WO2022184231A1

WO2022184231A1 - Domestic appliance with a filter assemly

Info

Publication number: WO2022184231A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/055074
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo Simioni; Andrea Malausa
Original assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
Priority date: 2021-03-01
Filing date: 2021-03-01
Publication date: 2022-09-09

Abstract

There is described a domestic appliance (1), in particular a domestic cooling appliance, comprising at least an inner cavity (3) for receiving a food product and at least one filter assembly (2). The filter assembly (2) comprises at least a filter cartridge (15), a filter housing (16) removably carrying the filter cartridge (15), a frame (17) at least partially covering the filter housing (16), a locking device associated to the filter housing (15) and to the filter cartridge (15) and being controllable into a locking configuration for blocking the filter cartridge (15) within the filter housing (16) and an unlocking configuration for allowing removal of the filter cartridge (15) from the filter housing (16). The locking device is controlled from the unlocking configuration in the locking configuration upon insertion of the filter cartridge (15) into the filter housing (16). The frame (17) is coupled to the locking device and is configured to control the locking device from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration by application of a pushing force on the frame (17).

Description

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE WITH A FILTER ASSEMLY

The present invention relates to a domestic appliance, in particular a domestic cooling appliance, even more particular a domestic refrigerator, having a filter assembly, in particular an air filter assembly.

There are known domestic appliances such as domestic refrigerators or domestic ovens.

Domestic refrigerators are known to be used for the storage of food products. In particular, domestic refrigerators serve for increasing the possible storage time of the food products with respect to the putative storage times when being kept at ambient temperature.

A typical domestic refrigerator comprises at least one inner cavity, which can be cooled to a desired temperature. Some domestic appliance comprise an inner cavity, which is divided into two separate portions, which can be cooled to different temperatures. E.g. one could act as a freezing chamber with an inner temperature below 0°C and the other one as a cooling chamber with an inner temperature above 0°C.

It is also known that a typical domestic refrigerator is used not only for the storage of one kind of food product, but typically different kinds of food products are stored within the same domestic refrigerator. These different kind of food products do not only differ in their physical state and form, but also regarding e.g. their smell. There are known food products, which provide for or which may develop a characteristic smell, which may, however, disturb the quality and taste of other food products or which may simply disturb a user when accessing the domestic refrigerator.

It may also occur from time to time that a consumer stores food products within the domestic refrigerator longer than suggested, leading to the degradation of the food product and the formation of unpleasant odours, which may interfere with the taste and quality of other food products and which may disturb a consumer assessing the domestic refrigerator.

Furthermore, it is known that food products such as fruits and vegetables may release ethylene, which may enhance the maturing process of other food products. In addition, it is also known that the organoleptic properties of food products may alter due to oxidation processes.

Therefore, in the recent years, filter assemblies have been proposed to be placed within the domestic refrigerator for reducing one or more or even all of the above- mentioned inconveniencies. E.g. there are known filter assemblies, which are loosely placed within the domestic refrigerator or which are removably attached to an inner wall of the domestic refrigerator. These filter assemblies’ loose efficiency with time and, thus, have to be replaced from time to time. Typically exchange frequencies range between 3 to 6 months.

Even though the application of such filter assemblies has provided for improvements with regard to the above-mentioned inconveniencies, they still come along with some drawbacks. E.g. the filter assemblies being loosely arranged within the domestic refrigerator can freely move within the domestic refrigerator, which may lead to the creation of inconveniences when placing the food products within the domestic refrigerator. As well, it has been found that when using more than one filter assembly, the consumer may loose track on which filter assembly has been placed within the domestic refrigerator before the other one. With respect to the filter assemblies, which are attached to the inner walls, it has been found that they may detach from the inner walls during their lifetime.

Furthermore, the known filter assemblies take precious space within the inner cavity.

Thus, a need is felt in the sector to improve the known filter assemblies so as to overcome at least one of the above-mention drawbacks.

One aim of the present invention is to provide for a domestic appliance to overcome, in a straightforward manner, at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

Advantageously, one aim of the present invention is to provide a domestic appliance to overcome, in a straightforward manner, at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks and coming along with a good user experience.

According to the present invention, there is provided a domestic appliance according to claim 1. Preferred non-limiting embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

In addition, according to the present invention, there is provided a domestic appliance, in particular a domestic cooling appliance, comprising at least an inner cavity for receiving a food product and one filter assembly, in particular for filtering a gas, even more particular for filtering air. The filter assembly comprises at least:

- a filter cartridge, in particular adapted to filter gas, even more particular to at least absorb odours and/or ethylene and/or to at least provide for an antibacterial and/or an antioxidant action;

- a filter housing for removably carrying the filter cartridge;

- a frame at least partially covering the filter housing; and

- a locking device associated to the filter housing and to the filter cartridge and being controllable into a locking configuration for blocking the filter cartridge within the filter housing and an unlocking configuration for allowing removal of the filter cartridge from the filter housing.

The locking device is controlled from the unlocking configuration in the locking configuration upon insertion of the filter cartridge into the filter housing.

Furthermore, the frame is coupled to the locking device and is configured to control the locking device from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration by application of a pushing force on the frame.

It should be noted that with the locking device being in the locking configuration, the filter cartridge is retained within the filter housing and can be removed by controlling the locking device into the unlocking configuration

In this manner, one obtains a domestic appliance coming along with an increased user friendliness. After placing of the filter cartridge within the filter housing, the filter cartridge is locked within the filter housing and by simply pressing on the frame, the filter cartridge can be removed, in particular by a user, from the filter housing and can be removed and being replaced by a new filter cartridge.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the locking device is automatically controlled from the unlocking configuration in the locking configuration upon insertion of the filter cartridge into the filter housing. In this manner, the filter cartridge is immediately locked within the filter housing and does not unwantedly exit from the filter housing.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the frame is coupled to the locking device and is configured to control the locking device from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration by application of a pushing force on the frame. In particular, by application of the pushing force on the frame, the locking device is controlled into the unlocking configuration, thereby allowing removal of the filter cartridge from the filter housing. In particular, this then allows a user to remove the filter cartridge from the filter housing.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the frame is coupled to the locking device such that, in use, a user is apt to exert the pushing force by pressing on the frame, in particular on an outer surface of the frame.

Preferentially but not necessarily, by pressing on the frame, the user exerts the pushing force into a direction opposed to the first direction.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the frame is linearly moveable for controlling the locking device from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the frame is linearly moveable through exertion of the pushing force between a first limit position and a second limit position. The frame is configured to control the locking device into the unlocking configuration upon movement from the first limit position to the second limit position.

These solutions clearly defines the course of the frame and its operation for controlling the locking device from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the locking device is configured to bias the frame into the first limit position.

In this manner one guarantees that in the case that no pushing force is exerted, the frame is moved back into the first limit position. Thus, when newly inserting a filter cartridge into the filter housing, one does not need to manipulate the frame for guaranteeing that the locking device is in the locking configuration.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the locking device comprises one or more first interaction elements coupled to the filter housing and one or more second interaction elements coupled to the filter cartridge, each one configured to interact with one respective first interaction element so as to block the filter cartridge within the filter housing.

This solution is simple for locking the filter cartridge within the filter housing. The interaction of the first interaction elements with the second interaction elements results in the generation of the needed forces.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each first interaction element is controllable into an operative position at which the respective first interaction element is adapted to interact with the respective second interaction element and a release position for preventing the interaction with the respective filter cartridge. The frame is configured to permit control of the first interaction elements from the respective operative position to the respective release position.

Thus, by controlling the first interaction elements through the frame one obtains simple means of controlling the locking device from the locking configuration into the unlocking configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each first interaction element is biased into the operative position.

In this manner, one guarantees that in the absence of the application of the pushing force, the locking device is controlled in the locking configuration. Thus, one avoids the need to provide for additional control devices for controlling the locking device into the locking configuration.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the first interaction elements are configured to bias the frame into a first limit position when being arranged in the respective operative positions.

In this way, one also guarantees that the frame is biased into the first limit position so as to avoid that the frame controls the locking device into the unlocking configuration if this is not desired. Preferentially but not necessarily, each first interaction element comprises a first portion configured to operatively couple the first interaction element and the frame with one another and a second portion configured to interact with the respective second interaction element.

This solution allows for a simple and efficient realization of the first interaction elements.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the frame comprises one or more seats, each one housing one respective first portion.

In this manner, one clearly defines the position of the frame with respect to the first interaction elements and one also efficiently couples the first interaction elements to the frame.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the filter housing comprises an abutment surface for carrying the filter cartridge and the first interaction elements being configured to interact with the respective second interaction elements so as to clamp the filter cartridge between the first interaction elements and the abutment surface.

In this way, one obtains an efficient locking of the filter cartridge.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the filter cartridge comprises one or more recesses, each one defining a respective second interaction element. Each first interaction element is designed to engage into one respective recess for locking the filter cartridge.

This solution provides for a simple and efficient way of retaining the filter cartridge within the filter housing. As well, the second interaction elements are easily obtained.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the domestic appliance further comprises an expelling device associated to the filter cartridge and the filter housing and is configured to exert an expelling force into a first direction onto the filter cartridge when being arranged within the filter housing. Furthermore, the locking device is configured to counter-act against the expelling force when being controlled in the locking configuration and the locking device is also configured to allow the expelling force to at least partially expel the filter cartridge from the filter housing when being controlled in the unlocking configuration.

This is an extremely user-friendly solution. By placing the filter cartridge within the filter housing, the filter cartridge is locked within the filter housing and when controlling the locking device into the unlocking configuration by actuating the frame, the filter cartridge is at least partially expelled from the filter housing by action of the expelling device. This further facilitates operation of the filter assembly.

In particular, the locking device counteracts the expelling force when being in the locking configuration. In other words, the locking device is designed to exert a counter force into a second direction opposed to the first direction.

In particular, the locking device when being controlled into the unlocking configuration is in this specific configuration not able to counteract against the expelling force on the filter cartridge as executed by the expelling device. Thus, the filter cartridge is at least partially expelled from the filter housing.

Even more particular, with the locking device being in the locking configuration, the first interaction elements interact with the second interaction elements for generating the force counter- acting the expelling force.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the expelling device comprises:

- a spring means associated to one of the filter cartridge and the filter housing; and

- an abutment surface connected to the other one of the filter housing and the filter cartridge; wherein the spring means comprises at least one spring element designed to interact with a portion of the abutment surface so as to generate a respective local expulsion force.

In this manner, the expelling device comes along with a simple construction.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the spring assembly comprises a plurality of spring elements, each one designed to interact with a respective portion of the abutment surface so as to generate a respective expulsion force. The spring elements are arranged such to generate in collaboration with one another the expelling force.

This allows to balance the single expulsion force and to precisely define the direction of the expelling force.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the spring elements are designed such that the expelling force is normal to the filter cartridge, in particular to a main wall of the filter cartridge carrying the spring elements.

Such a solution clearly defines the course of the filter cartridge when being expelled from the filter housing.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the spring elements are arranged at respective corner portions of the filter cartridge, in particular the main wall.

In this way, one obtains an efficient and precise way of defining the expulsion force.

Preferentially but not necessary, the filter cartridge, in particular the main wall, comprises four comer portions and the spring means comprise four spring elements, each one arranged at one respective comer portion.

In this manner, a symmetric solution is obtained, which clearly and precisely defines the expulsion force.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each spring element is hinged to the filter cartridge, in particular the main wall.

In this manner one obtains a simple and efficient solution of coupling each spring element to the filter cartridge.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each spring element comprises a fixed end connected to, in particular hinged to, the filter cartridge, in particular the main wall, and a free end opposed to the fixed end.

This solution provides for a simple and economic way of coupling each spring element to the filter cartridge and to define the respective expulsion forces.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each spring element is deflectable such that the respective free end is approachable to and withdrawable from the filter cartridge, in particular the main wall. Each spring element is designed to exert the respective expulsion force with the respective free end being approached to the filter cartridge, in particular the main wall.

In this manner one clearly and simply defines the operation of each spring element.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each spring element comprises a first arm and a second arm connected to one another. Each first arm comprises the respective fixed end and each second arm comprises the respective free end.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each first arm and the respective second arm are inclined with respect to one another.

These solutions describe simple means on how to design the spring elements.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each spring element is integral to the filter cartridge, in particular the main wall.

This solution indicates a simple means on how to obtain both the filter cartridge and the spring elements.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the filter housing comprises one or more protrusion elements, each one carrying a respective portion of the abutment surface and each one configured to interact with one respective spring element.

In this way, one precisely controls the interaction between the abutment surface and each spring element.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each protrusion element is designed to control the respective spring element into a loaded configuration with the filter cartridge being locked in the filter housing.

The interaction between each spring elements and the respective protrusion element precisely defines the operation of the spring element.

Preferentially but not necessarily, each protrusion element is designed to deflect the respective spring element with the filter cartridge being locked in the filter housing.

In this manner, by deflecting each spring element, the spring element is apt to exert the respective expulsion force. Thus, one easily controls the expulsion force.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the filter cartridge is flush with the frame when being arranged within the filter housing.

In this manner one increases the aesthetics of the filter assembly within the inner cavity.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiment, the domestic appliance comprises an air duct. The filter cartridge is arranged within the air duct and/or is fluidically connected to the air duct when being locked in the filter housing.

In this manner, one obtains an efficient filtering of the air present within the inner cavity.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the domestic appliance is configured to control the temperature within the inner cavity.

In this way, the inner cavity can be controlled to have a desired temperature.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the domestic appliance comprises a temperature control device for determining the temperature within the inner cavity.

It is the temperature control device, which guarantees the desired temperature.

Preferentially but not necessarily, the temperature control device is configured to determine a temperature below 10°C within the inner cavity.

In this way, the domestic appliance is able to cool the food products.

Alternatively, the domestic appliance is configured to heat the inner cavity.

This allows to cook the food product.

In this way, the inner cavity can be controlled to have a desired temperature.

It is the temperature control device, which guarantees the desired temperature.

In this way, the domestic appliance is able to cool the food products.

Alternatively, the domestic appliance is configured to heat the inner cavity.

This allows to cook the food product. A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a domestic appliance comprising a filter assembly according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 2 is a first exploded view of the filter assembly of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 3 is a second exploded view of the filter assembly of Figure 1 from a different angle than the one of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of some details of the filter assembly of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 5 is a perspective view of some other details of the filter assembly of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 6 is a perspective view of some further details of the filter assembly of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

- Figure 7 is a partially sectioned view of the filter assembly of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; and

- Figure 8 is enlarged section view of the filter assembly of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; and

- Figure 9 is a section view of some details of the domestic appliance of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity.

With reference to Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a domestic appliance, in particular a domestic cooling appliance, even more particular a domestic refrigerator, comprising a filter assembly 2, in particular an air filter assembly 2, the filter assembly 2 being adapted to filter gas, in particular air, in particular within domestic appliance 1.

Moreover, filter assembly 2 may be configured to filter air, in particular to at least absorb odours and/or ethylene and/or is configured to at least provide for an antibacterial and/or an antioxidant action.

In more detail and with particular reference to Figure 1, domestic appliance 1 comprises at least an inner cavity 3 designed to receive and/or store a food product or food product.

Preferentially, filter assembly 2 may be configured to filter the air of inner cavity 3.

Furthermore, domestic appliance 1 may be configured to control the temperature within inner cavity 3. In particular, domestic appliance 1 comprises a temperature control device designed to control and/or define the temperature within inner cavity 3.

According to the specific embodiment disclosed, the temperature control device is configured to determine a temperature within inner cavity 3 being below 10°C, in particular equal or below 5°C.

Alternatively, domestic appliance could be a domestic oven and the temperature control device could be configured to heat the inner cavity, in particular for cooking the food product.

With particular reference to Figure 1, inner cavity 3 could comprise a first portion 4 and a second portion separated from first portion 4.

Moreover, the temperature control device could be configured to selectively control the temperature within first portion 4 and the second portion. E.g. the temperature control device could be configured to determine a temperature of below 10°C, in particular equal or below 5°C and above 0°C, within first portion 4 and a temperature below 0°C within the second portion. In other words, first portion 4 could serve for refrigerating the food product and the second portion could serve for freezing the food products.

Furthermore, domestic appliance 1 may also comprise one or more shelves 5 and/or one or more crisper drawers 6 arranged within inner cavity 3.

In even further detail, domestic appliance 1 may comprise one or more inner walls 7 for at least partially delimiting inner cavity 3, in particular also first portion 4 and second portion. Furthermore, inner walls 7 may define one or more openings 8 for allowing the introduction and the removal of the food products into and from inner cavity 3, in particular first portion 4 and the second portion.

Additionally, domestic appliance 1 may comprise one or more doors 9 for selectively opening and closing opening(s) 8. E.g. the domestic appliance 1 of Figure 1 comprises two doors 9, one associated to first portion 4 and the other one associated to the second portion for independently opening and closing the respective opening 8. In the specific non-limiting example shown, the respective opening 8 of first portion 4 is open, while the respective opening 8 of the second portion is closed by means of the respective door 9.

Furthermore, domestic appliance 1 may comprise an air duct 10 (only partially shown in Figure 9) distinct from inner cavity 3. In particular, air duct 10 may be separated from inner cavity 3 by one or more inner walls 7.

Additionally, domestic appliance 1 may comprise a circulation device designed to determine an air circulation through air duct 10 from and into inner cavity 3.

Moreover (see Figure 9), air duct 10 may comprise an inlet for receiving air from inner cavity 3 and an outlet for introducing air into inner cavity 3.

With particular reference to Figure 9, filter assembly 2 may be configured to filter the air circulating within air duct 10. In particular, in this manner, the air duct allows to receive contaminated and/or used air from inner cavity 3 and to introduce filtered air into inner cavity 3.

In particular and as will be disclosed in further detail further below, filter assembly 2 may be arranged at the outlet.

With particular reference to Figure 1, filter assembly 2 may be connected to, in particular integrally connected to, one respective inner wall 7, in particular the inner wall 7 facing one or more openings 8. In other words, when considering that opening(s) 8 define the front of domestic appliance 1, filter assembly 2 is connected to the back inner wall 7.

With particular reference to Figures 2 to 8, filter assembly 2 comprises at least:

- a filter cartridge 15;

- a filter housing 16 removably carrying filter cartridge 15, and in particular being connected to the respective inner wall 7 (see in particular Figures 1 and 9), in particular the inner wall 7 facing opening(s) 8;

- a frame 17 at least partially covering filter housing 16, and in particular at least partially protruding into and/or towards inner cavity 3; and

- a locking device associated to filter housing 16 and to filter cartridge 15 and controllable into a locking configuration for blocking filter cartridge 15 within filter housing 16 and an unlocking configuration for allowing removal of the filter cartridge 15 out of filter housing 16.

It should be noted that with the locking device being in the locking configuration, filter cartridge 15 is retained within filter housing 16.

Additionally, filter assembly 2 may also comprise an expelling device associated to filter cartridge 15 and filter housing 16 and configured to exert an expelling force into a first direction D1 onto filter cartridge 15 when being arranged within filter housing 16, in particular the expelling force being adapted to at least partially expel filter cartridge 15 out of filter housing 16.

Furthermore, the locking device may be configured to counter-act against the expelling force when being controlled in the locking configuration.

Moreover, the locking device may be controlled in the unlocking for allowing the expelling force to at least partially expel filter cartridge 15 out of filter housing 16

In particular, this is as the locking device counteracts the expelling force when being in the locking configuration. In other words, the locking device is designed to exert a counter force into a second direction D2 opposed to first direction Dl.

In more detail, the locking device may be, in particular automatically, controlled from the unlocking configuration in the locking configuration upon insertion of filter cartridge 15 into filter housing 16.

Furthermore, frame 17 is coupled to the locking device and is configured to control the locking device from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration by application of a pushing force on frame 17.

In particular, by application of the pushing force on frame 17, the locking device is controlled into the unlocking configuration, thereby at least partially releasing filter cartridge 15 from filter housing 16. This is as the locking device being controlled into the unlocking configuration is in this specific configuration not able to counteract against the expelling force on filter cartridge 15, filter cartridge 15 is at least partially expelled from filter housing 16. This then allows a user to remove filter cartridge 15 from filter housing 16.

In particular, frame 17 is coupled to the locking device such that, in use, a user is apt to exert the pushing force by pressing on frame 17.

In more detail, frame 17 may comprise an outer surface 20, in particular facing into inner cavity 3 and/or opening(s) 8 and/or door(s) 9. In particular, outer surface 20 may, in use, be contacted and pressed by the user so as to exert the pushing force. Preferentially, outer surface 20 may face away from filter housing 16.

More specifically, the pushing force may be into a third direction D3 towards filter housing 16. In particular, third direction D3 being (substantially) opposed to first direction D1 and/or being (substantially) parallel to second direction D2.

Furthermore and with particular reference to Figures 7 and 8, frame 17 may be linearly moveable through pressing of frame 17 for controlling the locking device from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration.

More specifically, frame 17 may be linearly moveable between a first limit position and a second limit position and frame 17 is configured to control the locking device from the locking configuration into the unlocking configuration upon movement from the first limit position to the second limit position.

Even more specifically, frame 17 approaches filter housing 16 when moving from the first limit position to the second limit position and withdraws from filter housing 16 when moving from the second limit position to the first limit position. In other words, the exertion of the pushing force results in a linear movement of frame 17 from the first limit position to the second limit position thereby approaching frame 17 towards filter housing 16.

Moreover, the locking device may be configured to bias frame 17 into the first limit position. Furthermore, the locking device and frame 17 may be configured to interact such that in the absence of the pushing force frame 17 is biased into the first limit position. Therefore, once the pushing force is released from frame 17, frame 17 returns to the first limit position. Additionally, the locking device is automatically set in the locking configuration when, in use, filter cartridge 15 is inserted into filter housing 16.

With particular reference to Figures 2, 3, 7 and 8, filter cartridge 15 may comprise at least a (plastic) enclosure 21 and a filtering element (not shown) arranged within enclosure 21 and configured to absorb odours and/or ethylene and/or is provided with an antibacterial and/or antioxidant function.

Furthermore, filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, extends along a longitudinal axis and two transversal axes transversal, in particular perpendicular, to one another and to the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis is defined as the axis along which filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, presents the largest extension.

In more detail, filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, may comprise two main walls 22, preferentially spaced apart from one another, and a plurality of side walls 23 interposed and connected to main walls 22. Preferentially, main walls 22 may be parallel to one another.

More specifically, one main wall 22 define a top wall, in particular the respective main wall 22 faces inner cavity 3 with filter cartridge 15 being locked within filter housing 16, and the other main wall 22 defines a bottom wall.

Moreover, filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, may comprise apertures 24, in particular elongated apertures 24, for allowing air to enter and exit filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21.

In more detail, the bottom wall 22 and the side walls 26 extending parallel to and/or along the longitudinal axis may comprise apertures 24.

Furthermore, the main wall 22 designed to face and/or facing inner cavity 3 (the top wall) is preferentially void of apertures 24 and/or any portions of apertures 24.

Preferentially, apertures 24 are parallel to one another.

With particular reference to Figures 2, 3 and 5, filter housing 16 may comprise a housing pocket 28 designed to removably house filter cartridge 15.

With particular reference to Figure 9, filter housing 16, in particular housing pocket 28, may be arranged within a seat 57 of the inner wall 7 to which filter assembly 2 is connected.

In particular, seat 57 may be partially placed within air duct 10. In particular, seat 57 is arranged at the outlet of air duct 10.

In more detail, seat 57 may comprise a through-hole 58 so as to allow a fluid connection of air duct 10 and filter assembly 2, in particular filter cartridge 15. For this reason, filter housing 16 may comprise at least one opening 59 being in fluidic connection with through-hole 58, and in particular being also aligned with respect to through-hole 58.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, through-hole 58 may define the outlet of air duct 10.

Preferentially, filter assembly 2, in particular filter cartridge 15, even more particular the filtering element, may be designed to receive and filter the air exiting from the outlet of air duct 10 and/or through-hole 58.

Moreover, filter housing 16, in particular housing pocket 28, may comprise an abutment surface 30 for carrying filter cartridge 15.

In more detail, filter housing 16, in particular housing pocket 28, may comprise a main support wall 31 carrying and/or having abutment surface 30 and transversal walls 32 connected to and transversal to main support wall 31. In particular, transversal walls 32 may at least partially surround filter cartridge 15 with filter cartridge 15 being placed within housing pocket 28.

According to the specific example embodiment disclosed, main support wall 31 comprises two portions 33 spaced apart from one another.

Furthermore, filter housing 16, in particular housing pocket 28, may comprise an opening 34 allow for introduction of filter cartridge 15 into filter housing 16, in particular housing pocket 28.

With particular reference to Figures 2 to 5, frame 17 may comprise and/or define a window 35 aligned with housing pocket 28 and being configured to allow for the insertion of filter cartridge 15 into housing pocket 28.

More specifically, frame 17 may also comprise an inner surface 36 opposed to outer surface 20. In particular, inner surface 36 may face filter housing 16. According to the specific example embodiment disclosed, frame 17 may present a tapered and truncated shape.

Preferentially, frame 17 may present a circumferential extension larger than a circumferential extension of filter housing 16 and filter cartridge 15.

With particular reference to Figure 3, frame 17 may also comprise coupling elements 37 designed to couple and/or coupling frame 17 to filter housing 16. In particular, coupling elements 37 protrude from inner surface 36.

Moreover, filter housing 16 may comprise housing seats 60, each one configured to house and/or housing one respective coupling element 37. In particular, housing seats 60 may be designed such that each coupling element 37 abuts against an engagement surface 61 of the respective housing seats 60 with frame 17 being in the first limit position.

Preferentially, the interaction of coupling elements 37 with housing seats 60 may define the first limit position.

Additionally, frame 17 may comprise constraining elements 38, in particular protruding from inner surface 36, designed to interact and/or interacting with filter housing 16, in particular so as to define the second limit position of frame 17.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, filter cartridge 15, in particular the respective main wall 22 defining the top wall (i.e. the main wall 22 of enclosure 21 being void of any apertures 24), may be flush with frame 17, in particular outer surface 20, when being arranged within filter housing 16.

In more detail and with particular reference to Figures 2 to 8, the locking device comprises one or more first interaction elements 40, in the specific example shown two, coupled to filter housing 16, in particular integral to filter housing 16, and one or more second interaction elements 41, in the specific example shown two, coupled to filter cartridge 15, each one configured to interact with one respective first interaction element 40, in particular integral to filter cartridge 15, so as to lock filter cartridge 15 within filter housing 16, in particular so as to counter-act the expelling force. In particular, first interaction elements 40 and second interaction elements 41 are designed such to create the needed counter-force. Preferentially, frame 17 may be coupled and/or coupleable to first interaction elements 40 for interacting with first interaction elements 40 so as to decouple (i.e. to interrupt the interaction) first interaction elements 40 from second interaction elements 41 when moving from the first limit positon to the second limit position.

More specifically, each first interaction element 40 is controllable into an operative position at which first interaction element 40 is adapted to interact with the respective second interaction element 41 and a release position for preventing the interaction with the respective second interaction element 41.

Moreover, first interaction elements 40 are simultaneously controllable into the respective operative positions and the respective release positions.

Furthermore, the locking device is in the locking configuration and the unlocking configuration with first interaction elements 40 being in respectively the respective operative positions and the respective releases positions.

Even more specifically, frame 17 may be configured to permit control of each first interaction element 40 from the respective operative position to the respective release position. In particular, frame 17 simultaneously controls all first interaction elements 40 from the respective operative positions in the respective release positions when moving from the first limit position to the second limit position.

In further detail, each first interaction element 40 is biased into the respective operative position. In particular, frame 17 is designed to act against the respective biasing forces, which bias first interaction elements 40 into the respective operative positions, even more particular when moving from the respective first limit position to the respective second limit position.

Preferentially, the biasing force biasing each first interaction element 40 into the respective operative position may result from the elastic properties imparted by the material characteristics of each first interaction element 40.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, first interaction elements 40 may be configured to bias frame 17 into the first limit position when being arranged in the respective operative positions and in the absence of the pushing force.

In more detail and with particular reference to Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7, each first interaction element 40 is connected, in particular hinged, to filter housing 16.

More specifically, each interaction element 40 is hinged to filter housing 16, preferably on an auxiliary wall 42. In particular, auxiliary wall 42 may be spaced apart from, and in particular (substantially) parallel to, main support wall 31.

Furthermore, auxiliary wall 42 may be transversal, in particular perpendicular, to transversal walls 32.

In further detail, each first interaction element 40 is moveable between at least a first angular position and a second angular position at which first interaction element 40 is respectively in the respective operative position and the respective release position.

Furthermore and with particular reference to Figures 2, 3, 6,7 and 8, each first interaction element 40 may comprise a first portion 43 configured to operatively couple first interaction element 40 and frame 17 with one another and a second portion 44 configured to interact with the respective second interaction element 41.

Moreover, each interaction element 40 may comprise a third portion 45 carrying the respective first portion 43 and the respective second portion 44 and being hinged to filter housing 16, in particular auxiliary wall 42.

More specifically, each second portion 44 may comprise and/or may be in the form of a hook element.

With particular reference to Figures 3, 7 and 8, frame 17 may comprise one or more seats 46, each one housing one respective first portion 43. Preferentially, each seat 46 may protrude from inner surface 36, in particular towards filter housing 16.

More specifically, each seat 46 may comprise two spaced apart plates 47. In particular, each first portion 43 is interposed between the respective plates 47.

Additionally, each first portion 43 may already abut against inner surface 36 or may abut against inner surface 36 after a determined course of frame 17 from the first limit position to the second limit position. Therefore, movement of frame 17 may be transferred onto first portions 43 and, therewith, to the respective first interaction elements 40 for moving these into the respective release positions.

Furthermore, first interaction elements 40 are configured to bias frame 17 into the first limit position through interaction of the respective first portions 43 with frame 17.

With particular reference to Figures 7 and 8, first interaction elements 40 may be configured to interact with the respective second interaction elements 41 so as to clamp filter cartridge 16 between first interaction elements 40, in particular the respective second portions 44, and abutment surface 30.

Furthermore, filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, may comprise one or more recesses, each one defining a respective second interaction element 41. In particular, each recess is arranged on one respective side wall 23. Even more particular, each side wall 23 extending along the transversal axes comprise one respective recess.

Additionally, each first interaction element 40, in particular the respective second portion 44, is designed to engage into one respective recess for locking the filter cartridge 15, or in other words, for exerting the counter force.

With particular reference to Figure 3, the expelling device may comprise:

- spring means 48 associated to and/or comprised by one of filter cartridge 15 and filter housing 16; and

- an abutment surface associated to and/or comprised by the other one of filter housing 16 and filter cartridge 15.

In the specific case shown, spring means 48 may be associated to filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, even more particular to one main wall 22.

Furthermore, in the specific case shown, the abutment surface of the expelling device is associated to and/or comprised by filter housing 16. In particular, the abutment surface of the expelling device corresponds to abutment surface 30

Moreover, spring means 48 may comprise one or more spring elements 49, in the specific example shown four, each designed to interact with a respective portion of abutment surface 30 so as to generate a respective local expulsion force. In the case of spring means 48 comprising more than one spring element 49, spring elements 49 are arranged such to generate in collaboration with one another the expelling force.

Preferentially, spring elements 49 may be designed such that the expelling force is normal to filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, even more particular main wall(s) 22.

Moreover, spring elements 49 may be arranged at respective corner portions of filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, even more particular. In the specific example shown, filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, even more particular main wall 22, comprises four corner portions and, each spring element 49 may be arranged at one respective comer portion.

Additionally, each spring element 49 may be hinged to the filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, even more particular main wall 22.

In further detail, each spring element 49 may comprise a fixed end 50 connected to, in particular hinged to, filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, even more particular main wall 22 and a free end 51 (connected to and) opposed to the respective fixed end 50.

Moreover, each spring element 49 may be deflectable, in particular such that the respective free end 51 is approachable to and withdrawable from filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, even more particular main wall 22.

Furthermore, each spring element 49 may be designed to exert the respective expulsion force with the respective free end 51 being approached to filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21, even more particular main wall 22.

In further detail, each spring element 49 may comprise a first arm 52 and a second arm 53 connected to one another. Preferentially, each first arm 52 may comprise the respective fixed end 51 and each second arm 52 comprises the respective free end.

In even further detail, each first arm 51 and the respective second arm 52 may be inclined with respect to one another.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each spring element 49 is integral to the main wall.

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each spring element 49 is in a loaded configuration when filter cartridge 15 is locked in filter housing 16, in particular housing pocket 28; i.e. with the locking device being in the locked configuration. Then, in use, upon control of the locking device into the unlocked configuration, each spring element 49 moves to a relaxed configuration, thereby expelling filter cartridge 15 at least partially out of filter housing 15, in particular housing pocket 28.

In more detail, each spring element 49 may be designed to exert the respective expulsion force when being controlled in the loaded configuration. Furthermore, each spring element 49 may be impeded from exerting the respective expulsion force when being controlled in the respective relaxed configuration.

With particular reference to Figures 2 and 5, filter housing 16, in particular housing pocket 28, even more particular main support wall 31, may comprise one or more protrusion elements 54, in the specific example shown four, each one carrying a respective portion of abutment surface 30 and each one configured to interact with one respective spring element 49. In particular, each protrusion element 54 may be designed to control the respective spring element 49 into the loaded configuration with filter cartridge 15 being locked in filter housing 16, in particular housing pocket 28.

Furthermore, each protrusion element may designed to deflect the respective spring element 49 with filter cartridge 15 being locked in filter housing 16, in particular housing pocket 28.

In use, filter assembly 2 filters the air present within inner cavity 3 thereby absorbing odours and/or ethylene and/or activating any other antibacterial and/or antioxidant function.

In particular, filter assembly 2 filters the air circulating within the air duct. Even more particular, contaminated air enters the air duct from inner cavity 3, in particular through the inlet, and is filtered through the action of filter assembly 2 so that filtered air is directed into inner cavity 3 from the air duct, in particular through the outlet.

In more detail, filter assembly 2 is arranged at the outlet and filters the air, which filter assembly 2 receives at the outlet.

When a user needs to exchange a used filter cartridge 15 with a new filter cartridge 15, the user presses frame 17. Thereby, the locking device is controlled into the unlocking configuration. Then the user can remove the filter cartridge 15 and to place a new one into filter housing 16. In more detail, when the locking device is in the locking configuration, first interaction elements 40, in particular being in the respective operative positions, interact with the respective second interaction elements 41 so as to retain filter cartridge 15 within filter housing 16.

In even further detail, when the locking device is in the locking configuration, second portions 44 engage into the respective recesses of filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21.

When the locking device is controlled into the unlocking configuration, interaction elements 40, in particular being set in the respective release positions, do not interact with second interaction elements 41 anymore. In more detail, when the locking device is controlled in the unlocking configuration, the second portions 44 are removed from the recesses of filter cartridge 15, in particular enclosure 21.

Furthermore, when pressing frame 17, frame 17 interacts with interaction elements 40, in particular first portions 43, in particular controlling interaction elements 40 from the operative positions to the release positions. This leads to second portions 44 being withdrawn from the recesses.

In addition, when pressing frame 17 and by setting the locking device into the unlocking configuration, the expelling device expels filter cartridge 15 at least partially out of filter housing 16. Prior to pressing frame 17, the locking device counteracts the expelling force exerted by the expelling device.

While the new filter cartridge 15 is placed within filter housing 16 the user presses filter cartridge 15 into filter housing 16 until the locking device is, in particular automatically, controlled into the locking configuration.

Clearly, changes may be made to filter assembly 2 and/or domestic appliance 1 without, however, departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1.- Domestic appliance (1), in particular a domestic cooling appliance, comprising at least an inner cavity (3) for receiving a food product and at least one filter assembly (2); wherein the filter assembly (2) comprises at least:

- a filter cartridge (15);

- a filter housing (16) removably carrying the filter cartridge (15);

- a frame (17) at least partially covering the filter housing (16);

- a locking device associated to the filter housing (15) and to the filter cartridge (15) and being controllable into a locking configuration for blocking the filter cartridge (15) within the filter housing (16) and an unlocking configuration for allowing removal of the filter cartridge (15) from the filter housing (16); wherein the locking device is controlled from the unlocking configuration in the locking configuration upon insertion of the filter cartridge (15) into the filter housing (16); wherein the frame (17) is coupled to the locking device and is configured to control the locking device from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration by application of a pushing force on the frame (17).

2.- Domestic appliance according to claim 1, wherein the frame (17) is linearly moveable through said the exertion of the pushing force for controlling the locking device from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration.

3.- Domestic appliance according to claim 2, wherein the frame (17) is linearly moveable between a first limit position and a second limit position; wherein the frame (17) is configured to control the locking device into the unlocking configuration upon movement from the first limit position to the second limit position.

4.- Domestic appliance according to claim 3, wherein the locking device is configured to bias the frame (17) into the first limit position.

5.- Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device is automatically set in the locking configuration when, in use, the filter cartridge (15) is inserted into the filter housing (16).

6.- Domestic appliance according to anyone of the proceeding claims, wherein the locking device comprises one or more first interaction elements (40) coupled to the filter housing (16) and one or more second interaction elements (41) coupled to the filter cartridge (15), each one configured to interact with one respective first interaction element (40) so as to block the filter cartridge (15) within the filter housing (16).

7.- Domestic appliance according to claim 6, wherein each first interaction element (40) is controllable into an operative position at which the respective first interaction element (40) is adapted to interact with the respective second interaction element (41) and a release position for preventing the interaction with the respective filter cartridge (15); wherein the frame (17) is configured to permit control of the first interaction elements (40) from the respective operative position to the respective release position.

8.- Domestic appliance according to claim 7, wherein each first interaction element (40) is biased into the operative position.

9.- Domestic appliance according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first interaction elements (40) are configured to bias the frame (17) into a first limit position when being arranged in the respective operative positions.

10.- Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each first interaction element (40) comprises a first portion (43) configured to operatively couple the first interaction element (40) and the frame (17) with one another and a second portion (44) configured to interact with the respective second interaction element (41).

11.- Domestic appliance according to claim 10, wherein the frame (17) comprises one or more seats (46), each one housing one respective first portion (43).

12.- Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the filter housing (16) comprises an abutment surface (30) for carrying the filter cartridge (15) and the first interaction elements (40) being configured to interact with the respective second interaction elements (41) so as to clamp the filter cartridge (15) between the first interaction elements (40) and the abutment surface (30).

13.- Domestic appliance according to any one of claim 6 to 12, wherein the filter cartridge (15) comprises one or more recesses, each one defining a respective second interaction element (41); wherein each first interaction element (40) is designed to engage into one respective recess for locking the filter cartridge (15).

14.- Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an expelling device associated to the filter cartridge (15) and the filter housing (16) and being configured to exert an expelling force into a first direction (Dl) onto the filter cartridge (15) when being arranged within the filter housing (16); wherein the locking device is configured to counter-act against the expelling force when being controlled in the locking configuration and the locking device is also configured to allow the expelling force to at least partially expel the filter cartridge (15) from the filter housing (16) when being controlled in the unlocking configuration.

15.- Domestic appliance according to any one of the claim 14, wherein the expelling device comprises:

- a spring means (48) associated to one of the filter cartridge (15) and the filter housing; and

- an abutment surface (30) connected to the other one of the filter housing (16) and the filter cartridge (15); wherein the spring means (48) comprise at least one spring element (49) designed to interact with a portion of the abutment surface (30) so as to generate a respective expulsion force.

16.- Domestic appliance according to claim 15, wherein the spring means (48) comprise a plurality of spring elements (49), each one designed to interact with a respective portion (54) of the abutment surface (30) so as to generate a respective expulsion force; wherein the spring elements (49) are arranged such to generate in collaboration with one another the expelling force.

17.- Domestic appliance according to claim 16, wherein the spring elements (49) are designed such that the expelling force is normal to the filter cartridge (15).

18.- Domestic appliance according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the spring elements (49) are arranged at respective comer portions of the filter cartridge (15).

19.- Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the filter cartridge (15) comprises four corner portions and the spring means (48) comprise four spring elements (49), each one arranged at one respective comer portion.

20.- Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein each spring element (49) is hinged to the filter cartridge (15).

21.- Domestic appliance according any to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein each spring element (49) comprises a fixed end (50) connected to, in particular hinged to, the filter cartridge (15) and a free end (51) opposed to the fixed end (50).

22.- Domestic appliance according to claim 21, wherein each spring element (49) is deflectable such that the respective free end (51) is approachable to and withdrawable from the filter cartridge (15); wherein each spring element (49) is designed to exert the respective expulsion force with the respective free end (51) being approached to the filter cartridge (15).

23.- Domestic appliance according to claim 21 or 22, wherein each spring element (49) comprises a first arm (52) and a second arm (53) connected to one another; wherein each first arm (52) comprises the respective fixed end (50) and each second arm (53) comprises the respective free end (51).

24.- Domestic appliance according to claim 23, wherein each first arm (52) and the respective second arm (53) are inclined with respect to one another.

25.- Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein each spring element (49) is integral to the filter cartridge (15).

26.- Domestic appliance according to any one of claim 15 to 25, wherein the filter housing (16) comprises one or more protrusion elements (54), each one carrying a respective portion of the abutment surface (30) and each one configured to interact with one respective spring element (49).

27.- Domestic appliance according to claim 26, wherein each protrusion element (54) is designed to control the respective spring element (49) into a loaded configuration with the filter cartridge (15) being locked in the filter housing (16).

28.- Domestic appliance according to claim 26 or 27, wherein each protrusion element (54) is designed to deflect the respective spring element (49) with the filter cartridge (15) being locked in the filter housing (16).

29.- Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter cartridge (15) is flush with the frame (17) when being arranged within the filter housing (16).

30.- Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an air duct; wherein the filter cartridge (15) is arranged within the air duct and/or is fluidically connected to the air duct when being locked in the filter housing (16).

31.- Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to control the temperature within the inner cavity (3).