Household refrigerator with reversible ice maker

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance (1) with a housing (2), a support unit (15) arranged therein, and an ice maker (11) which is detachably arranged in the housing (2) and on the support unit (15), wherein the ice maker (11) has an ice maker housing (12) with a volume space (12a) for receiving ice maker components (26, 36), wherein the ice maker housing (12) has a coupling device (13) for coupling with the support unit (15), wherein the coupling device (13) is designed to be reversible, so that the ice maker housing (12) is arranged in a first bearing position (17) on the support unit (15) and in a second bearing position (37) on the support unit (15) that differs from the first bearing position, in which the ice maker housing (12) itself is arranged rotated about a horizontal axis (A) by 180° relative to the first bearing position (17).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance with a housing. The household refrigeration appliance includes an ice maker which is arranged in the housing.

[0002] Household refrigeration appliances designed for storing and preserving food are also known to include an ice maker. In this context, an ice maker is a device located within the housing of the household refrigeration appliance and designed to produce ice, for example, ice cube trays or crushed ice. Water is supplied to the ice maker, where it is frozen.

[0003] Ice makers are devices that are arranged in the housing in such a way that they are thermally insulated, for example from a cooling compartment of a household refrigeration appliance, and in particular are arranged in a section of the cooling compartment.

[0004] Especially when such an ice maker is installed in a refrigerator compartment, a corresponding amount of space is required. Typically, such an ice maker is concealed by a front door that closes the refrigerator compartment. The ice maker is then only accessible when this door is open to close the refrigerator compartment.

[0005] In this context, it is common to find ice makers with a housing that is permanently installed and therefore usually not removable within the casing of the household refrigerator. This means that the space occupied by the ice maker cannot be used for other purposes, and the volume of a refrigerator compartment, for example, is correspondingly limited. Furthermore, cleaning is also restricted with such permanently installed ice maker housings.

[0006] From DE 10 2018 200 079 A1, a household refrigeration appliance is known in which an ice maker is attached to a coupling plate from below and is detachably fastened to it. A similar design is known from DE 10 2019 208 452 A1.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create a household refrigeration appliance in which the positioning is more variable.

[0008] This problem is solved by a household refrigeration appliance which has the features according to claim 1.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance with a housing. The housing can also be referred to as a body. It preferably has an outer housing in which an inner container, separate from the outer housing, is arranged. The inner container typically defines at least one storage compartment for food, for example, a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment. Furthermore, the household refrigeration appliance has a support unit that is arranged in the housing, particularly in the storage compartment. The support unit can be arranged in the storage compartment in a way that allows for non-destructive removal. This means that it can be reversibly removed and reinserted. In addition, the household refrigeration appliance has an ice maker. An ice maker is, in particular, a device or unit that is designed to produce ice.For this purpose, the ice maker is preferably supplied with liquid, in particular water, and freezes this water. In particular, it is therefore possible for the ice maker to produce, for example, ice forms such as ice cubes or crushed ice. The ice maker is arranged in the housing. It is detachably mounted on this support unit. This means that it can be removed and reattached without damage. The ice maker has an ice maker housing. This housing surrounds a volumetric space. The volumetric space is designed to accommodate the ice maker components. The ice maker housing has a coupling device designed for coupling with the support unit. In particular, a mechanical coupling is provided here.The coupling device is designed to be reversible, allowing the ice maker housing to be attached to the support unit in a first bearing position, and in a second bearing position, in which the ice maker housing itself is rotated 180° around a horizontal axis relative to the first bearing position. This gives the domestic refrigeration appliance a reversible ice maker. The ice maker is thus designed to be arranged on the support unit in at least two defined and discrete bearing positions that are rotated relative to each other. This allows for more flexible use of the ice maker. It also enables optional installation in two bearing positions, depending on the orientation.Particularly with regard to more flexible and versatile positioning of the ice maker within the household refrigeration unit, a wider range of options is therefore available. It is designed so that the ice maker, especially due to the reversible coupling device, can be optionally positioned in either the first storage position or the reversed second storage position on the support unit. This allows for greater flexibility, particularly with regard to accessibility, available space, and / or the individual usage preferences of a user of the household refrigeration unit.

[0010] The horizontal axis is oriented specifically in the depth direction of the household refrigeration appliance. This means that in both storage positions, the ice maker housing is always oriented with the same front facing forward, so that there are no restrictions regarding accessibility and use of the ice maker in either storage position, and thus the user experience is virtually identical.

[0011] In one embodiment, in addition to being rotated 180° in the first storage position, the ice maker housing is arranged in a suspended position on the support unit. This means that the first storage position is also characterized by this suspended position. In particular, the ice maker, and thus also the ice maker housing, is suspended from below on this support unit. Specifically, it can be provided that this ice maker is then suspended from the support unit, exposed at the bottom.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ice maker housing is arranged in a seated position on the support unit in addition to being rotated 180° in the second storage position. This means that in this second storage position, the ice maker is then arranged to sit on top of the support unit.

[0013] In these embodiments, the ice maker can be attached to the support unit at at least two different heights relative to it. This embodiment provides for different height positions in these mounting positions, with the support unit serving as a horizontal reference point to which the ice maker is positioned both above and below. Furthermore, these two mounting positions are rotated 180° relative to each other.

[0014] This is particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need for extensive reconfiguration of the coupling device when changing the ice maker's position. It's no longer necessary to, for example, move the coupling device from the top to the bottom of the ice maker housing. Instead, the coupling device can remain in the same position on the ice maker housing, yet still allows for quick and precise repositioning of the ice maker on the support unit. These are significant advantages, as they enable rapid changes to the storage position and are more intuitive for the user, who doesn't have to perform a complicated and time-consuming reconfiguration of the coupling device themselves when changing the storage position.Furthermore, avoiding such modifications to the coupling device also prevents assembly errors and potential damage.

[0015] In one embodiment, it is therefore preferably provided that the coupling device for realizing both bearing positions remains on the ice maker without modification, in particular in that no local modification of the coupling device on the ice maker is carried out.

[0016] In one embodiment, a guide device for guiding at least one ice maker component is formed on the inner side of a side wall of the ice maker housing, facing the volume chamber. In one embodiment, the guide device is symmetrical in both orientations, such that the first ice maker component is arranged in the same basic orientation within the volume chamber in both storage positions. This is a further highly advantageous embodiment, as it ensures the same user experience for this ice maker component in all storage positions. Therefore, there is no need to rethink how this ice maker component can be operated in one storage position versus another, for example, how it is accessible and how it must be handled.Such standardization or equalization of the positioning and / or orientation and / or operation and / or functionality of this ice maker component is therefore fulfilled in both storage locations. Consequently, this primary functionality assigned to the first ice maker component can be provided without restriction and maintained consistently in both storage locations.

[0017] In one embodiment, this ice maker component has at least one ice element generation tray. This tray is designed to have molding compartments that can be filled with water. The molding compartments determine the basic shape of the ice elements to be produced from the water. It is particularly advantageous for such an ice maker component if the same orientation is maintained in both storage positions. This ensures that the openings of these molding compartments always face upwards, preventing any water from leaking out. Both the introduction of water into an ice element generation tray and the subsequent freezing process within this tray are then unrestricted and identical in both storage positions.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first ice maker component includes at least one filling aid tray. This tray is designed to distribute water into the ice mold element production tray. This helps to prevent water from splashing or spilling out of the ice mold element production tray. Such a tray can hold more water than a mold compartment of the ice mold element production tray and allows for a precisely metered and controlled introduction of water into the mold compartments. Furthermore, such a filling aid tray also enables a more user-friendly way of supplying water to the first ice maker component. This can be achieved, for example, with a water tank, particularly a portable water tank.This water tank is easy for a user to handle and can be filled, for example, at a tap. The separate filling tray can then be filled precisely using this water tank. By positioning the filling tray in a specific and defined location within the first ice maker component, particularly above the ice mold element production tray, the water can be dispensed very precisely from the filling tray into the ice molding areas or compartments of the ice mold element production tray, as previously described. The water tank can also be referred to as a filling cup.

[0019] In one embodiment, a horizontal wall of the ice maker housing has at least one hole. This hole is specifically designed as a filling hole. This means that the preferably included filling aid tray can be filled from outside the ice maker housing through this hole. Therefore, neither the filling aid tray nor any other component needs to be removed from the ice maker housing to supply water externally and then direct it from the filling aid tray to the ice mold forming tray. With this design of the horizontal wall featuring a hole, filling the filling aid tray from outside the ice maker housing is thus possible even when the filling aid tray is in its default position within the ice maker housing. This default position is one in which the filling aid tray is completely enclosed within the volume of the ice maker housing.

[0020] In one embodiment, a guide device for guiding at least a second ice maker component is formed on the inner side of a side wall of the ice maker housing—again, an inner side facing the volume chamber. The guide device is designed to be symmetrical, so that the second ice maker component is arranged in the same basic orientation in both storage positions within the volume chamber. The corresponding advantages apply here as already mentioned above regarding this symmetrical design of the guide device in relation to the first ice maker component. This is also advantageous for the second ice maker component, particularly with regard to considering the use, positioning, and / or functionality of the second ice maker component in isolation, as already explained for the first ice maker component.This configuration is particularly advantageous when both ice maker components are present and, in particular, interact functionally with each other. This allows both components to continue fulfilling their intended chain of operations, both positionally and functionally, and this is ensured in both storage positions.

[0021] With regard to a rotationally symmetrical design of the guide device, this means that after a 180° rotation around the horizontal axis, the guide device is practically identical. In particular, it is provided that the guide device is identical in the vertical direction with respect to an axis of symmetry oriented in the depth direction of the domestic refrigeration appliance. This means that, starting from this specific axis of symmetry, the guide device is symmetrical both upwards and downwards, and in particular, axially symmetrical.

[0022] The reversible symmetry also means, in particular, that a guide area of ​​the guide device is designed in the first bearing position to guide a first ice-maker component and in the second bearing position to guide the second ice-maker component, and is designed in particular identically to the first guide area. This reversible symmetry also means, in particular, that a second guide area of ​​the guide device, which is designed in particular symmetrically to the first guide area with respect to an axis of symmetry, is designed in the first bearing position to guide a second ice-maker component and in the second bearing position to guide a first ice-maker component, and is designed in particular to guide the first ice-maker component in the same or identical way as the first ice-maker component can be guided in the first bearing position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second ice-maker component is a collection tray for finished ice. This means that it is designed to receive finished ice mold elements produced in the ice mold element generation tray and which can be transferred into the collection tray by rotating or tilting the ice mold element generation tray. Therefore, in one embodiment, it is preferably provided that the second ice-maker component is arranged vertically below the first ice-maker component. This is particularly true in both the first and second storage positions. This stacking arrangement remains the same in both storage positions.

[0024] In one embodiment, the guide device has two separate guide tracks. These are examples of the two guide areas already mentioned above. In one embodiment, the two separate guide tracks are arranged parallel to each other on the inside of the side wall. In particular, they are symmetrical about a horizontal center line of the side wall. This horizontal center line is, in particular, the axis of symmetry already mentioned above. This design allows the first ice-maker component to be inserted into the guide track located higher in the vertical direction in its basic orientation, regardless of the storage position. Additionally, or instead of this, the second ice-maker component can be inserted into the guide track located lower in the vertical direction in its basic orientation, regardless of the storage position. In particular, this always occurs below the first ice-maker component.Thus, in one embodiment, this symmetrically designed guide device ensures that, when viewed vertically, the two ice maker components are always stacked identically, and this stacking is also feasible as intended. This allows the functionalities described above and the coordinated interaction between the ice maker components to be reliably and consistently fulfilled.

[0025] In one embodiment, the ice maker housing has a side wall with a bracket on its outer surface for the reversible attachment and removal of the ice maker's water tank. This outer surface faces away from the interior volume of the ice maker housing. This design allows for the tidy arrangement of a separate water tank, ensuring it can always be positioned directly on the ice maker itself. This eliminates the need for unsightly alternative storage or placement. Therefore, the ice maker housing is sensibly equipped with this advantageous water tank component, providing both space-saving storage and an intuitive user interface, ensuring the water tank is always easily accessible and readily available. The reversible attachment also facilitates simple removal and reattachment.The mounting can, for example, involve hanging or attaching the water tank to the side wall.

[0026] It is also possible that in one embodiment, a horizontal wall, such as a ceiling or bottom wall of the ice maker housing, has a bracket designed for the reversible holding and removal of the ice maker's water tank. This can be provided in addition to or instead of the side wall. This increases the flexibility of the external mounting of the water tank. Regarding the designations of a ceiling wall or bottom wall, this should be understood individually in relation to the ice maker's storage position, so that a horizontal wall is referred to as a ceiling wall in one storage position and as a bottom wall in the other. This is to be understood in relation to the 180° rotation of the ice maker housing around a horizontal axis in these two storage positions.

[0027] In one embodiment, the coupling device is integrated into a horizontal wall of the ice maker housing.

[0028] The coupling device may be designed to have a front retaining bracket and a rear retaining bracket. This refers to the depth of the household refrigeration appliance. The retaining brackets are designed to each grip a respective edge region of the support unit in order to mechanically secure the ice maker to the support unit. These edge regions are, in particular, a front edge region and a rear edge region when viewed in the depth direction. In one embodiment, the front retaining bracket preferably has a locking element that is movably mounted on the front retaining bracket. In a defined released position of the locking element, the position of the retaining brackets relative to each other is loose and can be changed. In particular, the retaining brackets can then be moved apart and together relative to each other in this depth direction.This allows for easy removal of the ice maker from the support unit, as well as easy attachment. In different locking positions of the fixing element, the position of the retaining clips relative to each other is fixed, particularly in this depth direction. This ensures that the ice maker is held securely in its final position on the support unit, preventing unwanted detachment. The movable, and especially pivotable, fixing element is therefore a simple, exposed component that makes achieving the various positions easy and user-friendly for the user.

[0029] In one embodiment, the coupling device has an adjustment unit with which the relative position of the retaining brackets can be adjusted. This is particularly possible in a released position of the fixing element, as explained above in the advantageous embodiment and accordingly provided. The adjustment unit preferably has a ratchet-like snap mechanism with several discrete snap positions arranged one after the other, into which a snap element of the adjustment unit can snap to set a discrete adjustment position of the retaining brackets. In particular, the distance between the retaining brackets in this depth direction of the household refrigeration appliance can thus be adjusted in discrete snap positions.

[0030] In one embodiment, the ice maker comprises at least two ice maker components of a first type. In particular, these can be at least two ice-forming element production trays. Preferably, two filling aid trays can also be provided. In this respect, one filling aid tray can be assigned to one ice-forming element production tray, and the other filling aid tray can be assigned to the other ice-forming element production tray. Additionally or instead of these, in one embodiment, at least two ice maker components of a second type, different from the first type, can be present. In this respect, for example, at least two collection trays for produced ice can be provided. This creates an ice maker that, despite its compact design and the more variable positioning options described above, can also produce and provide a larger quantity of ice.In another embodiment, the ice maker can also be detachably inserted into a food receiving tray or container of the household refrigeration appliance. In particular, the ice maker can then be inserted recessed, especially completely recessed, into the volume of this food receiving tray. Preferably, a front wall of this food receiving tray has a loading opening through which the ice maker can be inserted and removed, and is accessible in a linear direction in the depth direction. This means, in particular, that in the inserted final position of the ice maker, a first ice maker component and / or a second ice maker component are fully accessible and operable via this front loading opening.For example, this could involve filling the first ice maker component with water and / or removing the first and / or second ice maker components from the ice maker housing, and this could also be facilitated by the loading opening in the front wall of the food receiving tray. In particular, a coupling device for the ice maker, which is also preferably present here, can enable the stable positioning of the ice maker within the volume of the food receiving tray. Specifically, this coupling device can also enable the ice maker to be fixed and / or locked in this volume.

[0031] In one embodiment, the ice maker housing is designed with a modular structure. This means that at least some walls are separate components. In particular, the two side walls are separate components. The horizontal walls, including those designated as the top and bottom walls depending on their orientation, can also be separate parts. Similarly, a rear wall can also be a separate wall. The separate walls can be connected to each other by mechanical connections, such as snap-fit ​​connections. This allows for quick assembly and disassembly. Due to the preferably symmetrical design, especially of the side walls, these can also be installed in reverse. This means that a vertical side wall can be used as either a left or right side wall. This significantly increases the number of usable walls.This offers advantages in terms of development, design, and manufacturing. In particular, it avoids the need for different and expensive injection molds for injection-molded components, such as these walls.

[0032] In general, the proposed concept, in addition to the advantages already mentioned above, also enables a large ice capacity as well as a secure and slip-resistant attachment of the ice maker to the support unit.

[0033] Another independent aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance with a housing. The housing can also be referred to as a body. It preferably has an outer housing in which an inner container, separate from the outer housing, is arranged. The inner container typically defines at least one storage compartment for food, for example, a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment. Furthermore, the household refrigeration appliance has a support unit arranged in the housing, particularly in the storage compartment. The support unit can be arranged in the storage compartment in a way that allows for non-destructive removal. This means that it can be reversibly removed and reinserted. In addition, the household refrigeration appliance has an ice maker. An ice maker is, in particular, a device or unit designed to produce ice.For this purpose, the ice maker is preferably supplied with liquid, in particular water, and freezes this water. In particular, it is therefore possible for the ice maker to produce, for example, ice forms such as ice cubes or crushed ice. The ice maker is arranged in the housing. It is detachably mounted on this support unit. This means that it can be removed and reattached without damage. The ice maker has an ice maker housing. This housing surrounds a volumetric space. The volumetric space is designed to accommodate the ice maker components. The ice maker housing has a coupling device designed for coupling with the support unit. In particular, a mechanical coupling is provided here.A guide device for guiding at least one ice maker component is formed on the inner side wall of the ice maker housing, facing the interior space. The guide device is symmetrical, allowing the ice maker component to be installed in a first bearing position within the ice maker housing and in a second, different bearing position, in which the ice maker component is rotated 180° about a horizontal axis relative to the first bearing position. The ice maker component is horizontally oriented in both bearing positions.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the first independent aspect are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the further independent aspect.

[0035] The terms “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “depth direction”, “latitude direction”, “height direction”, etc. indicate the positions and orientations given when the device and equipment are used and arranged as intended.

[0036] Further features of the invention are evident from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention. Embodiments and combinations of features that do not exhibit all the features of an originally formulated independent claim are also to be considered disclosed.Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features, in particular those set out above, are to be considered disclosed which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the cross-references of the claims.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective representation of an embodiment of a household refrigeration appliance according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of an ice maker according to the invention, which is arranged in a first bearing position on a carrier unit; Fig. 3 a representation according to Fig. 2, in which the ice maker is arranged in a second storage position on a carrier unit that differs from the first; Fig. 4 an exploded view of an embodiment of an ice maker according to the invention; Fig. 5 a perspective representation of subcomponents in Fig. 4, in which in Fig. 5 shows an adjustment unit for adjusting retaining brackets of a coupling device; Fig. 6. Another perspective view of the components according to Fig. 3 with further additional components of the ice maker; Fig. 7 a perspective view of components of the ice maker in a second storage position on the carrier unit; Fig. 8 the representation according to Fig. 7 with additional ice maker components; Fig. 9 a perspective view of a further embodiment of an ice maker and a carrier unit, in which the ice maker is detached from the carrier unit; and Fig. 10 the design according to Fig. 9, in which the ice maker is shown arranged in the end position on the carrier unit.

[0038] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a household refrigeration appliance 1 designed for storing and preserving food. The household refrigeration appliance 1 can be a refrigerator or a combination refrigerator-freezer. The household refrigeration appliance 1 has a housing 2 in which at least one storage compartment 3 for food is provided. The storage compartment 3 is, for example, a refrigerator compartment. The housing 2 has, in particular, an outer casing.

[0040] The receiving chamber 3 is bounded by the walls of an inner container 4. The inner container 4 is housed in a separate outer casing. Furthermore, the domestic refrigeration appliance 1 has a door 5, which is pivotally mounted on the casing 2 and is designed to close the receiving chamber 3. The door 5 includes, for example, a door shelf 6 located on an inner surface 7. When the door 5 is closed, the inner surface 7 faces the receiving chamber 3.

[0041] Examples include: Fig. 1 Several shelves 8, 9 and 10 are arranged in the receiving space 3. A shelf 8 to 10 is also an embodiment of a storage unit for storing food. The food can thus be arranged directly on the preferably plate-like storage unit, here directly on the upper surface of each shelf 8 to 10.

[0042] Shelves 8 to 10 thus represent plate-like storage units. These shelves are separate components that can be inserted into and removed from the receiving chamber 3 without damage. When inserted, they are horizontally oriented plates extending in the width (x-direction) and depth (z-direction) of the household refrigeration appliance 1.

[0043] The household refrigeration appliance 1 also includes an ice maker 11, which is a separate, physical unit. The ice maker 11 is a portable unit. It is designed to produce ice, such as ice cube trays or crushed ice. Water is added to the ice maker 11 and freezes within it. The ice maker 11 is arranged in the housing 2 in a way that allows for non-destructive removal and is specifically positioned in the receiving compartment 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the ice maker 11 is indirectly attached to a shelf 9, which serves as a storage unit.

[0044] The ice maker 11 is a mobile unit. It is designed to be removable without damage.

[0045] Shelves 8 to 10 are examples of support units 15.

[0046] Ice maker 11 is in Fig. 1 in an example from below to this support unit 15, here this shelf 9.

[0047] The ice maker 11 has an ice maker housing 12 with a volume chamber 12a for receiving ice maker components. The ice maker housing 12 has a coupling device 13 for coupling with the support unit 15, wherein the coupling device 13 is designed to be reversible, so that the ice maker housing 12 can be attached to the support unit 15 in a first bearing position, in particular arranged in a second bearing position, and can be attached to the support unit 15 in a different bearing position, in particular arranged in a second bearing position, in which the ice maker housing 12 itself is rotated by 180° about a horizontal axis A, here oriented in the depth direction z, relative to the first bearing position.

[0048] The carrier unit 15 here includes a carrier plate 14. This can be made of glass, in particular real glass.

[0049] The coupling device 13 is in particular an integral part of the ice maker 11, especially of the ice maker housing 12. This means that at least one component of the coupling device is formed firmly, in particular in one piece, with the ice maker 11, in particular with the ice maker housing 12.

[0050] The coupling device 13 is therefore always arranged in the same location, in particular on the same wall of the ice maker housing 12. This is independent of whether the ice maker 11 is arranged in the first bearing position or in the second bearing position rotated by 180° relative to it.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an arrangement 16 of the domestic refrigeration appliance 1. The support unit 15 with the support plate 14 is shown, and the ice maker 11 is shown in its first mounting position 17. In this first mounting position 17, the ice maker 11 is attached from below to the support unit 15, specifically the support plate 14, in the vertical direction (y-direction) of the arrangement 16 and thus also of the domestic refrigeration appliance 1. The ice maker housing 12 has a first vertical side wall 18, a second vertical side wall 19, and horizontal walls 20 and 21. In this first mounting position 17, the horizontal wall 20 is a top wall. This means that it is higher in the vertical direction than the second horizontal wall 21, which is a bottom wall in this first mounting position 17.Furthermore, in this first bearing position 17, the first side wall 18 is a right-hand side wall when viewed from the front, and the subsequent side wall 19 is a left-hand side wall when viewed from the front. As can be seen here, the coupling device 13 has a retaining bracket 22 at the front when viewed in the depth direction (z-direction). In addition, a retaining bracket 23 is provided at the rear in this depth direction. In the mounted end position of the ice maker 11 on the support unit 15, these retaining brackets 22 and 23 engage a front edge region 24 and a rear edge region 25 of the support unit 15, in particular the support plate 14. The retaining brackets 22 and 23 are adjustable relative to each other, in particular linearly adjustable relative to each other in the depth direction. This allows the holding position shown to be released and the ice maker 11 to be removed from the support plate 14.Such a change in position of the retaining brackets 22 and 23 is due to a change in . Fig. Two adjustment units, not yet apparent, are provided, which will be explained later.

[0052] In Fig. Furthermore, it can also be seen in Figure 2 that the ice maker 11 has a first ice maker component 26, which is separate from the ice maker housing 12. In particular, this first ice maker component 26 is a unit that can be pushed into and pulled out of the ice maker housing 12 in a linear direction, especially in the depth direction. The first ice maker component 26 preferably has, as shown in Figure 2, a first ice maker component 26. Fig. Figure 4 shows a first ice-form element generation tray 27. In the exemplary embodiment, two such ice-form element generation trays 27 and 28 are provided. Furthermore, this first ice-maker component 26 has rotation levers 29 and 30. By means of these levers, the ice-form element generation trays 27 and 28 can be rotated or twisted within themselves. This allows the ice-form elements produced in ice-form element areas or mold compartments 31 and 32, which are created by freezing water introduced therein, to be released.

[0053] In one embodiment, this first ice-making component 26 also has at least one filling aid tray 33, and in particular two separate filling aid trays 33 and 34. These are arranged vertically above the ice-forming element production trays 27 and 28. These flat, plate-like hollow bodies, which form these filling aid trays 33 and 34, are also arranged on a front wall 35 of the first ice-making component 26, on which these elements 29 and 30 are also mounted. In particular, the ice-forming element production trays 27 and 28 are also arranged on this wall 35, and in particular, held therein. With these filling aid trays 33 and 34, the water introduced into them can be metered and distributed onto the ice-forming element production trays 27 and 28 arranged below, in particular into the forming compartments 31 and 32.

[0054] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 2 shows a second ice-making component 36 in the illustrated embodiment. This component is separate from the ice-making housing 11 and separate from the first ice-making component 26. The second ice-making component is preferably a collection tray for finished ice. Thus, the ice-form elements produced in the ice-forming element generation trays 27 and 28, such as ice cubes, can be placed into the second ice-making component 36 located below. This can be done, for example, by turning the ice-forming trays 27 and 28 upside down. This second ice-making component 36 can also be inserted into and removed from the ice-making housing 12 linearly, particularly in the depth direction.

[0055] The ice maker 11, in particular with its coupling device 13, is designed to be reversible. This means that the ice maker housing 12 can be reversed in the Fig. The first bearing position 17 shown in 2 is arranged on the support unit 15 and in a different position, according to the illustration in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the second bearing position 37 can be attached to or arranged on the carrier unit 15, in which the ice maker housing 12 itself is arranged rotated 180° about the aforementioned horizontal axis A relative to the first bearing position 17. Therefore, in Fig. 3 in this second storage position 17 the horizontal wall 21, the roof wall the horizontal wall 20, the floor wall the side wall 19 when viewed again from the front the now right-hand side wall and the side wall 18 the now left-hand side wall.

[0056] In this second storage position 37, the ice maker 11 is arranged not only in its reversed state compared to the first storage position 17, but also in a sitting position on the carrier unit 15.

[0057] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the two ice maker components 26 and 36, which are preferably also present here, are again arranged in their end positions in the ice maker housing 12. As can be seen, they are arranged at the same height and in the same order in this vertical direction in this second bearing position 37 as they are also arranged in the first bearing position 17.

[0058] For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the ice maker 11, in particular the ice maker housing 12, has a specific guide device 38, as shown in the exploded view of the ice maker 11 in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, this guide device 38 is formed on an inner surface 18a facing the volume enclosed by the ice maker housing 12. In particular, it is integrated therein and thus formed integrally with it. This is especially advantageous when the side wall 18 is made of plastic, for example, an injection-molded component.

[0059] The guide device 38 is symmetrical about a horizontal center line 39. This means that it is identical in height, both upwards and downwards, relative to this horizontal center line 39. It is therefore axially symmetrical with respect to this center line 39. The guide device 38 has a first guide track 40 and a second guide track 41 running parallel to it and, in particular, spaced apart from it. Depending on the bearing position 17 or 37, the guide tracks 40 and 41 each form either a higher or a lower guide track. For example, if the first bearing position 17 is set, as shown in the exploded view in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the guide track 40 forms an upper guide track. The first ice maker component 26 is guided in this upper guide track. The second ice maker component 36 is guided in this first bearing position 17, in the lower guide track 41. For clarification only, it is mentioned that an inner side 19a ( Fig. 4) the further side wall 19 is formed with a corresponding guide device 38.

[0060] In the second storage position 37 according to Fig. 3. By turning it over, side walls 18 and 19 are also turned over and thus upside down. Guide rail 41 is then the upper guide rail in the vertical direction, and guide rail 40 is the lower guide rail in the vertical direction. See below. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the first ice-making component 26 is guided into and inserted into the higher guide track 41, and the second ice-making component 36 is guided into and inserted into the lower guide track 40 in the second storage position 37. As can be seen, the ice-making components 26 and 36 are arranged in the same basic orientation in both storage positions 17 and 37. This means that they are not reversed in this respect, i.e., they are not rotated 180° around the horizontal axis A. This also ensures that, for example, the collection tray is always oriented with its feed opening facing upwards in both storage positions 17 and 37 and is positioned below the first ice-making component 26, so that the ejected ice-making elements can fall into the collection tray in both storage positions.Accordingly, this is provided for in the first ice maker component 26, so that the actuation of the elements is always equally functional and, on the other hand, the ice form element production bowls 27 and 28 are open at the top and can be filled with water, and the unfrozen water does not leak out unintentionally.

[0061] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an advantageous embodiment in which the ice maker 11 also has a water tank 42. This tank is a separate unit and is portable. Water can be supplied to the first ice maker component 26, in particular to the preferably present filling troughs 33 and 34, via this water tank 42. In an advantageous embodiment, the water tank 42 can be reversibly and detachably attached to an outer surface 18b of the side wall 18 or to an outer surface 19b of the side wall 19. It is also possible for the water tank 42 to be detachably attached to an outer surface 21a of the horizontal wall 21. For this purpose, a receptacle 43 can be formed, for example, on one or more or all of these outer surfaces 18b, 19b, 21a, as shown in Figure 4. Fig. 4 is visible in the outer surface 19b. A coupling element 44, which is formed on the water tank 42, in particular integrally molded, can be inserted into this receptacle 43. For example, this can be a plug connection or a snap connection or the like.

[0062] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 4 also shows an advantageous embodiment in which the wall 21 has at least one recess or hole 45, here two holes 45 and 46. In the assembled state of the ice maker 11, this overlaps at least partially with the preferably present filling trays 33 and 34. This also makes it possible, when the first ice maker component 26 is inserted into the ice maker housing 12, to supply water to these filling trays 33 and 34 via this horizontal wall 21, in particular these holes 45 and 46, using the water tank 42.

[0063] Furthermore, in Fig. 4. It can also be seen that the retaining bracket 22 is integrated into the horizontal wall 20, in particular that it is formed integrally with it. The further retaining bracket 23 is formed here in a separate part 47, in particular that it is integrated. This plate-shaped part 47 is intended for coupling with the horizontal wall 22. It is also part of the adjustment unit 48 already mentioned. This, too, can be part of the coupling device 13.

[0064] This is in Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the horizontal wall 20 and the element 47 with the retaining bracket 23 from below. This adjustment unit 48, in which the position of the retaining brackets 22 and 23 relative to each other can be adjusted, preferably has a ratchet-like snap-fit ​​device 49. For this purpose, a plurality of snap positions 50 are formed on a lower surface 47a of the element 47, particularly integrated. A snap element 51 of the adjustment unit 48 can snap into these positions to set a discrete adjustment position of the retaining brackets 22 and 23 relative to each other in the depth direction. The snap element 51 is preferably arranged on the horizontal wall 20, particularly directly or by means of a holding unit 52.

[0065] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 4 also shows a fixing element 53. This element is movable in the assembled state, in particular pivotable about an axis B on the retaining bracket 22. By means of this fixing element 53 it is possible to fix or release the set relative position between the retaining brackets 22 and 23.

[0066] In one position of the fixing element 53, a release position is linked, and in another position of the fixing element 53, a fixing position is reached.

[0067] Furthermore, in Fig. As can also be seen in Figure 4, the ice maker housing 12 has a modular design in one embodiment. This means, in particular, that at least some of the walls 18, 19, 20, and 21 are separate components. Here, all four of these walls 18 to 21 are separate components. They can be coupled to one another, for example, by mechanical connections, especially snap-fit ​​connections. Snap connections are provided here. For this purpose, snap elements 54 are provided, in particular integrated, on the upper and lower wall areas, which can snap into mating snap elements in the horizontal walls 20 and 21. For the sake of clarity, only some of these snap elements 54 on the side wall 19 are provided with the corresponding reference numeral, and only some of these snap elements 54 on the side wall 18 are provided with the corresponding reference numeral.

[0068] In Fig. Figure 6 shows in a further perspective view the arrangement 16, as already shown in Fig. As explained in section 2, the decoupled state between the ice maker 11 and the support unit 15 is shown here. The retaining brackets 23 and 22 are separated from each other in the depth direction to such an extent that they do not simultaneously encompass the edge areas 24 and 25.

[0069] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the arrangement 16 with the ice maker housing 12 in the second storage position on the carrier unit 15. The installation of the ice maker components 26 and 36 has not yet been carried out here. This will be done in Fig. Figure 8 shows in which these two ice maker components 26 and 36 can be inserted into the ice maker housing 12 in their stacking arrangement viewed in the vertical direction.

[0070] In Fig. Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of an arrangement 16 in a perspective view. In this embodiment, a food receiving container, in particular a food receiving tray 55, is designed. This has a front wall 56 when viewed in the depth direction.

[0071] This front wall 56 has a loading opening 57. Through this opening, the ice maker 11 can be inserted linearly, and thus in the depth direction, into the interior 58 of this food receiving tray 55. In particular, in its inserted final position, the ice maker 11 is completely enclosed within this interior 58 and thus within the volume of the food receiving tray 55. It is then accessible from the front via this loading opening 57, so that the ice maker components 26 and 36, in particular, are accessible and operable. Here, too, a coupling device 13 is preferably provided. This is designed, in particular, to ensure that the ice maker 11 is held on the support unit 15 in a non-destructively detachable manner. It is also possible here that the ice maker 11 can be arranged in these two storage positions relative to this support unit 15, in particular within the interior 58. In this context, Fig.Figure 10 shows the final position of the ice maker 11 inside the interior 58 of the food receiving tray 55. In particular, it can be provided that the water tank 42 is detachably attached to the horizontal wall 21, for example. Reference symbol list 1 household refrigerator 2 cases 3 Recording room 4 inner containers 5 door 6 door shelves 7 Inside 8 shelves 9 shelves 10 shelves 11 ice makers 12 ice maker housings 12a Volume space 13 Coupling device 14 Carrier plate 15 carrier units 16 Arrangement 17 storage positions 18 side wall 18a Inside 18b Outside 19 side wall 19a Inside 19b Outside 20 Horizontal wall 21 Horizontal wall 21a Outside 22 retaining brackets 23 retaining brackets 24 Edge area 25 Edge area 26 Ice maker component 27 ice mold element creation tray 28 ice mold element creation tray 29 rotary levers 30 rotary levers 31 Form compartment 32 Form compartment 33 Filling aid tray 34 Filling aid tray 35 Front wall 36 Ice maker component 37 storage position 38 Guide device 39 Center line 40 Leadership backdrop 41 Leadership backdrop 42 Water tank 43rd entry 44 coupling element 45 holes 46 holes 47 Element 47a Underside 48 Adjustment unit 49 Snap-in device 50 snap step 51 Snap element 52 Holding unit 53 Fixing element 54 snap-in elements 55 Food receiving tray 56 Front wall 57 Loading opening 58 Interior QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2018 200 079 A1

[0006] DE 10 2019 208 452 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Household refrigeration appliance (1) comprising a housing (2), a support unit (15) arranged therein, and an ice maker (11) which is detachably arranged in the housing (2) and on the support unit (15), wherein the ice maker (11) has an ice maker housing (12) with a volume space (12a) for receiving ice maker components (26, 36), wherein the ice maker housing (12) has a coupling device (13) for coupling with the support unit (15), wherein the coupling device (13) is designed to be reversible, such that the ice maker housing (12) is arranged in a first bearing position (17) on the support unit (15) and in a second bearing position (37) on the support unit (15) that differs from the first bearing position, in which the ice maker housing (12) itself is arranged rotated about a horizontal axis (A) by 180° relative to the first bearing position (17). [2] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ice maker housing (12) is additionally arranged in a hanging position on the support unit (15) in the first storage position (17) in addition to being turned 180° and the ice maker housing (12) is additionally arranged in a sitting position on the support unit (15) in the second storage position (37). [3] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a guide device (38) for guiding at least one first ice maker component (26, 36) is formed on an inner side (7, 18a, 19a) of a side wall (18, 19) of the ice maker housing (12), which faces the volume space (12a), wherein the guide device (38) is designed to be symmetrical, so that the first ice maker component (26, 36) is arranged in the same basic orientation in the volume space (12a) in both bearing positions (17, 37). [4] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first ice maker component (26, 36) comprises at least one ice form element generation tray (27, 28). [5] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to 4, wherein the first ice maker component (26, 36) has at least one filling aid tray with which water can be distributed into the ice form element production tray. [6] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein a horizontal wall (20, 21) of the ice maker housing (12) has at least one hole (45, 46) through which filling of the filling aid tray (33, 34) from outside the ice maker housing (12) is made possible even when the filling aid tray (33, 34) is arranged in the basic position in the ice maker housing (12). [7] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a guide device (38) for guiding at least one second ice maker component (26, 36) is formed on an inner side (7, 18a, 19a) of a side wall (18, 19) of the ice maker housing (12), which faces the volume space (12a), wherein the guide device (38) is designed to be symmetrical, so that the second ice maker component (26, 36) is arranged in the same basic orientation in the volume space (12a) in both bearing positions (17, 37). [8] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second ice maker component (26, 36) is a collection tray for finished ice. [9] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 8, wherein the guide device (38) has two separate guide tracks (40, 41) which are formed parallel to each other on the inside (7, 18a, 19a) of the side wall (18, 19) and which are formed symmetrically to a horizontal center line (39) of the side wall (18, 19), so that, regardless of the storage position, the first ice maker component (26, 36) can be inserted into the guide track (40, 41) that is higher in the vertical direction in both storage positions (17, 37) in the basic orientation, and / or, regardless of the storage position, the second ice maker component (26, 36) can be inserted into the guide track (40, 41) that is lower in the vertical direction in both storage positions (17, 37) in the basic orientation, in particular always below the first ice maker component (26, 36). 36) is retractable. [10] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ice maker housing (12) has a side wall (18, 19) on the outside of which (18b, 19b, 21a) a holder for reversibly holding and removing a water tank (42) of the ice maker (11) is formed. [11] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (13) is integrated at least with partial components in a horizontal wall (20, 21) of the ice maker housing (12). [12] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (13) has a front retaining bracket (22, 23) and a rear retaining bracket (22, 23), each of which encompasses a respective edge region (24, 25) of the carrier unit (15), wherein the front retaining bracket (22, 23) has a fixing element (53) which is movably arranged on the front retaining bracket (22, 23), wherein in a released position of the fixing element (53) the position of the retaining brackets (22, 23) relative to each other is released and can be changed, and in a fixed position of the fixing element (53) the position of the retaining brackets (22, 23) relative to each other is fixed. [13] Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 12, wherein the coupling device (13) has an adjustment unit (48) with which the position of the retaining brackets (22, 23), in particular in the depth direction, can be adjusted relative to each other, wherein the adjustment unit (48) has a ratchet-like snap device in which several discrete snap stages (50) are formed, into which a snap element (51) of the adjustment unit (48) can snap in order to set a discrete adjustment position of the retaining brackets (22, 23). [14] Household refrigerating appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ice maker (11) has at least two ice maker components (26, 36) of a first type, in particular at least two ice form element production trays (27, 28), and / or has at least two ice maker components (26, 36) of a second type different from the first, in particular at least two collection trays for produced ice, the support unit (15) is a plate, in particular a shelf or a lid. [15] Household refrigeration appliance (1) comprising a housing (2), a support unit (15) arranged therein, and an ice maker (11) which is detachably arranged in the housing (2) and on the support unit (15), wherein the ice maker (11) comprises an ice maker housing (12) with a volume chamber (12a) for receiving ice maker components (26, 36), wherein the ice maker housing (12) comprises a coupling device (13) for coupling with the support unit (15), wherein a guide device (38) for guiding at least one first ice maker component (26, 36) is formed on an inner surface (7, 18a, 19a) of a side wall (18, 19) of the ice maker housing (12) which faces the volume chamber (12a), wherein the guide device (38) is designed to be symmetrical so that the ice maker component (26, 36)36) can be installed in a first storage position (17) in the ice maker housing (12) and in a different second storage position (37) in the ice maker housing (12), in which the ice maker component (26, 36) itself is arranged rotated by 180° about a horizontal axis (A) relative to the first storage position (17).

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