ADJUSTABLE STORAGE APPARATUS FOR FOOD, AND HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE

Abstract

A storage apparatus for food has a food receiving module which has a bottom wall and opposing side walls. Mounting supports are provided for attaching the storage apparatus to a household appliance component. The food receiving module is movably coupled to the mounting supports, and the storage apparatus has a tilt device, with which the food receiving module can be tilted relative to the mounting supports about a tilt axis. The tilt axis is arranged in a central longitudinal third of the length of the food receiving module measured in the depth direction of the storage apparatus.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 10 2022 200 428.0, filed Jan. 17, 2022; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention relates to a storage apparatus for food having a food receiving module which has a bottom wall and opposing side walls. The storage apparatus also has mounting supports for attaching the storage apparatus to a household appliance component. A further aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance having a storage apparatus.

Various types of storage apparatuses for household appliances, in particular household refrigeration appliances, are known. In this connection simple shelves are known as such storage apparatuses. These are normally horizontally oriented and their incline cannot be adjusted. In addition, however, adjustable storage apparatuses are also known, which for example are arranged in bottle storage cabinets, such as a wine bottle storage cabinet for example. In this case inclined positions of subcomponents of the storage apparatus are also possible, so that a bottle arranged in this respect can then be oriented not just horizontally, but can also be positioned on an incline in this respect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to create an adjustable storage apparatus with which position setting can be carried out in a simple and user-friendly manner.

This object is achieved by a storage apparatus and a household appliance in accordance with the features of the independent claims.

One aspect of the invention relates to an adjustable storage apparatus for food. The storage apparatus has at least one food receiving module. This food receiving module has in particular a bottom wall and opposing side walls. In addition, the storage apparatus has at least one mounting support for attaching the storage apparatus to a household appliance component. The household appliance component is thus a component of a household appliance that is separate from the storage apparatus. The preferably two mounting supports are in particular components separate from the food receiving module. In this connection the food receiving module is that component of the storage apparatus, the intended purpose of which is the direct placement of food. Food in this connection also in particular includes beverages. Thus, for example bottles or other containers for beverages can also be stored in the food receiving module. The food receiving module is movably coupled to the mounting supports. This also means in particular that the connection between the food receiving module and the mounting supports that are separate therefrom has an interface at which these components are connected to one another and nevertheless can be moved relative to one another. In particular, the movability also exists in the state in which they are connected or coupled to one another.

The storage apparatus has a tilt device. With this tilt device the food receiving module can be tilted about a tilt axis relative to the mounting supports when arranged thereon. The tilt axis is arranged in a central longitudinal third of the length of the food receiving module measured in the depth direction of the storage apparatus. This specific coupling point has multiple advantages. First, thanks to this interface between the mounting supports and the food receiving module, the interface being displaced in the depth direction into the central region, a mechanically more stable arrangement can be ensured. This is because the mounting supports then engage at this specific position onto the food receiving module. Weight forces of the food receiving module can thereby better be absorbed by the mounting supports. This applies both in the motionless state of the food receiving module as well as when it is in motion, in particular when the position of the food receiving module relative to the mounting supports is being adjusted. In particular, thanks to this position of the tilt axis it is also possible for the way in which leverage forces that act through the food receiving module are absorbed by the mounting supports to be improved. In particular, it is then also made possible for the load capacity of the entire storage apparatus to be increased. This position of the tilt axis is also particularly advantageous in that compared to a horizontal, tilt positions of the food receiving module can be better adjusted and in these adjusted tilt positions the lifting forces and weight forces of the food receiving module can also be better absorbed. Also, when the food receiving module is stocked with food or stored goods the load capacity of the mounting supports can then be maintained without problem in these tilt positions. Not least, thanks to this position of the tilt axis embodied in the central longitudinal third of the storage apparatus, in the tilted state the food receiving module does not project too far downward or upward in respect of the tilt axis and thus in the respective tilt positions a corresponding compact structure upward and downward of the storage apparatus is achieved. This is specifically not the case for exemplary embodiments in which a tilt axis is for example arranged in the far rear or far front region of the food receiving module.

In one exemplary embodiment at least one mounting support has at least one coupling element in a front longitudinal quarter viewed in the depth direction of the storage apparatus. The coupling element may also be referred to as a mounting support coupling element. It can be a first coupling element. In one exemplary embodiment this mounting-support-side coupling element can have a coupling receptacle. The mounting-support-side coupling element, in particular the coupling receptacle, is movably coupled to a coupling element arranged on the food receiving module to form a coupling point or a mechanical interface. The coupling element on the food receiving module may also be referred to as a receiving-module-side coupling element. It may also be referred to as a counter coupling element. It can be a second coupling element. In particular, the tilt axis is arranged at this coupling point. As a result, the entire length of the mounting support can advantageously also be used in order to be able to appropriately receive and move the food receiving module in a cantilevered manner. A mounting support is hence prevented from protruding forward in an undesired manner in all positions of the food receiving module. Thus, unimpeded access to the food receiving module is also possible in all tilt positions from all sides, in particular also viewed laterally from the mounting supports. Thanks to this exemplary embodiment it is on the other hand also possible for the mechanical elements forming the tilt device to be configured to be more compact and more functional. This is because in this connection direct mechanical couplings at this front longitudinal quarter of a mounting support to further components of the tilt device are enabled. As a result, the complexity of the tilt device is also reduced. A particularly simple concept of the tilt device is thereby enabled.

In one exemplary embodiment the tilt device has at least one adjustment element as a counter coupling element. This is movably arranged on the food receiving module. At least one mounting support has at least two separate coupling elements for coupling to the adjustment element. As a function of which of the at least two coupling elements the adjustment element is coupled to, a first position of the food receiving module relative to the mounting supports or a second position of the food receiving module relative to the mounting supports is set. As a result, a very simple but nevertheless mechanically stable and robust mechanism is created in order to set and retain different individual positions of the food receiving module relative to the mounting supports. As a result, a very user-friendly concept is also created to enable the food receiving module to be adjusted about the tilt axis. Extensive and complex manipulations are avoided thanks to this concept. Only the adjustment element has to be actuated and be adjusted between the separate coupling elements or brought into engagement individually with one of the coupling elements in each case in order to be able to achieve the respective desired discrete position of the food. In addition, thanks to a concept such as this a resilient and mechanically secure retention of this set position of the food receiving module is also maintained. This is because the adjustment element, which is also stable in this connection, and the direct coupling to a coupling element also ensure the mechanically stable retention of this coupled state between the adjustment element and a coupling element.

In one exemplary embodiment receivers are embodied on a front edge of a mounting support as local coupling elements of a mounting support. Such receivers can for example be notches. By positioning the receivers, in this way, a particularly simple and purposeful coupling to the adjustment element is enabled. It is thereby also very simple for the user to manipulate the tilt device for the manual actuation of the adjustment apparatus. A targeted insertion of the adjustment element into a receiver such as this is enabled. By then also embodying this receiver on a front edge of a mounting support and thus the notch as it were being open and exposed forward, the engagement of an adjustment element can take place in a particularly purposeful and precise manner. Thus, undesired or incorrect settings of the adjustment element can be prevented. In particular, it is thereby also made possible for an imprecise or insufficient coupling of the adjustment element to a coupling element to be prevented. It is thereby possible to improve the way in which an adjustment element and a coupling element can be prevented from simply releasing a coupled state by themselves. Not least, by positioning a coupling element in this way, short paths between the adjustment element and a coupling element are also achieved.

In one exemplary embodiment the adjustment element is formed as an adjusting rod. In one exemplary embodiment this can have a counter coupling element component on a rear end in the depth direction of the storage apparatus. The counter coupling element component is configured to be coupled directly to the coupling elements. The counter coupling element component is in particular part of the receiving-module-side coupling element.

A counter coupling element component can for example be an engaging tip. This tip can thus be a tapered counter coupling element component. Thus, a particularly purposeful insertion into a coupling element, in particular into a receiver, is enabled. Jamming or wedging during insertion of the adjustment element into a coupling element are thereby better prevented. In particular, the design of a counter coupling element component is such that an accurate, in particular form-fit, coupling to the coupling element is enabled. A particularly immobilized seating of the counter coupling element component in a coupling element is thereby achieved. As a result, a specific position, in particular a tilt position, of the food receiving module can be set in a particularly immobilized or positionally accurate manner and can also be correspondingly maintained.

In another exemplary embodiment it can be provided that the coupling element is configured to engage in a counter coupling element, in particular a counter coupling element component. In an exemplary embodiment such as this the coupling element can then be a raised and/or cantilevered element, in particular an engaging tip, which engages in a receiver, which in the example can be a counter coupling element component. In an exemplary embodiment such as this it is then for example possible to embody an elevation or a freely forward-protruding element on a front edge of a mounting support, which then engages in a corresponding receiver of an adjustment element.

In one exemplary embodiment the adjustment element is arranged so that it can be linearly displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis of a side wall of the food receiving container. In particular, this adjustment element is arranged substantially linearly, in particular only linearly, in the direction of this longitudinal axis. Thus, a very simple movement concept for the adjustment element is formed. The manipulation by a user is in this connection likewise very simply enabled. By defining a movement process for the adjustment element, which is very reduced in this respect, purposeful couplings to the coupling elements can also be achieved. Undesired jamming or wedging or insufficient coupling states between an adjustment element and a coupling element can thereby be prevented.

Specifically, thanks to this direction along the longitudinal axis a very intuitive and ergonomic guidance of motion is also enabled, which a user can perform when manually actuating the adjustment element. As a result, a very intuitive and ergonomic motion is also provided, in order to enable the adjustment element easily to be adjusted manually by a user.

By also movably mounting the adjustment element in one exemplary embodiment on the side wall of the food receiving container, the accessibility to this adjustment element is also easily enabled for a user. An additionally space-saving installation is thereby likewise achieved.

In one exemplary embodiment the adjustment element is connected to an actuating element of the storage apparatus. In particular, a movement coupling is embodied here between the adjustment element and the actuating element. The actuating element can be actuated by a user directly, in particular manually. In particular, this actuation is a displacement. The adjustment element is movable as a function of the actuation of the actuating element. Thus, it is also made possible for the adjustment element not to have to be gripped and actuated by the user directly. Furthermore, the adjustment element can thus also if appropriate be shaped more delicately. In particular, the adjustment element can also thanks to such an exemplary embodiment be arranged in the storage apparatus so as to be fully protected. Thus, it is for example possible to prevent a user from being pinched when grasping and directly moving the adjustment element. Thus, a high level of protection for the user when actuating the storage apparatus is achieved.

In one exemplary embodiment the actuating element is exposed outward. As a result, it is readily identifiable for a user and also easy to actuate manually directly. By here achieving a specific separation between the adjustment element and the actuating element, each of these two elements can also be adjusted in isolation to the respective functional circumstances. This relates to the shape and/or size and the material embodiment. Thus, the actuating element in isolation can also be adjusted individually to the requirements it has to satisfy. In one exemplary embodiment the actuating element is arranged on a side wall of the food receiving module. In one exemplary embodiment it can be displaced linearly in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the side wall. This longitudinal axis is in particular oriented in the depth direction of the storage apparatus. This is in particular the case and is to be understood as such if the food receiving module is arranged in a horizontal basic position. Thus, the actuating element is also advantageously held on a stable component of the food receiving module. The side wall can in this connection serve as a secure support component for the actuating element. Thus, reliable and exact guidance of the movement of the actuating element on the side wall can also be achieved. In particular, the side wall has an internal wall and an external wall, an intermediate space being formed therebetween. The adjustment element is preferably arranged in this intermediate space.

The side wall preferably also has a guide slot for this actuating element. Thus, the linear motion of the actuating element, in particular in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the side wall, is possible in a particularly exact manner.

In one exemplary embodiment the actuating element is arranged on the side wall so as to be exposed downward. In particular, it has a downwardly open engagement region, in particular for a finger of a user. As a result, the actuating element is attached at a position in which it is not in the way of other manipulation procedures, for example stocking the food receiving module with stored goods or removing these stored goods. On the other hand, it is also easily made possible for a user to engage in this engagement region. Since thanks to this engagement region the user is also given haptic feedback as to whether and to what extent the user has reached the actuating element, the user does not explicitly have to see the actuating element in order to actuate it. This too is a corresponding advantage for user-friendly and ergonomic handing by a user for actuating the actuating element.

In addition, this orientation of the engagement region also prevents dust or dirt or the like from being able to collect extensively in the engagement region. This is because thanks to this engagement region being open downward, in particular only downward, it is in principle possible to prevent the ingress of dust or dirt or the like from above.

In one exemplary embodiment the food receiving module can be set by the tilt device into at least two different, discrete tilt positions compared to the horizontal. Thus, in one exemplary embodiment it is provided that the food receiving module can be positioned in three different positions. This is first preferably a horizontal position. This can be referred to as a basic position. In addition, as well as this position these two further discrete tilt positions can be mentioned. These too are specific positions of the food receiving module.

In one exemplary embodiment a first tilt position is tilted by a value between 13° and 17°, in particular 15°, to the horizontal. In addition to or instead of this a second tilt position is tilted by a value between 27° and 33°, in particular 30°, to the horizontal. The tilt positions should in this case be understood to mean that a front end of the food receiving module, viewed in the depth direction, is arranged further forward than a rear further end of the food receiving module and viewed in the height direction the front end of the food receiving module is arranged further below the storage apparatus than the second, rear end of the food receiving module. As a result, the tilt positions are oriented such that stored goods arranged on or in the food receiving module are oriented in the tilt position forward and below. In this respect, thanks to the tilt positions a presentation position can also be achieved, in which the stored goods can be more extensively perceived or are better presented forward and can be better seen from the front.

In one exemplary embodiment the storage apparatus has an anti-tip apparatus in addition to the tilt device. With this the food receiving module is at least prevented from tipping over about the tilt axis beyond at least one limit tilt position. At least one limit tilt position in particular has a tilt angle which is greater than or equal to a tilt angle that the food receiving module has if it is arranged in a discrete greatest or smallest tilt position that can be set with the tilt device. This also means that were the tilt device to be released and for example the food receiving module were to swing freely or is let go by a user, the food receiving module cannot spin freely. Rather, this anti-tip apparatus also means that a certain stop is then reached upward or downward thanks to the at least one limit tilt position. Damage to the food receiving module can thereby be prevented. In particular, it is thereby particularly advantageously the case that the food receiving module would rotate so that stored goods stored therein would fall off. In one exemplary embodiment the anti-tip apparatus works both upward and downward. Therefore, in one exemplary embodiment a downwardly defined limit tilt position and an upwardly defined limit tilt position, different therefrom, is specified. This means that the food receiving module cannot be moved further downward than by this limit tilt position and cannot be moved further upward than by this further limit tilt position. Also, as a result the food receiving module cannot thus be pivoted so far upward by a user that stored goods contained therein would in turn for example fall backward out of the food receiving module.

In one exemplary embodiment at least one limit tilt angle can be equal to the tilt angle that the food receiving module has if it has reached the greatest tilt position that can be set with the tilt device. In one exemplary embodiment at least one limit tilt angle can be equal to the tilt angle that the food receiving module has if it has reached the smallest tilt position that can be set with the tilt device.

In one exemplary embodiment the anti-tip apparatus has at least one stop element that is arranged on an edge of a mounting support. In particular, such a stop element can be arranged on a front edge of a mounting support. It can be provided that the anti-tip apparatus has at least one counter stop element that is arranged on the side wall of the food receiving module. The stop element then strikes the counter stop element if the at least one limit tilt position of the food receiving module is reached, in particular when the tilt device is released. Two stop elements and two counter stop elements are preferably present for two different limit tilt angles.

In one exemplary embodiment the food receiving module has a carcass. The carcass has the bottom wall, opposing side walls in the width direction and a front wall arranged at the front in the depth direction. Thus, stored goods can easily be inserted into this food receiving module which in the exemplary embodiment is open upward. Stocking and removal are thereby very easily enabled. Nevertheless, in the width direction stored goods are prevented from falling out of or rolling out of the food receiving module to the side and in the depth direction forward. This specific design of the food receiving module is particularly advantageous in the tilt positions. This is because for example the front wall can then serve as a lower support wall, which stored goods can abut. This is in particular advantageous if the stored goods are bottles, for example.

In particular, a food receiving module is embodied only with these walls mentioned.

In one exemplary embodiment the mounting supports have suspension hooks on their rear ends viewed in the depth direction for suspension on a household appliance component. This also means that the storage apparatus can be nondestructively removed from the household appliance component and reattached. Thanks to the suspension hooks simple assembly and disassembly is enabled in this connection. On the other hand, a mechanically stable and secure coupling principle is thereby created, to enable the entire storage apparatus to be positioned securely and stably on the household appliance component. Specifically, if the household appliance component provides at least two different discrete attachment positions for the storage apparatus this suspension concept also makes it possible to be able easily to perceive and create these different positions for the storage apparatus. This is achieved by simply suspending the mounting supports on the household appliance component.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance having at least one storage apparatus in accordance with the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous exemplary embodiment thereof. The household appliance can in one exemplary embodiment be a household refrigeration appliance. For example, it can be a refrigerator or a freezer or a combined refrigerator/freezer. However, a household refrigeration appliance can for example also be a bottle storage cabinet. For example, it can be a wine bottle storage cabinet. Specifically, if a household appliance has a front-side door, which in particular is designed to be transparent at least in part, the present concept is advantageous with the storage apparatus. This is because it is possible that for example in one or more tilt positions of the food receiving module the goods stored can also be easily and extensively perceived when the door is closed.

In addition, the concept with the storage apparatus is also particularly advantageous if the household appliance is relatively tall. Then for example the storage apparatus can be positioned in upper storage regions of a receiving space and setting a tilt position then makes it easy to stock the storage apparatus with stored goods and to remove them. This is because by setting a tilt position of the food receiving module it is then easier to stock it with stored goods and to remove them. This can be advantageous if the household appliance is a relatively tall household refrigeration appliance. This is the case if corresponding large appliances are envisaged. Such large appliances can for example be tall, freestanding appliances. However, built-in appliances are also possible, which although smaller are arranged at a certain level in a front furniture panel in a niche.

The indications “up”, “down”, “front”, “rear, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “depth direction”, “width direction”, “height direction” indicate the positions and orientations existing when the apparatus or the household appliance is used and positioned as intended.

Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are also to be regarded as included and disclosed that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but emerge from and can be created from the embodiments explained by separate combinations of features. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed which thus do not have all the 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 an adjustable storage apparatus for food, and a household appliance, 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 FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an inventive household appliance;

FIG. 2 is a perspective and sectional view through an exemplary embodiment of a storage apparatus in a tilt position of a food receiving module of the storage apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 2 in a perspective different from FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the representation in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the storage apparatus in accordance with FIG. 2 to FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference characters in the figures.

Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown perspective representation of a household appliance 1. In the exemplary embodiment the household appliance 1 is a household refrigeration appliance. It is configured for the storage of food. In this connection food includes goods that relate both to beverages and to other food, such as meals and the like. The household appliance 1 has a housing 2. At least one receiving space 3 for food is configured in the housing 2. The receiving space 3 can be a refrigeration compartment or a freezer compartment. For example, it can also be a refrigeration compartment of a wine bottle storage cabinet, which is an example of a household refrigeration appliance.

In one exemplary embodiment the household appliance 1 additionally has a door 4. The door 4 is provided in order to close the household appliance 1 at the front.

In the exemplary embodiment the household appliance 1 has at least one storage apparatus 5. By way of example, and not to be understood as conclusive either in position or in number, two storage apparatuses 5 and 6 are provided here. These storage apparatuses 5 and 6 are arranged in the receiving space 3 so as to be nondestructively removable. In one exemplary embodiment they can be positioned at different height levels.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective representation of an exemplary embodiment of the storage apparatus 5. In addition, an embodiment of a household appliance component 8 of the household appliance 1 is shown there. This household appliance component 8 is in particular not part of the storage apparatus 5. Rather it is provided so that the storage apparatus 5 can be removably fastened thereto. Here in the exemplary embodiment the household appliance component 8 is a support rail. In the exemplary embodiment this support rail has multiple suspension openings 9, of which for the sake of clarity only a few are provided with the corresponding reference character. As a result, the storage apparatus 5 can be fastened to said support rail at different, discrete height levels. In particular, two separate support rails are provided, on which the storage apparatus 5 is arranged, in particular suspended. In particular, two opposingly arranged mounting supports of the storage apparatus 5 are provided here, each of which is arranged on one of the support rails.

For example, the support rails can be arranged on a back wall 7. The back wall 7 of the household appliance 1 delimits the receiving space 3.

The intended use of the storage apparatus 5 is to receive food. The storage apparatus 5 has a food receiving module 10. In the exemplary embodiment this is shown in a perspective sectional view. In the exemplary embodiment the food receiving module 10 has a bottom wall 11, opposing side walls 12 and 13 (FIG. 1) and a front wall 14. In particular, only these walls mentioned are provided in respect of the delimiting walls of a receiving volume 15 of this food receiving module 10. The food receiving module 10 shown here is a receiving trough in particular open rearward. FIG. 3 shows a perspective representation of the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 2 from a perspective different from FIG. 2. In addition, an external wall 16 of the side wall 12 has been removed here. Shown in an intermediate space formed in one exemplary embodiment between the external wall 16 and an internal wall 17 of this side wall 12 is a tilt device 18, as can be seen in FIG. 2, of the storage apparatus 5. The storage apparatus 5 has mounting supports in addition to the aforementioned food receiving module 10. Just one mounting support 19 is shown in FIG. 3 in this respect. The mounting support 19 is a component of the storage apparatus 5 separate from the food receiving module 10. In particular, two such mounting supports 19 are provided. In the exemplary embodiment one mounting support 19 is an elongated support. It is in particular configured to be bar-shaped or board-like. One mounting support 19 has a coupling structure 21 on a rear end 20 viewed in the depth direction (z direction) of the storage apparatus 5. With this coupling structure 21 a mechanically releasable connection to the support rail is possible. In particular, the coupling structure 21 has suspension hooks 22. These can engage in the receivers 9.

As can be seen, the food receiving module 10 is movably coupled to the mounting supports 19. With the aforementioned tilt device 18 the food receiving module 10 can be tilted about a tilt axis A relative to the mounting supports 19. The tilt axis A is here oriented horizontally. It is in particular oriented in the width direction (x direction) of the storage apparatus 5. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the food receiving module 10 has a specific length in the depth direction. In this respect the food receiving module 10 in particular has a longitudinal axis B measured in this depth direction. This is in particular oriented in the depth direction in an untilted basic position of the food receiving module 10. In this basic position, in which the food receiving module 10 is not tilted about a horizontal, in particular the bottom wall 11 is arranged in a horizontal plane. In this basic position the longitudinal axis B then extends in this mentioned depth direction. As can be seen, in this depth direction, in particular viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis B of the food receiving module 10, the tilt axis A is arranged in a central longitudinal third of this food receiving module 10.

This position of the tilt axis A is also retained in all possible positions of the food receiving module 10. The tilt axis A thus remains in the direction of this longitudinal axis B in all possible positions relative to the mounting supports 19 in this central longitudinal third. It is arranged so as to be stationary in this central longitudinal third.

In one exemplary embodiment at least one mounting support 19 has multiple coupling elements in a front longitudinal quarter 23 viewed in the depth direction, which is movably coupled to a coupling element that is arranged on the food receiving module 10 to form a coupling point 24. The tilt axis is formed or arranged in the coupling point 24.

The tilt device 18 has at least one adjustment element 25 as a coupling element, which is arranged on the food receiving module 10. At least one mounting support 19 has at least two separate coupling elements that are provided for coupling to the adjustment element 25. In the exemplary embodiment the coupling elements are local receivers, in particular notches 26, 27 and 28. These are formed at a front edge 29 of the mounting support 19. As a function of into which notch 26 to 28 the adjustment element 25 directly couples, in particular directly engages, a respective position of the food receiving module 10 is discretely set.

In the exemplary embodiment a basic position of the food receiving module 10 is possible here as a position. This is achieved if the adjustment element 25 engages in the notch 26. In this basic position the food receiving module 10 is oriented fully horizontally. If the adjustment element 25 engages in the next notch 27 downward, the food receiving module 10 is arranged in a position, in particular in a first tilt position, to the mounting supports 19. In one exemplary embodiment the food receiving module 10 is tilted forward and downward by a value of between 13° and 17°, in particular 15°, compared to the horizontal in this first tilt position.

FIG. 2 in contrast shows a further position of the food receiving module 10, which is a second tilt position. In this second tilt position the adjustment element 25 engages in the notch 28 once again formed further downward. In this second tilt position the food receiving module 10 is preferably inclined forward and downward by a value of between 27° and 33°, in particular 30°, compared to the horizontal.

In one exemplary embodiment the adjustment element 25 is arranged fully inside the aforementioned intermediate space 30 between the internal side or an internal wall 17 and the external side or an external wall 16. In one exemplary embodiment the adjustment element 25 can be a straight adjusting rod 31, as is shown in FIG. 3. The adjusting rod 31 is oriented with its longitudinal axis in the depth direction. The longitudinal axis of the adjusting rod 31 is thus in particular oriented in parallel to or coaxial to the longitudinal axis B. As can be seen, this adjusting rod 31 has an engaging tip 33, in particular a tapered engaging tip 33, at a rear end 32 viewed in the depth direction. This engaging tip 33 engages, as is shown in FIG. 3, directly into one of the notches 26 to 28. In one exemplary embodiment an exact, in particular form-fit, coupling of this engaging tip 33 with the notches 26 to 28 can be provided. The engaging tip 33 is an exemplary embodiment of a counter coupling element component of a counter coupling element which couples with the coupling elements on the mounting support 19 that are formed by the receivers, in particular the notches 26 to 28.

As can additionally be seen, this adjusting rod 31 has guide slots 34 and/or 35. Guide elements 36 and/or 37 engage in these. As a result, a relative movement of the adjusting rod 31 is guided in the linear direction and thus in particular in the direction of the longitudinal axis B. In particular, this relative movement is only a linear movement such as this in the direction of the longitudinal axis B. The adjusting rod 31 is thus displaceably mounted on the side wall 12. In one exemplary embodiment it can be provided that the embodiment of the opposing further mounting support 19, not visible here, is formed so as to correspond to the mounting support 19, as is shown in FIG. 3. In this connection a corresponding embodiment can then also be realized on the opposing side wall 13, as is shown in FIG. 2 with the side wall 12. As a result, the tilt device 18 is formed redundantly.

In one exemplary embodiment the adjusting rod 31 is arranged fully inside this intermediate space 30. For manual actuation by a user the tilt device 18 can have an actuating element 38. The actuating element 38 is motion-coupled to the adjusting rod 31 in one exemplary embodiment. In its intended use the actuating element 38 is provided so that it can be actuated by a user directly. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown the actuating element 38 is arranged so as to be downwardly exposed. It also substantially extends inside the intermediate space 30. In this connection the side wall 12 has a downwardly exposed opening 39. Also arranged in this opening 39 is the actuating element 38, which is accessible from below. In one exemplary embodiment this actuating element 38 has an engagement region 40. This is in particular downwardly open and thus is accessible from below. A user can engage in this engagement region 40 with a finger, for example. The user can then move the actuating element 38, namely displace it in particular linearly in the direction of the longitudinal axis B relative to the side wall 12. Since the adjusting rod 31 is motion-coupled to the actuating element 38, a corresponding identical movement of the adjusting rod 31 also takes place thanks to this actuation of the actuating element 38.

In particular, the side wall 12 also has in this respect a guide slot 41, in which the actuating element 38 is guided. In one exemplary embodiment the storage apparatus 5 has an anti-tip apparatus 42. This is in particular present in addition to the tilt device 18. With this anti-tip apparatus 42 the food receiving module 10 is at least prevented from tipping over about the tilt axis A by way of at least one limit tilt position. The limit tilt position is defined by a tilt angle that is greater than the angular value that can be set with the tilt apparatus 18 in the possible tilt positions. Thus, in one exemplary embodiment it is provided that a first counter stop element 43 is arranged on the side wall 12, in particular in the intermediate space 30. In particular, a first stop element 44 is formed so as to be integrally molded on the mounting support 19 on the front longitudinal quarter 23, in particular the front edge 29. If the limit tilt position is reached, the first counter stop element 43 strikes the stop element 44. Thus, in one exemplary embodiment an undesired downward swinging of the food receiving module 10 can be prevented if for example the tilt apparatus 18 is released and thus the engaging tip 33 is guided out of the notches 26 to 28.

In another exemplary embodiment it is also possible for the limit tilt position to be equal to the tilt angle that is set in the case of the greatest tilt position. In the exemplary embodiment this is the second tilt position shown in FIG. 2. Here the food receiving module 10 has the greatest angle to the horizontal. Hence in an exemplary embodiment such as this it can also be provided that in the case of the set second tilt position the counter stop element 43 also at the same time abuts the stop element 44. As a result, this second tilt position is mechanically additionally secured.

In one exemplary embodiment the anti-tip apparatus 42 can have a further counter stop element 45. This too is in particular arranged in the intermediate space 30. In one exemplary embodiment the at least one mounting support 19 can have a second stop element 46. This too is in particular integrally molded on the front edge 29. Thus, it can also be achieved that if the food receiving module 10 is tilted upward and thus counterclockwise about the tilt axis A the food receiving module 10 would be tilted too far upward. Thus anti-tipping protection is also achieved upward. It can be provided that this upper limit tilt angle or this upper limit tilt position is reached if the food receiving module 10 is pivoted upward by its front end 47 compared to the horizontal. This then means that this upper, second limit tilt position is not identical to the horizontal position of the food receiving module 10. However, it is also possible that in another exemplary embodiment this second limit tilt position is identical to the horizontal of the food receiving module 10. In one such exemplary embodiment the second counter stop element 45 too is in abutment with the second stop element 46 if the engaging tip 33 is arranged so as to be submerged in the notch 26.

In addition, in one exemplary embodiment it is also possible for a further positioning element 48 to be arranged on the side wall 12 in the intermediate space 30. This can engage in a recess 49 of the mounting support 19 or can be inserted therein, if in particular the basic position and thus the horizontal position of the food receiving module 10 is set. It is also possible for two such elements 48 and 50 to be provided here and for two receivers 49 and 51 to be provided. These can also be different in size and/or different in shape. A carcass of the food receiving module 10 is also formed by the bottom wall 11, the side walls 12 and 13 and the front wall 14. In the exemplary embodiment this food receiving module 10 is open at a rear end 52.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the representation in FIG. 2.

In addition, FIG. 4 shows a representation of the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, wherein a perspective viewed from inside to the side wall 12 is represented here and in contrast to FIG. 2 the external wall 16 is present here, but the internal wall 17 has been removed.

In one exemplary embodiment the mounting supports 19 can protrude through openings, in particular slot-shaped openings, on the undersides of the side walls 12 and 13 into the intermediate spaces 30. It is also possible that if a side wall 12, 13 has no such intermediate space 30, the mounting supports 19 are also exposed on external sides of the side walls 12, 13 on the front longitudinal regions, in particular the coupling points 24.

The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention.

List of Reference Characters
1  Household appliance
2  Housing
3  Receiving space
4  Door
5  Storage apparatus
6  Storage apparatus
7  Back wall
8  Household appliance component
9  Suspension opening
10 Food receiving module
11 Bottom wall
12 Side wall
13 Side wall
14 Front wall
15 Receiving volume
16 External wall
17 Internal wall
18 Tilt device
19 Mounting support
20 End
21 Coupling structure
22 Suspension hook
23 Longitudinal quarter
24 Coupling region
25 Adjustment element
26 Notch
27 Notch
28 Notch
29 Front edge
30 Intermediate space
31 Adjusting rod
32 End
33 Engaging tip
34 Guide slots
35 Guide slots
36 Guide element
37 Guide element
38 Actuating element
39 Opening
40 Engagement region
41 Guide slot
42 Anti-tip apparatus
43 Counter stop element
44 Stop element
45 Counter stop element
46 Stop element
47 End
48 Positioning element
49 Recess
50 Positioning element
51 Receiver
52 End
x  Width direction
y  Height direction
z  Depth direction

Claims

1. A storage apparatus for food, comprising:

a food receiving module having a bottom wall and opposing side walls;

mounting supports for attaching the storage apparatus to a household appliance component, said food receiving module being movably coupled to said mounting supports; and

a tilt device with which said food receiving module is tilted about a tilt axis relative to said mounting supports, and the tilt axis is disposed in a central longitudinal third of a length of said food receiving module measured in a depth direction of the storage apparatus.

2. The storage apparatus according to claim 1,

further comprising a counter coupling element disposed on said food receiving module to form a coupling region; and

wherein at least one of said mounting supports has in a front longitudinal quarter, a coupling element which is movably coupled to said counter coupling element, wherein the tilt axis is disposed in said coupling region.

3. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said tilt device has at least one adjustment element as a counter coupling element, which is movably disposed on said food receiving module; and

at least one of said mounting supports has at least two separate coupling elements for coupling to said at least one adjustment element, wherein as a function of as to which of said at least two separate coupling elements said at least one adjustment element is coupled, a first position of said food receiving module relative to said mounting supports or a second position of said food receiving module relative to said mounting supports is set.

4. The storage apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of said mounting supports at a front edge has receivers as local coupling elements of said at least one mount support.

5. The storage apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said at least one adjustment element is formed as an adjusting rod which at a rear end has a counter coupling element component which is configured for coupling with said local coupling elements.

6. The storage apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said at least one adjustment element is disposed so as to be displaced linearly in a direction of a longitudinal axis of a side wall of said two opposing side walls of said food receiving module.

7. The storage apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an actuating device connected to said at least one adjustment element, said actuating element being actuated by a user directly so that as a function of an actuation of said actuating element said at least one adjustment element is movable.

8. The storage apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said actuating element is disposed on one of said opposing side walls of said food receiving module and can be linearly displaced in a direction of a longitudinal axis of said one side wall.

9. The storage apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said actuating element is disposed so as to be exposed downward on one of said opposing side walls.

10. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said food receiving module is set by said tilt device into at least two different, discrete tilt positions as positions in comparison with a horizontal.

11. The storage apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a first tilt position is tilted by a value of between 13° and 17° to the horizontal, and/or a second tilt position is tilted by a value of between 27° and 33° to the horizontal.

12. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an anti-tip apparatus, with which said food receiving module is at least prevented from tipping over about the tilt axis by way of at least one limit tilt position, which has a tilt angle greater than or equal to smallest and/or greatest tilt positions that can be discretely set with said tilt device.

13. The storage apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said anti-tip apparatus has at least one stop element which is disposed at an edge of one of said mounting supports, and has at least one counter stop element which is disposed on one of said opposing side walls, wherein said at least one stop element abuts said at least one counter stop element if the at least one limit tilt position of said food receiving module is reached.

14. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said food receiving module is a body with said bottom wall, said opposing side walls and a front wall; and/or

said mounting supports have suspension hooks on their rear ends for suspension on the household appliance component.

15. The storage apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said receivers are notches.

16. The storage apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said counter coupling element component is an engaging tip configured for exact coupling with said local coupling elements being notches formed in said one mounting support.

17. The storage apparatus according to claim 7, wherein:

said at least one adjustment element is motion-coupled to said actuating element; and

said actuating device is displaceable by the user directly.

18. The storage apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said actuating element has a downwardly open engagement region formed therein for a finger of a user.

19. A household appliance, comprising:

at least one storage apparatus for food, containing: a food receiving module having a bottom wall and opposing side walls; mounting supports, said food receiving module being movably coupled to said mounting supports; and a tilt device with which said food receiving module is tilted about a tilt axis relative to said mounting supports, and the tilt axis is disposed in a central longitudinal third of a length of said food receiving module measured in a depth direction of the storage apparatus.