U.S. patent application number 15/367490 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-07 for home appliance device.
The applicant listed for this patent is BSH HAUSGERAETE GMBH. Invention is credited to FIDAN GUELER, EMRE GUENTAV, RASIT OENVER.
Application Number | 20180156519 15/367490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62243126 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180156519 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GUELER; FIDAN ; et
al. |
June 7, 2018 |
Home Appliance Device
Abstract
For the purpose of improving air circulation properties, a home
appliance device is proposed. The home appliance device has at
least one inner liner defining at least one storage space; and at
least one fan unit mounted to the inner liner for circulation of
air inside the storage space, the fan unit extending farther than
the inner liner in at least one direction.
Inventors: |
GUELER; FIDAN; (ISTANBUL,
TR) ; GUENTAV; EMRE; (ISTANBUL, TR) ; OENVER;
RASIT; (TEKIRDAG, TR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BSH HAUSGERAETE GMBH |
MUENCHEN |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
62243126 |
Appl. No.: |
15/367490 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F05D 2240/127 20130101;
F04D 29/4226 20130101; F04D 29/4213 20130101; F25D 23/064 20130101;
F25D 2317/0681 20130101; F25D 23/006 20130101; F25D 2400/40
20130101; F25D 23/066 20130101; F04D 29/667 20130101; F25D 17/067
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/06 20060101
F25D017/06; F25D 23/00 20060101 F25D023/00; F25D 23/06 20060101
F25D023/06 |
Claims
1. A home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance
device, comprising: at least one inner liner defining at least one
storage space; and at least one fan unit mounted to the inner liner
for circulation of air inside the storage space, the fan unit
extending farther than the inner liner in at least one
direction.
2. The home appliance device according to claim 1, the fan unit
extending farther than the inner liner in a vertical direction.
3. The home appliance device according to claim 1, the inner liner
featuring at least one top wall section which has at least one
recess for receiving the fan unit.
4. The home appliance device according to claim 1, the fan unit
having at least one rear side cover element forming a common rear
side wall together with the inner liner.
5. The home appliance device according to claim 4, the rear side
cover element being implemented in one piece.
6. The home appliance device according to claim 4, the rear side
cover element featuring at least one latching element for latching
to the inner liner.
7. The home appliance device according to claim 4, the rear side
cover element featuring at least one foam guiding element defining
at least one flow path for foam flowing through during foaming.
8. The home appliance device according to claim 4, the rear side
cover element featuring at least one cable guiding element
implementing at least a portion of a cable management.
9. The home appliance device according to claim 4, the fan unit
comprising at least one second rear side cover element forming a
double wall together with the rear side cover element.
10. The home appliance device according to claim 4, the fan unit
featuring at least one top cover element, which is connected to the
inner liner.
11. The home appliance device according to claim 10, the rear side
cover element, the top cover element and the inner liner together
forming at least one top wall.
12. The home appliance device according to claim 1, the fan unit
featuring at least one air flow channel, which has at least one air
turbulence unit.
13. A home appliance, in particular a home chiller appliance,
comprising at least one home appliance device according to claim
1.
14. A method for assembling a home appliance device, in particular
a home chiller appliance device, comprising: at least one inner
liner defining at least one storage space; at least one fan unit
mounted to the inner liner for circulation of air inside the
storage space, the fan unit extending farther than the inner liner
in at least one direction; at least one rear side cover element;
and at least one top cover element; wherein the rear side cover
element is attached to the inner liner, and the top cover element
is attached to the inner liner and to the rear side cover
element.
15. The method according of claim 14, configured to assemble the
home appliance device according to claim 1.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention relates to a home appliance device, in
particular a home chiller appliance device.
[0002] From the prior art refrigerators featuring anti-frost fans
are known, which cause an air circulation inside a storage space of
a refrigerator when operated. Such fans are arranged inside an
inner liner and/or inside a smallest rectangular cuboid containing
the inner liner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An objective of the invention is, in particular, to provide
a home appliance device with improved characteristics regarding air
circulation. This objective is achieved, according to the claimed
invention. While further implementations and further developments
of the invention may be gathered from the dependent claims.
[0004] A home appliance device, in particular a home chiller
appliance device, is proposed, comprising: at least one inner liner
defining at least one storage space; and at least one fan unit
mounted to the inner liner for circulation of air inside the
storage space, the fan unit extending farther than the inner liner
in at least one direction.
[0005] By means of the invention, in particular an air circulation
inside the home appliance device can be improved. In particular, a
high efficiency can be achieved. Additionally, a high comfort, in
particular regarding operating noise, can be achieved. Furthermore,
a fan unit with a big fan rotor can be used while keeping a storage
space large. Besides, an easy and/or fast assembly is facilitated.
A diversity of parts can be reduced. In addition, a reliable
sealing against foam can be provided. In particular, a diversity of
parts can be reduced. Furthermore, the requirements for a high
energy efficiency class can be met.
[0006] By a "home appliance device" is in particular to be
understood at least a portion, preferably a sub-assembly group, of
a home appliance. The home appliance is in particular provided for
storing and preferably tempering victuals such as beverages, meat,
fish, vegetables, fruits, milk and/or dairy products in at least
one operating state, for example for the purpose of enhancing a
shelf life of the stored victuals. For example, the home appliance
is embodied as a home chiller appliance, which is in at least one
operating state configured for cooling victuals. The home chiller
appliance could in particular be embodied as a climate cabinet, an
ice-box, a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerator-freezer
combination and/or a wine cooler. However, the 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.
[0007] The home appliance device may comprise at least one outer
liner. In particular, the inner liner may be arranged inside the
outer liner. In particular, there may be a gap between the inner
liner and the outer liner, which may preferably be filled with
foam, for instance with Polyurethane foam. During assembly, the
inner liner may be placed inside the outer liner and the gap may
subsequently be filled with foam during foaming. In particular, the
inner liner and the outer liner may together form a main housing of
the home appliance device.
[0008] The fan unit may in particular be configured for generating
an air circulation inside the storage space. In particular, the fan
unit may be implemented as an anti-frost unit. IN particular, the
fan unit may comprise at least one fan having at least one fan
motor and/or at least one fan rotor. It is conceivable that the fan
unit may be configured for operating at different air circulation
intensities, in particular different fan rotation speeds, for
example depending on a requirement for air circulation.
Furthermore, the fan unit in particular may comprise at least one
air inlet and/or at least one air outlet, which may be open towards
the storage space. In this context, "configured" is in particular
to mean specifically programmed, designed and/or equipped. By an
object being configured for a certain function is in particular to
be understood that the object implements and/or fulfills said
certain function in at least one application state and/or operating
state.
[0009] The fan unit may in particular be implemented separately
from the inner liner and in particular be mounted to the inner
liner via at least one latching connection and/or at least one
screw connection and/or at least one rivet connection and/or at
least one adhesive connection. It is also conceivable that the fan
unit may at least partly be implemented integrally with the inner
liner. In this context, the term "a first object and a second
object being at least partly implemented integrally" is in
particular to mean that at least one component of the first object
and at least one component of the second object are implemented
integrally with each other. "Implemented integrally" is in
particular to mean, in this context, connected at least by
substance-to-substance bond, e.g. by a welding process, an adhesive
bonding, an injection-molding process and/or by another process
that is deemed expedient by a person having ordinary skill in the
art. In particular, "implemented integrally" could in particular
mean made of one piece. "Made of one piece" is, in particular, to
mean, in this context, manufactured from one single piece, e.g., by
production from one single cast and/or by manufacturing in a
one-component or multi-component injection-molding process, and for
example from a single blank.
[0010] The fan unit may extend significantly farther than the inner
liner in the at least one direction, in particular farther by at
least 1 cm, preferably farther by at least 3 cm or farther by at
least 5 cm or farther by at least 8 cm. In particular, the fan unit
may at least partly be arranged inside the gap between the inner
liner and the outer liner. The fan unit may in particular be at
least partly located outside a smallest rectangular cuboid
containing the inner liner.
[0011] It is further proposed that the fan unit may extend farther
than the inner liner in a vertical direction. The vertical
direction in particular is a height direction. In particular,
"vertical" corresponds to a normal operating condition, in which
the home appliance device is standing upright on a floor. The
vertical direction is in particular aligned at least substantially
parallel, in particular parallel to a main extension direction of
the inner liner and/or of the outer liner and/or of the housing
and/or of the home appliance device. In particular, the fan unit
may protrude over a top wall of the inner liner. In particular, the
fan unit may be arranged on at least one top edge, for example at
least one top rear edge, of the inner liner. A "main extension
direction" of an object is, in particular, to be understood, in
this context, as a direction extending in parallel to a largest
side of an imaginary rectangular cuboid which only just entirely
encloses the object. In this context "at least substantially
parallel" is in particular to be understood as an orientation of a
direction with respect to a reference direction, in particular in a
plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference
direction in particular of less than 15.degree., advantageously of
less than 10.degree. and in particular advantageously of less than
2.degree.. As a result, a fan unit can be arranged in a
space-saving manner. Furthermore, a fan unit comprising a big fan
can be used.
[0012] In particular, the inner liner may feature at least one top
wall section having at least one recess for receiving the fan unit.
The fan unit may in particular at least partly be arranged inside
the recess. For example, the recess may be an opening. In
particular, the top wall section of the inner liner may implement
at least a portion of a rim of the recess. Further the recess may
be open towards a rear side of the inner liner. In particular, the
recess may be arranged at a rear edge of the inner liner. It is
also conceivable that the recess may be a through-hole, in
particular of the top wall section of the inner liner. In
particular in this case it is conceivable that the recess may be
arranged offset to at least one edge, in particular offset to all
edges of the top wall section of the inner liner and/or all edges
of the inner liner. In particular, the fan unit extends through the
recess from a region below the top wall section of the inner liner
to a region above the top wall section of the inner liner. As a
result, a fan unit can be provided which is easily mountable to an
inner liner.
[0013] In particular, the fan unit may extend significantly farther
than the inner liner in at least one additional direction, which is
preferably oriented perpendicular to the at least one direction. In
particular, the additional direction is a depth direction of the
inner liner. In particular, the fan unit may stick out of the
smallest rectangular cuboid containing the inner liner and/or out
of the recess of the top wall section of the inner liner towards a
rear and a top of the inner liner, for example at an upper rear
edge of the inner liner.
[0014] It is also proposed that the fan unit may have at least one
rear side cover element forming a common rear side wall together
with the inner liner. The rear side wall may in particular define a
front wall of the gap between the inner liner and the outer liner.
In particular, the inner liner may have at least one rear side wall
section having at least one rear side recess for receiving the fan
unit. In particular, the rear side cover element may at least
partly or completely, cover the rear side recess of the inner
liner, and may further seal the rear side cover element against
foam. The rear side cover element may in in particular at least
partly or at least to a large extent or completely be made of
plastic. In particular, the rear side cover element may have at
least one rear side facing away from the storage space and/or
facing the gap between the inner liner and the outer liner. The
rear side cover element may have at least one front side facing the
storage space and/or facing away from the gap between the inner
liner and the outer liner. The term "at least to a large extent" is
in particular to mean to an extent of at least 55%, preferably to
an extent of at least 65%, further preferably to an extent of at
least 75%, advantageously to an extent of at least 85% and further
advantageously to an extent of at least 95%. As a result, foam can
be prevented from entering a storage space of a home appliance
during foaming.
[0015] It is further proposed that the rear side cover element may
be implemented in one piece. In particular, the rear side cover
element may be implemented as an injection-molded element. As a
result, manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, a
diversity of parts can be reduced.
[0016] Fast and/or easy manufacturability can be achieved if the
rear side cover element may feature at least one latching element
for latching to the inner liner. In particular, the rear side cover
element may feature several latching elements, which are in
particular distributed along an edge of the rear side cover element
and/or around the rear side recess of the inner liner. The inner
liner, in particular the rear side wall section of the inner liner,
may feature at least one, in particular several, receiving elements
for the at least one latching element of the rear side cover
element.
[0017] A high-quality foaming and/or other advantageous properties
concerning foam flow during foaming can be achieved if the rear
side cover element may feature at least one foam guiding element
defining at least one flow path for foam flowing through during
foaming. The foam guiding element may in particular be rib-shaped.
The foam guiding element may in particular be arranged on the rear
side of the rear side cover element. In particular, the rear side
cover element may feature several foam guiding elements, which are
in particular rib-shaped and/or arranged at least substantially
parallel to each other. Flow channels for foam flowing through may
in particular be formed between neighboring foam guiding elements.
In particular, the foam guiding element may extend at least
substantially parallel to the vertical direction. In particular,
the rear side cover element may feature foam guiding elements that
differ regarding their length and/or their height and/or their
width and/or their progression. As a result foam can flow easily in
particular in a vertical direction during foaming. Furthermore, a
gap between an inner liner and an outer liner can be filled with
foam reliably and/or entirely.
[0018] Advantageous cable management properties can be provided if
the rear side cover element may features at least one cable guiding
element implementing at least a portion of a cable management. The
cable guiding element may in particular be arranged on the rear
side of the rear side cover element. In particular, the cable
guiding element may define at least one receiving space for at
least one cable, for example for at least one cable of the fan
and/or of the fan motor of the fan unit. In particular, the
receiving space may be accessible from a front side of the rear
side cover element and/or enclosed by the cable guiding element
from the rear side of the rear side cover element.
[0019] High tightness, in particular for foam, can be achieved if
the fan unit may comprise at least one second rear side cover
element forming a double wall together with the rear side cover
element. In particular, the second rear side cover element may be
covered by the rear side cover element towards the gap between the
inner liner and the outer liner. In particular, the second rear
side cover element may at least partly be implemented integrally
with the fan of the fan unit. In particular, the second rear side
cover element may implement at least a portion of a housing of the
fan. In particular, the second rear side cover element may be
arranged offset to the rear side cover element, in particular in a
gap-forming manner. In particular, the fan unit may feature at
least one gap, for example a gap having an at least substantially
constant width, between the rear side cover element and the second
rear side cover element. In this context, an "at least
substantially constant value" is to be understood as a value that
varies by no more than 20%, preferably by no more than 10% and
advantageously by no more than 5%.
[0020] It is further proposed that the fan unit may feature at
least one top cover element, which is connected to the inner liner
and in particular to the rear side cover element. In particular,
the top cover element is latched to the inner liner and/or to the
rear side cover element. It is also conceivable that the top cover
element is connected to the inner liner and/or to the rear side
cover element using at least one screw and/or using at least one
rivet and/or at at least one gluing spot. In particular, the top
cover element and the rear side cover element together may
implement at least one portion of a housing of the fan unit, in
particular a housing of a portion of the fan unit which is arranged
outside the inner liner. In particular, the top cover element may
cover at least a portion of the recess of the top wall section of
the inner liner. In particular, the top cover element together with
the rear side cover element may implement a top cover of a portion
of the fan unit which may be arranged in the recess of the top wall
section of the inner liner. It is also conceivable that the top
cover element alone may implement a top cover of the portion of the
fan unit which may be arranged in the recess of the top wall
section of the inner liner. As a result, a fan unit can be provided
which is easy to manufacture.
[0021] Furthermore it is proposed that the rear side cover element,
the top cover element and the inner liner together may form at
least one top wall. In particular, the fan unit may be integrated
in the inner liner. In particular, the rear side cover element, the
top cover element and the inner liner together may cover an
interior of the fan unit towards the gap between the inner liner
and the outer liner. As a result, a fan unit can be easily and/or
quickly mounted to an inner liner of a home appliance easily and/or
quickly.
[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention it is proposed that
the fan unit may feature at least one air flow channel having at
least one air turbulence unit. In particular, the air turbulence
unit may be configured for swirling circulating air flowing through
the air flow channel. The air flow channel may connect in
particular the fan to the inlet and/or to the outlet of the fan
unit. In particular, the air turbulence unit may feature at least
one swirling element configured for swirling circulating air. In
particular, the air turbulence unit may comprise at least one air
grid featuring several swirling elements. As a result, an efficient
heat transfer, in particular a high Nusselt number, can be
achieved.
[0023] Favorable properties concerning air circulation can be
realized with a home appliance, in particular with a home chiller
appliance, comprising at least one home appliance device according
to the invention.
[0024] Furthermore, a method for assembling a home appliance
device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed,
wherein the home appliance device comprises: at least one inner
liner defining at least one storage space; at least one fan unit
mounted to the inner liner for circulation of air inside the
storage space, the fan unit extending farther than the inner liner
in at least one direction; at least one rear side cover element;
and at least one top cover element; and wherein the rear side cover
element is attached to the inner liner, in particular in a first
step, and the top cover element is attached to the inner liner and
to the rear side cover element, in particular in a second step.
[0025] By means of the invention in particular an air circulation
inside the home appliance device can be improved. In particular, a
high efficiency can be achieved. Additionally, a high comfort, in
particular regarding operating noise, can be achieved. Furthermore,
a fan unit with a big fan rotor can be used while keeping a storage
space large. Besides, an easy and/or fast assembly is facilitated.
A diversity of parts can be reduced. In addition, a reliable
sealing against foam can be provided. Advantageously, a diversity
of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, the requirements for a high
energy efficiency class can be met.
[0026] In particular, the rear side cover element may be latched to
the inner liner, and/or the top cover element may be latched to the
inner liner and/or to the rear side cover element. In particular,
the rear side cover element and/or the top cover element may be
attached without using tools. However, for all or at least for some
connections between these parts other connecting methods are also
conceivable, as for instance screw connections and/or rivet
connections and/or adhesive connections.
[0027] Herein the home appliance device is not to be limited to the
application and implementation described above. In particular, for
the purpose of fulfilling a functionality herein described, the
home appliance device may comprise a number of respective elements,
structural components and units that differs from the number
mentioned herein. Furthermore, regarding the value ranges mentioned
in this disclosure, values within the limits mentioned are to be
understood to be also disclosed and to be used as applicable.
[0028] Further advantages may become apparent from the following
description of the drawing. In the drawing exemplary embodiments of
the invention are shown. The drawing, the description and the
claims contain a plurality of features in combination. The person
having ordinary skill in the art will purposefully also consider
the features separately and will find further expedient
combinations.
[0029] If there is more than one specimen of a certain object, in
some instances only one of these is given a reference numeral in
the figures and in the description. The description of this
specimen may be correspondingly transferred to the other specimens
of the object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0030] FIG. 1 a home appliance comprising a home appliance device,
in a perspective view,
[0031] FIG. 2 a portion of the home appliance device including a
fan unit, in a sectional lateral view,
[0032] FIG. 3 a portion of the home appliance device including the
fan unit, in a perspective sectional view,
[0033] FIG. 4 a portion of the home appliance device including a
rear side cover element of the fan unit, in a perspective view
[0034] FIG. 5 a portion of the home appliance device including the
rear side cover element, in a perspective sectional view,
[0035] FIG. 6 the rear side cover element in a pre-mounted state,
in a sectional lateral view,
[0036] FIG. 7 the rear side cover element in a mounted state, in a
sectional lateral view,
[0037] FIG. 8 a portion of the home appliance device, including a
top cover element of the fan unit in a pre-mounted state, in a
sectional lateral view,
[0038] FIG. 9 the portion of the home appliance device, including
the top cover element of the fan unit in a mounted state, in a
sectional lateral view,
[0039] FIG. 10 a connection between the rear side cover element and
the top cover element, in a perspective sectional view,
[0040] FIG. 11 a portion of an alternative home appliance device
comprising a fan unit having a top cover element, in a perspective
view,
[0041] FIG. 12 a portion of the alternative home appliance device
including the top cover element in a pre-mounted state, in a
sectional lateral view, and
[0042] FIG. 13 the portion of the alternative home appliance
including the top cover element in a mounted state, in a sectional
lateral view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] FIG. 1 shows a home appliance 52a comprising a home
appliance device 10a in a perspective view. The home appliance 52a
is embodied as a home chiller appliance. The home appliance 52a is
embodied as a refrigerator. The home appliance device 10a is
embodied as a home chiller appliance device. The home appliance 52a
could alternatively or additionally be embodied as a wine cooler, a
climate cabinet, an ice-box, a freezer and/or a
refrigerator-freezer combination.
[0044] In FIG. 1 the home appliance device 10a is shown in an
installation position in a normal operating condition. The home
appliance device 10a is installed on a base. The base defines a
horizontal direction 54a. The horizontal direction 54a is a width
direction of the home appliance device 10a.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a portion of the home appliance device 10a in a
sectional lateral view. The home appliance device 10a comprises an
inner liner 12a defining at least one storage space 14a. The inner
liner 12a is rectangular-cuboid-shaped. The home appliance device
10a comprises a fan unit 16a for circulation of air inside the
storage space 14a. The fan unit 16a is mounted to the inner liner
12a. The fan unit 16a implements an anti-frost unit of the home
appliance device 10a.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a portion of the home appliance device 10a
including the fan unit 16a in a perspective sectional view. The fan
unit 16a extends farther than the inner liner 12a in at least one
direction 18a. The fan unit 16a extends farther than the inner
liner 12a in a vertical direction 20a. In the case shown the fan
unit 16a extends by a few cm farther in the direction 18a than the
inner liner 12a. The vertical direction 20a is oriented
perpendicularly to the horizontal direction 54a. The vertical
direction 20a is a height direction of the home appliance device
10a.
[0047] The fan unit 16a extends farther than the inner liner 12a in
an additional direction 56a. The additional direction 56a is a
depth direction of the home appliance device 10a. The additional
direction 56a is oriented perpendicularly to the horizontal
direction 54a and to the vertical direction 20a.
[0048] The home appliance device 10a comprises an outer liner 58a.
The inner liner 12a is arranged inside the outer liner 58a. The
home appliance device 10a comprises a gap 60a between the inner
liner 12a and the outer liner 58a. The gap 60a is filled with PU
foam during foaming. The outer liner 58a and the inner liner 12a
together form a main housing of the home appliance device 10a.
[0049] The inner liner 12a features a top wall section 22a having
at least one recess 24a for receiving the fan unit 16a. The recess
24a is arranged at a top rear edge 62a of the inner liner 12a. The
recess 24a is U-shaped. The recess 24a is open towards the gap 60a.
Alternatively it is conceivable that a fan unit is arranged at a
front edge and/or a lateral edge and/or a bottom edge of an inner
liner. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a recess is implemented
as a through-hole and/or in a bottom wall section and/or in a side
wall section and/or in a front wall section of an inner liner.
[0050] The fan unit 16a features a fan 64a with a fan rotor 66a. An
interior of the fan 64a, containing for instance a fan motor and
electronics of the fan, is not shown for reasons of clarity. The
fan unit 16a features at least one air flow channel 48a having at
least one air turbulence unit 50a. The air flow channel 48a is
connected to the fan 64a. The air turbulence unit 50a comprises a
number of swirling elements 68a, of which only one is given a
reference numeral for reasons of clarity. The swirling elements 68a
are arranged on an air-swirling grid 70a of the air turbulence unit
50a. The swirling elements 68a are configured for swirling air
flowing through the air flow channel 48a. The turbulence unit 50a
is configured for enhancing an efficiency of heat transfer.
[0051] FIG. 4 shows a portion of the home appliance device 10a in a
perspective view. The fan unit 16a comprises a rear side cover
element 26a. FIG. 5 shows a portion of the home appliance device
10a including the rear side cover element 26a in a perspective
sectional view. For clarity, parts of the fan unit 16a are not
shown in FIG. 5.
[0052] The rear side cover element 26a forms a common rear side
wall 28a together with the inner liner 12a, in particular with a
rear wall section 71a of the inner liner 12a. The common rear side
wall 28a seals the storage space 14a against foam and/or against
the gap 60a.
[0053] The rear side cover element 26a is implemented in one piece.
The rear side cover element 26a is made of plastic. The rear side
cover element 26a is an injection-moulded element. However, it is
also conceivable that a rear side cover element is partly or
completely made of metal and/or another suitable material.
[0054] The rear side cover element 26a features a cup-shaped
portion 72a implementing an receiving space 74a for the fan 64a.
The fan 64a is partly arranged inside the receiving space 74a.
[0055] FIG. 5 further shows that the inner liner 12a features a
rear side wall section 76a with a rear side recess 78a for
receiving the fan unit 16a. The rear side recess 78a is implemented
integrally with the recess 24a of the top wall section 22a. The fan
unit 16a sticks out of the inner liner 12a through the recess 24a
of the top wall section 22a and the rear side recess 78a of the
rear side wall section 76a. The fan unit 16a sticks out of a
smallest cuboid containing the inner liner 12a through the recess
24a of the top wall section 22a and the rear side recess 78a of the
rear side wall section 76a.
[0056] The rear side cover element 26a features a latching element
29a for latching to the inner liner 12a. The rear side cover
element 26a is latched to the rear side wall section 76a of the
inner liner 12a. The latching element 29a is latched with a
receiving element 80a of the inner liner 12a. The receiving element
80a is implemented as a through-hole. In the shown embodiment the
rear side cover element 26a comprises a plurality of latching
elements 29a arranged around the rear side recess 78a, of which
only one is given a reference numeral for reasons of clarity.
[0057] The rear side cover element 26a features at least one foam
guiding element 30a defining at least one flow path 32a for foam
flowing through during foaming. The foam guiding element 30a is
rib-shaped. The foam guiding element 30a extends in a direction
parallel to the vertical direction 20a. In the shown embodiment the
rear side cover element 26a features a plurality of different foam
guiding elements 30a and a plurality of flow paths 32a, not all of
which are given reference numerals for reasons of clarity. The flow
paths 32a are implemented as flow channels between neighboring foam
guiding elements 30a.
[0058] The rear side cover element 26a features at least one cable
guiding element 34a implementing at least a portion of a cable
management 38a, in particular for cables of the fan 64a, which are
not shown for reasons of clarity. The cable guiding element 34a
defines a receiving space 82a for cables of the fan 64a. In the
case shown the rear side cover element 26a features an additional
cable guiding element 36a, which is implemented
mirror-symmetrically to the cable guiding element 34a.
[0059] As further shown in FIG. 2 the fan unit 16a comprises a
second rear side cover element 40a forming a double wall 42a
together with the rear side cover element 26a. The rear side cover
element 26a covers the second rear side cover element 40a towards
the gap 60a. The double wall 42a provides a reliable sealing
against foam from the gap 60a. The second rear side cover element
40a is at least partly implemented integrally with the fan 64a. The
second rear side cover element 40a implements a rear side cover of
the fan 64a.
[0060] FIG. 6 shows the rear side cover element 26a in a
pre-mounted state in a sectional lateral view. FIG. 7 shows the
rear side cover element 26a in a mounted state in a sectional
lateral view. During mounting, the rear side cover element 26a is
brought into contact with the inner liner 12a. The latching element
29a is inserted into the receiving element 80a. Subsequently, the
rear side cover element 26a is slid downwards parallel to the
vertical direction 20a in order to latch the latching element 29a
with the receiving element 80a.
[0061] FIG. 8 shows a portion of the home appliance device 10a in a
sectional lateral view. The fan unit 16a comprises a top cover
element 44a, which is connected to the inner liner 12a. FIG. 8
shows the top cover element 44a in a pre-mounted state. FIG. 9
shows the portion of the home appliance device 10a including the
top cover element 44a in a mounted state in a sectional lateral
view. FIG. 10 shows a connection between the rear side cover
element 26a and the top cover element 44a in a perspective
sectional view.
[0062] The top cover element 44a is latched to the inner liner 12a.
The top cover element 44a is latched to the rear side cover element
26a. The top cover element 44a features a latching element 84a.
During mounting, the latching element 84a of the top cover element
44a is hooked to a rim of the recess 24a and swiveled toward the
rear side cover element 26a. The top cover element 44a features a
groove 86a for connecting to a tongue element 88a of the rear side
cover element 26a.
[0063] The rear side cover element 26a, the top cover element 44a
and the inner liner 12a together form a top wall 46a. The top wall
46a seals an interior of the fan unit 16a against foam from the gap
60a. The rear side cover element 26a and the top cover element 44a
each form a portion of a common top cover 90a covering a portion of
the fan unit 16a, which is arranged outside the inner liner 12a.
The top cover 90a covers the fan 64a towards the gap 60a between
the inner liner 12a and the outer liner 58a. Owing to the top cover
90a the fan 64a can be arranged at a topmost position inside or
even partly outside the inner liner 12a.
[0064] When assembling the home appliance device 10a, the rear side
cover element 26a is attached to the inner liner 12a, and the top
cover element 44a is attached to the inner liner 12a and to the
rear side cover element 26a.
[0065] FIGS. 11 to 13 show a further exemplary embodiment of the
invention. The following description is substantially limited to
the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein
regarding structural elements, features and functions that remain
the same, the description of the other exemplary embodiment, in
particular of FIGS. 1 to 10, may be referred to. For distinguishing
the exemplary embodiments, the letter a of the reference numerals
in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10 has been substituted
by the letter b in the reference numerals of the exemplary
embodiments of FIGS. 11 to 13. 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 other exemplary embodiment, in particular of
the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10, may be referred to.
[0066] FIG. 11 shows a portion of an alternative home appliance
device 10b in a perspective view. The alternative home appliance
device 10b is implemented in a similar fashion as the home
appliance device 10a of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10.
The alternative home appliance device 10b comprises at least one
inner liner 12b defining at least one storage space which is not
shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. The alternative home appliance device 10b
comprises a fan unit 16b for circulation of air inside the storage
space. The fan unit 16b extends farther than the inner liner 12b in
at least one direction 18b. In the case shown the direction 18b is
a vertical direction 20b.
[0067] The fan unit 16b comprises a rear side cover element 26b.
The rear side cover element 26b is connected to the inner liner
12b. The rear side cover element 26b forms a common rear side wall
28b together with the inner liner 12b.
[0068] The fan unit 16b comprises a top cover element 44b. The top
cover element 44b is connected to the inner liner 12b. The top
cover element 44b forms a top wall 46b together with the inner
liner 12b. The top cover element 44b features at least one foam
guiding element 92b defining at least one flow path 94b for foam
flowing through during foaming. The top cover element 44b features
a plurality of foam guiding elements 92b and a plurality of flow
paths 94b, which are not given reference numerals for reasons of
clarity.
[0069] FIG. 12 shows a portion of the alternative home appliance
device 10b with the top cover element 44b in a pre-mounted state.
FIG. 13 shows the portion of the alternative home appliance device
10b with the top cover element 44b in a mounted state. The top
cover element 44b features a latching element 84b. The latching
element 84b is latched with the inner liner 12b. The latching
element 84b is latched with a top wall section 22b of the inner
liner 12b. The top cover element 44b features a groove 86b which is
hooked to a tongue element 96b of the inner liner 12b. The tongue
element 96b is implemented by a rear side edge 62b of the inner
liner 12b. The top cover element 44b forms a top cover 90b covering
a portion of the fan unit 16b which is not covered by the top wall
section 22b of the inner liner 12b. The top cover element 44b
covers a fan of the fan unit 16b, which fan is not explicitly shown
in FIGS. 11 to 13.
[0070] When assembling the alternative home appliance device 12b,
the rear side cover element 26b is attached to the inner liner 12b.
Furthermore, the top cover element 44b is attached to the inner
liner 12b. The top cover element 44b is attached to the inner liner
12b separately from the rear side cover element 26b.
[0071] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and
the corresponding structure used in the above description of the
invention: [0072] 10 home appliance device [0073] 12 inner liner
[0074] 14 storage space [0075] 16 fan unit [0076] 18 direction
[0077] 20 vertical direction [0078] 22 top wall section [0079] 24
recess [0080] 26 rear side cover element [0081] 28 rear side wall
[0082] 29 latching element [0083] 30 foam guiding element [0084] 32
flow path [0085] 34 guiding element [0086] 36 guiding element
[0087] 38 cable management [0088] 40 rear side cover element [0089]
42 wall [0090] 44 top cover element [0091] 46 wall [0092] 48 air
flow channel [0093] 50 air turbulence unit [0094] 52 home appliance
[0095] 54 direction [0096] 56 direction [0097] 58 outer liner
[0098] 60 gap [0099] 62 edge [0100] 64 fan [0101] 66 fan rotor
[0102] 68 swirling element [0103] 70 air-swirling grid [0104] 71
rear wall section [0105] 72 portion [0106] 74 receiving space
[0107] 76 rear side wall section [0108] 78 rear side recess [0109]
80 receiving element [0110] 82 receiving space [0111] 84 latching
element [0112] 86 groove [0113] 88 tongue element [0114] 90 top
cover [0115] 92 foam guiding element [0116] 94 flow path [0117] 96
tongue element
* * * * *