EP4212805A1 - Food container with an additional container fixed to a coupling cam, and domestic refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a food receptacle (13) with a shell (14) for receiving the food, the shell (14) having at least one coupling cam (22, 23) for mechanical coupling to a food receptacle (13) external Component of a household refrigeration appliance (1) and having an additional container (30) which is separate from the shell (14) and which is arranged on the shell (14), the additional container (30) having a coupling structure (33) with which the additional container ( 30) is attached to the coupling cam (22, 23). One aspect relates to a household refrigeration appliance (1).

Description

One aspect of the invention relates to a food holding container having a tray for holding the food. A further aspect of the invention relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance with at least one such food storage container.

Food receptacles for household refrigeration appliances are known in a variety of configurations. They are known, for example, as door racks. These have a trough-like container or a bowl. It is also possible for a lid of the food receptacle to be placed on this shell. This can be separate from the shell and be completely detachable or movably arranged on the shell. It is also known that, for example, a door rack can be arranged on an inner lining of a door of the household refrigeration appliance so that it can be detached in a non-destructive manner.

Food storage containers can also be designed in such a way that they additionally have a component which is fastened to the shell. For this purpose, individual attachment points and attachment elements are usually provided.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a food accommodating container in which attachment of a component to a tray is improved. Accordingly, it is also an object to create a household refrigeration appliance that has such a food storage container.

One aspect of the invention relates to a food storage container for a household refrigeration appliance. The food receptacle has a tray. The tray is intended to hold food. The shell has at least one coupling cam for mechanical coupling to a component of a household refrigeration appliance that is external to the food receptacle. The coupling cam is therefore that unit of the shell which is intended for direct mechanical coupling to a counter-coupling cam of the component so that the shell is mechanically releasably attached to this external component. The Food Holding Container has at least one additional container. The additional container is a separate component to the shell. The additional container is arranged on the shell, in particular arranged directly on it. The additional container has a coupling structure with which the additional container is fastened, in particular directly, to the coupling cam. This means that the coupling cam is used in a multifunctional manner. Because on the one hand it is intended to establish the direct mechanical connection with the external component, on the other hand it is also precisely the component to which the additional container is attached, in particular directly. It can thus be achieved that a separate fastening structure, to which only the additional container is fastened, can be saved. The complexity of the shape of the shell, in particular with regard to different fastening structures, is reduced as a result.

In one exemplary embodiment, the coupling cam is a coherent element. Thereby a single element is provided with which the food-receiving container can be directly mechanically connected to the external component at one point and at which also the auxiliary container can be connected to the shell at one point. It is also possible for the food receptacle to have several, for example two, such separate coupling cams that are each used in a multifunctional manner. A mechanical coupling with the additional container can thus take place at two different points. In addition, the additional container can then be attached to the shell at two different points, namely at these different coupling cams.

In one exemplary embodiment, the coupling structure has a fastening structure with which the auxiliary container is fastened to the coupling cam. In one exemplary embodiment, the coupling structure has a suspension structure as a fastening structure, with which the additional container is suspended from the coupling cam. In particular, the additional container is thus suspended from above on the coupling cam. Such a specification of at least a partial area of the coupling structure thus makes it possible for the additional container to be attached to the coupling cam in a simple manner. This suspension structure enables the additional container to be suspended or suspended directly from above on the coupling cam. This also makes for a very simple assembly process allows. Nevertheless, a secure positioning of the additional container on this coupling cam is made possible.

In one embodiment, the attachment structure has a recess. In the coupled state, the coupling cam protrudes through the recess. In one embodiment, the hanging structure has, as an example of a fastening structure, a, in particular completely, bordered hole as an example of a recess. When the additional container is mounted on the shell, the coupling cam extends through this additional container. In particular, an upper edge or a delimiting edge of the hole viewed in the height direction sits on the coupling cam from above. In particular, this upper edge sits directly on an upper area of the coupling cam. Such a hole represents a coupling area that is easy to produce. On the other hand, it is also easily possible in terms of assembly technology that this coupling cam can extend through the hole during assembly and direct mechanical contact can be made at a specific point between the boundary edge of the hole and the coupling cam .

In one embodiment, the additional container surrounds the coupling cam in the coupled state at least partially or in sections. In one exemplary embodiment, the recess surrounds at least one section of the coupling cam from three sides. The recess is preferably a hole.

In one embodiment, the attachment structure includes a perimeter edge that cooperates with the coupling cam to attach the auxiliary container to the shell.

In one embodiment, an upper delimiting edge of the hanging structure delimiting the hole sits on an upper edge of the coupling cam when the additional container is hung on the shell.

In one embodiment, the shape of the, in particular upper, boundary edge or the, in particular upper, boundary edge of the recess, in particular of the hole, is at least partially adapted to the shape of the outside, in particular an upper edge, the coupling cam, on which the boundary edge or the upper boundary edge is seated, adapted. As a result, in particular, at least the upper boundary edge can bear in a form-fitting manner on the outside of the coupling cam. For example, the shape can be curved, for example convexly curved.

The coupling cam can be U-shaped. In particular, it can be formed as an inverted U on an outside of a side wall of the shell. In such an embodiment, an upper edge of the coupling cam is then the base leg of the U-shape. This can be straight or preferably curved. The in particular rectilinear boundary edge of the recess, in particular of the hole, then sits on this base leg of the coupling cam, which is curved, in particular convexly upwards, from above.

In one embodiment, the attachment structure includes a securing element. The security element is only a locally formed element. In particular, it is an indentation on a boundary edge that bounds the recess. In one embodiment, the coupling cam has a counter-securing element. The counter-securing element is only a locally formed element. In particular, it is a bulge on an outside of the coupling cam. When the additional container is coupled to the shell, the securing element engages in the counter-securing element, in particular to secure the position, in particular to prevent rotation, of the additional container on the shell.

In one embodiment, the coupling structure of the additional container has at least one such security element. In one exemplary embodiment, the additional container is held with this securing element, in particular in addition to the attachment of the additional container to the coupling cam, also on the coupling cam, in particular additionally. The securing element is therefore an additional part, with which the position-fixed arrangement of the additional container on the coupling cam is improved. The additional container is then secured, in particular, against twisting about a horizontal axis that is oriented in the width direction of the food receptacle.

In one exemplary embodiment, the coupling structure of the additional container has a coupling strap which protrudes upwards, in particular cantilevers freely, and in which the fastening structure is formed. In particular, the fastening structure is formed integrally in the coupling strap. It is therefore formed in one piece with it. In one embodiment, the coupling tab is disposed upstanding from a side wall of the auxiliary container. Such a coupling strap forms a narrow coupling structure which is nevertheless very stable. Furthermore, the coupling structure can be positioned in a very exposed position and thus enables easy manual coupling with the coupling cam. In one embodiment, the coupling structure has only one such coupling strap.

In one exemplary embodiment, the additional container with only one coupling strap is arranged on the shell with one arm, in particular suspended from it. As a result, the coupling is only formed at this one point. A simple and yet mechanically safe and resilient coupling principle is thereby formed.

In one embodiment, the coupling cam is located in a recess in a side wall of the shell. As a result, it is placed inwards and better protected. Furthermore, a more stable positioning of the coupling structure can be achieved because it is then also arranged in the niche in the coupled state.

In one exemplary embodiment, the coupling strap can be fitted in the niche with an essentially precise fit, in particular at least in the depth direction of the food storage container. As a result, the position-safe arrangement of the additional container on the shell is further improved. This is advantageous in particular when the additional container is attached to the shell with one arm.

In one embodiment, the niche is covered at the top by a roof bar. This further secures the position of the additional container on the shell. As a result, the coupling structure cannot slip upwards.

In one embodiment, when attached to the tray, the auxiliary container is located beneath a bottom wall of the tray. The top wall of the auxiliary container and the bottom wall of the tray are located immediately adjacent to each other.

Thereby, a stacked state compactly in the height direction can be formed between the tray and the auxiliary container. A compact overall system of containers is achieved. In particular, the additional container does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the shell in the width direction.

In one embodiment, the additional container is a shaft container that has a front door. In this way, a completely closed additional container is formed, which is easily accessible to the interior through the door.

The additional container is intended in particular for holding food. It is a food additive container. However, the additional container can also be provided for holding medicines and/or cosmetic articles. Then it is an additional container for medicines and/or cosmetics. It can also be provided to hold medical therapy products such as cooling pads or the like.

In one embodiment, the shell is made of plastic. In particular, it is manufactured in one piece. It can be an injection molded component, for example.

In one exemplary embodiment, the shell has a roof wall or a roof web above the coupling cam. An upper boundary edge of the decorative part is arranged in particular between the coupling cam and the roof wall. In particular, it rests against an underside of the roof ridge. In exemplary embodiments it is provided that the coupling cams are each arranged in a niche of the side walls. These niches are formed in particular at the rear end or in the respective rear area of the side walls. In particular, they represent indentations. In one exemplary embodiment, the niches are covered at the top by roof bars. This improves the fastening of the additional container, and in particular prevents it from slipping upwards. The roof ridges can also be referred to as lateral overhangs.

In one embodiment, the food storage container is a door rack for a door of a household refrigeration appliance. It can be arranged on an inner wall of the door so that it can be detached without destroying it. For example, the inner wall has vertical bars on which the food receptacle attaches via the coupling cams mentioned above opposite sides can be attached. For example, it can be hung from above in counter-coupling cams on this inner wall of the door by means of these coupling cams.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance with a food storage container according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous exemplary embodiment thereof.

The information “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “depth direction”, “width direction”, “height direction” are the intended use and intended positioning of the hanging device or the arrangement or given positions and orientations of the household appliance component.

Further features of the invention result 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 feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without the frame to abandon the invention. The invention is therefore also to be considered to include and disclose embodiments that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but that result from the explained embodiments and can be generated by separate combinations of features. Versions and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed which therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltskältegeräts ohne einen Lebensmittel-Aufnahmebehälter;

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Schale eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Lebensmittel-Aufnahmebehälters;

Fig. 3

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Lebensmittel-Aufnahmebehälters mit einer Schale und einem Zusatzbehälter;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Lebensmittel-Aufnahmebehälters gemäß Fig. 3 im zusammengesetzten Zustand der Einzelkomponenten; und

Fig. 5 bis 8

Ansichten auf Innenseiten von Türen mit verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen von Lebensmittel-Aufnahmebehältern.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of schematic drawings. Show it:

1

a perspective view of an embodiment of a household refrigeration appliance according to the invention without a food receptacle;

2

a representation of an embodiment of a tray of an embodiment of a food storage container according to the invention;

3

an exploded view of an embodiment of a food storage container with a shell and an auxiliary container;

4

a perspective view of the food storage container according to FIG 3 in the assembled state of the individual components; and

Figures 5 to 8

Views of insides of doors with different embodiments of food storage containers.

Elements that are the same or have the same function are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

In 1 an embodiment of a household refrigeration appliance 1 is shown in a perspective view. The household refrigeration appliance 1 is designed for storing and preserving food. The household refrigeration appliance 1 can be a refrigerator or a freezer or a fridge-freezer combination appliance. The domestic refrigeration appliance 1 has a housing 2 . At least one receiving space 3 for food is formed in this housing 2 . The receiving space 3 can be a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment. In addition, the household refrigeration appliance 1 has a door 4 . The door 4 is arranged to close the receiving space 3 at the front. The door 4 has an outer panel 5 . In addition, the door 4 has an interior lining 6 . The inner lining 6 faces the receiving space 3 when the door 4 is in the closed state.

Food receptacles can be arranged both in the receiving space 3 and on the door 4, in particular the interior paneling 6. Such food storage containers can be arranged in the storage space 3 , for example on side walls 7 and 8 of an inner container 9 . Food storage containers can also be arranged in the storage space 3 on a rear wall that delimits the storage space 3 . The walls of the inner container 9 delimit the receiving space 3.

In addition, it is also possible for separate inserts to be arranged in the receiving space 3, which inserts are provided for attaching separate food receptacles thereto. Such inserts can have counter-coupling structures, in particular counter-coupling cams, which are provided for direct coupling to coupling structures, in particular coupling cams, which are arranged on a food receptacle.

In addition, it is provided in one exemplary embodiment that the door 4, in particular the inner lining 6, also has such counter-coupling structures that are provided for direct coupling with coupling structures of a food storage container. A food storage container that can be arranged mechanically reversibly detachably on this door 4, in particular the inner lining 6, is, for example, a door rack.

In one exemplary embodiment, the interior trim 6 can have vertical door pillars 10 and 11 . Counter-coupling structures can be formed on the inner sides of these door pillars 10 and 11 facing one another. For example, the counter-coupling cam 12 can be as shown schematically in 1 are shown. Coupling structures, in particular coupling cams, of a food receptacle 13 can be mechanically coupled directly to these counter-coupling cams 12 . As a result, a food storage container 13 can be suspended or hung on these door struts 10 and 11 by coupling with these counter-coupling cams 12 .

In 2 an embodiment of a shell 14 of a food receptacle 13 is shown in a perspective representation. The food storage container 13 is designed here in particular as a door shelf. The food accommodating container 13 has the tray 14 . In one embodiment, this is made of plastic. It can be an injection molded component. The shell 14 is in particular made in one piece. The shell 14 is here an elongated, cuboid tub container. It has a front wall 15, a bottom wall 16, a rear wall 17 and opposite side walls 18 and 19. As a result, a capacity 20 of the shell 14 is limited. As in the embodiment in 2 can be seen on a side wall section 18a, in particular a rear one in the depth direction z Side wall portion 18a, and on a rear side wall portion 19a of the side walls 18 and 19 each have a coupling structure 21 is formed. The coupling structures 21 are formed as coupling cams 22 and 23 here. In particular, they are formed in a U-shape. They are formed in one piece on the outer sides of the side wall sections 18a and 19a and project laterally from these outer sides.

The coupling cams 22 and 23 are turned upside down with their U-shape. They protrude laterally from the side wall section 18a and 19a. They each have an outer side 22a and 23a. In particular, these are also the contact surfaces for coupling to an additional container of the food receptacle 13.

As in 2 is shown, the shell has niches 24 and 25 in the exemplary embodiment. The niches 24 and 25 are offset towards the front area of the side walls 18 and 19 inwards. The side wall portions 18a and 19a are located in the niches 24 and 25, respectively.

The side wall sections 18a and 19a are each delimited at their upper edges by a roof web 26, 27. These ridges 26 and 27 are projecting outwards.

In one exemplary embodiment, the coupling cam 22 has a counter-securing element 28 . The counter-securing element 28 is locally limited. It is integrally formed here as a bulge on the outside 22a. In particular, it is formed on a free end of the rear leg of the U of the coupling cam 22, which is U-shaped here. It is oriented to the rear, protruding from the U-leg. A further counter-securing element 29 is correspondingly formed on the coupling cam 23 in a further exemplary embodiment. In one exemplary embodiment, both counter-securing elements 28, 29 can also be formed.

In 3 a food holding container 13 is shown in one embodiment. The shell 14 is shown here in sections. You can use the shell 14 according to 2 be. The food receiving container 13 also has a separate additional container 30 .

In the exemplary embodiment, the additional container 30 has a shaft container 31 and a door 32 that is movably arranged thereon. As a result, a closed additional container 30 is formed.

In the exemplary embodiment, the additional container 30 has a coupling structure 33 . The coupling structure 33 is formed here in particular on a side wall 34 of the additional container 30 , in particular of the shaft container 31 .

In one exemplary embodiment, a niche 35 is formed in a rear region of the outer side wall 34 . In the exemplary embodiment, the shape of the side wall 34 is adapted to the shape of the side wall 19 . As a result, when the additional container 30 is in the arranged state on the shell 14 , a flush or essentially flush arrangement of the side walls 19 and 34 can be achieved on this narrow side of the food storage container 13 . This is advantageous in order, for example, to carry out attachment to counter-coupling cam 12 with this side wall arrangement. The coupling cam 23 then rests with an inside 23b on the outside of the counter-coupling cam 12 . Because of the U-shape of the coupling cam 23 , the counter-coupling element 12 is then encompassed by the coupling cam 23 . The same applies to the coupling of the coupling cam 22 with a counter-coupling cam, in particular on the inside of the door pillar 10 .

The area of the side wall arrangement in front of the niches 25 and 35 is in the arranged state of the food receptacle 13 on the counter-coupling cams 12 viewed in the depth direction in front of the door pillars 10 and 11. In particular, these areas in the width direction then also at least partially overlap with the door pillars 10 and 11 arranged.

In one exemplary embodiment, this coupling structure 33 is intended to be mechanically coupled directly to a coupling cam 22 or 23, here the coupling cam 23. As a result, the additional container 30 can be arranged on the shell 14 in a mechanically stable and simple manner.

In one embodiment, the coupling structure 33 is formed with a fastening structure. In one embodiment, a mounting structure as a Suspension structure 36 formed. Such a fastening structure, in particular a suspension structure 36, can be formed by a recess in the exemplary embodiment. In one exemplary embodiment, a recess can be a hole 37, in particular a hole open at the bottom. It can also be a circumferentially closed hole.

The hole 37 is formed in a coupling strap 38 in one embodiment. The coupling strap 38 is an upwardly cantilevered strap. Compared to the shaft container 31, it projects upwards. The coupling strap 38 is formed in particular as a coupling arm. In particular, a one-armed coupling structure with a single coupling strap 38 is implemented here.

In the coupled state of the additional container 30 with the shell 14 separate therefrom, the coupling cam 23 extends laterally through the hole 37 . The additional container 30 is then arranged on this coupling cam 23, in particular suspended, in particular suspended or hung on it from above. As in 3 can be seen, the suspension structure 36 has an upper boundary edge 36a in the exemplary embodiment. The delimiting edge 36a delimits the specifically shaped hole 37 here. With this delimiting edge 36a, the additional container 30 in the installed state is attached to at least the upper area of the outer side 23a, in particular hanging directly thereon. A form-fitting abutment can be provided.

As further in 3 As can be seen, the coupling structure 33 has a security element 39 in one exemplary embodiment. The securing element 39 is formed here in the boundary edge or the boundary edge 36a. For example, there is an indentation here. The indentation is preferably designed to accommodate the counter-securing element 29 with a precise fit, in particular a form-fitting fit.

In 4 the arranged final state of the additional container 30 on the shell 14 is shown. In particular, the counter-securing element 29 is accommodated, in particular snapped, into the securing element 39 .

In the Figures 5 to 8 Views of the insides or inner linings 6 of doors 4 for a household refrigeration appliance 1 are shown. There are examples of here Shown food storage containers 1, which have various additional containers 30. The additional containers 30 can only extend over a partial area of the shell 14 in the width direction. In particular, they are then only attached to the shell 14 on one side. In an example according to 6 the additional container 30 is exactly the same size as the shell 14 in the width direction. In this example, it can also be provided that a coupling strap 38 with a respective hole 37 is formed on both sides. The additional container 30 is then arranged on both sides on the side walls 18 and 19 of the shell 14, in particular attached. The design as shown in 3 is formed on one side and has been explained, can then also be provided on the other side.

Reference List

1

domestic refrigeration appliance

2

Housing

3

recording room

4

door

5

outer lining

6

interior panelling

7

Side wall

8th

Side wall

9

inner container

10

door pillar

11

door pillar

12

counter coupling cam

13

food storage container

14

Peel

15

front wall

16

bottom wall

17

back panel

18

Side wall

18a

sidewall section

19

Side wall

19a

sidewall section

20

recording volume

21

coupling structure

22

coupling cam

22a

outside

23

coupling cam

23a

outside

23b

inside

24

niche

25

niche

26

roof walkway

27

roof walkway

28

counter-security elements

29

counter-security elements

30

additional container

31

shaft container

32

door

33

coupling structure

34

Side wall

35

niche

36

hanging structure

36a

boundary edge

37

Hole

38

coupling strap

39

fuse element

x

latitude direction

y

height direction

e.g

depth direction

Claims (15)

Food storage container (13) with a shell (14) for receiving the food, the shell (14) having at least one coupling cam (22, 23) for mechanical coupling to a component of a household refrigeration appliance (1) that is external to the food storage container (13). and with an additional container (30) which is separate from the shell (14) and is arranged on the shell (14), the additional container (30) having a coupling structure (33) with which the additional container (30) is attached to the coupling cam ( 22, 23) is attached. The food storage container (13) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling structure (33) comprises a fastening structure (36) with which the auxiliary container (30) is fastened to the coupling cam (22, 23). Food storage container (13) according to claim 2, wherein the fastening structure (36) has a recess, and when the auxiliary container (30) is coupled to the shell (14), the coupling cam (22, 23) protrudes through the recess. A food storage container (13) according to claim 3, wherein the attachment structure (36) has a perimeter edge (36a) which cooperates with the cam (22, 23) to attach the auxiliary container (30) to the tray (13). Food holding container (13) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein the fastening structure (36) has at least one securing element (39), and the coupling cam (22, 23) has a counter-securing element (28, 29), wherein in the coupled state of the additional container (30) on the shell (14), the securing element (39) engages in the counter-securing element (28, 29) to secure the position of the additional container (30) on the shell (14). Food storage container (13) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, wherein the coupling structure (30) has an upwardly projecting, in particular freely cantilevered, Coupling strap (38) in which the fastening structure (36) is formed, in particular integrally, in particular the coupling strap (38) is arranged projecting upwards from a side wall (34) of the additional container (30). Food storage container (13) according to claim 6, wherein the additional container (30) with only one coupling strap (38) is arranged with one arm on the shell (14), in particular suspended. A food storage container (13) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cam (22,23) is located in a recess (24,25) in a side wall (18,19) of the tray (14). Food storage container (13) according to one of the preceding claims 6 or 7 and according to claim 8, wherein the coupling strap (38), in particular at least in the depth direction (z) of the food storage container (13), fits essentially precisely in the niche (24, 25) can be attached. Food storage container (13) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the niche (24, 25) is covered at the top by a roof web (26, 27). A food storage container (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary container (30) when attached to the tray (14) is located under a bottom wall (16) of the tray (14). A food storage container (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary container (30) is a chute container (31) having a front door (32). A food accommodating container (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling cam (22, 23) is formed as a U-shaped arc in which the U-shape is turned upside down. Food storage container (13) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the food storage container (13) is a door rack for a door (4) of a household refrigeration appliance (1). Household refrigeration appliance (1) with a food storage container (13) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14.

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