HOUSEHOLD COOLING APPLIANCE WITH PLATE-LIKE SEPARATION UNIT, WHICH IS CONFIGURED AS MULTI-MODULE CARRIER PLATE

Abstract

A household cooling appliance contains a housing and a receiving space for food configured in the housing. A plate-like separation unit is releasably arranged in the receiving space and is arranged for separating the volume of the receiving space. The separation unit has a base plate, which contains a clearance, which is filled with thermally insulating material, and in the base plate at least one light module is arranged as a function module. The base plate is configured as a multi-module carrier plate for receiving several functionally different function modules. Wherein on the base plate is arranged a further electronics module that is separate and functionally different from the light module.

Claims

1. A household cooling appliance, comprising: a housing defining a receiving space for food; a plate-shaped separation unit being releasably disposed in said receiving space and is disposed for separating a volume of said receiving space, wherein said plate-shaped separation unit has a base plate which has a clearance, which is filled with a thermally insulating material, said plate-shaped separation unit has in said base plate at least one light module configured as a function module, said base plate is configured as a multi-module carrier plate for receiving several functionally different function modules; and a further electronics module disposed on said base plate and is separate and functionally different from said at least one light module.

2. The household cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein said base plate has a bottom wall with a recess formed therein that is open towards a bottom, wherein said at least one light module is disposed and sunk in said recess such that light of said at least one light module is emitted through a first opening of said recess towards the bottom.

3. The household cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein: said base plate has a ceiling wall with a recess formed therein; and said further electronics module is an operating and/or display device, said operating and/or display device is disposed in said recess of said ceiling wall of said base plate, which is open towards a top and in which said operating and/or display device is disposed sunk in, such that said operating and/or display device may be viewed from a top through an second opening of said recess.

4. The household cooling appliance according to claim 3, wherein said ceiling wall is made of glass and has a cut-out formed therein, wherein said further electronics module is disposed in said cut-out of said ceiling wall.

5. The household cooling appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a closing unit which is external to said plate-shaped separation unit; and wherein said further electronics module is a drive unit for driving said closing unit.

6. The household cooling appliance according to claim 5, wherein said base plate has a bottom wall; and further comprising a transmission unit disposed on said bottom wall of said base plate, said transmission unit is connected to said drive unit configured for guiding a movement of said closing unit of the household cooling appliance that is external to said plate-shaped separation unit, wherein said closing unit is mechanically coupled to said transmission unit.

7. The household cooling appliance according to claim 6, further comprising a storage chamber with a storage unit; and wherein said closing unit is movable into different positions relative to said storage unit of said storage chamber by said drive unit over said transmission unit, so that different ventilation is provided in said storage chamber.

8. The household cooling appliance according to claim 5, wherein said closing unit is at least partially light permeable for passing light emitted from said at least one light module through said closing unit into said storage chamber, wherein said closing unit is made translucent.

9. The household cooling appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a first module carrier, said at least one light module is disposed on said first module carrier that is disposed sunk in in said clearance.

10. The household cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein said at least one light module has a light housing with a cavity formed therein, and a circuit board with at least one light source, wherein said circuit board is received in said cavity formed in said light housing.

11. The household cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein said base plate has a bottom wall made of metal.

12. The household cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein said thermally insulating material is polystyrene.

13. The household cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein: said base plate has a bottom wall with a recess formed therein; and said further electronics module is a detection sensor for detecting a storage parameter of said receiving space, wherein said detection sensor is sunk in in said recess of said bottom wall of said base plate for detecting the storage parameter in a lower volume subspace of said receiving space.

14. The household cooling appliance according to claim 1, further comprising bearing elements disposed on a vertical sidewall of said base plate for bearing said plate-shaped separation unit and are disposed in said receiving space.

15. The household cooling appliance according to claim 14, wherein: said baseplate has a ceiling wall with first and second bottom sides; and said bearing elements are separate parts, which are attached to said second bottom side of said ceiling wall.

16. The household cooling appliance according to claim 9, wherein said first module carrier is disposed completely sunk in in said clearance.

17. The household cooling appliance according to claim 12, wherein said thermally insulating material is a polystyrene board.

18. The household cooling appliance according to claim 15, wherein said bearing elements are separate parts, which are attached to said second bottom side of said ceiling wall by an adhesive bond.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0067] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective partial view of an embodiment of a household cooling appliance according to the invention;

[0068] FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view through a sub-portion of the household cooling appliance according to FIG. 1;

[0069] FIG. 3 is a perspective partial view of an embodiment of a plate-like separation unit of the household cooling appliance;

[0070] FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view through the separation unit according to FIG. 3;

[0071] FIG. 5 is a view from below of the separation unit according to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 with a removed bottom wall;

[0072] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the module carrier according to FIG. 4

[0073] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the light module according to FIG. 4; and

[0074] FIG. 8 is a perspective sectional view of the module carrier receiving the light module according to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0075] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are equipped with the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0076] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a perspective front view an embodiment of a household cooling appliance 1. This is represented in a sub-portion. The household cooling appliance 1 may be a cooling appliance or a freezer or a fridge-freezer combination device. The household cooling appliance 1 contains a housing 2. In the housing 2 at least one receiving space 3 for food is configured. The receiving space 3 is here a cooling compartment. The household cooling appliance 1 contains an inner liner 4. The inner liner 4 is received in an outer housing 5 of the housing 2. The inner liner 4 bounds the receiving space 3 by walls. In this regard, at least one first vertical sidewall 6 and one opposite second vertical sidewall 7 is provided. In FIG. 1, z-direction corresponds to a depth direction (z).

[0077] Moreover, the household cooling appliance 1 contains a plate-like separation unit 8. This is non-destructively releasably arranged in the receiving space 3. It is arranged for separation of the volume of the receiving space 3. In the shown embodiment by this separation unit 8 an upper volume subspace 3a and a lower volume subspace 3b are formed. As can be seen, the separation unit 8 extends in the width direction (x) of the household cooling appliance 1 across the entire width between the vertical side walls 6 and 7.

[0078] As may be moreover be discerned, in an embodiment in the lower volume subspace 3b storage chambers 9 and 10 are arranged for storing food. These storage chambers 9 and 10 may in particular be keep-fresh containers. This means that they each comprise a first storage unit 9a and a second storage unit 10a or storage bowls as well as separate first closing unit 9b and second closing unit 10b or lids (FIG. 2). Thus, also closed storage volumes may be provided by these storage chambers 9 and 10.

[0079] The plate-like separation unit 8 in an embodiment contains a base plate 11. The base plate 11 contains a ceiling wall 12. Same may in particular be a glass plate. Moreover, the base plate 11 contains a bottom wall 13. Same is separate from the ceiling wall 12. The bottom wall 13 may also be configured to be integrally formed. It may in particular be made of metal. Preferably the bottom wall 13, viewed in the width direction, on opposite ends comprises upwardly oriented fillets 13a and 13b or stripes (FIG. 2). These are examples of wall parts that extend towards the top. In particular therefore this bottom wall 13 in a sectional plane, which is spanned by height direction (y) and the width direction of the household cooling appliance 1, has a U-shape.

[0080] The base plate 11 is a thermal insulation plate. Into a clearance 14, which is formed between the ceiling wall 12 and the bottom wall 13, a thermally insulating material 15, which is separate therefrom, is inserted. Same is in particular expanded polystyrene. In particular this thermally insulating material 15 may be a polystyrene board.

[0081] This base plate 11 is configured as multi-module carrier plate for receiving several separate and functionally different electronic modules 18. The base plate 11 in the embodiment comprises at least one light module. This is in particular the case because the two separate storage chambers 9 and 10, which here are to be taken merely in an exemplary way, are thereby capable of being illuminated individually from the top.

[0082] Moreover, on the base plate 11 a functionally different further electronics module 18 that is separate from at least one light module 16, 17 is arranged. In the embodiment, this electronics module 18 is in particular an operating and/or display device 19.

[0083] As may be discerned already in the representations in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, this operating and/or display device 19 is arranged to be sunk at least in part, in particular completely, in the base plate 11. Preferably, the ceiling wall 12 contains a second opening 20. This operating and/or display device 19 in the mounted end state is arranged to be uncovered towards the top through this second opening 20. Thereby an operating portion and/or a display portion may be viewed without restrictions and is correspondingly accessible.

[0084] In an embodiment, it may be envisaged that a surface of the operating and/or display device 19 is arranged to be flush with a top side 12a of the ceiling wall 12.

[0085] The here preferably first light module 16 and second light module 17 are in particular, as this may be seen in the sectional view in FIG. 2, arranged to be sunk at least in part, or completely, in the base plate 11 in particular in a respective recess. As may be discerned and is characterized by the merely dashed representation in FIG. 1, these light modules 16 and 17 are arranged to be covered towards the top. They therefore can be neither viewed from the top via the base plate 11, nor can they emit light towards the top in the embodiment.

[0086] Rather, it is envisaged in the embodiment that the light modules 16 and 17 are installed in such a way that they can emit light only towards the bottom. For this purpose, it is envisaged that the bottom wall 13 comprises first openings 13d. Recesses in the clearance 14, in particular in the polystyrene board, are provided to be able to receive the light modules 16 and 17 therein. In particular, here, too, it is envisaged that the light modules 16 and 17 are arranged with their surface that is externally uncovered, in particular the bottom side, to be flush with a third bottom side 13c of the bottom wall 13.

[0087] Also for this operating portion and/or a display portion, in other words operating and/or display device 19 in the clearance 14 space is cut out, in particular in the polystyrene board a recess is configured.

[0088] In an embodiment on the base plate 11 in addition to the light modules 16, 17 and the operating portion and/or a display portion is arranged at least one further electronics module 18. In the embodiment, this is a drive unit 60, 61, in particular a first drive unit 60 and second drive unit 61. Same is here according to the intended purpose provided for driving a first closing unit 9b and a second closing unit 10b of the household cooling appliance 1 that is external to the separation unit 8. In particular, this drive units 60, 61 are provided for driving the closing units 9b, 10b over transmission units 24, 25. For this purpose, the first transmission unit 24 and second transmission unit 25 are rotatably coupled to the drive units 60, 61, which are only schematically shown. The first transmission unit 24 contains a first cam shaft 24a having a first cam portion and the second transmission unit 25 contains a second cam shaft 25a having a second cam portion. The cam shafts 24a, 25a may have an L-shaped configuration and are rotatable coupled with the drive unit 60, 61 by a drive shaft. The rotatable first cam shaft 24a is coupled to a first guiding element 24b of the first closing unit 9b and the second rotatable cam shaft 25a is coupled to a second guiding element 25b of the second closing unit 10b. The guiding element 24b, 25b provides at least one guide path to guide the cam portion of the cam shaft 24a, 25a for ventilation of the storage chamber. For example, the guiding element 24b, 25b may be provided with an engagement cut-out shaped like a helical path. In particular, the engagement cut-out with the helical shape defines the guide path along which the cam portion of the first or second rotatable cam shaft 25a, 25a moves when the respective drive unit 60, 61 rotates the first cam shaft 24a or second cam shaft 25a. In this way, the closing units 9b, 10b may be moved in vertical direction by the drive units 60, 61, in particular raised or let down, so that the height position of the closing units 9b, 10b relative to the storage units 9a, 10a is changed for different ventilation of the storage chambers 9, 10. The respective drive units 60, 61 are preferably arranged on a rear bottom side of the base plate 11, especially in the rear third of the base plate 11.

[0089] In FIG. 3 in perspective partial view an embodiment of the separation unit 8 is shown. Here a view from below is shown. Therefore, the bottom wall 13 is shown. The light module 16 is represented. Also, the first drive unit 60 with partial closing units is represented in FIG. 3. The first transmission unit 24 is equally shown in part. As may be also discerned in FIG. 3, the base plate 11 comprises a front panel 26. Same, too, is configured as separate closing unit. It covers the bottom wall 13 and the ceiling wall 12 on the front side. As may moreover be discerned, the base plate 11 on its side walls comprises bearing elements 27. These bearing elements 27 according to the intended purpose are configured for bearing the separation unit 8 on the first vertical sidewall 6 and second vertical sidewall 7. Further is installed a first detection sensor 21, e.g. temperature sensor for detecting the temperature or a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity in the area of the first storage chamber 9. The first detection sensor 21 is installed between the first drive unit 60 provided at the rear and light module 11 provided on the front bottom side of the separation unit 8. The first detection sensor 21 may be provided in a sensor housing with slots for air exchange with the area of the first storage chamber 9 and the sensor housing is positioned in the clearance 14 of the base plate 11 exposed to the bottom.

[0090] Further, the base plate 11 has a first retaining element 50, which at least substantially prevents movement of the closing unit at least in the horizontal direction at least during movement of the storage unit in a horizontal direction, in particular when the storage unit is pulled out of a refrigeration chamber in the horizontal direction. The first retaining element 50 is arranged on a front area of the base plate on a bottom wall of the base plate 11. The first retaining element 50 defines at least partially the pivot axis of the second closing unit 10b. The first retaining element 50 supports the second closing unit 10b in particular in a pivotable manner relative to the storage unit.

[0091] In FIG. 4 a perspective sectional view of the separation unit 8 is represented. As is shown in this sectional view, the first light module 16 contains a light housing 28. Moreover, the first light module 16 contains a circuit board, which is not shown here and which comprises at least one light source 43, especially a light emitting diode. The circuit board 40 is received and positioned by snap-fit elements inside an inner cavity of the light housing 28. At the interior wall surface of the first module carrier 29 is provided a fixing structure 44, e.g. either hook or lug, that engages with a counter fixing structure (not shown), e.g. either hook or lug as well, provided on the outer wall surface of the diffusor 28 protruding into the cavity of the first module carrier 29. In particular it is envisaged that the base plate 11 contains a first module carrier 29. Same is separate from the light module 16. The first module carrier 29 is arranged in the clearance 14, in particular in a corresponding recess of the thermally insulating material. The first module carrier 29 receives the light module 16. The first module carrier 29 is arranged by an adhesive bond, in particular only by first adhesive bonds 31, on an inner side 13e of the bottom wall 13. The first module carrier 29 has an electrical connection cavity 42 for connecting of the circuit board 40 to an electrical connector of electrical cables (not shown). At the area of the electrical connection cavity 42 the height of the recess is greater than the majority of the recess for the first module carrier 29. As may be moreover also be discerned in FIG. 4, the bearing elements 27 are arranged directly on the second bottom side 12b of the ceiling wall 12. In particular, they are in this regard fastened thereto by a second adhesive bond 32. Moreover, in FIG. 4 it may also be discerned that the bottom wall 13, in particular with its first fillet 13a and second fillet 13b that are extending towards the top, is directly connected to the bearing elements 27. In particular here at least one screw connection 33 may be provided.

[0092] A second module carrier 30 for the second storage chamber may be provided accordingly.

[0093] In FIG. 5 the separation unit 8 is shown in a view from below, wherein here the bottom plate 13 is detached. Therefore a view of the clearance 14 and in particular the uncovered thermally insulating material 15 is represented. In this connection then also further recesses or cut-outs 34, respectively, are shown. These may for instance also be cable ducts or conduits or the like. The first cut-out is provided for guiding of the cables from rear part of the separation unit 8 to the first detection sensor 21, first drive unit 60 and first light module 16, and the second cut-out is provided for guiding of the cables from the rear side of the separation unit 8 to the second detection sensor 23, the second drive unit 61 and second light module 17. Further, at the front area of the separation unit 8 is provided the first retaining element 50 supporting the first closing unit 9b and a second retaining element 51 supporting the second closing unit 10b.

[0094] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the module carrier 29, 30 according to FIG. 4. The module carrier 29, 30 comprises catching structures 44b on an inner side surface of a receiving cavity 45 of the module carrier 29, 30. The catching structures 44b of the module carrier 29, 30 are formed as depressions and the projections of the latching structure 44a protrude into the depressions and the depressions have an incline on at least one side in relation to the longitudinal direction along which the projections slide. The depression can have for example opposite lying edges and a base, wherein the incline extends between the base and one of the edges. In the mounted state of the light module 16, 17 in the receiving cavity 45 of the module carrier 29, 30, the catching structures 44b engaging with the latching structures 44a of the light module 16, 17. At the end portion of the receiving cavity 45 is arranged an electrical connection cavity 42 for receiving a plug of the light module 16, 17. The electrical connection cavity 42 is formed deeper than the majority of the receiving cavity 45. Further, a flange surface 46 surrounds the receiving cavity 45 of the module carrier 29, 30 on which can be arranged a first adhesive bond 31 for attaching the module carrier 29, 30 to an inner side 13e of the bottom wall 13 of the base plate 11.

[0095] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the light module 16, 17 according to FIG. 4. The light module 16, 17 contains a light housing 28 having latching structures 44a on the outer side surface of the light housing 28. The light housing 28 further having snap-fit connection protruding into cavity of the light housing 28 for retaining the circuit board 40. At an end portion the circuit having electrical connections 40a for attaching an edge connector (not shown). There is also an electrical connection opening 41. The light housing 28 comprises a bottom wall formed as diffusor 28a through which emits the light of the light sources on the circuit board 40. The light module 16, 17 has an extension with a hole 70 for removing the light module 16, 17 from the receiving cavity 45 of the module carrier 29, 30 in an easy manner.

[0096] FIG. 8 shows a perspective sectional view of the module carrier 29, 30 with the light module 16, 17 according to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The light module 16, 17 has a light housing 28 with a diffusor 28a through which the light emits from the light sources 43 on the circuit board 40. The light housing 28 are fixed in the receiving cavity 45 of the module carrier 29, 30 by fixing structures 44. The fixing structures 44 are formed by the latching structures 44a provided on the outer side surface of the light housing 28 and catching structures 44b provided on the inner side surface of the receiving cavity 45 of the module carrier 29, 30. The light housing 28 having a bottom wall, which forms the diffusor 28a, from which vertical walls rising for forming a pot-shaped cavity, in which the circuit board 40 with the light sources 43 is fixed by snap-fit connections 47. The receiving cavity 45 is accessible through a first opening 13d. The module carrier 29, 30 has a circumferential frame 48 that surrounds the first opening 13d and protrudes into the first opening 13d. The frame can be formed in particular by an end region of the side walls of the receiving cavity 45 of the module carrier 29, 30. The frame 48 surrounds the diffusor 28a of the light housing 28 and is consequently placed between the diffusor and a circumferential edge of the first opening 13d. Further, the module carrier 29, 30 contains a flange surface 46 on which is arranged an adhesive bond, in particular a first adhesive bond 31. The flange surface 46 of the module carrier 29, 30 completely surrounds the receiving cavity 45 for attaching the module carrier 29, 30 on an inner side 13e of the bottom wall 13 by the adhesive bond, especially first adhesive bond 31.

[0097] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:

TABLE-US-00001 1 household cooling appliance 2 housing 3 receiving space 3a upper volume subspace 3b lower volume subspace 4 inner liner 5 outer housing 6 first vertical sidewall 7 second vertical sidewall 8 separation unit 9 first storage chamber 9a first storage unit 9b first closing unit 10 second storage chamber 10a second storage unit 10b second closing unit 11 base plate 12 ceiling wall 12a top side 12b second bottom side 13 bottom wall 13a first fillet 13b second fillet 13c third bottom side 13d first opening 13e inner side 14 clearance 15 thermally insulating material 16 first light module 17 second light module 18 electronics module 19 operating and/or display device 20 second opening 21 first detection sensor 23 second detection sensor 24 first transmission unit 24a first cam shaft 24b first guiding element 25 second transmission unit 25a second cam shaft 25b second guiding element 26 front panel 27 bearing element 28 light housing 28a diffusor 29 first module carrier 30 second module carrier 31 first adhesive bond 32 second adhesive bond 33 screw connection 34 cut out 40 circuit board 40a electrical connection 41 electrical connection opening 42 electrical connection cavity 43 light source 44 fixing structure 44a latching structure 44b catching structure 45 receiving cavity 46 flange surface 47 snap-fit connection 48 frame 50 first retaining element 51 second retaining element 60 first drive unit 61 second drive unit 70 hole x width direction y height direction z depth direction