EP3077742A1

EP3077742A1 - Domestic refrigerator with a display unit for symbolically displaying a moisture content in a freshness-preserving container and with an operating element coupled to said display unit

Info

Publication number: EP3077742A1
Application number: EP14802682.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alper Erdem; Jürgen FINK; Denis Lux; Marcus WEHLAUCH
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2013-12-06
Filing date: 2014-11-26
Publication date: 2016-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-26
Also published as: WO2015082273A1; EP3077742B1; PL3077742T3; CN205980550U; DE102013225095A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a domestic refrigerator (1) with an interior (4, 5) for receiving food, said interior being delimited by walls of an inner container (3); a freshness-preserving container (8) for food, said container being arranged in the interior (4, 5) and being closeable by a cover (9); a mounting device (12) by means of which the cover (9) is mounted so as to be raisable and lowerable in order to open and close the freshness-preserving container (8) in the interior (4, 5); and an operating element (13) with which the cover (9) can be actuated. The domestic refrigerator (1) has a display unit (24) for symbolically displaying a moisture content in the freshness-preserving container (8), and a display element (28, 28') of the display unit (24) is mechanically coupled to the operating element (13) and can be moved into position dependent on the movement of the operating element (13) in order to display the moisture content.

Description

Domestic refrigeration appliance with a display unit for the symbolic display of a moisture content in a preservation container and a control element coupled thereto

The invention relates to a household refrigerator with an interior, which is designed to hold food. The interior is limited by walls of an inner container. The household refrigerator also includes a freshness container, which is arranged in the interior. The fresh food container is closed by a lid. In addition, a storage device is formed, with which the lid for opening and closing of the fresh food container is mounted in the interior raised and lowered. The lid can be operated with a control element.

Such embodiments are known from the prior art. Thus, WO 201 1/026749 A2 shows a corresponding refrigerator with a vegetable compartment. A bowl for receiving the vegetables can be introduced into the interior and taken out. This shell can be covered from above by a lid. At obliquely formed upper edges of the shell of the lid is in the closed state. Above the lid, a further plate is arranged, on which a front strip is formed, on which an operating element is movably positioned. The operating element can be displaced parallel to the front strip and is coupled with an inclined guide track in the form of a slot formed in the cover. Depending on this displacement of this slide then takes place a lifting of the lid, which is coupled via a corresponding mechanical coupling with the plate arranged above. In addition, from DE 40 40 341 C2 a freshness box with a closable lid known. This box is also used in an interior of a household refrigerator.

In both known from the prior art embodiments, it is provided to store the refrigerated goods introduced therein, for example in the form of vegetables, salads, meat, fruits and the like from undesirably rapid drying out. The in the Associated problems are already adequately explained in DE 40 40 341 C2.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a household refrigerator, in which information about the climatic condition in the fresh food container is presented to a user.

This object is achieved by a household refrigerator, which has the features of claim 1. An inventive domestic refrigerator comprises an interior for receiving food, which is bounded by walls of an inner container. In addition, the household refrigerating appliance comprises at least one food storage container arranged in the interior, which can be closed by a lid. The freshness container includes in addition to the lid and a shell or a drawer in which the food can be introduced, and which is then closed by the lid from above. In addition, the household refrigerator comprises a storage device with which the lid for opening and closing of the fresh food container is mounted in the interior raised and lowered. Furthermore, the domestic refrigerator comprises an operating element with which the lid can be actuated. An essential idea of the invention is to be seen in that the household refrigerating appliance has a display unit for the symbolic display of a moisture content in the fresh food container. The display unit comprises a display element with which the operating element is mechanically coupled. The display element is movable depending on the movement of the control element for moisture content display item. The display unit thus provides a device which is not to be understood as representing detailed values of moisture content information presently present in the freshness-keeping container, but only an information is to be presented here to a user on the basis of which he subdivides the information into a high moisture content, a low moisture content and at least one intermediate, average moisture content recognizes. This symbolic and undetailed moisture content information is sufficient for the user to be able to make decisions in the context, to close a lid or to open it. By the mechanically acting display unit with the display element, which is movable, this rudimentary information presentation about the moisture content can also be communicated very easily. There is no complex electronics required in the context, which is very functional failure in the ambient conditions in the interior, especially in the fresh food container.

As a result, such a mechanical action principle, as it is given by the display element and the coupling with the operating element, highly functional and permanently suitable without restriction. Due to the mechanical coupling between the operating elements and the display element, a movement initiation of the display element is also achieved by the operating element, so that here too an immediate information message to the user about the moisture content takes place when the operating element is actuated. In particular, the change in the information display on the moisture content is coupled to the various possible positions of the lid. This means that in a closed position of the lid a high moisture content is present in the fresh food container and this is then also indicated by a corresponding assigned position of the display element with then characteristic symbolic representation. The same applies to the fully open position of the lid as well as preferably for at least one intermediate intermediate position.

It is preferably provided that the display unit has a plurality of separate objects or object elements and each object symbolizes a different moisture content. It is envisaged that the object active for the momentary clarification of the moisture content is marked individually by the display element. Color differentiation and information about the different moisture contents is easily recognizable and intuitively perceptible by a user. Due to the coloring, which can be formed in different colors on the one hand or in view of the shape and / or size of a color representation of a color on the other hand, it is easy for a user to recognize which moisture content information is to be transmitted. Also, a certain signaling effect is given to the user by such a colored information message, and Attention to the moisture content information is also increased if primarily another area of the interior is actually viewed by the user and the moisture content information should not be in the foreground.

It is preferably provided that a change in the color coding is coupled to the actuation of the operating element and the associated adjustment of the lid. In particular, it is advantageous if the change in the color coding is simultaneous with the adjustment of the lid. The immediacy of the moisture content information is further improved. It is preferably provided that the display element is designed for color underlay with a moisture content symbolizing objects. The objects may represent, for example, foods such as fruits, vegetables or meat, such as fish. However, they can also be word information about the particular food. The combination of such specific emblems with a then colored deposit or underlay further improves the traceability for a user. So it can be taught in the context catchy that, for example, the moisture content for a specific food with the current setting, especially the lid position, too high or permanently too low. The deposit of the object is also advantageous because then the object is not hidden as such and thus is still recognizable even with changing color deposit. In addition, this embodiment also protects the display element, which then has the color areas or markings, so that scratching or other wear of the colored areas of the display element is prevented.

It is preferably provided that the display element is a displaceable plate-like strip. This is in terms of its mechanical mobility on the coupling with the control particularly easy and smooth and in particular to move straight, so that in this regard, corresponding advantages are achieved. In addition, such a plate-like strip is also very thin and flat construction, so that little space is needed. It is preferably provided that the display element has a coupling receptacle, in which engages a coupling element of the control element. The mechanical connection and in particular then also immediate motion initiation of the display element upon actuation of the operating element is given. An undesirable separation and thus a loss of coupling are virtually prevented by such a configuration, since the coupling chain is short.

It is preferably provided that the coupling element is a pin which engages in a trained as a guide slot coupling receptacle. Through the coupling pin an element is created, which on the one hand is robust and can absorb and transmit corresponding forces, on the other hand, is not a bulky element which can only be performed stiff and beyond possibly easily spreader or jam. The entire coupling mechanism is designed very reduced by such a configuration also in the complexity and the mechanical interaction of the elements.

Preferably, it is provided that the domestic refrigerator has a partition or partition plate, which is arranged directly above the lid in the interior and forms and extends as a horizontal plate, and on which the operating element is arranged. This is an advantageous embodiment, since the partition is usually arranged stationarily in the interior, in an advantageous embodiment, however, nondestructively releasably removable therefrom. Since the partition in the installed state does not have to be moved in order to be able to effect corresponding movements of other components, it also represents a preferred support for the operating element. The interaction and mechanical coupling with other components is thereby also favored for the operating element. since no other relative movements of the partition must be taken into account in a movement of the operating element, so that the motion control of the operating element and also the initiation of a movement of other components is also reduced complexity.

Preferably, it is provided that the partition has on a top side facing away from the cover, the display unit for displaying the moisture content in the fresh food container. This is a very exposed position for the display unit, for a user Usually easy to see, even if the interior is fully equipped with food. In addition, the partition also represents a correspondingly solid component, which thus also serves as a multi-integral support for corresponding components. Just then, the mechanical coupling between the control element and the display element can be very simple and reduced component and yet implement highly functional.

It is preferably provided that the upper side of the partition wall is uneven and the display unit is arranged in an obliquely upwardly and rearwardly oriented surface region of the upper side. This further specification of the local situation improves the visibility and perceptibility of the information conveyed. As a result of this oblique design of the surface area and the arrangement of the display unit, in particular with the display element, virtually nothing can be placed on it which would obscure the display unit. In addition, given by this inclination also a particularly advantageous orientation for the usual angle of view of a user when he looks in particular in the direction of the cling container with the door open of the household refrigerator. Even with darker visibility or very bright illumination of the interior then no impairment of the visibility of moisture content information is given because unwanted light reflections or the like are at least reduced so that they do not hinder the visibility of the moisture content information on the display unit.

Preferably, it is provided that the surface area is arranged offset backward relative to a front edge of the partition wall and extends parallel to the front edge. By this quasi shifted in the interior position of the surface area an undesirable abutment during loading and removal of food or other components is avoided from the interior. As a result, the functionality is maintained for a long time. In addition, the possibility of an arrangement, in particular integration of further functional components is made possible by such a configuration in a surface area between this surface area and the front edge. In particular, it is provided in the context that the operating element in a such flat horizontal surface area of the upper side between the surface area and the front edge is arranged. As a result, it is positioned on the one hand so that it can be easily accessed by a user with the door open at any time, and on the other hand is also in the immediate vicinity of the display unit. This also benefits in terms of ease of use on the one hand and the immediate visibility of the moisture content information is achieved when operating the control. In addition, a certain pedestal is created by this surface area between the surface area and the front edge, which also serves as a support for other parts and possibly also as a support of a hand or a palm of a user allows when this finger then the operating element and actuated. By this possibility of supporting the hand then an optionally safer and more precise motion control of the control element can be made possible.

It is preferably provided that the operating element for actuating the lid can be actuated on an actuation path and can be locked in at least three different positions along the actuation path. This is designed in such a way that the cover can be positioned depending on a position of the operating element in a first closed position, in a second fully open position or in an intermediate position. By this embodiment is achieved in particular advantage that not only with the lid closed a very high moisture content in the freshness container is produced and maintained, and prevails in the open position, a very low moisture content, which may cause an undesirable drying out of the food stored therein quickly but that by this finely adjusted and thus multistable possibility of the cover also moisture contents are set, which are interposed these two extreme situations in the end positions of the lid. As a result, more precise and finely adjusted with respect to the setting of the moisture content can be reacted with regard to the loading amount and / or the loading of the fresh container, which in turn has significant advantages in terms of the possible duration of storage and thus the freshness of the stored goods or the introduced into the fresh food container Food attracts. It is preferably provided that the actuating travel of the operating element is a rotary movement. This is a particularly simple and for a user very ergonomically feasible movement, so that here is given a high level of user-friendliness. Preferably, the operating element has a disc-shaped main body which has a guideway circulating around a rotation axis of the operating element. The guideway has rectilinear guideway sections, to which, depending on the position of the operating element, a locking element engages in order to lock the operating element in one of the three positions. By this configuration, the discrete positions of the control element and the associated discrete positions of the lid are reliably held without the user would have to hold the lid with his hands or hold the control element in the respective position. By this particular independent and automatic locking possibility are thus very targeted and defined these respective possible discrete positions of the control element and thus the lid then reached and started and then held accordingly. A vague position adjustment and only about reaching such a position by a user, if such a lock would not be present, then also has significant disadvantages to the respective moisture content, which then arise. These disadvantages can be counteracted by this advantageous embodiment.

It is preferably provided that the guide track sections are circle segment tendons which are subsequently formed on one another. It is thus virtually created a polygonal guide track area around the axis of rotation of the control element, wherein extending between the corners of each of these rectilinear track sections. The arrangement and geometry of these guideway sections gives advantages in terms of the coupling with the locking element and then the permanently reliable locking as such. In addition, given by such a configuration, a haptic feedback to a user when a corresponding guide track section then locked with the locking element. Due to the rectilinear design of the guideway sections, the simplest possible geometry and extension is achieved, which is sufficient with regard to the locking functionality, furthermore, no complex movement sequences of the Operating element on the one hand and in the coupling for locking between the operating element and the locking element on the other hand requires. Here, too, functional losses, for example, due to misalignments or jamming, of the operating element and of the locking element can thus be avoided. It is preferably provided that these circular segment tendons are angled, in particular at an angle greater than 90 ° and smaller than 180 °, adjacent to each other. Such a configuration of the polygonal-like ring portion about the axis of rotation of the control element favors the above-mentioned advantages again. In addition, by abutting the Kreissegmentsehnen an undesirable intervention of a locking element can be avoided in an example intermediate gap between two guide track sections, so that here also damage to the locking element can be prevented.

It is preferably provided that an angle between two connecting lines between the axis of rotation and the ends of a Kreissegmentsehne between 50 ° and 60 °, in particular between 53 ° and 54 °. These very specific angle values have particular advantages with respect to a smooth operation of the operating element even when the locking element is applied thereto. On the other hand, these angular positions also achieve a very preferred compromise between free movement possibility in the transition between two guideway sections and nevertheless sufficient locking functionality. Thus, when actuated by a user, no undesirably high amount of force will be required to guide the locking element past a kink between two guide track sections and / or to cause an undesirably strong snap-over in this regard. On the other hand, the reliable locking and mounting is easily achieved.

It is preferably provided that the guideway sections are webs projecting downwards from the main body. As a result, a robust raised structure can be created, which allows the coupling with the locking element very simple, on the other hand holds the forces occurring in the locking dimensionally stable. It is preferably provided that the locking element is a strip-shaped detent spring. This is a very simple locking element, which, however, in terms of its functionality and mechanical coupling with the guideway sections is particularly suitable. In addition, the widest possible contact with a rectilinear guideway section in the locked state is achieved by the strip-shaped configuration, so that the lock is also held reliably. On the other hand, the construction height is reduced by the strip-shaped configuration, so that no unwanted protrusion occurs here as well.

It is preferably provided that the locking element is arranged on the top side facing away from the cover of the partition. As a result, an exposed position is created, which allows a reliable coupling with the operating element and in particular the guide track sections. Preferably, the locking element is formed integrally with the partition wall. It is preferably provided that a base body of the operating element is formed at least partially hollow on its underside facing the lid and in the assembled state of the operating element, the locking element extends into a cavity of the base body. As a result, a corresponding meshing is achieved and reduces the height. In a particularly advantageous manner, it is provided that the locking element is covered from above by the base body. As a result, it is also arranged protected, in particular when it extends from the top of the partition wall raised upward. An undesirable damage or even cancel this locking element is then prevented. It is preferably provided that the operating element extends through the horizontally oriented partition wall downwards and engages with a coupling element in a downwardly from an underside of the partition wall and engaging in an engagement region on the lid shifter, which is mechanically coupled to the lid engages. As a result, on the one hand, a stable attachment of the operating element to the partition is made possible, on the other hand a very short-distance connection to the slide generated so that a tolerance chain is minimized with respect to the game in the motion transmission from the control element to the shifter due to reduced then occurring number of components. Thereby Also, a very direct motion transmission from the control to the slider is achieved.

It is preferably provided that the coupling element is arranged eccentrically to the axis of the operating element. As a result, the coupling element on the one hand remain dimensionally stable and stable in length, on the other hand also be arranged stationarily on the operating element, in particular integrally and integrally formed therewith, and yet a precise transmission of motion is made possible directly from the operating element to the slide. Only by the rotational movement of the control element and due to the eccentric arrangement of the coupling element then the change in position of the coupling element is transmitted to the slide, which then adjusts the lid accordingly in its position.

It is preferably provided that the bearing device comprises guideways on opposite vertical side walls of the inner container, on which the lid is mounted. Preferably, these guideways are arranged sloping to the rear, so that when adjusting the lid a simultaneous lifting and sliding movement is completed. This is also advantageous with regard to a smooth, even and thus smooth motion control of the lid. A lifting height of the lid relative to the drawer dimensioned in the vertical direction may preferably be up to 10 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 5 mm, wherein preferably at an intermediate position, a half-stroke height is formed. It is preferably provided that the operating element has a disc-shaped basic body, which has a guide slot circulating in regions around the axis of rotation and predetermining the length of the actuating travel. The guide slot can preferably be realized as a curved, in particular banana-shaped configuration.

In the guide slot engages a control element external sliding block, which locks the operating element in the at least one rotational position. Such a design is a highly effective, robust and yet very simple realized mechanical principle. It is achieved a user-friendly operation as well as a component-reduced and compact bodybuilt mechanics. In addition, a very smooth and smooth movement of the control element is made possible by the specific shape of the guide link and the coupling with a sliding block, so that the rotational movement can be performed very ergonomically by a user.

It is particularly advantageous that the guide slot has a radially outwardly directed recess at the gate point provided for latching the rotational position and thus at a specific point of the actuating path, at a radially outer edge contour which delimits and defines the guide slot. As a result of this shape specification, this sliding block, when it reaches this rotational position to be locked, virtually automatically leads into a depression or depression of the guide geometry of the guide. By such then generated rich fit the locking is also very easy.

In particular, the shape contour of the sliding block is adapted to this outward bulge, so that the largest possible investment of the sliding block is reached at this bulge. Unwanted position tolerances and a concomitant wobbling of the components in this latched rotational position are thereby avoided.

It is particularly advantageous that the sliding block is radially prestressed in the rotational position to be locked. The above advantages are thereby promoted to a special degree.

In particular, it is provided that with respect to the guide slot of the control element radially further outward at least one, adapted to the shape of the guide slot recess is formed on the base body, which extends at least in the area formed for the locking of the intended rotational position gate point. This is done in such a way that a radially deformable separating web is formed between the guide slot and the recess. This embodiment is particularly noteworthy, since on the one hand a geometrically very precise and specifically formable guide slot is defined, on the other hand by limiting the guide slot with The divider also at the same time a multifunctional component is created, which significantly favors the locking by the deformability. It is thus integrated in this body by the configuration and positioning of the guide slot on the one hand and the at least one recess on the other hand creates a locking device that is highly effective and functional. The sliding along the sliding block in the guide slot also on this divider is out of the bulge, which allows the locking, mechanically stable. In the area of this bulge, however, the slideways of the sliding block by the position of the body to this control element external sliding block on the other hand then automatically allows this divider is pressed radially outward through the sliding block. Thus, if this sliding block approaches its sliding along in the actuating path of this bulge, the radial force of the sliding block is successively increased to this divider, so that when reaching and snapping into the bulge in particular also the radial bias is constructed very defined. It is thus also carried out a very uniform increase of this radial biasing force on the way to the bulge.

It can then be provided that is held in its maximum radially outwardly depressed position in the snapped into the bulge state of the sliding block of the divider and thus a maximum radial bias is specified. However, it can also be provided that with the snapping of the sliding block in the bulge and the thus generated latched rotational position state, a slight radially inward orientation of the separating web occurs, and yet a sufficient radial bias for holding the latched state is established. It can also be provided that the guide slot is tapered just before the bulge, in particular such that the radial clear width is less than a radial outer dimension of the sliding block. As a result, when passing the sliding block through such a bottleneck then the divider is pressed outwards and with further movement of the sliding block in the guide slot of the sliding block then slides into the bulge. There he is then anchored and in this rest position then the divider at the bottleneck is automatically returned to its original position. The bulge is preferably formed so that the sliding block is positioned passgneau therein.

It is preferably provided that the separating web is radially thinner at the bulge than outside the bulge. The deformability is thereby favored again and improves the above advantages when moving the sliding block along the actuation path before reaching the bulge.

It is preferably provided that opposite the guide slot of the operating element radially further outwards, two separate recesses adapted to the shape of the guide slot are formed in the base body. These two recesses are extending on a same radius path, which means that they are arranged in the circumferential direction about a central axis, which also represents the axis of rotation of the base body, at the same radial distance from this axis of rotation. In this embodiment with the two separated recesses, a spacer web is then formed between the recesses in order to separate them from one another. This spacer bar is preferably formed in a middle length fifth of the total length of the actuating path and thus also the length of the guide slot. It is preferably formed substantially in the middle of the length of the guide slot dimensioned in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation. By this configuration, a pronounced symmetry is formed, which on the one hand substantially favors the stability of the divider, on the other hand, the mechanical action principle for radial deformation of the divider at specific locations very favors. As a result, mechanical leverage effects for the radial deformation of the separating web to the outside can be achieved specifically and locally, so that the snapping of the sliding block in a bulge, which defines a latched rotational position favors.

The divider is thus stabilized in particular centrally by this spacer bar, so that it is here both fixed in position and mechanically stabilized. A breaking of a relatively long divider, which would not be supported radially by such a spacer bar, is thereby prevented.

It is preferably provided that at least one curved, strip-shaped recess viewed in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation over one end of the Extending guide slot out. This embodiment is also to be emphasized, since it allows a separating web which can be moved or deformed in the radial direction exactly at the circulation point at which a bulge is formed in the guide slot. If the recess in the radial extension of the bulge in the guide slot also terminated, an undesirable stabilization would result here, which would impair the radial deformation possibility of the separating bar to the outside.

It is preferably provided that the disk-shaped base body has on its jacket wall a recess, in particular a wedge-shaped cutout, which is designed as an engagement region for a user for rotating the base body. Such shape-specific design of the body has several advantages. On the one hand, an undesired slippage of the user when operating the operating element and thus during rotation is prevented. Since the jacket wall of this disk-shaped base body has a relatively small height, the contact area with, for example, a user's finger is also relatively small. Just then, even if a certain moisture attaches to this shell wall, an unwanted slipping when rotating the body can be prevented by this engagement area. However, another advantage to be mentioned is given by this indentation in that it also visually recognize the possible end positions of the operating element. Since the operating element and thus also the preferably formed disc-shaped base body is arranged in areas sunk between the cover and a partition wall disposed above and front side by a user only a portion of this disc-shaped base body is visible and actuated by this engagement area is a positional instantaneous arrangement of the body detect. For in particular, the base body is arranged so that this engagement area protrudes out of the space between the cover and the partition wall raised forward and thus easily contactable and actuated by a user. Now, if this engagement area is designed in size so that its two ends occurring in the circumferential direction of the shell wall are spaced in an angular segment, which corresponds to the angular segment of the actuation path, so by the orbit of the engagement region on the shell wall the relevant Ends are each assigned an end position of the actuating path. If, for example, the base body is oriented in such a way that a first end of the engagement region is arranged shortly before immersion or flush with the intermediate space formed by the cover and the partition arranged above it, then this end position can also be easily visually recognized by the user on the base body , The same applies then also for the second opposite end position.

It is preferably provided that on an underside of the base body facing the cover, an eccentrically arranged engagement element is formed in particular integrated. This engagement element engages in a guideway in the lid, wherein depending on the rotational movement of the body in the guideway, the operation of the lid is enabled and thus closed by the displacement of the engaging member in the guideway of the lid, partially open or fully open. Preferably, it is provided that the main body with an upper side of a partition, which separates the fresh food container from the remaining part volume of the interior, facing and is rotatably mounted on the partition wall.

Preferably, it is provided here that the base body has a central passage or a central hole, in which engages a formed on the underside of the partition wall, in particular integrated, retaining pin engages. It may be provided here preferably a non-destructive detachable connection. The retaining pin may be in the context of a locking pin or a pin or the like. The base body is then rotatably mounted in the assembled state and around this retaining pin, so that the retaining pin also represents or comprises the axis of rotation. The control element external sliding block on an underside of the partition is spaced and arranged separately from this retaining pin and formed. The retaining pin and the control element external sliding block, which is also formed integrated in particular on the underside of the partition, thus have functionally different tasks.

It is preferably provided that the control element external sliding block on the underside of the partition wall facing the base body eccentrically to a rotational axis having bearing point of the body is arranged on the partition wall. The storage location is defined in the context in particular by the retaining pin.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the base body on the upper side facing away from the lid has a plurality of arranged on a same radius path motion stabilization elements. Here, too, these motion stabilization elements are thus arranged in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation with the same radius. In particular, it is provided here that this radius track, on which the motion stabilization elements are arranged, is arranged with a larger radius compared to the guide slot and / or the recesses in the main body. The motion stabilization elements are thus preferably arranged relatively far out, in particular in a radius interval which is greater than 80%, preferably greater than 90% of the radius of the shell wall of the base body. As a result of this embodiment, in addition to the centrally central mounting of the main body, in particular on the dividing wall, it is possible to stabilize the rotational movement so that in particular tilting about a horizontal position, in which the main body is preferably located, is prevented. An undesired displacement of the body from this central position in the horizontal direction can be prevented. A very wobble-free movement of the body is achieved.

The motion stabilizing elements are preferably pins which engage in a stabilizing track. The stabilizing path is in particular a stabilizing path formed on an underside of the underside of a separating wall which separates the freshness-retaining container from the remaining part volume of the inner space.

The locking of a specific rotational position is thus also associated with a haptic perceptible resistance, so that the user can also very easily and intuitively recognize the respectively defined specific rotational position. To generate this latching and the haptic perceptible resistance may also be a kind of brake, for example in the form of a silicone brake, according to a kind of a gear or the like may be formed with a mating contour on the partition. It can also be provided that the here specific lockable rotational positions on the Operating element, in particular the disk-shaped base body, are optically marked so that they are even more easily perceptible and approachable by a user.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the frame to leave the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, however, emerge and can be produced by separated combinations of features from the embodiments explained.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a household refrigerator according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a partial section of

Household refrigerating appliance in a front region of a partition above a lid of a fresh food container;

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the partition wall;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view in perspective view of the components

2 in a first position of a control element and a lid;

Fig. 5 shows the sectional view of FIG. 2 in a second position of

Operating element and the lid;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of transparently illustrated controls

Positions according to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5; Figure 7 is a plan view of the partition wall in a transparent representation of the partition wall and the operating element.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of an operating element according to a second

Exemplary embodiment in transparent view;

9 is a perspective sectional view of the operating element according to FIG. 8 in a state mounted on the dividing wall; 10 is an enlarged view of a partial section of the operating element according to FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of the dividing wall with the operating element according to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 in a first end position of the operating element;

Fig. 12 is a plan view of FIG. 1 1 in a second end position of

Control element; and

13 is a plan view of FIG. 1 1 and FIG. 12 in an intermediate position of the

Operating element between the end positions in Fig. 1 1 and Fig. 12th

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. In Fig. 1, a household refrigerating appliance 1 is shown in an exemplary representation, which is designed as a refrigerated-freezer Kombigerät. The domestic refrigerator 1 comprises a body 2 with an inner container 3. The inner container 3 defines with its walls a first interior space, which is a refrigerated space 4, and a second interior space separated therefrom, which is a freezer compartment 5. The cooling space 4 is generally used for frost-free cooling of refrigerated goods, preferably at temperatures between + 4 ° C and + 8 ° C. However, the refrigerator 4 can also be designed as a zero-degree compartment, in particular for keeping fresh fruit or vegetables. The refrigerator 4 is accessible when the door 6 is open, which closes the room 4 at the front. The freezer compartment 5 is generally used for freezing frozen food, for example, at -18 ° C. The freezer compartment 5 is accessible with the freezer compartment door 7 open.

In the cooling chamber 4, a refrigerated goods or fresh food container 8 is mounted extendable, which is closed by means of a lid 9 mounted above the fresh food container 8. As shown, an additional cover 10, for example in the form of a glass shelf, can be arranged above the lid 9.

The inner container 3 has two opposite vertical side walls 3a and 3b.

It is preferably provided that between the cover 9 and the cover 10, a partition wall 1 1 is arranged. Through this, the fresh food container 8 is separated from the remaining remaining partial volume of the interior or cooling space 4.

The lid 9 is mounted by means of a storage device 12 for opening and closing of the fresh food container 8 in the cooling chamber 4 liftable and lowered. In particular, the storage device 12 comprises an operating element 13 with which the cover 9 can be actuated. The operating element 13 is rotatable about an axis for actuating the cover 9 on an actuating path and can be latched at least in a rotational position along the actuating path.

The operating element 13 is arranged on the partition wall 1 1. The arranged in the vertical direction and thus in the y direction above the lid 9 partition wall 1 1 is designed in the embodiment shown to the effect that it also serves as a support plate for the lid 9. The cover 9 is thus stored in this embodiment exclusively on this partition wall 1 1 and can be moved relative to this partition wall 1 1, to then be raised or lowered relative to a tray or a drawer 15 of the fresh storage container 8 to the open or closed To be able to adjust state of the fresh food container 8.

The freshness container 8 comprises the lid 9 and the drawer 15th The horizontal partition plate or the partition wall 1 1, as shown in Fig. 2, comprises a base body or a base 14 and a separate and non-destructively releasably attachable to the base 14 plate-like element in the form of a panel 20 on a pedestal 16. Das Grundteil 14 comprises a front edge 17 and an in the depth direction (z-direction) with respect to the front edge 17 rearwardly offset, obliquely upwardly and rearwardly oriented surface area 18. In this regard, a diagonal step is formed. This inclined surface region 18 is formed in a substantially strip-like manner and extends in particular over the entire width of the base part 14 and is formed on an upper side 19, which faces away from the cover 9. In this base part 14, the diaphragm 20 is arranged embedded, so that an upper side 21 of the diaphragm 20 is flush with an upper side 22, which is a partial region of the upper side 19 is arranged. The panel 20 is thus arranged flush in the base part 14 in the region of the front side in the vertical direction lowered pedestal 16.

In addition, the panel 20 extends over the entire depth of this pedestal 16 and also the adjoining back, obliquely backwards and upwards oriented surface area 18. A front side 23 of the panel 20 forms a portion of the front edge 17th

In addition, a display unit 24 is formed in the aperture 20, by means of which a symbolic or not value-accurate representation of a display of a moisture content in the fresh food container 8 can be displayed. For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiment, elements are formed on that region of the diaphragm 20 which is oriented obliquely upwards and rearwards through the surface region 18. In the exemplary embodiment, three different elements or objects 25, 26 and 27 are shown, which are associated with three different explicit positions of the lid 9 relative to the drawer 15. Thus, these respective lid positions specifying and associated moisture contents in the preservation container 8 are symbolized symbolically. The objects 25 to 27 can be printed on the panel 20.

In addition, the operating element 13 can be seen, which, viewed in the direction of the depth, is positioned between the front edge 17 and the surface area 18 and thus accessible from above accordingly. By operating the operating element 13, the cover 9 is adjusted via a particularly exclusively mechanical interaction and coupling. The cover 9 can also be mounted on a bearing device 12, which is formed exclusively on the walls 3a and 3b. He can be adjusted positionally in a lifting and sliding movement. For this purpose, corresponding bearing elements of the bearing device 12 can be arranged obliquely backwards and upwards on the walls 3a and 3b.

With the adjustment of the lid 9 relative to the drawer 15 and the moisture content in the preservation container 8 is then changed. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the symbolic display of the moisture content changes automatically with the adjustment of the lid 9 and to at least one of the objects 25 to 27 is marked differently in color. For this purpose, for example, a color slider can be automatically coupled coupled with the operation of the control element and to the object are highlighted. As a result, an observer can then intuitively and instantly recognize the information of the symbolic moisture content. If the position of the lid is then changed again by actuation of the operating element 13, then preferably the color coding of one or more of the objects 25 to 27 changes automatically again. The display unit 24 comprises a display element 28 which is mechanically coupled to the operating element 13 and is movable depending on the movement of the control element 13 for moisture content indicator position.

In the embodiment in FIG. 2, it is provided that the objects 25, 26 and 27 are recesses, in particular quadrangular recesses in the panel 20 in the surface area 18. The display element 28 as a plate-like strip is slidably disposed behind this panel in the x direction. It has different color-coded areas, depending on the relative position of the display element 28 to color the aperture 20 of these objects 25 to 27, wherein due to the different colors then a symbolic display of the moisture content is given. In this context, an embodiment is provided in which, depending on a rotational position of the operating element 13 about the axis A, which extends in the vertical direction and thus in the y-direction, a specific position of the lid 9 is connected. Automatically with this position of the lid 9 and thus also of the operating element 13 is then also the relative position of the display element 18 is given to the stationary objects 25 and 27, which are then deposited depending on the position differently colored. This allows a user to recognize the associated with the different position of the lid 9 setting a moisture content in the preservation container 8 and thus also the drawer 15 symbolically. In Fig. 2 it can also be seen that the control element 13 has a base body 29 which is designed disk-shaped or discusformig and is a flat cylinder. This main body 29 is rotatably mounted on the pedestal 16 between the surface portion 18 and the front edge 17. It is raised above the top 21 so that it is easily accessible by a user from above and from the side and can be gripped accordingly.

In Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the view in Fig. 2 is shown. The display element in its plate-like strip shape is shown, and color markings 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d can be seen.

In addition, the shape of the one-piece aperture 20 is shown.

In a further embodiment, it can also be provided that the display element 28 'is present, which is displaceably arranged in the horizontal x-direction. 3, the display element 28 'is positioned in the viewing direction in front of it and, depending on the relative position and thus the relative displacement to the element 28, covers one or more of the markings 28a to 28d, so that here again a symbolic moisture content indicator is formed.

In Fig. 4 is a perspective sectional view along the section line IV-IV in Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the components, as shown in Fig. 2, shown. at this view, the lid 9 is shown in the fully closed state and thus in a first end position. For this purpose, the operating element 13 is arranged in a first end rotational position.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the base body 29 is at least partially hollow on its the pedestal 16 and thus also the diaphragm 20 facing bottom. For this purpose, it comprises a cavity 30. In these extends a locking element 31, which is designed as a strip-shaped detent spring. This locking element 31 is integrally formed on the partition wall 1 1 and is raised above the top 21 via. If the diaphragm 20 is arranged so that it can not be detached in a non-destructive manner, then this locking element 31 is preferably integrally formed on the panel 20. In the assembled state shown in Fig. 4, the base body 29 covers this locking member 31 completely from above.

Formed on the base body 29 is a coupling element 32 in the form of a coupling pin, which is perpendicular to the bottom. It is arranged off-center to the axis A.

In addition, the operating element 13 is inserted with a downwardly extending connecting part 33 in a receptacle 34 of the partition wall 1 1 or inserted and held therein, in particular latched. As a result, an axial securing of the operating element 13 is achieved.

As can also be seen, the coupling element 32 extends through the partition wall 1 1 in this area of the pedestal 16 down through and engages in a slide 35 a. This slide 35 is slidably mounted on the partition wall 1 1 and coupled on the other hand, at its the control element 13 remote from the lower end with an engagement portion 36 which is formed on an upper side of the lid 9, which faces the partition 1 1.

Starting from the illustration in FIG. 4, the operating element 13 is thus mechanically coupled to the cover 9 via the slide 35 and, on the other hand, mechanically coupled to the display element 28 or 28 '. Depending on an actuation of the operating element 13 and thus a rotation about the axis A on the one hand then the lid 9 is moved and at the same time automatically the display element 28th shifted in order to change the symbolic display of the moisture content of the display unit 24, in particular then displayed adapted to the respective lid position.

In Fig. 5, a second end position of the operating element 13 is shown in an analog representation of Fig. 4, in which then the lid 9 in the second end position, namely the fully open position, is.

In Fig. 6 is a plan view of the control element 13 is shown, in which case the inner life is shown here in a transparent representation. In the left image of Fig. 6, the operating element 13 in the rotational position, as illustrated in Fig. 4, shown. In contrast, in Fig. 6 in the right-hand illustration, the operating element 13 in the second end position, as shown in Fig. 5, shown.

As can be seen in the left-hand image in FIG. 6, the operating element 13 has a guideway 37 which has straight-line guideway sections 38, 39 and 40. The guideway portions 38 to 40 are rectilinear ridges extending downward from the plate-like lid of the main body 29, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The linear guideway sections 38 to 40 are also directly adjacent to each other and connected to each other and arranged in pairs at an angle preferably greater than 90 ° and less than 150 ° to each other. In addition, it is provided that an angle a, which extends between two connecting straight lines between the axis A and ends of a guide track section, is preferably between 50 ° and 60 °, in particular between 53 ° and 54 °, preferably 53.3 °. This is preferably provided for all guideway sections 38 to 40, so that they are the same length in this respect and each cover corresponding equal angular sections.

By the locking element 31, the first end position of the operating element 13 shown in Fig. 4 and in the left image in Fig. 6 held captive, in particular latched, this is the locking member 31 on the guideway portion 40 on the outside, said locking member 31 in the radial direction is biased inside so that it presses inwardly against the guideway portion 40 and thus causes the locking. In addition, it can also be seen in FIG. 6 that a coupling element 41 configured as a coupling pin is arranged radially far outward on the operating element 13 and is positioned adjacent to a jacket wall of the main body 29. This coupling element 41 is in the axial direction downwards and thus arranged extending in a cavity. It engages in a coupling receptacle 42 of the display element 28 and performs this with a rotational movement of the operating element 13. The rotational movement and thus the rotational movement of the operating element 13 is thereby converted into a rectilinear movement of the display element 28.

As can be seen in the right-hand image according to FIG. 6, the locking element 31 adjoins the guideway section 38 on the outside in the case of the second end position of the operating element 13 and the coupling element 41 has accordingly moved to the left into the corresponding end position.

In addition, it can be seen that due to the rotational movement between the two end positions, the eccentrically arranged coupling element 32 shifts in the depth direction and thus in the z-direction approximately 10 mm.

FIG. 7 shows, in a further transparent plan view, an embodiment of the operating element 13 according to FIG. 6 and shows the end position, as explained in the right-hand image in FIG. 6 and furthermore in FIG. 5. The transparent display element 28 can be seen, in which case also the coupling state is shown and the coupling receptacle 42 is a slot in this regard. The rectilinear horizontal displacement of the display element 28 by the rotational movement of the operating element 13 is indicated by the double arrow.

FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a control element 13, wherein a corresponding plan view representation, as has been explained in FIGS. 6 and 7 in the first exemplary embodiment, can be seen here. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIGS. 6 and 7, an embodiment with guide slots and recesses or bulges is provided here as latching points instead of the guide track sections 38 to 40. In addition, it can be seen that the base body 29 has a guide slot 43, which is formed in a banana-shaped curved manner partially encircling the axis of rotation A. The guide slot 43 is formed completely continuous, so that it also represents a slot-like hole penetration. The guide slot 43 defines with its total length in Umurnnchtung about the axis A and the maximum mobility of the base body 29 about the axis A. Thus, the total length of the actuating path is predetermined by the guide slot 43.

The guide slot 43 has in the embodiment at its ends 44 and 45 on a radially outer boundary contour or edge contour 46 radially outwardly directed bulges 47 and 48. By this embodiment, two first rotational positions, which represent the end positions of the base body 29 during the rotational movement about the axis A, formed as latching rotational positions. The related locking will be explained below. First, the main body 29 will be set out with its other specifications. In this context, it is provided that three slot-like recesses 49, 50, 51 are formed radially outwardly adjacent and adjacent to the guide slot 43, which, viewed individually, also have curved, in particular banana-shaped, shapes. The recesses 49 to 51 are preferably located on a common radius path, but are separated in the direction of rotation about the axis A. For this purpose, a radial spacer bar 52 and a spacer bar 53 are provided. It can also be seen that the recess 49 extends with respect to its length in the circumferential direction about the axis A, as the end 44 of the guide slot 43 is formed. This means that viewed in the radial direction, the end 44 is not on a same line as an end 54, which faces away from the further recesses 50 and 51 is located.

In a corresponding embodiment, it is provided that one end 55 of the further recess 51 viewed in the circumferential direction about the axis A positioned further extending than the end 45 of the guide slot 43. Here, too, it can be seen that viewed in the radial direction, the ends 45 and 55 are not formed on a straight line in the radial direction through the axis A. By the guide slot 43 and in particular the radially outer edge or the outer edge contour 46 and the spaced apart, but adjacent formed recesses 49 to 51, a separating web 56 is formed. Due to the corresponding thinness of this separating web 56, which forms specific to the shape through the continuous recesses 49 to 51 and the continuous guide slot 43, there is also a possibility in which this separating web 56 can deform elastically radially outward. As a result, the locking of a specific rotational position is favored.

As can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 8, the separating web 56 is made thinner at those points where the bulges 47 and 48 are formed than at the other places. The deformability just at these points is favored and the engagement of a user interface external sliding block as a locking member 57 is thereby made particularly simple. Likewise, a further bulge 58 is formed which defines a locking position as an intermediate position between the end positions. In this intermediate position, which results in the intermediate position in the first embodiment when locking the operating element 13 in abutment of the locking element 31 on the guideway portion 39, the lid 9 is opened in a central position. The control element 13 is here rotated to approximately half the actuating path between the end positions, and the lid 9 is raised about half the height of the maximum lifting height dimensioned in the vertical direction.

By the radial spacer webs 52 and 53 on the one hand, a corresponding radial stabilization of the separating web 56 is achieved, on the other hand straight at the points where the bulges 47, 48, 58 are formed reaches a desired radial mobility of the separating web 56.

In FIG. 9, the embodiment according to FIG. 8 is shown in a sectional view analogous to the views in FIGS. 4 and 5. The other embodiment of the control element 13 and the mechanical coupling with the slide 35 and the arrangement on the partition wall 1 1 are analogous to the previous embodiment and reference is made to the relevant explanation. As can be seen both in FIG. 9 and in the illustrations in FIGS. 4 to 8, the coupling element 41 is also in FIG a guide slot 49 guided in the aperture 20 and engages from there into the coupling receptacle 42 a.

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged illustration of the embodiment of the operating element 13 according to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

In Fig. 1 1, the embodiment of FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 is shown in a plan view, wherein here a first end position of the control element 13 and thus also a first end position of the display element 28 is shown. Based on this, the second end position of the operating element 13 is then shown by a rotation about the axis A, which is perpendicular to the plane of the figure, in a clockwise direction in the illustration according to FIG. 12. Due to the mechanical coupling with the operating element 13 and the display element 28 is displaced in the horizontal direction and thus in a straight line in the opposite other end position. In FIG. 13, moreover, in a transparent plan view, the intermediate position between the end positions illustrated in FIG. 8, as illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, is shown.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 household refrigerator

2 corpus

3 inner container

3a vertical side wall

3b vertical side wall

4 refrigerator

5 freezer room

6 door

7 freezer door

8 food containers

9 lids

10 cover

1 1 partition

12 storage device

13 control element

14 basic part

15 drawer

16 podium

17 front edge

18 surface area

19 top

20 aperture

21 top

22 top

23 front

24 display unit

25 object

26 object

27 object

28 indicator

28a mark 28b marking 28c marking 28d marking 28 'indicator 29 main body 30 cavity

31 locking element 32 coupling element 33 connecting part 34 recording

35 slide 36 cover

37 guide track 38 guide section 39 guide section 40 guide section 41 coupling element 42 coupling receptacle 43 guide slot 44 end

45 end

46 Edge contour 47 Bulge 48 Bulge 49 Recess 50 Recess 51 Recess 52 Spacer bar 53 Spacer bar 54 End

55 end

56 Divider 57 Locking element 58 Bulge axis

angle

10

15

20

25

Claims

claims

1 . Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) with an interior (4, 5) for receiving

Food, which is bounded by walls of an inner container (3), and with a in the interior (4, 5) arranged Frischhaltebehälter (8) for food, which is closed by a lid (9), and with a storage device (12), with which is the lid (9) for opening and closing of the fresh food container (8) in the interior (4, 5) is raised and lowered, and with an operating element (13) with which the lid (9) is actuated, characterized in that the Domestic refrigeration appliance (1) a display unit (24) for the symbolic display of a moisture content in the

Containment container (8), and a display element (28, 28 ') of the display unit (24) with the control element (13) is mechanically coupled and depending on the movement of the control element (13) for moisture content display position part is movable.

2. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit (24) has a plurality of separate objects (25, 26, 27), and each object (25, 26, 27) symbolizes a different moisture content, wherein the for the current clarification of the moisture content active object (25, 26, 27) by the display element (28, 28 ') is color individually marked.

3. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a

Changing the color coding is coupled to the operation of the operating element (13) and the associated adjustment of the lid (9), in particular simultaneously with the adjustment of the lid (9) is accompanied.

4. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display element (28, 28 ') for the color backing of a moisture content symbolizing object (25, 26, 27) is formed.

5. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display element (28, 28 ') is a displaceable plate-like strip.

6. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display element (28, 28 ') has a coupling receptacle (42), in which a coupling element (41) of the operating element (13) engages.

7. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the coupling element (41) is a pin which is formed in a guide slot as a guide

Coupling receptacle (42) engages.

8. domestic refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a partition (1 1), which is located directly above the lid (9) in the interior (3) and arranged on which the operating element (13) is.

9. domestic refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the partition wall (1 1) on a lid (9) facing away from the top (19), the display unit (24) for displaying the moisture content in the fresh food container (8).

10. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the upper side (19) is uneven and the display unit (24) in an obliquely upwardly and rearwardly oriented surface region (18) of the upper side (19) is arranged.

1 1. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the surface region (18) opposite to a front edge (17) of the partition wall (1 1) is set back set back and extending parallel to the front edge (17).

12. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized

in that the operating element (13) is arranged in a surface area of the upper side (22) between the surface area (18) and the front edge (17).

13. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (13) for actuating the lid (9) can be actuated on an actuation path and can be locked in at least three different positions along the actuation path, so that the cover ( 9) depending on a position the operating element (13) can be positioned in a first closed position, in a second fully open position or in an intermediate position.

14. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the actuating travel of the operating element (13) is a rotary movement.