Refrigeration unit device and refrigeration unit

Abstract

The invention is based on a refrigeration unit device (12), in particular a domestic refrigeration unit device, with an inner container wall (16), an outer container wall (30) and a front unit (18) which is connected to the inner container wall (16) and / or to the outer container wall (30). In order to provide a refrigeration unit device of the type in question with improved properties in respect of design and efficiency, it is proposed that the front unit (18) at least partially forms a receiving space (50) for receiving at least one functional unit (52).

Description

[0001] Refrigeration device and refrigeration device

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a refrigeration device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a refrigeration device according to claim 15.

[0004] From the prior art, for example DE 10 2005 057 143 A1, a refrigeration device with an inner container wall and an outer container wall is already known. The inner container wall and the outer container wall are connected to one another by a connecting element acting as an insulating element. The inner container wall, the outer container wall, and the connecting element together delimit an insulating space in which an insulating element is arranged. According to the prior art, functional units, such as magnetic elements, are arranged on a side of the connecting element facing the insulating space, specifically directly in the insulating space. This results in a high susceptibility to damage and / or mechanical stress on the functional unit when the insulating space is filled with foam.In addition, accessibility to the functional unit is severely restricted and after completion of a refrigeration device, the functional unit is arranged in the insulation space in an inaccessible manner without destroying the connecting element and / or the insulation unit.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of design and efficiency. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 15, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a household refrigeration device, having an inner container wall, an outer container wall and a front unit which is connected to the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall.

[0008] It is proposed that the front unit at least partially forms a receiving space for receiving at least one functional unit.

[0009] Such a configuration allows the design of a refrigeration appliance to be optimized and efficiency to be increased with regard to at least product, manufacturing, resource, performance, assembly, disassembly, recycling, and / or cost efficiency. Furthermore, a preferably separate configuration of a front unit from an inner container wall and / or outer container wall can improve modularity and / or flexibility with regard to structure and / or design. Furthermore, a high degree of variation and design diversity can be enabled. Preferably, the production of a refrigeration appliance product range comprising refrigeration appliances that differ at least in their size can be optimized. Furthermore, a functional unit can be integrated conveniently and in a space-saving manner.This allows for a compact construction and design, and increases efficiency with regard to design aspects, sustainability, hygiene, quality, and / or costs. Furthermore, efficiency with regard to assembly and / or disassembly can be optimized, and assembly and / or disassembly effort can be reduced. Preferably, access to at least the functional unit can be facilitated for a user and / or customer service, and maintenance of the functional unit can be made more efficient.

[0010] The refrigeration device can be a cooling and / or freezing device, such as a refrigerator and / or freezer or a refrigerator and / or freezer chest device. In particular, the refrigeration device is a part, namely a subassembly of a refrigeration device. However, it would also be conceivable for the refrigeration device to form the entire refrigeration device. The refrigeration device can be a cooling and / or freezing device, for example a refrigerator and / or freezer or a refrigerator and / or freezer chest. The refrigeration device is particularly advantageously provided, in at least one operating state, for cooling refrigerated goods, in particular foodstuffs such as beverages, meat, fish, milk and / or dairy products, in a storage space of the refrigeration device, preferably in order to ensure a longer shelf life for the refrigerated goods. Alternatively, the refrigerated goods could also be at least one cosmetic and / or medical item.It would also be conceivable for the refrigeration appliance to be designed as a beverage cooler, for example, for wine or other spirits. The refrigeration appliance, in particular the refrigeration device, could be used for commercial purposes in a shop, a hotel, a catering establishment, such as a bar and / or a café and / or a restaurant, or the like.

[0011] The refrigeration appliance is preferably designed as a household refrigeration appliance. The household refrigeration appliance is intended for use, specifically for use and / or arrangement in a household, in particular a kitchen. The household refrigeration appliance is preferably a part, specifically a subassembly of a household refrigeration appliance. However, it would also be conceivable for the household refrigeration appliance to form the entire household refrigeration appliance. The household refrigeration appliance can be a refrigerator and / or freezer, such as a refrigerator and / or freezer chest or a refrigerator and / or freezer cabinet, for at least the household. The storage space could be divided into several sub-storage spaces, which could, for example, be cooled to different temperatures at least in the operating state.The storage room or at least a partial storage room of the partial storage rooms could form a cooling compartment or a freezer compartment of the refrigeration appliance, in particular the household refrigeration appliance.

[0012] Furthermore, it would alternatively be conceivable for the refrigeration appliance to form a kit for assembling at least part of the refrigeration appliance. The kit could, for example, be provided for manufacturing at least part of the refrigeration appliance. The refrigeration appliance is particularly preferably provided for assembling, in particular completing, a device body of the refrigeration appliance. In an assembled state, the refrigeration appliance could preferably provide a finished, in particular fully functional, device body for the refrigeration appliance. The kit could comprise at least the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall. The kit preferably comprises a group of front units, wherein at least one front unit is selectable from the group of front units.Depending on the needs and / or orders of a user, in particular a customer, and / or depending on the type, size and / or design of the refrigeration appliance, at least one corresponding front unit can be selected from the group of front units. The front units of the group of front units can differ in at least one size and / or shape. Preferably, the front units of the group of front units differ at least in terms of one material or material composition. A first front unit of the group of front units could, for example, be made at least largely from a transparent material. A second front unit of the group of front units could, at least largely from an opaque material, specifically from a material different from the material of the first front unit.It would also be conceivable for the second front unit to consist of a material composition and, for example, to be transparent at least in sections and to have colored and / or decorative elements at least in sections. Furthermore, the front units of the group of front units could differ in terms of color design, surface structure, labeling and / or the like. Alternatively and / or additionally, at least one front unit of the front units could have soft elements, such as at least one sealing element, and / or fixing elements for fixing further components to the front unit. Possibly, at least the fixing element could be provided for fixing receptacles and / or shelves and / or the like.

[0013] In particular, the appliance body is part of the refrigeration device. The appliance body can at least partially delimit the storage space. The refrigeration device can have an outer container, which is advantageously part of the appliance body. In particular, an inner container is part of the appliance body. In the present case, an “inner container” is to be understood as a container that delimits the storage space on at least three sides, advantageously at least five sides, preferably six sides. The inner container advantageously comprises an inner container box, in particular a tub- and / or box-shaped inner container. In addition, the inner container can have an inner container lid. In particular, the inner container box is designed separately from the inner container lid. The inner container lid can be arranged on the inner container box. The inner container box can be closed on at least one side by the inner container lid, which can be part of a door of the refrigeration device.The appliance door can be rotatably mounted on the appliance body, in particular the outer container. The appliance door can define at least one side of the outer container and, in a closed state, delimit and / or close the storage space on at least one side. In particular, at least one front / outer side of the appliance door is part of the outer container. A closed state is preferably a state in which the appliance door abuts against the appliance body, in contrast to an open state of the appliance door. In the open state, the storage space is at least partially and preferably completely accessible to a user. It would be conceivable for at least one hinge of the refrigeration appliance, for example a strap and / or a pivot, to be arranged on the appliance body, by means of which hinge the appliance door is connected, in particular at least partially fixed, to the appliance body.In particular, the appliance door can be rotated about the rotation axis for opening and / or closing. The hinge could define the rotation axis around which the appliance door rotates. In the closed state, the appliance door covers an opening plane of the appliance body, in particular of the refrigeration appliance, advantageously by arranging and / or aligning the appliance door at least substantially parallel to the opening plane. In the open state, the appliance door could have a maximum opening angle of at least 90°, advantageously at least 180°, preferably at least 210°, and particularly preferably a maximum of 270°, wherein the opening angle is particularly dimensioned relative to the opening plane of the appliance body. In the closed state, the appliance door, in particular at least one sealing unit of the appliance door, preferably abuts against the outer container, advantageously the outer container wall.

[0014] Preferably, at least one thermal insulation element of the refrigeration device is arranged in an insulation space between the inner container and the outer container. The insulation space can be delimited at least partially or completely by the inner container and / or the outer container. In particular, the thermal insulation element is arranged at least partially on a side of the inner container, in particular of the inner container box, facing away from the storage space. The thermal insulation element can be prefabricated, in particular plate-like. It is conceivable for the thermal insulation element to be designed as at least one vacuum panel. Alternatively, the thermal insulation element can be created by foaming an intermediate space, in particular an insulation space, between the inner container and the outer container.The thermal insulation element is preferably a component designed to prevent heat flow as much as possible. The thermal insulation element can be made at least largely from a plastic, preferably a foam, more preferably a rigid foam, for example from polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride and / or polystyrene and / or EPS, and / or in combination with the vacuum panel. Furthermore, the thermal insulation element can be designed as a rigid foam plate, for example as a polyurethane plate and / or Styrofoam plate. A combination of a plate-like insulation element and foaming of the intermediate space, namely the insulation space, would also be conceivable. In an assembled state, the thermal insulation element is advantageously designed to at least thermally insulate the storage space.

[0015] The inner container wall is preferably part of the inner container and forms at least a section of a wall or an entire wall thereof. In particular, the inner container wall is a wall and / or side of the inner container facing the storage space. Advantageously, the inner container wall is a side wall of the inner container, for example a right or left side wall, or a rear wall of the inner container. It would also be conceivable for the inner container wall to be a bottom wall or ceiling wall of the inner container. The inner container wall can have a side facing the storage space and a side facing away from the storage space. In particular, the side facing away from the storage space is a side of the inner container wall facing the insulation space. Preferably, the side of the inner container wall facing away from the storage space is provided for at least partial or complete contact with the thermal insulation element.The inner container wall can have recesses extending in the depth direction, at least in sections, for arranging accessories. The recesses could extend across the entire storage space in the depth direction or across at least 10%, advantageously at least 30%, preferably at most 80%, and particularly preferably at most 60%. In particular, the recesses are embossed and / or punched and / or cut out of the inner container wall. A holding element for holding a shelf of the refrigeration appliance could be arranged in the recesses. Alternatively and / or additionally, accessories, such as the shelf, could be arranged directly in the recesses, for example clipped and / or inserted and / or locked, in particular without additional holding elements.

[0016] The outer container wall is preferably part of the outer container and forms at least a section of a wall or an entire wall thereof. In particular, the outer container wall is a wall and / or side of the outer container facing away from the storage space. The outer container wall can be a wall visible to the user. The outer container wall can have at least one external visible surface for the user. If the refrigeration appliance is a built-in appliance, the outer container wall can be at least partially or completely a wall facing a built-in cabinet and / or built-in housing. Advantageously, the outer container wall is a side wall of the outer container, for example a right or left side wall, or a rear wall of the outer container. It would also be conceivable for the outer container wall to be a bottom wall or ceiling wall of the outer container.The outer container wall can have a side facing the storage space and a side facing away from it. In particular, the side facing the storage space is a side of the outer container wall facing the insulation space. The side of the outer container wall facing away from the storage space can have the external visible surface for the user. Preferably, the side of the outer container wall facing the insulation space is intended for at least partial or complete contact with the thermal insulation element.

[0017] In particular, the front unit is part of the device body. The inner container wall can contact the front unit directly, at least in sections. In particular, the front unit and the inner container wall are connected and / or arranged flush with one another, at least in sections. The inner container wall and the front unit could be connected and / or fixed to one another by means of a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection, such as a snap-in connection and / or plug-in connection and / or rotary connection and / or screw connection, and / or a material-fitting connection, for example an adhesive connection and / or welded connection. Furthermore, the outer container wall can contact the front unit directly, at least in sections. In particular, the front unit and the outer container wall are connected and / or arranged flush with one another, at least in sections.The outer container wall and the front unit could be connected and / or fixed to one another by means of a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection, such as a snap-in connection and / or plug-in connection and / or rotary connection and / or screw connection, and / or a material-fitting connection, such as an adhesive connection and / or welded connection. In particular, the front unit is arranged between the inner container wall and the outer container wall and is intended to space the inner container wall and the outer container wall from one another. It is therefore possible for the outer container wall and the inner container wall not to come into contact with one another. The front unit preferably functions as a connecting unit between the inner container wall and the outer container wall. By means of the front unit, the inner container wall is indirectly connected to the outer container wall and vice versa.In particular, the front unit serves to reduce heat conduction between the inner container wall and the outer container wall, in order to provide improved thermal insulation and enable energy utilization.

[0018] In particular, the front unit is intended to delimit the insulation space, at least partially or completely, together with the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall. Preferably, the receiving space is spaced apart, specifically arranged and / or formed separately from the insulation space. The front unit can have a side facing the insulation space and a side facing away from the insulation space. In particular, the side of the front unit facing the insulation space is intended for at least partial contact with the thermal insulation element. The side facing away from the insulation space can be a side of the front unit visible to the user. In particular, the front unit is arranged at least partially in the opening plane and / or access plane of the device body. The front unit can be a front strip. The front unit can be elongated.The front element can have or form at least in sections an end face and / or front surface of the device body on an end face and / or front side of the device body.

[0019] Viewed in the vertical direction, in particular in the installation direction of the household appliance, the front unit could extend over at least 30%, advantageously at least 50%, preferably at least 70% and particularly preferably at least 90% or completely over the entire vertical extent of the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall, in particular of the inner container and / or the outer container. If the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall is the floor or ceiling wall, the front unit could extend, viewed in the width direction, over at least 30%, advantageously at least 50%, preferably at least 70% and particularly preferably at least 90% or completely over the entire width extent of the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall, in particular of the inner container and / or the outer container. It would also be conceivable for the front unit to extend over at least one corner region of the inner container and / or the outer container.For example, the front unit can extend in the vertical direction at least partially along a side wall of the inner container and additionally in the width direction and / or depth direction along a bottom and / or ceiling wall of the inner container. Furthermore, the front unit could extend in the vertical direction at least partially along a side wall of the outer container and additionally in the width direction and / or depth direction along a bottom and / or ceiling wall of the outer container. Preferably, the front element extends at least partially along the storage space, viewed in the depth direction, and delimits the storage space at least partially. The front element and the inner container wall could jointly delimit the storage space on at least one side.The front element can extend, viewed in the depth direction, over at least 2%, advantageously at least 5% and in particular at most 15%, preferably at most 10% of a total depth of the device body, in particular of the storage space.

[0020] The receiving space, which is at least partially and advantageously completely formed by the front unit, can extend along an entire main extension direction of the front unit. In the present case, a "main extension direction" of an object is to be understood as a direction that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. In particular, the main extension direction of the object extends within a main extension plane of the object. The receiving space preferably extends in the vertical direction, in particular in the installation direction of the household appliance, over at least 30%, advantageously at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, and particularly preferably at least 95%, or completely over the entire vertical extension of the front unit.Furthermore, the receiving space can extend in the width direction and / or in the depth direction over at least 30%, advantageously at least 50%, preferably at least 70% and particularly preferably at least 95% or completely over an entire width extension and / or depth extension of the front unit.

[0021] The receiving space can extend at least partially along one end face of the device body. Preferably, the receiving space extends at least partially adjacent to the inner container wall in the region of the storage space. In particular, the receiving space is delimited by the side facing the insulation space and the side facing away from the insulation space. Preferably, the functional unit can be arranged entirely in the receiving space. In at least one assembled state, the functional unit can be arranged in the receiving space. The functional unit could be connectable to the front unit and / or arrangeable on the front unit in the receiving space by means of a force-fitting, form-fitting and / or material-fitting connection, such as a snap-in connection and / or plug-in connection and / or rotary connection and / or screw connection and / or adhesive connection and / or welded connection and / or Velcro connection.

[0022] The refrigeration device preferably comprises the functional unit. It is further proposed that the functional unit comprise at least one electrical functional element. This allows for increased efficiency and improved comfort, specifically user comfort. Using such a functional unit, novel applications, designs, and design options for front units can be realized. Furthermore, a particularly integrated and compact design can be provided.

[0023] The functional element can comprise electronic components, such as lighting elements, preferably at least one LED or an LED board and / or at least one AMOLED, and / or at least one light guide and / or at least one optical sensor, for example a camera, and / or other sensors and / or at least one output unit, specifically an acoustic output unit, such as a loudspeaker, and / or an optical output unit, in particular a display, and / or heating elements, in particular a frame heater, and / or color elements and / or design elements and / or accessory elements of the refrigeration appliance, in particular the refrigeration device. It would also be conceivable for the functional element to comprise at least one operating element of an operating unit for operation and / or at least partially a control and / or regulating unit for controlling the refrigeration appliance or other devices and / or components.The functional element can be accommodated in the receiving space and at least partially held and / or covered by the front unit.

[0024] The term “intended” here and in the following should be understood to mean specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. It is further proposed that the front unit have at least one front element which is visible to a user, at least when the appliance door is open. This makes it possible to provide a user-friendly design and increase user comfort. It is conceivable that the front unit and thus also the front element are only visible to a user when the appliance door is open.

[0025] In particular, the front element is arranged at least partially in the opening plane and / or access plane of the appliance body. The front element can be elongated and designed as a front strip. The front element can at least partially form the end face and / or front surface on the end and / or front side of the appliance body. Preferably, the front element extends over at least one edge region of the appliance body, from a side facing the storage space to the end and / or front side. The end and / or front side of the appliance body can at least partially have a sealing region for sealing with the appliance door. This sealing region can form a preferably flat sealing surface. When the appliance door is closed, the appliance door, specifically a sealing element of the appliance door in the sealing region, can rest against and / or strike the end and / or front side of the appliance body.The sealing element of the appliance door can rest against the front element, at least in sections, when the appliance door is closed. The sealing area can extend at least partially over the front element. Advantageously, the sealing area extends, viewed in the width direction, over at least 30%, in particular at least 50%, and preferably at least 80%, or completely over the entire extent of the front element on the front and / or front side of the appliance body.

[0026] In particular, when the appliance door is closed, the sealing element rests at least partially on the front element and at least partially on the outer housing wall. The sealing area can extend at least partially over the front element and the outer housing wall. It would also be conceivable for the sealing element to rest only on the outer housing wall and be free from contact with the front unit, in particular the front element. The appliance door can have at least one magnetic element to assist in closing the appliance door and / or in fixing the sealing element in the sealing area. The magnetic element can be arranged on and / or in the sealing element. The magnetic element and the sealing element are preferably connected to one another in one piece. The refrigeration device may have a counter-magnetic element.The counter-magnet element could be arranged on the outer housing wall, preferably in the insulation space on the side of the outer housing wall facing the insulation space. Alternatively and / or additionally, the counter-magnet element could be connected to the front unit and / or fixed to the front unit. The functional unit could comprise at least the counter-magnet element. If the outer housing wall is made of metal, the counter-magnet element can advantageously be omitted. Preferably, the outer housing wall itself forms the counter-magnet element.

[0027] The front element is preferably formed in one piece, in particular as a single part. “Integral” should be understood to mean at least materially connected, for example by an adhesive process, an injection molding process and / or a welding process and / or another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, “in one piece” should be understood to mean formed in one piece. This one piece is preferably produced from a single blank, a mass and / or a casting, particularly preferably in an injection molding process, in particular a single and / or multi-component injection molding process, and / or in a stamping process and / or in a sheet metal bending process and / or in a printing process, for example a 3D printing process, and / or by means of thermoforming or advantageously by means of a deep-drawing process and / or another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art.Preferably, the front element is manufactured using an extrusion or injection molding process, for example, a two-component or three-component injection molding process. This can further increase manufacturing and cost efficiency.

[0028] It would also be conceivable for the front unit to be designed in one piece, in particular as a single part. In order to optimize a design and preferably to provide a convenient design for service and / or maintenance purposes, it is proposed that the front unit be designed in several parts and have a first component and at least one second component connected to the first component. The first component and / or the second component can each be designed in one piece, in particular as a single part. Preferably, the first component has the side of the front unit facing the insulation space. The second component can have the side facing away from the insulation space. Preferably, the second component is the front element. In particular, the front unit has a modular design.

[0029] It is also proposed that the first component, together with the inner container wall and the outer container wall, at least partially define an insulation space. This can further improve the compactness of the construction.

[0030] It is also proposed that the first component and the second component jointly at least partially define the receiving space. This allows for a compact, simple, and efficient design. Advantageously, the first component and the second component jointly completely define the receiving space in the assembled state. The functional unit could be arranged on the first component and / or the second component.

[0031] It is further proposed that the first component have at least one mounting element for mounting the functional unit. This can improve the mounting and / or fixation of a functional unit and optimize the design. Furthermore, stability and / or safety can be increased.

[0032] In particular, the holding element is arranged in the receiving space or delimits the receiving space at least on one side. The holding element can be arranged on a side of the first component facing the receiving space. The holding element can be, for example, a plug-in element, for example a plug-in rail, and / or a locking element or the like, with which the functional unit can establish a force-locking and / or form-locking connection for fixing the functional unit in the receiving space. It would be conceivable for the functional unit to be fixable to the holding element using additional fastening means, for example screws or the like.

[0033] The first component and the second component can be connected to one another indirectly or, preferably, directly. The first component and the second component could be fixed to one another without the need for fasteners. Advantageously, the first component and the second component are connected to one another by means of a force-locking and / or form-locking connection, such as a snap-in connection, a plug-in connection, a rotary connection, a screw connection, a hook-and-loop connection, and / or a material connection, such as an adhesive connection and / or a welded connection.

[0034] If the second component is removably arranged on the first component, a particularly user-friendly, convenient, and efficient design can be provided. Furthermore, during assembly and / or disassembly of a functional unit and / or for service and / or maintenance purposes, a second component can be removed and / or detached from the first component. This allows accessibility to a receiving space and / or the functional unit to be optimized. Furthermore, modularity and / or flexibility with regard to structure and / or design can be improved, and a high degree of combination and configuration options can be provided. This allows for flexible response to individual customer / user requests, and a corresponding user-friendly design of the front unit can be realized.Furthermore, the front unit can be at least partially modified and / or adapted and / or changed over the course of its lifetime based on individual customer / user wishes.

[0035] The second component could be pivotably mounted on the first component. For example, the second component could be rotatably and / or pivotably mounted on the first component by means of at least one hinge of the front unit. The second component could be folded out relative to the first component. Preferably, the second component is completely removable from the first component. In particular, the second component can be clipped into the first component and / or latched to the first component. The second component could have at least one plug-in element which, in the assembled state, can form a latching and / or plug-in connection with a mating plug-in element of the first component for fixing the second component to the first component.In particular, the second component is replaceable, advantageously without changing the first component and / or an assembly and / or a connection of the first component to the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall.

[0036] In a method for assembling the household appliance, the first component could be connected to the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall in a first method step. The inner container wall and / or the outer container wall is preferably locked to the first component. In a second method step, the functional unit could be mounted and / or arranged on the first component in the holding unit. In particular, the second method step takes place after the first method step in terms of a temporal progression. In a third method step following the second method step, the second component could be arranged, and specifically fixed, on the first component. It would also be conceivable for the arrangement of the functional unit and thus the second method step to take place subsequently, after the complete manufacture and / or completion of the appliance body.For this purpose, the second component can be removed from the first component and the functional unit can be subsequently mounted.

[0037] It is further proposed that the first component be connected to the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall by means of a force-locking and / or form-locking connection. This enables a simple, efficient, and / or cost-reduced connection between a first component and an inner container wall and / or an outer container wall. Furthermore, material-to-material connections between the first component and the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall can be dispensed with. This, in turn, can improve the overall design and increase efficiency with regard to product, manufacturing, resource, assembly, disassembly, recycling, and / or cost efficiency.

[0038] The inner container wall and / or the outer container wall can directly contact the first component, at least in sections. In particular, the first component and the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall are connected and / or arranged flush with one another, at least in sections. The inner container wall and / or the outer container wall and the first component could be connected and / or fixed to one another by means of a snap-in connection and / or plug-in connection and / or rotary connection and / or screw connection or the like. It would also be conceivable for the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall and the first component to be additionally connected and / or fixed to one another by means of a material-to-material connection, for example an adhesive connection and / or welded connection.In particular, the first component is arranged between the inner container wall and the outer container wall and is intended to space the inner container wall and the outer container wall apart from one another. If the first component has a connecting element for connecting the inner container wall to the outer container wall, then efficiency in terms of product, performance, and / or energy efficiency can be increased. In addition, heat conduction, specifically a direct thermal bridge between the inner container wall and the outer container wall, can be prevented, and improved thermal insulation can be provided. Preferably, the first component forms the connecting element. By means of the connecting element, the inner container wall is indirectly connected to the outer container wall, and vice versa.In particular, the connecting element serves to reduce heat conduction between the inner container wall and the outer container wall, thereby providing improved thermal insulation and enabling energy utilization. The connecting element is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity, in particular a material with poor thermal conductivity. The connecting element is particularly preferably free of metal. The connecting element can be made of a mineral, a plastic, and / or a composite material.

[0039] In order to further improve a design and provide a user-friendly and visually appealing configuration for a user, it is proposed that the second component have a cover element for at least partially covering the first component. Furthermore, this can at least partially protect a functional unit arranged in a receiving space from dust and / or damage and / or mechanical stress. In particular, the second component covers the receiving space at least partially and advantageously completely. Preferably, the second component is designed as the cover element. The cover element can be provided for at least partially and preferably completely covering the functional unit.Advantageously, the cover element is arranged on the first component and connected to the first component, for example by means of a force-locking and / or form-locking connection, such as a snap-in connection and / or plug-in connection and / or rotary connection and / or screw connection and / or Velcro connection or the like.

[0040] It is also proposed that the second component be at least partially translucent, at least in sections. This makes it possible to provide a particularly user-friendly design. Furthermore, light, which preferably emanates from a functional unit arranged in a receiving space, can be visible through the second component. Furthermore, it can provide illumination for at least one storage space.

[0041] The material of the second component can be at least 10%, advantageously at least 30%, and preferably at least 60% translucent. Advantageously, the second component is formed at least largely from a transparent material. The second component can be formed at least largely from a translucent material. Preferably, the second component, in particular the cover element, functions as a light guide for guiding light. The second component can be formed from a diffuse material for diffusely scattering light. The light can emanate from the functional unit, in particular the functional element, which is arranged in the receiving space.

[0042] The second component, in particular the cover element, can have at least one design element, for example lettering, colored elements and / or symbols or the like, which can preferably be illuminated by the functional unit in at least one operating state. The design element could be engraved, lasered, embossed, or the like into the second component. It would also be conceivable for the second component to have at least one, in particular colored, coating or to be formed from a colored material.

[0043] It is further proposed that the front unit is formed at least for a large part from a material different from the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall, wherein material should also be understood to mean a material composition. This makes it possible to improve the design and increase efficiency. Furthermore, due to the modularity of a refrigeration device, a high level of flexibility in the manufacture of the refrigeration device can be ensured. Advantageously, when recycling the refrigeration device, the components of the refrigeration device can be separated as cleanly as possible and then processed and / or reused. This makes it possible to further improve ecological and / or economic efficiency. Preferably, more CO2-friendly production and / or manufacture of the refrigeration device can also be provided and / or enabled.The front unit and the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall can be made of different individual materials or different material compositions. The front unit can be made of a first material and the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall can be made of a second material different from the first material. Furthermore, the front unit could be made of a first material composition and the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall can be made of a second material composition different from the first material composition, wherein at least one material of the second material composition is different from at least one material of the first material composition. Preferably, the inner container wall is formed in one piece, in particular in one part. The outer container wall can be formed in one piece, in particular in one part.Advantageously, the inner container and / or the outer container are each formed in one piece, in particular in one piece, for example by means of a deep-drawing process.

[0044] For example, the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall can be made of an inorganic material, and the front unit of an organic material. This can further increase efficiency, improve design, and provide a more environmentally friendly, particularly resource-saving and / or recyclable, refrigeration device. Inorganic materials are elements, substances, and / or compounds that are free of carbon. In particular, however, certain carbon compounds are also considered inorganic materials, which have similar properties to other inorganic substances and which are free of hydrogen in their compounds. With a few exceptions, inorganic materials are free of carbon compounds.Inorganic materials can be, for example, metals, metal compounds, salts, ionic bonds, natural stone, non-metallic compounds without carbon, and / or complex compounds consisting of a central particle and one or more so-called ligands. Organic materials, in particular, contain carbon compounds. Organic materials can be, for example, clay, soil, peat, petroleum, coal, wood, and / or plastics, or the like.

[0045] The front element can be made at least largely from plastic. The front element can be made at least largely from a renewable raw material, in particular a plastic made from a renewable raw material. “Renewable raw materials” should be understood to mean organic raw materials, in particular plant-based raw materials, which originate from agricultural and / or forestry production and are deliberately cultivated by humans for further applications outside the food and feed industry or which are by-products and / or waste products from agriculture and / or the food and feed industry. Renewable raw materials within the meaning of the present application are exclusively organic raw materials which are not of fossil origin.Renewable raw materials in this case are preferably domestic products from agricultural and / or forestry production as well as their by-products and / or residues, provided they are not subject to waste legislation, as well as algae.

[0046] The inner container wall and / or the outer container wall could be formed at least largely from a mineral, for example glass and / or stone or the like. Preferably, the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall is / are formed at least largely from a metal. This can further increase efficiency with regard to at least product, manufacturing, resource, recycling and / or cost efficiency, and improve the design of a refrigeration device. Furthermore, plastic can be dispensed with in the inner container wall and / or outer container wall, thus providing and / or enabling a high value of a refrigeration device, namely the inner container wall and / or outer container wall, and increasing efficiency with regard to design aspects, sustainability, hygiene, quality and / or costs.This can advantageously provide an inner container wall and / or outer container wall with a focus on “green steel”.

[0047] The expression "to a large extent" in this document is to be understood as meaning at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and particularly advantageously at most 95% of a volume and / or mass fraction. The metal can be, for example, copper, tin, silver, gold, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and / or a metal compound. It would also be conceivable for the inner container and / or the outer container to comprise a metal alloy. In addition, the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall could have a coating, at least in sections. The inner container wall and / or the outer container wall can be formed from a composite material, wherein the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall could have a metallic carrier material and an organic coating.For example, the inner container wall made of steel or aluminum and / or the outer container wall can be coated using a process known as "coil coating." The inner container wall and / or the outer container wall could be coated with at least one coating material, with possible coating materials including, for example, paints, plastic powders, and / or plastic films.

[0048] It is also proposed that the front unit be made at least largely of plastic. This allows both construction and efficiency to be further improved. Furthermore, sealing of a storage room can be optimized by contacting a device door with a front unit, thereby preferably preventing the formation of condensation. Furthermore, direct heat conduction between an inner container wall and an outer container wall can be prevented. It is also conceivable for the front unit to be made of a plastic compound. The plastic can be a thermoplastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and / or high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and / or polypropylene (PP), and / or a bio-based plastic (engineering biopolymers) produced from renewable raw materials, for example consisting at least partially of cellulose.The front unit can be made at least largely or entirely from any plastic material deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. The front unit is preferably manufactured by injection molding or an extrusion process, preferably a different manufacturing process from the manufacturing of the inner container wall and / or outer container wall. Alternatively, the front unit can be manufactured and / or assembled by combining parts manufactured by injection molding with other parts manufactured by extrusion. In particular, the front unit is formed separately from the inner container wall and / or the outer container wall.

[0049] The refrigeration device and / or the refrigeration device should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the refrigeration device and / or the refrigeration device may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, within the value ranges specified in this document, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

[0050] Drawings

[0051] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0052] They show:

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a refrigeration appliance designed as a refrigerator with a refrigeration device comprising at least one inner container wall, at least one outer container wall and at least one front unit,

[0054] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an inner container and an outer container of the refrigeration device as well as the front unit when a door of the refrigeration device is open,

[0055] Fig. 3 is a view of the sectioned representation according to Figure 2 and

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a further sectional view of the inner container, the outer container and the front unit of the refrigeration device when the appliance door is closed, wherein a sealing element of the appliance door rests at least partially against the outer container and the front unit.

[0057] Description of the embodiment

[0058] The following figures are schematic representations and not to scale. Unless otherwise indicated, only one of the objects shown is provided with a reference symbol.

[0059] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance 10. In the present case, the refrigeration appliance 10 is designed as a household refrigeration appliance. The household refrigeration appliance is a refrigerator. Alternatively, the refrigeration appliance 10 can also be designed as a freezer or as a combination of a refrigerator and freezer, or as a refrigerator and / or freezer chest. The refrigeration appliance 10 has a refrigeration device 12. The refrigeration device 12 is accordingly designed as a household refrigeration appliance. The refrigeration device 12 delimits a storage space 14 on at least one side, and in the present case at least on six sides, which is intended to accommodate refrigerated goods, such as food and / or cosmetic and / or medical goods.

[0060] Furthermore, the refrigeration device 12 has a device body 64. The device body 64 delimits the storage space 14. An outer container 62 of the refrigeration device 12 can be part of the device body 64. In the present case, the refrigeration device 12 has an inner container 60, which is part of the device body 64. The inner container 60 delimits the storage space 14, specifically on at least five sides. In this exemplary embodiment, the inner container 60 comprises an inner container box and an inner container lid and, when the inner container lid is closed, delimits the storage space 14 on at least six sides. In the present case, the inner container lid forms at least part of an appliance door 24 of the refrigeration device 10. The appliance door 24 is mounted on the appliance body 64 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 54. Figure 1 shows an open state of the appliance door 24.

[0061] The refrigeration device 12 has an inner container wall 16. The inner container wall 16 is part of the inner container 60. The refrigeration device 12 also has an outer container wall 30. The outer container wall 30 is part of the outer container 62. Furthermore, the refrigeration device 12 has a front unit 18, which is connected to the inner container wall 16 and, in this case, additionally to the outer container wall 62. Alternatively, the front unit 18 could also be connected only to the inner container wall 16 or the outer container wall 62. In this case, the front unit 18 is part of the device body 64. The front unit 18 is formed separately from the inner container wall 16 and / or the outer container wall 30.

[0062] Figures 2 to 4 each show sectional views of the inner container wall 16, the outer container wall 30, and at least the front unit 18. According to Figure 2, it can be seen that the inner container wall 16 and the outer container wall 30 at least partially define an insulation space 80, in which at least one thermal insulation element 86 is arranged. The thermal insulation element 86 is shown here as a rigid foam formed by filling the insulation space 80 between the inner container 60 and at least the outer container 62. Alternatively, the insulation element 86 can also be a vacuum panel or a rigid foam plate that can be inserted into the insulation space 80.

[0063] The front unit 18 has a side facing the insulation space 80 and a side facing away from the insulation space 80. The side of the front unit 18 facing the insulation space 80 is provided for at least partial contact with the thermal insulation element 86. The side facing away from the insulation space 80 is a side of the front unit 18 visible to a user. In the present case, the front unit 18 is arranged at least partially in an opening plane and / or access plane of the device body 64. The front unit 18 is a front strip which is elongated. The front unit 18 forms, at least in sections, an end face and / or front surface on one of the end and / or front sides of the device body 64. A main extension of the front unit 18 extends in the vertical direction 36 in this exemplary embodiment (see Figure 1).Furthermore, according to Figures 1 to 4, the front unit 18 extends at least partially along the storage space 14, viewed in the depth direction 34. The front unit 18 and the inner container wall 16 together delimit the storage space 14 on at least one side of the device body 64. The front unit 18 can extend, viewed in the depth direction 34, over at least 2%, for example at least 5% and at most 15% of a total depth of the device body, and also of the storage space 14. The front unit 18 directly contacts the inner container wall 16 and the outer container wall 30 and can be connected to them by means of a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting connection.

[0064] Furthermore, the inner container wall 16 has at least one recess 32, which extends at least partially in the depth direction 34, for arranging accessories. The inner container wall 16 has a plurality of recesses 32, only one of the recesses 32 being provided with a reference symbol. The recess 32 is, for example, punched and / or cut out of the inner container wall 16. At least one fixing element for fixing a shelf 74 of the refrigeration appliance 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, can be arranged in the recess 32. Alternatively and / or additionally, accessories, such as the shelf 74, can be arranged directly in the recesses 32, for example, clipped and / or inserted and / or latched.In the present case, the additional inner container wall 16 also has recesses 32 extending at least in sections in the depth direction 34 for arranging accessories.

[0065] The front unit 18 is constructed in multiple parts and comprises a first component 66 and at least one second component 68 connected to the first component 66. In this case, the first component 66 is connected to the inner container wall 16 and / or the outer container wall 30 by means of a force-locking and / or form-locking connection. Furthermore, the first component 66 comprises a connecting element 70 for connecting the inner container wall 16 to the outer container wall 30. In this exemplary embodiment, the first component 66 is designed as a connecting element 70. The second component 66 indirectly connects the inner container wall 16 to the outer container wall 30. In this case, the first component 66 serves to reduce heat conduction between the inner container wall 16 and the outer container wall 30, in order in turn to provide improved thermal insulation and to enable energy utilization.

[0066] It would be conceivable for the inner container wall 16 and / or the outer container wall 30 and the front unit 18 to be made of identical materials or material compositions. In this exemplary embodiment, the front unit 26 is made at least largely of a different material than the inner container wall 16 and / or the outer container wall 30, whereby material should also be understood to mean a material composition. The inner container wall 16 and the outer container wall 30 are made of an inorganic material and the front unit 18 is made of an organic material. In the present case, the front unit 26 is made at least largely of a plastic. The front unit 18 can, for example, be made of an ABS and / or HIPS and / or PP plastic.In the present case, the front unit 18 serves to reduce heat conduction between the inner container wall 16 and the outer container wall 30, in order to provide improved thermal insulation and enable energy utilization. The inner container wall 16 and the outer container wall 30 are at least largely made of a metal. The metal can be, for example, copper, tin, silver, gold, steel, stainless steel, aluminum and / or a metal compound. In the present case, the inner container wall 16 is made of steel and also a coated steel sheet, such as CC sheet. It would be conceivable for the entire inner container 60 and / or the entire outer container 62 to be made of metal. Furthermore, only parts of the inner container 60 and / or the outer container 62 could be made of metal.The inner container 60 and / or the outer container 62 could have further parts formed from a material other than metal, such as plastic.

[0067] The second component 68 is embodied here as a front element 26, which is visible to the user when the appliance door is open. In this exemplary embodiment, the front element 26 is formed in one piece. The front element 26 is arranged at least partially in the opening plane and / or access plane of the appliance body 64, wherein the front element 26 at least partially forms the end face and / or front surface of the appliance body 64 on the end and / or front side of the appliance body 64. In the present case, the front element 26 extends over at least one edge region of the appliance body 64, specifically from a side facing the storage space 14 to the end and / or front side. The end and / or front side of the appliance body 64 has, at least in sections, a sealing region 20 for sealing with the appliance door 24.When the appliance door 24 is closed, as shown in Figure 4, the appliance door 24, specifically a sealing element 90 of the appliance door 24 in the sealing area 20, rests and / or abuts the end face and / or front of the appliance body 64. When the appliance door 24 is closed, the sealing element 90 of the appliance door 24 rests at least partially in the sealing area 20 against the front element 26 (see Figure 4). The front element 18 can at least partially have the sealing area 20, or the sealing area 20 extends at least partially over the front element 18. The sealing area 20 extends over at least 80% of the total extent of the front element 18 on the end face and / or front of the appliance body 64.

[0068] Figure 4 illustrates that, when the device door 24 is closed, the sealing element 90 rests against the front element 26 and the outer housing wall 30. The sealing element 90 rests at least partially against the front element 26 and at least partially against the outer housing wall 30. Viewed in the width direction 38, the sealing region 20 extends at least partially over the front element 26 and the outer housing wall 30. It would also be conceivable for the sealing element 90 to rest only against the outer housing wall 30 and be free of contact with the front unit 18, specifically the front element 26. The device door 24 has at least one magnetic element 92. The magnetic element 92 serves as a support element when closing the appliance door 24 and / or fixing the appliance door 24, namely the sealing element 90 in the sealing area 20. The magnetic element 92 is arranged on and / or in the sealing element 90.The magnetic element 92 and the sealing element 90 are connected to one another in one piece. The refrigeration device 12 may possibly have a counter-magnetic element. The counter-magnetic element could be arranged and / or fixed to the outer housing wall 30 and / or the front unit 18. In the event that the outer housing wall 30 is made of a metal, the counter-magnetic element can advantageously be omitted. Since the outer housing wall 30 is made of metal in this case, the outer housing wall 30 itself forms the counter-magnetic element.

[0069] The front unit 18 at least partially forms a receiving space 50 for receiving at least one functional unit 52. The receiving space 50 is spaced apart, specifically arranged and / or formed separately from the insulation space 80. In the present case, the first component 66 and the second component 68 together at least partially delimit the receiving space 50. The refrigeration device 12 in the present case has the functional unit 52, wherein the functional unit 52 comprises at least one electrical functional element 82. In this exemplary embodiment, the electrical functional element 82 is designed as an LED circuit board comprising a plurality of LEDs.Alternatively and / or additionally, the functional element 82 can comprise electronic components, such as, for example, optical fibers and / or at least one optical sensor, for example, a camera, and / or other sensors and / or at least one output unit, specifically an acoustic output unit, such as, for example, a loudspeaker, and / or an optical output unit, in particular a display, and / or heating elements and / or color elements and / or design elements and / or accessory elements of the refrigeration appliance 10. It would also be conceivable for the functional element 82 to comprise at least one operating element of an operating unit for operation and / or at least partially a control and / or regulating unit for controlling the refrigeration appliance 10 or other devices and / or components.

[0070] To hold the functional unit 52 in the receiving space 50, the first component 66 has at least one holding element 78. The holding element 78 is arranged in the receiving space 50 or delimits the receiving space 50 at least on one side. The holding element 78 is arranged on a side of the first component 66 facing the receiving space 50. In this case, the holding element 78 is designed as a plug-in rail or the like, with which the functional unit 52 can establish a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection for fixing the functional unit 52 in the receiving space 50.

[0071] The second component 68 is at least partially translucent, at least in sections. In the present case, the second component 68 consists at least largely of a translucent material. The second component 68 could also be formed at least largely of a transparent material. In this exemplary embodiment, the second component 68 functions as a light guide for guiding light emanating from the functional unit 52, specifically the functional element 82.

[0072] The second component 68 has a cover element 72 for at least partially covering the first component 66. In this exemplary embodiment, the second component 68 is designed as the cover element 72 (see Figures 2 to 4). The second component 68 covers the receiving space 50 at least partially, and in this case completely. Furthermore, the second component 68 completely covers the functional unit 52 arranged in the receiving space 50.

[0073] In this exemplary embodiment, the first component 66 and the second component 68 are directly connected to one another. The first component 66 and the second component 68 are connected to one another by means of a force-locking and / or positive connection, specifically a snap-in connection and / or a plug-in connection. The second component 68 could be pivotably mounted on the first component 66, for example, by means of a hinge of the front unit 18.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the second component 68 is removably arranged on the first component 66. Figures 1 to 4 show the assembled state in which the second component 68 is arranged on the first component 66. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate that the second component 68 has at least one plug-in element 56. The first component 66 has at least one mating plug-in element 88, with which the plug-in element 56, in the assembled state, forms a latching and / or plug-in connection for fixing the second component 68 to the first component 66. This allows the second component 68 to be removed and / or detached from the first component 66 during assembly and / or disassembly of the functional unit 52 and / or for service and / or maintenance purposes.This allows accessibility to the receiving space 50 and / or the functional unit 52 to be optimized and thus a user-friendly, comfortable and efficient design to be provided.

[0075] Reference symbol

[0076] 10 Refrigeration appliance

[0077] 12 Refrigeration device

[0078] 14 storage room

[0079] 16 Inner container wall

[0080] 18 front unit

[0081] 20 Sealing area

[0082] 24 appliance door

[0083] 26 front element

[0084] 30 Outer tank wall

[0085] 32 Deepening

[0086] 34 Depth direction

[0087] 36 Altitude direction

[0088] 38 Latitude direction

[0089] 50 recording room

[0090] 52 functional unit

[0091] 54 axis of rotation

[0092] 56 plug-in element

[0093] 60 inner containers

[0094] 62 outer containers

[0095] 64 Device body

[0096] 66 Component

[0097] 68 Component

[0098] 70 connecting element

[0099] 72 Cover element

[0100] 74 shelves

[0101] 78 Supporting element

[0102] 80 Isolation room

[0103] 82 functional element

[0104] 86 Insulation element Mating element Sealing element Magnetic element

Claims

Claims 1. Refrigeration device (12), in particular a household refrigeration device, with an inner container wall (16), an outer container wall (30) and a front unit (18) which is connected to the inner container wall (16) and / or the outer container wall (30), characterized in that the front unit (18) at least partially forms a receiving space (50) for receiving at least one functional unit (52).

2. Refrigeration device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the front unit (18) has at least one front element (26) which is visible to a user.

3. Refrigeration device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the front unit (18) is designed in several parts and has a first component (66) and at least one second component (68) connected to the first component (66).

4. Refrigeration device (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first component (66) and the second component (68) together at least partially delimit the receiving space (50).

5. Refrigeration device (12) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first component (66) is connected to the inner container wall (16) and / or the outer container wall (30) by means of a force and / or form-fitting connection 6. Refrigeration device (12) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the first component (66) has a connecting element (70) for connecting the inner container wall (16) to the outer container wall (30).

7. Refrigeration device (12) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the second component (68) has a cover element (72) for at least partially covering the first component (66).

8. Refrigeration device (12) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the second component (68) is removably arranged on the first component (66).

9. Refrigeration device (12) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the second component (68) is at least partially translucent, at least in sections.

10. Refrigeration device (12) according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the first component (66) has at least one holding element (78) for holding the functional unit (52).

11. Refrigeration device (12) according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the first component (66) together with the inner container wall (16) and the outer container wall (30) at least partially delimits an insulation space (80).

12. Refrigeration device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the functional unit (52) which has at least one electrical functional element (82).

13. Refrigeration device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front unit (26) is formed at least to a large extent from a plastic.

14. Refrigeration device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front unit (26) is formed at least largely from a different material than the inner container wall (16) and / or the outer container wall (30).

15. Refrigeration device (10), in particular a household refrigeration device, comprising a refrigeration device (12) according to one of the preceding claims.

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