[0001] The invention relates to a reinforcement part, comprising a tube having a longitudinal
axis, a first seat for a plug of a first type), and a second seat for a plug of a
second type, wherein, if viewed along the longitudinal axis, the second seat is located
beside the first seat. The invention also relates to a domestic cooling device comprising
a cabinet covering and being spaced apart from an innerliner acting as a wall for
a cooling compartment, a load opening of which is coverable by a door, wherein the
cabinet comprises at least one opening into which the reinforcement part is inserted.
The invention further relates to a method of inserting a plug of a second type into
a second seat of such a reinforcement part. The invention is particularly useful for
domestic cooling appliances in form of refrigerators and/or freezers.
[0002] EP 2 021 708 B1 discloses a refrigeration appliance with an outer and an inner shell and a thermal
insulation layer arranged therebetween, and with a device for the attachment of plug-in
modules for the electrical installation of the refrigeration appliance in an opening
in the outer shell and/or inner shell of the refrigeration appliance, characterised
in that there is provision for an adapter box in the opening, in which the plug-in
modules for the electrical installation are fastened via a snap-lock, that the plug-in
modules are standard parts, and the adapter box is matched to their normal dimensions
in the region in which the plug-in modules are mounted, and that the adapter box is
locked in the opening in the outer shell and/or inner shell of the refrigeration appliance.
[0003] US 2006/0223351 A1 discloses a wire harness fixing device designed to enable convenient installation
thereof within an inner liner of a refrigerator while effectively preventing leakage
of a foam insulation material filled between the inner liner and an outer liner of
the refrigerator. The wire harness fixing device comprises a housing including an
insert part provided at one end of the housing and inserted through a fixing hole
formed in the inner liner, and an interior part positioned at the other end within
the inner liner. A latch is provided on the insert part that engages an outer surface
of the innerliner at the fixing hole when the insert part is inserted into the fixing
hole, and a cover of a flexible material integrally formed to the housing at the interior
part side to cover the fixing hole, the cover being subjected to elastic deformation
to closely contact an inner surface of the inner liner at the fixing hole side when
the latch is latched to and supported by the inner liner.
[0004] It is the
object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the problems associated with
the prior art. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a reinforcement
part acting as a cable interface that has a compact design while providing seats for
cable plugs of different types. It is also an object of the present invention to provide
a reinforcement part acting as a cable interface that allows easy seating of a cable
plug even under adverse installation conditions.
[0005] The object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Advantageous
embodiments can be found, e.g., in the dependent claims and/or in the description.
[0006] The object is achieved by a reinforcement part, comprising a tube having a longitudinal
axis, a first seat for a plug of a first type located inside the tube, and a second
seat for a plug of a second type located inside the tube, wherein, if viewed along
the longitudinal axis,
- the second seat is located beside the first seat,
- a free space is located beside the second seat, the free space having a cross-section
allowing passage of the second plug along the longitudinal axis, and
- a gap is present in the second seat linking a seating space for the plug of the second
type.
[0007] This reinforcement part achieves the advantage that it can be implemented having
compact dimensions if viewed along the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, by having the
particular arrangement of the seats and the free space, seating the plug of the second
type can be realized in an easy fashion when a cable comprising this plug is already
installed and thus not freely movable.
[0008] The reinforcement part is provided to be inserted into an opening of a shell of a
domestic cooling device, e.g. an outer shell (housing or cabinet) and/or an inner
shell (e.g. an innerliner). When inserted, it strengthens the material of the shell
surrounding the opening
[0009] The tube is hollow and has a lateral wall with an outer ("lateral") surface and an
inner ("lateral") surface. The end faces are open. The tube is thus open at both ends.
In one embodiment, the tube is a straight tube, i.e., having a linear longitudinal
axis. Alternatively, the tube may be slightly curved. The cross-sectional form of
the lateral wall is generally not restricted and may, e.g., have a generally circular,
oval, rectangular, etc. form. A general form may comprise the exact form as well as
some minor deviations from it, e.g., rounded corners, additional notches and/or bulges,
etc.
[0010] The tube may be made of plastic material. It may be made by moulding, in particular,
injection moulding.
[0011] That the plugs are of a different type, may include that they have a different outer
form or form factor. In particular, the plug of the first type may not fit into the
second seat while the plug of the second type may not fit into the first seat. In
particular, the plugs may be standardized plugs conforming to standards requiring
different outer forms or form factors.
[0012] The plugs may be fixed, in particular removably fixed, in their respective seats
by, e.g., press-fitting, snap-locking, etc.
[0013] That, if viewed along the longitudinal axis, the second seat is located beside the
first seat, comprises that these seats are arranged side by side, and are not arranged
behind each other along the longitudinal axis. This advantageously enables easy access
to both seats through the open end faces, in particular through an upper end face.
[0014] The gap advantageously enables moving a cable attached to the plug of the second
type from the free space sideways into the second seat which, in turn, allows seating
this plug by leading it first through the free space and then into the second seat.
[0015] It is an embodiment and a distinct solution to the object, that one method of inserting
the plug of the second type into the second seat comprises the following steps:
- the plug of the second type with a cable attached to it is inserted into the free
space through a lower end face of the tube into the tube with the plug first;
- the plug is moved in the free space along the direction of the longitudinal axis towards
an upper end face of the tube at least until the plug has passed the gap. Now, a section
of the cable is located beside the second seat and the gap;
- the plug is then moved sidewards to be located above the second seat. With this movement,
the cable moves through the gap into the second seat;
- the plug is then lowered into the second seat.
[0016] This is particularly advantageous if the cable of this plug is already preinstalled
and cannot be lowered into the tube from the upper end face.
[0017] It is an embodiment that the second seat comprises a cylindrical sidewall surrounding
the seating space for the second plug with the gap being an open section of the sidewall
extending along the longitudinal axis. This advantageously enables a compact design
and easy manufacturing, in particular by injection moulding. The second seat may also
be regarded as an open-ended tube and may thus be regarded as a "tube-within-a-tube".
The cross-sectional inner form of the sidewall may, in particular, confirm to the
respective outer contour of the plug of the second type.
[0018] It is an embodiment that the sidewall is partly formed by the tube and partly formed
by at least one protrusion extending from an inner lateral surface of the tube. This
advantageously enables a particular compact design and easy removal of the plug, if
so desired. The removal may be particularly easy if the protrusion is a mechanically
elastic protrusion.
[0019] It is an embodiment that the protrusion is a locking arm being located opposite of
a locking arm formed at the inner lateral surface of the tube. This advantageously
enables a reliable fixation of the plug and enables an easy removal.
[0020] It is an embodiment that an upper surface of the second seat is adapted to act as
an end stop for the second plug. This advantageously prevents the plug from passing
through the second seat.
[0021] It is an embodiment that the reinforcement part comprises a cover part connected
to the tube via a hinge, wherein the cover part is adapted to cover an open lower
end face of the tube when having been rotated around the hinge. This gives the advantage
that the tube can be protected against intrusion of unwanted material, e.g., liquid
or foam-like thermal insulation material. However, the cover part and the lower end
section are formed such that they allow passage of cables, in particular cables attached
to the seated plugs.
[0022] In an embodiment, the hinge is a film-like hinge ("film-hinge") connecting the tube,
in particular a lower edge or rim of it, with the cover part. Such a film-hinge is
lightweight and easy to produce in one piece with the tube and the cover part, in
particular by injection moulding.
[0023] In an embodiment, the cover part may can be snap-fitted to the tube. This advantageously
enables a reliable and easy fixation of the cover part. To this effect, the cover
part may, e.g., comprise holes which, when the cover part is put on the lower end
section of the tube, engage with respective locking protrusions such that the cover
part is snap-fitted with the tube, preferably detachably snap-fitted.
[0024] It is an embodiment that
- the cover part has a bowl-shaped form with a sidewall that extends from one end of
the hinge along / around the side of the cover part to the other end of the hinge;
- on the side opposite to the hinge, the sidewall comprises an outward-protruding jut;
- on the side opposite to the hinge, the tube comprises a cut-out extending from its
lower rim, wherein the cut-out is located opposite and spaced apart from the jut when
the cover part covers the open lower end face of the tube; and
- a rib is located at an inner side of a bottom side of the cover part spaced apart
from the sidewall, the rib being continuously closed with the exception of a gap facing
the jut.
[0025] This embodiment gives the advantage that a convoluted passage or "labyrinth" for
the cables is created when the cover is put on the tube that avoids leakages of, e.g.,
thermal insulation material into the tube, in particular a flow of thermally insulating
material still in its liquid condition. Also, positioning of the cable(s) is easy
and does not require additional inserts.
[0026] In an embodiment, a support flange surrounds an outer lateral surface of the tube
in circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis and extends generally perpendicular
from the outer lateral surface. The support flange may in particular have a slightly
bowl-shaped or cupped form and may be elastic. In an embodiment, the support flange
may be attached to a cabinet of a domestic cooling appliance, in particular a top
panel thereof, by snap-fitting. To this effect, the part of the tube extending above
the support flange may be equipped with laterally extending locking ribs on opposite
sides.
[0027] The object is also achieved by a household or domestic cooling device comprising
a cabinet covering and being spaced apart from an innerliner acting as a wall for
a cooling compartment, a load opening of the cooling compartment being coverable by
a door, wherein the cabinet and/or the innerliner comprises at least one opening into
which the reinforcement part as described is inserted. The domestic cooling device
may be embodied in analogy to the reinforcement part and achieves the same advantages.
[0028] In an embodiment reinforcement part is inserted into an opening of the cabinet.
[0029] Typically, a thermal insulation layer is arranged there between the cabinet and the
innerliner.
[0030] It is an embodiment that a control unit is located between the cabinet and the innerliner.
The control unit may also act as a power module.
[0031] In an embodiment, a cable leads from the control unit to the reinforcement part,
a plug of which of the first type being seated in the first seat. Thus, this cable
comprises a plug of the first type seated in the first seat. On the other end, the
cable may be connected to the control unit directly or via another plug of the first
type.
[0032] In an embodiment, another cable leads from the control unit to the reinforcement
part, a plug of which of the second type being seated in the second seat. Thus, this
cable comprises a plug of the second type seated in the second seat. On the other
end, the cable may be connected to the control unit directly or via another plug of
the second type.
[0033] In an embodiment, a cable leads from the reinforcement part to a user interface module
located in the door, a plug of which of the first type is connected to the plug being
seated in the first seat. Thus, the plug of the first type of this cable and the plug
of the first type seated in the first seat form a plug connection. Therefore, the
two plugs of the first type are a fitting pair, e.g., comprising a male plug and a
female plug. The corresponding cables form a respective cable connection between the
control unit and the user interface module.
[0034] In analogy, yet another cable leads from the reinforcement part to a camera and camera
module, respectively, located in the door, a plug of which of the second type is connected
to the plug being seated in the second seat. Thus, the plug of the second type of
this cable and the plug of the second type seated in the second seat form a plug connection.
Therefore, the two plugs of the second type are a fitting pair, e.g., comprising a
male plug and a female plug. The corresponding cables form a respective cable connection
between the control unit and camera. The camera is provided to take pictures of the
cooling compartment such that cooling goods can be identified. To this effect, picture
data may be transferred from the camera to the control unit for analysis.
[0035] In an embodiment, the plugs of the first type or the second type are RAST ("Raster-Anschluss-Steck-Technik")
plugs, in particular RAST 2.5 plugs. RAST 2.5 plugs are specially designed for signal
currents. The cables attached to this kind of plugs may be several wires, in particular
up to eight wires.
[0036] In an embodiment, the plugs of the first type or the second type are FAKRA ("Fachkreis
Automobil" (Automobile Expert Group) plugs, in particular Mini-FAKRA plugs. The cables
attached to this kind of plugs may be coaxial cables. This allows transfer of high
data rates using a particular easy installation and compact design.
[0037] In an embodiment, the plugs of the first type or the second type are USB plugs, in
particular USB-C plugs. The cables attached to the USB plugs are USB cables.
[0038] It is an embodiment that the at least one opening has a contour that is filled out
by the tube. Thus, the minimal cross-sectional area of the tube may be design particularly
large which, in turn, leaves
[0039] The above-described features and advantages of the invention as well as their kind
of implementation will now be schematically described in more detail by at least one
embodiment in the context of one or more figures.
- Fig.1
- shows a sketch of a refrigerator comprising a camera-in-fridge;
- Fig.2
- shows an oblique view of a top panel of an outer housing of the refrigerator;
- Fig.3
- shows a top view of the top panel around an opening;
- Fig.4
- shows a side view of a reinforcement part;
- Fig.5
- shows a top view of a tube and a support flange of the reinforcement part;
- Fig.6
- shows a top view of the tube inserted into the top panel and with plugs seated in
respective seats;
- Fig.7
- shows an oblique view from above of the tube inserted into the top panel and with
the plugs seated in their seats;
- Fig.8
- shows a bottom view of the reinforcement part without plugs;
- Fig.9
- shows an oblique view from below of the reinforcement part without plugs;
- Fig.10
- shows a cross-sectional side view of the reinforcement part on the I-I view plane
depicted in Fig.5;
- Fig.11
- shows a cross-sectional side view of the refrigerator through the reinforcement part
on the I-I view plane depicted in Fig.5,
- Fig.12
- shows a cross-sectional oblique view of the reinforcement part through the II-II view
plane depicted in Fig.5 with a plug inserted; and
- Fig.13
- shows a cross-sectional oblique view of the reinforcement part through the II-II view
plane depicted in Fig.5 with a series of positions of the plug when to be inserted
into its seat.
[0040] Fig.1 shows a sketch of domestic cooling appliance in form of a refrigerator 1. The refrigerator
1 comprises an inner housing typically called an innerliner 2 that acts as a wall
for a cooling compartment 3. The innerliner 2 may be made of metal of plastics. The
innerliner 2 is outwardly covered by a thermal insulation layer 4 (e.g. a self-hardening
foam). The thermal insulation layer 4, in turn, is outwardly covered by an outer housing
/ cabinet 5, e.g. made of metal. The outer side of the cabinet 5 may be covered by
plastic or metal covers (not shown). Below a top side of the cabinet 5 (in the following
called a top panel 6) and between the top panel 6 and the innerliner 2 is positioned
a control unit 7.
[0041] A frontal load opening of the cooling compartment 3 is coverable by a door 8 which
comprises a user interface module 9 at its outer side. The user interface module 9
may comprise a display (e.g., to display the temperature in the cooling compartment
3) and is adapted to receive user settings like a target temperature of the cooling
compartment 3, certain cooling modes, etc. In particular, the user interface module
9 may comprise a touchscreen.
[0042] The user interface module 9 is connected for power and data exchange to the control
unit 7 via a cable connection UCa, UCb. In one variant, the cable connection UCa,
UCb runs through the door 8, out of a door hinge of the door 8, through a door hinge
cover 11 to the top panel 6, though an opening 12 of the top panel 6 into the space
between the top panel 6 and the innerliner 2, and to the control unit 7.
[0043] Inserted into the opening 12 is a reinforcement part 13 that also acts a cable duct
or cable interface support for the cable connection UCa, UCb. To facilitate assembly
and repair, the cable connection UCa, UCb is made up of two cables UCa and UCb. In
particular, the first cable UCa is connected to the user interface module 9 and comprises
a plug PUCa at its end opposite the user interface module 9. The second cable UCb
comprises a plug PUCb seated in the reinforcement part 13 and another plug (not shown)
inserted into the control unit 7. The plug PUCa and the (counter) plug PUCb are a
fitting pair and form a plug connection, PUCa, PUCb, in particular located within
the reinforcement part 13.
[0044] The door 8 further comprises at least one camera 10 (often called Camera-in-Fridge,
CiF) or camera module comprising the camera 10. The camera 10 is arranged and operated
to take pictures of the cooling compartment 3. These pictures may be used, e.g., to
identify objects stored in the refrigerator 1, e.g., food, medication, etc. The picture(s)
may be displayed in the display of the user interface module 9 and/or on a mobile
user terminal like a smartphone, tablet, etc.
[0045] The camera 10 and camera module, respectively, is also connected for power and data
exchange to the control unit 7, this time via a cable connection CCa, CCb which also
runs through the door 8, out of the door hinge, through the door hinge cover 11, though
the reinforcement part 13, and to the control unit 7. To facilitate assembly and repair,
the cable connection CCa, CCb, too, is made up of two cables UCa and UCb. In particular,
the first cable CCa is connected to the camera 10 and camera module, respectively,
and comprises a plug PCCa at its end opposite the camera 10 and camera module, respectively.
The second cable CCb comprises a plug PCCb seated in the reinforcement part 13 and
another plug (not shown) inserted into the control unit 7. The plug PCCa and the (counter)
plug PCCb form a plug connection, PCCa, PCCb, in particular located within the reinforcement
part 13. In the present case, the first cable CCa and the second cable CCb may be
coaxial cables.
[0046] Fig.2 shows an oblique view of the top panel 6 of the cabinet 5 of the refrigerator 1 from
above. Without loss of generality, the top panel 6 comprises two identical openings
12 on its left side and right, respectively, if viewed from the front. Depending on
the side of the door hinge, one of the openings 12 is used to connect the camera 10
and the user interface module 9 to the control unit 7. In particular, each of the
identical openings 12 may be fitted with respective reinforcement parts 13 and cables
UCb and CCb to facilitate changing the side of the door hinge by a user.
[0047] The top panel 6 also comprises a frontal flange 14, in which a cut-out 15 for the
control unit 7 is present. For example, the control unit 7 may be inserted into the
cut-out 15 from the back side.
[0048] Fig.3 shows a top view of the top panel 6 around an opening 12. The opening 12 has a generally
square form with two rounded corners 16, two bulges 17 on opposite sides, and a triangle-shaped
notch 18. This, inter alia, ensures correct orientation of the reinforcement part
13.
[0049] Fig.4 shows a side view of the reinforcement part 13. The reinforcement part 13 comprises
a hollow tube 19 as a kind of main body part having a linear longitudinal axis A.
A support flange 20 surrounds an outer lateral surface 21 of the tube 19 in circumferential
direction around the longitudinal axis A and extends generally perpendicular from
the outer lateral surface 21. When inserting the reinforcement part 13 into the opening
from inside / lower side, as indicated by the broad arrows, an upper side 22 of the
support flange 20 is used to contact an inner / lower side of the top panel 6 around
the opening 12 to act as an end stop and / or as a sealing. The support flange 20
may in particular have a slightly bowl-shaped or cupped form and may be elastic. The
support flange 20 enables a positioning of the tube 19 perpendicular to the top panel
6.
[0050] In an embodiment, the support flange 20 may be attached to the top panel 6 by snap-fitting.
To this effect, the part of the tube 19 extending above the support flange 20 may
be equipped with laterally extending locking ribs (not shown) on opposite sides.
[0051] At its lower rim 35, the hollow tube 19 is connected to a cover part 24 via an integral
film-hinge 23. The cover part 24 may be rotated around the film-hinge 23 - as indicated
by the curved arrow P - to cover an open lower end face 25 of the hollow tube 19 at
least partly. The cover part 24 comprises holes 30 which, when the cover part 24 is
put on the lower end section of the tube 19, engage with respective locking protrusions
31 such that the cover part 24 is snap-fitted with the tube 19, preferably detachably
snap-fitted.
[0052] Fig.5 shows a top view of the tube 19 and the support flange 20, i.e., the reinforcement
part 13 without the cover part 24. The outer lateral surface 21 of the tube 19 around
and immediately above the support flange 20 corresponds to the form of the opening
12 and thus completely fills the opening 12. For example, its cross-sectional form
with respect to its longitudinal axis A shows a notch-shaped protrusion 42 fitting
into the notch 18, etc.
[0053] Inside the tube 19 is formed a first seat 26 for seating plug PUCb and a second seat
27 for seating a plug PCCb. The seats 26 and 27 are arranged next to each other. In
particular, the plugs PUCb and PCCb can be snap-fitted into the respective seats 26
and 27, respectively. Exemplarily, the first seat 26 is a seat for a RAST 2.5 plug,
and plug PUCb is a male or female RAST 2.5 plug.
[0054] Furthermore, a free space 45 is located beside the second seat 27, the free space
45 having a cross-section allowing passage of the second plug (PCCb) along the longitudinal
axis A. Additionally, a gap 46 is present in the second seat 27 linking a seating
space 47 for the second plug PCCb to the free space 45. Exemplarily, the second seat
27 is a seat for a Mini-FAKRA plug, and plug PCCb is a male or female Mini-FAKRA plug.
[0055] Fig.6 shows a top view of the tube 19 inserted into an opening 12 of the top panel 6 with
plugs PUCb and PCCb seated in seats 26 and 27, respectively.
Fig.7 shows an oblique view from above of the tube 19 inserted into the top panel 6 and
the plugs PUCb and PCCb seated in their seats 26, 27. The seats 26 and 27 are positioned
such that the plugs PUCb and PCCb, if seated, are surrounded by the tube 19 and fully
immersed into the tube 19.
[0056] Plug PUCb may be inserted into its seat 26 by inserting it from below and is then
held in its seat 26 by means of a locking catch 128 located on the own PUCb. Furthermore,
plug PUCa is plugged into plug PUCb from above and is then held in its position by
means of a locking catch 28. The locking catch 28 protrudes from a flexible flap 29
so that the plug PUCa may be released by pushing the flap 29 outward.
[0057] Fig.8 shows a bottom view of the reinforcement part 13 without the plugs PUCb and PCCb.
Fig.9 shows an oblique view from below of the reinforcement part 13 without the plugs PUCb
and PCCb.
Fig.10 shows a cross-sectional side view of the reinforcement part 13 on the I-I view plane
depicted in Fig.5.
[0058] The cover part 24 has a bowl-shaped form with a sidewall 32 that extends from one
end of the film-hinge 23 around the side to the other end of the film-hinge 23. Thus,
the sidewall 32 has a gap only at the side adjacent to the film-hinge 23. On the side
opposite the film-hinge, the sidewall 32 has a jut 33. On the corresponding side opposite
the film-hinge 23, the tube 19 comprises a cut-out 34 extending from the lower rim
35.
[0059] Additionally, a rib 36 is located at the inner side of a bottom of the cover part
24 within and spaced apart from the sidewall 32. The rib 36 is continuously closed
with the exception of a gap 37 facing the jut 33. Thus, when the cover 24 is put on
the tube 19, there exists a passage or "labyrinth" 38 from the inside of the tube
19 to the outside via gap 37, the cut-out 34, and the jut 33 (see fig.11).
[0060] Fig.11 shows a cross-sectional side view of the refrigerator 1 through the reinforcement
part 13 on the I-I view plane depicted in Fig.5. Plug PUCb is fixed in its seat 26,
and plug PCCb is fixed in its seat 27. Plug PCCa is inserted into plug PCCb, thus
forming a plug connection PCCa, PCCb. Plug PCCa is connected to coaxial cable CCa
while Plug PCCb is connected to coaxial cable CCb. Plug PUCb is connected cable UCb
(not shown).
[0061] Coaxial cable CCb runs from the plug PCCb through the labyrinth 38 to the control
unit 7. The provision of the labyrinth 38 avoids leakages of thermally insulating
material into the tube 19 when the thermally insulating layer 4 is created, in particular
a flow of thermally insulating material still in its liquid condition. The thermally
insulating material may, e.g., be or based on polyurethane / PUR.
[0062] Fig.12 shows a cross-sectional oblique view of the reinforcement part 13 through the II-II
view plane depicted in Fig.5 with the plug PCCb inserted into its seat 27. The seat
27 comprises a rib 40 protruding from an inner lateral surface 41 of the tube 19.
The rib 40 is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis A (see also fig.10).
[0063] The plug PCCb is held on the rib 40 by two locking arms 43 and 44 extending from
the inner lateral surface 41 on both sides of the rib 40. The locking arms 43, 44
prevent movement of the plug PCCb out of contact with the rib 40. While locking arm
43 may be fixed at the inner lateral surface 41 while the locking arm 44 may be an
elastically deformable arm.
[0064] Fig.13 shows a cross-sectional oblique view of the reinforcement part 13 through the II-II
view plane depicted in Fig.5 with a series of consecutive positions of the plug PCCb
when to be inserted into its seat 27, as indicated by the broad arrows. The positions
of the plug PCCb may be achieved by movement of the plug and/or the reinforcement
part 13. This kind of assembly is particularly useful if the cable CCb attached to
the plug PCCb is part of a cable harness pre-connected to the control unit 7 and/or
the cables UCa and CCa are part of a cable harness coming from the door 8.
[0065] In its first position P1, the plug PCCb has been inserted into the tube 19 through
the open lower end face 25 into its free space 45 alongside the ends of the locking
arms 43 and 44 with the plug PCCb before its cable CCb. In this case, the cable CCb
hangs down the free space 45 alongside the gap 46.
[0066] The plug PCCb is then moved upwards within the free space 45 in the direction of
the longitudinal axis A along the ends of the locking arms 43 and 44 to a second position
P2 above the seat 27, in particular above the rib 40.
[0067] The plug PCCb is then moved sidewards to a third position P3 above the seat 27, in
particular above the rib 40. The cable CCb connected to the plug PCCb (not shown)
is at the same time moved into the seating space 47 between the locking arms 43, 44
through the gap 46 between the locking arms 43, 44.
[0068] The plug PCCb may then be lowered in the direction of the longitudinal axis A into
the seating space 47 defined by the locking arms 43, 44. To facilitate this movement,
rib 40 may have a sloped section 45 at its upper end, here: also at its lower end.
This downward movement is stopped when lateral protrusions L of the plug PCCb contact
the upper sides of the arms 43, 44 that thus act as end stops.
[0069] Of course, the invention is not restricted to the described embodiments.
List of Reference Signs
[0070]
- 1
- Refrigerator
- 2
- Innerliner
- 3
- Cooling compartment
- 4
- Thermally insulating layer
- 5
- Cabinet
- 6
- Top panel
- 7
- Control unit
- 8
- Door
- 9
- User interface module
- 10
- Camera
- 11
- Door hinge cover
- 12
- Opening
- 13
- Reinforcement part
- 14
- Frontal flange
- 15
- Cut-out
- 16
- Rounded corners
- 17
- Bulge
- 18
- Notch
- 19
- Tube
- 20
- Support flange
- 21
- Outer lateral surface
- 22
- Upper side of the support flange
- 23
- Film-hinge
- 24
- Cover part
- 25
- Lower end face of the tube
- 26
- First seat
- 27
- Second seat
- 28
- Locking catch
- 29
- Flap
- 30
- Hole
- 31
- Locking protrusion
- 32
- Sidewall
- 33
- Jut
- 34
- Cut-out
- 35
- Lower rim
- 36
- Rib
- 37
- Gap
- 38
- Labyrinth
- 39
- Upper end face of the tube
- 40
- Rib
- 41
- Inner lateral surface of the tube
- 42
- Notch-shaped protrusion of the tube
- 43
- Locking arm
- 44
- Locking arm
- 45
- Free space
- 46
- Gap
- 47
- Seating space
- 128
- Locking catch
- A
- Longitudinal axis
- CCa
- First coaxial cable
- CCb
- Second coaxial cable
- P
- Arrow
- PCCa
- Plug of first coaxial cable
- PCCb
- Plug of second coaxial cable
- PUCa
- Plug of first cable of cable connection UCa, UCb
- PUCb
- Plug of second cable of cable connection UCa, UCb
- L
- Lateral protrusions
- UCa
- First cable of cable connection UCa, UCb
- UCb
- Second cable of cable connection UCa, UCb
1. A reinforcement part (13), comprising
- a tube (19) having a longitudinal axis (A),
- a first seat (26) for a plug (PUCb) of a first type located inside the tube (19),
and
- a second seat (27) for a plug (PCCb) of a second type located inside the tube (19),
wherein, if viewed along the longitudinal axis (A),
- the second seat (27) is located beside the first seat (26),
- a free space (45) is located beside the second seat (27), the free space (45) having
a cross-section allowing passage of the second plug (PCCb) along the longitudinal
axis (A), and
- a gap (46) is present in the second seat (27) linking a seating space (47) for the
plug (PCCb) of the second type to the free space (45).
2. The reinforcement part (13) according to claim 1, wherein the second seat (27) comprises
a cylindrical sidewall surrounding the seating space (47) for the second plug (PCCb)
with the gap (46) being an open section of the sidewall extending along the longitudinal
axis (A).
3. The reinforcement part (13) according to claim 2, wherein the sidewall is partly formed
by the tube (19) and partly formed by at least one protrusion (43, 44) extending from
an inner lateral surface (41) of the tube (19).
4. The reinforcement part (13) according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion is a locking
arm (44) being located opposite of a locking arm (43) formed at the inner lateral
surface (41) of the tube (19).
5. The reinforcement part (13) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an upper
surface of the second seat (27) is adapted to act as an end stop for the second plug
(PCCb).
6. The reinforcement part (13) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a
cover part (24) connected to the tube (19) via a hinge (23), in particular film-hinge,
wherein the cover part (24) is adapted to cover an open lower end face (25) of the
tube (19) when having been rotated around the hinge (23).
7. The reinforcement part (13) according to claim 6, wherein
- the cover part (24) has a bowl-shaped form with a sidewall (32) that extends from
one end of the hinge (23) around the side to the other end of the hinge (23);
- on the side opposite to the hinge (23), the sidewall (32) comprises a jut (33);
- on the side opposite the hinge (23), the tube (19) comprises a cut-out (34) extending
from its lower rim (35) which cut-out (34) is located opposite and spaced apart from
the jut (33) when the cover part (34) covers the open lower end face (25) of the tube
(19); and
- a rib (36) is located at an inner side of a bottom of the cover part (24) spaced
apart from the sidewall (32), the rib (36) being continuously closed with the exception
of a gap (37) facing the jut (33).
8. A domestic cooling device (1), comprising a cabinet (5) covering and being spaced
apart from an innerliner (2) acting as a wall for a cooling compartment (3), a load
opening of which is coverable by a door (8), wherein the cabinet (5) comprises at
least one opening (12) into which the reinforcement part (13) according to any of
the preceding claims is inserted.
9. The domestic cooling device (1) according to claim 8, wherein
- a control unit (7) is located between the cabinet (6) and the innerliner (2),
- a cable (UCb) leads from control unit (7) to the reinforcement part (13), a plug
(PUCb) of which of the first type being seated in the first seat (26);
- another cable (CCb) leads from the control unit (7) to the reinforcement part (13),
a plug (PCCb) of which of the second type being seated in the second seat (27);
- a cable (UCa) leads from the reinforcement part (13) to a user interface module
(9) located in the door (8), a plug (PUCa) of which of the first type is connected
to the plug (PUCb) being seated in the first seat (26);
- another cable (CCb) leads from the reinforcement part (13) to a camera (10) located
in the door, a plug (PCCa) of which of the second type is connected to the plug (PCCb)
being seated in the second seat (27).
10. The domestic cooling device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one opening
(12) has a contour that is filled out by the tube (19).
11. Method of inserting a plug (PCCb) of a second type into a second seat (27) of a reinforcement
part (13) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:
- inserting the plug (PCCb) with a cable (UCCb) attached to it is into the free space
through a lower end face (25) of the tube (19) into the tube (19) with the plug (PCCb)
first;
- moving the plug (PCCb) in the free space (45) along the direction of the longitudinal
axis (A) towards an upper end face (39) of the tube (19) at least until the plug (PCCb)
has passed the gap (46);
- moving the plug (PCCb) sidewards to be located above the second seat (27); and
- lowering the plug (PCCb) into the second seat (27).