Refrigeration appliance apparatus and domestic refrigeration appliance

Abstract

In order to provide a generic apparatus with improved properties with regard to an operating convenience, a refrigeration appliance apparatus, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance apparatus, is provided. The apparatus has an inner liner with at least one sidewall. A water-dispensing unit is disposed on the sidewall of the inner liner. At least one faceplate unit, which in a mounted state thereof, at least largely covers the water-dispensing unit. The faceplate unit has an opening. The water-dispensing unit has at least one dispensing region and at least one guiding unit configured to guide water. The guiding unit, in an installed position, is disposed in a cover region of the dispensing region. The water-dispensing unit has an actuating unit with at least one actuating element provided to start a water removal. The actuating unit has an operating element to start water removal. The water-dispensing unit has a cover that covers the operating element.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance apparatus, comprising: an inner liner having at least one sidewall; a water-dispensing unit disposed on said sidewall of said inner liner; at least one faceplate unit which, in a mounted state thereof, at least largely covering said water-dispensing unit, said faceplate unit having an opening; said water-dispensing unit having at least one dispensing region, a mounting chamber adjacent said dispensing region, and at least one guiding unit configured for guiding water, said guiding unit, in an installed position, being disposed in said mounting chamber, said opening being an opening between said mounting chamber and said dispensing region; said water-dispensing unit having at least one actuator with at least one actuating element provided for starting a water removal, said actuating element including at least one actuating portion protruding through said opening from said mounting chamber into said dispensing region and projecting behind said guiding unit.

2. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said actuating portion has an engagement region configured for engagement with a vessel.

3. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said engagement region has a substantially convex-curved shape.

4. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said substantially convex-curved shape faces said at least one dispensing region.

5. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said actuating portion has a substantially web-shaped form.

6. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said faceplate unit is curved in a substantially concave form.

7. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said faceplate unit is configured to guide the vessel toward said engagement region.

8. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said faceplate unit is inclined rearward from a bottom to a top of said dispensing region.

9. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said actuator has at least one first operating element and at least one second operating element, each of said first and second operating elements is provided for starting the water removal.

10. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said first operating element is arranged at least substantially outside said at least one dispensing region.

11. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said second operating element is arranged at least substantially within said at least one dispensing region.

12. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said second operating element is formed at least partially by said actuating portion.

13. A refrigeration appliance apparatus, comprising: an inner liner having at least one sidewall; a water-dispensing unit disposed on said sidewall of said inner liner; at least one faceplate unit, which in a mounted state thereof, at least largely covering said water-dispensing unit, said faceplate unit having an opening; said water-dispensing unit having at least one dispensing region and at least one guiding unit configured for guiding water, said guiding unit, in an installed position, being disposed substantially in a cover region of said at least one dispensing region; said water-dispensing unit having at least one actuator with at least one actuating element provided for starting a water removal, said at least one actuator having an operating element for starting water removal, said water-dispensing unit having at least one cover covering the operating element.

14. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said faceplate unit is curved in a substantially concave form.

15. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said cover is a flexible plate.

16. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said cover laterally extends across an entire width of said dispensing region in a mounted state of said cover.

17. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a latch providing a latching connection between said cover and said faceplate unit.

18. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said cover includes a latching protrusion of said latch.

19. The refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said faceplate unit includes a latching recess of the latch.

20. A refrigeration appliance, comprising at least one refrigeration appliance apparatus according to claim 13.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 shows a refrigeration appliance with a refrigeration appliance apparatus in an operational state in a schematic representation,

(2) FIG. 2 shows an appliance body, a water-dispensing unit and a faceplate unit of the refrigeration appliance apparatus, wherein a representation of appliance doors, shelves, containers and storage units has been dispensed with in a schematic, strongly simplified representation,

(3) FIG. 3 shows an enlarged detail view of FIG. 2,

(4) FIG. 4 shows a side wall of an inner liner of the refrigeration appliance apparatus and a wall element of the water-dispensing unit in a schematic plan view,

(5) FIG. 5 shows the side wall and the wall element in a view from behind in a schematic representation,

(6) FIG. 6 shows the side wall, the wall element, the mounting assembly and an electrical connection of the refrigeration appliance apparatus in a schematic representation,

(7) FIG. 7 shows the side wall, the wall element, a mounting assembly and the electrical connection in an enlarged schematic representation,

(8) FIG. 8 shows the mounting assembly in a schematic exploded representation,

(9) FIG. 9 shows the mounting assembly in an assembled state in a view from the front in a schematic representation,

(10) FIG. 10 shows the mounting assembly in an assembled state in a view from behind in a schematic representation,

(11) FIG. 11 shows the side wall, a faceplate unit of the water-dispensing unit and a vessel in a schematic representation,

(12) FIG. 12 shows the mounting assembly in a non-actuated state in a schematic side view,

(13) FIG. 13 shows the mounting assembly in an actuated state in a schematic side view,

(14) FIG. 14 shows an alternative mounting assembly in a non-actuated state in a schematic side view,

(15) FIG. 15 shows a section along the line XV-XV of FIG. 10,

(16) FIG. 16 shows a covering unit of the water-dispensing unit in a schematic representation,

(17) FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation of the water-dispensing unit with the faceplate unit and a latching unit in a pre-assembled state, and

(18) FIG. 18 shows a schematic representation of the water-dispensing unit with the faceplate unit and the covering unit in an assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(19) Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a refrigeration appliance 58 which is configured as a domestic refrigeration appliance, in an operational state. The refrigeration appliance 58 is configured as a refrigeration appliance and as a freezer device, in particular as a fridge-freezer combination appliance. The refrigeration appliance 58 comprises a refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 which is configured as a domestic refrigeration appliance apparatus. The refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 comprises an appliance body 60.

(20) The appliance body 60 partially defines a refrigeration chamber 62 (see FIG. 2). The refrigeration chamber 62 is configured as a cooling chamber. The refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 comprises an appliance door 64. The appliance door 64 is mounted pivotably relative to the appliance body 60. In the operational state, the appliance body 60 and the appliance door 64 define the refrigeration chamber 62 partially and, in particular, taking account of a seal tolerance, completely.

(21) The appliance body 60 partially defines a further refrigeration chamber 66 (see FIG. 2). The further refrigeration chamber 66 is configured as a freezing chamber. The refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 comprises a further appliance door 68. The further appliance door 68 is mounted pivotably relative to the appliance body 60. In the operational state, the appliance body 60 and the further appliance door 68 define the further refrigeration chamber 66 substantially and, in particular, taking account of a seal tolerance, completely. In an installed position, the further refrigeration chamber 66 is arranged beneath the refrigeration chamber 62.

(22) The refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 comprises an inner liner 34 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The inner liner 34 is part of the appliance body 60. The refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 comprises an outer liner 70 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The outer liner 70 is part of the appliance body 60. The inner liner 34 and the outer liner 70 are connected to one another in a mounted state.

(23) The inner liner 34 and the outer liner 70 enclose an inner chamber. The inner chamber is provided for an insulation. In the operational state, an insulation (not shown) is arranged in the inner chamber.

(24) The inner liner 34 comprises a sidewall 36 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). A water-dispensing unit 12 is arranged on the sidewall 36. The water-dispensing unit 12 is provided for an output of water. The water-dispensing unit 12 is accessible via the refrigeration chamber 62.

(25) The refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 comprises the water-dispensing unit 12. In the mounted state, the water-dispensing unit 12 is arranged in a recess 38 of the sidewall 36. The sidewall 36 comprises the recess 38. In the mounted state, the water-dispensing unit 12 is arranged in the recess 38 of the sidewall 36.

(26) The water-dispensing unit 12 comprises a wall element 44 (see FIGS. 4 to 7). In the mounted state, the wall element 44 is foam mounted in the recess 38 of the sidewall 36. In the mounted state, the wall element 44 is arranged in the recess 38 of the sidewall 36.

(27) In the present exemplary embodiment, the wall element 44 has a substantially trough-shaped form. The wall element 44 partially defines a dispensing region 20 of the water-dispensing unit 12. The water-dispensing unit 12 comprises the dispensing region 20.

(28) The wall element 44 partially defines a mounting chamber 72 which is provided, in particular for mounting components of the water-dispensing unit 12. In an installed position, the mounting chamber 72 is arranged above the dispensing region 20. The dispensing region 20 and the mounting chamber 72 adjoin one another. In the mounted state, a mounting assembly 30 of the water-dispensing unit 12 is arranged in the mounting chamber 72.

(29) The water-dispensing unit 12 comprises the mounting assembly 30 (see FIGS. 6 to 14). In an installed position, the mounting assembly 30 is arranged largely above the dispensing region 20 of the water-dispensing unit 12 (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 11). In the present exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly 30 occupies an installation space with a volume of substantially 21.5 cm.sup.3.

(30) In the mounted state, the mounting assembly 30 is connected to the wall element 44. In the mounted state, the mounting assembly 30 is connected to the wall element 44 by means of a connection which is releasable without tools. In the present exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly 30 is connected to the wall element 44 by means of a snap-in connection.

(31) In the mounted state, apart from the mounting assembly 30, an electrical connection 48 of the water-dispensing unit 12 is arranged in the mounting chamber 72 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The water-dispensing unit 12 comprises the electrical connection 48. The electrical connection 48 is provided for a connection to an external energy source (not shown).

(32) The wall element 44 of the water-dispensing unit 12 comprises an energy input 74 (see FIG. 5). In the mounted state, the energy input 74 is arranged on a side of the sidewall 36 facing away from the refrigeration chamber 62. In the mounted state, a power cable (not shown) is fed from the external energy source through the energy input 74 to the electrical connection 48.

(33) In an installed position, the electrical connection 48 is arranged above the dispensing region 20. In the mounted state, the mounting assembly 30 is arranged adjoining the electrical connection 48 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7). In the mounted state, a switch element 24 which is part of the mounting assembly 30 is connected to the electrical connection 48. By means of the switch element 24, the mounting assembly 30 is connected to the external energy source.

(34) The switch element 24 is part of an actuating unit 14 of the water-dispensing unit 12. The actuating unit 14 has the switch element 24 for starting a water removal (see FIGS. 8 and 12 to 14). The water-dispensing unit 12 comprises the actuating unit 14 (see FIGS. 6 to 14). The actuating unit 14 is part of the mounting assembly 30.

(35) The actuating unit 14 comprises an actuating element 26 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 to 14). The actuating element 26 is provided in order to actuate the switch element 24. In the present exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 26 is configured in one piece. The actuating element 26 is part of the mounting assembly 30.

(36) The water-dispensing unit 12 comprises a guiding unit 28 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 to 14). The guiding unit 28 is provided for the guiding of water. In the present exemplary embodiment, the guiding unit 28 is provided for an indirect guiding of water. In the mounted state, the guiding unit 28 guides a water-guiding element 76 (see FIGS. 6 and 11). The water-guiding element 76 is configured as a hose.

(37) The wall element 44 of the water-dispensing unit 12 comprises a water input 78 (see FIG. 5). In the mounted state, the water input 78 is arranged on a side of the sidewall 36 facing away from the refrigeration chamber 62. In the mounted state, the water-guiding element 76 extends through the water input 78 and through a large part of the guiding unit 28. In the present exemplary embodiment, the water-guiding element 76 ends at a side of the guiding unit 28 facing toward the dispensing region 20 almost flush with the guiding unit 28.

(38) In an installed position, the guiding unit 28 is arranged partially in a cover region 22 of the dispensing region 20 of the water-dispensing unit 12. The guiding unit 28 projects out of the mounting chamber 72 into the dispensing region 20. The guiding unit 28 is part of the mounting assembly 30.

(39) The water-dispensing unit 12 comprises a holding unit 80 (see FIGS. 6 to 10 and 12 to 14). The holding unit 80 is part of the mounting assembly 30. In the mounted state, the guiding unit 28 and the actuating unit 14 which comprises the actuating element 26 and the switch element 24 are mounted on the holding unit 80. In the present exemplary embodiment, the guiding unit 28 is mounted on the holding unit 80 by means of a snap-in connection.

(40) The actuating element 26 is mounted on the holding unit 80 pivotable about a pivot axis 82 relative to the holding unit 80 (see FIGS. 7, 9 and 12 to 14). In an installed position, the pivot axis 82 is oriented substantially horizontally. In an installed position, the pivot axis 82 is oriented substantially parallel to a subsurface, in particular to a ground and/or a floor and/or a support surface.

(41) In the mounted state, the holding unit 80 is connected to the wall element 44 and, in particular, is fastened to the wall element 44. In the mounted state, the holding unit 80 is arranged in the mounting chamber 72 as part of the mounting assembly 30. The mounting assembly 30 comprises the holding unit 80, the guiding unit 28 and the actuating unit 14 which comprises the actuating element 26 and the switch element 24.

(42) In the mounted state, the mounting assembly 30 and the electrical connection 48 are arranged in the mounting chamber 72. The refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 comprises a faceplate unit 46 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 11). The faceplate unit 46 has a form adapted to a form of a vessel 56. In the present exemplary embodiment, the faceplate unit 46 has a substantially concave curved form.

(43) In the mounted state, the faceplate unit 46 largely covers the water-dispensing unit 12. With the exception of a first operating element 16, a second operating element 18 and the guiding unit 28, in the mounted state, the faceplate unit 46 completely covers the water-dispensing unit 12.

(44) The actuating unit 14 has the first operating element 16 for starting a water removal (see FIGS. 2, 3, 6 to 9 and 11 to 14). The first operating element 16 is configured integrally with the actuating element 26. The actuating element 26 forms the first operating element 16.

(45) In addition to the first operating element 16, the actuating unit 14 comprises the second operating element 18 for starting a water removal (see FIGS. 6 to 15). The second operating element 18 is configured integrally with the actuating element 26. The actuating element 26 forms the second operating element 18.

(46) The first operating element 16 and the second operating element 18 are connected to one another by the actuating element 26. The actuating element 26 couples the first operating element 16 and the second operating element 18 to one another mechanically.

(47) The first operating element 16 is provided for an actuation of the switch element 24 taking place indirectly and advantageously via the actuating element 26. The second operating element 18 is provided for an actuation of the switch element 24 indirectly and advantageously via the actuating element 26. The switch element 24 is actuatable by means of the first operating element 16 and the second operating element 18, in particular indirectly, advantageously via the actuating element 26.

(48) Dependent upon an actuation of the first operating element 16 and/or of the second operating element 18, the actuating element 26 actuates the switch element 24. The actuating element 26 is provided for starting a water removal.

(49) In the mounted state, the first operating element 16 is arranged substantially outside the dispensing region 20 of the water-dispensing unit 12. The first operating element 16 is arranged in a region of the water-dispensing unit 12 facing toward the refrigeration chamber 62.

(50) In the mounted state, the second operating element 18 is arranged substantially within the dispensing region 20 of the water-dispensing unit 12. In an installed position, the second operating element 18 is arranged partially in the cover region 22 of the dispensing region 20 of the water-dispensing unit 12. The second operating element 18 projects into the dispensing region 20. In the mounted state, the second operating element 18 is arranged behind the guiding unit 28.

(51) The second operating element 18 is formed partially by an actuating portion 50 of the actuating element 26. The actuating element 26 comprises the actuating portion 50. The actuating portion 50 projects into the dispensing region 20. In the mounted state, the actuating portion 50 protrudes forwardly behind the guiding unit 28.

(52) The actuating element 26 comprises a hook 52. The hook 52 is arranged on the actuating portion 50. In the present exemplary embodiment, the hook 52 and the actuating portion 50 are integrally connected to one another. The hook 52 is oriented in the direction of the guiding unit 28.

(53) In the dispensing region 20, the actuating element 26 is arranged in a vicinity of the guiding unit 28. In the mounted state, the actuating element 26 is arranged partially in an accommodating region 32 of the guiding unit 28. The guiding unit 28 comprises the accommodating region 32.

(54) The actuating portion 50 and the hook 52 together form the second operating element 18. The second operating element 18 is provided for an actuation by means of a vessel 56. In the mounted state, the hook 52 has an engagement region 54 on a side facing toward the guiding unit 28 (see FIG. 15). The engagement region 54 is provided for an engagement of a vessel 56.

(55) The hook 52 has a form adapted to a form of a vessel 56. In the present exemplary embodiment, the hook 52 has a substantially concave curved form in the engagement region 54.

(56) In an alternative embodiment, for example, a second operating element 18 is conceivable which could be free from a hook 52 (see FIG. 14). The second operating element 18 could be formed, for example, at least partially, in particular at least substantially and advantageously completely, by an actuating portion 50 of the actuating element 26. The actuating portion 50 could have, for example, an at least substantially web-shaped form.

(57) In a method for operating the refrigeration appliance apparatus 10, an operator actuates the first operating element 16 and/or the second operating element 18. Dependent upon an actuation of the first operating element 16 and/or of the second operating element 18, the actuating element 26 actuates a triggering element 42 of the switch element 24 (see FIGS. 12 to 14). The switch element 24 comprises the triggering element 42.

(58) The switch element 24 comprises a base body 40. In an installed position, the triggering element 42 is arranged on an underside of the base body 40. The switch element 24 is provided for a vertical actuation via the actuating element 26.

(59) In at least one transverse plane, the actuating element 26 has a substantially stepped form. In an installed position, the actuating element 26 is arranged partially beneath the switch element 24. The actuating element 26 comprises a triggering portion 84 (see FIGS. 12 to 14). In an installed position, the triggering portion 84 is arranged beneath the switch element 24.

(60) For example, an operator actuates the first operating element 16 starting from a non-actuated state of the water-dispensing unit 12, for example, by means of a finger (see FIG. 12). By actuating the first operating element 16, in particular, vessels 56 with a large diameter can be filled.

(61) The first operating element 16 is actuatable by means of a force acting substantially horizontally on the first operating element 16, which force could be evoked, in particular, by a substantially horizontally occurring movement, in particular, of the finger.

(62) Dependent upon an actuation of the first operating element 16, the actuating element 26 pivots about the pivot axis 82. The triggering portion 84 of the actuating element 26 actuates the triggering element 42 of the switch element 24 (see FIG. 13). The switch element 24 starts the water removal.

(63) The switch element 24 activates a valve unit of the refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 (not shown). Dependent upon the activation of the valve unit, water flows through the water-guiding element 76 into the vessel 56.

(64) For example, an operator actuates, for example, by means of the vessel 56, the second operating element 18 starting from a non-actuated state of the water-dispensing unit 12 (see FIG. 12). By means of an actuation of the second operating element 18, in particular, vessels 56 with a diameter of up to substantially 120 mm can be filled. In particular, by actuating the second operating element 18 by means of the vessel 56, a one-handed operation can be enabled.

(65) The second operating element 18 is actuatable by means of a force acting substantially horizontally on the second operating element 18, which force could be evoked, in particular, by a substantially horizontally occurring movement, in particular, of the vessel 56.

(66) Alternatively or additionally, in particular, to a horizontally occurring actuation of the second operating element 18, the second operating element 18 is actuatable by a substantially vertically acting force on the second operating element 18, which force could be evoked, in particular, by a substantially vertically occurring movement, in particular, of the vessel 56. By means of the vertically occurring actuation, subsequently dripping water can be caught, in particular, by the vessel 56.

(67) Dependent upon an actuation of the second operating element 18, the actuating element 26 pivots about the pivot axis 82. The triggering portion 84 of the actuating element 26 actuates the triggering element 42 of the switch element 24 (see FIG. 13). The switch element 24 starts the water removal.

(68) The switch element 24 activates a valve unit of the refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 (not shown). Dependent upon the activation of the valve unit, water flows through the water-guiding element 76 into the vessel 56.

(69) In a further aspect of the invention which may in particular be considered in combination with as well as separately from other aspects of the invention, the water dispensing unit 12 of the refrigeration appliance apparatus 10, comprises a covering unit 86 (see FIG. 16). In a mounted state the covering unit 86 covers the first operating element 16 of the actuating unit 14 (see FIG. 18).

(70) The covering unit 86 comprises a covering element 88. The covering element or cover 88 of the covering unit 86 is embodied as a flexible plate 90. The flexible plate 90 comprises an elastic synthetic material. In the present case the flexible plate 90 is implemented in one piece and is made of polyethylene by injection molding. In the mounted state of the covering unit 86, the covering element 88 laterally extends across a whole width of the dispensing region 20 (see FIG. 18).

(71) The refrigeration appliance apparatus 10 comprises a latching unit 96. The latching unit 96 is configured for providing a latching connection between the covering unit 86 and the faceplate unit 46. The covering unit 86 comprises at least one latching protrusion 92 of the latching unit 96 (see FIG. 16). In the present case the covering unit 86 comprises four latching protrusions 92 of the latching unit 96. Each of the latching protrusions 92 is implemented integrally with the covering element 88 of the covering unit 86.

(72) The faceplate unit 46 comprises at least one latching recess 94 of the latching unit 96. In the present case the faceplate unit 46 comprises four latching recesses 94 (see FIG. 17), each of which is configured to accommodate one of the latching protrusions 92 of the covering unit 86. In the mounted state of the covering unit 86 (see FIG. 18) the latching unit 96 provides the latching connection between the covering unit 86 and the faceplate unit 46 by cooperation of the latching protrusions 92 and the latching recesses 94. Each latching protrusion 92 of the covering unit 86 is respectively engaged in a corresponding latching recess 94 of the faceplate unit.

(73) In the mounted state of the covering unit 86 an operator, for example, pushes against the covering element 88 for the starting of a water removal. Due to the flexible and elastic properties of the covering element 88, when pushed the covering element 88 is pressed against the first operating element 16 of the actuating unit 14 such that the switch element 24 of the actuating unit 14 is actuated via the operating element 16 for starting a water removal (see FIGS. 8 and 12 to 14).

(74) The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention: 10 Refrigeration appliance apparatus 12 Water-dispensing unit 14 Actuating unit 16 First operating element 18 Second operating element 20 Dispensing region 22 Cover region 24 Switch element 26 Actuating element 28 Guiding unit 30 Mounting assembly 32 Accommodating region 34 Inner liner 36 Sidewall 38 Recess 40 Base body 42 Triggering element 44 Wall element 46 Faceplate unit 48 Electrical connection 50 Actuating portion 52 Hook 54 Engagement region 56 Vessel 58 Refrigeration appliance 60 Appliance body 62 Refrigeration chamber 64 Appliance door 66 Further refrigeration chamber 68 Further appliance door 70 Outer liner 72 Mounting chamber 74 Energy input 76 Water-guiding element 78 Water input 80 Holding unit 82 Pivot axis 84 Triggering portion 86 Covering unit 88 Covering element 90 Flexible plate 92 Latching protrusion 94 Latching recess 96 Latching unit