Abstract
For the purpose of improving efficiency, a home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed. The device includes at least one panel for at least partly covering an opening of a machine compartment; and a connection unit for connecting the panel; the panel comprising at least one panel module which has at least one fin, at least one first fin mounting element and at least one second fin mounting element for mounting the at least one fin, the connection unit comprising at least one connection element for connecting the at least one panel module, and wherein the connection element is movable with respect to the first fin mounting element and the second fin mounting element in a lengthwise direction of the panel in at least one pre-assembled state of the panel.
Claims
1. A home appliance device comprising: at least one panel for at least partly covering an opening of a machine compartment; and a connection unit for connecting the panel; the panel comprising at least one panel module which has at least one fin, at least one first fin mounting element and at least one second fin mounting element for mounting the at least one fin, the connection unit comprising at least one connection element extending in a direction parallel to a lengthwise direction of the at least one panel for connecting the at least one panel module, and wherein the connection element is movable with respect to the first fin mounting element and the second fin mounting element in the lengthwise direction of the panel in at least one pre-assembled state of the panel.
2. The home appliance device according to claim 1, the connection element having at least one guiding element; the first fin mounting element and the second fin mounting element each comprising at least one corresponding guiding element respectively cooperating with the guiding element of the connection unit at least in an assembled state.
3. The home appliance device according to claim 1, the panel module comprising at least one fin reinforcement element, which reinforces the fin at least in a direction that is perpendicular to the lengthwise direction and is connected to at least one of the fin mounting elements by means of the connection unit.
4. The home appliance device according to claim 1, the panel module comprising at least one air separator, which separates an air flow through the panel and is connected to at least one of the fin mounting elements by means of the connection unit.
5. The home appliance device according to claim 1, the panel comprising at least one cover element, which at least partly covers a machine component and which is connected to at least one of the fin mounting elements by means of the connection unit.
6. The home appliance device according to claim 5, the cover element at least partly embodying the panel module.
7. The home appliance device according to claim 5, the cover element being at least partly implemented integrally with at least one fin mounting element.
8. The home appliance device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one further panel module, which is connected to the panel module by means of the connection unit.
9. The home appliance device according to claim 8, the panel comprising at least one cover element, which covers at least partly a machine component and which embodies at least partly the panel module and at least partly the further panel module.
10. A home appliance device according to claim 1, comprising: at least one panel for at least partly covering an opening of a machine compartment; and a connection unit for connecting the panel, the connection unit being configured for interconnecting the panel toollessly with a housing of the home appliance device in a form-fit and/or force-fit manner, the connection unit comprising in particular a release element, which is accessible through the panel and via which a connection of the panel and the housing is releasable.
11. A home appliance device according to claim 1, comprising: at least one panel for at least partly covering an opening of a machine compartment; and a connection unit for connecting the panel, the panel comprising a first panel plane and a second panel plane, which are connected to each other by means of the connection unit.
12. The home appliance device according to claim 11, the connection unit comprising an adjustment unit for adjusting an offset between the first panel plane and the second panel plane.
13. A home appliance device according to claim 10, comprising: at least one panel for at least partly covering an opening of a machine compartment; and a connection unit for connecting the panel, the panel comprising a first panel plane and a second panel plane, which are connected to each other by means of the connection unit.
14. The home appliance device according to claim 13, the connection unit comprising an adjustment unit for adjusting an offset between the first panel plane and the second panel plane.
15. A home appliance device according to claim 1, comprising: at least one panel, for at least partly or at least mostly covering an opening of a machine compartment; and a connection unit for connecting the at least one panel, the panel comprising at least two or a plurality of panel modules which have at least one or at least two or a plurality of fin/s, at least one first fin mounting element and at least one second fin mounting element for mounting at least one or at least two or a plurality of fin/s, the connection unit comprising at least one connection element for connecting the at least two panel modules to each other.
16. A home appliance device according to claim 10, comprising: at least one panel, for at least partly or at least mostly covering an opening of a machine compartment; and a connection unit for connecting the at least one panel, the panel comprising at least two or a plurality of panel modules which have at least one or at least two or a plurality of fin/s, at least one first fin mounting element and at least one second fin mounting element for mounting at least one or at least two or a plurality of fin/s, the connection unit comprising at least one connection element for connecting the at least two panel modules to each other.
17. A home appliance comprising at least one home appliance device according to claim 1.
18. A home appliance comprising at least one home appliance device according to claim 10.
19. A method for assembling a home appliance device according to claim 1, comprising at least one pre-assembly step, wherein at least one connection element is moved with respect to at least one first fin mounting element and at least one second fin mounting element in a lengthwise direction of the panel for connecting the panel.
20. A method for assembling a home appliance device according to claim 10, comprising at least one pre-assembly step, wherein at least one connection element is moved with respect to at least one first fin mounting element and at least one second fin mounting element in a lengthwise direction of the panel for connecting the panel.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0028] FIG. 1 a home appliance comprising a home appliance device, in a schematic perspective view,
[0029] FIG. 2 a portion of the home appliance device, comprising a machine compartment, in a cross-sectional top view,
[0030] FIG. 3 a portion of the home appliance device, comprising a panel and a further panel, in a perspective view,
[0031] FIGS. 4A, 4B the panel in a pre-assembled state and in a disassembled state, in a perspective view,
[0032] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6 a portion of the home appliance device, comprising a connection unit and the panel having a plurality of components, in multiple views,
[0033] FIGS. 7-10, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13, 14A, 14B, and 15-17 a portion of the home appliance device, comprising a connection unit and the panel having a plurality of components.
[0034] FIGS. 18A, 18B the further panel in a pre-assembled state and in a disassembled state, in a perspective view, and
[0035] FIGS. 19, 20A, 20B, 21-23, 24A and 24B a portion of the home appliance device, comprising the connection unit and the further panel comprising a plurality of components, in multiple views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a home appliance 78 comprising a home appliance device, in a schematic perspective view. The home appliance 78 is embodied as a refrigerator. The home appliance 78 could further be embodied as any other home appliance deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art, e.g. a climate cabinet, an ice-box, a freezer, a wine-cooler and/or a refrigerator-freezer combination.
[0037] The home appliance device comprises a housing 80. The housing 80 comprises a storage compartment 84 which is configured for storing victuals. The home appliance device comprises a home appliance door 88. In a closed state, the home appliance door 88 closes the storage compartment 84.
[0038] The home appliance device comprises a machine compartment 16. In an installation position of the home appliance device, the machine compartment 16 is arranged at a bottom region of the home appliance device. Inside the machine compartment 16 further components of the home appliance device can be accommodated.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a portion of the machine compartment 16 in a cross-sectional top view. The home appliance device comprises a refrigerant cycle 90. The refrigerant cycle 90 comprises a compressor 92, a condenser 94, a dryer 96, an expansion device 98, an evaporator 100, a fan unit 108 and/or a heat exchanger 102. The machine compartment 16 accommodates at least partly the refrigerant cycle 90, in particular the compressor 92, the condenser 94, the dryer 96, the expansion device 98, the evaporator 100, the fan unit 108 and/or the heat exchanger 102 of the home appliance device. The home appliance device comprises a door opening unit 104. The door opening unit 104 is configured for opening the home appliance door 88. The door opening unit 104 is at least partly accommodated inside the machine compartment 16. The home appliance device further comprises a water filter 106. The water filter 106 is configured for supplying water. The water filter 106 is accommodated inside the machine compartment 16.
[0040] The machine compartment 16 comprises an opening 14. In an installation position of the home appliance device, the opening 14 is arranged at a front of the home appliance device, in particular of the machine compartment 16. Through the opening 14 air can be exchanged between an environment of the home appliance device and the machine compartment 16. The air is used by the refrigerant cycle 90 for implementing refrigeration and/or for cooling of machine components inside the machine compartment 16.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a portion of the home appliance device in a perspective view. The home appliance device comprises at least one panel 10. In the present case the home appliance device comprises only one panel 10. It is conceivable that the home appliance device may comprise a differing number of panels 10 as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art.
[0042] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the panel 10 in a pre-assembled state and in a disassembled state. In the following description and in FIGS. 5 to 17 components of the panel 10, and in particular their interaction with further components of the home appliance device, are described in detail. Further the interaction of the components of the panel 10, in particular regarding an assembly and/or disassembly are described in detail.
[0043] The panel 10 at least partly covers the opening 14 of the machine compartment 16 (see FIG. 3). For connecting the panel 10, the home appliance device comprises a connection unit 18. In an installed state, the panel 10 is interconnected with the housing 80 of the home appliance device in a form-fit and/or force-fit manner by means of the connection unit 18. The interconnection of the panel 10 and the housing 80 can be carried out toollessly by means of the connection unit 18.
[0044] The connection unit 18 comprises at least one interconnection element 110. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the interconnection element 110 from different perspective views. In the present case the connection unit 18 comprises three such interconnection elements 110. It is conceivable that connection unit 18 may comprise a differing number of interconnection elements 110 as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art. The following description may be applied to further interconnection elements 110 accordingly.
[0045] The interconnection element 110 is connected to the panel 10, in particular via a screw fixation. The interconnection element 110 is fixed to a lateral side of the panel 10. The interconnection element 110 comprises two interconnection guiding elements 114 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). For the sake of clarity, in the following description and in the drawings only one interconnection guiding element 114 is given a reference numeral and is described in detail. The interconnection guiding element 114 is embodied as a pin. The interconnection element 110 further comprises a snap element 116. The snap element 116 is deformable. The snap element 116 is embodied as a snap hook. The interconnection element 110 comprises a release element 62. The release element 62 is configured for releasing an interconnection, by means of the connection unit 18, between the panel 10 and the housing 80. The release element 62 is accessible through the panel 10. The interconnection element 110 is implemented of one piece. The interconnection element 110 is an injection-molded part. The interconnection element 110 is made of plastic.
[0046] The connection unit 18 comprises a corresponding interconnection element 118 (see FIG. 6). The corresponding interconnection element 118 corresponds to the interconnection element 110. The corresponding interconnection element 118 cooperates with the interconnection element 110 for interconnecting the panel 10 to the housing 80. The corresponding interconnection element 118 is fixed to the housing 80, in particular via a screw fixation. The corresponding interconnection element 118 is connected to the housing 80, in particular to a lateral side of the housing 80. The corresponding interconnection element 118 comprises two corresponding interconnection guiding elements 120. For the sake of clarity, in the following description and in the drawing only one corresponding interconnection guiding element 120 is given a reference numeral and is described in detail. The corresponding interconnection guiding element 120 is embodied as a rail. The interconnection element 118 comprises a corresponding snap element 122. The corresponding snap element 122 is not deformable. The corresponding snap element 122 is embodied as a snap edge. The corresponding interconnection element 118 comprises a deformation element 124. The deformation element 124 is embodied as a guiding chamfer. The corresponding interconnection element 118 is implemented in one piece. The corresponding interconnection element 118 is a stamped-and-bent part. The corresponding interconnection element 118 is made of metal.
[0047] For interconnecting the panel with the housing by means of the connection unit 18, the corresponding interconnection guiding element 118 cooperates with the interconnection guiding element 110 (see FIG. 7). The interconnection element 110 and the corresponding interconnection element 118 are moved towards each other, in particular in a direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to a lengthwise direction 38 of the panel 10. The lengthwise direction 38 is a main extension direction of the panel 10. The interconnection element 110 cooperates with the corresponding interconnection element 118. The interconnection guiding elements 114 engage into the corresponding interconnection guiding elements 120. The snap element 116 snaps into the corresponding snap element 122. The snap element 116 is deformed by the deformation element 124. The snap element 116 is wedged behind the corresponding snap element 122. In order to release the interconnection of the interconnection element 110 and the corresponding interconnection element 118, the release element 62 can be operated through the panel 10. By means of the release element 62 the snap element 116 is released from its wedged position behind the corresponding snap element 122.
[0048] The connection unit 18 comprises a further interconnection element 112 (see FIGS. 4 and 8). The further interconnection element 112 is arranged at a further lateral side of the panel 10, in particular a lateral side which is arranged opposite the interconnection element 110. In the present case the further interconnection element 112 is implemented differently from the interconnection element 110. The further interconnection element 112 comprises a further snap element 126. The further snap element 126 is embodied as a gripper.
[0049] The connection unit 18 comprises a further corresponding interconnection element 128. The further corresponding interconnection element 128 is arranged at a further lateral side of the housing 80, in particular an opposite lateral side of the housing, in particular a lateral side which is located opposite the corresponding interconnection element 110. In the present case the further corresponding interconnection element 128 is implemented differently from the corresponding interconnection element 118. The further corresponding interconnection element 128 is implemented integrally with the housing 80. The further corresponding interconnection element 128 comprises a further corresponding snap element 130. The further corresponding snap element 130 is embodied by a bulge of the housing 80.
[0050] Further for interconnecting the panel 10 with the housing 80 by means of the connection unit 18, the further corresponding interconnection element 128 cooperates with the further interconnection element 112 for interconnecting the panel 10 with the housing 80. The further interconnection element 112 and the further corresponding interconnection element 128 are moved towards each other, in particular in a direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction 38 of the panel 10. The further interconnection element 112 cooperates with the further corresponding interconnection element 128. The further snap element 126 engages around the further corresponding snap element 130. The interconnection of the further interconnection element 110 and the further corresponding interconnection element 118 can be established by manually releasing the interconnection.
[0051] The panel 10 comprises at least one panel module 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). In the present case the panel 10 comprises four panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, namely in particular a first panel module 200a, a second panel module 200b, a third panel module 200c and a fourth panel module 200d. It is conceivable that the home appliance device may comprise a differing number of panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art.
[0052] The connection unit 18 comprises at least one connection element 22 (see FIGS. 4A, 4B and 9). The connection element 22 connects at least one panel module 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d of the home appliance device. Furthermore, the connection element 22 connects at least two panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d to one another. In the present case the connection element 22 connects all of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d to each other. It is conceivable that the connection element 22 may connect a differing number of panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d to each other as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art. The connection element 22 comprises a guiding element 40, which is configured to cooperate with corresponding guiding elements of components of at least one of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d. The connection unit 18 comprises at least one further connection element 24 (see FIGS. 4B and 9). The further connection element 24 connects at least one panel module 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d of the home appliance device. Furthermore, the connection element 24 connects at least two panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d to one another. In the present case the connection element 24 connects all of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d to each other. It is conceivable that the connection element 24 may connect a differing number of panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d to each other as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art. The further connection element 24 comprises a guiding element 42, which is configured to cooperate with further corresponding guiding elements of components of at least one of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d. The connection unit 18, in particular the connection element 22 and the further connection element 24 are fixed to further components of the home appliance device by means of a screw connection.
[0053] The panel module 200a has at least one fin 32a (see FIG. 10). In the present case the panel module 200a comprises five fins 32a. For the sake of clarity, in the following only one fin 32a is given a reference numeral and is described in detail. The following description may be applied to further fins 32a accordingly. It is conceivable that the panel module 200a may comprise a differing number of fins 32a as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art. The fin 32a comprises a main extension which is at least substantially parallel to a main extension of the panel 10. The fin 32a is embodied as an elongate sheet.
[0054] The fin 32a comprises an angular deflection 132a. In a pre-assembled state of the panel 10, the angular deflection 132a is at least substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction 38 of the panel 10.
[0055] The fin 32a comprises at least one connection recess 134a. In the present case the fin 32a comprises two connection recesses 134a. For the sake of clarity, in the following only one connection recess 134a is described in detail. The following description may be applied to the further connection recess 134a accordingly. It is conceivable that the fin 32a may comprise a differing number of connection recesses 134a as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art. The connection recess 134a is configured for connecting the fin 32a to further components of the panel module 200a. The connection recess 134a is positioned at an end section of the fin 32a. The two connection recesses 134a are respectively positioned at opposite end sections of the fin 32a.
[0056] Further the fin 32a comprises a fixing edge 136a. The fixing edge 136a is positioned in a vicinity of the angular deflection 132a. The fixing edge 136a is configured for fixing the fin 32a to further components of the panel module 200a. The fixing edge 136a extends at least substantially parallel to the lengthwise direction 38a of the panel 10.
[0057] The fin 32a comprises at least one blocking recess 138a. It is conceivable that the fin 32a may comprise a differing number of blocking recesses 138a as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art. The following description may be applied to further blocking recesses 138a accordingly. The blocking recess 138a is configured for blocking a movement of the fin 32a with respect to at least one further component of the panel module 200a. In particular, the number of blocking recesses 138a is equal to the number of fin reinforcement elements 54a of the panel module 200a.
[0058] The panel module 200a has at least one first fin mounting element 34a (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). The panel module 200a has at least one second fin mounting element 36a. The interconnection element 110 and/or the further interconnection element 112 may be fixed to the first fin mounting element 34a and/or the second fin mounting element 36a, in particular via a screw connection. In the present case the interconnection element 110 is fixed to the second fin mounting element 36a, in particular via a screw connection (see FIGS. 4A, 4B). The fin mounting elements 34a, 36a are configured for receiving the at least one, in particular five, fin/s 32a of the panel module 200a. The first fin mounting element 34a and the second fin mounting element 36a are embodied mirror-invertedly to one another. The fin mounting elements 34a, 36a each comprise at least one mounting profile 140a. The mounting profile 140a corresponds to the shape of the at least one fin 32a. The mounting profile 140a is shaped correspondingly to at least two, preferably five, fins 32a, which are stacked and/or spaced apart from each other in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction 38 of the panel 10. The mounting profile 140a comprises at least one corresponding angular deflection 142a. The corresponding angular deflection 142a corresponds to the angular deflection 132a of the at least one fin 32a. The mounting profile 140a comprises at least one corresponding fixing edge 144a. The corresponding fixing edge 144a corresponds to the fixing edge 136a of the at least one fin 32a.
[0059] The fin mounting elements 34a, 36a respectively comprise a connection hole 146a. The connection unit 18a comprises at least one corresponding connection pin 148a. The connection unit 18a comprises two corresponding connection pins 148a, 149a for each connection hole 146a. The corresponding connection pins 148a, 149a correspond to the connection hole 146a of the fin mounting elements 34a, 36a and to the connection recess 134a of the fin 32a. The connection pins 148a, 149a cooperate with the connection hole 146a of the fin mounting elements 34a, 36a, and the connection recess 134a of the fin 32a fixes the fin 32a to the fin mounting elements 34a, 36a, in particular in a form-fit and/or force-fit manner. The connection pin 148a is introduced into the connection hole 146a from a top side of the fin mounting elements 34a, 36a. The further connection pin 149a is introduced into the connection hole 146a from a bottom side of the fin mounting elements 34a, 36a.
[0060] The fin mounting element 34a in FIG. 11A is used for the further panel 10 whereas the fin mounting element 34a in FIG. 11B is used for the panel 10. Whereas the connection hole 146a in FIG. 11B is embodied to be used for the connection pins 148a, 149a the connection hole 146a in FIG. 11A is embodied to be used with a screw. With the screw the connection elements 22, 24 will be fixed to the fin mounting element 34a of FIG. 11A.
[0061] The connection pins 148a, 149a comprise a pin head and a pin shaft. The pin head is larger in diameter than the pin shaft. The pin head comprises an opening into which screws 202, 204, 206, 208 (FIG. 4B) are screwed. The screws 202, 204, 206, 208 extend also through holes in the connection elements 22, 24. In this way the connection elements 22, 24 are fixed, namely screwed, to the connection pins 148a, 149a. Likewise screws 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 are used to fix the connection elements 22, 24, 26 (FIG. 18B).
[0062] For connecting the fin 32a to the fin mounting elements 34a, 36a, the fin 32a is received by the mounting profile 140a (see FIGS. 12A and 12B). By means of the mounting profile 140a, the fin 32a is mounted to the first fin mounting element 34a, in particular in a form-fit manner. When mounting the fin 32a, the corresponding angular deflection 142a of the mounting profile 140a cooperates with the angular deflection 132a of the at least one fin 32a. When mounting the fin 32a, the corresponding fixing edge 144a of the mounting profile 140a cooperates with the fixing edge 136a of the at least one fin 32a. The fin mounting elements 34a, 36a each comprise a connection hole 146a. The connection hole 146a of the first mounting element 34a and the connection recess 134a are positioned congruently one above the other one. The connection pin 148a is pushed into the connection recess 134a and the connection hole 146a and connects the fin 32a to the fin mounting element 34a, 36a.
[0063] In at least one pre-assembled state the connection element 22 is movable with respect to the first fin mounting element 34a (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). In at least one pre-assembled state, the connection element 22 is movable with respect to the second fin mounting element 36a. The connection element 22 is movable along the lengthwise direction 38 of the panel 10 in at least one pre-assembled state. In at least one pre-assembled state, the further connection element 24a is movable with respect to the first fin mounting element 34a. In at least one pre-assembled state, the further connection element 24a is movable with respect to the second fin mounting element 36a. The further connection element 24a is movable in the lengthwise direction 38 of the panel 10 in at least one pre-assembled state.
[0064] The first fin mounting element 34a comprises a corresponding guiding element 50a (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). The corresponding guiding element 50a of the fin mounting element 34a corresponds to the guiding element 40a of the connection element 22. For connecting the fin mounting elements 34a, 36a to each other, the corresponding guiding element 50a of the fin mounting element 34a cooperates with the guiding element 40a of the connection element 22. The fin mounting element 34a comprises a further corresponding guiding element 52a. The further corresponding guiding element 52a of the fin mounting element 34a corresponds to the further guiding element 42a of the further connection element 24a.
[0065] For connecting the fin mounting elements 34a, 36a to each other, the corresponding guiding element 52a of the fin mounting element 34a cooperates with the further guiding element 42a of the further connection element 24a (see FIGS. 12A and 12B). When the corresponding connection pins 148a, 149a are introduced into the connection hole 146a, they are flush with the corresponding guiding element 50a and the further corresponding guiding element 52a. When the corresponding connection pins 148a, 149a are introduced into the connection hole 146a, they are fixed by means of the guiding element 40a and the further corresponding guiding element 52a of the connection unit 18.
[0066] The panel module 200a comprises at least one fin reinforcement element 54a (see FIG. 13). In the present case the panel module 200a comprises two fin reinforcement elements 54a. For the sake of clarity, in the following only one fin reinforcement element 54a is given a reference numeral and is described in detail. The following description may be applied to further fin reinforcement elements 54a accordingly. It is conceivable that the panel module 200a may comprise a differing number of fin reinforcement element 54a as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art. The fin reinforcement element 54a reinforces the fin 32a at least in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction 38a of the panel 10a. The fin reinforcement element 54a comprises a reinforcement profile 150a. The reinforcement profile 150a is shaped at least substantially equivalently to the mounting profile 140a. The description regarding the mounting profile 140a, in particular of the elements of the mounting profile 140a, is respectively applicable to the reinforcement profile 150a. The reinforcement profile 150a corresponds to the shape of the at least one fin 32a. The reinforcement profile 150a is shaped correspondingly to at least five fins 32a, which are stacked and/or spaced apart from each other in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction 38 of the panel 10. The reinforcement profile 150a comprises at least one corresponding angular deflection 154a. The corresponding angular deflection 154a corresponds to the angular deflection 132a of the fin 32a. The reinforcement profile 150a comprises at least one corresponding fixing edge 156a. The corresponding fixing edge 156a corresponds to the fixing edge 136a of the fin 32a. In addition, the reinforcement profile 150a comprises a fixing protrusion 152a. The fixing protrusion 152a corresponds to the blocking recess 138a of the fin 32a.
[0067] For connecting the fin 32a to reinforcement element 54a, the fin 32a is received by the reinforcement profile 150a (see FIGS. 14A and 14B). By means of the reinforcement profile 150a, the fin 32a is connected to the reinforcement element 54a, in particular in a form-fit manner. When connecting the fin 32a, the corresponding angular deflection 154a of the reinforcement profile 150a cooperates with the angular deflection 132a of the at least one fin 32a. When connecting the fin 32a, the corresponding fixing edge 144a of the reinforcement profile 150a cooperates with the fixing edge 136a of the at least one fin 32a.
[0068] The fin reinforcement element 54a is connected to at least to one of the fin mounting elements 34a, 36a by means of the connection unit 18 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). The fin reinforcement element 54a comprises a corresponding guiding element 158a (see FIG. 13). The corresponding guiding element 158a of the fin reinforcement element 54a corresponds to the guiding element 40 of the connection element 22. The corresponding guiding element 158a of the fin reinforcement element 54a cooperates with the guiding element 40 of the connection element 22 for connecting the fin reinforcement element 54a to at least one fin mounting element 34a, 36a. The fin reinforcement element 54a comprises a further corresponding guiding element 160a. The further corresponding guiding element 160a of the fin reinforcement element 54a corresponds to the further guiding element 42 of the further connection element 24. The further corresponding guiding element 160a of the fin reinforcement element 54a cooperates with the further guiding element 42 of the further connection element 24 for connecting the fin reinforcement element 54a to at least one fin mounting element 34a, 36a.
[0069] The following description of the further panel modules 200b, 200c, 200d is substantially limited to the differences of the panel modules, wherein regarding structural elements, features and functions that remain the same the description of the panel module 200a may be referred to. For distinguishing the implementations, the letter a of the reference numerals in the embodiment of the panel module 200a has been substituted by the letters b, c and d for the respective panel modules 200b, 200c and 200d of the panel 10. Regarding structural elements having the same denomination, in particular regarding structural elements having the same reference numerals, principally the drawing and/or the description of the embodiment regarding panel module 200a may be referred to.
[0070] The panel module 200b differs from the preceding implementation of the panel module 200a at least by a cover element 58b. The panel module 200b comprises a cover element 58b (see FIG. 15). In the present case the cover element 58b is a door assistance cover element. Alternatively or additionally the cover element 58b may be embodied as a cover for any other component of the machine compartment 16 as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art. The cover element 58b covers the door opening unit 104 at least partly. In the present case the cover element 58b entirely embodies the panel module 200b. It is also conceivable that the cover element 58b embodies at least partly the panel module 200b and at least partly the further panel modules 200a, 200c, 200d. The cover element 58b is connected to at least one of fin mounting elements 34a, 36a, 34c, 36c by means of the connection unit 18. The cover element 58b comprises a corresponding guiding element 176b. The corresponding guiding element 176b of the cover element 58b corresponds to the guiding element 40 of the connection element 22. The corresponding guiding element 176b of the cover element 58b cooperates with the guiding element 40 of the connection element 22 for connecting the cover element 58b to at least one fin mounting element 34a, 36a, 34c, 36c. The cover element 58b comprises a further corresponding guiding element 178b. The further corresponding guiding element 178b of the cover element 58b corresponds to the further guiding element 42 of the further connection element 24. The further corresponding guiding element 178b of the cover element 58b cooperates with the further guiding element 42 of the connection element 24 for connecting the cover element 58b to at least one fin mounting element 34b, 36b. Alternatively or additionally the cover may be at least partly implemented integrally with at least one fin mounting element 34a, 36a, 34c, 36c.
[0071] The panel module 200c differs from the aforementioned implementation of panel module 200a at least substantially by the implementation of at least one fin 32c of the panel module 200c. In the present case the fin 32c is shorter than the fin 32a. Further the fin 32c does not comprise a blocking recess. Due to the fact that the at least one fin 32 c is shorter, fin reinforcement elements such as the fin reinforcement elements 34a, 36a of the panel module 200a can be dispensed with in the case of panel module 200c. The fin 32c is mounted to a first fin mounting element 34c and a second fin mounting element 36c of the panel module 200c.
[0072] The panel module 200d differs from the preceding implementation of the panel module 200a at least by a cover element 59d (see FIG. 16). The panel module 200d comprises the cover element 59d. In the present case a further interconnection element 112 is implemented integrally with the cover element 58d. Alternatively the further interconnection element 112 of the connection unit 18 may be fixed to the cover element 59d, in particular via a screw connection. In the present case the cover element 59d is a hinge cover element. Alternatively or additionally the cover element 58d may be a cover for any other component of the machine compartment 16 as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art. The cover element 59d provides an opening for a hinge 180 of the home appliance door 88, which may be fixed to a housing of the home appliance device. The cover element 59d entirely embodies the panel module 200d. It is also conceivable that the cover element 59d embodies at least partly the panel module 200d and at least partly the further panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c.
[0073] The cover element 59d is connected to at least one of the fin mounting elements 34a, 36a 34c, 36c by means of the connection unit 18 (see FIGS. 4A, 4B and 7). In the present case the cover element 59d is connected to a fin mounting element 34c, 36c of the panel module 200c. The cover element 59d comprises at least one protrusion element 162d. The protrusion element 162d corresponds to a protrusion recess 164c of a fin mounting element 34c, 36c of the panel module 200c. Alternatively or additionally the cover element 59d may be at least partly implemented integrally with at least one fin mounting element 34c, 36c. The protrusion element 162d comprises an opening for a screw (screw not shown in FIG. 17). After the fins are inserted into the fin mounting element 34c and have been fixed via the pins 148, 149, the protrusion element 162d is inserted into a reception of the fin mounting element 34c. The connection element 22 will be placed on top of the fin mounting element 34c and will be fixed via the screw which is screwed into the opening of the protrusion element 162.
[0074] In the present case the home appliance device comprises at least one further panel 10. FIGS. 18A and 18B show the further panel 10 in a pre-assembled state and in a disassembled state. In the following description and FIGS. 18 to 24 components of the further panel 10 and in particular their interaction with further components of the home appliance device are described in detail. Further the interaction of the components of the further panel 10, in particular regarding an assembly and/or disassembly, is described in detail.
[0075] The preceding description regarding the panel 10 may be at least partly, in particular entirely be respectively transferred to the further panel 10 accordingly. The panel 10 at least partly covers the opening 14 of the machine compartment 16 (see FIG. 3). The following description of the further panel 10 is substantially limited to the differences of the panels 10 and 10, wherein regarding structural elements, features and functions that remain the same the description of the panel 10 may be referred to. For distinguishing the different implementations, the reference numerals X in the embodiment of the panel 10 have been substituted by respective reference numerals X for the respective panel 10. Regarding structural elements having the same denomination, in particular regarding structural elements having the same reference numerals, principally the drawing and/or the description of the implementation of panel 10 may be referred to.
[0076] The panel 10 differs from the preceding implementation of the panel 10 at least by a number of panel modules (see FIGS. 18A and 18B). The panel 10 comprises at least one panel module 200a, 200b, 200c. In the present case the panel 10 comprises three panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, namely in particular a first panel module 200a, a second panel module 200b and a third panel module 200c. It is conceivable that the home appliance device may comprise a differing number of panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c as deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art.
[0077] The connection unit 18 comprises at least one connection element 22 (see FIG. 19). The connection element 22 connects at least one of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c. Furthermore, the connection element 22 connects at least two panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c to one another. In the present case, the connection element 22 connects the panel module 200a and the panel module 200b to each other. The connection element 22 comprises a guiding element 40, which is configured to cooperate with corresponding guiding elements of components of at least one of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c. The connection unit 18 comprises at least one additional connection element 26. In the present case, the additional connection element 26 connects the panel module 200b and the panel module 200c to each other. The additional connection element 26 comprises a guiding element 44, which is configured to cooperate with the corresponding guiding elements of components of at least one of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c. The connection unit 18 comprises at least one further connection element 24. In the present case the connection element 24 connects the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c to each other. The further connection element 24 comprises a guiding element 42 which is configured to cooperate with further corresponding guiding elements of components of at least one of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d. In the present case, at least the connection element 22 and/or the additional connection element 26 is embodied differently from the connection element 22. A length of the connection element 22 and/or a length of the additional connection element 26 is shorter than the length of the further connection element 24. The connection unit 18, in particular the connection elements 22, 24, 26 are fixed to further components of the home appliance device by means of a screw connection.
[0078] The panel module 200a has at least one fin 32a. In the present case the first module comprises four such fins 32a. The fin 32a comprises at least one connection recess 134a. In the present case the fin 32a comprises three connection recesses 134a. The two connection recesses 134a are positioned at opposite ending section of the fin 32a. At least one of the connection recesses 134a is/are positioned between an end section, in particular in a center of the fin 32a.
[0079] In an additional or alternative implementation of the panel module 200a, the panel module 200a comprises at least one air separator 56a (see FIGS. 20A, 20B and 21). The air separator 56a separates an air flow through the panel 10. The air separator 56a comprises a separation profile 166a. The separation profile 166a is shaped at least substantially equivalently to the mounting profile 140a. The description regarding the mounting profile 140a, in particular of the elements of the mounting profile 140a, preferably the corresponding fixing edge 144a, is applicable to the separation profile 166a. The shape of the separation profile 166a corresponds to the shape of the at least one fin 32a. The separation profile 166a is shaped correspondingly to at least four fins 32a, which are stacked and/or spaced apart from each other in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to a lengthwise direction 38 of the panel 10. The separation profile 166a comprises at least one corresponding angular deflection 168a. The corresponding angular deflection 168a corresponds to an angular deflection 132a of the at least one fin 32a. The separation profile 166a comprises at least one corresponding fixing edge 170a. The corresponding fixing edge 170a corresponds to a fixing edge 136a of the at least one fin 32a.
[0080] The panel module 200a comprises at least one first fin mounting element 34a (see FIGS. 18A and 18B). The panel module 200a comprises at least one second fin mounting element 36a. In the present case of the panel module 200a, the connection unit 18 comprises two interconnection elements 110. The interconnection element 110 is fixed to the second fin mounting element 36a.
[0081] The panel module 200a comprises at least one fin reinforcement element 54a. The fin reinforcement element 54a is embodied equivalently to the fin reinforcement element 54a. In the present case the panel module 200a comprises five fin reinforcement elements 54a.
[0082] For fixing the fin 32a to the air separator 56a the fin 32a is received by the separation profile 166a. By means of the separation profile 166a, the fin 32a is fixed to the air separator 56a, in particular in a form-fit manner. During fixing of the fin 32a the corresponding angular deflection 168a of separation profile 166a cooperates with an angular deflection 132a of the at least one fin 32a. When fixing the fin 32a, the corresponding fixing edge 170a of the separation profile 166a cooperates with the fixing edge 136a of the fin 32a. The separation profile 166a comprise a connection hole 182a. The connection hole 182a of the air separator 56a and the connection recess 134a of the fins 32a are positioned congruently on top of each other. A connection pin 148 is pushed into the connection recess 134a and the connection hole 182a, connecting the fin 32a to the air separator 56a.
[0083] The air separator 56a is connected to the at least one fin mounting element 32a, 34a of the panel module 200a by means of a connection unit 18. The air separator 56a comprises a corresponding guiding element 172a. The corresponding guiding element 172a of the air separator 56a corresponds to the guiding element 40 of the connection element 22. For connecting the air separator 54a to at least one fin mounting element 34a, 36a, the corresponding guiding element 172a of the air separator 56a cooperates with the guiding element 40 of the connection element 22. The air separator 56a comprises a further corresponding guiding element 174a. The further corresponding guiding element 174a of the air separator 56a corresponds to the further guiding element 42 of the further connection element 24.
[0084] The panel 10 comprises a second panel module 200b (see FIGS. 18A, 18B and 22). The panel module 200b comprises a cover element 58b. In the present case the cover element 58b is a cover element for the water filter 106. The cover element 58b at least partly, preferably entirely, covers the water filter 106. In the present case the cover element 58b embodies the panel module 200b entirely. Further, the cover element 58b embodies at least partly the panel module 200a and at least partly a panel module 200b of the panel 10. The cover element 58b is implemented integrally with a first fin mounting element 34a of the panel module 200a. The cover element 58b is implemented integrally with a second fin mounting element 36c of the panel module 200c of the panel 10.
[0085] The panel 10 comprises a third panel module 200c (see FIGS. 18A and 18B). The third panel module 200c differs from the aforementioned implementation of the first panel module 200a at least substantially by its implementation of the fins 32c. In the present case, the fins 32c are shorter than the fin 32a. Further the fin 32c does not comprise a blocking recess. Due to the fact that the at least one fin 32 c is shorter, fin reinforcement elements can be dispensed with as well. The panel module 200c comprises at least one first fin mounting element 34c. The panel module 200c comprises at least one second fin mounting element 36c. One of interconnection elements 110 is fixed to the first fin mounting element 34c of the panel module 200c.
[0086] The panel 10 comprises a first panel plane 68 (see FIGS. 18A, 18B, 23, 24A and 24B). The first panel plane 68 is embodied at least partly by at least one of the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c. In the present case the first panel plane 68 is embodied by the panel modules 200a, 200b, 200c. The first panel plane 68 is further embodied at least partly by the connection unit 18, in particular by the connection element 22, the further connection element 24 and the additional connection element 26. The panel 10 comprises a second panel plane 70. The second panel plane 70 is embodied by a plate, in particular a metal plate of the panel 10. The first panel plane 68 is positioned offset with respect to the second panel plane 70.
[0087] The connection unit 18, in particular the further connection element 24, comprises at least one adjustment unit 72. The adjustment unit 72 is configured for adjusting the offset of the first panel plane 68 with respect to the second panel plane 70. The adjustment unit 72 comprises at least one adjustment element 74. In the present case the adjustment unit 72 comprises four adjustment elements 74. The adjustment elements 74 are embodied as slots. The adjustment unit 72 comprises at least one engagement element 76. In the present case the adjustment unit comprises four engagement elements 76. The engagement elements 76 correspond to the adjustment elements 74. The engagement elements 76 are embodied by the second panel plane 70. The engagement elements 76 are connected to the adjustment elements 72 by means of a screw connection.
[0088] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention: [0089] 10 Panel [0090] 14 Opening [0091] 16 Machine compartment [0092] 18 Connection unit [0093] 22 Connection element [0094] 24 Further Connection element [0095] 26 Connection element [0096] 32 Fin [0097] 34 First fin mounting element [0098] 36 Second fin mounting element [0099] 38 Lengthwise direction [0100] 40 Guiding element [0101] 42 Guiding element [0102] 44 Guiding element [0103] 50 Corresponding guiding element [0104] 52 Further corresponding guiding element [0105] 54 Fin reinforcement element [0106] 56 Air separator [0107] 58 Cover element [0108] 59 Cover element [0109] 62 Release element [0110] 68 Panel plane [0111] 70 Panel plane [0112] 72 Adjustment unit [0113] 74 Adjustment element [0114] 76 Engagement element [0115] 78 Home appliance [0116] 80 Housing [0117] 84 Storage compartment [0118] 88 Home appliance door [0119] 90 Refrigerant cycle [0120] 92 Compressor [0121] 94 Condenser [0122] 96 Dryer [0123] 98 Expansion device [0124] 100 Evaporator [0125] 102 Heat exchanger [0126] 104 Door opening unit [0127] 106 Water filter [0128] 108 Fan unit [0129] 110 Interconnection element [0130] 112 Further Interconnection element [0131] 114 Interconnection guiding element [0132] 116 Snap element [0133] 118 Corresponding interconnection element [0134] 120 Corresponding interconnection guiding element [0135] 122 Corresponding snap element [0136] 124 Deformation element [0137] 126 Further snap element [0138] 128 Further corresponding interconnection element [0139] 130 Further corresponding snap element [0140] 132 Angular deflection [0141] 134 Connection recess [0142] 136 Fixing edge [0143] 138 Blocking recess [0144] 140 Mounting profile [0145] 142 Corresponding angular deflection [0146] 144 Corresponding fixing edge [0147] 146 Connection hole [0148] 148 Connection pin [0149] 149 Connection pin [0150] 150 Reinforcement profile [0151] 152 Fixing protrusion [0152] 154 Corresponding angular deflection [0153] 156 Corresponding fixing edge [0154] 158 Corresponding guiding element [0155] 160 Further corresponding guiding element [0156] 162 Protrusion element [0157] 164 Protrusion recess [0158] 166 Separation profile [0159] 168 Corresponding angular deflection [0160] 170 Corresponding fixing edge [0161] 172 Corresponding guiding element [0162] 174 Further corresponding guiding element [0163] 176 Corresponding guiding element [0164] 178 Further corresponding guiding element [0165] 180 Hinge [0166] 182 Connection hole [0167] 200 Panel module [0168] 202 Screw [0169] 204 Screw [0170] 206 Screw [0171] 208 Screw [0172] 210 Screw [0173] 212 Screw
