AU2021479589A1 - Cooler unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A cooler unit (1) is disclosed comprising a number of walls (w0-w4) including a bottom wall (w0) together defining a storage compartment (3) comprising an opening (4). The cooler unit (1) comprises a door (5) movable between an open position to allow access to the storage compartment (3) and a closed position to close the storage compartment (3). The cooler unit (1) comprises an air filter assembly (7) configured to filter air inside the storage compartment (3). The bottom wall (w0) comprises a bulge (9) arranged adjacent to the opening (4). The air filter assembly (7) is arranged in the bulge (9).

Description

Cooler Unit

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cooler unit comprising a number of walls including a bottom wall together defining a storage compartment, wherein the cooler unit comprises an air filter assembly configured to filter air inside the storage compartment.

BACKGROUND

A cooler unit is a commercial and/or home appliance comprising a storage compartment and a refrigeration assembly configured to transfer heat from the storage compartment to the external environment so that the storage compartment is cooled to a temperature below the room temperature.

Cooler units can be used to store food and beverages, such as wine, beer, soda, sparking wine, and the like, at temperatures below the room temperature. Some cooler units are specifically adapted to accommodate bottled beverages, such as wine. These types of cooler units may also be referred to as wine cooler units.

Some cooler units comprise an air filter assembly configured to filter air inside the storage compartment. In this manner, the freshness of the air inside the storage compartment can be maintained and formation of odour and mould inside the storage compartment can be avoided. The air filter preferably comprises an air filter unit which can be replaced or cleaned after a certain time of operation.

Moreover, a cooler unit preferably comprise some type of control arrangement for example allowing a user to set a desired inside temperature of the storage compartment. Moreover, some cooler units comprise one or more output units, for example one or more display units, configured to output an operational aspect of the cooler unit, such as a current set temperature of the storage compartment or the like.

Some problems exit when designing cooler unit. One problem is to maximize the size and storage capacity of the storage compartment given the outer dimensions of the cooler unit. Moreover, the above-mentioned types of assemblies and arrangements usually have a negative impact of the available space and storage capacity of a cooler unit.

Another problem when designing a cooler unit is user friendliness. That is, it is an advantage if the cooler unit can be used in a simple and intuitive manner. Furthermore, generally, on today’s consumer market, it is an advantage if products, such as cooler units and associated components, systems, and arrangements, have conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks.

According to an aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a cooler unit comprising a number of walls including a bottom wall together defining a storage compartment comprising an opening. The cooler unit comprises a door movable between an open position to allow access to the storage compartment and a closed position to close the storage compartment. The cooler unit comprises an air filter assembly configured to filter air inside the storage compartment. The bottom wall comprises a bulge arranged adjacent to the opening. The air filter assembly is arranged in the bulge.

Since the bottom wall of the cooler unit comprises a bulge arranged adjacent to the opening and since the air filter assembly is arranged in the bulge, a cooler unit is provided having air filtering capabilities of the air inside the storage compartment, while the air filter assembly has no, or at least a small, impact on the storage capacity of the storage compartment.

That is, some prior art cooler units comprise a bulge arranged at a top surface of the storage compartment adjacent to the opening, wherein the bulge comprise one or more components and/or assemblies related to the operation of the cooler unit. The inventors of the present invention have discovered that this placement of a bulge reduces the storage capacity of the storage compartment because a dead space is formed behind the bulge which usually cannot be used for storing objects, at least not in a convenient manner.

Thus, by instead arranging a bulge at the bottom surface adjacent to the opening, the space behind the bulge can be used for storing objects in a simpler manner. Furthermore, due to the placement of the bulge at the bottom surface, the bulge can act as a support for necks of bottles being placed at the bottom wall of the storage compartment. In addition, due to the placement of the bulge at the bottom surface, the bulge can prevent objects, such as bottles, cans, or the like, from falling out from the storage compartment for example when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position. Consequently, a more user-friendly cooler unit is provided having conditions for an improved storage capacity of the storage compartment given the outer dimensions of the cooler unit.

Accordingly, a cooler unit is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the bulge is elongated with a direction of elongation being parallel to a lower delimiting surface of the opening. Thereby, the bulge has improved conditions for supporting necks of bottles being placed at the bottom wall of the storage compartment. In addition, the bulge has an improved ability to prevent objects, such as bottles, cans, and the like, from falling out of the storage compartment for example when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Optionally, the bulge is elongated and extends from a first side wall of the storage compartment to a second side wall of the storage compartment. Thereby, the bulge has conditions for supporting necks of bottles being placed at the bottom wall of the storage compartment along the full length of the bottom wall. In addition, the bulge can prevent objects, such as bottles, cans, and the like, from falling out of the storage compartment along the full length of the bottom wall.

Optionally, the air filter assembly comprises an air inlet arranged on the bulge. Thereby, a compact air filter assembly can be provided having conditions for an efficient filtering of the air inside the storage compartment. Moreover, an air filter assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a costefficient manner.

Optionally, the air inlet is arranged on a first side of the bulge, and wherein the first side of the bulge faces in a direction towards the opening. Thereby, a compact air filter assembly can be provided having conditions for an efficient filtering of the air inside the storage compartment.

Optionally, the air filter assembly comprises an air outlet arranged on the bulge. Thereby, a compact air filter assembly can be provided having conditions for an efficient filtering of the air inside the storage compartment. Moreover, an air filter assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a costefficient manner.

Optionally, the air outlet is arranged on a second side of the bulge, and wherein the second side of the bulge faces in a direction towards a wall of the storage compartment. Thereby, a compact air filter assembly can be provided having conditions for an efficient filtering of the air inside the storage compartment. Moreover, an air filter assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a costefficient manner.

Optionally, the second side of the bulge faces a back wall of the storage compartment. Thereby, a compact air filter assembly can be provided having conditions for an efficient filtering of the air inside the storage compartment. Furthermore, the bulge has an improved ability to prevent objects, such as bottles, cans, and the like, from falling out of the storage compartment for example when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Optionally, the air filter assembly comprises an air filter unit. Thereby, an efficient filtering of the air inside the storage compartment can be ensured.

Optionally, the air filter unit comprises activated carbon. Thereby, an even more efficient filtering of the air inside the storage compartment can be ensured to avoid formation of odour and mould inside the storage compartment.

Optionally, the air filter assembly comprises a lid movable to an open position to allow access to the air filter unit, and wherein the lid is arranged on a first side of the bulge facing in a direction towards the opening. Thereby, a cooler unit is provided in which the air filter unit can be removed from, and inserted into, the air filter assembly in a simple and intuitive manner.

Optionally, the air filter assembly comprises an air inlet, and wherein the air inlet is formed by a number of openings provided in the lid. Thereby, an efficient filtering of the air inside the storage compartment can be ensured, while the air filter assembly has conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.

Optionally, the cooler unit comprises a control panel arranged on the bulge. Thereby, the bulge is used to accommodate a further component of the cooler unit. In this manner, the available storage space inside the storage compartment can be further optimized. Moreover, due to the placement of the bulge at the bottom surface of the cooler unit adjacent to the opening, the control panel is positioned at a position allowing a user to interact with the control panel in a simple manner.

Optionally, the control panel is arranged on a first side of the bulge, and wherein the first side of the bulge faces in a direction towards the opening. Thereby, the cooler unit is positioned at a position allowing a user to interact with the control panel in an intuitive and simple manner.

Optionally, a front surface of the control panel is flush with surfaces of the bulge adjacent to the control panel. Thereby, a compact and user-friendly control panel is provided. Moreover, the available storage space inside the storage compartment can be further optimized.

Optionally, the control panel comprises a control arrangement and a number of input units operably connected to the control arrangement. Thereby, a user-friendly control panel is provided allowing a user to interact with the control arrangement via the number of input units.

Optionally, the control panel comprises a display unit. Thereby, an even more user-friendly cooler unit is provided allowing the display of one or more operational aspect of the cooler unit on the display unit. Furthermore, due to the placement of the display on the bulge arranged at the bottom surface adjacent to the opening, a cooler unit is provided in which the display unit can be seen in a simple manner without requiring a user to crouch or bend his/her back when wanting to see the display unit.

Optionally, the door comprises an at least partially transparent portion. Thereby, a cooler unit is provided allowing a user to see at least some of the storage compartment and its content without having to open the door of the cooler unit. Moreover, when combined with the display unit, a cooler unit is provided having conditions for allowing a user to see the display unit without having to open the door of the cooler unit.

Optionally, a surface normal of a front surface of the display unit points in a direction towards the at least partially transparent portion of the door. Thereby, a cooler unit is provided allowing a user to see the display unit without having to open the door of the cooler unit. In this manner, an even more user-friendly cooler unit is provided. Optionally, the bulge comprises a first side facing in a direction towards the opening, and wherein the bulge is arranged such that an angle between the first side and a horizontal plane is within the range of 25 - 65 degrees, or is within the range of 35 - 45 degrees, when the cooler unit is positioned in an upright use position on a flat horizontal surface. Thereby, conditions are provided for an efficient utilization of the available space inside the storage compartment of the cooler unit. Moreover, when combined with a display unit arranged on the first side, a cooler unit is provided allowing a user to see the display unit without having to crouch or bend his/her back when wanting to see the display unit.

Optionally, the cooler unit comprises a fan configured to circulate air inside the storage compartment. Thereby, an efficient filtering of the air inside the storage compartment can be ensured without requiring a fan unit arranged inside the air filter assembly. Accordingly, a cooler unit is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.

Optionally, the bottom wall comprises a number of recesses each configured to accommodate a wine bottle. Thereby, a cooler unit configured to accommodate wine bottles is provided having conditions for an efficient storage capacity of the wine bottles. Furthermore, due to the placement of the bulge at the bottom surface adjacent to the opening, the bulge can act as a support for necks of bottles being placed in the recesses at the bottom wall of the storage compartment. In addition, due to the placement of the bulge at the bottom surface, the bulge can prevent wine bottles from falling out from the storage compartment for example when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Consequently, a more user-friendly cooler unit is provided having conditions for an improved storage capacity of wine bottles given the outer dimensions of the cooler unit.

Optionally, the cooler unit comprises a number of shelves each configured to accommodate a number of wine bottles. Thereby, a cooler unit is provided having conditions for an efficient storage capacity of the wine bottles also at an upper portion of the storage compartment.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a first isomeric view of a cooler unit according to some embodiments, Fig. 2 illustrates a second isomeric view of the cooler unit illustrated in Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 illustrates a cross section of a first portion of the cooler unit illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section of a second portion of the cooler unit illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, and

Fig. 5 illustrates a cross section of the cooler unit illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a first isomeric view of a cooler unit 1 according to some embodiments. According to the illustrated embodiments, the cooler unit is specifically adapted to accommodate wine bottles as is further explained herein. Therefore, the cooler unit 1 according to the illustrated embodiments may also be referred to as a wine cooler, a wine cooler unit, or the like.

The cooler unit 1 comprises a number of walls wO, w1 , w2, w3, w4 which together defines a storage compartment 3 comprising an opening 4. The reference signs for the number of walls wO, w1 , w2, w3, w4 is in some places herein abbreviated “w0-w4” for reasons of brevity and clarity.

The number of walls w0-w4 includes a bottom wall wO, a first side wall w1 , a second side wall w2, a back wall w3, and a top wall w4. According to the illustrated embodiments, each of the bottom wall wO and the top wall w3 is substantially parallel to a horizontal surface Hs when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on a flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, each of the first side wall w1 , the second side wall w2, and the back wall w3 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1. As understood from the above, each of the number of walls w0-w4 form a delimiting surface of the storage compartment 3. Therefore, each of the number of walls w0-w4 may also be referred to as a surface or delimiting surface of the storage compartment 3. In other words, the bottom wall wO may also be referred to as a bottom surface of the storage compartment 3, the first side wall w1 may also be referred to as a first side surface of the storage compartment 3, the second side wall w2 may also be referred to as a second side surface of the storage compartment 3, the back wall w3 may also be referred to as a back surface of the storage compartment 3, and the top wall w4 may also be referred to as a top surface of the storage compartment 3.

The bottom wall wO adjoins the first side wall w1 , the second side wall w2, and the back wall w3 and is arranged closer to the horizontal surface Hs than the top wall w4 when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1.

The number of walls w0-w4 are arranged such that the opening 4 faces in a direction substantially parallel to the flat horizontal surface Hs when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1.

The cooler unit 1 comprises a door 5 movable between an open position to allow access to the storage compartment 3 and a closed position to close the storage compartment 3. In Fig. 1 , the door 5 is illustrated in the open position. The door 5 is hinged around a pivot axis to allow the door to be pivoted between the open and closed positions. According to the illustrated embodiments, the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the flat horizontal surface Hs when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1.

As can be seen in Fig. 1 , the bottom wall wO comprises a number of recesses 33. As is further explained herein, each recess 33 of the number of recesses 33 is configured to accommodate a wine bottle. In Fig. 1 , only one of the recesses 33 has been provided with the reference sign “33” for reasons of brevity and clarity. According to the illustrated embodiments, the bottom wall wO comprises five recesses 33. However, according to further embodiments, the bottom wall wO may comprise another number of recesses 33, such as for example a number between one and twenty.

According to the illustrated embodiments, each recess 33 of the number of recesses 33 form a groove in the bottom wall wO extending from the back wall w3 to the bulge 9. Furthermore, each recess 33 of the number of recesses 33 has an arc-shaped cross section and is configured to enclose a portion of a circumference of a wine bottle when the wine botte is positioned in the recess 33. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, each recess 33 of the number of recesses 33 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second side walls w1 , w2 of the cooler unit 1.

Likewise, as can be seen in Fig. 1, the cooler unit 1 comprises a number of shelves 35. Each shelf 35 of the number of shelves 35 is configured to accommodate a number of wine bottles 40. According to the illustrated embodiments, the cooler unit 1 comprises five shelves 35. However, according to further embodiments, the cooler unit 1 may comprise another number of shelves 35, such as for example a number between one and twenty. According to the illustrated embodiments, each shelf 35 of the number of shelves 35 is configured to accommodate seven wine bottles. However, according to further embodiments, each shelf 35 may be configured to accommodate another number of wine bottles, such as a number between one and twenty.

Fig. 2 illustrates a second isomeric view of the cooler unit 1 illustrated in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the door 5 is illustrated in the closed position. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, if not indicated otherwise. An inside surface of the door 5 forms a delimiting surface of the storage compartment 3 when the door 5 is in the closed position. The inside surface of the door 5 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1. Since the door 5 is hinged around a pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to the flat horizontal surface Hs according to the illustrated embodiments, the inside surface of the door 5 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs regardless of the pivoting position of the door 5, i.e., regardless of the opening position of the door 5.

As is indicated in Fig. 1 , the bottom wall wO comprises a bulge 9 arranged adjacent to the opening 4. According to the illustrated embodiments, the bulge 9 is arranged immediately adjacent to the opening 4 and protrudes from the bottom wall wO. The bulge 9 is elongated and has a direction of elongation De being parallel to a lower delimiting surface 4’ of the opening 4. The direction of elongation De is also parallel to the flat horizontal surface Hs when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1. The lower delimiting surface 4’ of the opening 4 is substantially flat and abuts against an elastic strip 16 of the door 5 when the door 5 is in the closed position. According to further embodiments, the lower delimiting surface 4’ of the opening 4 may comprise an elastic strip arranged to abut against a portion of the door 5 when the door 5 is in the closed position.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the bulge 9 adjoins the first side wall w1 and the second side wall w2 of the storage compartment 3. In other words, the bulge 9 extends from the first side wall w1 of the storage compartment 3 to the second side wall w2 of the storage compartment 3. Moreover, the bulge 9 forms a ridge extending from the first side wall w1 of the storage compartment 3 to the second side wall w2 of the storage compartment 3. The bulge 9, as referred to herein, may also be referred to as a ridge, an elongated bulge, an elongated protrusion, an elongated protruding section, or the like.

The cooler unit 1 comprises an air filter assembly 7. As is further explained herein, the air filter assembly 7 is configured to filter air inside the storage compartment 3. As is indicated in Fig. 1 , the air filter assembly 7 is arranged in the bulge 9.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross section of a first portion of the cooler unit 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The first portion of the cooler unit 1 is a portion of the bulge 9 comprising the air filter assembly 7. Moreover, in Fig. 3, the cross section is made in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs indicated in Fig.1.

As is indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the air filter assembly 7 comprises an air inlet 11 arranged on the bulge 9. Moreover, as is indicated in Fig. 3, the air filter assembly 7 comprises an air outlet 12 arranged on the bulge 9. In more detail, as indicated in Fig. 3, the air inlet 11 is arranged on a first side s1 of the bulge 9. The first side s1 of the bulge 9 faces in a direction towards the opening 4. Moreover, the air outlet 12 is arranged on a second side s2 of the bulge 9. As is explained with reference to Fig. 5 below, the second side s2 of the bulge 9 faces in a direction towards a back wall w3 of the storage compartment 3.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the bulge 9 is formed by a separate piece 19 of material attached to the bottom wall wO of the cooler unit 1. However, according to further embodiments, the bulge 9 may be formed by bent sections of the material forming the bottom wall wO. In other words, the bulge 9 and the bottom wall wO may be formed by one piece of continuous material. In both cases, a top surface of the bulge 9 can be said to form part of a portion of the bottom wall wO of the storage compartment 3 of the cooler unit 1. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the bulge 9 is at least partially hollow and comprises an interior space 29. According to the illustrated embodiments, the bulge 9 is hollow along its full length, i.e., is hollow along the full length between the first side wall w1 to the second side wall w2 indicated in Fig. 1. However, the bulge 9 may comprise one or more non-hollow portions, i.e., solid portions.

The air filter assembly 7 comprises an air filter unit 17 arranged inside the interior space 29 of the bulge 9. The air filter unit 17 may comprise activated carbon. As can be seen in Fig. 1 , the cooler unit 1 comprises a fan 31 configured to circulate air inside the storage compartment 3. The circulation of air inside the storage compartment 3 causes air to flow into the air inlet 11 of the air filter assembly 7, through the air filter unit 17, and out from the air filter assembly 7 via the air outlet 12. In this manner, the air inside the storage compartment 3 is filtered and the freshness of the air inside the storage compartment 3 can thereby be maintained. Moreover, formation of odour and mould inside the storage compartment 3 can be avoided.

The air filter assembly 7 comprises a lid 15. The lid 15 is movable to an open position to allow access to the air filter unit 17. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the lid 15 is illustrated in a closed position. As indicated in Fig. 3, the lid 15 is arranged on a first side s1 of the bulge 9 facing in a direction towards the opening 4. In this manner, a user can access the air filter unit 17 in a convenient manner simply by moving the lid 15 to the open position and pulling out the air filter unit 17 from the interior space 29 of the bulge 9.

As is best seen in Fig. 3, according to the illustrated embodiments, the air inlet 11 is formed by a number of openings 1 T in the form of through holes provided in the lid 15. As is indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the cooler unit 1 according to the illustrated embodiments comprises a control panel 20. As can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the control panel 20 is arranged on the bulge 9.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section of a second portion of the cooler unit 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The second portion of the cooler unit 1 is a portion of the bulge 9 comprising the control panel 20. Moreover, in Fig. 4, the cross section is made in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs indicated in Fig. 1.

As is indicated in Fig. 4, the control panel 20 is arranged on the first side s1 of the bulge 9. The first side s1 of the bulge 9 faces in a direction towards the opening 4 as mentioned above. Moreover, as is indicated in Fig. 1 , a front surface 20’ of the control panel 20 is flush with surfaces 9’ of the bulge 9 adjacent to the control panel 20. The control panel 20 comprises a control arrangement 21. According to the illustrated embodiments, the control arrangement 21 is arranged inside the interior space 29 of the bulge 9. The control arrangement 21 may be configured to control the inside temperature of the storage compartment 3. As an example, the control arrangement 21 may be configured to control the inside temperature of the storage compartment 3 to a set temperature by controlling operation of a compressor of the cooler unit 1. The cooler unit 1 may comprise one or more temperature sensors, wherein the control arrangement 21 may be configured to control the inside temperature of the storage compartment 3 based on data from the one or more temperature sensors.

Moreover, the control arrangement 21 of the cooler unit 1 may be configured to control one or more other functions of the cooler unit 1 , such as operation of the fan 31 illustrated in Fig.

1 , operation of one or more light emitting units arranged to illuminate the storage compartment 3, or the like.

Furthermore, as is indicated in Fig. 1 , the control panel 20 comprises a number of input units 23, 25. The input units 23, 25 are operably connected to the control arrangement 21. According to the illustrated embodiments, the control panel 20 comprises two input units 23, 25 in the form of buttons. However, the control panel 20 may comprise another number of input units 23, 25 than two. Moreover, the control panel 20 may comprise another type of input units 23, 25 than buttons, such as one or more knobs, one or more capacity sensors, one or more touch sensitive screens, or the like.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the input units 23, 25 of the control panel 20 allows a user to set a desired inside temperature of the storage compartment 3, also referred to as a set temperature herein.

As can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the control panel 20 comprises a display unit 27. The display unit 27 is flush with surfaces of the control panel 20 adjacent to the display unit 27. The display unit 27 is operably connected to the control arrangement 21. The control arrangement 21 may be configured to cause the display unit 27 to display a current inside temperature of the storage compartment and/or the current set temperature referred to above.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the cooler unit 1 comprises no other input or output units than what is comprised in the control panel 20. In other words, according to the illustrated embodiments, the control panel 20 comprises all input and output units of the cooler unit 1. In this manner, conditions are provided for a high storage capacity of the storage compartment 3, as well as an efficient utilization of the available storage space inside the storage compartment 3, because no further input or output units are needed for the control of the cooler unit 1. The control panel 20 according to the illustrated embodiments may also be referred to as a user interface, usually abbreviated “III”.

In Fig. 4, a printed circuit board 2T of the control arrangement 21 is schematically indicated in dotted lines. A printed circuit board 2T is commonly abbreviated PCB. The printed circuit board 2T comprises a number of electronic components and a laminated sandwich structure of insulating and conductive layers to which the electronic components are arranged.

As can be seen in Fig. 4, the bottom wall wO comprises a recess 44 located below the piece 19 of material forming the bulge 9. As can be seen in Fig. 4, at least a portion of the printed circuit board 2T protrudes into the recess 44. In other words, the recess 44 accommodates at least a portion of the printed circuit board 2T. Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig. 4, the printed circuit board 2T is oriented such that a side thereof is parallel to the first side s1 of the bulge 9. Due to the recess 44 and the orientation of the printed circuit board 2T, the bulge 9 can be provided with a smaller height than would be the case otherwise.

Fig. 5 illustrates a cross section of the cooler unit 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In Fig. 5, the cross section is made through the cooler unit 1 at a location comprising the control panel 20. In Fig. 5, the cooler unit 1 is illustrated as positioned in an upright use position on a flat horizontal surface Hs. The cooler unit 1 comprises a number of support elements 43 abutting against the horizontal surface Hs when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in the upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs. In Fig. 5, the cross section is made in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs.

As is indicated in Fig. 1 , Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, the door 5 comprises a transparent portion 5’. According to the illustrated embodiments, the transparent portion 5’ is a glass panel held in a frame of the door 5. According to the illustrated embodiments, the surface area of the transparent portion 5’ is larger than 50% of the total surface area of the door 5.

Moreover, as is indicated in Fig. 5, a surface normal N1 of a front surface 27’ of the display unit 27 points in a direction towards the at least partially transparent portion 5’ of the door 5. In this manner, as is clearly seen in Fig. 2, the display unit 27 can be seen through the transparent portion 5’ of the door 5 when the door 5 is in the closed position. Thereby, a more user-friendly cooler unit 1 is provided because a user does not need to open the door 5 to see the display unit 27.

In Fig. 3, a horizontal plane Hp is indicated. The horizontal plane Hp is parallel to the horizontal surface Hs indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5. According to the illustrated embodiments, the bulge 9 is arranged such that an angle a1 between the first side s1 and a horizontal plane Hp is approximately 40 degrees when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on a flat horizontal surface Hs. In this manner, an advantageous viewing angle is provided towards the display unit 27 when the cooler unit 1 is positioned on the horizontal surface Hs indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 and when a user is standing on the horizontal surface Hs.

According to further embodiments, the bulge 9 may be arranged such that an angle a1 between the first side s1 and a horizontal plane Hp is within the range of 25 - 65 degrees, or is within the range of 35 - 45 degrees, when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on a flat horizontal surface Hs.

Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the bulge 9 is arranged such that an angle a2 between the second side s2 and the horizontal plane Hp is approximately 40 degrees when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on a flat horizontal surface Hs. In this manner, an advantageous utilization of the available storage space inside the storage compartment 3 is provided, as is explained in the following. According to further embodiments, the bulge 9 may be arranged such that an angle a2 between the second side s2 and a horizontal plane Hp is within the range of 25 - 65 degrees, or is within the range of 35 - 45 degrees, when the cooler unit 1 is positioned in an upright use position on a flat horizontal surface Hs.

In Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, a wine bottle 40 is illustrated as positioned on the bottom wall wO of the cooler unit 1. As is best seen in Fig. 5, the length L1 between the bulge 9 and an inner delimiting surface w3’ of the back wall w3 approximately corresponds to the length of the body of a typical wine bottle 40. The length of the body of a wine bottle 40 can be measured from a bottom of the wine bottle 40 to the beginning of a neck portion of the bottle 40. According to the illustrated embodiments, the inner delimiting surface w3’ of the back wall w3 of the cooler unit 1 is a wall of a compressor housing 39 of the cooler unit 1. The compressor housing 39 of the cooler unit 1 may accommodate a compressor, as is further explained herein. According to the illustrated embodiments, the length L1 between the bulge 9 and the inner delimiting surface w3’ of the back wall w3 is approximately 22 cm. According to further embodiments, the length L1 between the bulge 9 and the inner delimiting surface w3’ of the back wall w3 may be within the range of 8 - 50 cm, or may be within the range of 20 - 27 cm.

Moreover, as is best seen in Fig. 4, according to the illustrated embodiments, the length L2 of the bulge 9 approximately corresponds to the length of the neck portion of a typical wine bottle 40. According to the illustrated embodiments, the bulge 9 has a length L2 of approximately 9 cm. According to further embodiments, the bulge 9 may have a length L2 within the range of 1.5 - 18 cm, or may have a length L2 within the range of 7.5 - 12 cm.

The above-mentioned lengths L1, L2 may each be measured along a direction being parallel to the horizontal surface Hs indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5. As an alternative, or in addition, the above-mentioned lengths L1, L2 may each be measured along a direction being parallel to a surface normal N3 of the back wall w3 of the cooler unit 1.

Furthermore, as is best seen in Fig. 4, according to the illustrated embodiments, the bulge 9 has a height H substantially corresponding to the radial difference between a body portion and a neck portion of a typical wine bottle 40. According to the illustrated embodiments, the bulge 9 has a height H of approximately 2.3 cm. According to further embodiments, the bulge 9 may have a height H within the range of 1 - 4 cm, or may have a height H within the range of 1.9 - 2.7 cm.

As indicated in Fig. 4, the height H of the bulge 9 may be measured from a portion w0’ of the bottom wall wO adjacent to the bulge 9 to an upper portion of the bulge 9 in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs indicated in Fig. 5. Since the back wall w3 of the cooler unit 1 is perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs, the height H of the bulge 9 may also be measured from the portion w0’ of the bottom wall wO adjacent to the bulge 9 to the upper portion of the bulge 9 in a direction parallel to the back wall w3 of the cooler unit 1 indicated in Fig. 5.

Due to the above-described features of the bulge 9, the bottom wall wO of the cooler unit 1 can be used to store wine bottles 40 in a simple and convenient manner, as can be seen in Fig. 5. Moreover, the bulge 9 is positioned in the void space created by the radial difference between a body portion and a neck portion of a typical wine bottle 40 when the wine bottle is placed at the bottom wall wO. In this manner, this void space is utilized to accommodate vital components of the cooler unit 1 , such as the control panel 20, the control arrangement 21 , and the air filter assembly 7. As a result, the possible available storage space of the storage compartment can be maximized. Furthermore, due to the placement of the bulge 9 at the bottom surface wO, the bulge 9 can act as a support for necks of bottles 40 being placed at the bottom wall wO of the storage compartment 3. In addition, due to the placement of the bulge 9 at the bottom surface wO, the bulge 9 can prevent objects, such as wine bottles 40 from falling out from the storage compartment 3 for example when the door 5 is moved from the closed position to the open position.

In Fig. 5, an area 50 is marked with dotted lines. The area 50 indicates the previous placement of a bulge containing components in some prior art cooler units. That is, some prior art cooler units comprise a bulge arranged at a top surface w3 of the storage compartment 3 adjacent to the opening 4, wherein the bulge comprise one or more components needed for the operation of the cooler unit, such as a control panel, an air filter assembly, and the like. The inventors of the present invention have discovered that this placement of a bulge reduces the storage capacity of the storage compartment because a dead space 3’ is formed behind such a bulge. Such a dead space 3’ is difficult to reach and is difficult to use to store objects, such as wine bottles. However, due to the placement of the bulge 9 at the bottom surface wO of the cooler unit 1 adjacent to the opening 4, the upper space of the storage compartment 3 can be used to accommodate objects, such as wine bottles 40, in a simple and convenient manner.

In Fig. 5, the fan 31 of the cooler unit 1 can be seen. As mentioned, the fan 31 is configured to circulate air inside the storage compartment 3. According to the illustrated embodiments, the fan 31 is arranged at a top portion of the back wall w3 of the cooler unit 1. The fan 31 is configured to circulate air inside the storage compartment 3 by blowing air in a direction into the storage compartment 3. Thereby, the air inside the storage compartment 3 is circulated which causes air to flow into the air inlet 11 of the air filter assembly 7, through the air filter unit 17, and out from the air filter assembly 7 via the air outlet 12, as explained with reference to Fig. 3.

As indicated above, the cooler unit 1 may comprise a compressor, wherein the compressor may be arranged inside the compressor housing 39 indicated in Fig. 5. The cooler unit 1 may further comprise a refrigerant circuit comprising a condenser and an evaporator, wherein the compressor is arranged to pump refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit. The evaporator may be in thermal contact with the storage compartment 3 for example by being arranged in thermal contact with the back wall w3 of the cooler unit 1. In other words, the evaporator may be arranged adjacent to the back wall w3 of the cooler unit 1. The condenser may be arranged in thermal contact with the surroundings for example by being arranged at an exterior back wall of the cooler unit 1. The compressor and the components of the refrigerant circuit are not illustrated in the figures for reasons of brevity and clarity.

The wording “substantially parallel to”, as used herein, may encompass that the angle between the objects referred to is less than 10 degrees, or is less than 7 degrees.

The wording “substantially perpendicular to”, as used herein, may encompass that the angle between the objects referred to is within the range of 80 - 100 degrees or is within the range of 83 - 97 degrees.

The wording “substantially corresponding to”, as used herein, may encompass that the aspects, objects, distances, or measurements referred to deviates less than 10% from each other.

The wording “substantially straight” and “substantially flat”, as used herein, may encompass that the object referred to deviates less than 10% from the shape of a flat plane.

The wording “adjacent”, as used herein, may encompass that the objects referred are arranged closer than 2.5 centimetres from each other.

The wording “immediately adjacent”, as used herein, may encompass that the objects referred are arranged closer than 1 centimetre from each other.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended independent claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended independent claims.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components, or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.

Claims (15)

1 . A cooler unit (1) comprising a number of walls (w0-w4) including a bottom wall (wO) together defining a storage compartment (3) comprising an opening (4), wherein the cooler unit (1) comprises a door (5) movable between an open position to allow access to the storage compartment (3) and a closed position to close the storage compartment (3), wherein the cooler unit (1) comprises an air filter assembly (7) configured to filter air inside the storage compartment (3), wherein the bottom wall (wO) comprises a bulge (9) arranged adjacent to the opening (4), and wherein the air filter assembly (7) is arranged in the bulge (9).

2. The cooler unit (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the bulge (9) is elongated with a direction of elongation (De) being parallel to a lower delimiting surface (4’) of the opening (4).

3. The cooler unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bulge (9) is elongated and extends from a first side wall (w1) of the storage compartment (3) to a second side wall (w2) of the storage compartment (3).

4. The cooler unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air filter assembly (7) comprises an air inlet (11) arranged on the bulge (9).

5. The cooler unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air filter assembly (7) comprises an air outlet (12) arranged on the bulge (9).

6. The cooler unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air filter assembly (7) comprises an air filter unit (17).

7. The cooler unit (1) according to claim 6, wherein the air filter assembly (7) comprises a lid (15) movable to an open position to allow access to the air filter unit (17), and wherein the lid (15) is arranged on a first side (s1) of the bulge (9) facing in a direction towards the opening (4).

8. The cooler unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the air filter assembly (7) comprises an air inlet (11), and wherein the air inlet (11) is formed by a number of openings (1 T) provided in the lid (15).

9. The cooler unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooler unit (1) comprises a control panel (20) arranged on the bulge (9).

10. The cooler unit (1) according to claim 9, wherein the control panel (20) is arranged on a first side (s1) of the bulge (9), and wherein the first side (s1) of the bulge (9) faces in a direction towards the opening (4).

11. The cooler unit (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control panel (20) comprises a control arrangement (21) and a number of input units (23, 25) operably connected to the control arrangement (21).

12. The cooler unit (1) according to any one of the claims 9 - 11 , wherein the control panel (20) comprises a display unit (27).

13. The cooler unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door (5) comprises an at least partially transparent portion (5’), and wherein a surface normal (N1) of a front surface (27’) of the display unit (27) points in a direction towards the at least partially transparent portion (5’) of the door (5).

14. The cooler unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bulge (9) comprises a first side (s1) facing in a direction towards the opening (4), and wherein the bulge (9) is arranged such that an angle (a1) between the first side (s1) and a horizontal plane (Hp) is within the range of 25 - 65 degrees, or is within the range of 35 - 45 degrees, when the cooler unit (1) is positioned in an upright use position on a flat horizontal surface (Hs).

15. The cooler unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom wall (wO) comprises a number of recesses (33) each configured to accommodate a wine bottle (40).