Food storage container with specific ventilation device with preassembly unit, and domestic refrigerator and method

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a food storage container (8) for a household refrigeration appliance (1), comprising a tray (10) for receiving the food, a separate lid (9) which can be placed on the tray (10) to close the tray (10), and a ventilation device (12) with which an exchange of air between the environment and the interior (13) of the food storage container (8) can be carried out, wherein the ventilation device (12) has a pivotable flap (14) which, in an open position, exposes a ventilation opening (21) and, in the closed position, closes the ventilation opening (21), wherein the ventilation device (12) has a support body (15) on which a separate assembly (39) of the ventilation device (12) is mounted, which has the flap (14), a support rail (40) for the flap (14) and an actuating element (41) for actuating the flap (14).One aspect also concerns a household refrigeration appliance (1) and one aspect concerns a process.

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 holding 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 with which an exchange of air can be carried out between the environment and the interior of the food storage container. The ventilation device has a pivotable flap that, in an open position, exposes a ventilation opening and, in a closed position, closes the ventilation opening. Another aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance with such a food storage container. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for assembling a ventilation device of a food storage container.

[0002] Such a household refrigeration appliance 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 pivotally 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 positioned relatively far upwards. 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] US 5,437,503 discloses a tray with a tray front. The tray front has a frame into which a panel is inserted. The panel has vertical perforated grids and panel guides arranged above and below the perforated grids. An elongated control means is inserted into the panel guides and is movable so that the perforated grids are concealed or exposed to ventilate the tray.

[0004] WO 2013 / 0186128 A1 discloses a refrigeration device with a storage space for refrigerated goods, wherein at least one passage for the inflow and / or outflow of air to or from the storage space is formed in a wall delimiting the storage space, and a fan for driving an air flow, wherein a movable closure element is arranged at the passage between the fan and the storage space, which in the open position allows an air flow driven by the fan to circulate in the storage space and in the closed position guides the air flow driven by the fan via a channel running along an outer side of a wall of the storage space.

[0005] DE 10 2013 212 382 A1 discloses a household refrigeration appliance, having an interior space for accommodating food, which is delimited by walls of an inner container, and having a freshness container for food arranged in the interior space, which can be closed by a lid, and having a storage device with which the lid is mounted in the interior space so as to be raised and lowered for opening and closing the freshness container, and having an operating element with which the lid can be actuated, and for this purpose the operating element can be coupled to the lid, characterized in that the lid has a guide track on an upper side facing the operating element, into which the operating element can be coupled, wherein the guide track has an edge contour having a front edge contour section that forms a partial section of a front edge of the lid, and the front edge contour section is formed at a lower height level,as a remaining edge contour section completing the edge contour.,

[0006] DE 10 2016 218 342 A1 discloses a refrigeration appliance with a cooled storage space and a tray arranged so as to be retractable in the storage space, wherein a flap movable between a closed and an open position is provided in a wall of the tray, and wherein in a retracted stop position with the flap closed there is a gap between the wall of the tray and a wall of the storage space opposite it, and the flap engages in the gap in the open position.

[0007] US 4,850,206 discloses a household refrigeration appliance with a tray and a cover arranged over the tray. The tray is inserted into slots in the cover. The cover has openings with a sliding gate at the front and a movable throttle valve at the rear. The sliding gate and the movable throttle valve are coupled by an actuator arm. For this purpose, the actuator arm can be pivoted horizontally about a pivot axis. In an open pivot position, the front openings and the throttle valve are open, and in a closed pivot position, they are closed.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a food storage container for a household refrigeration appliance, as well as such a household refrigeration appliance, in which the ventilation device is designed in an improved manner with regard to the arrangement of its components. In particular, a method for assembling a ventilation device is also to be created, which is improved in this regard.

[0009] This object is achieved by a food storage container, a household refrigeration appliance and a method according to the independent claims.

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a food storage container for a household refrigeration appliance. The food storage container has a tray for holding food. The food storage container has a lid that is separate from the tray and can be placed on the tray to close the tray. In addition, the food storage container has a ventilation device with which an exchange of air can be carried out between the environment and the interior of the food storage container. The ventilation device has a pivotable flap that, 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 comprises the flap, a separate support rail for the flap, and a separate actuating element for operating the flap. These multiple, in particular three, separate components of the assembly enable improved assembly and positioning of these functional components. These three components form a separate, individually handled and manufactured module of the ventilation device. 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 makes it possible to form a pre-assembly assembly 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.This makes it easier, in particular, to pivotally attach the flap to a simply constructed support rail in advance. This eliminates the need for the flap to be laboriously mounted to 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 installation. A particular advantage is that the flap is no longer pivotally attached directly to the support body, but rather 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.

[0011] This allows for the creation of unique module variants, both functionally and in terms of design. For example, custom support rails can be installed. These can also be different in color or structure. This can also be applied to the flap or the operating element.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Preferably, the actuating element is slidably mounted on the support rail, in particular arranged on an upper side of the support rail. This allows for easy installation of the actuating element, since here, too, only the support rail is initially required. This facilitates handling and accessibility during assembly. In particular, the actuating element is arranged on the support rail in a non-destructively detachable manner, but is nevertheless arranged displaceably 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 self-retainingly fastened only to the support rail.

[0015] The actuating element is, in particular, a slider. This preferably has an upwardly projecting handle.

[0016] Preferably, the flap is pivotably mounted on the support rail. In particular, the flap is self-retaining and pivotably mounted only on the support rail.

[0017] The flap preferably has a coupling strand with a rounded cross-section integrated into one edge and thus formed integrally therewith. The rounded coupling strand is arranged in and held in at least one receptacle of the support rail. In particular, it is snapped into place therein. This is particularly the case in such a way that a pivoting relative movement between the flap and the support rail is possible. This coupling is therefore particularly advantageous in enabling holding while simultaneously permitting pivoting movement. Furthermore, it is designed to save space. The coupling strand is designed as a rod or bar with a round cross-section.

[0018] Preferably, the rounded coupling strand has locally discrete thickening rings. These, in particular, allow the flap to be precisely inserted into the receptacles of the support rail. The receptacles are preferably formed in webs.

[0019] Preferably, the flap has at least one centering element that engages with a counter-centering element in the support rail. This is done in particular in such a way that a positional centering of these two components is achieved in the width direction of the food receptacle.

[0020] Preferably, the centering element is designed as an interruption of the rounded coupling strand, viewed along the longitudinal axis of the coupling strand. This allows for a space-saving design. The coupling strand is thus designed to be multifunctional.

[0021] The flap preferably has at least one pulse generator element. When the flap is closed, this pulse generator element projects in particular into a receptacle for the actuating element. The receptacle is delimited by a wall in the width direction of the food container in the direction of displacement of the actuating element. The pulse generator element is in particular a locally formed elevation. It can also be referred to as a nose. It is formed on a longitudinal edge of the flap. It extends laterally from this longitudinal edge, in particular in a plane in which the surface of the rectangular flap is formed. The flap can also be referred to as board-like. The pulse generator element can also be designed as a spring element. A prestressed spring part of the spring element can be injection-molded onto the flap or the actuating element. However, the spring element can also be a separate additional part.For example, it can also be a rotation spring or a leg spring.

[0022] The pulse generator element preferably has a side edge which, starting from the closed state of the flap, comes into contact with the wall when the actuating element is moved to open the flap, so that the flap receives a pivoting impulse to open. The pulse generator element makes pivoting the flap from the closed position particularly simple and efficient. In particular, starting the pivoting movement is improved. This is because it is possible that the flap is not completely flat due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. These slight deformations can make starting the pivoting movement more difficult. The pulse generator element overcomes this. Because of the specific mechanical contact between the wall and the pulse generator element, the flap receives this pivoting impulse to start the pivoting movement.

[0023] In particular, the side edge is a beveled edge. This bevel is formed in a plane spanned by the width and depth directions of the food receptacle. In particular, the pulse generator element is designed with a trapezoidal shape in this plane. This allows for the formation of a simple chamfer. This prevents the pulse generator element from clamping or spreading against the wall when these two parts are in direct mechanical contact and slide against each other.

[0024] In particular, the flap has an integrated ramp with an underside that directly engages a guide cam integrated into the actuating element. The underside can be inclined. This is done in such a way that, upon a sliding movement of the actuating element, the guide cam slides along the inclined underside. This guides the pivoting movement of the flap. This enables particularly jam-free and jerk-free movement. The underside can also be curved, for example, concave or convex. A curved track can also be formed. A design as an eccentric is also possible.

[0025] Such a coupling part, which is particularly designed as a ramp, allows for a relatively small-area direct contact with the guide cam. This minimizes frictional forces during relative movement of the components. This simplifies actuation. In this context, only relatively small forces need to be exerted on the actuating element to achieve the flap's movement.

[0026] According to the invention, 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.

[0027] In particular, this mechanical connection between the cover and the support body can be removed without causing any 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.

[0028] 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 the top 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. Such a configuration realizes a space-saving concept. Furthermore, it prevents the flap from being undesirably damaged. This can happen if it protrudes and is then knocked against other objects. Furthermore, it can be provided that in this closed position the top side of the carrier body is arranged flush with the top side of the flap. This creates an overall surface without any unevenness.

[0029] In the closed position, the flap is particularly oriented horizontally.

[0030] In the different open position, the flap is folded downwards when viewed in the vertical direction. 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 arranged completely within the support body in an advantageous embodiment. 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.

[0031] 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. This further enhances the aforementioned advantages.

[0032] Preferably, the flap comprises a plate portion. The flap further comprises a coupling portion projecting downward from the plate portion. The coupling portion is in particular a ramp. The coupling portion is designed for coupling to an actuating unit of the food receptacle. The actuating element is arranged on this actuating unit or coupled to this actuating unit. The pivoting movement of the flap can thereby be initiated. This design implements a precise actuating concept which transfers the movement of the actuating element very directly and precisely to the flap. Undesirable tolerances can thus be significantly reduced. Furthermore, this design achieves a short mechanical chain of action for transferring the movement from the actuating element to the flap, while maintaining a high degree of compactness.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, a pivot axis of the respective rotation axis of the flap is formed at a front end of the flap in the depth direction of the food container. With this embodiment, a rear end of the flap is then pivoted downward during a pivoting movement from the closed position to the open position. In this embodiment, a ventilation duct of the ventilation device, which is then released, is exposed to the front.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, 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 tray flange of the tray. The tray flange is in particular a component of a front wall of the tray. 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 affects 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.

[0035] The ventilation device is designed, in particular, as a separate attachment on the front of the lid. For this purpose, the support body has a rear groove into which a front edge of a cover plate of the lid is inserted. The cover plate can be made of glass.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the food container has an indicator. This indicator bar symbolically indicates the open or closed position of the lid. The indicator bar extends, for example, partially under the lid. The indicator bar can be arranged in a non-destructively removable manner.

[0037] This makes it easy to display and symbolize the current position of the flap.

[0038] Preferably, the flap is arranged completely in front of a front edge of the lid, viewed in the depth direction of the food receptacle, and without contact with the front edge. This configuration makes it possible for the lid itself to be designed as a uniform and uninterrupted plate. This simplifies production. By arranging the flap virtually outside the surface dimensions of the lid and specifically positioning it in front of the lid in the depth direction, the flap can be moved more easily and in a more needs-based manner, particularly with regard to a corresponding mechanism. In this context, a ventilation opening is therefore no longer formed integrally in the lid itself, but rather a ventilation opening is formed between a lid, according to the invention a front edge of the lid, and the tray, in particular an upper tray flange.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided 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 storage container 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.

[0040] The support body is preferably designed as a hollow part. The support body is partially designed as a shaft. The support body, in particular, has at least one integrated ventilation duct or air duct.

[0041] A further independent aspect of the invention relates to a food storage container for a household refrigeration appliance, comprising a tray for holding the food, a separate lid which can be placed on the tray to close the tray, and a ventilation device with which an exchange of air can be carried out between the environment and the interior of the food storage container, wherein the ventilation device has a pivotable flap which, in an open position, releases a ventilation opening and, in the closed position, closes the ventilation opening. The flap has a pulse generator element which, when the flap is closed, projects into a receptacle of the actuating element. The receptacle is delimited by a wall in the width direction of the food storage container in the direction of displacement of the actuating element.In particular, the pulse generator element has a side edge which, starting from the closed state of the flap, contacts the wall when the actuating element is moved to open the flap, so that the flap thereby receives a pivoting impulse to open.

[0042] Embodiments of the first aspect relating to the food receptacle are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of this further independent aspect of the food receptacle.

[0043] A further aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance with at least one food storage container according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. 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.

[0044] 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 or fish.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Preferably, the food storage container can be removed from the storage space and reinserted, making it a portable or mobile container.

[0047] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for assembling a ventilation device for a food container, in which a support body of the ventilation device is provided. An assembly is produced as a pre-assembly. For this purpose, a flap of the ventilation device is mounted on a separate support rail of the ventilation device, and an actuating element of the ventilation device is mounted on the support rail. The pre-assembly thus formed is subsequently mounted on the support body with a mechanical connection. This results in a simple assembly scenario. Components that are difficult to mount individually on the support body are thus joined together in advance, and the resulting assembly is then mounted as a whole on the support body. Individual connections between all parts of the assembly and the support body are therefore no longer necessary.A snap-in connection can be provided as a mechanical connection. In particular, a non-destructively detachable mechanical connection can be provided.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction" indicate the positions and orientations given during normal use and proper arrangement of the container or device.

[0050] 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 portion of the household refrigeration appliance according to Fig. 1 , in which a food container 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 a perspective view of an embodiment of a ventilation device of the food receptacle; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a carrier body of the ventilation device according to Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6 a perspective view of a flap of the ventilation device according to Fig. 4 ; Fig. 7 a perspective view of a support rail of the ventilation device according to Fig. 4 for a flap according to Fig. 6 and an actuating element according to Fig. 7; Fig. 8 a perspective view of an actuating element of the ventilation device according to Fig. 4 ; Fig. 9 a perspective view of the ventilation device according to Fig. 4 from below; Fig. 10 an enlarged view of a part of the illustration in Fig. 9 ; Fig. 11 a sectional view of the food receptacle in the area of the ventilation device; and Fig. 12 a perspective sectional view of the area according to Fig. 11 with the ventilation flap open.

[0051] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0052] In Fig. 1In 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] A refrigerated goods or freshness container is retractably mounted in the upper receiving space 4. It 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.

[0055] The inner container 3 has, among other things, two opposite vertical side walls 3a and 3b.

[0056] At least by the cover 11, the food receptacle 8 is separated from the remaining partial volume of the receiving space 4.

[0057] 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.

[0058] In Fig. 2 A perspective view of a portion of the household refrigeration appliance 1 is shown, in which the food receptacle 8 is arranged. The food receptacle 8, which can be completely removed from the receiving space 4, has a ventilation device 12. This ventilation device 12 enables an exchange of air between the environment and a volume space or an interior 13 ( Fig. 3 ) of the food container 8. The ventilation device 12 is, in particular, a separate module. It can be arranged on the lid 9.

[0059] 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 receiving container 8.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The plate-like flap 14 is in Fig. 2shown 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.

[0063] 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 mounted displaceably 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, viewed in the depth direction, a top opening 20 of the support body 15 towards the front. 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.

[0064] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 In the embodiment shown, a pivot axis A, about which the flap 14 can be pivoted, is oriented in the width direction.

[0065] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 In the embodiment shown, the ventilation opening 12 is limited by a circumferentially closed edge 24. 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 downward about the pivot axis A.

[0066] 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 fixed to a front edge 27 ( Fig. 11) of the lid 9. In particular, a plug-on design 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. In particular, a front edge of a cover plate of the lid 9. The cover plate can be made of glass.

[0067] As in Fig. 11 Furthermore, as can be seen, the carrier body 15 bridges the distance or free space 23 formed in the depth direction ( Fig. 11 ) between the front edge 27 of the cover 9 and a rear edge 29 of the front flange 26. This is in particular also the rear edge 29 of the front wall 25, as shown in Fig. 11 is shown.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 11As can be seen, the carrier body 15 has a front inclined wall 30. This inclined wall 30 abuts a complementary inclined wall 31 of the front wall 25. This maintains the position of the carrier body 15 when the cover module 16 is placed on the shell 10.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 11 As can be seen, the carrier body 15 has in its Fig. 11 shown cross-sectional view (section plane is the yz-plane) has a trough-like shape. A longitudinal axis of the support body 15, which runs parallel to the pivot axis A, is Fig. 11oriented perpendicular to the plane of the figure. The cross-section is thus formed perpendicular to this longitudinal axis. In this cross-section, the support body 15 has a V-shape in an advantageous embodiment. A front-side lower sloping wall 32 is formed. In particular, it adjoins the upper front-side sloping wall 30 downwards. In addition, this V-shape has a rear sloping wall 33. This rises backwards and upwards from its lower and front end in the depth direction. The front-side or front sloping wall 32 rises forwards and upwards from a V-tip 34, as viewed from.

[0070] In this embodiment, an opening 35 of the ventilation duct 21, which faces the interior 13, is formed in this rear inclined wall 33. In the Fig. 11 In the closed position of the flap 14, it is oriented horizontally. The opening 22 facing away from the interior 13 ( Fig. 3) is closed. An upper side 36 of the flap 14 is in particular flush with an upper side 19 of the carrier body 15. In this closed position, the flap 14 is thus arranged completely recessed in the carrier body 15.

[0071] As can also be seen, the carrier body 15 has a pivoting space 37. The pivoting space 37 is there to allow the flap 14 to move between the closed position and the open position, as shown in Fig. 12 shown, can be pivoted inside the carrier body 15. The flap 14 is arranged in all possible positions completely within the carrier body 15.

[0072] The pivoting space 37 is limited at the bottom by a boundary wall 38. This boundary wall 38 is inclined. It represents the stop for the flap 14 in its Fig. 12 shown open position.

[0073] The support body 15, as already explained above, is designed as a one-piece component, in particular made of plastic. The support body 15 is an elongated beam. It is designed as a hollow body, at least in some areas. This allows, among other things, the ventilation ducts 22 to be realized. They are thus integrated into this support body. The support body 15 is thus also designed as a truss component in some areas.

[0074] The ventilation device 12 has, in addition to the support body 15 already explained, a separate assembly 39. The assembly 39 of the ventilation device 12 is formed from several individual components. This assembly 39 has a support rail 40. The support rail 40 is formed in one piece. In particular, it is made of plastic. This support rail 40 is preferably formed as a plate strip. In particular, it is designed like a board. The support rail 40 is, viewed along its longitudinal direction (in the x-direction), the same length as the support body 15 or approximately the same length as this support body 15. The assembly 39, as shown in Fig. 4 is shown in a perspective view in the assembled state, in which Fig. 4the carrier body 15 is also shown, additionally has the flap 14. In addition, the assembly 39 has the separate actuating element 17. In particular, the assembly 39 is thus formed from three separate components, namely the carrier rail 40, the flap 14 and the actuating element 17. This assembly 39 is mounted on the carrier body 15. In particular, a non-destructively detachable connection is formed here. In particular, at least one snap connection 41 ( Fig. 11 ). Advantageously, the snap connection of the assembly 39 to the support body 15 is formed only via one of the separate components, in particular the support rail 40. The other separate components, namely the flap 14 and the actuating element 17, are not directly connected to the support body 15 with such a self-retaining connection, in particular a snap connection.

[0075] The flap 14 is arranged in a holding manner directly on the support rail 40. Furthermore, it is, in particular, only connected to this support rail 40 in a self-retaining manner. The actuating element 17 is arranged directly on the support rail 40. Here, too, only one connection to the support rail 40 is provided. In particular, the actuating element 17 is connected to the support rail 40 by a non-destructively detachable connection, in particular a snap connection. In particular, the flap 14 is connected to the support rail 40 by a non-destructively detachable connection, in particular at least one snap connection.

[0076] In particular, this assembly 39 is a pre-assembly assembly. This means that these three separate components are connected to each other before being mounted on the support body 15. Thus, in particular, the actuating element 17 is first attached to the support rail 40, and then the flap 14 is attached to the support rail 40. The pre-assembly assembly thus formed is then subsequently installed on the support body 15.

[0077] In the representation according to Fig. 4 The flap 14 is shown in the closed state. The longitudinal direction of this ventilation device 12 is formed by the width direction (x-direction). As can be seen, the actuating element 17 sits on an upper side 44 of the support rail 40. The actuating element 17 is mounted so as to be displaceable relative to this support rail 40 in this x-direction.

[0078] The support rail 40 also represents a partial upper cover of the ventilation ducts 22 of the support body 15. In particular, the support rail 40 is also a front-side upper cover of this support body 15. In the closed state, the ventilation ducts 22 in the support body 15 are completely covered from above by the closed flap 14 and the support rail 40 directly adjoining it.

[0079] In Fig. 5 In a perspective view, only the support body 15 is shown. The ventilation ducts 22 can be seen.

[0080] This carrier body 15 has, integrated and thus formed in one piece therewith, preferably a plurality of snap lugs 43 ( Fig. 11 ). These are each snapped together with a snap element 42, which is formed integrally with the support rail 40, as shown in Fig. 11Such a snap element 42 is preferably designed as a resilient hook. This snap element 42 extends downwards from an underside of the support rail 40. As further shown in Fig. 11 and especially in Fig. 4 As can be seen, the actuating element 17 sits on the upper side 44 of the support rail 40.

[0081] In Fig. 6 The flap 14 is shown in a perspective view. It has a coupling rod 45 formed integrally with an edge 46 running parallel to its longitudinal axis. This coupling rod 45 is designed as a rounded coupling rod, particularly when viewed in cross section. Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, it represents a round rod or a round bar. When the flap 14 is mounted on the support rail 40, as is also shown in Fig. 11As shown in the vertical section, this coupling rod 45 is received in several discrete receptacles 47, which are formed integrally in the support rail 40. These receptacles 47 have rounded, in particular concavely curved areas, into which the coupling rod 45 can be inserted with a precise fit. This enables a play-free positioning of the coupling rod 45 in the receptacle 47, while at the same time achieving a continuous and smooth pivoting movement of the flap 14 relative to the support rail 40 when arranged on the support rail 40.

[0082] As furthermore in Fig. 6 As can be seen, the flap 14 has an integrated centering element 48. In the exemplary embodiment, this is an interruption in the coupling rod or the coupling bar 45. As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 , which show the assembly 39 viewed from below in perspective, and in which Fig. 10an enlarged section of the image in Fig. 9 As can be seen, the support rail 14 has an integrated counter-centering element 49. This engages in the mounted state, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 can be seen, into this centering element 48. In particular, the counter-centering element 49 is a strip-like web.

[0083] In addition, the flap 14, as shown in Fig. 6 As can be seen, it has a pulse generator element 50. This is formed integrally with the flap 14. The pulse generator element 50 is formed on an edge facing the support rail 40. It extends in raised form away from this edge of the flap 14. The pulse generator element 50 is designed as a protruding nose.

[0084] This pulse generator element 50 is immersed in a receptacle 51 in the closed state of the flap 14, as shown in the perspective sectional view in Fig. 12This receptacle 51 is formed integrally with the support rail 40. The receptacle 51 is formed on an edge of the support rail 40 facing the flap 14 and is open towards the flap 14. In the depth direction (z-direction), this pulse generator element 50 and the receptacle 51 thus overlap when the flap 14 is closed. As shown in Fig. 12 As can be seen, this receptacle 51 is delimited in the width direction and thus in the x-direction of the ventilation device 12 at least on one side by a wall 52. This wall 52 is formed on the side which, when the actuating element 17 is moved from the basic position in which the flap 14 is closed, is brought towards the pulse generator element 50 and is then guided past this pulse generator element 50 at least in part in this x-direction. The displacement direction V is in Fig. 12also shown. Such a configuration has the particularly advantageous effect that during this displacement in the displacement direction V of the actuating element 17, starting from the closed position of the flap 14, this pulse generator element 50 is then mechanically contacted directly through this wall 52 and, in this regard, a pivoting pulse for opening the flap 14 is transmitted to this flap 14. This makes the opening movement easier and further displacement of the actuating element 17 is smoother. Due to assembly and manufacturing tolerances, slight unevenness may occur in the elongated flap 14 and / or the support body 15 and / or the support rail 40. This may make a pivoting movement of the flap 14 more difficult; nevertheless, this is still an advantageous and not disadvantageous configuration of the movement.This already excellent movement capability of the flap 14 can be further improved by this pulse generator element 50 interacting with the wall 52 when the actuating element 17 is moved. This pivoting impulse pushes the flap 14 from the closed position in the pivoting direction, or rather, assists it in this way, improving the downward falling of the flap 14 due to gravity.

[0085] Preferably, this pulse generator element 50, as shown in particular in Fig. 12can be seen, a side edge 53. This side edge 53 is the one which comes into direct contact with this wall 52 when the actuating element 17 is moved out of the closed position of the flap 14. This side edge 53 is preferably inclined. As a result, the sliding of the wall 52 along the pulse generator element 50 during the relative movement of these two components to one another is carried out very continuously and without jamming or spreading. When the pulse generator element 50 is viewed from above and thus in the xz plane, this side edge 53 is oriented obliquely in this regard. In particular, the pulse generator element 50 has a trapezoidal shape when viewed in this way in the aforementioned xz plane.

[0086] As furthermore in Fig. 6As can be seen, the coupling rod 45, in an advantageous embodiment, has at least one, in particular a plurality of, thickening rings 54. These thickening rings 54, which are only formed locally and thus not continuously over the entire length of the coupling rod 45, form an improved concept for a precise mechanical coupling to the receptacles 47. These thickening rings 54 are at least partially circumferential. They represent radial thickenings of the coupling rod 45 at local points. Such a design further improves the movement guidance of the flap 14 on the support rail 14.

[0087] In Fig. 7 The support rail 40 is shown in perspective. It has a recess at the rear edge in the figure which is open at the edge. The actuating element 17 is located in this recess, as shown in Fig. 8shown in perspective, and mounted so as to be relatively displaceable in this x-direction.

[0088] In Fig. 9 The assembly 39, as already mentioned above, is shown in the assembled state and viewed from the underside. As can be seen here, the receptacles 47 are preferably formed integrally with webs 55. These webs 55 extend downwards from the underside of the support rail 40. These webs 55, on whose upper front edge region these rounded trough-like receptacles 47 are formed, therefore also form a support or a stabilizer element from below for the coupling rod 45. The coupling rod 45 is thus also seated to a certain extent from above on these webs 55 in the area of the receptacles 47. In particular, the thickening rings 54 engage in the receptacle 47. They are mounted therein with a precise fit. In addition, Fig. 9It can also be seen that the flap 14 has a coupling part on its underside which is in the form of a ramp 56. This ramp 56 projects downwards. The ramp 56 has a underside 57. This underside 57 represents the lower edge of this ramp 56 which is designed as a web. This underside 57 runs at an angle so that the ramp shape is formed. The actuating element 17 has an integrated guide cam 58. This is preferably designed here as a tab or tongue. The ramp 56 sits on this guide cam 58 from above. The guide cam 58 slides along the underside 57 during the relative movement of the actuating element 17 to the flap 14. Due to the inclined position of the underside 57, the pivoting of the flap 14 is guided during this relative movement.

[0089] In Fig. 10 is an enlarged section of the illustration in Fig. 9in the area of the ramp 56, a web 55 and the counter-centering element 49. The respective mechanical couplings to each other are shown in Fig. 10 clearly visible.

[0090] In Fig. 11 A vertical sectional view of the ventilation device 12 is shown. Furthermore, the cover 9 is shown in sections, which is inserted into the groove 28. Furthermore, a portion of the front flange 26 is shown. The snapped state between the snap element 42 and the snap lug 43 is shown. Furthermore, the support rail 40 engages with a front lug 61 behind a coupling lug 62 of the support body 15, as shown in Fig. 11 is shown. This further improves the snapped state of the support rail 40 on the support body 15.

[0091] Furthermore, it can also be seen that, in an advantageous embodiment, the flap 14 has an overlapping web 59 at its end facing away from the support rail 40. This overlapping web is not formed over the entire thickness of the flap 14, but only in the lower area. In this respect, it projects forward. In the closed state of the flap 14, as shown in Fig. 11 As shown, this overlapping web 59 abuts against an opposing overlapping web 60, which is integrally formed on the support body 15. This further improves the retention of the closed position of the flap 14, and upward overshoot of the flap 14 is prevented. In the depth direction (z-direction), this overlapping web 59 and the opposing overlapping web 60 thus overlap when the flap 14 is closed.

[0092] In Fig. 12A perspective sectional view of a partial section of the ventilation device 12 is shown, with the flap 14 shown in the open state. It can also be seen here that in this open state, the pulse generator element 50 is completely extended from the receptacle 51. List of reference symbols 1 Household refrigeration appliance 33 sloping wall 2 Corpus 34 V-tip 3 inner container 35 opening 3a vertical side wall 36 Top 3b vertical side wall 37 Swivel space 4 recording room 38 boundary wall 5 recording room 39 module 6 Tür 40 support rail 7 freezer door 41 Snap connection 8 Food storage container 42 Snap element 9 Lid 43 Snap noses 10 Peel 44 Top 11 cover 45 coupling rod 12 Ventilation device 46 edge 13 Interior 47 Recordings 14 flap 48 Centering element 15 carrier body 49 Counter-centering element 16 Cover module 50 Pulse generator element 17 Actuating element 51 Recording 18 Edition 52 Wall 19 Top 53 side edge 20 Top opening 54 Thickening ring 21 ventilation opening 55 web 22 ventilation duct 56 ramp 23 Free space 57 bottom 24 edge 58 Guide cam 25 front wall 59 Overlap web 26 front flange 60 Opposite lap bar 27 edge 61 front nose 28 Nut 62 coupling nose 29 rear edge V Shift direction 30 sloping wall x Latitude direction 31 sloping wall y Altitude direction 32 sloping wall z Depth direction

Claims

1. Foodstuff receiving container (8) for a household refrigeration appliance (1), with a tray (10) for receiving the foodstuffs, 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 an air exchange can be performed between the surrounding area and the interior (13) of the foodstuff receiving container (8), wherein the ventilation apparatus (12) has a pivotable flap (14), which in an open position releases a ventilation opening (21) and in the closed position closes off the ventilation opening (21), characterised in that the ventilation apparatus (12) has a carrier body (15), on which an assembly (39), which is separate therefrom, of the ventilation apparatus (12) is installed, which has the flap (14), a carrier rail (40) for the flap (14) and an activation element (17) for activating the flap (14), and that 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 is covered by the ventilation apparatus.

2. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to claim 1, characterised in that the assembly (39) is fastened to the carrier body (15) by at least one snap-fit connection (41).

3. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to claim 2, characterised in that the carrier rail (40) has an integrated snap-fit element (42) of the snap-fit connection (41), with which the assembly (39) is snap-fitted to the carrier body (15), which is separate therefrom, by means of the carrier rail (40).

4. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the activation element (17) is arranged on the carrier rail (40) such that it is mounted in a displaceable manner, in particular on an upper side (44) of the carrier rail (40).

5. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flap (14) is mounted on the carrier rail (40) in a pivotable manner.

6. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to claim 5, characterised in that the flap (14) has a round coupling strand (45) that is integrated on an edge (46) and is arranged in at least one receptacle (47) of the carrier rail (40) and is held therein, in particular snap-fitted therein, so that a pivotable relative movement between the flap (14) and the carrier rail (40) is made possible.

7. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to claim 6, characterised in that the round coupling web (45) has discrete thickening rings (54), with which the flap (14) is inserted into receptacles (45), which are embodied in webs (55), with a precise fit.

8. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flap (14) has a centring element (48), which engages into a mating centring element (49) in the carrier rail (40), so that a position centring of these two components (14, 40) is embodied in the width direction (x) of the foodstuff receiving container (8).

9. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to claim 6 or 7 and claim 8, characterised in that the centring element (48) is embodied as an interruption of the round coupling web (45).

10. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flap (14) has an initiator element (50), which in the closed state of the flap (14) protrudes into a receptacle (51) of the activation element (17), wherein the receptacle (51) is delimited by a wall (52) in the width direction (x) of the foodstuff receiving container (8) in the displacement direction (V) of the activation element (17).

11. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to claim 10, characterised in that the initiator element (50) has a side edge (53), which makes contact with the wall (52) starting from the closed state of the flap (14) when the activation element (17) is displaced to open the flap (14), so that the flap (14) obtains pivot momentum to open as a result.

12. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to claim 11, characterised in that the side edge (53) is an oblique edge.

13. Foodstuff receiving container (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flap (14) has an integrated ramp (56) with an oblique lower side (57), which directly abuts a guide cam (58), which is embodied such that it is integrated on the activation element (17), so that the guide cam (58) slides along the oblique lower side (57) during a displacement movement of the activation element (17).

14. Household refrigeration appliance (1) with a foodstuff receiving container (8) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Method for installing a foodstuff receiving container (8) according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which a carrier body (15) of the ventilation apparatus (15) is provided and an assembly (39) is produced as preinstallation assembly, wherein to this end a flap (14) of the ventilation apparatus (12) is installed on a carrier rail (40), which is separate therefrom, of the ventilation apparatus (12) and an actuation element (17) of the ventilation apparatus (12) is installed on the carrier rail (40), wherein this preinstallation assembly is subsequently installed on the carrier body (15), in particular is at least snap-fitted thereto.

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