Abstract:
For the purpose of providing a home appliance device with improved characteristics regarding a simple construction a home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed. The device includes at least one first gearing element that is rotatable around a first rotation axis; at least one second gearing element that is rotatable around a second rotation axis which is perpendicular to the first rotation axis; and at least one housing unit at least mostly covering the first gearing element and having at least one housing element that is latched with the first gearing element.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device and to a method for assembly of a home appliance device. 
     From the international patent application WO 2015/078511 A1, a home appliance device is known comprising one first gearing element that is rotatable around a first rotation axis. One second gearing element is rotatable around a second rotation axis which is perpendicular to the first rotation axis. The first gearing element and the second gearing element are inserted in a housing unit that is embodied as one single element. The home appliance device is configured for adjusting a height of a home appliance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An objective of the invention is, in particular, to provide a home appliance device with improved characteristics regarding a simple construction. This objective is achieved, according to the invention, as claimed, while further implementations and further developments of the invention may be gathered from the dependent claims. 
     A home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed, which is in particular configured for adjusting a height of a home appliance, comprising: at least one first gearing element that is rotatable around a first rotation axis; at least one second gearing element that is rotatable around a second rotation axis which is perpendicular to the first rotation axis; and at least one housing unit at least mostly covering the first gearing element and comprising at least one housing element that is latched with the first gearing element. 
     By a “home appliance device” is in particular to be understood at least a portion, preferably a sub-assembly group, of a home appliance. The home appliance is in particular provided for storing and preferably tempering victuals such as beverages, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, milk and/or dairy products in at least one operating state, advantageously for the purpose of enhancing a storage time of the stored victuals. For example, the home appliance is embodied as a home chiller appliance, which is in at least one operating state configured for cooling victuals. The home chiller appliance could in particular be embodied as a climate cabinet, an ice-box, a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerator-freezer combination and/or a wine cooler. However, the home appliance could also be embodied as a home appliance for warming up and in particular for cooking victuals, e.g. an oven and/or a steamer and/or a microwave. Alternatively the home appliance could also be embodied as a home appliance for cleaning, e.g. a washing machine and/or a dryer and/or dishwasher. The home appliance may in particular comprise at least two, in particular at least three and preferably at least four home appliance devices. 
     By a “gearing element” is in particular to be understood an element transferring and/or altering at least one kinetic momentum in at least one operating state. The kinetic momentum may in particular be a force and/or a momentum of force. The gearing element may in particular have an at least substantially cylindrical shape and may in particular have at least one toothing at its outer surface. In particular, the gearing element could be part of a worm gear and/or a spur gearing and/or a helical gear. In at least one operating state the first gearing element and the second gearing element mesh with one another. The gearing element may in particular be made at least mostly of metal and preferably of a brass alloy. In this context, “perpendicular” is to mean at least substantially perpendicular and/or perpendicular in the technical sense, meaning in particular that rounding errors and/or manufacturing tolerances are considered. In this context, “at least substantially perpendicular” is in particular to be understood as an orientation of a direction with respect to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction and the reference direction include an angle of 90°, the orientation in particular having a deviation of less than 15°, advantageously of less than 10° and particularly advantageously of less than 2°. 
     The term “at least mostly” with reference to an object is in particular to mean by more than 50% or by more than 65% or by more than 80% or by more than 95% of the object, in particular of a surface area and/or of a volume and/or of a mass of the object. The first gearing element and the housing element may be connected to one another by means of a manually detachable connection. By the wording that a first object is “latched” with a second object and/or the wording that a first object and a second object are “latched” with each other is in particular to be understood that at least one part of one of the objects is deflected in at least one assembly procedure and afterwards engages behind at least one further part of the other one of the objects. 
     In this context, “configured” is in particular to mean specifically programmed, designed and/or equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function is in particular to be understood that the object implements and/or fulfills said certain function in at least one application state and/or operating state. 
     By means of the invention, in particular a simple construction of the home appliance device can be achieved. It is in particular possible to assemble and/or disassemble the first gearing element and the housing element in a simple and/or fast way, whereby low manufacturing costs can be achieved. This allows general usage for all similar implementations of appliances. Additionally a solution for a new concept design can be provided. Moreover, delicate electronical devices can in particular be protected from impacts. In particular, a mechanical lock for plug-in electronical devices can be provided. Problems for insolation air leakage and wiring harness damages can in particular be eliminated. In particular an easy height adjustment and/or an easy serviceability can be provided. A volume can in particular be kept small. 
     For example, the housing element could at least mostly encompass the first gearing element only. Also the housing element may at least mostly encompasses the first gearing element and the second gearing element. As a result of this, the first gearing element and the second gearing element can in particular be located safely and/or protected, thus prolonging a life span of the first gearing element and the second gearing element. 
     In a further implementation of the invention, which can be considered on its own or in combination with other aspects of the invention, a home appliance device, in particular a home chiller appliance device, is proposed, comprising: at least one first gearing element that is rotatable around a first rotation axis; at least one second gearing element that is rotatable around a second rotation axis which is perpendicular to the first rotation axis; and at least one housing unit at least partly covering the first gearing element and comprising at least one housing element, the first gearing element fixing the second gearing element in position. The first gearing element in particular may prevent a translational movement of the second gearing element in at least one direction. The first gearing element may reduce the degree of freedom for a translational movement of the second gearing element at least in one direction. On account of this, in particular a fixing device for fixing the second gearing element in position can be dispensed with, whereby low costs can be achieved. 
     Additionally, it is proposed that the second gearing element may at least be mostly arranged between the first gearing element and at least one section of the housing element. The second gearing element may in particular be pressed and/or jammed, directly and/or indirectly, between the first gearing element and the section of the housing element. On account of this, stability can in particular be improved. 
     Possibly the housing unit could comprise only the housing element and be in particular free of further housing elements. The housing element could in particular support the first gearing element and the second gearing element. Alternatively, the housing unit comprises at least one further housing element which supports at least the second gearing element. As a result of this, a high level of stability can in particular be achieved. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the housing element may at least mostly encompasses the further housing element. On account of this, stability can in particular be increased. 
     In addition, it is proposed that the housing element and the further housing element may be latched with each other. As a result of this, a fast and/or easy assembly procedure can in particular be achieved. In particular, a movement of the housing element and of the further housing element with respect to each other can be prevented, as a result of which stability can in particular be improved. 
     For example the second gearing element could be located directly contacting the first gearing element and the section of the housing element. Preferably at least one section of the further housing element is at least mostly arranged between the second gearing element and at least one section of the housing element. There may exist in particular a line of force between the first gearing element, the second gearing element, the section of the further housing element and the section of the housing element. On account of this, a compact implementation can in particular be provided. 
     Possibly the second gearing element could be latched with the further housing element in a pre-assembled state. The second gearing element could also be loosely arranged inside the further housing element in a pre-assembled state. The second gearing element can in particular be moved with respect to the further housing element in an easy manner in the pre-assembled state. As a result of this, a fast and/or easy mounting procedure can in particular be achieved, thus saving manufacturing costs and/or manufacturing time. In particular, there is no need to use any additional fixing component for an assembly process. 
     Further, it is proposed that the housing element may at least be substantially U-shaped and may have at least two legs. In this context, “at least substantially U-shaped” is to mean U-shaped in the technical sense, meaning in particular that rounding errors and/or manufacturing tolerances are considered. On account of this, the housing element can in particular be manufactured in an easy and/or fast manner. 
     Additionally, it is proposed that the further housing element may be at least substantially U-shaped and may have at least two further legs. As a result of this, the manufacturing process can in particular be accelerated. 
     In a further implementation of the invention at least one of the legs and at least one of the further legs may be oriented at least substantially perpendicularly with respect to each other. A first one of the legs of a first one of the housing elements may in particular be at least substantially perpendicular to both legs of a second one of the housing elements. In at least one cross-sectional plane the legs of the housing elements may in particular form an at least substantially rectangular shape. On account of this, a compact embodiment and/or a very high level of stability can in particular be provided. 
     A very simple construction can in particular be achieved by a home appliance, in particular by a home chiller appliance, comprising at least one home appliance device according to the invention. 
     A fast manufacturing process can in particular be achieved by a method for assembly of a home appliance device, the home appliance device comprising: at least one first gearing element that is rotatable around a first rotation axis; at least one second gearing element that is rotatable around a second rotation axis which is perpendicular to the first rotation axis; and at least one housing unit at least partly covering the first gearing element and having at least one housing element and at least one further housing element, the second gearing element being at least mostly arranged inside the further housing element and forming a pre-assembly group together with the further housing element, the pre-assembly group and the first gearing element being at least mostly arranged inside the housing element and latched with the housing element. 
     Herein the home appliance device is not to be limited to the application and implementation described above. In particular, for the purpose of fulfilling a functionality herein described, the home appliance device may comprise a number of respective elements, structural components and units that differs from the number mentioned herein. Furthermore, regarding the value ranges mentioned in this disclosure, values within the limits mentioned are to be understood to be also disclosed and to be used as applicable. 
     Further advantages may become apparent from the following description of the drawing. In the drawing an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. The person having ordinary skill in the art will purposefully also consider the features separately and will find further expedient combinations. 
     If there is more than one specimen of a certain object, only one of these is given a reference numeral in the figures and in the description. The description of this specimen may be correspondingly transferred to the other specimens of the object. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  a home appliance comprising a home appliance device in an operating state, in a schematic front view, 
         FIG. 2  the home appliance comprising the home appliance device in an opened state, in a schematic front view, 
         FIG. 3  a first gearing element, a second gearing element and a housing unit of the home appliance device, in a schematic exploded view, 
         FIG. 4  the first gearing element, the second gearing element and the housing unit in a mounted state, in a schematic view, and 
         FIG. 5  the first gearing element, the second gearing element, the housing unit and an appliance body of the home appliance device in a mounted state, in a schematic view. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a home appliance  34  comprising a home appliance device  10 , in a schematic perspective view. The home appliance  34  is embodied as a home chiller appliance. The home appliance device  10  is embodied as a home chiller appliance device. 
     In present embodiment the home appliance  34  is embodied as a refrigerator. The home appliance  34  could further be embodied in particular as a wine cooler, a climate cabinet, an ice-box, a freezer and/or a refrigerator-freezer combination. 
     In  FIG. 1  the home appliance device  10  is shown in an installation position. The home appliance device  10  is installed on a base  38 . The base  38  defines a substantially horizontal plane. 
     The home appliance device  10  comprises an appliance body  40 . The appliance body  40  partly defines an appliance housing. The appliance body  40  is installed on the base  38  substantially upright. 
     The appliance body  40  partly defines a storage space  42 . The appliance body  40  comprises walls  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 . The walls  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  delimit the storage space  42 . The appliance body  40  comprises two lateral walls  44 , preferably opposite each other. The appliance body  40  comprises a rear wall  46 . The appliance body  40  comprises a bottom wall  48 . The appliance body  40  comprises a top wall  50 , preferably opposite the bottom wall  48 . 
     The home appliance device  10  comprises at least one insert  52 . In the present case the home appliance device  10  comprises six inserts  52 . It is conceivable that the home appliance device  10  may comprise a differing number of inserts  52  as is deemed advantageous by someone skilled in the art. The home appliance device  10  may preferably comprise a combination of different embodiments of inserts  52 , for example at least one insert  52  embodied as a shelf and at least one further insert  52  embodied as a bottle holder. For the sake of clarity, in the following only one insert  52  is given a reference numeral and is described in detail. The following description may be transferred to further inserts  52  accordingly. 
     The home appliance device  10  comprises at least one appliance door  54 . In the present case the home appliance device  10  comprises an appliance door  54 . The appliance door  54  is connected to the appliance body  40 . In a mounted state, the appliance door  54  is rotatably connected to the appliance body  40 . 
     The home appliance device  10  comprises one first gearing element  12  (cf.  FIGS. 3 to 5 ). The first gearing element  12  is rotatable around a first rotation axis  14 . In present embodiment the first rotation axis  14  is substantially vertical. The first rotation axis  14  is substantially perpendicular to the base  38 . In a mounted state, the first gearing element  12  engages a second gearing element  16  of the home appliance device  10 . 
     The home appliance device  10  comprises the second gearing element  16  (compare  FIGS. 3 to 5 ). The second gearing element  16  is rotatable around a second rotation axis  18 . In the present embodiment the second rotation axis  18  is substantially horizontal. The second rotation axis  18  is substantially parallel to the base  38 . The second rotation axis  18  is perpendicular to the first rotation axis  14 . 
     The home appliance device  10  comprises a housing unit  20 . The housing unit  20  mostly covers the first gearing element  12 . In a mounted state, the housing unit  20  mostly covers the second gearing element  16 . 
     The housing unit  20  comprises a housing element  22 . The housing element  22  mostly covers the first gearing element  12 . In a mounted state, the housing element  22  is latched with the first gearing element  12 . 
     The housing element  22  supports the first gearing element  12 . The housing element  22  has two legs  26 ,  28 . The legs  26 ,  28  are arranged opposite each other. In a mounted state, the first gearing element  12  is supported by means of the legs  26 ,  28 . 
     The housing element  22  is substantially U-shaped. The housing element  22  has a section  56 . The section  56  connects the legs  26 ,  28  to each other. The section  56  forms the bottom of the U-shape of the housing element  22 . 
     The housing element  22  mostly encompasses the first gearing element  12 . The housing element  22  mostly encompasses the second gearing element  16 . In a mounted state, the second gearing element  16  is mostly arranged between the first gearing element  12  and the section  56  of the housing element  22 . 
     The first gearing element  12  fixes the second gearing element  16  in position. The second gearing element  16  is mostly indirectly clamped between the first gearing element  12  and the section  56  of the housing element  22 . In a mounted state, the second gearing element  16  is mostly directly clamped between the first gearing element  12  and a section  58  of a further housing element  24  of the housing unit  20 . 
     The housing unit  20  comprises the further housing element  24 . The further housing element  24  comprises the further section  58 . In a mounted state, the further housing element  24  is mostly arranged inside the housing element  22 . The housing element  22  mostly encompasses the further housing element  24 . 
     In a mounted state, the further section  58  of the further housing element  24  is mostly arranged between the second gearing element  16  and the section  56  of the housing element  22 . 
     The further housing element  24  supports the second gearing element  16 . The further housing element  24  has two further legs  30 ,  32 . The further legs  30 ,  32  are arranged opposite to each other. In a mounted state, the second gearing element  16  is supported by means of the further legs  30 ,  32 . 
     The further housing element  24  is substantially U-shaped. The further section  58  connects the further legs  30 ,  32  to each other. The further section  58  forms the bottom of the U-shape of the further housing element  24 . 
     In a mounted state, the housing element  22  and the further housing element  24  are latched with each other. The further housing element  24  comprises at least one further projection  60 . In the present embodiment the further housing element  24  comprises four further projections  60 . The further projections  60  are located at the further legs  30 ,  32  of the further housing element  24 . 
     The housing element  22  comprises at least one recess  62 . In present embodiment the housing element  22  comprises four recesses  62 . The recesses  62  are located at the legs  26 ,  28  of the housing element  22 . In a mounted state, the further projections  60  of the further housing element  24  engage into the recesses  62  of the housing element  22 . 
     In a mounted state, the U-shape of the housing element  22  and the U-shape of the further housing element  24  are oriented at an angle of substantially 90° with respect to one another. The legs  26 ,  28  of the housing element  22  and the further legs  30 ,  32  of the further housing element  24  are oriented substantially perpendicular with respect to each other. 
     In a pre-assembled state, the further housing element  24  supports the second gearing element  16 . The second gearing element  16  is loosely arranged inside the further housing element  24  in a pre-assembled state. 
     In a method for assembly of the home appliance device  10 , the second gearing element  16  is mostly arranged inside the further housing element  24 . The second gearing element  16  is inserted into the further housing element  24  in an assembly direction  74 . The second gearing element  16  forms a pre-assembly group  36  together with the further housing element  24  (cf.  FIG. 3 ). 
     The pre-assembly group  36  and the first gearing element  12  are mostly arranged inside the housing element  22 . The pre-assembly group  36  and the first gearing element  12  are inserted into the housing element  22  in a further assembly direction  76 . The pre-assembly group  36  and the first gearing element  12  are latched with the housing element  22 . 
     The pre-assembly group  36  and the first gearing element  12  and the housing element  22  form a further pre-assembly group  72 . The further pre-assembly group  72  may in particular be fixed in position, preferably to the appliance body  40 , by means of at least one rivet, for example by means of four rivets. 
     The first gearing element  12 , the second gearing element  16  and the housing unit  20 , which in particular comprises the housing element  22  and the further housing element  24 , are part of a height adjusting mechanism (cf.  FIG. 5 ). The height adjusting mechanism is provided for adjusting a height of the appliance body  40  with respect to the base  38 . 
     The home appliance device  10  comprises an operating element  64 . The operating element  64  is connected to the first gearing element  12  in a torque proof fashion. The operating element  64  is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise. By rotating the operating element  64  the first gearing element  12  is rotated. 
     The first gearing element  12  transfers the rotation to the second gearing element  16 . The home appliance device  10  comprises a supporting element  66 . The supporting element  66  is connected to the second gearing element  16  in a torque proof fashion. By rotating the supporting element  66  the second gearing element  16  is rotated. 
     The home appliance device  10  comprises a stand element  68 . In a mounting position, the stand element  68  is located on the base  38 . The stand element  68  and the supporting element  66  are connected to one another. 
     The home appliance device  10  comprises a gearing  70 . The gearing  70  connects the stand element  68  and the supporting element  66  to one another. By rotation of the supporting element  66  a gearing position of the supporting element  66  with respect to the stand element  68  changes. By changing the gearing position of the supporting element  66  with respect to the stand element  68 , the height of the appliance body  40  with respect to the base  38  is changed. 
     The height adjusting mechanism may in particular be configured for the height adjustment of a front floor support stand and/or of a back floor support stand. The housing unit  20 , in particular the housing element  22  and/or the further housing element  24 , may in particular be made at least mostly of metal and preferably of sheet metal. 
     The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:
           10  Home appliance device     12  First gearing element     14  First rotation axis     16  Second gearing element     18  Second rotation axis     20  Housing unit     22  Housing element     24  Further housing element     26  Leg     28  Leg     30  Further leg     32  Further leg     34  Home appliance     36  Pre-assembly group     38  Base     40  Appliance body     42  Storage space     44  Wall     46  Wall     48  Wall     50  Wall     52  Insert     54  Appliance door     56  Section     58  Section     60  Further projection     62  Recess     64  Operating element     66  Supporting element     68  Stand element     70  Gearing     72  Further pre-assembly group     74  Assembly direction     76  Further assembly direction