Food storage container with specific coupling of a lid with a ventilation device, and method for assembling such a food storage container

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a food storage container for a household refrigeration appliance. The food storage container has a tray for receiving the food. The food storage container also has a lid that is separate from the tray and can be placed on the tray to close the tray. The food storage container has a ventilation device that allows air to be exchanged between the environment and the interior of the food storage container. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for mounting a ventilation device of a food storage container on a lid of the food storage container.

[0002] A food storage container is known, for example, from WO 2004 / 038312 A1. There, recesses are formed in a lid of the food storage container, in which plate-like, flat flaps are pivotably mounted. It is therefore necessary for the lid itself to be formed with such bordered recesses in order to be able to insert these flaps. The pivot axis about which a flap can pivot is arranged within the lid, viewed in the vertical direction, and thus within the height of the lid. As a result, when the flat flap is opened, constellations arise in which the upwardly projecting portion of the flap is relatively high. Due to the flat design of the flap, a steeply upwardly projecting, freely cantilevered part of the flap is pivotally oriented.This also results in the flap being positioned relatively high when open, leaving a large number of free edges. On the one hand, this requires a certain amount of space upwards when the flap is open, and on the other hand, other components and the like may collide with it. In particular, a certain amount of space upwards is also required to fully open the flap.

[0003] DE 10 2013 212 384 A1 discloses a household refrigeration appliance with an interior space for accommodating food, which is delimited by walls of an inner container, and with a freshness container for food arranged in the interior space, which freshness container can be closed by a lid, and with a storage device with which the lid is mounted in the interior space so that it can be raised and lowered for opening and closing the freshness container, and with an operating element with which the lid can be actuated, wherein a front strip has a movement guide device for the operating element and the movement guide device has a support plate with lateral guide elements, wherein the operating element has a sliding carriage which is guided so as to be displaceable in the support plate.

[0004] WO 2006 / 059038 A1 discloses a shelf comprising a panel and a plastic structure peripherally framing the panel. The panel includes fastening means for attaching additional equipment to the side of the shelf.

[0005] EP 0 527 658 A1 discloses a shelf assembly comprising a shelf support and a shelf panel. Mounting projections project downwards from the underside of the shelf panel. The shelf support has mounting openings into which the mounting projections engage, so that the

[0006] Shelf panel is attached to the shelf bracket.

[0007] Other relevant prior art documents are KR20020051135A, US2017 / 292766A1, CN104949466A, DE102013212387A1 and US4850206A.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a food storage container for a household refrigeration appliance and such a household refrigeration appliance, in which a simple yet stable positioning of the ventilation device on a lid of the food storage container is achieved. A method for assembling a ventilation device is also to be provided, which is improved in this regard.

[0009] This object is achieved by a food receiving container and a method according to the independent claims.

[0010] The invention is disclosed in independent claims 1 and 15. Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] The food receptacle according to claim 1 has a tray for

[0012] For storing food. The food storage container has a separate lid, which can be placed on the tray to close the tray. Furthermore, the food storage container has a ventilation device that allows air to be exchanged between the surroundings and the interior of the food storage container.

[0013] The ventilation device is a separate module from the lid and tray of the food receptacle. This module is arranged on the front of the lid with a coupling device of the food receptacle. In particular, a non-destructively detachable connection is created here by the coupling device. The coupling device has a first coupling element arranged on the module. The coupling device has a second coupling element arranged on the lid. The coupling device and its coupling elements are designed such that when the lid and the module are coupled, the module is brought together with the lid in the depth direction of the food receptacle.The coupling is further specified by this coupling device in that, following this joining, a displacement of the module and the lid relative to one another in the width direction of the food receptacle is specified in order to achieve the coupled final position between the module and the lid. The coupling device is therefore designed to specify a very specific assembly scenario for mounting the module with the lid. Two very specifically directed relative movements must therefore be carried out between the module and the lid. These are two relative movements specified in different spatial directions. These defined relative movements are oriented perpendicular to one another. They are specified in the plane in which the lid extends. Furthermore, the sequence of these directions of movement is also specified.First, a linear direction for the joining is specified, which is defined by the depth direction. Subsequently, a linear coupling movement is specified in the spatial direction perpendicular to this, namely the width direction. By designing a coupling device in this way, a very simple coupling principle between the module and the cover can be achieved. In this respect, it is very easy to install, as simple movements can be carried out. Because at least two different linear movements have to be carried out one after the other in different spatial directions in order to reach the coupled end position, a mechanically stable end position between the module and the cover is also possible. Undesirable slipping and thus a coupled end state with tolerances is thus avoided.These two directions of movement can be easily and safely performed by the user themselves, without the need for an installer. Docking and subsequent movement of the components is also a very ergonomic principle of mechanical coupling.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the first coupling element has a receiving shaft. This receiving shaft is formed on a rear side of the module. The rear side faces the cover during assembly. The second coupling element can be introduced, in particular plugged, into this receiving shaft when the module is brought together with the cover. This already creates a certain pre-coupling between the module and the cover for this first assembly step. The subsequent displacement in the width direction is therefore already maintained to a certain extent by this design, since the module and this cover no longer need to be pre-positioned. Displacement in the width direction is thus made possible in a particularly advantageous manner, without the module and the cover undesirably tilting towards one another and this linear displacement movement in the width direction jamming or spreading.

[0015] Preferably, the first coupling element has a snap element. This snap element is designed to snap into place with a counter-snap element. The counter-snap element is a component of the second coupling element. Such a configuration enables a simple snap connection to be realized. This securely holds the coupled end state or the coupled end position. Such a snap connection also has further advantages. It has a simple mechanical design, yet is highly functional. Furthermore, it can be reversibly detached and reassembled. The mechanical holding connection of the snap connection remains stable even after repeated detached and reassembled. This virtually prevents undesirable wear or tolerances. Furthermore, such a snap connection is also advantageous in that it can reliably detect the coupled end state.This is perceptible to the user haptically and / or acoustically, thus reliably detecting the final connected state.

[0016] Last but not least, such a snap connection can also be released quickly and easily.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the snap-in element forms a holder for the module to the cover in the width direction. This also ensures that the module and the cover are held in the coupled end position in a specific spatial direction, namely in this displacement direction.

[0018] In particular, the receiving shaft provides support between the cover and the module in two spatial directions. These are, in particular, the vertical and the depth directions. Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, the receiving shaft can also form a guide shaft that guides the sliding movement between the module and the cover in the width direction. This enables a particularly linear sliding movement.

[0019] Preferably, a release opening is formed adjacent to the snap element in a wall that defines the receiving shaft. From outside the receiving shaft, access with a release tool is possible to release the snap connection between the snap element and the counter-snap element. This enables a very simple yet functional concept for easily releasing a snapped connection between the snap element and the counter-snap element.

[0020] Preferably, the snap element is arranged in the receiving shaft itself. This configuration allows the snap element to be arranged in a space-saving manner. On the other hand, it is also arranged in a protected manner. This prevents unwanted collision with other components and any resulting damage or breakage. Last but not least, this arrangement in the receiving shaft also enables very targeted coupling with the counter-snap element. Furthermore, this positioning achieves the snapped state between the snap element and the counter-snap element in the receiving shaft itself, thus enabling a protected arrangement of the snap connection.

[0021] Preferably, the second coupling element is arranged on a front edge of the lid. It can be provided that the lid has a strip. This can be a separate strip from an additional smooth part of the lid. The plate part can be, for example, a glass plate or a plastic plate that is at least partially transparent. The strip can be arranged on the front of this plate part. It can also be provided that not only a strip arranged on the front edge is provided, but that an at least partially surrounding frame and in particular a completely surrounding frame is part of the lid. This frame can then surround the plate part all the way around the edge. In particular, this second coupling element is integrated into this strip or the frame. It is thus formed in one piece therewith.Such a design allows for the creation of a mechanically resilient structure separate from a plate part, enabling secure coupling to the module. Such a construction can better absorb assembly forces. Furthermore, it is not necessary to form such a coupling element on the plate part itself.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the second coupling element has a coupling web. In particular, guide elements are arranged on this coupling web. These are oriented in the vertical direction of the food receptacle. They thus protrude upwards and / or downwards from the coupling web when viewed in the vertical direction. In particular, such guide elements can be designed as guide ribs. By means of guide elements designed and oriented in this way, the horizontal position between the module and the lid is maintained in an improved manner during assembly and subsequent displacement. Undesired tilting of the two components relative to one another is thereby avoided. This is avoided in particular because the guide elements have a height which is at least 95 percent, in particular at least 99 percent, but less than 100 percent of the clear width of the receiving shaft measured in the vertical direction.This allows for a relatively precise pick-up and yet preferred continuous relative movement between the pick-up shaft and a guide element.

[0023] Several such guide elements can be provided, which are formed at a distance from one another on the coupling web. In particular, these guide elements extend in the depth direction.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the receiving shaft is dimensioned in the depth direction of the food storage container such that a guide element is securely positioned in the depth direction and in the height direction of the food storage container, at least in the coupled end position between the module and the lid. For this purpose, stops can be formed in the receiving shaft to enable this positioning of the guide elements in the receiving shaft.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the second coupling element comprises a coupling web. A counter-snap element is arranged on this coupling web. This counter-snap element is designed to snap into place with a snap element that is a component of the first coupling element. In particular, the counter-snap element can be arranged resiliently on the coupling web. It is, in particular, formed integrally with the coupling web. The above-mentioned guide elements can also be formed integrally with the coupling web.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the counter-snap element is oriented in the width direction of the food receptacle. When snapping between the module and the lid, this counter-snap element snaps into place with the snap element in the width direction of the food receptacle.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the counter-snap element, in an uncoupled basic state, projects downwards or upwards between the module and the cover with a snap lug relative to the guide elements. This is an advantageous concept. On the one hand, this allows for tilt-free positioning between the module and the cover. This is because, in an advantageous embodiment, the guide elements are inserted into the receiving shaft with a relatively precise vertical fit. On the other hand, the downward projection of this snap lug advantageously achieves a corresponding spring effect. This allows for a more secure snap connection between the snap element and the counter-snap element, which is subjected to appropriate mechanical force.

[0028] It can be provided that the receiving shaft, viewed in the vertical direction of the food storage container, is higher in the area in which the counter-snap element is inserted when the module is joined to the lid than in the area in which the guide elements are inserted. This advantageously makes it possible for the individual component, in particular the counter-snap element, to not have to be bent during the joining process, but can be inserted into the receiving shaft in its unbent basic state. This can prevent unwanted damage to the counter-snap element and / or undesirably large forces that would have to be applied by a user during this first assembly step, namely when joining in the depth direction. This also supports a very continuous and user-friendly assembly concept.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling web on the cover has at least one flexibilization opening. This allows for a certain degree of deformation elasticity. Manufacturing tolerances and / or positioning tolerances can thus be better compensated. This also supports a very continuous and thus clamp-free and spread-free assembly between the cover and the module.

[0030] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method according to claim 15 for assembling a food receptacle according to one of claims 1 to 14, in which the following steps are carried out: Providing the module of the food receptacle; providing the lid of the food receptacle, which is separate from the module; merging the module with the lid in the depth direction, for which purpose coupling elements of a coupling unit of the food receptacle are brought together in the depth direction; following the merging, displacement of the module and the lid relative to one another in the width direction of the food receptacle until the coupled end position between the module and the lid is reached.

[0031] In particular, this coupled end position is also a snapped position between at least one snap element and at least one counter-snap element of a coupling device of the food receptacle.

[0032] Advantageous embodiments of the method are provided by the advantageous designs of the food receiving container.

[0033] The ventilation device has a pivoting flap which, in an open position, exposes a ventilation opening and, in a closed position, closes the ventilation opening. The flap has a longitudinal axis. The ventilation device has a support body on which a separate assembly of the ventilation device is mounted. In particular, a detachable connection is provided. The assembly has the flap, a separate support rail for the flap, and a separate actuating element for actuating the flap. These several, in particular three, separate components of the assembly enable improved assembly and improved positioning of these functional components. These three components form a separate module of the ventilation device that can also be individually handled and manufactured.On the one hand, these components are separated in such a way that their individual functions are improved, and on the other hand, they are separated in such a way that they can be easily connected to one another. In particular, this means that a pre-assembled module can be formed from these three components, which can then be subsequently mounted as a whole on the support body. This improves and simplifies the assembly of the entire ventilation device. In particular, it is easier to pivot the flap in advance to a simply constructed support rail. This eliminates the need for the flap to be laboriously mounted on the larger support body, which is very difficult with conventional designs due to limited access to the mounting areas. This also reduces damage to the flap during assembly.In particular, this advantageously achieves this by allowing the flap to pivot no longer directly to the support body, but only to the support rail. This also improves pivoting. Furthermore, this assembly also allows for quick and easy creation of variants of the ventilation device.

[0034] This allows for the creation of unique module variants, both functionally and in terms of design. For example, individual support rails can be installed. These can also be different in color or structure. This can also be provided for the flap or the operating element.

[0035] Preferably, the assembly is attached to the support body by at least one snap connection. This allows for easy assembly, but also easy removal as a whole. Simple disassembly, even of the assembly itself, also allows for individual cleaning or replacement of the individual parts. A non-destructively removable connection can be formed between the assembly and the support body.

[0036] Preferably, the support rail has an integrated and thus integrally formed snap element of the snap connection, with which the assembly is snapped to the separate support body by means of the support rail. As a result, the connection between the assembly and the support body is provided in particular solely by these snap connections. This also enables stable fastening of the entire assembly. In particular, a direct self-retaining connection is formed between the support rail and the support body. On the other hand, it is not necessary for a further retaining connection to be formed between another component of the assembly and the support body.

[0037] Preferably, the actuating element is slidably mounted on the support rail, in particular arranged on an upper side of the support rail. This makes the actuating element easy to install, since here too, initially only the support rail is required. This makes handling and accessibility during installation simple. In particular, the actuating element is arranged on the support rail in a non-destructively detachable manner, but is nevertheless arranged so as to be displaceable relative to it when arranged thereon. In particular, a snap connection can be provided for the secure fastening of the actuating element. In particular, the actuating element is fastened in a self-retaining manner only to the support rail.

[0038] The actuating element is, in particular, a slider. This preferably has an upwardly projecting handle.

[0039] Preferably, the flap is pivotably mounted on the support rail. In particular, the flap is self-retainingly attached to the support rail and pivotably mounted only there.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the ventilation device covers a free space formed in the depth direction between a front edge of the lid and a rear edge of a front wall of the tray. This ventilation device thus also serves as a supplementary module to cover an upper opening or a loading opening of the tray together with the lid. This creates a further advantageous concept. In this context, the lid is shortened and supplemented in depth by this ventilation device in order to cover this opening of the tray from above.

[0041] In particular, this mechanical connection between the cover and the support body can be removed without causing damage. This allows the support body to be reversibly removed and reattached. This design is advantageous, for example, for cleaning purposes. In particular, the ventilation device is directly connected to the cover only via the support body.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, the flap is arranged in the closed position in the vertical direction of the food receptacle at a maximum height of an upper side of the carrier body. In such a configuration, the flap is arranged completely recessed in the carrier body in the closed position. In this closed position, it does not protrude upwards. This configuration realizes a space-saving concept. Furthermore, it prevents the flap from being undesirably damaged. This can happen if it protrudes and is then bumped into by other objects. Furthermore, it can be provided that in this closed position the upper side of the carrier body is arranged flush with the upper side of the flap. This creates an overall surface that is free of unevenness.

[0043] In the closed position, the flap is particularly horizontally oriented.

[0044] In the different open position, the flap is folded downwards when viewed vertically. In particular, only the end region of the flap which has the axis of rotation is at the same height in both the closed and the open position. The support body makes it possible for the flap to be arranged completely within the support body even in the open position. In any possible position of the flap, the flap is thus advantageously arranged completely within the support body. This enables a particularly protected concept. In particular, this also achieves the more precise and improved movement control of the flap mentioned above. This concept also makes it possible for no part of the flap to protrude further upwards in the vertical direction in the open position than in the closed position of the flap.

[0045] Preferably, the support body has a pivoting space. Within this pivoting space, the flap can be pivoted between the closed and open positions. In both positions, the flap is arranged entirely within the support body. The support body thus essentially has a hollow space in which the movement of the flap is possible. The aforementioned advantages are thereby further enhanced.

[0046] It is provided that the ventilation device is arranged on a front edge of the lid and projects forward relative to the front edge. Viewed in the depth direction of the food receptacle, the ventilation device is arranged in a free space between the front edge of the lid and an upper shell flange of the shell. The shell flange is in particular a component of a front wall of the shell. In particular, viewed in the depth direction of the food receptacle, the flap is arranged completely in front of a front edge of the lid. This applies to the arrangement of the flap in every possible position. Furthermore, the flap is arranged so as not to make contact with the front edge of this lid. In such an embodiment, this ventilation device is advantageously applied as a complete module, so to speak, from the front to the lid, for example by being plugged on.

[0047] It is intended that the ventilation device is designed as a separate module, which can then also be a retrofit module. This means that even a design of a food receptacle that is initially only designed with the tray and a specific lid can be retrofitted with such a ventilation device. This is particularly advantageous in this design, in which a flap does not have to be inserted into a recess formed in the lid, but in which the lid itself is designed as a flat, uninterrupted plate. In this context, the relatively simple attachment of this module to the front of the lid also makes retrofitting relatively easy.

[0048] A further aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance with at least one food storage container according to one of claims 1 to 14. The household refrigeration appliance can be a refrigerator or a freezer or a fridge-freezer combination appliance. The household refrigeration appliance has a housing in which at least one storage space for food is formed. The food storage container can be arranged in the storage space and forms, in particular when the lid on the tray is closed, its own enclosed storage area. The food storage container can in particular be a freshness container in which an individual storage condition, in particular an individual temperature and / or humidity, can be set.

[0049] This makes it possible to set storage conditions that differ from those in the rest of the storage area. This is particularly advantageous for storing specific foods such as fruit or vegetables or meat, such as fish.

[0050] It can be provided that the household refrigeration appliance has a humidification device with which the individual humidity in the food storage container can be adjusted.

[0051] Preferably, the food storage container can be removed from the storage space and reinserted, making it a portable or mobile container.

[0052] Advantageous embodiments of the food storage container are considered advantageous embodiments of the method. In particular, the components, with their configurations and / or relative positions, enable the advantageous method steps for assembly, including the entire food storage container, to be carried out.

[0053] The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction" indicate the positions and orientations given when the container or device is used and arranged as intended.

[0054] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures, the present invention being disclosed in independent claims 1 and 15.

[0055] 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 partial area of ​​the household refrigeration appliance according to Fig. 1 , in which a food receptacle is shown and a flap of a ventilation device is closed; Fig. 3 a representation according to Fig. 2 , in which the flap is shown in the open position; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ventilation device of the food receptacle; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid of the food receptacle; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a ventilation device; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an example of a ventilation device; this example is not part of the present application. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a further example of a ventilation device; this example is not part of the present application. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the lid according to Fig. 5 and the ventilation device according to Fig. 6 in the decoupled state; Fig. 10 a top view of the components according to Fig. 9 in a front area at the beginning of an assembly scenario; Fig. 11 a perspective horizontal section view of the components according to Fig. 1 in an intermediate assembly state in which the lid and the ventilation device have already been brought together in the depth direction of the food receptacle; Fig. 12 a perspective view of the coupled end position between the lid and the ventilation device; Fig. 13 a perspective view of the ventilation device according to Fig. 6 in one to Fig. 6 different perspective; Fig. 14 an enlarged view of a partial area in Fig. 16 ; Fig. 15 an enlarged view of another section in Fig. 16 ; Fig. 16 a vertical section through the arrangement of the ventilation device and the cover in the assembled final position according to Fig. 12 ; Fig. 17 a further vertical section through the arrangement according to Fig. 12 ; and Fig. 18 a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a cover with an embodiment of components of a coupling unit arranged on the cover.

[0056] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0057] In Fig. 1 In an exemplary representation, a household refrigeration appliance 1 is shown, which is designed as a fridge-freezer combination appliance. The household refrigeration appliance 1 has a body 2 with an inner container 3. The inner container 3 delimits with its walls a first interior space or receiving space 4, which is a cooling compartment, and a second interior space or receiving space 5, which is arranged below it and separated therefrom and is a freezer compartment. The receiving space 4 is generally used for frost-free cooling of refrigerated goods, preferably at temperatures between +4 °C and +8 °C. However, the receiving space 4 can also be designed as a zero-degree compartment, in particular for keeping fruit or vegetables fresh. The receiving space 4 is accessible when the door 6, which closes the front of the receiving space 4, is open.

[0058] The additional storage compartment 5 is generally used for deep-freezing frozen goods, for example at -18 °C. The storage compartment 5 is accessible when the freezer compartment door 7 is open.

[0059] A refrigerated goods or freshness container is retractably mounted in the upper receiving space 4, which has a lid 9 and a drawer or tray 10. As shown, an additional, separate cover 11, for example in the form of a partition, such as a glass shelf, can be arranged above the lid 9. The freshness container represents a food storage container 8 according to claim 1.

[0060] The inner container 3 has, among other things, two opposite vertical side walls 3a and 3b.

[0061] At least by the cover 11, the food receptacle 8 is separated from the remaining partial volume of the receiving space 4.

[0062] The food receptacle 8 can be removed from the receiving space 4 in a non-destructive manner. Even when inserted into the receiving space 4, the tray 10 can be pushed back and forth in the depth direction and thus in the z-direction while still stored in the receiving space 4 in order to access the interior of the tray 10.

[0063] In Fig. 2 A perspective view of a portion of the household refrigeration appliance 1 is shown, in which the food receptacle 8 according to claim 1 is arranged. The food receptacle 8, which can be completely removed from the receiving space 4, has a ventilation device 12. With this ventilation device 12, an air exchange between the environment and a volume space or an interior 13 ( Fig. 3 ) of the food container 8. The ventilation device 12 is a separate module. It is arranged on the lid 9.

[0064] The ventilation device 12 has a flap 14 which can be pivoted about a pivot axis A oriented in the width direction (x-direction). The flap 14 extends, as shown in Fig. 2 shown, essentially over the entire width of the food receptacle 8.

[0065] This pivoting flap 14 exposes a ventilation opening in an open position and closes this ventilation opening in a closed position. This allows air to escape from an interior 13 of the food storage container 8.

[0066] The ventilation device 12 has a support body 15. The support body 15 extends in the width direction (x-direction) across the entire width of the cover 9. It is designed as a beam-like element. In particular, the support body 15 is formed in one piece, in particular from plastic.

[0067] The plate-like flap 14 is in Fig. 2 shown in the closed position. The support body 15 is a separate unit from the lid 9. The support body 15 is arranged, in particular arranged directly, on the front of the lid 9, viewed in the depth direction. The lid 9 and the ventilation device 12 thus form a lid module 16. This lid module 16 can be used to cover the loading opening of the tray 10 from above.

[0068] In addition, the ventilation device 12 has an actuating element 17. This actuating element 17 is a mechanical slider in the present embodiment. It is linearly displaceable in the width direction. The actuating element 17 is displaceably mounted on a support 18 of the ventilation device 12. The support 18 is a flat surface. It is in particular a partial area of ​​an upper side 19 of the ventilation device 12. The support 18 is in particular an upper side 44 of a separate support rail 40 of the ventilation device 12. The support 18 delimits a top opening 20 of the support body 15 towards the front in the depth direction. This top opening 20 is completely bordered all the way around. The top opening 20 represents a ventilation opening 21 of a ventilation duct 22 ( Fig. 2 ) of the ventilation device 12. This top opening 20 is thus also an upper ventilation opening 21 ( Fig. 3 ), as mentioned above.

[0069] In the Fig. 2 und Fig. 3 In the embodiment shown, a pivot axis A, about which the flap 14 can be pivoted, is oriented in the width direction.

[0070] In the Fig. 2 und Fig. 3 In the embodiment shown, the ventilation opening 12 is limited by a circumferentially closed edge 24

[0071] In Fig. 3 the representation is in accordance with Fig. 2 shown, but with the flap 14 in the open position. The flap 14 is pivoted downwards about the pivot axis A.

[0072] The shell 10 has a front wall 25. This has a shell flange or an upper front flange 26. As can be seen, the carrier body 15 is arranged on a front edge 27 of the lid 9. In particular, a plug-in connection is provided here. For this purpose, the carrier body 15 has a groove 28 at its rear end. The front edge 27 of the lid 9 is inserted into this groove 28.

[0073] In particular, a front edge of a cover plate of the lid 9. The cover plate can be made of glass. In Fig. 4 the ventilation device 12 is shown in a perspective view.

[0074] In Fig. 5 1 shows a perspective view of the lid 9 of a food receptacle according to claim 1 in one exemplary embodiment. The lid 9 has a plate part 29 in an advantageous embodiment. This can be made of glass. However, it can also be made of a transparent plastic. In addition, in an advantageous embodiment the lid 9 has at least one front strip 30 which is separate from the plate part 9. The front strip 30 is arranged on a front edge of the plate part 29. It can be provided that the front strip 30 is part of a frame 31 of the lid 9. The frame 31 can enclose the separate plate part 29 at the circumference 32. The strip 30 can be made of plastic. In particular, at least one coupling web 33 is formed on the strip 30. Preferably, a plurality of coupling webs 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37 are formed. The coupling webs 34 to 37 are intended for coupling with the ventilation device 12.The ventilation device 12 has the support body 15 and the flap 14 as basic components. The ventilation device 12 is, as shown in . Fig. 6 shown, is designed as module 38. The Fig. 6 The groove 28 shown on the rear of the module 38 is a receiving shaft 39. The separate coupling webs 34 to 37 are designed for insertion into the receiving shaft 39. They protrude forward from a front side of the strip 30. They are strip-like coupling webs 34 to 37. The receiving shaft 39 and the coupling webs 34 to 37 are components of a coupling device 40. With the coupling device 40, the cover 9 can be detachably coupled to the module 38 without causing any damage.

[0075] In Fig. 7 und 8 perspective views of further examples of modules 38 are shown which are not part of the present invention.

[0076] The coupling device 40 is formed with coupling elements. For this purpose, at least one coupling element is formed on the module 38. According to the invention, a first coupling element is formed on the lid 9. The coupling device 40 is designed such that, upon coupling the module 38 to the lid 9, a linear joining of the module 38 to the lid 9 in the depth direction (z-direction) of the food receptacle 8 is initially predetermined. This depth direction is also the depth direction of the arrangement comprising the lid 9 and the module 38. The coupling device 40 thus predetermines a joining of the module 38 to the lid 9 during coupling. This is a linear joining movement in this depth direction.The coupling device 40 is further configured such that, following this joining, a displacement of the module 38 and the lid 9 relative to each other in the width direction (x-direction) of the food receptacle 8 is predetermined in order to achieve the final coupled position. This width direction is also the width direction for the lid 9 comprising the arrangement and the module 38.

[0077] The first coupling element has the aforementioned receiving slot 39. The second coupling element can be inserted into this receiving slot 39 when brought together. The first coupling element also has a snap element designed to snap into a counter-snap element, which is a component of the second coupling element.

[0078] In Fig. 10 is a plan view which is part of the representation of the components according to Fig. 9 shown. The cover 9 is partially shown. As can be seen, in this still decoupled state, an offset d in the width direction is formed between the cover 9 and the module 38. This offset d is defined. In particular, it is provided here that a distance 48 is specified between each two adjacent coupling webs 33 to 37. In particular, in this regard, in interaction with ribs 49 ( Fig. 11 ) formed on the module 38, an offset d is predetermined. This is because the position of the spacings 48 in the width direction of the cover 9 and the position of the ribs 49 in the width direction of the module 38 are coordinated such that the ribs 49 can only be inserted into the spacings 48 in the depth direction if this offset d is present.

[0079] Starting from this aforementioned basic position of the components relative to one another, the assembly process then proceeds as shown by arrow P1. The ribs 49 fit into the gaps 48 with relative precision. In the depth direction, the ribs 49 fit completely into the cutouts formed by the gaps 48. This represents a linear movement of the module 38 and the cover 9 towards one another and into one another in this depth direction. Once this first assembly step is complete, a subsequent second assembly step involves linear displacement of this cover 9 and the module 38 relative to one another along arrow P2. This continues until the coupled final state or the coupled final position is reached. In this position, the cover 9 and the module 38, in the exemplary embodiment, are shifted to the left by this offset d, so that in this coupled final position, no such offset d occurs any longer.

[0080] In the first step of joining, the coupling webs 33 to 37 are inserted completely into the receiving shaft 39, viewed in the depth direction. Fig. 11 In this context, the coupled intermediate state is shown, in which the step according to the merging is already completely finished. However, the offset d is still present. In this Fig. 11 the arrangement is in accordance with Fig. 9 as well as Fig. 10 shown in this intermediate assembly state and a horizontal sectional view on a plane showing the upper boundary wall of the receiving shaft 39 removed. Thus, one can virtually look into the receiving shaft 39. It can be seen that the coupling webs 33 to 37 are completely accommodated in this receiving shaft 39 with regard to their extension in the depth direction. For the sake of clarity, Fig. 11 The representation of the components is not shown in cross-sectional areas, but for the sake of simplicity only with the edge contours.

[0081] In Fig. 12 is then based on the representation in Fig. 11 the coupled end position is shown. For this purpose, a relative displacement between the module 38 and the cover 9 starting from Fig. 11 in the direction of arrow P2. This direction of displacement is also predetermined by the coupling device 40.

[0082] In Fig. 13 is the embodiment of the module 38 according to Fig. 6 in one to Fig. 6 shown from different perspectives. The receiving slot 39 can be seen.

[0083] In Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of section I in Fig. 13 Shown enlarged. The stops 41 and 42 can be seen. These reduce the clear width I of the receiving shaft 39 in the vertical direction. This prevents the guide elements formed on at least one coupling web 33 to 37 from slipping out. It can also be seen that this clear width I is smaller than an adjacent clear width I1, in which these stops 41 and 42 are no longer provided.

[0084] In Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of another section II in Fig. 13 shown. It can be seen here that a snap element 43 is formed in the receiving shaft 39. This snap element 43 is formed in one piece on a bottom wall that delimits the receiving shaft 39 at the bottom. The snap element 43 is arranged in the receiving shaft 39. A release opening 44 is formed adjacent to the snap element 43. A release tool can be inserted through this release opening 44 from outside the receiving shaft 39 and a snapped state between the snap element 43 and a counter-snap element formed on a coupling web 34 to 37 can be released.

[0085] In Fig. 16 is a vertical sectional view of the part of the arrangement according to Fig. 12 shown. In particular, a section along section line XVI-XVI can be provided here. In this coupled end position, the coupling web 33, which is shown here as an example, is completely immersed in the receiving shaft 39. In this context, the coupling web 33 has guide elements 47 which extend upwards and downwards in the vertical direction on both sides of the coupling web 33. In particular, the extent of these guide elements 47 is such that they are arranged in the receiving shaft 39 with essentially little play or a relatively precise fit. The same applies when viewed in the depth direction. In particular, in this coupled end position, the guide elements 47 and the stops 41 and 42 rest against one another. As a result, the coupling web 33 cannot slip out of the receiving shaft 39 or be pulled out in the depth direction.Such an overlap of the guide elements 47 and the stops 41 and 42 in the width direction is only established when the sliding movement occurs in the direction of arrow P2. In the intermediate position, where only the joining in the depth direction according to arrow P1 is completed, such an overlap in the width direction between the guide elements 47 and the stops 41 and 42 is not yet formed.

[0086] In Fig. 17 is a perspective sectional view of a part of the arrangement according to Fig. 12 shown.

[0087] The snapped state between the snap element 43 and a counter-snap element 45 can also be seen here. The counter-snap element 45 is arranged on the coupling web. For example, this can be the coupling web 34. The exemplary guide elements 44 can also be seen here.

[0088] As in Fig. 17 As shown, this snap element 43 and the counter-snap element 45 are shown in the snapped position. In particular, this achieves a holding in the width direction.

[0089] In Fig. 18 is shown in a perspective partial view an embodiment of a lid 9 of a food receptacle according to claim 1. It is here the in comparison to Fig. 17 screwed-in state, so that here we are looking at the underside of the cover 9. A snap-in nose 46, as already shown in Fig. 17 can be seen. In a basic state in which the counter-snap element 45 has not yet been pivoted, this snap nose 46 projects further downwards than the guide elements 47, viewed in the vertical direction.

[0090] Preferably, the receiving shaft 39 is designed such that, viewed in the width direction, it has different clear widths than its height dimensions. This allows both the counter-snap element 45 to be inserted without bending during the first assembly step, namely the joining in the direction of arrow P1, and the guide elements 47 to be inserted into the receiving shaft. During the subsequent sliding in the width direction, a snap-fit ​​occurs between the snap element 43 and the counter-snap element 45, thus creating a more secure snap connection.

[0091] The snap element 43, in particular, forms a holder for the module 38 to the cover 9 in this width direction. The second coupling element, which has at least one coupling web 33 to 37 and in particular the counter snap element 45 and / or guide elements 47, is integrated into a front edge of the cover 9, in particular into a front edge of the strip 30.

[0092] It can generally be provided that the coupling webs 33 to 37 each have material recesses, so that a strut structure 50 is formed on the top side 51 and / or on the bottom side 52. The guide elements 47 can be part of the strut structure 50. Recesses 53 are also created by the strut structure 50. The recess 53 can be designed as a trough or as a complete opening and thus a hole. If designed as an opening, the deformation of the coupling web 33 to 37 can be increased at this point. This also allows the coupled state between the cover 9 and the module 38 to be clamped more effectively. The opening can then also be referred to as a flexibilization opening. The opening can be an elongated hole.

[0093] A guide element 47 can also be designed as a stop for the module 38. This limits the movement in the width direction until the end position is reached. This also allows the end position to be reached precisely. Bezugszeichenliste

[0094] 1 Household refrigeration appliance 2 Body 3 Inner container 3 a Vertical side wall 3 b Vertical side wall 4 Storage space 5 Storage space 6 Door 7 Freezer compartment door 8 Food storage container 9 Lid 10 Tray 11 Cover 12 Ventilation device 13 Interior 14 Flap 15 Support body 16 Lid module 17 Actuating element 18 Support 19 Top 20 Top opening 21 Ventilation opening 22 Ventilation duct 23 Free space 24 Edge 25 Front wall 26 Front flange 27 Edge 28 Groove 29 Panel part 30 Front strip 31 Frame 32 Perimeter 33 Coupling bar 34 Coupling bar 35 Coupling bar 36 Coupling bar 37 Coupling bar 38 Module 39 Storage shaft 40 Coupling device 41Stop 42Stop 43Snap element 44Release opening 45Counter snap element 46Snap nose 47Guide element 48Spacing 49Rib 50Strut structure 51Top side 52Bottom side 53Recess dOffset I, I1Clear width xWidth direction zDepth direction P, P1, P2Arrow

Claims

1. Food storage container (8) for a household refrigeration appliance (1), with a tray (10) for storing the food, with a lid (9) separate therefrom which can be placed onto the tray (10) to close the tray (10), and with a ventilation apparatus (12), with which it is possible for an air exchange to be performed between the surrounding area and the interior (13) of the food storage container (8), wherein the ventilation apparatus (12) is a module (38) that is separate from the lid (9) and from the tray (10) which is arranged with a coupling facility (40) on the front side of the lid (9) in a releasable manner, wherein the coupling facility (40) has a first coupling element (39, 43), which is arranged on the module (38), and has a second coupling element (33 to 37, 45), which is arranged on the lid (9), wherein the coupling facility (40) with the coupling elements (39, 43, 33 to 37, 45) is embodied such that, during the coupling, there is a predefined combining of the module (38) with the lid (9) in the depth direction (z) of the food storage container (8), characterised in that subsequently there is a predefined displacement of the module (38) and the lid (9) relative to one another in the width direction (x) of the food storage container (8), in order to reach the intercoupled end position.

2. Food storage container (8) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first coupling element has a receiving shaft (39) on a rear side of the module (38), into which the second coupling element (33 to 37, 45) can be inserted during the combining.

3. Food storage container (8) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first coupling element has a snap-fit element (43), which is embodied to snap-fit with a counter-snap-fit element (45) that is a constituent part of the second coupling element (33 to 37, 45).

4. Food storage container (8) according to claim 3, characterised in that the snap-fit element (43) forms a holder of the module (38) in relation to the lid (9) in the width direction (x).

5. Food storage container (8) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that a release opening (44) in a wall, which delimits the receiving shaft (39), is embodied adjacent to the snap-fit element (43), so that it is made possible to engage with a release tool from outside the receiving shaft (39), in order to be able to release the snap-fit connection between the snap-fit element (43) and the counter-snap-fit element (45).

6. Food storage container (8) according to claim 2 and according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the snap-fit element (43) is arranged in the receiving shaft (39).

7. Food storage container (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second coupling element (33 to 37, 45) is arranged on a front edge of the lid (9), in particular is integrated in a strip (30) or a frame of the lid (9).

8. Food storage container (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second coupling element (33 to 37, 45) has a coupling web (33 to 37), on which guide elements (47) oriented in the height direction (y) of the food storage container (8) are arranged.

9. Food storage container (8) according to claim 8, characterised in that the receiving shaft (39) is dimensioned in the depth direction (z) such that a guide element (47) is arranged in a fixed location at least in the coupled end position between the module (38) and the lid (9) in the depth direction (z) and in the height direction (y) of the food storage container (8).

10. Food storage container (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second coupling element (33 to 37, 45) has a coupling web (33 to 37), on which a counter-snap-fit element (45) is arranged, which is embodied to snap-fit with a snap-fit element (43) that is a constituent part of the first coupling element (39, 43).

11. Food storage container (8) according to one of claims 3 to 6 and according to claim 10, characterised in that the counter-snap-fit element (45) is oriented in the width direction (x) and, during displacement between the module (38) and the lid (9) in the width direction (x), can be snap-fitted to the snap-fit element (43)12. Food storage container (8) according to claim 8 or 9 and claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the counter-snap-fit element (45), at least in an uncoupled basic state between the module (38) and the lid (9), protrudes downwards or upwards in relation to the guide elements (47) with a snap-fit lug (46).

13. Food storage container (8) according to claim 12, characterised in that the receiving shaft (39), when viewed in the height direction (y) of the food storage container (8), is higher in the region in which the counter-snap-fit element (45) is introduced during the combining of the module (38) with the lid (9) than in the region in which the guide elements (47) are introduced.

14. Food storage container (8) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 13, characterised in that the coupling web (33 to 47) has at least one flexibilisation perforation.

15. Method for assembling a food storage container (8) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the following steps are performed: - providing the module (38); - providing the lid (9); - combining the module (38) with the lid (9) in the depth direction (z), wherein to this end coupling elements (39, 43; 33 to 37, 45) of a coupling facility (40) of the food storage container (8) are combined in the depth direction (z); characterised by the following step: - following the combining, displacing the module (38) and the lid (9) relative to one another in the width direction (x), until the end position is reached.