Domestic refrigeration appliance with adapter rail of specific fastening

Abstract

One aspect of the present application relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance having at least one wall delimiting a holding space for food items of the domestic refrigeration appliance, wherein a wall-side coupling device is arranged on the wall, by means of which a track-side coupling device can be mechanically coupled with an adapter track of the domestic refrigeration appliance, wherein the adapter track has at least one integrated coupling element of the track-side coupling device, wherein the coupling element is elastically sprung about an axis, and the axis is oriented in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the adapter track, and the wall-side coupling device has at least one counter-coupling element, such that in a final mounted position of the adapter track on at least the wall, a retaining connection is formed between the coupling element and the counter-coupling element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance having at least one wall defining a receiving space. An adapter rail can be detachably secured to the wall. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for mounting this type of adapter rail to the wall of a household refrigeration appliance. Background Technology

[0002] A household refrigeration appliance is known from EP 1 926 956 B1, in which very short, block-shaped couplings are arranged on the side wall of the inner container. These couplings are mechanically fastened to the inside of the side wall of the inner container. These couplings are used to allow the couplings to accommodate other components of the household refrigeration appliance that are independent of the couplings, such as brackets, grids, or drawers.

[0003] In addition, a household refrigeration appliance is known from US 2003 / 0173882 A1. An inherent track element is mechanically coupled to the internal container.

[0004] The rail in US 2003 / 0173882 A1 has an integrated spring element on the vertical wall. Therefore, only mechanical positioning and connection with accessory components that can be subsequently mounted on the rail are possible.

[0005] Here, these mechanical fasteners are merely simple plug-in or snap-fit ​​connections, created by pushing the aforementioned components into each other. All the corresponding elements configured in the prior art for coupling between the sidewalls of the inner container and the coupling element are themselves shape-stable and position-fixed elements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide a household refrigeration appliance and a method in which, or by means of, a simple yet mechanically stable and positionally accurate track, independent of the wall, can be fastened to the wall.

[0007] This task is solved by the household refrigeration appliances and methods according to the independent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance. The household refrigeration appliance has at least one wall. This wall defines a food-containing space within the household refrigeration appliance. Therefore, this containing space is configured to contain food. A wall-side coupling device is arranged or constructed on the wall. An adapter track of the household refrigeration appliance can be mechanically coupled to the track-side coupling device via this coupling device. In particular, the adapter track is configured to accommodate an accessory component. This accessory component may be, for example, a pull-out track, a telescopic pull-out portion, or, for example, a food-containing tray.

[0009] The adapter track has at least one integrated coupling element of a track-shaped coupling device. The track-side coupling element is elastically constructed about an axis, specifically so that it can be brought into a defined curved position during assembly. This axis, also referred to as the bending axis, is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the adapter track. Here, the bending axis of the track-side coupling element is specifically oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adapter track. The wall-side coupling device has at least one mating coupling element, such that in the final assembly position of the adapter track on a wall at least independent of the adapter track, a retaining connection is formed between the coupling element and the mating coupling element.

[0010] With such a household refrigeration appliance, the installation and removal of the adapter rail on the wall can be achieved with particular simplicity and user-friendliness. Therefore, reversible installation and removal can be performed easily and quickly. The adapter rail remains securely and accurately fastened to the wall. Because the coupling element, particularly arranged on the adapter rail, and especially integrated on and thus integrally constructed with the adapter rail, is not rigidly arranged on the adapter rail, but rather elastically elastic, coupling and decoupling can be performed in a particularly suitable manner. It is the specific orientation of the corresponding bend line that enables the particularly advantageous coupling process: the coupling element integrated on the rail side is elastically constructed around this bend line. It is the linear guidance of the adapter rail and the mating coupling element on the wall relative to each other in the direction of the adapter rail's longitudinal axis, through this type of rail-side coupling element and the specific, pre-defined bend direction, that, on the one hand, enables a particularly supported handling method when assembling the adapter rail to the wall, and on the other hand, enables the subsequent advantageous retention for support in the final assembled state.

[0011] When assembling the adapter track, the bending axis of the coupling element, which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adapter track, also prevents the coupling element from undesirably moving into the coupling path between the adapter track and the wall, especially the mating coupling element, and thus clamping or spreading the corresponding assembly process, which could then lead to undesirable positioning or damage to one of the components.

[0012] It is precisely this bending orientation and the general elasticity of the coupling element on the track side that also supports the targeted movement of the adapter track relative to the wall, and especially relative to the mating coupling element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connection is a clamping connection. This provides further support for maintaining the fixed position of the adapter rail on the wall. This is particularly advantageous when the adapter rail is held to the wall without a separate fastening element, such as a screw or the like. In the absence of such a separate fastening element, the adapter rail can then be mounted and held in a fixed position on the wall. In particular, the adapter rail is held at its front end by means of a coupling element and abutment element, clamped to the coupling base of the coupling device on the wall side.

[0014] In one embodiment, viewed in longitudinal section, the coupling element on the track side is constructed with an L-shape. Here, the section is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adapter track. This specific cross-sectional shape of the coupling element creates a single coupling possibility and allows for separate coupling scenarios for the adapter track on the wall. Accordingly, this L-shape has freely cantilevered supports that are oriented at an angle to each other. This also enables a space-saving installation scheme for the coupling element while still achieving a mechanically stable connection with the base element of the adapter track, allowing for the elastic springback of the entire coupling element in a defined manner. Furthermore, targeted contact points are implemented at other locations to allow interaction with mating coupling elements.

[0015] In one embodiment, the coupling element on the track side has a contact edge, particularly a linear contact edge. When the adapter track is assembled to the wall, the coupling element, by means of this contact edge, contacts the mating coupling element at least in an intermediate assembly position different from the final assembly position. Specifically, this contact edge is configured to be contacted in the intermediate assembly position when the adapter track is assembled to the wall, so that the coupling element can be elastically bent from the base position in a defined manner. That is, through this contact edge, the highly exposed portion of the coupling element is configured for direct mechanical contact and interaction with the mating contact element, and this portion is also particularly linearly constructed. This enables high-precision mechanical coupling, and then also enables the relative movement that may be required when the aforementioned components are in contact with each other. On the other hand, such a contact edge also provides a relatively small contact surface, reducing frictional forces that occur during assembly or disassembly. Thus, the aforementioned supportive guidance of the components relative to each other is still provided during assembly or disassembly.

[0016] In one embodiment, the contact edge is constructed on the free end of the upwardly projecting L-shaped support, particularly in the height direction of the household refrigeration appliance. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to utilize a very specific, and also exposed, portion so that it can interact with the mating contact element in a targeted, direct, and mechanical manner during assembly or disassembly. That is, in particular, the contact edge is constructed on one end of the L-shape, while the bending axis is constructed on the other end. The bending process can also be introduced very continuously and with high precision through the maximum spacing of this specific geometry of the coupling elements on the track side, because the corresponding leverage force can also be maximized. Since the mating contact element contacts the contact edge almost from above and subsequently below it, and a force acts on the coupling element during further relative movement between the adapter track and the mating coupling element, this force then causes elastic bending along the bending axis. Therefore, here, the corresponding, high-precision process for bending the coupling element in a metric and desired manner can be achieved continuously, smoothly, and therefore without clamping.

[0017] In particular, when the contact edge and the bending axis are projected and observed, the contact edge extends parallel to the bending axis.

[0018] In one embodiment, the contact edge is oriented obliquely. In particular, this is formed relative to a horizontal line. The contact edge is constructed in a manner that slopes continuously downward from a first end, preferably a front end viewed in the depth direction, to a second end. This second end may be the rear end viewed in the depth direction of the household refrigeration appliance. Thus, a coupling ramp is almost formed by the contact edge. During assembly, the mating coupling element thus first contacts the contact edge at the rear end or in the region of the rear end, such that as the adapter track moves further relative to the wall and therefore relative to the mating coupling element along the longitudinal axis, the mating coupling element moves along the contact edge up to the front end. Due to the rising contact edge as seen from the mating coupling element, a continuously increasing force is generated by the mating coupling element acting on the coupling element on the track side, thereby automatically causing the coupling element to bend around the aforementioned bending axis. Thus, during the assembly process and in the corresponding intermediate assembly positions, a pretension of the continuously bending coupling element is also advantageously established continuously. On the one hand, this makes the assembly process more stable and guided; on the other hand, it then leads to the automatic bending of the coupling element in the final assembled state, and thus the adapter track is almost automatically brought into the corresponding orientation, especially the corresponding height position, in the final assembled position. Since the pre-tension of the coupling element is automatically reduced at least in the reached final position, the adapter track is then also brought into the corresponding orientation, especially in the height direction, and is then held therein. The adapter track is then oriented, especially horizontally.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mating coupling element is a recess in the coupling base of the coupling device on the wall side. This coupling base is constructed on the inner side of the wall facing the receiving space. The coupling base is particularly integrated into this inner side. Therefore, the coupling base is preferably integrally constructed with the inner side. This is especially advantageous when the wall is constructed, for example, of plastic. In this context, the wall can be manufactured, for example, by deep drawing or injection molding.

[0020] The coupling element, in particular, is a groove-shaped notch. This geometry of the coupling element achieves a highly targeted, mechanical, and direct coupling with the track-side coupling element. Furthermore, the groove-shaped notch, along with the coupling element itself, forms a guiding groove. Therefore, guidance is achieved when the coupling element, especially the vertical L-shaped support of the L-shaped coupling element within the groove-shaped notch, is mechanically and directly contacted. This allows for a certain degree of retention and alignment, especially in the direction perpendicular to the relative movement, during relative motion between the coupling element and the mating coupling element. This supports very precise and, especially, linear guidance of both components during relative movement. It is precisely when the L-shaped support of the track-side coupling element is engaged in the groove-shaped notch that a skid component (Kufenteil), in the form of the L-shaped support of the coupling element, is almost simultaneously engaged in the groove-shaped configuration of the notch.

[0021] In one embodiment, the coupling base is constructed to be elongated. This coupling base can preferably be designed as a beam. This allows the adapter track, also constructed as an elongated member, to make as comprehensive a mechanical contact as possible with this type of coupling base. Therefore, coupling is also achieved between the adapter track and the coupling base over at least 50%, particularly at least 60%, particularly at least 70%, and particularly at least 80% of the combined length of the adapter track and the coupling base.

[0022] In one embodiment, the adapter rail has at least one interlocking element. This interlocking element is configured to interlock with a coupling base disposed on the wall of a coupling device located on the wall side. Through such an interlocking element, independent of the coupling element, additional mechanical coupling between the adapter rail and the coupling device on the wall side can be achieved. This provides further improved support for the stable positioning and retention of the adapter rail on the wall. The interlocking portion can be configured as a recess in the coupling base. Specifically, the interlocking portion is integrated into the upper side of the coupling base.

[0023] In one embodiment, the insert element is arranged on a rib of the adapter track, particularly integrally connected to or molded onto the rib. Specifically, the insert element extends downward from the rib. Specifically, the insert element is arranged to hang freely downward. Specifically, in the final assembly position of the adapter track on the wall, the insert element is inserted into the insert receiving portion from above, and therefore from above when viewed in the height direction. Thus, in this final assembly position, the insert element and the insert receiving portion are arranged to overlap each other in the height direction. In one embodiment, the insert element is formed by two relatively independent insert sub-elements. These insert sub-elements are oriented parallel to and spaced apart from each other. Specifically, the insert sub-elements are constructed in different longitudinal positions in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the adapter track. The insert sub-elements can be constructed identical in geometry and size. Using two such independent insert sub-elements of this type saves material because a large overall coherence of the insert element is not required. On the other hand, by means of the corresponding geometry of the insert element, especially the corresponding geometry of the insert sub-elements constructed to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis, a precise fit into the insert receiving portion can be achieved, particularly in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Therefore, in the final assembled state of the adapter track on the coupling base, the orientation of the adapter track in the direction of the longitudinal axis is also supported by this specific mechanical coupling between the insert element and the insert element receiving portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, viewed in the height direction of the household refrigeration appliance, the insert element protrudes downwards, particularly in a freely cantilevered manner, and a gap is formed between the insert element and the coupling element when viewed in the height direction. This means that, viewed in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adapter track, and therefore in the height direction, the insert element and the coupling element are constructed without overlapping each other. Even though the coupling element and the insert element are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal axis direction and therefore not constructed in the same longitudinal axis position, in this respect, when viewed in the height direction, it should be understood that the lower edge of the downwardly protruding face of the insert element facing the coupling element and the upper edge of the coupling element, particularly the upwardly protruding coupling edge of the coupling element, are arranged spaced apart from each other. Through this specific positioning of the insert element and the coupling element, the assembly process can be arranged particularly reliably, performed in a very user-friendly and directional manner, and thereby a very simple but still differently guided assembly scheme can be achieved. Because this specific spacing creates free space in the height direction, the mating coupling element can be positioned during assembly, and when the adapter track moves, the mating coupling element also moves relative to the insert element and the coupling element in this free space. That is, it is possible that, in this guidance, the insert element is directly contacted and laid flat when assembled from above onto the surface of the mating coupling element, especially the coupling base. On the other hand, the adapter track can be guided very precisely relative to the mating coupling element together with the coupling element, so that the mating coupling element can be contacted from below by the coupling element from the opposite side and therefore in the height direction, especially by means of the upwardly exposed and already mentioned preferred existing coupling edge.

[0025] In one embodiment, the aforementioned spacing is less than the thickness of the coupling base, which is arranged on the wall and has mating coupling elements, measured in the height direction. Specifically, this thickness is formed in a length segment that, in the final assembled state, extends between the coupling element and the interlocking element, which is misaligned with the coupling element in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis of the adapter track. This spacing design then supports a fully defined, pre-defined coupling process in which the adapter track moves relative to the coupling base. A purely parallel orientation of the adapter track with a longitudinal axis parallel to the horizontal line is not provided. More precisely, due to this spacing design, the adapter track is positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal line during assembly. This supports the scenario already mentioned above during assembly. The angled placement of the adapter track, higher at one end than the other end, especially the front end, further supports the automatic bending of the coupling element during assembly. By adjusting the tilted position of the adapter track and the movement performed relative to this tilted placement, particularly the movement along the depth direction of the household refrigeration appliance towards the mating coupling element, bending of the coupling element can be induced very specifically. In particular, this then very preferably results in a very specific bending of the coupling element. In particular, this also continuously establishes a corresponding pretension of the coupling element in a more improved manner. In particular, it is thus advantageously supported that, upon reaching the final position, the mating element is fully engaged, and in particular simultaneously engaged, into the mating element receiving portion, and then, through the pretension generated by the coupling element, the adapter track automatically orients itself from the described tilted position to the horizontal line. This means that the track is then automatically adjusted by this condition so that the longitudinal axis of the track is parallel to the horizontal line.

[0026] In particular, the spacing relates to the lowest part of the interlocking element viewed in the height direction and the highest or most prominent part of the coupling element viewed in the height direction, the coupling element being configured to make direct contact with the mating coupling element.

[0027] In one embodiment, the adapter rail has an abutment element. This abutment element, viewed in the height direction of the household refrigeration appliance, is positioned above and spaced apart from the coupling element. Specifically, viewed in the direction of the adapter rail's longitudinal axis, the abutment element is configured at the same axial position as the coupling element. Therefore, the coupling element and the abutment element are arranged opposite each other at almost the same longitudinal axial position. This forms a pair of elements, with the mating coupling element arranged between them in the final assembled state of the adapter rail on the wall. Thus, in the final assembled position, the adapter rail is confined or, in particular, held in position not only from above but also from below in the area of ​​the mating coupling element. This is because the pair of elements is then located at the same longitudinal axial position, specifically, the abutment element abuts against the coupling base from above, while the coupling element abuts against the coupling base from below.

[0028] In one embodiment, an abutment element forms a height stop for a coupling base disposed on the wall of a wall-side coupling device. The coupling base has a mating coupling element.

[0029] In particular, in this embodiment, the abutment element is bent-resistant and positioned fixedly on the adapter track. Alternatively, in the final assembled state of the adapter track on the wall, the abutment element is engaged with an additional recess in the coupling device, particularly the coupling base, on the wall side. This upwardly open recess can be configured as a groove. Therefore, in one embodiment, it is possible that, at the same longitudinal axis position, the coupling base has a mating coupling element configured as a groove-shaped recess downwards, and the additional recess upwards. The abutment element is then arranged overlapping with this additional recess when viewed in the height direction, while the coupling element is arranged overlapping with the groove-shaped recess in the height direction, which forms the mating coupling element.

[0030] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for mounting an adapter track of a household refrigeration appliance to the wall of the appliance. In particular, the household refrigeration appliance can be constructed according to the above aspects or advantageous embodiments thereof. The wall defines a food-containing space within the household refrigeration appliance. A wall-side coupling device is arranged on the wall, by means of which the adapter track of the household refrigeration appliance is mechanically coupled to a track-side coupling device. The adapter track has at least one integrated coupling element of the track-side coupling device, wherein the coupling element is elastically configured about an axis oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the adapter track, i.e., particularly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adapter track. The wall-side coupling device has at least one mating coupling element. When the adapter track is mounted on the wall-side coupling device, during axial relative movement of the adapter track with respect to the wall-side coupling device, in at least one intermediate assembly state or intermediate assembly state different from the final assembly state, the coupling element is bent in a defined manner about the axis, i.e., the bending axis of the coupling element, through contact with the mating coupling element, and thereby elastically pre-tensioned. As the adapter track subsequently moves further axially relative to the mating coupling element, in order to reach the final assembly position, the adapter track is automatically adjusted in terms of its height relative to the coupling device on the wall side. This ensures that, in the final position, compared to the intermediate assembly state, the pre-tension established and achieved by the coupling element during assembly is at least reduced, and a retaining connection is formed between the coupling element and the mating coupling element. This enables a very simple assembly scenario. The adapter track can be positioned fixedly and then also arranged on the wall in a manner capable of high mechanical loads. In particular, this is done without separate fastening elements, such as screws or the like. This mechanical coupling scheme can be achieved solely through elements integrated into the coupling device on both the wall side and the track side, and thus integrally constructed with the coupling device.

[0031] In one embodiment, at the start of the assembly process, the adapter track is oriented at an angle relative to the horizontal with its longitudinal axis tilted. In this tilted position, the adapter track then moves linearly, particularly in the horizontal direction. Here, the adapter track contacts the coupling base on the wall from above via a fitting element. In this state, the adapter track continues to be pushed in the linear direction, so that direct contact between the fitting element and the upper side of the coupling base also forms a certain guidance. On the other hand, the front end of the coupling base preferably contacts a guide rib on the adapter track side, and the front end of the coupling base rests on the guide rib from above. Therefore, as the adapter track moves relative to the coupling base, the front end of the coupling base is specifically guided to the coupling element on the track side. As the adapter track continues to move linearly in the orientation that remains tilted, it contacts the coupling element, particularly on the upwardly exposed coupling edge that is tilted relative to the horizontal. When the adapter track is moved linearly further in a further inclined position in the horizontal direction, the coupling element elastically deforms from its unbent position about the aforementioned bending axis, and in particular bends accordingly about the bending axis, as the mating coupling element then contacts the inclined coupling edge, resulting in continuous bending of the coupling element. Then, if at the end of the assembly process the adapter track is reached in the following axial position, in which, viewed in the height direction, the inserting element is engaged, in particular snapped into the inserting receptacle, the inclined position of the adapter track is released almost automatically, because at the point where the inserting element and the inserting element receptacle subsequently overlap in the height direction, the orientation of the adapter track is released almost downward, thereby at least automatically reducing the reverse, formed pre-tension at the front end by the coupling element. Then, at this front end, the adapter track is pressed upward into the base position by the upward return movement of the coupling element. Thus, the adapter track is oriented in its horizontal orientation and held in this respect at multiple locations.

[0032] To detach the adapter rail from the coupling device on the wall, especially the side of the wall, the horizontally oriented adapter rail is pressed upward at its front end. This adjusts the tilt position of the adapter rail, and the adapter rail can then be pulled forward linearly from this point, so that the insert element can then slide out from the insert element receiving part.

[0033] In one embodiment, the household refrigeration appliance may have an internal container. This internal container has a wall that defines an accommodating space. Thus, in one embodiment, the wall of the internal container is configured such that an adapter rail can be detachably mounted to this wall via the aforementioned coupling device. In another embodiment, the wall with the coupling device on its side can be a wall independent of the internal container. For example, this wall could then be a structure upstream of the wall of the internal container, which is then arranged, for example, also as a visible member in the accommodating space and at least partially covers the wall of the internal container. This independent wall could be a protective panel wall.

[0034] The inner container is preferably constructed of plastic. It can be manufactured by deep drawing or injection molding. The walls can be vertical. These walls can be, for example, side walls. Furthermore, the accommodating space can be defined by a rear wall, a bottom wall, and a lid wall. These walls can also be integral components of the inner container. The coupling devices on the wall sides can be integrated into the walls of the inner container, and thus manufactured integrally with those walls.

[0035] In one embodiment, the household refrigeration appliance has a coupling system comprising wall-side coupling devices and track-side coupling devices. This mechanical, particularly purely mechanical, coupling system has at least two, particularly three, coupling pairs that differ in position and / or function. Specifically, each of these coupling pairs has a track-side coupling pair component and a container-side mating coupling pair component. The adapter track is fixedly and therefore directly held, particularly fastened, to the inner container in at least two spatial directions, particularly in all three spatial directions, via this coupling system.

[0036] Particularly advantageous is that the adapter rail is arranged, and especially oriented, fixedly held on the inner container by means of coupling devices on the rail side and container side. This means that the adapter rail is thus arranged on the inner container without additional, separate fastening devices (e.g., screws or the like). Therefore, assembly costs are reduced on the one hand, and components, such as separate fastening devices, are saved on the other. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous that for this purpose, it is unnecessary to integrate mounting bosses, such as spiral bosses, into the inner container, or to arrange so-called and known post-mounted components outside the inner container to achieve the corresponding spiral engagement. Therefore, it is through these specific coupling devices, especially the aforementioned coupling system, that a particularly advantageous solution is proposed, so that fixed-position fastening can be achieved purely on the one hand by means of coupling pair components integrated in the adapter rail and on the other hand by means of mating coupling pair components integrated in the wall. In particular, this is also achieved through the corresponding integration, whereby the coupling pair components are not provided and need to be assembled as independent components relative to the adapter rail and relative to the wall. This integration also reduces the number of components and avoids positional tolerances not only during assembly but also during the service life. Because of integration, these coupled components always remain in the same position, thus avoiding relative movement on one hand relative to the adapter track and on the other hand relative to the container.

[0037] Another advantage of this approach is that the adapter rails can be assembled without tools. That is, no additional tools, such as screwdrivers or similar tools, are required. The adapter rails themselves can be picked up and installed onto the internal container by assembly personnel or robots in automated production, which can be achieved solely through this coupling system.

[0038] In one embodiment, the adapter track is integrally constructed. The adapter track may be made of, for example, plastic. For instance, the adapter track may be an injection-molded component.

[0039] In one embodiment, the adapter rail has a support portion for a guide element independent of the support portion, which guides the accessory component on the adapter rail. In particular, the support portion is constructed integrally with and thus integrally with the adapter rail. Therefore, this type of independent guide element can be precisely positioned and supported on the adapter rail. Consequently, the functionality of the guide element can be particularly advantageously provided. This supports very continuous guidance of the accessory component on the adapter rail.

[0040] In one embodiment, the support portion is a cavity for accommodating a guide element configured as a roller. Specifically, this cavity is integrated into the front end portion constructed along the longitudinal axis of the adapter track. More specifically, the cavity is integrated into the bottom wall of the adapter track, wherein the bottom wall defines a guide groove in the adapter track from below.

[0041] In one embodiment, the adapter rail has a guide groove for guiding the accessory component on the adapter rail. This guide groove is also integrated into the adapter rail and is therefore constructed integrally with the adapter rail.

[0042] The supporting components can also be independent support rails relative to the adapter rails. Food containers, such as scoils, or carrier plates can then be directly placed on these support rails, or grid base plates or grates can be placed on them. The support rails can be arranged in a movable manner, particularly in a manner that allows for linear extension and retraction in the depth direction. These support rails can be telescopic rails. The telescopic rails can also have fixed rails, which are fixedly positioned on the adapter components, particularly the side walls.

[0043] The advantages of this assembly method have already been explained above regarding household refrigeration appliances. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the schematic accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1a A schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of a household refrigeration appliance according to the present invention; Figure 1b A perspective view of a sub-region of the internal container of a household refrigeration appliance according to Figure 1 is shown; Figure 2 A perspective view showing one embodiment of the adapter track; Figure 3 Showing in with Figure 2 From different perspectives, according to Figure 2 The adapter track; Figure 4 Showing in with Figure 2 and Figure 3 Again, in different views, according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The adapter track; Figure 5 The sectional view shows the data based on... Figures 2 to 4 The adapter track has a coupling element on the track side in the base position; Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 5The adapter track has a coupling element in a bent position state that bends out from the base position state; Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the adapter track and the coupling base on the wall side is shown in the first intermediate assembly state; Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the adapter track and the coupling base on the wall side in a second intermediate assembly state immediately following the first intermediate assembly state; and Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the adapter track and the coupling base on the wall side in the final assembled state is shown.

[0045] In the accompanying drawings, identical or functionally equivalent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0046] exist Figure 1a The image shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a household refrigeration appliance 1. The household refrigeration appliance 1 is configured for storing and preserving food. The household refrigeration appliance 1 can be, for example, a cooling appliance, a freezing appliance, or a cooling-freezing combination appliance. The household refrigeration appliance 1 has a housing 2. The housing 2 here has an outer shell 3. In addition, the housing 2 has an inner container 4 separate from the outer shell 3. The inner container 4 is housed within the outer shell 3. The inner container 4 has walls, including a first side wall 5, a second side wall 6, a rear wall 7, a lid wall 8, and a bottom wall 9. The inner container 4 defines at least one food-containing space 10. This food-containing space 10 can be a cooling compartment or a freezing compartment.

[0047] The inner container 4 is preferably constructed as a single piece. The inner container is preferably made of plastic.

[0048] In addition, the household refrigeration appliance 1 has a door 11. The door 11 is arranged on the housing 2 in a movable manner. The door is specifically arranged to close the receiving space 10 from the front.

[0049] In addition, Figure 1a The coupling device 12 on the wall side is schematically shown. The simplified structural symbol of this wall-side coupling device is shown by dashed lines. In addition, in Figure 1a The adapter track 13 is shown. The adapter track 13 is directly fastened to the inner container 4. Specifically, in this example, the adapter track is fastened to the side wall 5. In particular, the adapter track is also fastened to the rear wall 7. Therefore, in Figure 1a The track-side coupling device 14, which is not yet shown, is directly mechanically coupled to the wall-side coupling device 12, which is denoted by the reference numerals in the figure.

[0050] In general, a coupling system 15 is formed by the coupling device 12 on the wall side and the coupling device 14 on the track side. Preferably, the coupling system 15 is configured to have at least two, and in particular three, coupling pairs that are different in position and / or function. Each of these coupling pairs has a coupling pair component on the track side and a mating coupling pair component on the container side.

[0051] The adapter track 13 is directly and securely fastened to the inner container 4 in at least two spatial directions, and in particular all three spatial directions, via the coupling system 15. These spatial directions are the height (y-direction), width (x-direction), and depth (z-direction) of the household refrigeration appliance 1.

[0052] In this embodiment, the adapter track 13 is arranged on the inner container 4 solely by means of the coupling system 15, and therefore solely by means of the coupling device 14 on the track side and the coupling device 12 on the wall side. In particular, the adapter track is thus fixedly held on the inner container 4 in this orientation. This also means that no other separate fastening device is provided to secure the adapter track 13 to the inner container 4.

[0053] In particular, the sidewall 5 does not have holes or openings for mounting the adapter rail 13.

[0054] In particular, the coupling device 14 on the track side is integrated into the adapter track 13. Therefore, the track-side coupling device is integrally constructed, and especially manufactured, with the adapter track 13. The adapter track 13 can, for example, be integrally made of plastic. For instance, the adapter track can be an injection-molded component.

[0055] In particular, the wall-side coupling device 12 is also integrated into the inner container 4, and is therefore constructed integrally with the inner container 4.

[0056] exist Figure 1a In the illustration, the household refrigeration appliance 1 is shown without any attachments. For example, such an attachment could be a tray constructed for holding food. However, it is also possible that such an attachment could be, for example, a plate.

[0057] For example, in Figure 1a The diagram shows plate 16. This plate can be a partition that divides the receiving space 10. In particular, plate 16 is also removable. In another embodiment, the plate can also be a grid base plate. In one embodiment, accessory components can be placed on the grid base plate.

[0058] On the other hand, the plate 16 can also be an example of an accessory component. The plate can then be arranged directly on the adapter rail 13 and, in particular, supported on the adapter rail in a movable manner in the depth direction.

[0059] Preferably, the corresponding adapter rail 13 is also arranged on the opposite side, i.e., the inner side, of the side wall 6. Thus, the position plane for the attachment member is defined by means of these two adapter rails 13 at the same height. This arrangement forms a rail pair.

[0060] exist Figure 1b In the perspective view, a sub-region of an embodiment of the internal container 4 of a household refrigeration appliance 1 is shown.

[0061] In this embodiment, a beam-shaped rib is molded onto the sidewall 5. Therefore, the rib is integrally constructed with the inner container 4. This rib, extending in the depth direction along its longitudinal axis, is an example of the coupling base 17 for the coupling device 12 on the wall side.

[0062] As previously described, the coupling device 12 on the wall side is constructed in the vertical side walls 5 and 6 of the inner container 4.

[0063] In another embodiment, a wall independent of the inner container 4 is arranged in the receiving space 10, for example, in front of the side walls 5 and 6 and at least partially covering the receiving space 10. Such a wall may also be a wall on which a wall-side coupling device 12 is constructed, and an adapter rail 13 is reversibly and detachably mounted.

[0064] In addition, Figure 1b As can be seen, the coupling device 12 on the wall side has a mating coupling element 18. Here, viewed in the depth direction, this mating coupling element is constructed on the front end of the coupling base 17. Here, in this example, the mating coupling element 18 is constructed as a groove-shaped recess in the beam-shaped coupling base 17. In particular, in this context, a downwardly and forward-opening guide groove is formed. In particular, this guide groove can also be referred to as a slot.

[0065] In addition, Figure 1b As shown, the coupling base 17 in this embodiment has an additional recess 19. This additional recess 19 is also constructed as a groove. Here, in this example, the additional recess opens upward in the height direction and forward in the depth direction. This additional recess 19 is also constructed as a groove-shaped guide groove.

[0066] In addition, Figure 1bThe image shows a connector element receiving portion 20. This connector element receiving portion is constructed within a coupling base 17. The connector element receiving portion is formed as a cavity or recess in the coupling base 17. The connector element receiving portion 20 is open upwards. Viewed in the depth direction, the connector element receiving portion is constructed at the middle third of the length of the coupling base 17. In particular, the connector element receiving portion is constructed rearwardly offset and spaced apart from the mating coupling element 18 and the additional recess 19.

[0067] In addition, Figure 1b As can be seen, a recess 21 is constructed in the rear wall 7 of the inner container 4. This recess 21 is constructed as a cavity. Specifically, this recess is designed as a blind-hole-shaped partial recess. The recess 21 is configured to accommodate the guide element 22 of the adapter track 13. Figure 2 In particular, in this context, a plug-in connection is achieved between the insertion element 22 and the recess 21, which is coupled in the depth direction and therefore in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the adapter track 13.

[0068] exist Figure 2 In the perspective view, one embodiment of the adapter track 13 is shown. The adapter track 13 is integrally constructed here. The adapter track is made of plastic in particular. For example, the adapter track can be an injection-molded component. The adapter track 13 has a coupling element 23 on the track side. The coupling element 23 on the track side is part of the coupling device 14 on the track side. As shown, the coupling element 23 has an L-shaped shape. In particular, the coupling element 23 is elastically and integrally molded onto the base 24 of the adapter track 13. In particular, the coupling element 23 is capable of moving relative to the base 24 in a defined manner, especially capable of elastically changing its position. For this purpose, an axis B is provided, which can also be referred to as a bending axis. The axis B is oriented here parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the adapter track 13.

[0069] In this embodiment, the coupling element 13 has a first L-branch 25. This first L-branch 25 is oriented substantially horizontally. Specifically, the first L-branch terminates at its first end on the bending axis B. The first L-branch 25 is connected to another L-branch 26 by means of its other end, which is opposite in this respect. The other L-branch 26 is oriented vertically. In this context, the other L-branch is oriented vertically upwards and arranged freely overhanging. The other L-branch 26 has a coupling edge 27. The coupling edge 27 is exposed upwards. This coupling edge is the edge or end of the other L-branch 26. Figure 2As shown, the coupling edge 27 is not oriented perfectly horizontally. In particular, the coupling edge is angled relative to the horizontal line. This means that, viewed in the height direction, the rear end 27a is lower than the front end 27b. The front end 27b is closer to or faces the front end 28 of the adapter track 13. In addition, the adapter track 13 has a rear end 29.

[0070] Coupled edge 27 is opposite to L support edge 25.

[0071] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the adapter track 13 has a strip-shaped rib 30. This rib is constructed on the base 24. The rib extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. In particular, a first L-shaped support 25 is arranged in the region of the rib 30. Specifically, in the unbent base position of the coupling element 23, the first L-shaped support 25 is flush with the strip-shaped rib 30.

[0072] In addition, Figure 2 It can also be seen that the adapter track 13 has a rear region 31. This rear region 31 forms a stop portion or stop point for the adapter track 13. In particular, this rear region can be oriented obliquely relative to the horizontal line with the longitudinal axis A during assembly. In particular, the portion 31 forms a corresponding stop point or flip support here.

[0073] In addition, the adapter track 13 has an abutment element 32. This abutment element is constructed to extend freely downwards. The abutment element is molded on the top wall 33 above the adapter track 13.

[0074] The abutment element 32 is arranged overlapping the coupling element 23 in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. In particular, the abutment element is arranged at the same longitudinal axis position as the coupling element 23. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, viewed in the height direction, a gap is constructed between the coupling element 23 and the abutment element 32. The abutment element 32 is configured to be fitted into another recess 19. Therefore, in the final assembly position of the adapter track 13 on the wall (here, wall 5), the abutment element 32 is constructed to overlap with the other recess 19. On the other hand, in the height direction, the coupling element 23 is fitted into the mating coupling element 18 from below, particularly by means of another L-shaped support 26, which is constructed as a groove-shaped recess.

[0075] In addition, in one embodiment, the adapter track 13 has a fitting element 34. This fitting element 34 is molded onto the top wall 33 and constructed to extend freely downwards in the height direction. The fitting element 34 is formed by two separate fitting element portions spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. These fitting element portions are designed as strips or ribs. Viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, the fitting element 34 is constructed in the rear half of the length of the adapter track 13. The fitting element 34 is separate from and spaced apart from the coupling element 23 and the abutment element 32, and is further offset rearwards. The fitting element 34 is configured to be coupled into the fitting element receiving portion 20.

[0076] exist Figure 3 In the middle, with Figure 2 The adapter track 13 is shown from different perspectives. Here is a view of the surface of the adapter track 13 facing the receiving space 4 in its final assembled state.

[0077] exist Figure 4 In the middle, it is shown that there is already targeted Figure 2 The adapter track 13 is the perspective of the component described.

[0078] exist Figure 5 In the middle, along Figure 4 The cross-section line VV shows the adapter track 13. The coupling element 23 is shown here in the unbent base position.

[0079] exist Figure 6 In the middle, in the corresponding to such Figure 5 The schematic diagram shows the adapter track 13 as follows: the coupling element 23 bends downward from its base position and bends about the bending axis B in this respect.

[0080] As shown in the figure, in particular, the first horizontal L-shaped support 25 is capable of elastic bending, especially since it is capable of elastic bending itself.

[0081] Preferably, the abutment element 32 is shape-stable and fixedly positioned on the adapter track 13.

[0082] exist Figure 7 The coupling base 27 is shown. Here, the adapter track 13 is shown in the first intermediate assembly state.

[0083] In addition, Figure 4 The vertical spacing a is shown in the figure. This vertical spacing a is measured between the lower edge of the insert element 34, especially the lowest and lowest part of the insert element 34 in the height direction, and the coupling element 23, especially the coupling edge 27, especially the highest part of the coupling edge 27 in the height direction, when viewed in the height direction.

[0084] The spacing 'a' is smaller than in Figure 7 The vertical spacing b is shown in the figure. This vertical spacing, or thickness b, relates to the height dimension of the coupling base 17. In particular, this is measured in the following length section of the coupling base 17 that extends between the insert element receiving portion 20 and the mating coupling element 18. In this respect, the coupling base 17 is constructed to have the maximum thickness b in this length section.

[0085] In particular, due to these dimensional design features, the adapter track 13 should be placed at a corresponding angle during assembly, such as in... Figure 7 As indicated in the label. In Figure 7 In this context, the adapter track 13 is shown in a position where it overlaps the coupling base 17 in the depth direction. Specifically, for this purpose, the coupling base 17 is fitted into the guide space 35 of the adapter track 13. This guide space 35 is preferably defined in the height direction by a top wall 33 and a rib 30. As shown, the coupling base 17 is placed from above onto the lower rib 30 with its front end 17a. Furthermore, the upper side 36 of the coupling base 17 contacts the insert element 34. Therefore, the insert element is placed from above on the upper side 36 in direct contact. Based on the drawn dimensions, especially the ratio between the spacing a and the thickness b, the adapter track 13 is not set to a completely horizontal orientation during assembly. Through this tilted position and the simultaneous contact of the coupling base 17 with its front end 17a on the rib 30 and its upper side 36 on the insert element 34, further guidance of the adapter track 13 can be achieved when it is further pushed onto the coupling base 17 along arrow P during a further assembly process. Figure 7 As can also be seen, a pivot support position is formed by the upwardly protruding stop point 31, and the adapter track 13 is placed at an angle of attack around this pivot support position at the aforementioned angle, which may be, for example, less than 5°, especially less than 3°, especially 1°. Now, if from Figure 7 Starting from the intermediate assembly state shown, the adapter track 13 is further pushed onto the coupling base 17 according to arrow P, then the mating coupling element 18 contacts the coupling element 23. Specifically, in this context, the coupling edge 27 contacts the upper boundary wall 18a of the mating coupling element 18. Then, in the case of further pushing (Aufschieben), according to... Figure 8 The schematic diagram shows the coupling element 23 being brought from the unbent foundation position to the... Figure 6 The bending position is shown and illustrated in the diagram. Thus, the coupling element 23 is pre-tensioned in the height direction. When the adapter track 13 is further pushed onto the coupling base 17 along arrow P, as... Figure 8As shown, the insert element 34 is then further implemented by being inserted from above into, and in particular, suddenly snapped into, the insert element receiving portion 20. At this moment, the pretension established between the coupling element 23 and the mating coupling element 18 is reduced at least.

[0086] Then, as Figure 9 As shown, the adapter track 13 is then automatically oriented in the height direction on the front end 28. Then, in particular, the adapter track 13 is automatically and generally oriented in a horizontal position, thereby automatically releasing the desired and defined tilt position in the aforementioned intermediate assembly position. Figure 9 Against this background, the final assembly state is then shown. The coupling element 23 can be seen inserted into the mating coupling element 18. In particular, the abutment element 32 is also shown inserted from above into another recess 19. As shown, the mating coupling element 18 and the other recess 19 have axial limiting walls serving as stop walls 37 and 38. In this final assembly position, the adapter track 13 is then oriented and fixedly arranged on the coupling base 27.

[0087] List of reference numerals 1. Household refrigeration appliances 2. Shell 3. Outer shell 4 inner container 5. Sidewalls 6. Sidewalls 7. Rear wall 8. Cover wall 9 bottom wall 10. Capacity 11 doors 12 Coupling device 13 Adapter Tracks 14 Coupling device 15 Coupled Systems 16 boards 17 Coupling base 18. Coupling elements 18a Boundary wall 19 Notch 20 Insertion element receiving section 21. Depression 22 Importing Components 23 Coupling element 24 Matrix 25 L support 26 L support 27 Contact edge 27a end 27b end 30 ribs 31 Stop point 32 Attached components 33 Top Wall 34. Socketing elements 35 Guiding Space 36 upper side 37 stop wall 38 Stop wall.

Claims

1. A household refrigeration appliance (1) having at least one wall (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) defining a food-containing space (4) within the household refrigeration appliance (1), wherein, A wall-side coupling device (12) is arranged on the walls (5 to 9), and the adapter rail (13) of the household refrigeration appliance (1) is mechanically coupled to the rail-side coupling device (14) by means of the wall-side coupling device. The adapter rail (13) has at least one integrated coupling element (23) of the rail-side coupling device (14), wherein the coupling element (23) is elastically constructed about an axis (B) oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the adapter rail (13), and the wall-side coupling device (12) has at least one mating coupling element (18) such that a retaining connection is formed between the coupling element (23) and the mating coupling element (18) in the final assembly position of the adapter rail (13) on at least the walls (5, 6, 7, 8, 9).

2. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining connection is a clamping connection.

3. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The coupling element (23) on the track side has an L-shaped shape in the longitudinal section.

4. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The coupling element (23) on the track side has a contact edge (27) during assembly, which contacts the mating coupling element (18) at least in an intermediate assembly position different from the final assembly position, so as to bend the coupling element (23) from the base position.

5. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein, The contact edge (27) is constructed on the free end of the upwardly projecting L-shaped support (26) that is freely extended upwardly, especially in the height direction.

6. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The contact edge (27) is oriented obliquely, especially obliquely relative to the horizontal line (H), and is constructed in a manner that is continuously obliquely downward from the front end (27b) to the rear end (27a).

7. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mating coupling element (18) is a notch, especially a groove-shaped notch, in the coupling base (17) of the coupling device (12) on the wall side, wherein the coupling base (17) is constructed on the inner side of the wall (5 to 9).

8. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The coupling base (17) is elongated, and in particular, beam-shaped.

9. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adapter track (13) has at least one insert element (34) configured to be inserted into an insert receiving portion (20) of the coupling device (12) on the wall side, arranged on the wall (5 to 9).

10. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The insert element (34) protrudes downward in the height direction (y), especially in a free-hanging manner, and when viewed in the height direction (y), a gap (a) is constructed between the insert element (34) and the coupling element (23).

11. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The spacing (a) is less than the thickness (b) of the coupling base (17) with the mating coupling element (18) arranged on the walls (5 to 9) in the height direction (y), and in particular, the thickness (b) is formed in the following length section: in the final assembled state, the length section extends between the coupling element (23) and the interlocking element (34) which is misaligned with the coupling element in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the adapter track (13).

12. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adapter track (13) has a contact element (32) arranged above the coupling element (23) in the height direction (y) and spaced apart from the coupling element, particularly constructed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the adapter track (13) at the same axial position as the coupling element.

13. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The abutment element (32) forms a height stop for the coupling base (17) of the coupling device (12) on the wall side, which is arranged on the wall (5 to 9) and has the mating coupling element (18).

14. The household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The abutment element (32) is resistant to bending and is fixedly arranged on the adapter track (13), and / or, in the final assembled state, the abutment element (32) is inserted into another recess (19) of the coupling device (12) on the wall side, especially the coupling base (17).

15. A method for mounting an adapter rail (13) of a household refrigeration appliance (1) onto a wall (5 to 9) of the household refrigeration appliance (1), the wall defining a food-containing space (4) of the household refrigeration appliance (1), wherein, A wall-side coupling device (12) is arranged on the walls (5 to 9), and the adapter rail (13) of the household refrigeration appliance (1) is mechanically coupled to the rail-side coupling device (14) by means of the wall-side coupling device. The adapter rail (13) has at least one integrated coupling element (23) of the rail-side coupling device (14), wherein the coupling element (23) is elastically constructed about an axis (B) oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the adapter rail (13), and the wall-side coupling device (12) has at least one mating coupling element (18) such that when the adapter rail (13) is mounted on the wall-side coupling device (12), the adapter rail (13) is relatively... When the coupling device (12) on the wall side moves relative to the wall side in the axial direction, in at least one intermediate assembly state different from the final assembly state, the coupling element (23) bends around the axis (B) in a defined manner through contact with the mating coupling element (18) and is thus elastically pre-tensioned, and when the adapter track (13) moves further in the axial direction, in order to reach the final assembly position, the adapter track (13) is automatically adjusted in terms of its height position relative to the coupling device (12) on the wall side, such that in the final position reached, the pre-tension of the coupling element (23) is reduced compared to the intermediate assembly state, and a holding connection is formed between the coupling element (23) and the mating coupling element (18).

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