DOMESTIC COOLING APPLIANCE WITH A SPECIFIC RECEPTACLE FOR A LIGHT MODULE

Abstract

A domestic cooling appliance includes a receiving space for foodstuffs which is delimited by walls and an illuminating device for illuminating the receiving space. One wall has at least one receptacle for a light module of the illuminating device. The receptacle is spaced further from the receiving space than an inner side facing the receiving space of a wall region of the one wall adjacent the receptacle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119, of Turkish Patent Application TR 2014/15377, filed Dec. 18, 2014; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a domestic cooling appliance including a receiving space for foodstuffs, which is delimited by walls. The domestic cooling appliance further includes an illuminating device for illuminating the receiving space.

Domestic cooling appliances for receiving food are known in the form of refrigerators, freezers or refrigerator-freezers. The receiving space of the domestic cooling appliance, which is formed in a housing, can be closed by a door mounted on the housing. In order to also provide for improved and sufficient brightness in the receiving space with the door open, it is known to utilize illuminating devices which particularly illuminate the receiving space when the door of the domestic cooling appliance is open.

However, in that context there is the disadvantage that conventional and known constructions of such illuminating devices are disposed in such a way that they either blind a person looking into the receiving space and/or that their light emission is very uneven so that the receiving space is illuminated in a very uneven manner. Further, such illuminating devices are also disposed in such a way that they are disposed in the receiving space itself or that they extend into it so that on one hand available space of the receiving space is used up and on the other hand as a result of that configuration of the illuminating devices damage to the illuminating device might possibly occur simply by bumping against it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a domestic cooling appliance with a specific receptacle for a light module, which overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known appliances of this general type and in which the illuminating device is improved with regard to an enhanced illumination of the receiving space and an individual configuration regarding positioning.

With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a domestic cooling appliance including a receiving space for foodstuffs which is delimited by walls. The domestic cooling appliance further includes an illuminating device for illuminating the receiving space. A core concept of the invention is to be seen in that a wall which delimits the receiving space has at least one receptacle for a light module of the illuminating device. The light module is disposed in the receptacle. This receptacle is spaced further from the receiving space than an inner side, facing the receiving space, of a wall region of the wall adjacent the receptacle. This consequently means that the receptacle for the light module is disposed to face away from the receiving space relative to the wall region and that consequently this receptacle is constructed to extend outward, as it were, from the wall region, thus facing away from the receiving space. Through the use of such an embodiment the light module can be disposed as it were outside the receiving space and thus does not restrict the receiving space with regard to its usable volume. Besides, this positioning also enables a more even illumination of the receiving space. Also, in consequence of this specific embodiment of the receptacle the light module can thus, to a certain degree, be disposed to be embedded with at least one partial area of the light module in a partial area of the wall so that furthermore a particularly stable mounting of the light module is enabled.

It is preferably provided that the receptacle is formed in one piece with the wall. Through the use of this embodiment the number of components is reduced and, specifically, a particularly secure positioning of the light module in relation to the wall can be achieved. Besides, such an embodiment is to be viewed as more robust and the light module can thus be attached to the receptacle in a more stable manner. Moreover, assembly work required to fasten a separate receptacle to the wall is unnecessary.

It is particularly preferably provided that the receptacle is formed as a stamping in the wall. Through the use of such an embodiment the construction of the receptacle can be particularly precise relative to the adjacent wall region and thus a highly form-precise hollow or recess for the light module can be created. In this context then, a receptacle having such a construction constitutes, viewed outward from the receiving space, a particularly advantageous bulge in this wall, which accommodates the light module in a particularly protected and mechanically stable manner and which is with regard to the distribution of the light emitted by the light module into the receiving space a particularly preferred embodiment.

It is preferably provided that with a front side facing the receiving space the light module in a mounted state is flush with an inner side of the wall region. Through the use of such an embodiment the above-mentioned advantages are, in particular, reinforced. Besides, a wall is created which also in the area of the receptacle and thus of the light module inserted therein appears as it were as the same continued plane so that in the transition between the wall region adjacent the receptacle and the light module inserted therein there is no offset as it were or break.

It can also be provided that with a front side facing the receiving space the light module in a mounted state is disposed in the receptacle with an outward offset relative to the inner side of the wall region. This embodiment is also advantageous in that a more homogenous light irradiation by the light module into the receiving space is enabled, while on the other hand the light module does not extend into the receiving space. It is thus provided in both advantageous embodiments that the light module does not extend from the receptacle into the receiving space.

It is preferably provided that the receptacle has a continuous hole which is delimited by a circumferential abutment flange of the receptacle. Through the use of this embodiment the installation of a larger light module is also enabled and the fastening facilitated. It is preferred that the flange is a stamping flange.

When looking from the receiving space in the direction of the receptacle, the abutment flange is constructed with an outward offset in relation to the inner side of the wall region and thus as it were further removed. Such an abutment flange which, in particular, completely encircles the continuous hole, despite permitting the light module to pass through, still enables a sufficiently stable mechanical attachment of the light module thereto and in addition also stabilizes the wall, in particular, in the area of the continuous hole so that an undesired twisting of the wall in this area is prevented, in particular when the light module is mounted.

It is preferably envisaged that the light module is disposed in such a way that it extends through the hole.

It is preferably provided that the light module has a housing with a front flange, wherein the front flange with an outer side in a mounted state of the light module in the receptacle is in contact with an inner surface of the abutment flange facing the receiving space or abuts thereon. Through the use of such an embodiment of the light module the abutment flange of the receptacle is enabled to abut over an area as large as possible so that also in a direction of rotation around a longitudinal axis of the hole and thus also, in particular, around a longitudinal axis of the light module a very even abutment is achieved and thus also an improved attachment. Due to the abutting of two flanges also a very extensive mechanical coupling and operative connection can be achieved which prevents an undesired tilting of the light module relative to the abutment flange. Thus, also a highly secure positioning of the light module is achieved, which in a particularly advantageous manner contributes to a permanently even illumination of the receiving space.

It is particularly envisaged that an inner side of the front flange which forms a front side of the light module is flush with the inner side of the wall region or set back from the inner side in an outward direction.

In an advantageous embodiment it is envisaged that at least one flange section of the abutment flange has at least one recess as an assembly coding for the light module. Thus, an incorrect installation of the light module in the receptacle can be prevented as well as undesired light irradiation into the receiving space. If the assembly coding is formed in the abutment flange itself, the assembly coding can feature a very simple form, yet be reliably effective as regards the prevention of an incorrect installation of the light module.

It is preferably provided that such an assembly coding is constructed according to the Poka Yoke principle.

In particular, the light module is non-destructively detachably disposed in the receptacle. Thus, for purposes of assembly, replacement or cleaning, the light module can be removed and afterwards installed again.

It is preferably provided that the light module has a housing on which latching elements are formed in one piece, which in a mounted state engage behind an abutment flange of the receptacle on an outer side facing away from the receiving space to enable retention through latching. Through the use of such an embodiment a very simple and quick assembly is rendered possible, which, however, still enables a stable retention of the light module in the receptacle. Besides, it is enabled precisely by using this embodiment in connection with the front flange of the light module that the abutment flange is contacted on both sides by components of the light module and thus, as it were, the front flange of the light module abuts on one side of this abutment flange and the latching element abuts on or is braced against the opposite other side. Thus to a certain degree a clamping engaging connection is created which is conducive to the exact fit of the light module.

It is preferably envisaged that the wall is a top wall which covers an evaporator of the domestic cooling appliance. The wall can be formed as a level plate. Preferably, however, it is formed to be uneven and, in particular, stepped like a flight of stairs. Thus, light modules can be installed in different steps, which is further conducive to a more homogenous illumination.

It is particularly provided that this wall thus features a stepped form and that the receptacle, viewed in a vertical direction of the domestic cooling appliance, is formed in an undermost or lowermost step and/or, viewed in a depth direction of the domestic cooling appliance, in a rearmost step.

It is advantageously provided that the light module has a plurality of light emitting diodes. These have a very space-saving and compact construction and besides enable high light density in conjunction with, by comparison, highly homogenous light emission.

It is preferably provided that the wall has at least one light transmission opening through which light of a further light module of the illuminating device can be irradiated into the receiving space. Adjacent the light transmission opening there is a distance adapter by using which the further light module disposed thereon is spaced from the wall outside the receiving space and by using which the light of the light module can be directed to the light transmission opening. This is a further highly advantageous embodiment, since with regard to the local position of the light module in a depth direction of the domestic cooling appliance and/or in a width direction of the domestic cooling appliance a covered configuration can be achieved. This means that when the door of the domestic cooling appliance is open and a user is looking into the receiving space from outside, by using such an embodiment of the specific positions of this wall also a concealed configuration, as it were, of the light module outside the receiving space is enabled, while still a light emission from this light module into the receiving space is achieved which contributes to a highly homogenous illumination of the receiving space. Thus, by using such a distance adapter, in particular, a considerably greater spacing apart of the light module and the light transmission opening is achieved than provided for the light module disposed in the receptacle.

In the embodiment with the distance adapter it is, in particular, provided that the front side of the light module is disposed to be considerably spaced apart from an inner side of the wall region of the wall adjacent the light transmission opening, that on the other hand the light module disposed in the receptacle with the front side of the light module is preferably flush with the inner side of the wall region adjacent the receptacle.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that an inner side of the distance adapter is stair-shaped. Thus improved light distribution can be achieved which enables individually required light irradiation into the receiving space.

It can be provided that these steps are disposed to be completely circumferential around a longitudinal axis of the distance adapter and that thus the steps are, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, formed in the manner of a flight of stairs.

However, it can also be provided that the inner side of the distance adapter is flat and, as regards this context, stepless.

The distance adapter is preferably formed as a separate component, which is attached to the wall. In this context an adhesive or welded connection can be envisaged. However, a latching connection or an adhesive connection or a screw connection or the like can also be formed.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment it is provided that, viewed from the light module in the direction of the light transmission opening, an inner side of the distance adapter opens out like a funnel. Thus, the aspect of light irradiation from the light module into the receiving space in a manner as homogenous and extensive as possible is further improved.

Advantageously, it is provided that the distance adapter is made of plastic. Thus, it can be formed as a simple injection moulded component in one piece and is highly weight-minimized. Advantageously, in its bottom, which faces away from the receiving space, the distance adapter has a continuous hole, which is delimited by a circumferential abutment flange, wherein the light module is disposed on this abutment flange. This embodiment results in a preferred fastening option for the light module with regard to stable positioning and a robust attachment to the distance adapter.

It is preferably provided that a plane featuring the abutment flange delimiting the hole is parallel to a plane of a front flange of the distance adapter facing the wall.

Thus as it were a symmetrical structure of the distance adapter is formed and the light module attached to the distance adapter substantially as it were emits the light in a main radiation direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distance adapter.

In a further advantageous alternative embodiment it is provided that a plane featuring the abutment flange delimiting the continuous hole is not parallel to a plane of a front flange of the distance adapter facing the wall. In particular, in this embodiment it is provided that the planes are disposed at an angle of between 30° and 70°, in particular of between 30° and 50°, to each other. Through the use of such an asymmetrical construction of the distance adapter highly individual illumination directions and illumination scenarios can be achieved in the receiving space, which yet again contribute to homogenous light irradiation.

It is preferably provided that the light module is disposed in such a way that a main radiation direction of the light emitted by the light module is perpendicular to the abutment flange which delimits the continuous hole of the bottom of the distance adapter.

In particular, the light module is non-destructively detachably disposed at this abutment flange of the distance adapter, in particular disposed through latching.

Further features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone are usable not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or else alone, without leaving the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be regarded as included and disclosed by the invention, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which derive and are producible from the illustrated explanations by separated feature combinations. Also, embodiments and feature combinations are to be regarded as disclosed which thus do not include all features of an originally formulated independent claim.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a domestic cooling appliance with a specific receptacle for a light module, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an embodiment of a domestic cooling appliance according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view showing the interior of the receiving space in the direction of an upper wall;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view of the representation in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wall with light modules;

FIG. 5 is a side-elevational view of the representation in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a further perspective view of the wall according to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the section in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the wall according to FIGS. 4 to 7 with a receptacle for the light module;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a distance adapter as it is mounted on the wall according to FIGS. 4 to 7;

FIG. 10 is a further perspective view of the distance adapter according to FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a light module;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view, in which the light module according to FIG. 11 is mounted on the distance adapter according to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the representation in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a distance adapter with a light module attached thereto;

FIG. 15 is a side-elevational view of the embodiment in FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a wall, in which light modules are installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now in detail to the figures of the drawings, in which identical or functionally identical elements bear the same reference numerals, and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen an exemplary representation of a domestic cooling appliance which is configured to receive foodstuffs and which can, for example, be a refrigerator, a freezer or a refrigerator-freezer. This domestic cooling appliance 1 includes a body 2 with an inner container 3. The inner container 3 with its walls defines a first interior or receiving space 4 for food, which is a cooling space, and underneath and separate from it a second interior or receiving space 5 for food, which is a freezing space. The first receiving space 4 generally serves for the frost free cooling of refrigerated goods, in particular at temperatures between +4° C. and +8° C. However, the first receiving space 4 can also be configured as a 0° C.-compartment, in particular for keeping fresh fruit or vegetables. The first receiving space 4 is accessible through an open door 6, which closes this receiving space 4 at the front. The second receiving space 5 generally serves for the deep-freezing of frozen goods at, for example, −18° C. The second receiving space 5 is accessible when a second further door 7 is open.

In the embodiment there is a plurality of compartment dividers or shelves 8, 9 and 10 in the receiving space 4. However, the number is to be regarded as merely exemplary.

The first receiving space 4 is delimited by vertical walls in the form of side walls 3a and 3b of the inner container 3 and by a rear wall 3c, a top wall 3d and a bottom wall 3e of the inner container 3. The inner container 3 moreover at the front has a charging aperture or loading opening closable by the door 6.

On an inner side of the door 6 there is a plurality of door racks 12 which are to be seen as merely exemplary with regard to their configuration in space and their number.

In addition, the domestic cooling appliance 1 has a cooling circuit which also includes at least one evaporator 13, which is disposed in an upper region of the first receiving space 4. This evaporator 13 is disposed in such a way that in the direction of the first receiving space 4 it is concealed from view by a further wall 14, which is an upper wall. In the embodiment this additional upper wall 14 is thus a covering wall for the evaporator 13 so that the evaporator 13 is, in particular, disposed between the top wall 3d and this upper wall 14.

Moreover, the domestic cooling appliance 1 includes an illuminating device 15 which is configured to illuminate the receiving space 4.

In FIG. 2 the domestic cooling appliance 1 is shown in a perspective partial sectional view, in which the upper wall 14 is viewed from below. As can be seen, this upper wall 14 is not a level plate, but a wall with a plurality of steps. In the embodiment the illuminating device 15 includes a plurality of separate light modules, which are installed in this upper wall 14.

In FIG. 3 the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is shown in a vertical sectional view and thus in a sectional plane concerning the y-z plane. Thus, the stepped form of this upper wall 14 can be recognized.

The illuminating device 15 includes a light module 16, which in a vertical direction and thus in the y direction is disposed in an undermost or lowermost step 14a of the upper wall 14 and in a horizontal direction and thus in the z direction, which is the depth direction, in the rearmost step 14a. Besides, in this step 14a a further, in particular structurally identical light module 16 is installed.

Furthermore, the illuminating device 15 includes a further light module 17, which viewed vertically is disposed on a higher, in particular second middle step 14b and with regard to the depth direction is disposed in the middle step 14b. Moreover, the upper wall 14 includes a highest third step 14c, which also viewed in the depth direction is the foremost or frontmost step 14c and thus the step closest to the door 6.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, in the embodiment there are two light modules 17. Likewise, there are two light modules 16.

Through the use of the illuminating device 15 a very homogenous illumination of the receiving space 4 is achieved when the door 6 is open and yet an undesired blinding of a user who looks into the receiving space 4 is prevented. Also, the light modules 16 and 17 can thus be disposed in such a way that they are as it were concealed so that a user who normally looks into the receiving space in a horizontal direction or in a substantially horizontal direction does not immediately see the light modules 16 and 17.

In FIG. 4 the upper wall 14 is shown with the two light modules 16 and the two light modules 17 in a perspective view. It can be seen that the rear light modules 16 are each disposed in a respective receptacle 18 and 19. These receptacles 18 and 19 are stampings in the upper wall 14 which is formed in one piece, in particular of metal, especially stainless steel. Besides it is envisaged that the front light modules 17 are disposed spaced from the step 14b by using distance adapters 20, 21, which are each conical or funnel-shaped in the embodiment. Thus, by using these distance adapters 20, 21, which are preferably made of plastic and formed as separate components from the wall 14, the light modules 17 are spaced further from the wall 14 than is implemented with the light modules 16 by using the receptacles 18 and 19.

The receptacles 18 and 19 are formed in such a way that in a mounted state the light module 16 with a front side 16a facing the receiving space 4 is flush with an inner side 22 of a wall region 23 of the wall 14 adjacent the respective receptacles 18 and 19 or disposed in the respective receptacles 18 and 19 with an outward offset relative to this inner side 22. This means that the light modules 16 do not extend into the receiving space 4. For this purpose, the receptacles 18 and 19 are formed in such a way that they are spaced further from the receiving space 4 than the inner side 22 of the wall region 23 of the wall 14 facing the receiving space 4. Thus the receptacles 18, 19, viewed in an outward direction, are spaced further from the receiving space 4 than the wall regions 23 and are thus as it were structures which are oriented outwards and thus face away from the receiving space 4.

In FIG. 5 the illustration of FIG. 4 is shown in a side view and it can be seen that the light modules 16 and 17 are directly assembled on the upper wall 14.

Besides, it can also be gathered from FIG. 5 that in a vertical direction and thus in the y direction the light module 17 is spaced further from the step 14b than the light module 16 with regard to the step 14b.

In FIG. 6 in a further perspective view the wall 14 is shown, wherein in this case an oblique view is presented from above and the light modules 16 and 17 can be seen in an assembled state on the wall 14.

In FIG. 7 in an enlarged view a partial section of the wall 14 is shown, wherein in this case the light module 16 is shown in a mounted state. The flush configuration of the front side 16a with the inner side 22 of the wall region 23 can be seen. Also, the receptacle 18 is shown.

In FIG. 8 the receptacle 18 as implemented as an indentation in the wall 14 in the step 14a is shown in more detail. It can be seen that the receptacle 18 is an elevation facing away from the receiving space 4 which thus rises from the plane of the step 14a in such a way that it faces away from the receiving space 4. The receptacle 18 includes a continuous hole 24, which is delimited by a circumferential stamped abutment flange 25 of the receptacle 18. Thus, this abutment flange 25, viewed from the receiving space towards the receptacle 18, is formed with an outward offset relative to the inner side 22 and thus also formed with an outward offset in relation to the step 14a. In a mounted state of the light module 16 in this receptacle 18 the light module 16 extends through this hole 24.

The light module 16 as shown in a perspective view in FIG. 11 in an exemplary manner has a housing 26 with a front flange 27. This front flange 27 includes an outer side 27a, which in a mounted state on the receptacle 18 abuts on an inner side 25a (FIG. 8) of the abutment flange 25 facing the receiving space 4. An inner side 27b of this front flange 27 which forms a front side 16a of the light module 16 is preferably flush with the inner side 22 of the wall region 23 or, viewed outwards from the receiving space, formed with an outward offset in relation to this inner side 22.

As can further be seen, at least one abutment flange section 25b, in the embodiment a first flange section 25b and an opposite second flange section 25c, each has a plurality of recesses 28 which by using their differing local positions form an assembly coding for the light module 16. For this purpose, as can also be gathered from FIG. 11, the housing 26 has corresponding engaging elements 29, which extend through the recesses 28 when the light module 16 is inserted into the receptacle 18. In the embodiment the assembly coding is of the Poka Yoke type.

Besides, the housing 26 has on its narrow sides latching elements 30, each formed thereto in one piece, which in a mounted state snap behind the abutment flange 25 and, in particular, snap behind brackets 31 formed onto the opposing flange sections 25d and 25e and curved outwards. Thus the light module 16 is reliably held in the receptacle 18 so as to ensure a secure position. In particular, the light module 16 is non-destructively detachably disposed in the receptacle 18. Thus, in a mounted state of the light module 16 the latching elements 30 are disposed in such a way that they engage behind the abutment flange 25 of the receptacle 18 on an outer side 25f facing away from the receiving space 4 to enable retention through latching. Thus, precisely by using the mechanical interaction with the front flange 27 of the housing 26 and the abutting on the abutment flange 25 an abutment of the housing 26 on the abutment flange 25 on both sides is achieved and thus also to a certain degree a clamping connection on both sides.

Preferably the light module 16 has a plurality of light emitting diodes as light sources.

In FIG. 9 a distance adapter 20 is shown in a first perspective view. Further explanations are based on the distance adapter 20 since the further distance adapter 21 is structurally identical. In the embodiment of FIG. 9 it can be seen that this distance adapter 20 is formed like a cone or funnel on at least one inner side 32. In a mounted state the inner side 32 of the distance adapter 20 opens out from the light module 17 to a light transmission opening 33 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) in the step 14b like a funnel. Through the use of this embodiment light from a light module 17 of the illuminating device 15 can be irradiated into the receiving space through the light transmission opening 33, wherein the distance adapter 20 is adjacent the light transmission opening 33, wherein by using the distance adapter 20 the light module 17 is spaced from the wall 14 and, in particular, from the step 14b and spaced from and outside the receiving space 4.

As mentioned above, the distance adapter 20 is provided as a separate component, in particular made of plastic, and it is fastened to the wall 14 by using an adhesive connection or a welded connection or the like.

As can be seen in FIG. 9, the distance adapter 20 has a continuous hole 35 in its bottom 34 which faces away from the receiving space 4. This hole 35 is delimited by a circumferential abutment flange 36, wherein the light module 17 is positioned at the abutment flange 36. It can also be seen in this case that the abutment flange 36 has recesses 37 on opposing flange sections 36a and 36b, and on the further opposing flange sections 36c and 36d snap elements 38. As regards mounting options on the distance adapter 20, reference is made to the explanations concerning FIG. 8 with regard to the receptacle 18. Since in an advantageous embodiment the light module 17 is virtually identical to the light module 16, fastening to the distance adapter 20 can be performed in a manner which corresponds to the mounting of the light module 16 in the receptacle 18.

In the embodiment shown it is provided that the abutment flange 36 of the distance adapter 20 extends in a plane which is parallel to a plane in which a front flange 39 extends. In a mounted state of the distance adapter 20 the front flange 39 faces the receiving space 4 and is thus closer to it than the bottom 34. Through the use of the front flange 39 the distance adapter 20 is assembled on the step 14b.

In FIG. 10 the distance adapter 20 as illustrated in FIG. 9 is shown in a different perspective view, wherein in this case a view of the stepped and thus not level construction of the inner side 32 is shown. As regards assembly, again an outer side 27a of the abutment flange 27 of the housing 26 of the light module 17 abuts on an inner side 36e of the abutment flange 36 facing the receiving space 4. In a mounted state of the light module 17 the latching elements 30 then abut on an outer side 36f (FIG. 9) of the abutment flange 36 facing away from the receiving space.

In FIG. 12 the assembled state of the light module 17 on the distance adapter 20 is shown in a perspective view. It can be seen that the latching elements 30 rest on the outer side 36f.

In FIG. 13 a sectional view of the embodiment in FIG. 12 is shown. In this case also light sources 42 of the light module 17 can be recognized.

In FIG. 14 a further embodiment of a distance adapter 20 is shown in a perspective view. In this case in contrast to the embodiment according to FIGS. 9 and 10 as well as FIGS. 12 and 13 an asymmetrical structure of the distance adapter 20 is shown. This means that the abutment flange 36 extends in a plane E1 which is not parallel to a plane E2, in which the front flange 39 extends, but is inclined towards it.

In this context FIG. 15 shows a simplified side view, wherein it can be seen that an angle α between a plane E1 in which the abutment flange 36 extends and a plane E2 in which the front flange 39 extends is preferably between 30° and 70°, particularly preferably between 30° and 50°.

In contrast to the embodiments of the distance adapter 20 illustrated above it can also be envisaged that the inner wall 32 is not stepped, but level.

In FIG. 16 in a perspective view a further embodiment of a wall is shown, which can feature an illuminating device 15. In this embodiment it is envisaged that the wall is a shelf, for example the shelf 8 or 9 or 10. It is provided in this context that this shelf 40 has an underside 41 which in the mounted state in the domestic cooling appliance 1 faces downward and thus in a negative y direction with regard to the illustration of FIG. 1. In such an embodiment then, as can also be seen in FIG. 16, in the mounted state in the receiving space 4 light from the light module 17 is irradiated diagonally from top to bottom into the receiving space 4 and into the partial volume underneath the shelf 40.

Claims

1. A domestic cooling appliance, comprising:

a receiving space for foodstuffs;

walls delimiting said receiving space, one of said walls having a wall region with an inner side facing said receiving space;

an illuminating device for illuminating said receiving space, said illuminating device including at least one light module and at least one receptacle for said at least one light module; and

said at least one receptacle being disposed at said one wall and spaced further from said receiving space than said inner side of said wall region of said one wall adjacent said at least one receptacle.

2. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein said at least one receptacle is formed in one piece with said one wall.

3. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein said at least one receptacle is formed as a stamping in said one wall.

4. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein said at least one light module has a front side facing said receiving space, and said at least one light module is mounted with said front side being flush with said inner side of said wall region or being disposed in said at least one receptacle with an outward offset relative to said inner side of said wall region, as viewed from said receiving space towards said at least one receptacle.

5. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein said at least one receptacle has a circumferential abutment flange delimiting a continuous hole in said at least one receptacle, and said abutment flange is formed with an outward offset relative to said inner side of said wall region, as viewed from said receiving space in a direction towards said at least one receptacle.

6. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 5, wherein said at least one light module extends through said hole.

7. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 5, wherein:

said abutment flange has an inner surface facing said receiving space;

said at least one light module includes a housing having a front flange with an outer side; and

said at least one light module is mounted in said at least one receptacle with said outer side of said front flange abutting on said inner surface of said abutment flange.

8. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 7, wherein said front flange has an inner side forming a front side of said at least one light module being flush with said inner side of said wall region or disposed with an outward offset relative to said inner side of said wall region.

9. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 5, wherein said abutment flange has at least one flange section with at least one recess forming an assembly coding for said at least one light module.

10. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein said at least one light module is non-destructively detachably disposed in said at least one receptacle.

11. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 10, wherein:

said at least one receptacle has an abutment flange with an outer side facing away from said receiving space;

said at least one light module has a housing and latching elements formed on and in one piece with said housing; and

said latching elements engage behind said outer side of said abutment flange to enable mounting of said at least one receptacle with retention through latching.

12. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 1, which further comprises an evaporator, said one wall being a top wall covering said evaporator.

13. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 12, wherein said top wall is a stepped wall having a lowermost step and a rearmost step, and said at least one receptacle is formed in said lowermost step or is formed in said rearmost step as viewed in a depth direction of the domestic cooling appliance.

14. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein said at least one light module has a plurality of light emitting diodes.

15. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 1, wherein:

said illuminating device includes a further light module irradiating light through at least one light transmission opening in said one wall into said receiving space; and

a distance adapter is disposed adjacent said at least one light transmission opening, said further light module is disposed on said distance adapter, said distance adapter spaces said further light module from said one wall outside said receiving space, and said distance adapter causes light from said further light module to be directed to said light transmission opening.

16. The domestic cooling appliance according to claim 15, wherein said distance adapter has a stepped inner side.