Household refrigeration unit with a crossbar and a light module specifically attached to it

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance comprising a housing. A first, upper, vertically viewed food storage compartment is formed in the housing. A second, lower, separate food storage compartment is formed in the housing. The two storage compartments are separated from each other at the front by a cross member of the household refrigeration appliance, viewed in the depth direction. The household refrigeration appliance further comprises a lighting module arranged on a front side of the cross member. The lighting module comprises a module housing.

[0002] In household refrigeration appliances with multiple storage compartments, it is known for a lighting unit to be arranged on the front of a cross-connection. The cross-connection separates a cooling compartment from a freezing compartment. This lighting unit, which is arranged at a specific location on the front, can emit light downwards. This is known, for example, from EP 1 956 325 A2. This lighting unit has a one-piece housing. A transparent cover is arranged on this housing. This cover is snapped directly onto the cross-connection with a projection in the form of a rib. The housing is snapped directly onto a fastening element. The fastening element is separate from the housing and separate from the cover. The fastening element is arranged directly on the cross-connection.To do this, however, the fastening tabs of the metal fastener must be passed through the fastening holes in the cross-connector and then bent laterally over the edges of the fastening holes and clamped there. Furthermore, the cover, which has a convex cross-section in the front area, is concealed internally by a non-transparent skirt. This prevents light from escaping to the front.

[0003] The lighting unit known from the prior art is made up of numerous components that must be individually connected, which is very complex. The assembly work of the housing on the separate mounting bracket and, in particular, the attachment of this mounting bracket to the cross connection are very assembly-intensive. This also results in positioning tolerances. It is therefore very difficult to position the lighting unit precisely on the cross connection on a permanent basis. Furthermore, the lighting functionality of this lighting unit is limited. Due to the arrangement of the light source in the housing and the shape of the cover, the light can only be emitted downwards with a vertical main beam direction. This is particularly disadvantageous because it only offers lighting in a very narrow area below the lighting unit.In particular, this creates a bright spot of light directly below the luminaire unit and on the adjacent front of the cross-connector. This prevents a homogenous light pattern. Furthermore, the mounting bracket can allow water and moisture to penetrate the housing.

[0004] CN 204 555 541 U discloses a light housing for use in a refrigerator, wherein the light housing is latched to an inner container.

[0005] US 3 887 777 A discloses a door switch for a refrigerator, the door switch comprising at least two push buttons and an outer housing with a flange having at least two cylindrical sections which are perpendicular to the flange part and laterally spaced from each other.

[0006] JP H04 240382 A discloses a refrigerator with a horizontal partition element for dividing a storage space, wherein a fluorescent tube is provided on the horizontal partition element.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a household refrigeration appliance in which a light module can be arranged easily and precisely on a housing component.

[0008] This object is achieved by a household refrigeration appliance having the features of claim 1.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance comprising a housing. A first, upper, vertically viewed food storage compartment is formed in the housing. A second, lower, separate food storage compartment is formed in the housing. The two storage compartments are separated from each other at the front by a cross member of the household refrigeration appliance, viewed in the depth direction. The household refrigeration appliance further comprises a lighting module arranged on a front side of the cross member. The lighting module comprises a module housing.

[0010] The module housing has a rear housing section, viewed in the depth direction of the household refrigeration appliance. This rear housing section has a rear wall and several separate snap-in elements. The snap-in elements are formed integrally with the rear housing section. The snap-in elements are snapped into snap-in element receptacles formed on the cross member. The rear housing section is arranged with a rear surface of the rear wall, viewed in the depth direction, directly adjacent to the front of the cross member. This design enables particularly simple yet positionally stable attachment of the light module directly to the cross member. This reduces the assembly effort. Snap-in connections enable a very fast and effective assembly concept.Furthermore, these multiple snap-in elements and multiple snap-in element receptacles also enable the lighting module to be permanently fixed in position. This design allows the module housing itself to rest directly against the front of the cross member. The integral snap-in elements engage rearward through the snap-in element receptacles and snap into place. This enables a simple mounting concept. Furthermore, separate mounting brackets for the housing are no longer required, as is necessary in the prior art.

[0011] According to the invention, the circuit board has a T-shape. In particular, a partial area of ​​the circuit board is a T-stem. This partial area is in particular the one that extends rearward through a slot in the rear wall of the rear housing part. In particular, this T-stem also extends through the recess or the snap element receptacle in the cross member. Another partial area of ​​this T-shape is a T-roof. This further partial area is arranged on the front side of the rear wall of the rear housing part. It therefore does not extend through the slot in the rear wall of the rear housing part. Viewed in the width direction, the slot in the rear wall is narrower than the T-roof of the circuit board. This shape and the arrangement of the circuit board relative to this rear wall also allow it to be positioned more securely. In particular, a particularly compact design is also possible.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, a first, off-center snap element and a separate second, off-center snap element are formed on the rear wall. This means that these snap elements are arranged offset to the left and right relative to a center point and a center of the rear wall, respectively, when viewed in the width direction of the household refrigeration appliance and thus also in the width direction of this rear wall. In one exemplary embodiment, these two snap elements are arranged symmetrically relative to a center of the rear housing part, when viewed in the width direction of this rear wall and thus of the rear housing part. This is a further very advantageous exemplary embodiment, because it also enables the rear wall and thus the entire rear housing part to be mounted on the cross member with reversible symmetricality.This means that it can be locked to the crossmember in a first position as well as in a second position rotated 180°. This eliminates the need to first check during production which single mounting position this rear housing section can be placed on the crossmember.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the snap element holder in the cross member is designed symmetrically to a center point of this cross member, viewed in the width direction. This then also makes it possible for this cross member to be installed with reversal symmetry. This means that during production it is no longer necessary to pay precise attention to the only installation position in which the cross member must be arranged. Rather, a first position and a second position of the cross member, rotated by 180° (again around an axis viewed in the depth direction), are possible here too. In particular, this also has the advantage that after the installation of a backing part behind the cross member, in particular together with an electrical plug, on this center cross member or cross member, the reversal symmetry of this cross member is retained.In particular, a production employee does not have to pay attention to which side of the crossbeam the inner container that delimits the first receiving space and which side the inner container that delimits the second receiving space must be arranged.

[0014] In one embodiment, a central snap element is formed on the rear wall, which is arranged centrally in the width direction of the rear housing part. This particularly advantageously further improves the mechanically stable attachment of the rear housing part directly to the cross member. Furthermore, this arrangement also maintains the aforementioned advantage of reversible symmetry. In particular, a central snap element receptacle is formed in the cross member. The central snap element can snap into this receptacle. This also ensures that the cross member continues to be designed with reversible symmetry, so that the aforementioned advantages are retained.

[0015] In one embodiment, the central snap element comprises two spaced-apart snap element parts. These snap element parts are each individually snapped into one, in particular a single, central snap element receptacle of the cross member. This design of the central snap element enables a particularly advantageous mechanical coupling. Furthermore, these snap element parts can be used more effectively for additional functions.

[0016] In particular, one embodiment provides for these snap-in element parts to have snap-in tabs on the opposite sides. These snap-in tabs snap the snap-in element parts into the snap-in element receptacle in the cross member. These snap-in element tabs, which are oriented outward in the width direction, maximize the space between the snap-in element parts in this width direction. This allows for improved use of this space for the installation of other components. This also enables a particularly compact design, particularly in the depth direction of the light module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the snap-on element parts are formed with engagement elements on the mutually facing sides. These engagement elements are designed to engage engagement areas of the circuit board of the light module. This is another very advantageous embodiment. This is because it allows for the direct mechanical coupling between this specific central snap-on element and the circuit board to be achieved. This direct mechanical holding coupling thus also enables a particularly advantageous, position-fixed arrangement of the circuit board. The snap-on element parts are thus multifunctional. On the one hand, they are intended for snapping onto the crossbeam itself, and on the other hand, they are intended for the direct snap-on holding of the circuit board.

[0018] The circuit board is thus held securely in position in at least two spatial directions, in particular the depth direction and the width direction. It extends, in particular, into the space between the snap-in element parts. As a result, the circuit board is arranged overlapping this central snap-in element when viewed in the depth direction. In particular, it is also protected laterally by these snap-in element parts when viewed in the width direction. In one embodiment, the snap-in element parts extend, viewed in the depth direction, at least over the entire depth of the partial area of ​​the circuit board that extends into the space between the snap-in element parts.

[0019] In one embodiment, the snap element parts have receiving and guide slots for a portion of the circuit board on the inner sides facing each other.

[0020] In one embodiment, a receiving area for a portion of the circuit board of the light module is formed between the snap-on element parts. This receiving area is thus intended to allow this portion of the circuit board to be positioned therein.

[0021] In one embodiment, a portion of the circuit board is held between the snap-in element parts. In particular, this portion is snapped to it by the engagement of the engagement elements in these engagement areas. The engagement elements extend in the width direction, as do the engagement areas. Thus, an interlocking in the width direction is formed.

[0022] The snap-in elements are arranged on the rear wall with springs, particularly in the width direction. This allows for a particularly smooth snap-in process.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cross member has a horizontal slot designed specifically for the circuit board to extend through. A portion of the circuit board extends through this slot in the cross member. In particular, the slot is formed centrally in the center of the cross member. This allows the circuit board to extend on both sides of the cross member when installed. This also allows for a compact design of the light module and more secure positioning of the circuit board.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the section of the circuit board which extends rearwardly into the housing of the household refrigeration appliance through this slot, which in particular also forms the entrance for the central snap-in element receptacle, is provided with electrical contacts which are intended for making electrical contact with a plug arranged in the housing. In particular, three electrical contacts are provided in this regard. In particular, this enables electrical contact to be made with a three-pin plug. Such a three-pin plug with corresponding contacts on the section of the circuit board, which has a central first electrical contact of the first polarity and, to the left and right of this, a further electrical contact of a second polarity, also enables the above-mentioned reversible symmetrical assembly.In particular, in this context, the two outer electrical contacts of these three electrical contacts are connected to each other.

[0025] This means that the light module is functional regardless of the connector's installation position. In particular, the positive pole of the electrical connector is positioned centrally. Therefore, the electrical contact on the centrally positioned portion of the circuit board is intended to be a positive pole and thus exhibit this first polarity.

[0026] Viewed in the width direction, the part of the circuit board that extends through the slot in the cross member to the rear into the housing of the household refrigeration appliance is narrower than another part of the circuit board that is arranged in front of the cross member.

[0027] In one embodiment, the module housing has a front housing part, viewed in the depth direction of the household refrigeration appliance. This housing part thus extends further forward than the rear housing part.

[0028] In one embodiment, these two housing parts are permanently connected. This means, in particular, that they are initially manufactured and provided as separate components. In particular, the front housing part and the rear housing part are each formed as a single piece. They are then permanently connected. For example, they can be ultrasonically welded in this context. A non-destructive separation of these two housing parts is then not possible.

[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, the front housing part has a lower wall, viewed in the vertical direction of the household refrigeration appliance. This lower wall forms a light exit window of the light module. The lower wall is oriented diagonally upwards relative to a horizontal line. This means that, starting from the end or side facing the cross member and closer to the cross member in this respect, it is oriented diagonally upwards and forwards. Light exits the module housing downwards through this lower wall in particular such that a spatial zone or volume area that is in front of the lower receiving space in the depth direction of the household refrigeration appliance is illuminated more extensively towards the front. This is another very advantageous exemplary embodiment.This angled orientation allows the light to be directed not vertically downwards, but diagonally downwards and forwards, away from the recording area. This allows for particularly homogeneous illumination of this area. This prevents unwanted light spots that occur directly below the light module, especially on the front of the crossbar.

[0030] This is particularly advantageous if the household refrigeration appliance has a food storage container that is movably arranged in the second storage space. This then enables the light module to provide uniform illumination from above when the food storage container is pulled out, even when it is in the extended position. This enables particularly comprehensive and homogeneous illumination of the interior of the food storage container, even when the container is in its maximum extension position. The food storage container is, in particular, a tray. This tray can also be pulled out and inserted into the second storage space in a linear depth direction.It is precisely this very advantageous design of the light module with this slanted wall and the corresponding light coupling that makes it possible to achieve the most comprehensive and even illumination of the entire interior of this shell, even if this shell is relatively large and is pulled relatively far forward.

[0031] In one embodiment, the front housing part has an upper wall, viewed in the vertical direction. This upper wall is opaque. This ensures that no unwanted light escapes upwards. A highly directed light coupling via this specified lower wall is thereby enabled. In particular, this also prevents dazzling of an observer who is looking at the light module from above or diagonally from above. In particular, if a tray as described above is present and this is extended and the observer looks into the interior of the tray from above, the tray is evenly and comprehensively illuminated and the observer is not dazzled by the light module.

[0032] In one embodiment, this upper wall is oriented diagonally downwards relative to a horizontal line. This means that, viewed in the depth direction, it is oriented diagonally downwards and forwards, starting from the end or side closer to the cross member. This geometry results in a particularly advantageous tapering of the front housing section towards the front on both sides. This reduces the space required for the light module both upwards and downwards. In this context, an advantageous geometry is achieved, particularly when the light module is located in the area of ​​a gap between an upper and a lower door, viewed in the depth direction. This orientation of the front housing section, which is diagonal both upwards and downwards, results in a geometry that is tapered in cross-section.This means that only minimal space is required in vertical direction between the doors of this front housing section.

[0033] In one embodiment, this upper wall is also designed as an information presentation wall due to its defined and intended oblique orientation. Information, in particular text information, is thus displayed on this information presentation wall. In particular, this text information can also be permanently formed on the upper wall. This text information can be information about the lighting module itself. However, other information that can be displayed on this information presentation wall is also possible.

[0034] In one embodiment, an electronic display can also be formed on this upper wall. This allows electronic information to be visually displayed.

[0035] In one embodiment, the front housing part is truncated pyramid-shaped.

[0036] In one exemplary embodiment, a lower wall of the front housing part, viewed in the vertical direction, has a partial region or partial section. This partial region is oriented obliquely upwards relative to a horizontal. This means that, viewed in the depth direction, starting from an end or side of this partial region that is closer to the cross member, this partial region of the lower wall is oriented so as to rise forwards and upwards. In particular, a straight and continuous oblique orientation is formed here. A light channel is formed inside the module housing. Through this light channel, a light exit and thus in particular a main radiation direction of the light out of the module housing through the lower wall is defined and intended and oriented obliquely to a vertical. The light module is therefore provided with a very specific directed light exit downwards and obliquely forwards.This illuminates a zone located in front of the lower second receiving chamber in the depth direction of the household refrigeration appliance, particularly with a relatively large, homogeneous illumination. In particular, the angle between the vertical and the main radiation direction is between 20° and 70°, particularly between 25° and 60°.

[0037] This makes it particularly effective to avoid unwanted local bright light spots that could occur under the light module on the front of the crossbar, as is the case with the prior art. Furthermore, this design of the very compact light module allows a larger area or zone in front of the recording room to be evenly illuminated.

[0038] In one embodiment, the light channel has a reflection wall. This reflection wall is oriented obliquely to the vertical. The light from a light source of the light module is reflected in the module housing by this reflection wall in a direction away from the crossbeam. In particular, this reflection wall reflects the light in the desired light exit orientation.

[0039] In one embodiment, the lower wall has a further partial area for light emission. This further partial area ends at an end of the inclined partial area facing away from the cross member in the depth direction. In one embodiment, this further partial area is inclined upwards more sharply relative to the horizontal than the inclined, first partial area. This results in the possibility in this embodiment for light emission to be more pronounced towards the front. In particular, when the light module is viewed from the front, this further partial area can create a light band which is visible from the front and therefore shines forward. This can also be used to represent a line of light, for example.For example, this is intended so that, viewed vertically, this light line is positioned in a gap between the upper door, which closes the upper receiving space, and the lower door, which closes the lower receiving space. Even when the doors are closed, this light line can then illuminate the gap between the doors. This allows, for example, the lower edge and the upper edge of these two doors to be visually indicated, even at a greater distance and / or in darker visibility conditions.

[0040] In one embodiment, the further sub-area of ​​this lower wall has a vertically oriented outer side. Additionally or instead of this, this further sub-area can also have a vertically oriented inner side. This allows for highly customized light emission toward the front of the module housing.

[0041] In one embodiment, the outer side of the inclined, first portion of the lower wall is flat. In one embodiment, the inner side of this inclined, first portion of the lower wall can be oriented parallel to the outer side.

[0042] In an embodiment in which this further partial area is also present, there is a kink or an angular transition between the outer side of the sloping, first partial area and the directly adjoining outer side of the further, second partial area.

[0043] In one embodiment, the front housing part, including the upper and lower walls, is made of plastic. In particular, this housing part is a one-piece component. It can, in particular, be a two-component component.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a household refrigeration appliance according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a cross member with a light module mounted thereon; Fig. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of a cross member; Fig. 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a light module; Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view through the arrangement according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 6 a vertical section through the arrangement according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 7 a vertical section through a portion of the household refrigeration appliance according to Fig. 1 with the doors closed; and Fig. 8 shows a simplified representation of a portion of a household refrigeration appliance with the food storage container extended.

[0047] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0048] In Fig. 1 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a household refrigeration appliance 1. The household refrigeration appliance 1 is designed for storing and preserving food. The household refrigeration appliance 1 can be a refrigerator or a freezer or, in particular, a fridge-freezer combination appliance. In the exemplary embodiment, the household refrigeration appliance 1 is a fridge-freezer combination appliance. The household refrigeration appliance 1 has a housing 2. A first receiving space 3 is arranged in the housing 2. In addition, a second receiving space 4 is arranged, separate from the first receiving space 3. The two receiving spaces 3 and 4 are intended for storing and preserving food. In the exemplary embodiment, the two receiving spaces 3 and 4 are arranged in a row relative to one another in the vertical direction (y-direction). The receiving spaces 3 and 4 are each delimited by walls of inner containers.Viewed from the front (in the depth direction - z-direction), the receiving spaces 3 and 4 have loading openings. In this respect, they are delimited at the front by front edges or front flanges 5. In the vertical direction (y-direction) between the two receiving spaces 3 and 4, such a front flange is formed by a cross member 6. The cross member 6 is thus oriented in the width direction. In this respect, it is designed as a horizontal rectangular plate. This cross member 6 separates the upper receiving space 3 from the lower receiving space 4. The cross member 6 can be made of metal.

[0049] The household refrigeration appliance 1 further comprises a first door 7. The first door 7 is pivotably mounted on the housing 2. It is arranged to close the upper, first receiving space 3. In addition, the household refrigeration appliance 1 comprises a second door 8 which is separate from the first door 7. The second door 8 is pivotably mounted on the housing 2. It is intended to close the lower receiving space 4. The two doors 7 and 8 can be moved independently of one another. When closed, the two doors 7 and 8 are front-facing external parts of the household refrigeration appliance 1. They then extend in particular in a common plane.

[0050] A gap 9 is formed between the two doors 7 and 8.

[0051] In addition, the household refrigeration appliance 1 has a light module 10. The light module 10 is arranged on the front of the cross member 6.

[0052] Viewed in the vertical direction, the light module 10 is positioned so that it is arranged in the region of the gap 9.

[0053] In Fig. 2 A perspective view of the cross member 6 with the light module 10 arranged thereon is shown. The cross member 6 is made, in particular, of sheet metal. It is formed, in particular, in one piece. The light module 10 is arranged directly on a front side 11 of this cross member 6 and, viewed in the depth direction, projects forward.

[0054] In Fig. 3 1, the cross member 6 is shown viewed from the front side 11. It can be seen that snap element receptacles 12 and 13 are formed on the cross member 6. In the width direction (x-direction), these two off-center snap element receptacles 12 and 13 are formed symmetrically to a center M of the cross member 6. In addition, a central snap element receptacle 14 is formed in the exemplary embodiment. It is formed, in particular, centrally and symmetrically to the center M. In this exemplary embodiment of the cross member 6, it can thus be installed on the housing 2 with reversal symmetry.

[0055] It can be provided that the cross member 6 only has holes that form entrances for the snap element receptacles 12, 13, 14. These partial elements, to which the snap elements then snap, can then be attached to another component 6a ( Fig. 5 ). This component 6a can be separate from the crossbeam 6 and arranged directly on it. It can also be formed integrally with the crossbeam 6.

[0056] In Fig. 3 An exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the light module 10 is shown. The light module 10 has a module housing 15. This module housing 15 has a further housing part 16, viewed in the depth direction. This rear housing part 16 is formed in one piece in one exemplary embodiment. It is made, in particular, of plastic. In this regard, it can be an injection-molded component.

[0057] The housing 15 further comprises a front housing part 17, viewed in the depth direction. This is particularly formed in one piece. The front housing part 15 and the rear housing part 16 are initially manufactured and provided as individual, one-piece components. In the fully assembled state of the light module 10, these two housing parts 16 and 17 are permanently connected in one embodiment. In particular, they are ultrasonically welded in this regard. This particularly advantageously achieves a tight seal, particularly against moisture, inside this module housing 15.

[0058] The rear housing part 16 has a plate-like rear wall 18. Two eccentric snap elements 20 and 21 are formed on a rear surface 19a of this rear wall 18. In this respect, they are formed integrally with the rear wall 18. The two eccentric snap elements 20 and 21 are arranged, in particular, symmetrically to a center M1 of the rear housing part 16. They are designed to snap into the eccentric snap element receptacles 12 and 13 on the cross member 6. In one exemplary embodiment, the rear housing part 16 has a central snap element 22. This is separate from the eccentric snap elements 20 and 21 and formed in addition thereto. The central snap element 22 is formed symmetrically to the center M1. In particular, it has a first snap element part 23 and a second snap element part 24 separate from it and spaced apart in the width direction.This central snap element 22 is designed to snap into the central snap element receptacle 14 on the cross member 6.

[0059] The two snap element parts 23 and 24 are spaced apart from one another in the width direction (x-direction), so that a receiving area 25 is formed between these snap element parts 23 and 24.

[0060] As in Fig. 4 As can be seen, the snap element parts 23 and 24, which are integrally formed on the rear surface 19a, are each formed with snap lugs 26 and 27. These snap lugs 26 and 27 are formed on opposite sides 28 and 29 of the snap element parts 23 and 24.

[0061] Furthermore, the snap element part 23 has an engagement element 30. This is oriented in the width direction toward the other snap element part 22. Accordingly, the further snap element part 24 also has such an engagement element 31. It is oriented toward the other snap element part 23. These engagement elements 30 and 31 are intended to engage in engagement areas 32 and 33 of a circuit board 34 of the light module 10. The circuit board 34 has a partial area 35 which, in the assembled state, extends through a slot 36 in the rear wall 18. This partial area 35 is plate-like. In the assembled state, it then also extends into this receiving area 25. In the width direction, it is enclosed on the left and right sides by the snap element parts 23 and 24 or is also held in this respect. In particular, the snap element parts 23 have guide slots 37 and 38.This partial area 35 engages in these, viewed in the width direction, and is guided accordingly. In the assembled state, the engagement elements 30 and 31 engage in these engagement areas 32 and 33. In particular, a snap-in connection is provided here.

[0062] The circuit board 34 is T-shaped. This already explained first sub-region 35 forms a T-trunk in this context. A further sub-region 39 of this circuit board 34 forms a T-roof. This T-roof represents a narrow strip or web, whose longitudinal axis extends in the width direction. When the circuit board 34 is mounted on the rear housing part 16, this further sub-region 39 is arranged in front of the rear wall 18, viewed in the depth direction. It therefore does not extend through the slot 36. In the mounted state, the further sub-region 29 bears in particular against a front surface 19b of the rear wall 18.

[0063] In particular, light sources 40 are arranged on this further sub-area 39, which are Fig. 4 are not visible, but are indicated by the reference numeral. In particular, these light sources are arranged on an underside 41 of this further sub-area 39. The light sources 40 are, in particular, light-emitting diodes.

[0064] In addition, Fig. 4 It can also be seen that electrical contacts are arranged on an upper side 42 of this first partial area 35. In the exemplary embodiment, these are three electrical contacts 43, 44 and 45. These electrical contacts are arranged symmetrically to the center M1 if the circuit board 34 has been appropriately mounted on the rear housing part 16. As a result, the electrical contact 45 is in the center. It is a contact of first polarity. In particular, it is a positive pole. The two other contacts 43 and 44 are of second polarity. In particular, they are negative poles. As a result, an electrical plug (not shown), in particular a three-pin plug, which is arranged in the housing 2, can be easily and reliably electrically contacted with this circuit board 34.

[0065] Due to this design, the circuit board 34 is also held securely and precisely in position in the module housing 15, in particular on the rear housing part 16, in the assembled state.

[0066] The front housing part 17 is truncated pyramid-shaped in the exemplary embodiment. In one exemplary embodiment, it has an upper wall 46. This is opaque. The upper wall 46 is inclined relative to a horizontal line H ( Fig. 6 ) is oriented diagonally downward and forward, starting from the side closest to the crossbeam. In particular, the upper wall 46, with an outer side 47, is designed as an information presentation wall. Text information 47a can be displayed on this wall as intended. This can be permanently attached text information. However, electronic information display on a display, if integrated for this purpose, is also possible.

[0067] In one embodiment, the front housing part 17 has a lower wall 48, viewed in the vertical direction. The lower wall 48 is at least partially transparent to light in the visible spectral range. It represents a light exit window 49 ( Fig. 6 ) ready. As in Fig. 6 , in which a vertical section along the section line VI-VI in Fig. 2 As shown, this lower wall 48 is oriented with a partial region 50 obliquely upwards to the horizontal H. This means that, starting from one side or one end of this lower wall 48, which is closer to the cross member 6, an orientation oriented obliquely upwards and forwards is provided. In particular, an outer side 51 of this obliquely upwardly oriented partial region 50 is straight in the sectional view. This means that this surface of the partial region 50 is flat in one embodiment. An inner side 52 of this partial region 50 can also be flat.

[0068] In Fig. 6 It can also be seen that a specific light channel 53 is formed in the interior of the module housing 15. This causes the light L from the light source 40 to exit the module housing 15 in a targeted manner via the lower wall 48. In particular, this light channel 53 achieves a defined and directed light exit from the module housing 15 via this lower wall 48. For this purpose, in one exemplary embodiment, this light channel 53 has a reflection wall 54. This is oriented at an angle to a vertical V. This is such that the reflected light exits this module housing 15 at an angle to the front and downwards relative to this vertical V. This illuminates a zone 55, which is located in front of the lower receiving space 4 in the depth direction, homogeneously and also further forward.

[0069] In particular, Fig. 6 In this regard, a main radiation direction LH of the light L is shown.

[0070] As furthermore in Fig. 6 also shown, in one embodiment it is provided that the lower wall 48 has a further partial region 56. This partial region 56 adjoins the sloping first partial region 48 in the vertical direction at the top. The further partial region 56 is permeable to light in the visible spectral range. This embodiment then also makes it possible for light L to be emitted outwards not only via the partial region 50, but also via this further partial region 56. This further partial region 56 is inclined more sharply with respect to the horizontal H than the slanted partial region 48. In particular, the further partial region 56 is oriented vertically. In particular, an outer side 57 is oriented vertically. An inner side 58 can also be oriented vertically accordingly. The outer side 57 is preferably flat. In particular, the inner side 58 is also flat.

[0071] As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment, a kink 59 is formed between the outer side 57 and the outer side 51.

[0072] In Fig. 6 The advantageous geometry of the module housing 15 can also be seen. These inclined upper and lower walls 46 and 48 achieve a maximum distance from the doors 7 and 8. As a result, the freedom of movement of the doors 7 and 8 is not restricted, in particular in the depth direction towards the cross member 6. In particular, a lowering of the upper door 7 in the vertical direction can occur, for example, after loading with stored goods in door compartments, which occurs over the service life of the household refrigeration appliance 1. Such movement of the door is then not harmful to the light module 10, so that no unwanted contact occurs in this regard.

[0073] In Fig. 5 is a horizontal section through the arrangement according to Fig. 2 shown along section line VV. The final assembled state of the light module 10 on the crossbeam 6 can be seen. As can also be seen, the rear wall 18, with the rear surface 19a, lies flat against the front side 11 of the crossbeam 6. The eccentric snap elements 20 and 21 are snapped into the eccentric snap element receptacles 12 and 13. In addition, the snap element parts 23 and 24 are also snapped into the snap element receptacle 24. The engaged state between the engagement elements 30 and 31 of the engagement areas 32 and 33 is shown.

[0074] Furthermore, it can also be seen that the partial area 35 has further slots 60 and 61. Webs 63 and 64 engage in these rearwardly open slots 60 and 61, which are formed on a rear edge 62 of the partial area 35. These webs 63 and 64 are part of a coupling component to which the light module 10 is coupled in the final assembled state. These webs 63 and 64 can be integrated into the component 6a. The component 6a can also accommodate the electrical connector.

[0075] It can be provided that the snap elements 20 and 21 are hollow. This reduces their weight and provides a certain degree of deformability. For the sake of clarity, Fig. 5 no hatching of the cutting planes of the individual components is shown.

[0076] As in Fig. 2 , 4 and 6As can already be seen, the module housing 15 is tapered towards the front when viewed in the depth direction.

[0077] In Fig. 7 A vertical sectional view of the household refrigeration appliance 1 is shown in the area of ​​the cross member 6. The doors 7 and 8 are shown here in the closed state. By way of example, a first illumination area 65 is shown, which is generated when light L is emitted only via the partial area 50 of the lower wall 48. Furthermore, an example of a light area 66 is shown, which is emitted when, in addition to the light emission via the inclined partial area 50, light L is emitted outward via the further partial area 56.

[0078] In Fig. 8 A schematic representation of a partial vertical sectional view of the household refrigeration appliance 1 is shown. The household refrigeration appliance 1 has a food receptacle 67. This is arranged in the lower receiving space 4 and can be displaced in the depth direction. This food receptacle 67 can, for example, be a bowl. Fig. 8 It is shown in an extended state. In this respect, it is still partially arranged within the receiving space 4, but can be viewed from above and loaded, or stored goods can be removed from it. This maximum extension position, shown here in particular, is also such that this tray is located in the area of ​​zone 55. As a result, the light L is radiated evenly into the interior of this food receiving container 67, so that this interior is illuminated homogeneously and comprehensively.

[0079] The advantageous welding between the two housing parts 16 and 17 mentioned above also achieves a minimal size for this module housing 15. Since this eliminates the need for installation space for separate snap-on elements, screw bosses, and fastening elements, or the like, this module housing 15 is minimized.

[0080] Furthermore, this ensures a preferred, firmly bonded and stable connection between the two housing halves. Furthermore, this design also provides improved stability against mechanical influences.

[0081] In one embodiment, the module housing 15 can be designed as a two-component component. This advantageously allows a possible beam angle of the light L to be generated in this obliquely forward and downward direction.

[0082] This further portion 56 of the lower wall 48 can also be referred to as a diffuser. Bezugszeichenliste

[0083] 1 Household refrigeration appliance 2 Housing 3 Mounting space 4 Mounting space 5 Front flange 6 Cross member 6a Component 7 Door 8 Door 9 Gap 10 Light module 11 Front 12 Snap-in receptacle 13 Snap-in receptacle 14 Snap-in element receptacle 15 Module housing 16 Housing part 17 Housing part 18 Rear wall 19a Rear surface 19b Front surface 20 Snap-in element 21 Snap-in element 22 Snap-in element 23 Snap-in element part 24 Snap-in element part 25 Mounting area 26 Snap-in lug 27 Snap-in lug 28 Side 29 Side 30 Engagement element 31 Engagement element 32 Engagement area 33 Engagement area 34 Circuit board 35 Partial area 36 Slot 37 Touch slot 38 Touch slot 39Partial area 40Light source 41Bottom 42Top 43Contact 44Contact 45Contact 46Wall 47Outside 47aText information 48Wall 49Light exit window 50Partial area 51Outside 52Inside 53Light channel 54Reflection wall 55Zone 56Partial area 57Outside 58Inside 59Knee 60Slot 61Slot 62Edge 63Bridge 64Bridge 65Illumination area 66Light area 67Food receptacle xWidth directionyHeight direction zDepth direction LHMain beam direction HHorizontal LLight MCenter M1Center VVertical

Claims

1. Household refrigeration appliance (1) with a housing (2), in which a first, upper receiving space (3) for foodstuffs and a second, lower receiving space (4) for foodstuffs that is separate therefrom are embodied, wherein the two receiving spaces (3, 4) are separated from one another on the front side by a crossbar (6) of the household refrigeration appliance (1), and with a light module (10), which is arranged on a front side (11) of the crossbar (6), wherein the light module (10) has a module housing (15), characterised in that the module housing (15) has a rear housing part (16), which has a rear wall (18) and a plurality of separate snap-fit elements (20, 21, 22), wherein the snap-fit elements (20, 21, 22) are embodied in one piece with the rear housing part (16) and are snap-fitted into snap-fit element receptacles (12, 13, 14), which are embodied on the crossbar (6), wherein the rear housing part (16) is in direct contact with a rear area (19a) of the rear wall (18) in a planar manner on the front side (11), and that a circuit board (34) of the light module (10) is T-shaped, in particular a subregion (35) of the circuit board (34) is a T "stem", which extends through a slot (36) in the rear wall (18) of the rear housing part (16) through the rear wall (18) towards the rear and / or a further subregion (39) of the circuit board (34) is a T "roof, which is arranged in contact with a front area (19b) of the rear wall (18) of the rear housing part (16).

2. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that a first eccentric snap-fit element (20) and a second eccentric snap-fit element (21), which is separate therefrom, is embodied on the rear wall (18), wherein said two snap-fit elements (20, 21) are arranged symmetrically in relation to a centre (M1) of the rear housing part (16) in the width direction (x) of the rear housing part (16).

3. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a central snap-fit element (22), which is arranged centrally in the width direction (x) of the rear housing part (16), is embodied on the rear wall (18).

4. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the central snap-fit element (22) has two spaced-apart snap-fit element parts (23, 24), which are snap-fitted in a snap-fit element receptacle (14) on the crossbar (6).

5. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the snap-fit element parts (23, 24), on the sides (28, 29) facing away from one another, have snap-fit lugs (26, 27) with which they are snap-fitted in the snap-fit element receptacle (14).

6. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the snap-fit element parts (23, 24), on the sides facing towards one another, are embodied with engagement elements (30, 31) for engaging into engagement regions (32, 33) of the circuit board (34) of the light module (10).

7. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterised in that between the snap-fit element parts (23, 24) there is embodied a receiving region (25) for a subregion (35) of the circuit board (34) of the light module (10).

8. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 7, characterised in that a subregion (35) of a circuit board (34) of the light module (10) is held between the snap-fit element parts (23, 24), in particular the subregion (35) is snap-fitted thereto by the engagement of the engagement elements (30, 31) into the engagement regions (32, 33).

9. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a subregion (35) of a circuit board (34) of the light module (10) extends through a snap-fit element receptacle (34) on the crossbar (6).

10. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the module housing (15) has a front housing part (17).

11. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that the two housing parts (16, 17) are connected in a non-detachable manner, in particular are ultrasonic-welded.

12. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the front housing part (17) has a lower wall (48), which is a light emission window (49), wherein the lower wall (48) is oriented obliquely upwards in relation to a horizontal (H), starting from the side close to the crossbar, wherein an emission of the light (L) from the module housing (15) through the lower wall (48) takes place in such a manner that a zone (55), which is in front of the lower receiving space (4) in the depth direction (z) of the household appliance (1), is illuminated.

13. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the front housing part (17) has an upper wall (46), which is opaque to light, wherein the upper wall (46) is oriented obliquely downwards in relation to a horizontal (H), starting from the side close to the crossbar, wherein the upper wall (46) is embodied as an information presentation wall, on which text information (47a) according to its intended use is displayed, in particular text information embodied on the upper wall (46) on an ongoing basis is displayed.

14. Household refrigeration appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the front housing part (17) has the shape of a truncated pyramid.