U.S. patent application number 17/173325 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-19 for foodstuff storage unit with specific bottle storage rail, pull-out device and household appliance.
The applicant listed for this patent is BSH Hausgeraete GmbH. Invention is credited to Roland BENITSCH, Andrea FINK, Simon KALKOWSKY, Thomas TISCHER.
Application Number | 20210254890 17/173325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005446767 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210254890 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BENITSCH; Roland ; et
al. |
August 19, 2021 |
FOODSTUFF STORAGE UNIT WITH SPECIFIC BOTTLE STORAGE RAIL, PULL-OUT
DEVICE AND HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE
Abstract
A foodstuff storage unit for a household appliance embodied to
store foodstuffs having a plate-like foodstuff storage base forming
a horizontal storage level. The foodstuff storage unit has a bottle
storage rail which is arranged on a front edge of the foodstuff
storage base and is embodied to store a bottle. A pull-out device
and a household appliance are embodied to carry such a foodstuff
storage unit.
Inventors: |
BENITSCH; Roland; (Nattheim,
DE) ; FINK; Andrea; (Gerstetten, DE) ;
KALKOWSKY; Simon; (Sontheim an der Brenz, DE) ;
TISCHER; Thomas; (Haar, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BSH Hausgeraete GmbH |
Muenchen |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005446767 |
Appl. No.: |
17/173325 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 25/021 20130101;
F25D 31/007 20130101; F25D 11/02 20130101; F25D 25/025
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 31/00 20060101
F25D031/00; F25D 11/02 20060101 F25D011/02; F25D 25/02 20060101
F25D025/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 13, 2020 |
DE |
10 2020 201 781.6 |
Claims
1. A foodstuff storage unit for a household appliance embodied to
store foodstuffs, the foodstuff storage unit comprising: a
plate-shaped foodstuff storage base forming a horizontal storage
level and having a front edge; and a bottle storage rail disposed
on said front edge of said plate-shaped foodstuff storage base and
is embodied to store a bottle.
2. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 1, wherein said
bottle storage rail is separate from said plate-shaped foodstuff
storage base and is disposed on said front edge in a
non-destructive detachable manner by means of a connection.
3. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 2, wherein said
connection is a plug-in connection, a snap-on connection and/or a
hook-in connection.
4. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 1, wherein a
length of said bottle storage rail dimensioned in a width direction
of the foodstuff storage unit is equal to a width of said front
edge, which is also dimensioned in the width direction.
5. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 1, wherein said
bottle storage rail has a support channel formed therein into which
the bottle can be placed.
6. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 5, wherein said
bottle storage rail has at least one opening formed therein which
is a ventilation slot.
7. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 6, wherein said
ventilation slot is oriented in a width direction of the foodstuff
storage unit.
8. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 6, wherein said
ventilation slot is embodied in said support channel.
9. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 6, wherein said
bottle storage rail has a thickening bar on an underside that
delimits said ventilation slot on one side so that a delimiting
wall thus formed is larger than a rest of a delimiting wall of said
ventilation slot.
10. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 6, wherein said
ventilation slot has an upper slot outlet embodied in a rear half
of said support channel in a depth direction of the foodstuff
storage unit.
11. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 10, wherein said
slot outlet is embodied such that an air flow flowing therefrom
flows in a direction of a front side of said bottle storage
rail.
12. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 10, wherein said
plate-shaped foodstuff storage base is an uninterrupted shelf or a
storage grid.
13. The foodstuff storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the
foodstuff storage unit is exclusively intended to be used for a
storage of bottles.
14. A pull-out device for a household appliance embodied to store
foodstuffs on different levels, the pull-out device comprising: a
first foodstuff storage unit on a first level, being mounted
displaceably in a pull-out direction; a second foodstuff storage
unit disposed on a second level different from the first level; and
a coupling device with which movements of said first and second
foodstuff storage units can be coupled and in a movement-coupled
state can be pulled out together in the pull-out direction, wherein
at least one of said first and second foodstuff storage units is
embodied in accordance with claim 1.
15. A household refrigerating appliance, comprising: a housing
having at least one receiving space for foodstuffs; and at least
one foodstuff storage unit according to claim 1 and/or a pull-out
device according to claim 14 disposed displaceably in said at least
one receiving space in a depth direction of the household
refrigerating appliance.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119, of German application DE 10 2020 201 781.6, filed Feb. 13,
2020; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] One aspect of the invention relates to a foodstuff storage
unit with a foodstuff storage base. One aspect of the invention
also relates to a pull-out device for a household refrigeration
appliance. The pull-out device is embodied to store foodstuffs on
different levels. For this purpose, the pull-out device has a first
foodstuff storage unit arranged on a first level. This first
foodstuff storage unit is mounted displaceably in a pull-out
direction. For this purpose, the pull-out device has a separate
second foodstuff storage unit arranged on a second level different
from the first level and mounted displaceably in the pull-out
direction. In addition, the invention also relates to a household
appliance.
[0003] Foodstuff storage units are widely known. This includes
units with plate-like foodstuff storage bases. A base of this kind
can, for example, be a shelf. Although storage goods can be placed
on such shelves, their use is limited.
[0004] Pull-out apparatuses are also known from the prior art. For
example, U.S. patent publication No. 2006/0218958 A1 discloses a
pull-out device embodied as a drawer which is provided to store
bottles on different levels. A lower plate for storing such bottles
is permanently connected to a front wall of the drawer and can be
pulled out therewith. A further plate for storing bottles arranged
thereabove is connected to this lower plate by a coupling device.
During the process of pulling out in the pull-out direction, these
plates embodied at different levels are pulled out over different
pull-out lengths so that the bottles positioned thereabove are
accessible in both levels. However, this coupling device has a
complex embodiment so that coupling and decoupling is subject to
complex processes thus giving rise to a certain susceptibility to
errors.
[0005] A pull-out device for a household refrigeration appliance is
also known from U.S. patent publication No. 2016/0178274 A1. This
entails two interconnectable bins. A coupling device has a
vertically displaceable wedge that is able to couple with a stop in
dependence on the drawer pull-position. The wedge is connected to
spiral springs that are separate therefrom and press the wedge
downward.
[0006] Published European patent applications EP 3 546 864 A1 and
EP 3 546 867 A1 disclose pull-out apparatuses for storing
foodstuffs at different levels.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
foodstuff storage unit, a pull-out device for a household appliance
and a household appliance in which prioritized positioning of
stored goods is improved.
[0008] This object is achieved by a foodstuff storage unit, a
pull-out device and a household appliance according to the
independent claims.
[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a foodstuff storage
unit for a household appliance. The foodstuff storage unit is
embodied to store foodstuffs. The foodstuff storage unit has a
plate-like foodstuff storage base. This is a substantive component.
This foodstuff storage base has a horizontal storage level. This is
in particular an upper side of the plate-like foodstuff storage
base. The storage level is in particular coherent and
uninterrupted. Moreover, the foodstuff storage unit has a bottle
storage rail. This bottle storage rail is arranged on a front edge
of the foodstuff storage base. The bottle storage rail is embodied
to store a bottle. It is in particular embodied for horizontal
storage of a bottle. It is in particular embodied only for
horizontal storage of a bottle thereupon. Such an embodiment of a
foodstuff storage unit can on the one hand enable stored goods to
be placed on the foodstuff storage base. Moreover, it is
additionally also possible for a bottle to be stored on the bottle
storage rail. This specific bottle storage rail enables the bottle
to be stored specifically with regard to the storage position,
namely horizontally. Moreover, it is enabled that precisely this
position of the bottle storage rail enables this bottle also to be
stored in a very exposed position, namely in the depth direction of
the foodstuff storage unit in front of the plate-like foodstuff
storage base. This, on the one hand, enables quick access to the
bottle that may be stored there. On the other hand, this also
enables the bottle to be positioned in a very exposed manner and
hence also to be, so-to-speak, presented. Hence, the bottle storage
rail also forms a presentation rail for at least one bottle. Hence,
in particular in advantageous embodiments, improved observation of
a bottle presented in this manner from outside a household
appliance is enabled.
[0010] The bottle storage rail and the foodstuff storage base are
preferably separate components. In particular, it is provided that
the bottle storage rail is arranged in a non-destructive detachable
manner on the front edge by means of a connection. Such an
embodiment also enables these two separate components to be
reversibly separated and reassembled. This can enable simple
cleaning of the individual components. Moreover, this bottle
storage rail can be removed when it is not needed, in particular if
no bottle is to be stored thereupon.
[0011] It can be provided that this connection has a plug-in
connection. It can also be provided that this connection has a
snap-on connection. It can also be provided that this connection
has a hook-in connection. For example, the bottle storage rail can
then be hooked-in or suspended from above on the front edge of the
foodstuff storage base. The mechanical connections are particularly
simple, yet highly functional and robust. This also enables any
lever forces that may occur and which act on this connection
between the bottle storage rail and the foodstuff storage base
through a stored bottle to be absorbed without problems.
[0012] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the
length of bottle storage rail is in particular equal to the width
of the front edge of the foodstuff storage base. The length of the
bottle storage rail is dimensioned in the width direction of the
foodstuff storage unit. The longitudinal axis of this elongate
bottle storage rail is oriented in this width direction. Thus, this
bottle storage rail so-to-speak also forms a front adapter to this
foodstuff storage base. This adapter preferably has exactly the
same width as this front edge. Hence, it is possible to avoid
unwanted edges or steps on the opposite side regions at the
transition between the bottle storage rail and the foodstuff
storage base. In particular, this enables a particularly uniform
overall module to be formed between the bottle storage rail and the
foodstuff storage base.
[0013] Viewed along its longitudinal axis, the dimensions of the
bottle storage rail are embodied many times, in particular at least
twice, in particular at least three times, greater than in a
direction perpendicular thereto, in particular in the depth
direction of the foodstuff storage unit. In this regard, the bottle
storage rail is also formed in a board-like manner.
[0014] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the
bottle storage rail has a support channel. The bottle can be placed
in or placed on the support channel. Such an embodiment enables a
particularly advantageous positioning of the horizontal bottle.
This prevents the horizontal bottle from rolling down from the
bottle storage rail in an unwanted manner.
[0015] In particular, this support channel extends over the entire
length of the bottle storage rail.
[0016] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the
bottle storage rail has at least one opening which is a ventilation
slot. This is a particularly advantageous embodiment. This is
because on the one hand it enables air to be directed through this
bottle storage rail in a targeted manner. This enables a bottle
stored thereupon to be temperature-controlled in a particularly
targeted manner. Moreover, it is additionally also possible for the
air flowing through this ventilation slot to flow onto further
components above the bottle storage rail, for example an inner side
of a door of a household appliance, in particular a household
refrigerating appliance. In an advantageous embodiment, this also
enables a targeted flow of air onto such components to be achieved.
Hence, this can in particular also prevent misting or condensation
of moisture on the inner side of the door.
[0017] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the
ventilation slot is oriented in the width direction of the
foodstuff storage unit. It extends in particular in the direction
of the longitudinal axis of the foodstuff storage rail or coaxially
thereto. This is a further very advantageous embodiment. This is
because it also enables the air flow to flow onto a horizontal
bottle on the bottle storage rail, in particular flow around,
so-to-speak over its entire length in a targeted manner. This
enables particularly uniform temperature control of the horizontal
bottle.
[0018] It is preferably provided that the ventilation slot is
embodied in the support channel. This enables the aforementioned
advantages to be achieved to a particular extent. This enables a
particularly direct flow onto the bottle stored horizontally in the
support line.
[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that
the bottle storage rail has a thickening bar on an underside. This
thickening bar delimits the ventilation slot on one side. This to
the effect that a delimiting wall supplemented by the thickening
bar is enlarged compared to the rest of the delimiting wall of the
ventilation slot. Viewed in the depth direction, this thickening
bar is in particular embodied in a rear region on the underside. As
a result, viewed in the depth direction, a rear delimiting wall of
the ventilation slot is embodied higher or enlarged in this regard.
This enables improved guidance of the air that enters through the
ventilation slot from below and flows through the bottle storage
rail.
[0020] It is preferably provided that the thickening bar extends
over the entire length of the ventilation slot, in particular
without interruption.
[0021] Preferably, this thickening bar also achieves that the
bottle storage rail is mechanically stabilized or stiffened in this
rear region.
[0022] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the
ventilation slot has an upper slot outlet. This slot outlet is
embodied in a rear half of the support channel in the depth
direction of the foodstuff storage unit.
[0023] In a cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis,
the support channel is in particular U-shaped. As a result, this
shape, which is continuously curved in one direction, in particular
forms the center with its minimum point and hence the division into
a front and a rear half. In particular, viewed in this depiction,
the slot outlet is completely embodied in the rear half of the
channel shape. This in particular improves the air flow onto the
bottle and achieves particularly efficient temperature control.
This position is particularly advantageous as it hence also
achieves a diversion of the air flow that passes through the
ventilation slot from below and exits at the slot outlet at the
top. In particular a diversion of the air flow to a front edge of
the bottle storage rail. This is because, viewed in the depth
direction, this positioning causes the circumferentially enclosed
slot outlet with a rear contour region that, viewed in the vertical
direction, delimits the slot outlet, to lie higher than a further
contour section lying further toward the front that delimits the
slot outlet.
[0024] It is preferably provided that the slot outlet is embodied
such that an air flow flowing therefrom flows to or in the
direction of a front side of the bottle storage rail.
[0025] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the
foodstuff storage base is an uninterrupted shelf or a storage grid.
When embodied as a shelf, this can be a quadrangular plate. This is
embodied without any interruption. In the case of a storage grid,
this can also be quadrangular in terms of its basic geometry. It
can then have rods oriented parallel to one another and arranged at
a distance from one another. This in particular achieves support
regions. Additional bottles can then in turn be individually stored
horizontally therein. In one advantageous embodiment, it is hence
provided that the foodstuff storage base is also embodied for the
horizontal storage of bottles. In particular, it is intended only
to be used to store bottles.
[0026] It can be provided that the foodstuff storage unit is a
bottled foodstuff storage unit. It can then be embodied only and
exclusively for the storage of bottles when used as intended. In
particular embodied for the horizontal storage of bottles. Thus, it
can be provided that the bottles stored on the foodstuff storage
base are oriented in the depth direction and hence placed from
front to back or from back to front. On the other hand, the further
bottle, which is in particular stored horizontally on the bottle
storage rail, is oriented perpendicular thereto and with its
longitudinal axis oriented in the width direction.
[0027] A further aspect of the invention relates to a pull-out
device for a household refrigeration appliance. The pull-out device
is embodied to store foodstuffs on different levels. The foodstuffs
can be positioned directly on this pull-out device itself. The
pull-out device has a first foodstuff storage unit, which, when
viewed in the vertical direction of the pull-out device, is
arranged on a first level. The first foodstuff storage unit is
mounted displaceably in a pull-out direction oriented perpendicular
to this vertical direction. Foodstuffs can be directly placed on or
introduced into this foodstuff storage unit. The pull-out device
has a separate second foodstuff storage unit separate from the
first foodstuff storage unit, which is arranged on a second level
different to the first level. Foodstuffs can also be placed
directly on this second foodstuff storage unit. Moreover, the
pull-out device in particular has a coupling device with which the
movements of foodstuff storage units can be coupled. In the
movement-coupled state, the foodstuff storage units can be pulled
out together in the pull-out direction. At least one foodstuff
storage unit is embodied according to the aforementioned aspect or
an advantageous embodiment thereof.
[0028] The coupling device preferably has a coupling element, which
is a one-piece bracket that is intrinsically deformable in a
resilient manner, wherein the coupling element is arranged on a
foodstuff storage unit. The coupling device has a first stop
arranged on the other foodstuff storage unit, wherein the coupled
state of the foodstuff storage units is formed by the coupled state
between the coupling element and the stop. This coupled state can
be released by the intrinsic resilient deformation of the one-piece
bracket when the bracket is in contact with the stop and by guiding
the bracket over the stop in the pull-out direction behind the
stop.
[0029] The bracket is preferably V-shaped. This is a very
advantageous shape in order to achieve the intrinsic deformation of
the one-piece bracket in a very precise and controlled manner. As a
result, there is no unwanted abrupt deformation yet continuous
deformation is still enabled so that continual guidance over the
first stop is enabled and the coupled state is released in a
continuous movement without sudden snapping.
[0030] It is preferably provided that, viewed in the vertical
direction, the second foodstuff storage unit is arranged higher
than the first foodstuff storage unit. Hence, the second level is
in particular embodied above the first level. Viewed in the
vertical direction, the two foodstuff storage units are arranged at
a distance from one another. This distance is preferably
dimensioned such that foodstuffs can be placed on the lower
foodstuff storage unit, which is in particular formed by the first
foodstuff storage unit, even when, viewed in the depth direction of
the pull-out device, the two foodstuff storage units that also
define the pull-out direction are arranged at least partially
overlapping. In particular, the distance in the vertical direction
between these two foodstuff storage units is greater than the
thickness of a beverage bottle.
[0031] Preferably, at least one foodstuff storage unit for the
storage of bottles is embodied on an upper side. Preferably
beverage bottles, in particular wine bottles, can be stored here.
In this context, the pull-out device is then in particular a
bottle-store pull-out device, in particular a wine-bottle-store
pull-out device.
[0032] It is preferably provided that receptacles, in particular
cavities and/or openings, explicitly designed as bottle-store
regions are embodied at least on an upper side of least one
foodstuff storage unit. This enables bottles to be placed on the
upper side of a foodstuff storage unit in a non-slip or roll-proof
manner. Such a storage region can be channel-like. It is also
possible for a foodstuff storage unit to be embodied as a grid or
as a crossbar structure so that at least depressions, in particular
complete openings, are embodied between two grid bars or crossbars
so that a bottle can be placed in this region and is positioned in
a non-slip and roll-proof manner.
[0033] It is preferably provided that the first foodstuff storage
unit is a storage plate and/or the second foodstuff storage unit is
a storage plate. In this context, a storage plate is understood to
be both a full-surface embodiment of a solid board-like or
shelf-like component. However, a storage plate is, for example,
also understood to be a grating or a bracing frame or a truss
frame.
[0034] Alternatively, however, at least one foodstuff storage unit
can, for example, also be embodied as a bin or tub-like
container.
[0035] Hence, with such an embodiment, the foodstuff storage unit
is much higher than a storage plate that is substantially only
defined by its thickness in the vertical direction and therefore
has a relatively low height.
[0036] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that, in
decoupled state, the foodstuff storage units can be displaced
independently of one another against the pull-out direction. This
also means, that, in particular after the decoupling, the upper, in
particular second, foodstuff storage unit can be inserted
independently of the lower, in particular first, foodstuff storage
unit. The first foodstuff storage unit can then also be inserted
against this pull-out direction in particular after the insertion
of the upper foodstuff storage unit and brought into its final
inserted state.
[0037] A further aspect of the invention relates to a household
appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance,
having a housing in which at least one receiving space for
foodstuffs is embodied. The household refrigeration appliance has a
pull-out device according to the aforementioned aspect or an
advantageous embodiment thereof. The pull-out device is arranged
displaceably in the receiving space in the depth direction of the
household refrigerating appliance.
[0038] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the
pull-out device can have pull-out rails, in particular telescopic
rails. These pull-out rails enable the foodstuff storage units to
be pulled out in the pull-out direction. The pull-out rails are
different components from the foodstuff storage units. The pull-out
rails can be arranged on the foodstuff storage units.
[0039] The household refrigeration appliance preferably has a
receiving space that can be closed at the front by two separate
doors. These two separate doors are arranged in the width direction
without overlapping one another and, in the closed state, extend at
a level spanned by the vertical direction and the width direction.
The household refrigeration appliance preferably has a second
receiving space embodied to store foodstuffs. This second receiving
space can be embodied to receive the pull-out device. In particular
when the pull-out device is embodied as a drawer, a front door of
this further receiving space can be formed by the front wall of the
drawer. It can be provided that, viewed in the vertical direction,
the second receiving space is embodied below the first receiving
space. It can be provided that the first receiving space is a
cooling compartment. The second receiving space can be embodied to
store bottles. It can preferably be provided that the household
refrigeration appliance has a third receiving space embodied as
separate from the first and second receiving space. This third
receiving space can be a freezer compartment. This third receiving
space can also be closed at the front by a door separate from the
other doors mentioned. This door can be a pivoting door that can be
pivoted about an axis that is in particular oriented in the
vertical direction. However, this door can also be a front wall of
a drawer that is linearly displaceable in the depth direction.
[0040] The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "horizontal",
"vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "vertical
direction" etc. refer to the positions and orientations during the
intended use and intended arrangement of the apparatus or
appliance.
[0041] Further features of the invention may be derived from the
claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The
features and feature combinations mentioned above in the
description and the features and feature combinations mentioned
below in the description of the figures or shown in the figures
alone are usable not only in the respectively specified combination
but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the
scope of the invention. Hence, embodiments of the invention that
are not explicitly shown or disclosed in the figures but are
derived from and can be generated by separate feature combinations
should also be considered to be disclosed. Hence, embodiments and
feature combinations that do not have all the features of an
originally formulated independent claim should also be considered
to be disclosed.
[0042] Other features which are considered as characteristic for
the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
[0043] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in a foodstuff storage unit with specific bottle
storage rail, a pull-out device and a household appliance, it is
nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since
various modifications and structural changes may be made therein
without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the
scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
[0044] The construction and method of operation of the invention,
however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof
will be best understood from the following description of specific
embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0045] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective depiction of an
exemplary embodiment of a household appliance;
[0046] FIG. 2 a perspective depiction of an exemplary embodiment of
a pull-out device;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective depiction of sub-components of the
arrangement according to FIG. 2 in a different perspective to that
in FIG. 2;
[0048] FIG. 4 a perspective depiction of an exemplary embodiment of
a bottle storage rail of a foodstuff storage unit from above;
[0049] FIG. 5 is a perspective depiction of an exemplary embodiment
of a bottle storage rail of a foodstuff storage unit from
below;
[0050] FIG. 6 is a sectional depiction through the bottle storage
rail according to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5; and
[0051] FIG. 7 is a sectional depiction through a sub-region of the
household refrigerating appliance according to FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] In the figures, the same or functionally equivalent elements
are given the same reference numbers.
[0053] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and
first, particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a household
appliance. This shows as an exemplary embodiment a household
refrigeration appliance 1 embodied to store and preserve
foodstuffs. In the exemplary embodiment, the household
refrigeration appliance 1 is a combined fridge-freezer appliance.
The household refrigeration appliance 1 has a housing 2 in which a
plurality of separate receiving spaces for foodstuffs are embodied.
In this context, a first receiving space 3 is embodied, which in
the present exemplary embodiment is embodied as a cooling
compartment. Moreover, the household refrigeration appliance 1 has
a receiving space 4 embodied therebelow in the vertical direction
(y-direction), which can, for example, represent a partial volume
of the receiving space 3. In one exemplary embodiment, it is
possible to set an atmospheric humidity and/or a temperature in the
receiving space 4 that are different from those in the rest of the
partial volume of the receiving space 3 disposed thereabove. It can
in particular also be provided that the receiving space 4 is
embodied as a receiving space separate from the receiving space 3.
The receiving space can, for example, also a be a bottle storage
space, in particular for wine bottles.
[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the
receiving space 3 can be closed by a plurality of separate doors
arranged at the front. In this context, the receiving space 4 can
be closed by a door 5, which is here a front wall of a drawer that
is linearly displaceable in the depth direction (z-direction). The
rest of the partial volume of the receiving space 3 can be closed
by two further separate doors 6 and 7 which can be pivoted
separately and independently of one another about vertical axes and
hence axes oriented in the vertical direction. This embodiment on
the one hand enables the rest of the partial volume of the
receiving space 3 that is not formed by the receiving space 4 to be
opened and closed independently of the receiving space 4--this is
done by pivoting the doors 6 and/or 7 appropriately. Once again
independently of this, the receiving space 4 can be opened in that
the door 5 is opened and hence the drawer is pulled out.
[0055] In the exemplary embodiment, the household refrigeration
appliance 1 has two further separate receiving spaces 8 and 9 which
are freezer compartments. It is also possible for only one freezer
compartment to be provided or for neither of the freezer
compartments to be provided.
[0056] The two freezer compartments can also in turn be closed by
separate doors 10 and 11, wherein here in the exemplary embodiment
shown these doors 10 and 11 are also front walls of drawers that
are linearly displaceable in the depth direction. It is shown by
way of example that the lower freezer compartment can be closed by
the front wall of a drawer 12 embodied as a door 11, wherein here
this drawer 12 is shown in the pulled-out state.
[0057] The receiving spaces 3, 4, 8 and 9 are delimited by an inner
container, which is in particular made of plastic.
[0058] In the following explanation, it is provided in the
exemplary embodiment that a pull-out device 13 is arranged in the
receiving space 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the pull-out device
13 is embodied to store foodstuffs, here in the form of bottles, in
particular wine bottles. The pull-out device 13 is mounted linearly
displaceably in the receiving space 3 in the depth direction. Here,
the pull-out device 13 is embodied as a drawer and, in addition to
the front wall formed by the door 5, preferably has two foodstuff
storage units 14 and 15. Viewed in the vertical direction, the
first foodstuff storage unit 14 is the lower foodstuff storage
unit. The first foodstuff storage unit 14 has a storage plate or a
foodstuff storage base. Hence, the storage plate is hence embodied
as a panel or tray. In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is
embodied as a strut structure to enable the bottles to be placed
thereupon in a roll-proof manner.
[0059] Viewed in the vertical direction, here the second foodstuff
storage unit 15 represents the upper foodstuff storage unit. In the
exemplary embodiment, it is also embodied with a storage plate or
foodstuff storage base and hence as a panel or tray. Here, this is
preferably embodied as a strut structure. In the exemplary
embodiment shown, by way of example two bottles 16 and 17 are
arranged horizontally on this upper foodstuff storage unit 15.
[0060] The first foodstuff storage unit 14 is preferably
permanently connected to the door 5. As can be identified in FIG.
3, which shows sub-components of the depiction in FIG. 2 in a
different perspective, the pull-out device 13 has carrier parts 18
and 19. The carrier parts 18 and 19 simultaneously represent side
walls delimiting a storage space between the lower first foodstuff
storage unit 14 and the upper second foodstuff storage unit 15 in
the width direction on opposite sides. These carrier parts 18 and
19 are connected at side edges to the first foodstuff storage unit
14, in particular also to the door 5. As can be identified in FIG.
3, a pull-out rail 20, in particular a telescopic pull-out system,
is arranged on an outer side of the carrier part 19. This enables
the pull-out device 13 to be inserted and withdrawn linearly in the
depth direction and hence displaced in the pull-out direction
(positive z-direction) and against this pull-out direction.
[0061] Moreover, the second foodstuff storage unit 15 also has a
separate pull-out rail 21, which is preferably also a telescopic
pull-out system. This pull-out rail 21, which is correspondingly
also embodied on the opposite side, enables the foodstuff storage
unit 15, viewed in the depth direction, to be inserted back and
forth, in particular also independently of the first foodstuff
storage unit 14. Correspondingly, a pull-out rail 20 is also
arranged on the opposite carrier part 18, which is not identifiable
in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
[0062] The pull-out rails 20 and 21 are preferably arranged on
inner sides and vertical side walls of an inner container
delimiting the receiving space 4. They preferably in each case have
a fixed rail permanently attached to these side walls and a sliding
rail that is movable for this purpose.
[0063] As can be identified in FIG. 3, said specifications are
designed as storage plates such that at least one trough, in
particular an opening 24, is embodied between two in each case
parallel crossbars 22 and 23. A bottle introduced or placed on such
a receiving region 25 or storage region is hence then positioned in
a slip-proof and roll-proof manner.
[0064] The pull-out device 13 moreover has a coupling device 26.
The coupling device 26 enables the foodstuff storage units 14 and
15 to be coupled with one another in specific positions and hence
movement-coupled as a result.
[0065] The coupling device 26 in particular achieves that, in the
completely inserted state, the two foodstuff storage units 14 and
15 are decoupled. If the first foodstuff storage unit 14 is pulled
out of this inserted end position in the pull-out direction, in
particular by gripping and pulling out the door 5, coupling with
the second foodstuff storage unit 15 is automatically achieved from
a particularly defined pull-out position provided for this first
foodstuff storage unit 14. From this movement-coupled state, when
pulled further out in the pull-out direction, these two foodstuff
storage units 14 and 15 are pulled out together.
[0066] As can be identified here, the pull-out device 13 has a
carrier part 27 arranged as a separate component on the plate-like
carrier part 18, in particular on an upper edge. In this exemplary
embodiment, the carrier part 27 is preferably L-shaped. It has an
integrated first stop 45 (FIG. 3) which is part of the coupling
device 26. A further coupling element is arranged on the second
foodstuff storage unit 15, in particular arranged movably,
preferably pivotably, thereon. The pivot axis is oriented in the
width direction. Viewed in the width direction, this further
coupling element is arranged at least partially overlapping this
first stop 45. Hence, when the first foodstuff storage unit 14 is
pulled out, the stop 45 on its trajectory can then contact the
upstream further coupling element in the depth direction since this
is located in the trajectory of the first stop 45. When contact has
been achieved, the coupled state between the foodstuff storage
units 14 and 15 is established.
[0067] The coupling element is a one-piece bracket 28. The bracket
28 is intrinsically elastically deformable and hence embodied as
intrinsically resilient. The bracket 28 is in particular made of
plastic, in particular POM. The bracket 28 is preferably V-shaped,
which in particular generally also includes a notch-like or
channel-like shape, in particular also a U-shape. The bracket 28
has a first bracket leg that protrudes downward from the second
foodstuff storage unit 15 in the direction of the first foodstuff
storage unit 14. A second bracket leg is arranged in the second
foodstuff storage unit 15 and arranged in contact with a support.
In particular, this creates a counterforce to the intrinsic
deformation. The first bracket leg is in particular curved.
[0068] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show an exemplary embodiment of a complete
pull-out device 13.
[0069] In each case, this is an exemplary embodiment of a foodstuff
storage unit 14. This foodstuff storage unit 14 has the foodstuff
storage base 29 as shown in FIG. 3 and mentioned above. This
foodstuff storage base 29 is embodied as plate-like. It can be a
shelf. However, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, this can also be a
storage grid. In particular, it is embodied as quadrangular. It has
an upper side representing a storage level 30. Stored goods can be
placed on this storage level 30. In the exemplary embodiment shown,
it is provided that the storage level 30 is embodied to store
bottles. In particular it is embodied to be intended only to be
used to store bottles. In particular it is embodied only for the
horizontal storage of such bottles.
[0070] Moreover, the foodstuff storage unit 14 has a bottle storage
rail 31. The bottle storage rail 31 is arranged on a front edge 32
of the foodstuff storage base 29. Hence, it directly adjoins the
front of this foodstuff storage base 30 in the depth direction
(z-direction).
[0071] In particular, the bottle storage rail 31 is a separate
component from the foodstuff storage base 29. In one advantageous
embodiment, the foodstuff storage base 29 and the bottle storage
rail 31 can be connected by a mechanical connection 33. In
particular, this provides a non-destructive detachable connection.
This mechanical connection 33 can, for example, have a plug-in
connection and/or a snap-on connection and/or a hook-in connection.
In particular, it is also additionally possible for a magnetic
connection to be provided.
[0072] It may be recognized in FIG. 3 that, in the width direction
(x-direction), the bottle storage rail of the foodstuff storage
unit 14 extends over the same width as the front edge 32.
[0073] The bottle storage rail 31 is embodied for the horizontal
storage of a bottle. The bottle storage rail 31 has a support
channel 35 on an upper side 34. In one advantageous embodiment, the
support channel 35 extends over the entire length of the bottle
storage rail 31. This length is dimensioned in the x-direction. The
longitudinal axis of the bottle storage rail 31 is also oriented in
this width direction.
[0074] A bottle can be placed horizontally from above in this
support channel 35. It then lies completely in front of the
foodstuff storage base 29. In this context, the bottle storage rail
31 also forms a presentation rail thus enabling a bottle to be
arranged in a very exposed manner at the front and hence presented.
Hence, it represents a unit for exhibiting the bottle.
[0075] It is also possible to display any stored goods that may
also possibly be placed therebehind on the foodstuff storage base
29. This in particular is also very advantageous in regard of the
accessibility of this bottle on the bottle storage rail 31.
[0076] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the
bottle storage rail 31 has an opening which is a ventilation slot
36. This enables an air flow from below the bottle storage rail 31
to enter through this ventilation slot 36. This enables
particularly efficient temperature control of a bottle stored on
the bottle storage rail 31.
[0077] FIG. 4 is a perspective depiction of a bottle storage rail
31 with a view of the upper side 34.
[0078] FIG. 5 shows the bottle storage rail 31 in a further
perspective depiction, but with a view of an underside 37. The
continuous ventilation slot 36 is identifiable. It extends without
any interruptions. It is oriented in the direction of the
longitudinal axis A of the bottle storage rail 31.
[0079] The bottle storage rail 31 is in particular a one-piece
component. It can, for example, be made of plastic or wood.
[0080] As can be identified in FIG. 5, the bottle storage rail 31
has a thickening bar 38. This is embodied on the underside 37. It
extends over the entire length of the ventilation slot 36. In
particular, it forms a delimiting wall 39 of this ventilation slot
36. On the other hand, it ends at a rear edge 40 of the bottle
storage rail 31. This thickening bar 39 partially thickens or
enlarges the delimiting wall that circumferentially delimits the
ventilation slot 36. Hence, in particular a rear delimiting wall 39
of the ventilation slot 36 is larger or higher than a further front
delimiting wall 41, viewed in the depth direction, as shown in FIG.
5 and FIG. 6.
[0081] FIG. 6 is a sectional depiction of the bottle storage rail
31 along the line of intersection VI in FIG. 4. The sectional plane
is hence perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. It may be
identified here that, in one advantageous embodiment, in the depth
direction, this ventilation slot 36 is embodied in the rear half
35a of the contour of the support channel 35. A front half 35b of
the contour is also plotted in FIG. 6. In the depiction in FIG. 6,
it is formed on the left-hand side of the vertical dashed center
line. In particular, the ventilation slot 36 is completely embodied
in this rear half 35a of the support channel 35. It is in
particular provided that a slot outlet 42 representing an upper
slot outlet is embodied in the contour of the support channel 35.
The advantageous embodiment of the slot outlet 42 embodied in the
rear half 35a of the contour of the support channel 35 also has the
result that, as advantageously shown here, a rear contour section
42a in the depth direction that delimits the slot outlet is higher
in the vertical direction than a front contour section 42b in this
regard. This also advantageously contributes to the fact that an
air flow P that enters the ventilation slot 36 from below exits the
slot outlet 42 and is automatically directed forward to the front
half 35b. In particular, this results in the air flow P being
diverted from the slot outlet 42 toward a front end 43 of the
bottle storage rail 31.
[0082] FIG. 7 is a vertical depiction of a sub-region of the
household refrigerating appliance 1 according to FIG. 1. Here, the
door 11 is shown in the closed state. It may be identified that
this bottle storage rail 31 directly adjoins an inner side 44 of
this door 11. Moreover, the advantageous air flow P guided through
the ventilation slot 36 is identifiable. Hence, it is also achieved
that this air flow P also flows onto this inner side 44. This
enables the possibility of condensation on this inner side 44 and
hence misting of this inner side 44 to be at least reduced, in
particular prevented. A bottle that is then preferably also stored
and presented on the bottle storage rail 31 can hence also
particularly advantageously be viewed from the outside in the
closed state of the door 11. In particular when the door 11 has at
least one display window.
[0083] In particular, the rear side 40 of the bottle storage rail
31 lies directly on and flush with the front edge 33.
[0084] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and
the corresponding structure used in the above description of the
invention: [0085] 1 Household refrigeration appliance [0086] 2
Housing [0087] 3 Receiving space [0088] 4 Receiving space [0089] 5
Door [0090] 6 Door [0091] 7 Door [0092] 8 Receiving space [0093] 9
Receiving space [0094] 10 Door [0095] 11 Door [0096] 12 Drawer
[0097] 13 Pull-out device [0098] 14 First foodstuff storage unit
[0099] 15 Second foodstuff storage unit [0100] 16 Bottle [0101] 17
Bottle [0102] 18 Carrier part [0103] 19 Carrier part [0104] 20
Pull-out rail [0105] 21 Pull-out rail [0106] 22 Crossbar [0107] 23
Crossbar [0108] 24 Opening [0109] 25 Receiving region [0110] 26
Coupling device [0111] 27 Carrier part [0112] 28 Bracket [0113] 29
Foodstuff storage base [0114] 30 Storage level [0115] 31 Bottle
storage rail [0116] 32 Front edge [0117] 33 Connection [0118] 34
Upper side [0119] 35 Support channel [0120] 35a Rear half [0121]
35b Front half [0122] 36 Ventilation slot [0123] 37 Underside
[0124] 38 Thickening bar [0125] 39 Delimiting wall [0126] 40 Rear
side [0127] 41 Delimiting wall [0128] 42 Slot outlet [0129] 42a
Contour section [0130] 42b Contour section [0131] 43 End [0132] 44
Inner side [0133] 45 Stop
* * * * *