Home Appliance Device

Abstract

For the purpose of increasing flexibility a home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed. The novel device includes at least one functional housing, which is arranged at least largely within an insulation-receiving chamber and defines at least one receiving space for receiving at least one functional unit, the functional housing being implemented self-supporting by having a reinforcement feature for at least substantially maintaining a shape of the functional housing during a foaming process of the insulation-receiving chamber.

Claims

1. A home appliance device, comprising: at least one functional housing, which is arranged at least largely within an insulation-receiving chamber and defines at least one receiving space for receiving at least one functional unit, the functional housing being implemented self-supporting by having a reinforcement feature for at least substantially maintaining a shape of the functional housing during a foaming process of the insulation-receiving chamber; at least one attachment element which at least partly encompasses the functional housing in an assembled state, the at least one attachment element mounted to the insulation receiving chamber and supporting the functional housing.

2. The home appliance device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement feature includes at least one reinforcement element, which is arranged at least partly within the receiving space.

3. The home appliance device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement feature includes at least one further reinforcement element, which is arranged at least partly outside the receiving space.

4. The home appliance device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement feature covers merely a portion of an exterior side of the functional housing.

5. The home appliance device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement feature includes at least two reinforcement elements which are shaped differently.

6. The home appliance device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement feature includes at least one reinforcement element which is honeycomb-shaped.

7. The home appliance device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement feature includes at least one reinforcement element which is rib-shaped.

8. The home appliance device according to claim 1, wherein the functional housing is implemented at least partly of plastic.

9. The home appliance device according to claim 1, wherein the functional housing has a fastening unit for fastening the functional housing to a home appliance housing.

10. The home appliance device according to claim 1, wherein the functional housing has a sealing unit for sealing at least one electrical socket during the foaming process.

11. The home appliance device according to claim 1, further comprising a holding recess provided on the at least one attachment element and a holding pin disposed on the functional housing, the holding pin mating with the holding recess for supporting the functional housing.

12. The home appliance device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one front cover element covering the receiving space at least largely and having, in at least one direction, an extension which exceeds an extension of the receiving space in said direction by at least 5%.

13. A home appliance, comprising at least one home appliance device according to claim 1.

14. A home appliance device, comprising: at least one functional housing being disposed substantially within an insulation-receiving chamber and defining a receiving space for receiving at least one functional unit, the functional housing being self-supporting by having a reinforcement feature for at least substantially maintaining a shape of the functional housing during a foaming process of the insulation-receiving chamber, the reinforcement element including a honeycomb array of a plurality of cells adjoining one another and axially projecting from an external side of the housing, the reinforcement element including a reinforcement rib within the receiving space.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0044] FIG. 1 a home appliance comprising a home appliance device, in a schematic front view,

[0045] FIG. 2 a portion of the home appliance with the home appliance device, comprising a functional housing, a first attachment element, a second attachment element and a front cover element, in an exploded view,

[0046] FIGS. 3a-e the functional housing in various perspective views,

[0047] FIGS. 4a-b the functional housing in an assembled state, in perspective views,

[0048] FIG. 5 the first attachment element, which is implemented as a supporting frame, in a perspective view,

[0049] FIGS. 6a-b a mounting process of the first attachment element on the functional housing,

[0050] FIGS. 7a-c the first attachment element attached to the functional housing, in various views,

[0051] FIG. 8 a mounting process of the first attachment element onto a portion of a home appliance housing,

[0052] FIGS. 9a-b the second attachment element which is implemented as a cover for electronics, in two perspective views,

[0053] FIGS. 10a-c the second attachment element in an assembled state, in perspective views,

[0054] FIGS. 11a-d the front cover element in various perspective views,

[0055] FIG. 12 the front cover element in an assembled state, in a perspective view, and

[0056] FIG. 13 a flow chart of a method for assembling the home appliance device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a perspective view of an exemplary home appliance 18 comprising a home appliance device. In the present case, the home appliance 18 is implemented as a home chiller appliance, in particular as a refrigerator-freezer combination. Alternatively, a home appliance could be embodied as any other kind of home chiller appliance, like a refrigerator, a freezer and/or a wine-cooler. In addition, a home appliance could also be embodied as a home appliance for warming and in particular for cooking victuals, e.g. an oven, a steamer and/or a microwave.

[0058] The home appliance 18 is configured for cooling victuals. For this purpose, the home appliance device comprises a home appliance housing 20. The home appliance housing 20 comprises an inner liner 22 and several side walls 24. In addition, the home appliance housing 20 comprises a front frame 26 which in particular encompasses the inner liner 22 and is preferably implemented of metal. The home appliance housing 20 defines a storage space 28, in particular for storing and tempering the victuals. In the present case, the storage space 28 is delimited by the inner liner 22. Moreover, the home appliance housing 20 defines an insulation-receiving chamber 12. The insulation-receiving chamber 12 is spatially separated from the storage space 28. The insulation-receiving chamber 12 is delimited by the inner liner 22, the side walls 24 and the front frame 26.

[0059] The home appliance device further comprises at least one home appliance door 30. The home appliance door 30 is movably connected to the home appliance housing 20. In the present case, the home appliance door 30 is pivotally connected to the home appliance housing 20. The home appliance door 30 is pivotable about a pivot axis 32 which is perpendicular to a base, a ground and/or a floor space of the home appliance 18. In a closed state, the home appliance door 30 closes off the home appliance housing 20, in particular the storage space 28, at least partly. For completely closing off and in particular sealing off the storage space 28, the home appliance device comprises a further home appliance door, which for reasons of clarity and comprehensibility no reference number is given to. Alternatively, a home appliance door could be pivotable about a pivot axis which is parallel to a base, a ground and/or a floor space of a home appliance. Moreover, a home appliance door may be connected to a housing in a linearly movable manner and/or in a push-pull manner. In addition, it is conceivable that a home appliance device may comprise exactly one home appliance door.

[0060] Moreover, the home appliance device comprises a functional unit 16. In the present case, the functional unit 16 is implemented as a door opening assistance unit. The functional unit 16 is integrated in the home appliance housing 20. The functional unit 16 is arranged above the storage space 28 and/or at a side of the home appliance 18 which faces away from the base, the ground and/or the floor space of the home appliance 18. The functional unit 16 is configured for reducing an opening force required for opening the home appliance door 30.

[0061] For this purpose the functional unit 16 comprises at least one, in the present case in particular exactly one, functional element 34. The functional element 34 is implemented as an actuation element. The functional element 34 is movable in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the home appliance housing 20. The functional element 34 contacts the home appliance door 30 and in particular transfers an actuation force to the home appliance door 30 in at least one operational state, in particular such that an opening force is reduced. Alternatively, a functional unit may be implemented as a lighting unit and/or a ventilation unit.

[0062] The home appliance device further comprises at least one functional housing 10. In the present case, the home appliance device comprises exactly one functional housing 10. FIGS. 3a to 3e show the functional housing 10 in different perspective views.

[0063] The functional housing 10 is implemented integrally. The functional housing 10 is implemented of plastic. The functional housing 10 is implemented separately from the home appliance housing 20. The functional housing 10 is integrated in the home appliance housing 20. The functional housing 10 is arranged at least largely within the insulation-receiving chamber 12. In an assembled state, the functional housing 10 is connected to the home appliance housing 20, in the present case in particular to the front frame 26. The functional housing 10 is in the assembled state arranged above the storage space 28 and/or at a side of the home appliance 18 which faces away from the base, the ground and/or the floor space of the home appliance 18.

[0064] Moreover, the functional housing 10 is configured for receiving the functional unit 16. For this purpose, the functional housing 10 defines a receiving space 14, which in particular has a first receiving opening, for receiving the functional unit 16. In addition, the front frame 26 defines an aperture 35 which coincides with the receiving space 14 and in particular the first receiving opening. In the assembled state, the functional housing 10 is arranged such that the receiving space 14 is fully accessible from an outside of the home appliance 18. Thereby, the first receiving opening is arranged at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the home appliance housing 20.

[0065] The functional housing 10 comprises a base body 36. The base body 36 delimits the receiving space 14. The base body 36 is at least substantially cup-shaped and/or dome-shaped. The base body 36 comprises a circumferential collar 38 encompassing the first receiving opening and in particular facing the front frame 26 in an assembled state. In an operational state, the base body 36 is surrounded by insulation material, in the present case in particular foam insulation.

[0066] Furthermore, the functional housing 10 is self-supporting and at least substantially maintains a shape during a foaming process of the insulation-receiving chamber 12. For this purpose, the functional housing 10 comprises a reinforcement feature 40. The reinforcement feature 40 is implemented as a structural unit. The reinforcement feature 40 extends over less than 50% and preferably less than 40% of a surface of the base body 36. Herein, the reinforcement feature 40 covers merely a portion of an exterior side of the functional housing 10. The reinforcement feature 40 is configured to strengthen the functional housing 10 and thus to increase a mechanical stability of the functional housing 10, in particular against a pressure of the insulation material at least during the foaming process of the insulation-receiving chamber 12.

[0067] The reinforcement feature 40 comprises at least one reinforcement element 42, 44, 46. In the present case the reinforcement feature 40 comprises several reinforcement elements 42, 44, 46.

[0068] A first reinforcement element 42 of the reinforcement elements 42, 44, 46 is arranged outside the receiving space 14. The first reinforcement element 42 is arranged on an upper exterior side of the base body 36 with respect to the storage space 28 and/or the base, the ground and/or the floor space of the home appliance 18. The first reinforcement element 42 extends over less than 85% of the upper exterior side of the base body 36. The first reinforcement element 42 is honeycomb-shaped.

[0069] A second reinforcement element 44 of the reinforcement elements 42, 44, 46 is arranged outside the receiving space 14. The second reinforcement element 44 is arranged on a lower exterior side of the base body 36 with respect to the storage space 28 and/or the base, the ground and/or the floor space of the home appliance 18. The second reinforcement element 44 extends over less than 40% of the lower exterior side of the base body 36. The second reinforcement element 44 is honeycomb-shaped.

[0070] A third reinforcement element 46 of the reinforcement elements 42, 44, 46 is arranged within the receiving space 14. The third reinforcement element 46 is arranged on an inner side of the base body 36 which in particular delimits the receiving space 14. The third reinforcement element 46 is rib-shaped. Thus the reinforcement feature 40 comprises at least two reinforcement elements 42, 44, 46 which are shaped differently. The third reinforcement element 46 extends in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the first receiving opening.

[0071] In addition, the reinforcement feature 40 comprises several further reinforcement elements, in the present case in particular at least seven further reinforcement elements, which are shaped identically to the third reinforcement element 46, which are arranged within the receiving space 14 and which are distributed over the receiving space 14. Alternatively, a reinforcement feature may comprise merely one reinforcement element and/or merely identically shaped reinforcement elements. Furthermore, a reinforcement feature may comprise at least four, at least eight and/or at least twelve reinforcement elements which in particular may be shaped differently. Moreover, it is conceivable that a reinforcement feature comprises merely one reinforcement element arranged within a receiving space or arranged outside the receiving space.

[0072] In addition, the functional housing 10 defines a further receiving space 50, which in particular has a second receiving opening for receiving an electrical socket 52 of the home appliance device, which is in particular configured for supplying the functional unit 16 with power, and has a third receiving opening for receiving electrical connection elements like a cabling or similar (not shown). The further receiving space 50 is smaller than the receiving space 14 by at least 60%. The further receiving space 50 is located at a side of the base body 36 which faces away from the first receiving opening and/or from the front frame 26 at least in an assembled state. Herein, the second receiving opening is arranged at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the home appliance housing 20. The third receiving opening is arranged at least substantially perpendicularly to the main extension plane of the home appliance housing 20. The third receiving opening is arranged at least substantially perpendicularly to the second receiving opening. Alternatively, a further receiving space may have exactly one receiving opening, in particular a second receiving opening or a third receiving opening. Furthermore, it is conceivable to change a functionality of the receiving openings.

[0073] Furthermore, the functional housing 10 comprises a sealing unit 54. The sealing unit 54 is implemented integrally with the base body 36. In the present case, the sealing unit is implemented as a gap seal and/or a chamber seal. The sealing unit 54 is allocated to the third receiving opening. The sealing unit 54 is configured for sealing off the third receiving opening in particular during the foaming process. Alternatively, a sealing unit may be implemented as a rubber seal and/or a labyrinth seal. Moreover, it is conceivable to implement a sealing unit separately from a base body.

[0074] Besides, the functional housing 10 comprises a first fastening unit 56 (see also FIGS. 4a and 4b). The first fastening unit 56 is located at a side of the base body 36 which faces the first receiving opening and/or the front frame 26 at least in an assembled state. The first fastening unit 56 is configured to fasten the functional housing 10 to the home appliance housing 20. Herein, the first fastening unit 56 is configured to detachably connect the base body 36 to the front frame 26. In the present case, the first fastening unit 56 cooperates with the circumferential collar 38 for fastening the functional housing 10 to the home appliance housing 20.

[0075] The first fastening unit 56 comprises a least one first fastening element 58. In the present case, the first fastening unit 56 comprises several, in particular six, first fastening elements 58. The first fastening elements 58 are implemented identically. The first fastening elements 58 are circumferentially distributed over the first receiving opening. The first fastening elements 58 are hook-shaped. The first fastening elements 58 are configured to bear against the front frame 26.

[0076] In the present case, the first fastening unit 56 is implemented in such a way that for mounting the functional housing 10 to the home appliance housing 20, the functional housing 10 is moved in two directions which are at least substantially perpendicular with respect to each other. Herein, the functional housing 10 is first moved with respect to the home appliance housing 20 in a first direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the home appliance housing 20, and is then moved with respect to the home appliance housing 20 in a second direction which is at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the home appliance housing 20. Thus the functional housing 10 is mounted to the home appliance housing 20 in a mounting direction which is parallel to the main extension plane of the home appliance housing 20. Alternatively, a first fastening unit may comprise merely one first fastening element and/or at least two differently shaped first fastening elements. Furthermore, a first fastening unit may comprise at least four, at least eight or at least twelve first fastening elements. Moreover, it is conceivable that a first fastening unit is self-supporting in particular such that the first fastening unit refrains from cooperating with a circumferential collar. Moreover, a first fastening unit may be implemented separately from a base body.

[0077] The home appliance device further comprises at least one attachment element 60, 62. In the present case, the home appliance device comprises two attachment elements 60, 62. A first attachment element 60 of the attachment elements 60, 62 is shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 while a second attachment element 62 of the attachment elements 60, 62 is shown in FIGS. 9a to 10c.

[0078] The first attachment element 60 is implemented as a supporting frame and configured for supporting the functional housing 10. The first attachment element 60 is implemented integrally. The first attachment element 60 is at least substantially U-shaped. The first attachment element 60 is implemented of metal, in the present case in particular of steel. The first attachment element 60 has at least one recess 64, in the present case at least six recesses, for a pass-through of insulation material. The first attachment element 60 is implemented separately from the functional housing 10. Moreover, the first attachment element 60 is implemented separately from the home appliance housing 20. The first attachment element 60 is integrated in the home appliance housing 20. The first attachment element 60 is arranged at least largely within the insulation-receiving chamber 12.

[0079] In an assembled state, the first attachment element 60 is connected to the functional housing 10. The first attachment element 60 is in the assembled state detachably connected to the functional housing 20, in particular in a form-fit and/or force-fit manner. In the present case, the first attachment element 60 is connected to the functional housing 10 by at least one clamping connection and at least one snap-fit connection. Moreover, in the assembled state the first attachment element 60 is arranged above the functional housing 10 with respect to the base, the ground and/or the floor space of the home appliance 18. The first attachment element 60 contacts the upper exterior side of the base body 36. In the present case, the first attachment element 60 at least largely encompasses the functional housing 10 in a circumferential direction in the assembled state. The first attachment element 60 extends over less than 50% and preferably less than 40% of the surface of the base body 36. Alternatively, a first attachment element may be implemented in several parts. Moreover, a first attachment element may be implemented of plastic. In addition, it is conceivable that a first attachment element encompasses a functional housing completely.

[0080] For the purpose of connecting the first attachment element 60 to the functional housing 10, the first attachment element 60 comprises at least one holding element 66, 68. In the present case, the first attachment element 60 comprises several holding elements 66, 68.

[0081] A first holding element 66 of the holding elements 66, 68 is located at a first lateral side of the first attachment element 60. The first holding element 66 is located at a side of the first attachment element 60 which faces the front frame 26 at least in an assembled state. The first holding element 66 is at least substantially hook-shaped. The first holding element 66 defines a holding recess. The first holding element 66 is configured to cooperate with a further first holding element 70, in particular a holding pin, of the functional housing 10.

[0082] A second holding element 68 of the holding elements 66, 68 is located at the first lateral side of the first attachment element 60. The second holding element 68 is offset with respect to the first holding element 66, in particular in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the first receiving opening of the receiving space 14. The second holding element 68 is located at a side of the first attachment element 60 which faces away from the front frame 26 at least in an assembled state. The second holding element 68 is at least substantially hook-shaped. The second holding element 68 defines a holding recess. The second holding element 68 is configured to cooperate with a further second holding element 72, in particular a holding pin, of the functional housing 10.

[0083] In addition, the first attachment element 60 comprises two further holding elements, which are implemented identically to the first holding element 66 and the second holding element 68 and which are arranged at a second lateral side of the first attachment element 60. Alternatively, a first attachment element may comprise merely one holding element and/or two holding elements and/or six holding elements.

[0084] In addition, the first attachment element 60 comprises at least one resilient element 74, in particular for the purpose of connecting the first attachment element 60 to the functional housing 10. In the present case, the first attachment element 60 comprises exactly one resilient element 74.

[0085] The resilient element 74 is located at a top side of the first attachment element 60, which is in particular at least substantial perpendicular to the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the first attachment element 60. The resilient element 74 is located in a central region of the top side of the first attachment element 60. The resilient element 74 is located at a side of the first attachment element 60 which faces away from the front frame 26 at least in an assembled state. The resilient element 74 is implemented as a resilient arm. The resilient element 74 is configured to cooperate with an, in particular ramp-shaped, connection element 76 of the functional housing 10 (see FIG. 7c). Alternatively, a first attachment element may comprise at least two and/or at least three resilient elements. Moreover, it is conceivable to refrain from using a resilient element.

[0086] In the present case, the first attachment element 60 is implemented in such a way that for mounting the first attachment element 60 to the functional housing 10, the first attachment element 60 is moved in two directions which are at least substantially perpendicular with respect to each other (see in particular FIGS. 6a and 6b). Herein, the first attachment element 60 is first moved with respect to the functional housing 10 in a first direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the base, the ground and/or the floor space of the home appliance 18, and is then moved with respect to the functional housing 10 in a second direction, which is at least substantially perpendicular to the first receiving opening of the receiving space 14. Thus the first attachment element 60 is mounted to the functional housing 10 in a mounting direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the receiving opening of the receiving space 14.

[0087] Moreover, the first attachment element 60 comprises a second fastening unit 78. The second fastening unit 78 is located at a side of the first attachment element 60 which faces the front frame 26 at least in an assembled state (see also FIG. 8). The second fastening unit 78 is configured to fasten the first attachment element 60 directly and in particular the functional housing 10 indirectly to the home appliance housing 20. Herein, the second fastening unit 78 is configured to detachably connect the first attachment element 60 to the front frame 26, in particular to a horizontal plate-shaped region of the front frame 26. In the present case, the second fastening unit 78 is configured for connecting the first attachment element 60 to the front frame 26 by a screw connection.

[0088] The second fastening unit 78 comprises a least one second fastening element 80, 82. In the present case, the second fastening unit 78 comprises several, in particular at least three, second fastening elements 80, 82. Thus at least two of the second fastening elements 80, 82 are implemented differently.

[0089] One second fastening element 80 of the second fastening elements 80, 82 protrudes from the first lateral side of the first attachment element 60. The second fastening element 80 is at least substantially parallel to the top side of the first attachment element 60. The second fastening element 80 has at least two threaded holes in particular for connecting the first attachment element 60 to the front frame 26.

[0090] Another second fastening element 82 of the second fastening elements 80, 82 protrudes from the top side of the first attachment element 60. The other second fastening element 82 is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the top side of the first attachment element 60 and to the first lateral side of the first attachment element 60. The other second fastening element 82 has at least two threaded holes in particular for connecting the first attachment element 60 to the front frame 26.

[0091] A further second fastening element of the second fastening elements 80, 82 is implemented identically to the second fastening element 80 and is located at the second lateral side of the first attachment element 60.

[0092] In the present case, the second fastening unit 78 is implemented in such a way that for mounting the first attachment element 60 to the home appliance housing 20, the first attachment element 60 is moved in two directions which are at least substantially perpendicular with respect to each other. Herein, the first attachment element 60 is first moved with respect to the home appliance housing 20 in a first direction, which is at least substantially perpendicular to the base, the ground and/or the floor space of the home appliance 18, and is then moved with respect to the home appliance housing 20 in a second direction, which is at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the home appliance housing 20. Alternatively, a second fastening unit may comprise merely one second fastening element and/or at least four second fastening elements. Moreover, a second fastening unit may be implemented separately from a first attachment element.

[0093] The second attachment element 62 is implemented as a cover for electronics and configured for covering the electrical socket 52. The second attachment element 62 is implemented integrally. The second attachment element 62 is implemented of plastic. The second attachment element 62 has at least one further recess 84, 86, in the present case at least two recesses 84, 86, for receiving the electrical connection elements like the cabling (not shown), and for receiving pneumatically connection elements 88, like a hose. The second attachment element 62 is implemented separately from the functional housing 10. The second attachment element 62 is implemented separately from the first attachment element 60. Moreover, the second attachment element 62 is implemented separately from the home appliance housing 20. The second attachment element 62 is integrated in the home appliance housing 20. The second attachment element 62 is arranged at least largely within the insulation-receiving chamber 12.

[0094] In an assembled state, the second attachment element 62 is connected to the functional housing 10. The second attachment element 62 is in the assembled state detachably connected to the functional housing 10, in particular in a form-fit and/or force-fit manner. In the present case, the second attachment element 62 is connected to the functional housing 10 by at least one snap-fit connection 90 (see FIG. 10c). Moreover, in the assembled state the second attachment element 62 covers the further receiving space 50 and in particular the electrical socket 52. Thus the second attachment element 62 seals off the further receiving space 50, in particular during the foaming process, by a labyrinth seal. In the present case, the second attachment element 62 completely encompasses the functional housing 10 in a circumferential direction in the assembled state.

[0095] In the present case, the second attachment element 62 is implemented in such a way that for mounting the second attachment element 62 to the functional housing 10, the second attachment element 62 is moved in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the home appliance housing 20. Therefore, the second attachment element 62 is mounted to the functional housing 10 in a mounting direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the receiving opening of the receiving space 14. Alternatively, a second attachment element may be implemented in several parts. Moreover, a second attachment element may be implemented of metal. In addition, it is conceivable that a second attachment element encompasses a functional housing merely largely.

[0096] The home appliance device further comprises at least one front cover element 92. In the present case, the home appliance device comprises exactly one front cover element 92. The front cover element 92 is shown in FIGS. 11a to 12.

[0097] The front cover element 92 is implemented integrally. The front cover element 92 is at least substantially panel-shaped. The front cover element 92 is implemented of plastic. Furthermore, the front cover element 92 is implemented separately from the functional housing 10. The front cover element 92 is implemented separately from the home appliance housing 20. Moreover, the front cover element 92 is implemented separately from the home appliance door 30. The front cover element 92 is arranged between the home appliance housing 20 and the home appliance door 30. Alternatively, a front cover element may be implemented in several parts. Moreover, a front cover element may be implemented of metal.

[0098] In an assembled state, the front cover element 92 is connected to the home appliance housing 20, in the present case in particular to the front frame 26. The front cover element 92 is in the assembled state detachably connected to the front frame 26, in particular in a form-fit and/or force-fit manner. In the present case, the front cover element 92 is not connected to the functional housing 10 and/or the functional unit 16. The front cover element 92 is configured for covering the receiving space 14 and in particular the receiving opening of the receiving space 14 at least largely and/or the aperture 35 of the front frame 26 at least largely.

[0099] The front cover element 92 has at least one, in the present case exactly one, opening 94, for a pass-through of the functional element 34 of the functional unit 16. The opening 94 has a circular shape. The opening 94 is offset with respect to a geometric center of the front cover element 92 at least if viewed in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the front cover element 92. Alternatively, a front cover element may comprise at least two and/or at least four openings. Moreover, an opening can be located in a central region of a front cover element.

[0100] In addition, the front cover element 92 has, in at least one direction 98, an extension which exceeds an extension of the receiving space 14 in said direction 98 by at least 30%. In the present case, the direction 98 is a longitudinal direction of the front cover element 92. Herein, the front cover element 92 is offset with respect to the receiving space 14 at least if viewed in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the front cover element 92. In the present case, the front cover element 92 is configured for covering the receiving space 14 and at least one further component, in the present case in particular installation parts.

[0101] For this purpose, the front cover element 92 comprises a front panel 96. The front panel 96 is rectangular. The front panel 96 defines a main part of the front cover element 92. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a front panel may be circular and/or oval.

[0102] For the purpose of connecting the front cover element 92 to the home appliance housing 20, the front cover element 92 comprises a third fastening unit 100 (see FIG. 11b). The third fastening unit 100 is located at a side of the front panel 96 which faces the front frame 26 at least in an assembled state. The third fastening unit 100 is configured to fasten the front panel 96 to the home appliance housing 20. Herein, the third fastening unit 100 is configured to detachably connect the front panel 96 to the front frame 26. In the present case, the third fastening unit 100 is configured to connect the front panel 96 to the front frame 26 by a snap-fit connection.

[0103] The third fastening unit 100 comprises a least one third fastening element 102, 104. In the present case, the third fastening unit 100 comprises several, in particular at least six, third fastening elements 102, 104. Herein, the third fastening elements 102, 104 are merely located in a peripheral region of the front panel 96. Hence, a central region of the front panel 96 is free from third fastening elements 102, 104. Moreover, at least two of the third fastening elements 102, 104 are implemented differently from each other.

[0104] One third fastening element 102 of the third fastening elements 102, 104 is located in a close vicinity of a longitudinal side wall of the front cover element 92 (see also FIG. 11c). The third fastening element 102 protrudes from the front panel 96 in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the front cover element 92. The third fastening element 102 is implemented as a snap-fit element. The third fastening element 102 comprises an, in particular at least substantially rectangular-cuboid-shaped, base portion 106 and an, in particular annular and/or circumferentially closed, fastening portion 108.

[0105] Another third fastening element 104 of the third fastening elements 102, 104 is located in a close vicinity of a lateral side wall of the front cover element 92 (see also FIG. 11d). The other third fastening element 104 protrudes from the front panel 96 in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the front cover element 92. The other third fastening element 104 is implemented as a snap-fit element. The other third fastening element 104 comprises an, in particular at least substantially cross-shaped, further base portion 110 and an, in particular annular and/or circumferentially closed, further fastening portion 112.

[0106] Further third fastening elements of the third fastening elements 102, 104 are implemented identically to the third fastening element 102 and/or the other third fastening element 104 and are distributed over the front panel 96.

[0107] In the present case, the front cover element 92 is implemented in such a way that for mounting the front cover element 92 to the front frame 26, the front cover element 92 is moved in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the home appliance housing 20. Therefore, the front cover element 92 is mounted to the home appliance housing 20 in a mounting direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the receiving opening of the receiving space 14. Alternatively, a third fastening unit may comprise merely one third fastening element and/or at least four third fastening elements. Moreover, a third fastening unit may be implemented separately from a front cover element.

[0108] In addition, the front cover element 92 has at least one depression 114, 116. In the present case, the front cover element 92 has several depressions 114, 116. A number of depressions 114, 116 is equal to a number of third fastening elements 102, 104. In the present case, each depression 114, 116 is allocated to one of the third fastening elements 102, 104. The depressions 114, 116 are configured for detaching the front cover element 92 from the front frame 26, in particular by merely using simple tools like a screwdriver (not shown).

[0109] For this reason, protective sheets 118, 120 are affixed to the front panel 96 and allocated to each of the third fastening elements 102, 104. The protective sheets 118, 120 are configured for preventing a scratching of the front panel 96. Alternatively, a number of depressions and a number of third fastening elements may differ. Moreover, it is conceivable to refrain from using protective sheets and/or to use exactly one protective sheet and/or a protective coating instead of protective sheets.

[0110] Furthermore, the front cover element 92 comprises at least one spacer element 122. The spacer element 122 is at least substantially rectangular-cuboid-shaped.

[0111] The spacer element 122 is configured for supporting the front panel 96. The spacer element 122 is configured for preventing sink marks. For this purpose, the spacer element 122 bears against the home appliance housing 20 and in particular the front frame 26. In the present case, the spacer element 122 is implemented integrally with the third fastening element 102 and in particular formed by the base portion 106 of the third fastening element 102. Alternatively, a spacer element may be implemented separately from a third fastening element. Moreover, it is conceivable to refrain from using a spacer element.

[0112] A method for assembling the home appliance device is shown in FIG. 13 and comprises the following steps:

[0113] In a first step 124, the first attachment element 60 is connected to the functional housing 10. In a second step 126, the functional housing 10 is connected to the front frame 26, in particular via the first fastening unit 56. In a third step 128, the first attachment element 60 is connected to the front frame 26, in particular via the second fastening unit 78. In a fourth step 130, the electrical socket 52 is inserted into the further receiving space 50. In a fifth step 132, the second attachment element 62 is connected to the functional housing 10. In a sixth step 134, the home appliance housing 20 is assembled and the insulation-receiving chamber 12 is filled with the insulation material, in particular foam insulation. In a seventh step 136, the functional unit 16 is inserted into the receiving space 14. Finally, in an eighth step 138, the front cover element 92 is connected to the front frame 26, in particular via the third fastening unit 100.

[0114] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention: [0115] 10 functional housing [0116] 12 insulation-receiving chamber [0117] 14 receiving space [0118] 16 functional unit [0119] 18 home appliance [0120] 20 home appliance housing [0121] 22 inner liner [0122] 24 side wall [0123] 26 front frame [0124] 28 storage space [0125] 30 home appliance door [0126] 32 pivot axis [0127] 34 functional element [0128] 35 aperture [0129] 36 base body [0130] 38 circumferential collar [0131] 40 reinforcement feature [0132] 42 reinforcement element [0133] 44 reinforcement element [0134] 46 reinforcement element [0135] 50 receiving space [0136] 52 electrical socket [0137] 54 sealing unit [0138] 56 fastening unit [0139] 58 fastening element [0140] 60 attachment element [0141] 62 attachment element [0142] 64 recess [0143] 66 holding element [0144] 68 holding element [0145] 70 holding element [0146] 72 holding element [0147] 74 resilient element [0148] 76 connection element [0149] 78 fastening unit [0150] 80 fastening element [0151] 82 fastening element [0152] 84 recess [0153] 86 recess [0154] 88 connection element [0155] 90 snap-fit connection [0156] 92 front cover element [0157] 94 opening [0158] 96 front panel [0159] 98 direction [0160] 100 fastening unit [0161] 102 fastening element [0162] 104 fastening element [0163] 106 base portion [0164] 108 fastening portion [0165] 110 base portion [0166] 112 fastening portion [0167] 114 depression [0168] 116 depression [0169] 118 protective sheet [0170] 120 protective sheet [0171] 122 spacer element [0172] 124 step [0173] 126 step [0174] 128 step [0175] 130 step [0176] 132 step [0177] 134 step [0178] 136 step [0179] 138 step