to the second embodiment of the reflector assembly. Both of the reflector assemblies have a fixable-removable structure to the same support assembly described above.
In FIGS. 5-9, the first embodiment of the reflector assembly is shown. With reference to FIG. 5, the reflector assembly substantially includes a reflector assembly body, respective reflector assembly end caps provided at the end sides of the reflector assembly body, a light module and a diffuser. Preferably, the reflector assembly body is an extrusion profile. In this embodiment, the reflector assembly body can be made of a thermoplastic material, particularly a polystyrene material, preferably a high-effective polystyrene material. The reflector assembly body substantially extends in longitudinal direction. When one of the reflector assembly end caps is moved in a cap assembly direction to a lower end part of the reflector assembly body, it is retained to the reflector assembly body. In a similar manner, when one of the reflector assembly end caps is moved in the cap assembly direction to an upper end part of the reflector assembly body, it is retained to the reflector assembly body.
In order to retain the reflector assembly end caps to the reflector assembly body, there is a body space provided longitudinally in the reflector assembly body. In FIG. 5, the light module has been shown in exploded form, in other words, a visual is given which is related to the condition where the light module has not been assembled to the reflector assembly body. The light module is a light source embodied to emit light. The light module substantially extends in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body. At the reflector assembly body, there is moreover a diffuser disposed in a manner scattering the light provided by the light module. The diffuser substantially extends in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body. The diffuser has a flat plate structure. At the reflector assembly end caps, there is also the connector (not shown in the drawings) which is needed for the electrical connection of the light module, and there is also a connector housing for the passage of electrical cables (not shown in the drawings). In FIG. 6, an enlarged view of the first embodiment of the reflector assembly body is shown. The reflector assembly body has a receiving channel encircled with a wall which has a form which is similar to a C-shape. Inside the receiving channel, there is a couple of guide channels provided substantially in a vertical plane and embodied mutually to each other in a manner guiding the light module. Each guide channel is provided by guiding extensions which extend in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body mutually to each other. In more details, two mutual lower guiding extensions are embodied at a lower part of the reflector assembly body, and two mutual upper guiding extensions are embodied at an upper part of the reflector assembly body. The light module is assembled to the reflector assembly body by being slid between mutual guiding extensions inside the receiving channel.
At an upper side of the receiving channel, there is an auxiliary guiding channel for fixing the reflector assembly to the support assembly. The auxiliary guiding channel substantially has a form which is similar to a C-shape. The auxiliary guiding channel is provided in a manner extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body. A guiding step is provided at a side of the reflector assembly by the auxiliary guiding channel, particularly at a side wherein the light module is provided. There is moreover a diffuser in the reflector assembly. The diffuser is positioned in the reflector assembly body in a manner transforming the receiving channel into a channel of which the four sides are closed. The diffuser can be fixed by being compressed between two mutual walls of the reflector assembly body. The receiving channel has a rear wall which substantially extends in the width direction. The diffuser is provided in a manner extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body so as to be at a specific angle with respect to the width direction. At a side of the reflector assembly body, there is a connection knob extension shaped and dimensioned in a manner placed to the connection part of the support assembly body. The connection knob extension is provided in a manner extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body. The connection knob extension is provided in a manner diverging in the direction, which is opposite to the width direction, from a wall of the reflector assembly body.
With reference to FIG. 7, the reflector assembly end cap has a cap connection extension which extends towards the reflector assembly body. At the cap connection extension, there is a cap connection tab provided in a manner diverging substantially in an orthogonal direction from the cap connection extension. The reflector assembly end caps also include a connection wall. Pluralities of connection bulges are embodied on the connection wall. There is one or more upper connection bulge on the upper surface of the connection wall. There is one or more lower connection bulge at a lower surface which is at the opposite side of the upper surface of the connection wall. There is moreover at least one connection extension at the connection wall. The connection extension is substantially provided in a manner extending at an orthogonal direction to the connection wall. The connection extension is provided at the lower surface of the connection wall where the lower connection bulges are embodied.
With reference to FIG. 8, when the reflector assembly end cap is retained to the related end part of the reflector assembly body, the cap connection tab is placed at a body hole of the reflector assembly body. At the same time, the connection wall, and the connection bulges provided on the connection wall, at least partially engage the body space. Moreover, the connection extension is also placed at the connection hole. The connection bulges engage the connection grooves which exist at the reflector assembly body. The connection grooves have a structure shaped and dimensioned according to the connection bulges. Thus, the reflector assembly end cap is retained in a firm manner to the related end part of the reflector assembly body. The reflector assembly, that belongs to the condition where each of the reflector assembly end caps is connected to the related end part of the reflector assembly body and at the same time, where the light module and the diffuser are assembled to the reflector assembly body, is seen in FIG. 9.
In FIG. 10, a cross-sectional view related to the condition where the first embodiment of the reflector assembly is retained to the support assembly body that exists in the support assembly is shown. While the reflector assembly is being retained to the support assembly, the reflector assembly is moved towards the receiving space, and the longitudinal extension is engaged into the auxiliary guiding channel. In this case, the guiding channel and the lateral guiding channel of the support assembly body come to a condition where the reflector assembly body at least partially receives the guiding step. Then, when the reflector assembly is pressed in a force exertion direction in the direction which is opposite to the width direction, the connection knob extension engages to the connection part that is between the internally curved connection extensions. During this engagement, the internally curved connection extensions can flex to an extent. When the connection knob extension engages to the connection part that is provided between the internally curved connection extensions, the retaining of the reflector assembly to the support assembly is completed. When the reflector assembly is retained to the support assembly, the first extension and the second extension that exist at the opposite sides of the reflector assembly body aesthetically covers the spaces that exist between the reflector assembly and the support assembly. When the reflector assembly is retained to the support assembly and when electrical connection is realized with the light module, the light that occurs because of the light module is spread by the diffuser to a compartment side in a manner not disturbing the eye of the user. The compartment side is at the opposite side of the body side where the body inner wall exists and where the illumination unit is provided. There can be a body isolation material, for instance a polyurethane material at the body side. When the reflector assembly is desired to be removed from the support assembly, the reflector assembly must be firstly drawn in the width direction. Thus, the connection knob extension shall be released from the connection part that exists between the internally curved connection extensions. Then, when the reflector assembly is further drawn, the guiding step of the reflector assembly body shall be released from the lateral guiding channel and the guiding channel of the support assembly body. Thus, the reflector assembly is completely separated from the support assembly.
In FIGS. 11-17, the second embodiment of the reflector assembly is shown. With reference to FIG. 11, the reflector assembly substantially includes a reflector assembly body, respective reflector assembly end caps provided at the end sides of the reflector assembly body, a light module and a diffuser. Preferably, the reflector assembly body is an extrusion profile. The reflector assembly body substantially has a U-shaped cross-section. In this embodiment, the reflector assembly body can be made of a rigid plastic material, preferably, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers. The reflector assembly body substantially extends in the longitudinal direction. When one of the reflector assembly end caps is moved in a cap assembly direction to a lower end part of the reflector assembly body, it is retained to the reflector assembly body. In a similar manner, when one of the reflector assembly end caps is moved in the cap assembly direction to an upper end part of the reflector assembly body, it is retained to the reflector assembly body. In order to retain the reflector assembly end caps to the reflector assembly body, there is a body space provided longitudinally at the reflector assembly body. In FIG. 11, a visual related to the condition where the light module is exploded, namely where the light module is not assembled to the reflector assembly body is shown. The light module is a light source embodied to provide light. The light module extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body. At the reflector assembly body, also there is a diffuser disposed in a manner scattering the light, provided by the light module, in order not to disturb the eyes of the user. The diffuser extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body. The diffuser has a flat plate structure. The diffuser is substantially positioned in a manner covering an open side of the C-shaped reflector assembly body.
In FIG. 12, an enlarged view of the second embodiment of the reflector assembly body is shown. The reflector assembly body substantially has a body space defined with a form which is similar to C-shape. There is a couple of guide channels provided substantially at a vertical plane in the body space and embodied mutually to each other in a manner guiding the light module. Each guide channel is provided by guiding extensions provided mutually to each other and which extend in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body. In more details, two mutual lower guiding extensions are embodied at a lower part of the reflector assembly body, and two mutual upper guiding extensions are embodied at an upper part of the reflector assembly body. The light module is slid between the mutual guiding extensions inside the body space and is assembled to the reflector assembly body. In other words, the light module is guided between mutual guiding extensions. There is a guiding step at a side of the reflector assembly where the light module is existing. The guiding step is provided in a manner extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body. The diffuser which is provided in the reflector assembly is positioned in the reflector assembly body in a manner transforming the body space into a channel whose four sides are closed. The diffuser is substantially positioned in a manner covering an open side of the U-shaped reflector assembly body. At a side of the reflector assembly body, a connection knob extension is provided which is shaped and dimensioned in a manner placing to the connection part of the support assembly body. The connection knob extension is provided substantially in a manner extending in the longitudinal direction of the reflector assembly body. The connection knob extension is provided in a manner diverging from a wall of the reflector assembly body in the width direction. Moreover, there is also a connection hole at the side of the reflector assembly body which faces the body space.
With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the reflector assembly end cap has a cap connection extension which extends towards the reflector assembly body. At the cap connection extension, there is a cap connection tab at a free end side. There is at least one connection extension at a lower wall of the reflector assembly end cap. The connection extension is provided in a manner extending substantially in an orthogonal direction to the connection wall. The connection extension is positioned at the reflector assembly end cap so as to be close to the side which is opposite to the side where the cap connection extension and the cap connection tab are existing. The connection extension can also be provided at a middle part which is provided at the lower side of the reflector assembly end cap. At the reflector assembly end cap, moreover, there is also a connector housing for the passage of the connector (not shown in the drawings) needed for the electrical connection of the light module and for the passage of the electrical cables (not shown in the drawings).
With reference to FIG. 15, when the reflector assembly end cap is retained to the related end part of the reflector assembly body, the reflector assembly end cap at least partially is provided in the body space. In this case, the connection extension is engaged to the connection hole of the reflector assembly body.
With reference to FIG. 16, when the reflector assembly end cap is retained to the related end part of the reflector assembly body, the cap connection tab that is provided at the cap connection extension engages to a holding hole which corresponds on the light module. Thus, the light module is fixed in the body space, and the undesired displacements of the light module inside the body space are thus prevented.
In FIG. 17, the view of the reflector assembly, which belongs to the condition where each of the reflector assembly end caps is connected to the related end part of the reflector assembly body and at the same time, the condition where the light module and the diffuser are assembled to the reflector assembly body, is shown.
In FIG. 18, a cross-sectional view related to the condition where the second embodiment of the reflector assembly is retained to the support assembly body that is provided in the support assembly is shown. While the reflector assembly is being retained to the support assembly, first of all, the guiding channel and the lateral guiding channel of the support assembly body at least partially receive the guiding step of the reflector assembly body. Then, when the reflector assembly is compressed in a force exertion direction in the direction which is opposite to the width direction, the connection knob extension engages to the connection part which is provided between the internally curved connection extensions. During this engagement, internally curved connection extensions can flex to an extent. When the connection knob extension engages to the connection part that is provided between the internally curved connection extensions, the reflector assembly is retained to the support assembly. When the reflector assembly is retained to the support assembly, when the illumination unit is viewed from the compartment of the home appliance, an aesthetical space is not seen between the reflector assembly and the support assembly. When the reflector assembly is retained to the support assembly, the diffuser and the surface of the support assembly body, which faces the compartment, may not be in the same alignment. When the reflector assembly is retained to the support assembly and when electrical connection is realized to the light module, the light, which occurs due to the light module, is spread to a compartment side by the diffuser in a manner not disturbing the eyes of the user. The compartment side is at the side which is opposite to the body side where the body inner wall exists where the illumination unit is provided. At the body side, there can be a body isolation material, for instance, a polyurethane material. When the reflector assembly is desired to be removed from the support assembly, the reflector assembly must be firstly drawn in the width direction. Thus, the connection knob extension will be released from the connection part that exists between the internally curved connection extensions. Then, when the reflector assembly is further drawn, the guiding step of the reflector assembly body shall be released from the guiding channel and the lateral guiding channel of the support assembly body. Thus, the reflector assembly is completely separated from the support assembly.
The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:
- 1 home appliance
- 2 body
- 3 compartment
- 4 body inner wall
- 5 front opening
- 6 intermediate wall
- 7 illumination unit
- 8 support assembly
- 9 support assembly body
- 10 support assembly end cap
- 11 inner wall
- 12 outer wall
- 13 intermediate support extensions
- 14 intermediate space
- 15 receiving space
- 16 connection part
- 17 guiding channel
- 18 longitudinal extension
- 19 lateral guiding channel
- 20 horizontal extension
- 21 first adhesion surface
- 22 second adhesion surface
- 23 adhesive element
- 24 upper surface of the end cap
- 25 first end part
- 26 second end part
- 27 reflector assembly
- 28 reflector assembly body
- 29 light module
- 30 reflector assembly end cap
- 31 cap connection extension
- 32 cap connection tab
- 33 body space
- 34 receiving channel
- 35 guide channel
- 36 upper guiding extensions
- 37 lower guiding extensions
- 38 connection hole
- 39 connection extension
- 40 upper connection bulge
- 41 lower connection bulge
- 42 connection grooves
- 43 connection knob extension
- 44 engagement extension
- 45 first extension
- 46 second extension
- 47 inner curved connection extension
- 48 diffuser
- 49 wall opening
- 50 lower end part
- 51 upper end part
- 52 connection wall
- 53 body hole
- 54 holding channel
- 55 auxiliary guiding channel
- 56 guiding step
- 57 holding hole
- 58 connector housing
- T1 Compartment side
- T2 Body side
- M Cap assembly direction
- F Force exertion direction
- X width direction
- Y depth direction
- Z longitudinal direction
Patent Application
20250237428
