EP3289298B1

EP3289298B1 - Home appliance

Info

Publication number: EP3289298B1
Application number: EP16719397.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mehmet Ciyanoglu; Emre GÜNTAV; Aydin SAHIN; Tanzer YILDIZGÖCER; Mustafa ERTIK; Stephan Kempfle; Murat Sögüt
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2015-04-29
Filing date: 2016-04-28
Publication date: 2021-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-28
Also published as: WO2016174149A1; EP3289298A1

Description

The invention relates to a home appliance according to claim 1.
EP 2 174 083 A2 discloses a refrigerator comprising a machine compartment and a divisional wall section which separates an electric element compartment from the rest of a machine room.
US 2009/056356 A1 relates to an arrangement of functional assemblies for one of the following domestic appliances: refrigerators and/or freezers, electric ovens, dishwashers and washing machines.
The objective of the invention is, in particular, to provide a home appliance device with improved characteristics regarding operability. The objective is achieved, according to the invention, by the features of claim 1, while advantageous implementations and further developments of the invention may be gathered from the dependent claims.
A home appliance is proposed, comprising: a machine compartment; a divisional wall section configured for dividing the machine compartment into sub-compartments and comprising a first wall section and a second wall section; and a fastening unit configured for at least fastening the first wall section to the second wall section.
By means of the invention, in particular operability of the home appliance device can be improved. Advantageously assembly and disassembly of the home appliance device can be simplified. Service, maintenance and repair works on the home appliance, preferably on the divisional wall and in particular on components cooperating with the divisional wall section, can in particular be performed advantageously easily, due to the segmentation of the divisional wall into the first wall section and the second wall section.
In this context, "configured" is in particular to mean specifically programmed, designed and/or equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function is in particular to be understood that the object implements and/or fulfills said certain function in at least one application state and/or operating state. By a "home appliance device" is to be understood a home appliance. The home appliance is in particular provided for storing and preferably tempering victuals such as beverages, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, milk and/or dairy products in at least one operating state, advantageously for the purpose of enhancing a keepability of the stored victuals. Advantageously, the home appliance is embodied as a home chiller appliance, which is in at least one operating state configured for cooling victuals. The home chiller appliance could in particular be embodied as a climate cabinet, an ice-box, a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerator-freezer combination and/or a wine cooler. However, the home appliance could also be embodied as a home appliance for warming up and in particular for cooking victuals, e.g. an oven, a steamer and/or a microwave.
In this context, a "machine compartment" is in particular to be understood as a compartment which is delimited from at least three, preferable at least four and advantageously from at least five sides, and which is in particular configured for accommodating further units of the home appliance device, such as a refrigerant cycle. The machine compartment is in particular different from a storage compartment of the home appliance device, which is configured for storing victuals. The machine compartment comprises in particular two lateral wall sections, a rear wall section, a bottom wall section and/or a front wall section. The two lateral wall sections, the rear wall section, the bottom wall section and the front wall section in particular delimit the machine compartment from five sides. The machine compartment may be delimited from a sixth side in particular by the storage compartment. Alternatively or additionally the machine compartment may comprise an upper wall section, which in particular delimits the machine compartment from the sixth side.
In this context, a "divisional wall section" is to be understood as a wall section which is configured for dividing the machine compartment into at least into a first sub-compartment and a second sub-compartment. Preferably, the home appliance device may comprise at least one further divisional wall section and advantageously at least two further divisional wall sections, in particular a second divisional wall section and preferably a third divisional wall section, which are in particular respectively configured for dividing the machine compartment in further sub-compartments. In particular, the second divisional wall section is configured for dividing the machine compartment into the second sub-compartment and a third sub-compartment. Advantageously the third divisional wall section may be configured for dividing the machine compartment into the third and a fourth sub-compartment. The further divisional wall section may in particular be implemented at least substantially equivalent to the divisional wall section. By the term "implemented at least substantially equivalent" is to be understood, in this context, in particular identical, preferably excepting for manufacturing variances and tolerances. Advantageously, the further divisional wall sections are at least partly implemented different from the divisional wall section. The further divisional wall sections may in particular differ from the divisional wall section by at least one of the features below.
The divisional wall section extends in particular from the rear wall section up to the front wall section of the machine compartment. In particular the second wall section extends to the rear wall section. Preferably the first wall section extends to the front wall section. Alternatively or additionally the divisional wall section may comprise further wall sections apart from the first and the second wall sections. In particular the divisional wall section may be located centrally with respect to the machine compartment and may preferably divide the machine compartment equally into the first sub-compartment and the second sub-compartment. Alternatively or additionally, in particular if the home appliance device comprises more than one divisional wall section, the divisional wall section may preferably divide the machine compartment into sub-compartments of different sizes and may preferably be arranged offset to a center of the machine compartment. In particular in an installation position a main extension plane of the divisional wall section is at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane of the lateral wall section and/or at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the rear wall sections and/or the front wall section of the machine compartment. A "main extension plane" of an object is, in particular, to be understood as a plane extending parallel to a largest side of an imaginary rectangular cuboid which only just entirely encloses the object and preferably extends through a geometric center of the object. In this context "at least substantially parallel" is in particular to be understood as an orientation of a direction with respect to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction in particular of less than 15°, advantageously of less than 10° and particularly advantageously of less than 2°. The term "at least substantially perpendicular" is, in particular, intended to define, in this context, an orientation of a direction with respect to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular if viewed in one plane, enclose an angle between 80° and 100°, in particular between 85° and 95°, preferably between 88° and 92° and particularly advantageously an angle of 90°. Advantageously, the divisional wall section and in particular further wall sections of the machine compartment, such as the two lateral wall sections, the rear wall section, the bottom wall section, the front wall section and/or the upper wall section, are in particular made of metal, preferably sheet metal.
The fastening unit is configured for fastening the first wall section and the second wall section movably with respect to and advantageously detachably from each other, in such a way that the first wall section can be detached from the second wall section in particular by moving the first wall section away from the second wall section, in parallel to a main extension direction of the divisional wall section. A "main extension direction" of an object is, to be understood, in this context, as a direction extending in parallel to a largest side of an imaginary rectangular cuboid which only just entirely encloses the object. In this context "detachably" is to be understood as nondestructively detachably and by preference toollessly detachably.
Further, it is proposed that the fastening unit is at least additionally configured for at least partly coupling the first wall section and the second wall section, to the machine compartment, preferably to at least one further wall section of the machine compartment and advantageously to the bottom wall section and/or the upper wall section. In this context, by "coupling" is to be understood connecting at least indirectly and preferably connecting directly. Advantageously the fastening unit connects the first wall section to the machine compartment indirectly by means of the second wall section. As a result the divisional wall may preferably be coupled to the machine compartment in a simple manner.
The home appliance device comprises a guiding unit, which is configured for at least partly guiding the divisional wall section, in particular the first wall section and/or the second wall section, linearly, relative to the machine compartment. By the term "guiding linearly" is to be understood guiding in at least one linear direction and advantageously in a plane. Preferably the guiding unit is implemented as a sealing unit for sealing, which is configured for preventing an air exchange between the sub-compartments. The guiding unit is configured for coupling the divisional wall section to the machine compartment. For the purpose of further facilitating an assembly of the divisional wall, the fastening unit comprises the before-mentioned guiding unit, which is configured for guiding, linearly guiding, of the first wall section relative to the second wall section. The guiding unit comprises at least one guiding element, which may preferably be embodied as a rail. The guiding unit comprises at least one corresponding guiding element, which is implemented corresponding to the guiding element. In an assembled state the guiding element and the corresponding +guiding element engage at least partly with each other. The guiding element and/or the corresponding guiding element may in particular be at least partly made of plastic and/or preferably of metal, advantageously of a metal sheet. The guiding unit is in particular at least partly, preferably at least mostly implemented integrally with the divisional wall section. Further, the guiding unit may in particular be at least partly, preferably at least mostly implemented integrally with the machine compartment, in particular with the bottom wall section and/or the upper wall section. By a first object and a second object being "at least partly implemented integrally" is, in particular, to be understood, in this context, that at least one portion of the first object and at least one portion of the second object are integrally implemented. In this context, "implemented integrally" is in particular to mean, connected at least by substance-to-substance bond, e.g. by a welding process, an adhesive bonding, an injection-molding process and/or by another process that is deemed expedient by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Advantageously, "implemented integrally" could in particular mean made of one piece. "Made of one piece" is, in particular, to mean, in this context, manufactured from one single piece, e.g. by production from one single cast and/or by manufacturing in a one-component or multi-component injection-molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. The term "at least mostly" with reference to an object is in particular to mean more than 50 %, preferably more than 70 %, and advantageously more than 90 % of a volume, in particular an enclosed volume, and/or of a mass of the object.
Furthermore, the guiding unit is configured for guiding the first wall section at least substantially parallel to the second wall section. The guiding unit is in particular configured for aligning a main extension plane of the first wall section and the main extension plane of the second wall section with each other, in particular in such a way that the main extension plane of the first wall section and the main extension plane of the second wall section are at least substantially parallel and advantageously identical. As a result, in particular during assembly and/or maintenance and repair works the first wall section can be accurately fitted to the second wall section.
In a preferred implementation of the invention it is proposed that the at least one guiding element is implemented integrally with the first wall section. The guiding element is in particular implemented as a border of the first wall section. The guiding element is in particular embodied as a guiding rail. Furthermore the guiding unit may in particular comprise a further guiding element, which is implemented integrally with the second wall section. The guiding element and the further guiding element may be preferably at least substantially equivalent to each other. As a result in particular an assembly can be further simplified. Furthermore, additional assembly parts and costs can be avoided.
The corresponding guiding element may in particular be separately or implemented integrally with the machine compartment, in particular the bottom wall section and/or the upper wall section. In the invention it is proposed that the guiding unit comprises the before-mentioned corresponding guiding element, which is implemented integrally with the second wall section and is configured to cooperate with the guiding element. As a result in particular an assembly can be further simplified. Furthermore, additional assembly parts and costs can be avoided.
In particular for the purpose of increasing a stability of the divisional wall section, it is proposed that, preferably viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane of the second wall section, the first wall section overlaps at least partly, preferably at least mostly and advantageously entirely, with the second wall section in an assembled state. Preferably, viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane of the second wall section, the first wall section in particular at least partly covers the second wall section, in particular a lateral surface area of the second wall section. The first wall section covers in particular, preferably in at least one implementation of the invention, at least 10 %, preferably at least 15 % and advantageously at least 20 % of the second wall section. Advantageously in another implementation of the invention the first wall section covers in particular at least 20 %, preferably at least 40 % and advantageously at least 50 % of the second wall section. Advantageously, in the assembled state lateral surfaces of the first wall section and the second wall section are at least partly, in particular mostly and preferably entirely in contact with each other.
In addition, the home appliance device further comprises a fixing unit, which is configured for fixing an electronic device at least to the first wall section. The fixing unit is in particular configured for fixing the electronic device to the first wall section in a force-fit and/or form-fit fashion. By the term "fixed in a force-fit and/or form-fit fashion" is in particular to be understood releasably connected, wherein a holding force between two structural components is preferably transferred via a geometric engagement of the structural components with each other, and/or via a friction force acting preferably between the structural components. Alternatively or additionally the fixing unit may fix the electronic device to the first wall section by a substance-to-substance bond, preferably a cohesive connection. The fixing unit comprises in particular at least one fixing element and in particular at least one corresponding fixing element, which is implemented corresponding to the fixing element. As a result in particular a versatility of the divisional wall section can be improved as it may preferably serve as a support for further units. In particular due to the fixing unit further units can be attached to the divisional wall stably, detachably and safely.
Furthermore, it is proposed that the fixing unit is at least partly implemented integrally with the first wall section. In particular, at least one fixing element of the fixing unit is integrally implemented by the first wall section. Furthermore at least one corresponding fixing element may in particular be implemented integrally with the electronic device. As a result, additional assembly parts and costs can be avoided.
In the invention, the home appliance further comprises the electronic device. The electronic device is fixed to the first wall section, preferably at least partly on at least one lateral side, wherein advantageously the lateral side faces at least one of the sub-compartments. In this way operability of the home appliance device may be further improved.
In a preferred implementation of the invention it is proposed that the electronic device comprises an opening device, which is configured for opening a closed door, in particular a closed door leaf of the door, or a closed drawer, in particular a bottom drawer. The opening device is in particular attached to the divisional wall section, preferably to the first wall section of the divisional wall section. In particular, the opening device is at least substantially arranged centrally inside the machine compartment. Preferably the opening device extends at least partly through the front wall section. The front wall section comprises in particular a pass-through recess for the opening device. The opening device comprises in particular a preferably movable plunger, which is configured for contacting the door and/or the drawer, preferably when the opening device opens the door and/or the drawer in an operation state. Preferably the opening device is fixed to a lateral side of the first wall section which faces the second sub-compartment or a third sub-compartment of the machine compartment. In this way the opening device can be arranged in an advantageously stable manner.
In a further preferred implementation of the invention it is proposed that the electronic device comprises a control unit. In this context, a "control unit" is in particular to be understood as an electronic unit which is preferably configured for controlling and particularly preferably for feedback-controlling at least the refrigerant cycle, in particular for adjusting a set temperature value, which is preferably adjustable by a user. The control unit comprises in particular a control element, e.g. a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor. In addition the control unit may comprise a storage element with a control program which is preferably executable by the control element. In particular the control unit may comprise a temperature sensor, which is configured for measuring the actual temperature inside the storage compartment. The control unit may in particular be configured for powering further units of the home appliance device. Preferably the opening device is fixed to a lateral side of the first wall section which faces the first sub-compartment of the machine compartment. In this way the control unit can be arranged in an advantageously stable manner. Furthermore the opening device can be controlled directly by the control unit.
In an advantageous implementation of the invention it is proposed that the electronic device comprises a power supply unit. Preferably the power supply unit comprises at least one power control element, in particular an inverter. Preferably the opening device is fixed to a lateral side of the first wall section which faces the first sub-compartment, a third sub-compartment or a fourth sub-compartment of the machine compartment. In this way the power supply unit can be arranged in an advantageously stable manner.
Herein the home appliance device is not to be limited to the application and implementation described above. Furthermore, regarding the value ranges mentioned in this disclosure, values within the limits mentioned are to be understood to be also disclosed and to be used as applicable.
Further advantages may become apparent from the following description of the drawing. In the drawing exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination.
If there is more than one specimen of a certain object, only one of these is given a reference numeral in the figures and in the description. The description of this specimen may be correspondingly transferred to the other specimens of the object.
It is shown in:

Fig. 1: a home appliance comprising a home appliance device, in a schematic front view,
Figs. 2-3: a portion of the home appliance device comprising a machine compartment, in various views,
Figs. 4-7: a portion of the home appliance device comprising the partly disassembled machine compartment and a divisional wall section, in various views,
Fig. 8-9: a portion of the home appliance comprising a refrigerant cycle, in a perspective view,
Figs. 10-11: a portion of an alternative home appliance device comprising a divisional wall section and a fastening unit, in various views,
Figs. 12-13: a portion of a further alternative home appliance device comprising a divisional wall section and a fastening unit, in various views, and
Fig. 14: a portion of a yet further alternative home appliance device comprising a divisional wall section and a fastening unit, in various views.

Fig. 1 shows a home appliance 62a is embodied as a refrigerator. The home appliance 62a could further be embodied as a climate cabinet, an ice-box, a freezer, a refrigerator-freezer combination and/or a wine cooler.
The home appliance comprises a housing 64a. The home appliance comprises a storage compartment 68a. The storage compartment 68a is configured for storing victuals. The storage compartment 68a is arranged inside the housing 64a. The home appliance device comprises a door 50a. For closing the storage compartment 68a, the door 50a comprises a door leaf 70a. Further, the home appliance comprises a drawer 52a. The drawer 52a is configured for storing victuals inside the storage compartment 68a.
The home appliance comprises a machine compartment 14a, which is arranged inside the housing 64a. In an installation position of the home appliance device, the machine compartment 14a is positioned below the storage compartment 68a. Alternatively or additionally the machine compartment 14a could be positioned on top of the storage compartment 68a.
Figs. 2 and 3 show the machine compartment 14a in various perspective views. The machine compartment 14a is delimited from five sides by wall sections 34a, 36a, 38a, 40a. The machine compartment 14a comprises two lateral wall sections 34a. The two lateral wall sections 34a delimit the machine compartment 14a from opposite sides. The machine compartment 14a comprises a rear wall section 36a. The machine compartment 14a comprises a bottom wall section 38a. The machine compartment 14a comprises a front wall section 40a. The storage compartment 68a delimits the machine compartment 14a from a sixth side, in particular an upper side. Alternatively or additionally, the machine compartment 14a may comprise an upper wall section which delimits the sixth side.
The machine compartment 14a comprises two sub-compartments 16a, 17a. The machine compartment 14a comprises a first sub-compartment 16a. The machine compartment 14a comprises a second sub-compartment 17a. The second sub-compartment 17a is implemented separate from the first sub-compartment 16a. The first sub-compartment 16a and the second sub-compartment 17a are arranged side by side. The first sub-compartment 16a and the second sub-compartment 17a are of at least substantially equal size. Alternatively or additionally the machine compartment 14a may comprise further sub-compartments, which preferably differ in size. The first sub-compartment 16a comprises a fresh-air entrance 30a. The fresh-air entrance 30a is embodied by an air inlet vent 72a. The second sub-compartment 17a comprises a heated-air exit 76a. The heated-air exit 76a is embodied by an air outlet vent 74a.The front wall section 40a comprises the air inlet vent 72a. Further the front wall section 40a comprises an air outlet vent 74a. The air inlet vent 72a and the air outlet vent 74a are arranged side by side. The air inlet vent 72a and the air outlet vent 74a are implemented at least substantially lamellar. Alternatively or additionally other wall sections of the machine compartment 14a such as the rear wall section 36 and/or the lateral wall sections 34a may comprise an air inlet vent and/or an air outlet vent.
The machine compartment 14a comprises a divisional wall section 31a. The divisional wall section 31a is configured for dividing the machine compartment 14a into the first sub-compartment 16a and the second sub-compartment 17a. In an installation position a main extension plane of the divisional wall section 31a is at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane of the lateral wall section 34a and/or at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the rear wall section 36a and/or the front wall section 40a of the machine compartment 14a.The divisional wall section 31a extends from the rear wall section 36a up to the front wall section 40a. The divisional wall section 31a comprises a first wall section 44a. The first wall section 44a extends to the front wall section 40a. The divisional wall section 31a comprises a second wall section 46a. The second wall section 46a extends to the rear wall section 36a. Additionally the home appliance device may comprise further divisional wall sections configured for dividing the machine compartment in further sub-compartments. Advantageously, the divisional wall section 31 and in particular further wall sections of the machine compartment, such as the two lateral wall sections 34a, the rear wall section 36a, the bottom wall section 38a, the front wall section 40a and/or the upper wall section, are made of metal, preferably sheet metal.
The divisional wall section 31a, in particular the second wall section 46a, is provided with an aperture 42a. The home appliance device comprises an airflow unit 20a. The aperture 42a is part of the airflow unit 20. The aperture 42a allows an airflow between the first sub-compartment 16a and second sub-compartment 17a. The airflow unit 20a comprises a fan 22a. The fan 22a is configured for implementing an airflow from the first sub-compartment 16 towards the second sub-compartment 17a. The aperture 42a is embodied as a frame for the fan 22a. The airflow unit 20a may further comprise a fan housing, in which the fan 22a is accommodated. Alternatively or additionally, the aperture 42a can be embodied as the fan housing. The airflow unit 20a is configured for sucking fresh air into the first sub-compartment 16a, in particular through the fresh-air entrance 30a. The airflow unit 20a is further configured for transporting air from the first sub-compartment 16a to the second sub-compartment 17a. The airflow unit 20a is configured for discharging heated air out of the second sub-compartment 17a, in particular through the heated-air exit 76a. By means of the airflow unit 20a the second sub-compartment 17a is kept at least substantially warmer than the first sub-compartment 16a. In operation the airflow unit 20a substantially prevents air from entering the first sub-compartment 16a from the second sub-compartment 17a.
The home appliance further comprises an electronic device 126a. The electronic device 126a is fixed to the first wall section 44a. The electronic device 126a is partly fixed on a first lateral side of the first wall section 44a. The first lateral side faces the first sub-compartment 16a. Further the electronic device 126a is partly fixed at least to a second lateral side of the first wall section 44a. The second lateral side faces the second sub-compartment 17a.
The electronic device 126a comprises a control unit 94a (see fig.9). The control unit 94a is configured for controlling and preferably for feedback-controlling at least a refrigerant cycle 10a of the home appliance device. The control unit 94a is arranged inside the first sub-compartment 16a. The control unit 94a is fixed to the divisional wall section 31a, in particular to the first wall section 44a of the divisional wall section 31a. The control unit 94a is fixed to the first lateral side of the first wall section 44a. In addition the control unit 94a could in particular serve as a power supply unit, which may preferably comprise an inverter unit.
The electronic device 126a comprises an opening unit 48a. The opening unit 48a is configured for opening the closed door 50a, in particular the closed door leaf 70a or the closed drawer 52a, in particular the closed bottom drawer 52a. The opening device 48a is at least partly arranged in the machine compartment 14a. The opening device 48a is arranged at least substantially centrally inside the machine compartment 14a. The opening device 48a extends at least partly through the front wall section 40a of the machine compartment 14a (see Fig. 2). The front wall section 40a comprises in particular a pass-through recess 96a for the opening device 48a. The opening device 48a comprises a plunger 98a. The plunger 98a is movable. The plunger 98a is configured for contacting the door 50a. Alternatively or additionally the plunger 98a may be configured for contacting the drawer 52a. The plunger 98a is arranged at least partly inside the pass-through recess 96a of the front wall section 40a. The opening device 48a is arranged inside the second sub-compartment 17a. The opening device 48a is fixed to the divisional wall section 31a, in particular to the first wall section 44a of the divisional wall section 31a. The opening device 48a is attached to the second lateral side of the first wall section 44a.
Figs. 4 to 7 a show a portion of the home appliance device, showing the machine compartment 14a in a partly disassembled state and the divisional wall section 31a. The home appliance device further comprises a fixing unit 122a. The fixing unit 122a is configured for fixing the electronic device 126a to the first wall section 44a. The fixing unit 122a comprises a fixing element 131a. The fixing element 131a is implemented as a drilling hole of the opening device 48a and the first wall section 44a. The fixing unit 122a comprises a corresponding fixing element 134a. The corresponding fixing element 134a is embodied as a bolt or a screw. In an assembled state the fixing element 131a and the corresponding fixing element 134a connect in a form-fit and/or force-fit fashion. The fixing element 131a and the corresponding fixing element 134a fix the opening unit 48a to the first wall section 44a. In the present case the opening device 48a is fixed to the first wall section 44 by three fixing elements 131a and three corresponding fixing elements 134a.
The fixing unit 122a comprises a further fixing element 136a. The further fixing element 136a is embodied as a locking hook. The further fixing element 136a is implemented integrally with the first wall section 44a. The fixing unit 122a comprises a further corresponding fixing element. The further corresponding fixing element may be embodied as a recess of the control unit 94a. In an assembled state the further fixing element 136a and the further corresponding fixing element connect in a form-fit and/or force-fit fashion. In the present case the control unit 94a is fixed to the first wall section 44a by four further fixing elements 136a and four further corresponding fixing elements.
The home appliance device comprises a fastening unit 108a. The fastening unit 108a is configured at least for fastening the first wall section 44a to the second wall section 46a. The fastening unit 108a is further configured for fastening the first wall section 44a and the second wall section 46a in such a way that they are movable with respect to each other. By means of the fastening unit 108a the first wall section 44a is detachable. In disassembly the first wall section 44a can be detached from the second wall section 46a in by moving the first wall section 44a away from the second wall section 46a, advantageously in a main extension direction of the divisional wall section 31a. The fastening unit 108a is additionally configured for at least partly coupling the divisional wall section 31a to the machine compartment 14a.
The fastening unit 108a comprises at least one guiding unit 110a. The guiding unit 110a is configured for guiding the first wall section 44a relative to the second wall section 46a. Further, the guiding unit 110a is configured for guiding the first wall section 44a at least substantially parallel to the second wall section 46a. The guiding unit 110a comprises at least one guiding element 116a. The guiding element 116a is implemented integrally with the first wall section 44a. The guiding element is 116a is embodied by a border of the first wall section 44a, which in particular forms a guiding rail. The guiding unit 110a comprises a further guiding element 117a. The further guiding element 117a is implemented integrally with the second wall section 46a. The further guiding element 117a is at least substantially equivalent to the guiding element.
The guiding unit 110a further comprises a corresponding guiding element 120a. The corresponding guiding 120a element is at least substantially implemented corresponding to the guiding element 116a and/or the further guiding element 117a. The corresponding guiding element 120a is implemented as a guiding rail. The corresponding guiding element 120a is implemented separate. Additionally the corresponding guiding element 120a may be implemented integrally with the machine compartment 14a and/or the second wall section 46a. In assembly the guiding element 116a and in particular the further guiding element 117a and the corresponding guiding element 120a engage with each other. The corresponding guiding element 120a is in particular fixable to the machine compartment 14a. The guiding unit 110a couples the first wall section 44a and the second wall section 46a to the bottom wall section 38a of the machine compartment 14a. The fastening unit 110a comprises a further guiding unit 112a, which is embodied at least substantially equivalent to the guiding unit 110a. The further guiding unit 112a comprises a further corresponding guiding element, which is fixable to an upper wall section and/or to the storage compartment 68a. The further guiding unit 112a couples the first wall section 44a and the second wall section 46a to the upper wall section of the machine compartment 14a and/or to the storage compartment 68a.
Figs. 8 and 9 show a portion of the home appliance device, comprising the machine compartment 14a and the refrigerant cycle 10a of the home appliance device, in various views. The refrigerant cycle 10a comprises a refrigerant. The refrigerant cycle 10a is at least partly, preferably mostly, arranged inside the machine compartment 14a. The refrigerant cycle 10a comprises a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side. The refrigerant cycle 10a comprises a compressor 24a. The high-pressure side starts at the compressor 24a. The refrigerant enters the compressor 24a as a super-heated gas. A pressure and a temperature of the refrigerant are increased by the compressor 24a. An enthalpy of the refrigerant rises as a result of the compression. The refrigerant cycle 10a further comprises a condenser 26a. The condenser 26a is connected to the compressor 24a. In the condenser 26a, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change. The super-heated gas condenses into a sub-cooled liquid. The refrigerant cycle 10a further comprises a dryer 82a. The dryer 82a is connected to the condenser 26a. The dryer 82a is configured for removing water vapor from the refrigerant. The refrigerant cycle 10a comprises an expansion device 28a. The expansion device 28a is connected to the dryer 82a. The expansion device 28a comprises a capillary tube 84a. Additionally or alternatively the expansion device 28a may comprise an expansion valve. The capillary tube 84a has a smaller diameter than every other tube of the refrigerant cycle 10a. The capillary tube 84a is configured as a metering device, which preferably restricts a flow of the refrigerant. At the end of the capillary tube 84a, the high-pressure side ends and the low-pressure side starts. The refrigerant leaves the expansion device 28a through an expansion point. In the expansion point, a diameter of the capillary tube 84a is increased. The refrigerant cycle 10a comprises an evaporator. The refrigerant enters the evaporator. While passing through the evaporator the sub-cooled refrigerant liquid undergoes a phase change from a sub-cooled liquid to a super-heated gas. The refrigerant cycle 10a comprises a suction tube. The suction tube connects the evaporator to the compressor 24a. Further the refrigerant cycle 10a comprises a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is implemented by welding the capillary tube 84a and the suction tube together. Via a heat exchange through the heat exchanger after the evaporator, the refrigerant is converted into a super-heated gas before reentering the compressor 24a. Furthermore, via the heat exchanger the refrigerant is converted into a sub-cooled liquid before entering the expansion device 28a.
The suction tube connecting the evaporator and the compressor 24a is at least partly arranged inside the second sub-compartment 17a. The compressor 24a is arranged inside the second sub-compartment 17a. The compressor 24a is arranged aerodynamically downstream of the airflow unit 20a. The compressor 24a is arranged in a vicinity of the heated-air exit 76a. The condenser 26a is arranged inside the second sub-compartment 17a. The condenser 26a is arranged aerodynamically downstream of the airflow unit 20a. The condenser 26a is arranged in a vicinity of the airflow unit 20a, and in particular of the aperture 42a of the divisional wall section 31a. The condenser 26a is arranged aerodynamically upstream of the compressor 24a. The expansion device 28a, in particular the capillary tube 84a and preferably the dryer 82a, are arranged inside the first sub-compartment 16a. The expansion device 82a, in particular the capillary tube 84a and preferably the dryer 82a, are arranged aerodynamically upstream of the airflow unit 20a. The expansion device 82a, in particular the capillary tube 84a and preferably the dryer 82a, are positioned in a vicinity of the fresh-air entrance 30a. The expansion device 28a, in particular the capillary tube 84a and preferably the dryer 82a, are configured for getting into direct contact with the fresh air upon suction thereof. The evaporator is preferably arranged in a vicinity of the storage compartment 68a.
The home appliance device further comprises an evaporation tray 88a. The evaporation tray 88a is configured for collecting condensed water from the storage compartment 68a. The evaporation tray 88a is arranged aerodynamically downstream of the airflow unit 20a. The evaporation tray 88a is configured for evaporating the condensed water. The evaporation tray 88a is arranged inside the second sub-compartment 17a. Preferably the evaporation tray 88a is thermally coupled to the refrigerant cycle 10a, in particular to the compressor 24a. The evaporation tray 88a is arranged between the compressor 24a and the condenser 26a.
The home appliance device further comprises a water line 90a preferably configured for cooling tap water. The water line 90a comprises in particular a water valve 92a. The water line 90a, in particular the water valve 92a, is at least partly arranged inside the first sub-compartment 16a. The water line 90a, in particular the water valve 92a, is at least partly arranged aerodynamically upstream of the airflow unit 20a.
Figs. 10 to 14 show further exemplary embodiments of the invention. The following description is substantially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein regarding structural elements, features and functions that remain the same the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the exemplary embodiment of figs. 1 to 9, may be referred to. For distinguishing the exemplary embodiments, the letter a of the reference numerals in the exemplary embodiment of figs. 1 to 9 has been substituted by the letters b to d in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments of figs. 10 to 14. Regarding structural elements having the same denomination, in particular regarding structural elements having the same reference numerals, principally the drawing and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of the exemplary embodiment of figs. 1 to 9, may be referred to.
Figs. 10 and 11 show a portion of a further home appliance comprising a divisional wall section 31b. The exemplary embodiment of figs. 10 and 11 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiment at least substantially at least by the implementation of the fastening unit 108b. In this case the fastening unit 108b comprises an additional stopper element 138b. The stopper element 138b is implemented integrally with a second wall section 46b. The stopper element 138b restricts a movement of the first wall section 44b at least substantially parallel to a main extension direction of a divisional wall section 31b. The stopper element 138b is in particular embodied as a guiding hook. The first wall section 44b engages at least partly with the stopper element 138b in an assembled state. Furthermore the fastening unit 108b comprises a fastening element 140b. The fastening element 140b is embodied as a screw and/or a bolt. Furthermore the fastening unit 108b comprises a corresponding fastening element 142b. The corresponding fixing element 142b is embodied as a recess in the first wall section 44b and the second wall section 46b. In assembly the first wall section 44b can engage with the second wall section 46b by means of a guiding unit 110b. The first wall section 44b can be moved alongside the guiding unit 110b until the first wall section 44b is stopped by the stopper element 138b. In this position the recesses of the first wall section 44b and the second wall section 46b are aligned and implement the corresponding fastening element 142b. The first wall section 44b can be fixed to the second wall section 46b by connecting of the fastening element 140b and the corresponding fastening element 142b.
Further, in this exemplary embodiment a corresponding guiding element 120b, which is configured to cooperate with a guiding element 117b, is implemented integrally with the second wall section 46b. In an assembled state the first wall section 44b and the second wall section 46b at least partly overlap with each other. Lateral surfaces of the first wall section 44b and the second wall section 46b are in particular in the assembled state at least partly, preferably mostly and advantageously entirely in contact with each other. Furthermore the first wall section 44b covers the second wall section 46b at least partly. The first wall section 44b covers the lateral surface of the second wall section 46b by at least 20 %. Furthermore in this case the second wall section 46b is directly fixable to a machine compartment 14b, for example by using screws.
In this embodiment an electronic device 126b of the home appliance device is free of an opening unit and/or a control unit. The electronic device 126b comprises a power supply unit 130b. The power supply unit 130b comprises at least one inverter. In this case the electronic device 126b is fixable to a second lateral side of the divisional wall section 31b, which preferably faces a second sub-compartment. A fixing unit 122b comprises a fixing element 131b. The fixing element 131b is embodied as a recess of the first wall section 44b. The fixing unit 122b comprises a corresponding fixing element 134b. The corresponding fixing element 134b is embodied as a recess of the power supply unit 130b. When the fixing element 131b and the corresponding fixing element 134b are aligned in assembly, they may be connected by a bolt and/or a screw. In this embodiment the fixing unit 122b comprises two fixing elements 131b and two corresponding fixing elements 134b. The fixing unit 122b comprises a further fixing element 136b. The further fixing element 136b is embodied as a fixing hook. The fixing unit 122b comprises a further corresponding fixing element. The further corresponding fixing element may be embodied as a recess. In assembly the power supply unit 130b can be fixed by the further fixing element 136b and the further corresponding fixing element. In this embodiment the fixing unit 122b comprises two further fixing elements 136b and two further corresponding fixing elements.
Figs. 12 and 13 show a portion of a further home appliance comprising a divisional wall section 31c. The exemplary embodiment of figs. 12 and 13 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments at least substantially by an electronic device 126c. In this case the electronic device 126c comprises two power supply units 130c. The number of fixing elements 131c, 134c, 136c of a fixing unit 122c is adapted accordingly. In this embodiment the fixing unit 122c comprises four fixing elements 131c and four corresponding fixing elements 134c. In addition, the fixing unit 122c comprises four further fixing elements 136c and four further corresponding fixing elements.
In this embodiment a first wall section 44c covers a lateral surface of a second wall section 46c by at least 50 %.
Fig. 14 shows a portion of a further home appliance comprising a machine compartment 14d. The exemplary embodiment of fig. 14 differs from the preceding exemplary embodiments at least substantially by its number of divisional wall sections 31d, 32d, 33d. In this case the home appliance device comprises three divisional wall sections31d, 32d, 33d. A first divisional wall section 31d is at least substantially equivalent to the divisional wall section 31a of the first exemplary embodiment. The first divisional wall section 31d differs from the divisional wall section 31a by an electronic device, which is fixed to the divisional wall section 31d and is free of an opening device. The first wall section 31d divides the machine compartment 14d into a first sub-compartment 16d and a second sub-compartment 17d.
The home appliance device further comprises a second divisional wall section 32d. The second divisional wall section 32d is embodied at least substantially equivalent to the divisional wall section 31a of the first exemplary embodiment. The second divisional wall section 32d differs from the divisional wall section 31a in that it is free of a second wall section. Furthermore an electronic device, which is fixed to the second divisional wall section 32d, is free of a control unit. The second divisional wall section 32d divides the machine compartment 14d into a second sub-compartment 17d and a third sub-compartment 18d. An opening unit of the electronic device is attached to a lateral side of the divisional wall section 32d facing the third sub-compartment18d.
The home appliance device further comprises a third divisional wall section 33d. The third divisional wall section 33d is at least substantially equivalent to the divisional wall section 31c of the third exemplary embodiment. The third divisional wall section 33d divides the machine compartment 14d into the third sub-compartment 18d and a fourth sub-compartment 19d. A power supply unit of an electronic device is attached to a lateral side of the third divisional wall section 33d facing the fourth sub-compartment 19d.
A refrigerant cycle of the home appliance device may additionally be situated at least partly in the third sub-compartment 18d and/or the fourth sub-compartment 19d. Preferably an additional compressor may be arranged inside the third sub-compartment 18d.

Reference numerals

10: refrigerant cycle
14: machine compartment
16: first sub-compartment
17: second sub-compartment
18: third sub-compartment
19: fourth sub-compartment
20: airflow unit
22: fan
24: compressor
26: condenser
28: expansion device
30: fresh-air entrance
31: divisional wall section
32: divisional wall section
33: divisional wall section
34: lateral wall section
36: rear wall section
38: bottom wall section
40: front wall section
42: aperture
44: first wall section
46: second wall section
48: opening device
50: door
52: drawer
62: home appliance
64: housing
68: storage compartment
70: door leaf
72: air inlet vent
74: air outlet vent
76: heated-air exit
82: dryer
84: capillary tube
88: evaporation tray
90: water line
92: water valve
94: control unit
96: pass-through recess
98: plunger
108: fastening unit
110: guiding unit
112: guiding unit
116: guiding element
117: guiding element
120: corresponding guiding element
122: fixing unit
126: electronic device
130: power supply unit
131: fixing element
134: corresponding fixing element
136: further fixing element
138: stopper element
140: fastening element
142: corresponding fastening element

Claims

A home appliance, in particular a home appliance chiller device, comprising: a machine compartment (14a; 14d); an electronic device (126a-c); a divisional wall section (31a-d; 32d, 33d) configured for dividing the machine compartment (14a; 14d) into sub-compartments (16a, 17a; 16d, 17d, 18d, 19d) and comprising a first wall section (44a-c) and a second wall section (46a-c); and a fastening unit (108a-c) configured for at least fastening the first wall section (44a-c) to the second wall section (46a-c), wherein the home appliance further comprises a fixing unit (122a-c), which is configured for fixing the electronic device (126a-c) at least to the first wall section (44a-c), characterized in that the fastening unit (108a-c) is configured for fastening the first wall section (44a-c) and the second wall section (46a-c) movably with respect to and detachably from each other in such a way that the first wall section (44a-c) can be detached from the second wall section (46a-c) by moving the first wall section (44a-c) away from the second wall section (46a-c) in parallel to a main extension direction of the divisional wall section (31a-d; 32d, 33d), wherein the fastening unit (108a-c) comprising at least one guiding unit (110a-c; 112a) configured for guiding the first wall section (44a-c) relative to the second wall section (46a-c) and wherein the guiding unit (110a-c; 112a) being configured for guiding the first wall section (44a-c) at least substantially parallel to the second wall section (46a-c) and wherein the guiding unit (110a-c; 112a) comprises at least one guiding element (116a-c) and wherein the guiding unit (110a-c; 112a) comprises at least one corresponding guiding element (120b-c), which is implemented corresponding to the guiding element (116b-c) and wherein in an assembled state the guiding element (116a-c) and the corresponding guiding element (120b-c) engage at least partly with each other.
The home appliance according to claim 1, the fastening unit (108a-c) being at least additionally configured for at least partly coupling the divisional wall section (31a-d; 32d, 33d) to the machine compartment (14a; 14d).
The home appliance according to claim 1 or 2, the guiding unit (110a-c; 112a) comprising at least one guiding element (116a-c), which is implemented integrally with the first wall section (44a-c).
The home appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one corresponding guiding element (120b-c) is implemented integrally with the second wall section (46b-c) and is configured to cooperate with the guiding element (116b-c).
The home appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, the first wall section (44b-c) at least partly overlapping with the second wall section (46a-c) in an assembled state.
The home appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, the fixing unit (122a-c) being at least partly implemented integrally with the first wall section (44a-c).
The home appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, the electronic device (126a) comprising an opening device (48a), which is configured for opening a closed door (50a) or a closed drawer (52a).
The home appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, the electronic device (126a) comprising a control unit (94a).
The home appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, the electronic device (126b-c) comprising a power supply unit (130b; 130c).