HOUSEHOLD REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance having a housing and an interior space formed therein with a cover which extends along a rear wall of the interior space and divides the interior space into a storage space for refrigerated goods and a cold air distribution area with a cold air distribution system arranged therein.

[0002] JP 2012 220116 A discloses a household refrigeration appliance according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0003] US 2015 / 033773 A1, CN 202 835 984 U, JP 3 603942 B2, and JP 2001 059672 A disclose household refrigeration appliances with an air guide component in front of a visible surface of a rear wall of a storage chamber. US 6,351,967 B1 discloses an air distribution system for a household refrigeration appliance. US 6,351,967 B1 discloses an air distribution system for a household refrigeration appliance.

[0004] To make other components of the household refrigeration appliance more accessible for maintenance, other components of the household refrigeration appliance can be arranged behind a cover on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment in addition to a cold air distribution system. Since the large number of vertically running cold air ducts increases the risk of freezing damage to other components, there is a need for an improved cold air distribution system than that specified in the prior art.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to equip a household refrigeration appliance with a cold air distribution system that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of patent claim 1. Further embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0007] A household refrigeration appliance according to the invention comprises a housing and an interior space formed in the housing, with a cover extending along a rear wall of the interior space and dividing the interior space into a storage space for refrigerated goods and a cold air distribution area with a cold air distribution system arranged therein, and with a first visible surface formed by the cover and facing an access opening of the interior space. The cold air distribution system has a vertical cold air duct section extending in the direction of a ceiling wall, which is arranged in the longitudinal direction substantially parallel to a rear wall, and has a horizontal cold air duct section branching off from the vertical cold air duct section and extending in the direction of a left or right side wall, which is arranged in the longitudinal direction substantially parallel to a rear wall.wherein the horizontal cold air duct section and the vertical cold air duct section are arranged offset in the depth direction of the interior, and wherein a longitudinal extension of the vertical cold air duct section is arranged at least partially behind the first visible surface and a longitudinal extension of the horizontal cold air duct section is arranged at least partially in front of the first visible surface.

[0008] The advantage is that horizontally running air supply ducts branch off from a single vertically running main air duct and direct the cold air to a multitude of air outlets across the width of the interior or horizontally of the household refrigeration appliance. Consequently, a more even cold air distribution and a more even temperature distribution can be achieved both vertically and horizontally within the storage space, fed by a single vertically running main air duct.

[0009] Furthermore, the offset arrangement of the vertical and horizontal cold air ducts in the depth direction of the interior provides sufficient space for the installation of other components of the household refrigeration appliance, in particular supply and discharge lines to other components, without excessive loss of storage space or increasing the risk of freezing damage. Accordingly, supply lines or discharge lines to refrigeration, electrical, or water-carrying components or parts can be safely routed between the horizontal cold air duct section and the rear wall of the interior. The components or parts are then accessible for maintenance work only by removing the cover from the storage room.

[0010] A further advantage is that improved air distribution and thus more even temperature distribution can be achieved in a storage room for refrigerated goods. A higher number of air outlets in the storage room enables a more even distribution of cold air both in the vertical direction of the storage room and in the horizontal direction of the storage room. The integration of the air guidance geometry according to the invention into the existing cold air distribution system is particularly advantageous. This eliminates the need for expensive additional parts and saves installation time and costs. Attaching the cold air ducts or air guidance elements to the back of the cover has the advantage that technical components of the household refrigeration appliance are hidden or not visible from the storage room.Furthermore, the offset arrangement of the horizontal and vertical cold air duct sections in the depth direction of the interior also makes it easy to bypass any interfering geometries or other components hidden at the rear.

[0011] According to the invention, a main air flow in the vertical cold air duct section can flow substantially perpendicular to a ceiling wall of the interior, and a partial air flow in the horizontal cold air duct section can flow substantially parallel to the ceiling wall of the interior. This provides the advantage that the at least one horizontal cold air duct section is supplied with cold air from a central main air flow. The vertical cold air duct section can thus supply cold air to a plurality of horizontal cold air duct sections.

[0012] According to the invention, a connecting section is arranged between the vertical cold air duct section and the horizontal cold air duct section, which section intersects a first visible surface plane formed by the visible surface and connects the vertical cold air duct section and the horizontal cold air duct section. Because the vertical cold air duct section and the horizontal cold air duct section are offset in the depth direction of the interior, it is necessary for a connecting section to bridge or compensate for this difference in the depth direction. Advantageously, the connecting section has an arcuate contour in its sectional surface, which bridges the depth difference between the cold air ducts.This provides the advantage that a transition between the cold air duct sections offset in the depth direction of the interior is possible using simple and cost-effective means, and a deflection of the air flow in the direction of the access opening of the interior as well as in the direction of the left or right side wall is achieved.

[0013] A household refrigeration appliance should be understood in particular as one that can be used to keep food refrigerated for a longer period of time.

[0014] A "visible surface" is generally understood to mean a surface of the cover that faces the access opening of the interior and is within the user's field of vision when looking into the storage space. The first visible surface is preferably a surface of a cover section facing the access opening. Even if a flat surface of the cover is always desired for design reasons, the cover usually has projections or projecting surfaces. Therefore, the first visible surface or the first cover section should be formed by the visible surface of the cover, which comprises the majority or the majority or main part of the cover in terms of area. The second visible surface should be formed by the visible surface of the cover, which has a smaller surface area than the first visible surface.

[0015] "Cover" refers, in particular, to a partition wall or cold air duct cover. This cover preferably completely covers the rear wall of the interior. This conceals not only the cold air distribution system but also other components of the household refrigeration appliance.

[0016] A "vertical cold air duct section" is understood in particular to mean a cold air duct section directed toward the ceiling wall of the interior. Accordingly, an air flow forms in the vertical cold air duct section, which runs parallel to the rear wall and flows toward the ceiling wall of the interior.

[0017] A "horizontal cold air duct section" is understood, in particular, to mean a cold air duct section whose longitudinal extension is directed toward a left or right side wall. Accordingly, an air flow is formed in the horizontal cold air duct section, which runs parallel to the rear wall of the interior and flows toward a left or right side wall of the interior. It is thus possible for the air flow to flow toward one of the two side walls, or the left and right side walls of the interior. However, it is also possible for a plurality of horizontal cold air duct sections to be arranged in the interior, with a first horizontal cold air duct section forming an air flow toward the left side wall of the interior and a second horizontal cold air duct section forming an air flow toward the right side wall of the interior.The first and second horizontal cold air duct sections both branch off from the vertical cold air duct section.

[0018] "Longitudinal direction" is specifically understood to mean the direction of the longest extension of something. For the purposes of the invention, this refers to the direction of the longest extension of the vertical cold air duct section and the horizontal cold air duct section.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal extension of the vertical cold air duct section can be arranged entirely behind the first visible surface, and the longitudinal extension of the horizontal cold air duct section can be arranged entirely in front of the first visible surface. This provides the advantage that sufficient installation space is available between the horizontal cold air duct section and the rear wall of the interior for the arrangement of other components of the household refrigeration appliance without excessive loss of storage space or increased risk of frost damage. Consequently, frost damage, particularly in water-carrying components, can be reduced or completely avoided by simply modifying the design of the cold air distribution system.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the horizontal cold air duct section can border the ceiling wall with the majority of its longitudinal extent and open into a remote air outlet to the storage space. This ensures, on the one hand, that the horizontal cold air duct section and a correspondingly projecting area on the cover are arranged outside of the direct field of vision for the customer, and, on the other hand, that the horizontal cold air guide section is arranged in an area of ​​the interior that is of little use for the storage of refrigerated goods due to poor accessibility for the user. Preferably, the central air outlet also borders the ceiling wall or is at least arranged in the vicinity of the ceiling wall. The remote air outlet is preferably arranged closer to a left or right side wall of the interior than to a virtual vertical center plane of the cover.This ensures a homogeneous temperature distribution across the width of the storage room. Furthermore, the cold air discharged from the air outlets near the ceiling wall can sink into the storage room through natural convection, easily ensuring a balanced temperature distribution or temperature stratification within the storage room. Accordingly, it is conceivable that air outlets near the ceiling wall could be sufficient to enable a balanced temperature distribution or temperature stratification, at least across the width of the storage room. A further advantage is achieved that cold air is discharged into an area of ​​the storage room that is less suitable as a storage location due to poor accessibility from the access opening. Accordingly, the cold air flowing out of the air outlets cannot cause overcooling or even frost damage to the stored refrigerated goods.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover can essentially completely conceal the rear wall. To create a visually high-quality and attractive appearance and to conceal any unevenness on the rear wall, it is advantageous for the rear wall to be completely concealed by a high-quality and visually appealing covering in the form of a cover.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, a second visible surface can be formed by a second cover section of the cover and the first visible surface can be formed by a first cover section of the cover, wherein the second cover section is arranged closer to the access opening than the first cover section. This ensures that the horizontal cold air duct section, which projects into the storage space, is also concealed by the cover. Furthermore, there is the advantage that the horizontal cover section concealed by the second cover section takes up volume of the storage space, but by offsetting the first cover section in the depth direction of the interior, additional storage space can be created.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second visible surface or the second cover section can be designed so that it is inclined relative to the first visible surface or the first cover section. The inclination of the second cover section in relation to the first cover section ensures a pleasant transition so that the user finds the transition less disturbing and is less aware of the protruding second cover section. Gaps and pronounced edges, which encourage the accumulation of contaminants, are also avoided, and the transition is provided outside the direct field of vision of a user. Due to the inclined second visible surface or the inclined second cover section, the horizontal cold air duct section also takes up less of the storage volume of the storage room. Furthermore, the inclined design of the second visible surface or the second cover section relative to the first visible surface orfirst cover section, a smaller deflection of the air flow or partial air flow is necessary, so that the flow resistance in the cold air distribution system is reduced.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the majority of the horizontal cold air duct section can be arranged behind the second cover section and in front of the first cover section; preferably, the horizontal cold air duct section can be arranged entirely behind the second cover section and in front of the first cover section. This achieves the advantage that the horizontal cold air duct section is not visible from the storage room or is hidden behind the second cover section. Accordingly, a more aesthetic appearance of the storage room results, since functional elements on the rear wall, such as the cold air distribution system, water tank, lighting elements and corresponding supply and discharge lines for them, are covered by a cover or are not visible to a user from the storage room.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first cover section or the first visible surface and the second cover section or the second visible surface can be formed as a single piece. This provides the advantage that the cold air distribution system, comprising the vertical cold air duct section and the horizontal cold air duct section, is concealed behind a cover formed from a single piece. The single-piece cover has no gaps or joints, so that the cover gives the rear wall of the storage room a visually appealing and high-quality appearance for the customer and is less susceptible to the deposition of contaminants.Furthermore, the installation of a one-piece cover on the rear wall of the interior can save a lot of installation time and costs, since the functional components between the rear wall of the interior and the cover can be covered or accessed by installing or removing a single component.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal extent of the horizontal cold air duct section can be arranged between a first visible surface plane formed by the first visible surface and a visible surface plane formed by the second visible surface. The second visible surface plane is preferably inclined to the first visible surface plane, so that the predominant part of the horizontal cold air duct section is arranged between the first visible surface plane and the second visible surface plane. The first visible surface plane and the second visible surface plane enclose an angle or form an acute angle at which the horizontal cold air duct section extends towards a left or right side wall of the interior. The acute angle or the included angle between the first visible surface plane and the second visible surface plane faces an access opening of the interior.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second visible surface can be directly adjacent to a ceiling wall of the interior space. Because the second visible surface, which conceals the horizontal cold air duct section behind it and has at least one central and one peripheral air outlet, is directly adjacent to a ceiling wall of the interior space, the cold air in the region of the ceiling wall flows into the upper area of ​​the storage space for refrigerated goods. Accordingly, the cold air can sink towards the floor wall, thereby enabling a balanced and homogeneous temperature distribution in the width direction as well as in the height direction of the storage space. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that further visible surfaces or further cover sections protrude from the surface of the first visible surface or the first cover section, behind which further horizontal cold air duct sections or other components of the household refrigeration appliance are arranged orcan be hidden.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, a central air outlet and the remote air outlet can be arranged or integrated into the cover, wherein a first partial air flow branching off from the main air flow can flow out through the central air outlet into the storage room, and a second partial air flow branching off from the main air flow can flow out via the horizontal cold air duct section through the remote air outlet into the storage room. This achieves the advantage that an air outlet is arranged both in a central area of ​​the storage room and in a remote area of ​​the vertical cold air duct section or in the vicinity of the left or right side wall of the storage room. Accordingly, a homogeneous temperature distribution can be created both in the longitudinal extent of the vertical cold air duct section and in the longitudinal extent of the horizontal cold air duct section in the storage room.To avoid the need for additional vertical air duct elements or those extending in the height direction of the storage room behind the cover or to provide separate vertical air duct elements, the horizontal cold air duct section branches off from the vertical cold air duct section in the width direction of the storage room to create a homogeneous temperature distribution or temperature stratification.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central air outlet and the remote air outlet can be arranged in the second visible surface or in the second cover section. Since the second visible surface plane is arranged in the vicinity of the ceiling wall or directly adjacent to the ceiling wall, a homogeneous temperature distribution or temperature stratification can be created in the width direction of the storage space. The cold air flowing out of the central air outlet, which is arranged centrally in the storage space and can be fed directly by the vertical cold air duct section, and the remote air outlet, which is arranged laterally or in the vicinity of the left or right side wall of the interior space and can be fed by the horizontal cold air duct section, is discharged in the vicinity of the ceiling wall of the interior space, preferably in the vicinity of a corner area between the ceiling wall and the rear wall of the interior space.This allows the cold air from the cold air distribution system to be distributed across the entire width of the storage room, and the cold air flowing into the storage room can gradually descend from the ceiling wall of the interior to the floor wall. Accordingly, a balanced and homogeneous temperature distribution is created both across the width and height of the storage room.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, a divider can be arranged in the region of the connecting section, whereby the divider can divide the main air flow in the vertical cold air duct section by volume between the central air outlet and the remote air outlet. This ensures that the main air flow in the vertical cold air duct section can be divided by volume using simple and cost-effective means. This can be achieved by integrated projections or by corresponding radii in the thermal insulation forming the cold air distribution system. An air flap system can also be provided, which divides the main air flow in the vertical cold air duct section by volume between the central air outlet and the remote air outlet.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, a first thermal insulation section can be arranged between the cover and the vertical cold air duct section, and a second thermal insulation section can be arranged between the cover and the horizontal cold air duct section, wherein the first thermal insulation section and the second thermal insulation section are positively connected to one another by a plug-in connection. This ensures that the thermal insulation section forming the vertical cold air duct section and the thermal insulation section forming the horizontal cold air duct section can be produced using simple and cost-effective means. Thus, the first thermal insulation section and the second thermal insulation section can be formed by a plug-in connection, a snap-in connection, or generally by contours that can be positively plugged together.This provides the advantage that, using simple and cost-effective means, a vertically running cold air duct section and a horizontally running cold air duct section can be thermally insulated from the storage space, thus minimizing condensation on the first and second visible surfaces facing the storage space. The thermal insulation layer is typically made of extruded polystyrene, but can also be made of other materials with similar thermal insulation properties, such as polyurethane panels, aerogel, or vacuum insulation panels.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the horizontal cold air duct section can be formed by the cover. This eliminates the need for expensive additional parts, saving assembly time and costs. Since the horizontal cold air duct section is only the final section of the air duct to the storage room, thermal insulation in the area of ​​the horizontal cold air duct section may also be omitted.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the horizontal cold air duct section can extend along a corner area between the ceiling wall and the rear wall. Such corner areas of a storage room or interior space are not particularly suitable for storing stored goods, as they are difficult for customers to access from the access opening. Consequently, these areas or corner areas of the interior space can be used for functional components, such as air-conducting, electrical, or water-conducting components, of the household refrigeration appliance without significantly losing usable storage volume in the storage room.

[0034] The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction" etc. indicate the positions and orientations given when the device is used and arranged as intended and when an observer is standing in front of the device and looking in the direction of the device.

[0035] Further features of the invention emerge 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 the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced by separate combinations of features from the explained embodiments. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed that therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features are to be regarded as disclosed, in particular by the embodiments set out above, which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the reliances of the claims.

[0036] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a front view of a household refrigeration appliance according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a front view of a cover of the household refrigeration appliance according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a vertical sectional view through the household refrigeration appliance according to the invention according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 shows a horizontal schematic sectional view of the household refrigeration appliance according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows a rear view of a first embodiment of the cover of the household refrigeration appliance according to the invention; Fig. 6 shows a rear view of a second embodiment of the cover of the household refrigeration appliance according to the invention.

[0037] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0038] In Fig. 11 shows a front view of a household refrigeration appliance 1 according to the invention. The household refrigeration appliance 1 is formed by a housing 2, which forms an interior space 10. The interior space 10 has a cover 30, which separates a cold air distribution system 51 (not shown here) from a storage space 11 for stored goods to be cooled. The interior space 10 has a left 3 and right side wall 9, a ceiling wall 4, a base wall 6, and a rear wall 5 (not shown in detail here). The cover 30 is arranged at a distance from the rear wall 5 and essentially conceals it completely. The storage space 11 generally serves for the frost-free cooling of refrigerated goods, preferably at temperatures between +4 and +8 °C. However, the storage compartment 11 can also be designed as a zero-degree compartment, in particular for keeping fruit or vegetables fresh, and can have a storage temperature of close to 0°.However, the storage room 11 can also be designed as a multifunctional compartment, and storage temperatures of below 0 °C and above 0 °C can be achieved. Thus, a temperature range of, for example, -18 °C to +14 °C can be achieved in this storage room 11. However, the storage room 11 can also be designed for freezing stored goods and preferably have a storage temperature of -18 °C to -14 °C.

[0039] Shelves 15 for storing the stored goods are arranged in the storage space 11. These shelves 15 are preferably secured to the rear wall 5 of the interior 10 or to the cover 30 by a corresponding retaining device. Storage trays 16 are arranged in the lower area of ​​the storage space 11, or the floor area of ​​the storage space 11, which are suitable for storing fruit and vegetables or meat and fish.

[0040] The household refrigeration appliance shown has an air circulation system (not shown in detail here), with which cold air is fed from an evaporator arranged in a freezer compartment into the storage room 11 via various air outlets 40, 41. The cold air is blown out via various air outlets 40, 41 on the various levels, both vertically and horizontally. This blowing out is achieved by so-called cold air distribution systems 51, which have corresponding air outlets 40, 41 and, if applicable, integrated control flaps. The first air outlets 40 are located in a central area or near the central axis M of the cover 30. The remote air outlet 41 is located away from the central axis M in the vicinity of the right-hand side wall 9. The cold air distribution system 51 is hidden behind the cover 30 and cannot be seen from the storage room.This results in a more appealing appearance of storage room 11, as functional elements and elevations are largely invisible from storage room 11. A fan (not shown here) is typically used to circulate the cold air coming from an evaporator to storage room 11.

[0041] An ice compartment 25 for producing ice cubes and a water filter 26 for filtering water from a water distribution system are arranged in the interior 10. The water filter 26 and the ice compartment 25 are supplied with water from a water distribution system not shown in detail here. A corresponding water tank 20 and water pipes 21 are concealed behind the cover 30 and are not visible from the storage space 11.

[0042] To enable the customer to access the refrigerated goods stored in the storage room 11, an access opening 7 is provided which, when the household refrigeration appliance is not in use, can be closed with a heat-insulated and pivoting door (not shown in detail here).

[0043] In Figure 2a front view of a cover 30 of the household refrigeration appliance according to the invention is shown. The cover 30 has air outlets 40, which are arranged in a central or middle region or in the vicinity of the central axis M of the cover 30. The air outlets 40 are provided to enable a sufficient supply of cold air at various levels in the vertical direction of the storage space 11. Accordingly, a homogeneous and uniform temperature distribution or temperature stratification in the vertical direction of the storage space 11 can be ensured or represented. The cover 30 has a first visible surface 31 and a second visible surface 32. The first visible surface 31 forms the majority of the cover 30 in terms of area. The second visible surface 32 is formed at a premature edge region of the cover 30, which borders on a ceiling wall 4 (not shown here) of the interior 10.In the first visible surface 31, in the region of a central axis of the cover 30, central air outlets 40 are arranged, which release the air at various points in the vertical direction of the storage room 11. The central air outlets 40 are also arranged in the second visible surface 32 in order to release cold air into the storage room 11 in the vicinity of a ceiling wall 4 (not shown in detail here) of the interior 10 in the region of the central axis M. A remote air outlet 41 is arranged in a lateral region or area away from the central axis M of the cover 30 and in the second visible surface 32 of the cover 30. The remote air outlet 41 is intended to supply the storage room 11 with cold air even away from a central or central axis M of the cover 30. Accordingly, a homogeneous temperature distribution can be achieved both in the vertical direction and in the width direction of the storage room 11.

[0044] In Figure 3a vertical sectional view of the household appliance 1 according to the invention is shown. In comparison to Figure 1 and 2 shows the Figure 3 also an installation space 80 with a water tank 20 and water pipes 21, which are arranged between the rear wall 5 of the interior 10 and the cover 30. The water tank 20 is part of a water supply system that feeds a water outlet (not shown in detail) in the door of the household refrigeration appliance 1 with cold water filtered through a water filter 26 and feeds the ice compartment 25 with water for producing ice cubes.

[0045] Further shows Figure 3an interior space 10, which is divided by the cover 30 into a cold air distribution area 50 and a storage space 11 or storage area for storing refrigerated goods. Thus, the cover 30 forms a boundary between the storage space 11 available for storing refrigerated goods and a cold air distribution area 50 available for distributing the cold air. A cold air distribution system 51 and functional components, such as the water tank 20, water pipes 21, electrical or cold technical components, of the household refrigeration appliance 1 are arranged in the cold air distribution area 50.

[0046] Further points Figure 3a first visible surface 31 or first cover section 33 of the cover 30 and a second visible surface 32 or second cover section 34 of the cover 30, which are formed at an angle or inclined to one another. The first visible surface 31 is arranged at a distance from the rear wall 5. Water-carrying components, such as a water tank 20 and water pipes 21 (shown here), are arranged in an installation space 80 between the first visible surface 31 and the rear wall 5. A horizontal cold air duct section 70 extends essentially perpendicular to a vertical cold air duct section 60 (not shown in detail here) extending essentially in the vertical direction of the interior 10. The horizontal cold air duct section 70 extends at the level of the second visible surface 32 of the cover 30 and borders a ceiling wall 4 of the interior 10.The horizontal cold air duct section 70 extends in its longitudinal direction between a first visible surface plane 311 and a second visible surface plane 321. The horizontal cold air duct section 70 is therefore located substantially entirely in front of a plane formed by the first visible surface 31 of the cover 30, but behind a plane formed by the first visible surface 32, which is arranged at an incline to the first visible surface plane 311.

[0047] The horizontal cold air duct section 70 also runs along a corner region 8, which is located between the ceiling wall 4 of the interior 10 and the rear wall 5 of the interior 10. The corner regions of a storage room 11 or general interior 10 are not particularly well suited for the storage of refrigerated goods, as they are difficult for the customer to access from the access opening 7. Accordingly, these regions or these corner regions 8 of the interior 10 can be particularly well utilized for the arrangement of functional components, such as air-conducting, electrical, or water-conducting components, of the household refrigeration appliance 1, as this results in a significant loss of usable storage volume of the storage room 11.

[0048] In Figure 4 is a horizontal schematic sectional view of the household refrigeration appliance 1 according to the invention. In comparison to the previous figures, Figure 4a vertical cold air duct section 60 that feeds a horizontal cold air duct section 70 with cold air, which, coming from an evaporator (not shown here), is discharged into the storage space 11 via the remote air outlet 41. The horizontal cold air duct section 70 is offset in the depth direction T of the interior space 10 relative to the vertical cold air duct section 60. Accordingly, the horizontal cold air duct section 70 is spaced further from the rear wall 5 than the vertical cold air duct section 60 and extends further into the storage space 11 than the vertical cold air duct section 60. To prevent the horizontal cold air duct section from being visible from the storage space 11, the second visible surface 32 or the second cover section 34 conceals the horizontal cold air duct section 70.Between the horizontal cold air duct section 70 and the vertical cold air duct section 60 there is a connecting section 90 which connects the two cold air duct sections to one another in terms of flow. A partial air flow 48 branching off from the main air flow 46 in the vertical cold air duct section 60 intersects a first visible surface plane 311 (not shown here) and is directed by the connecting section 90 into a horizontal course in the width direction B or in the direction of the left 3 or right side wall 9 of the interior 10. In order to divide the main air flow flowing in the vertical cold air duct section 60 between the air outlets 40, 41, a divider 65 is located in the vicinity of the connecting section 90. The divider 65 is preferably formed from a projection formed in the thermal insulation layer 62 which projects into the vertical cold air duct section 60.

[0049] In Figure 4It can be seen in more detail that the installation space 80, in which the water tank 20 and water pipes 21 are arranged, is arranged between the horizontal cold air duct section 70 and the rear wall 5. This makes it possible for water pipes 21 or the water tank 20 to cross in their course on the rear wall 5. Since frost damage can occur on the water pipes due to thermal influences of the horizontal cold air duct section 70, a sufficient distance or a thermal insulation layer 62 is necessary between the cold air duct section 70 and the water-carrying components 20, 21 arranged in the installation space 80. Since the horizontal cold air duct section 70 is arranged offset in the depth direction of the interior space 10 relative to the vertical cold air duct section 70,a greater distance from the rear wall 5 of the interior 10 than the vertical cold air duct section 60, the installation of water-carrying components 20, 21 and cold air-carrying components 60, 70 on the rear wall 5 is possible. It is even possible for these to intersect at the rear wall 5 or in the cold air distribution area 50 without the risk of frost damage. This ensures a balanced temperature distribution in the storage room 11 and allows the arrangement of water-carrying components 20, 21 in a cold air distribution area 50 concealed by the cover 30.

[0050] In Figure 5 a rear view of a first embodiment of the cover 30 of the household refrigeration appliance 1 according to the invention is shown. Compared to the previous Figures 1-4This embodiment shows a main air flow 46 flowing in the vertical cold air duct section 60, which is divided by the divider 65 into a first partial air flow 47 and a second partial air flow 48. The first partial air flow 47 is discharged into the storage space 11 through a central air outlet 40. For this purpose, the first partial air flow 47 is changed from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation and discharged into the storage space 11 in the direction of the access opening 7. The second partial air flow 48 is directed by the connecting section 90 in an orientation initially directed horizontally towards the access opening 7, and after the second partial air flow 48 has intersected a plane 311 defined by the first visible surface 31, the connecting section 90 directs the second partial air flow 48 into the horizontal cold air duct section 70 in the direction of a right-hand side wall 9 of the interior (not shown here).It is of course also possible for the second partial air flow 48 to be directed in the direction of a left side wall 3 (not shown here) through the connecting section 90. It is also possible for partial air flows 48 to be directed in the direction of a left side wall 3 and right side wall 9 of the interior 10 by means of a connecting section 90 each. The partial air flow 48 in the horizontal cold air duct section 70 can be blown out into the storage space 11 through the remote air outlet 41. A plurality of air outlets 40 and the remote air outlet 41 are formed as openings in the region of the second visible surface 32, wherein the remote air outlet 41 is arranged in an edge region of the cover 30 located towards one of the side walls 3 and the air outlets 40 are arranged in a more central or middle region of the cover 30.

[0051] Further in Figure 5a thermal insulation layer 62 is shown, which is arranged between the cover 30 and a rear wall 5 of the interior 10, not shown here.

[0052] The thermal insulation layer 62 forms the cold air distribution system 51, which is formed from a vertical cold air duct section 60 and a cold air duct section 70 running horizontally parallel to a rear wall 5 (not shown here). The thermal insulation layer 62 has a first thermal insulation section 621 and a second thermal insulation section 622. The vertical cold air duct section 60 is formed in the first thermal insulation section 621, and the cold air duct section 70, running horizontally parallel to a rear wall 5 (not shown here), is formed in the second thermal insulation section 622. The first thermal insulation section 621 and the second thermal insulation section 622 are positively connected to one another.The positive connection can be realized by simple and cost-effective means, such as by a plug-in connection, a snap-in connection or generally by contours that can be plugged together in a positive-locking manner at the edge regions of the first thermal insulation section 621 and the second thermal insulation section 622.

[0053] The cover 30 is formed by a first visible surface 31, which is arranged substantially parallel to a rear wall 5 (not shown here) of the interior 10, and by a second visible surface 32, which is arranged at an angle to the first visible surface 31 or to a rear wall 5 (not shown here). The angle of the second visible surface 32 allows an aesthetic appearance of the cover 30 covering the rear wall 5 to be achieved. Accordingly, pronounced gaps or edges, which promote the deposition of contaminants, are not formed in the cover 30, at most outside the direct field of vision of a user when viewing the storage space 11 from the access opening 7. Due to the angled second visible surface 32, the horizontal cold air duct section 70 also takes up less of the storage volume of the storage space 11.Also, due to the inclined design of the second visible surface 32 relative to the first visible surface 31, a smaller deflection of the partial air flow 47 is necessary, so that the flow resistance in the cold air distribution system 51 can be kept lower.

[0054] Further in Figure 5a connecting section 90 is arranged between the vertical cold air duct section 60 and the horizontal cold air duct section 70. The connecting section 90 diverts a partial air flow 48 branching off from the main air flow from the vertical cold air duct section 60 into the horizontal cold air duct section 70. By means of a correspondingly curved contour of the connecting section 90, the flow resistances can be kept low. The connecting section 90 guides the partial air flow 48 branching off from the main air flow 46 from an area behind the visible surface 31 or between a rear wall 5 (not shown here) and the first visible surface 31 into an area in front of the first visible surface 31 or between the storage space 11 and the first visible surface 31. Accordingly, the horizontal cold air duct section 70 is arranged in front of the first visible surface 31 orarranged between the first visible surface 31 and the storage space 11 and the vertical cold air duct section 60 arranged between a rear wall 5, not shown here, of the interior space 10 and the first visible surface 31 or behind the first visible surface 31.

[0055] In Figure 6a rear view of a second embodiment of the cover of the household refrigeration appliance 1 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the horizontal cold air duct section 70 is designed as an integral component of the cover 30. The horizontal cold air duct section 70 is accordingly formed by walls molded together with the cover 30, which define a horizontal cold air duct section 70. Sufficient for this purpose are a first wall projecting perpendicularly from the cover 30 or the first visible surface 31 of the cover 30, and an adjoining second wall standing perpendicular to the first wall. The first wall molded onto the cover 30 and the molded second wall enclose a volume through which a partial air flow 48 branching off from a main air flow 46 can flow to a remote air outlet 41 arranged away from the central region of the cover 30. List of reference symbols

[0056] 1 Household refrigeration appliance 2 Casing 3 Left side wall 4 Ceiling wall 5 Rear wall 6 Floor wall 7 Access opening 8 Corner area 9 Right side wall 10 Interior 11 Storage space 15 Shelves 16 Storage trays 20 Water tank 21 Water pipes 25 Ice compartment 26 Water tank 30 Cover 31 First visible surface 311 First visible surface level 32 Second visible surface 321 Second visible surface level 33 First cover section 34 Second cover section 40 Central air outlet 41 Side air outlet 46 Main air flow 47 First partial air flow 48 Second partial air flow 50 Cold air distribution area 51 Cold air distribution system 60 Vertical cold air duct section 62 Thermal insulation layer 621 First thermal insulation section 622 Second Thermal insulation section 623Plug connection 65Divider 70Horizontal cold air duct section 80Installation space 90Connection section MCenter axis TTepth direction BBidth direction HHeight direction

Claims

1. Household refrigerator (1) with a housing (2) and an interior space (10), embodied in the housing (2), with a cover (30), which extends along a rear wall (5) of the interior space (10) and divides the interior space (10) into a storage space (11) for items to be refrigerated and a cold air distribution region (50) with a cold air distribution system (51) arranged therein, and with a first visible surface (31) embodied by the cover (30) and facing an access opening (7) of the interior space (10), the cold air distribution system (51) has a vertical cold air duct segment (60) which extends in the direction of a ceiling wall (4) and is arranged essentially parallel to the rear wall (5) in the longitudinal direction and has at least one horizontal cold air duct segment (70) which branches from the vertical cold air duct segment (60) and extends in the direction of a left (3) or right side wall (9) and which is arranged essentially parallel to the rear wall (5) in the longitudinal direction, wherein the horizontal cold air duct segment (70) and the vertical cold air duct segment (60) are arranged offset in the depth direction (T) of the interior space (10), wherein a longitudinal extension of the vertical cold air duct segment (60) is arranged at least partially behind the first visible surface (31), wherein a main air flow (46) in the vertical cold air duct segment (60) can flow essentially at a right angle to a ceiling wall (4) of the interior space (10) and a partial air flow (47) can flow from the vertical cold air duct segment (60) in the horizontal cold air duct segment (70) essentially parallel to the ceiling wall (4) of the interior space (10), characterised in that a longitudinal extension of the horizontal cold air duct segment (70) is arranged at least partially in front of the first visible surface (31) and that a connecting segment (90) is arranged between the vertical cold air duct segment (60) and the horizontal cold air duct segment (70), said connecting segment intersecting a first visible surface plane (311) formed by the first visible surface (31) and connecting the vertical cold air duct segment (60) and the horizontal cold air duct segment (70).

2. Household refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the horizontal cold air duct segment (70) adjoins the ceiling wall (4) at least with the majority of its longitudinal extension and in a remote air outlet (41) opens into the storage space (11).

3. Household refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cover (30) essentially completely covers the rear wall (5).

4. Household refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a second visible surface (32) is formed by a second cover segment (34) of the cover (30), and the first visible surface (31) is formed by a first cover segment (33) of the cover (30), wherein the second cover segment (34) is arranged closer to the access opening (7) than the first cover segment (33).

5. Household refrigerator (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the second cover segment (34) is embodied at an incline with respect to the first cover segment (33).

6. Household refrigerator (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterised in that the majority of the horizontal cold air duct segment (70) is arranged behind the second cover segment (34) and in front of the first cover segment (33), preferably that the horizontal cold air duct segment (70) is arranged completely behind the second cover segment (34) and in front of the first cover segment (33).

7. Household refrigerator (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the first cover segment (33) and the second cover segment (34) are embodied in one piece.

8. Household refrigerator (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the longitudinal extension of the horizontal cold air duct segment (70) is arranged between a first visible surface plane (311) formed by the first visible surface (31) and the visible surface plane (321) formed by the second visible surface (32).

9. Household refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 8, characterised in that the second cover segment (34) adjoins a ceiling wall (4) of the interior space (10) in a directly adjacent manner.

10. Household refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a central air outlet (40) and the remote air outlet (41) are embodied in the cover (30), wherein a first partial air flow (47) branching from the main air flow (46) can flow out through the central air outlet (40) into the storage space (11) and a second partial air flow (48) branching from the main air flow (46) can flow out via the horizontal cold air duct segment (70) through the remote air outlet (41) into the storage compartment (11).

11. Household refrigerator (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that the central air outlet (40) and the remote air outlet (41) are arranged in the second visible surface (32).

12. Household refrigerator (1) according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterised in that a divider (65) is arranged in the region of the connecting segment (90), wherein the divider (65) can be used to divide the main air flow (46) in the vertical cold air duct segment (60) in terms of volume between the central air outlet (40) and the remote air outlet (41).

13. Household refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a first heat insulation segment (621) is arranged between the cover (30) and the vertical cold air duct segment (60) and a second heat insulation segment (622) is arranged between the cover (30) and the horizontal cold air segment (70), wherein the first heat insulation segment (621) and the second heat insulation segment (622) are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner by means of a plug-in connector (623).