EP2023063A2 - Door frame closing element of a household device door - Google Patents

Abstract

The element (2) has two profile-elements that are interlocked or joint with one another. The profile-elements form a profile structure-unit in an assembled condition. One of the profile-element forms a base profile (4) that is connected with a door frame of a door body. Other profile-element forms a cladding profile (6) that is connected with the base profile. The cladding profile is provided for cladding sub-areas (12, 16, 18) of the base profile. The base profile and the cladding profile are manufactured from plastic materials that are welded with each another. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for manufacturing a door frame-closing element (2) a method for manufacturing a household device.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a door edge closure element of a household appliance door, in particular the door of a refrigerator; Furthermore, the invention relates to a household appliance door, a household appliance and a door trim elements set with such a door edge closure element; Moreover, the invention relates to a method for producing substantially identically shaped household appliance doors with such a door edge terminating element, as well as a method for producing household appliances with such doors.

STATE OF THE ART

From the DE 103 02 797 A1 is a door edge-closing element of a household appliance door of a household refrigeration appliance known, the door edge-closure element is formed as such in one piece and made of a single profile element. The door edge terminating element has a window opening extending over the entire depth of the terminating element, which can optionally be closed by a separate or integral individual pane. By omitting the disc or by the use of different types of discs different appearances of the door edge end element can be realized. Further, the DE 103 02 797 A1 a refrigeration device with such a door edge closure element.

Although it is already possible to realize various different appearances of the closing element and of the door and of the refrigerator into which this terminating element is integrated with this prior art door edge terminating element, it has been shown that only a relatively limited variety of types and shapes are possible with this technology of door edge trim elements and corresponding doors and household appliances with different appearances rationally produce. In addition, due to the described construction of the known door edge closure element structural and constructive limitations, prevent the door edge termination element for optional additional components or additional functions of the associated door or the household appliance can be used. Especially in mass production of household appliances with very large quantities, however, it is important to be able to produce different appearances and a large variety of types with the least possible effort on material, tools and tools.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is therefore based on the object or the technical problem, an improved door edge closure element of a household appliance door, in particular the door of a refrigerator; to create, which can be produced in a structurally simple and effective manner and with simple production engineering means in a variety of appearances and variants, and which can be used if necessary for optional additional components or additional functions of the associated door or the household appliance; Furthermore, a household appliance door, a household appliance and a door trim elements set are to be specified with such a door edge closure element; Moreover, a particularly suitable method for producing substantially identically shaped household appliance doors and a household appliance with at least two different door variants, using such a door closure element to be created.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect by a door edge closure element having the features of claim 1.

This door edge closure element of a household appliance door, in particular the door of a refrigerator, is characterized in that it is designed in several parts and has at least two mutually corresponding, joinable profile elements, which in an assembled state, the entirety of the door edge-closing element forming profile structure Unit form; and that the one profile element is a basic profile connectable to a door edge of a door body and the other profile element is at least one connectable to the base profile Cladding profile forms, which disguises at least a portion of the basic profile.

In the solution according to the invention, therefore, two or at least two profile elements are present, which together form only the door edge closing element and its overall profile structure. Since one of these profile elements is a cladding profile, it not only takes over structural functions in the overall composite with the other profile element, ie the basic profile, but can also serve to significantly influence the appearance of the entire unit of the door edge closure element. In principle, this makes it possible, with a respective same basic profile and various cladding profiles, which are each the same or substantially the same shape, but have a different external appearance, to significantly influence the appearance of the entire door edge end element or to vary as needed. "Essentially the same shaped" cladding profiles means that these profiles are identically shaped at least in a region which forms a joining region for joining to the base profile, but the other regions of the profile may well have different shapes or detailed shapes. This makes it possible, for example, to use only a single molding tool for the base body and for the lining body or bodies - or in the case of "substantially identically shaped" lining profiles: essentially identical molding tools, which differ only slightly from each other. In this way, door edge trim elements can be produced in many different variants or with different external appearances with comparatively very low expenditures for tools and production means (eg injection molds). Corresponding production is very effective and rationally achievable, in particular, if the shapes of the base profile and of the trim profile are maintained unchanged, but the material properties of these profiles which influence the external appearance and / or the optical properties are varied. This is particularly advantageous in the mass production of household appliances with very large numbers. Thus, for example, the same basic profile type can always be used to produce essentially identically shaped household appliance doors in at least two different door variants with different external appearance, and only the profile profile type or its external appearance can be varied.

In addition, the construction of the door edge closure element according to the invention from at least two mutually corresponding, joinable profile elements contributes to improve the structural and manufacturing properties of the door edge termination element. Assuming that door edge trim elements for household appliances are usually made of plastic and in an injection molding process, it is clear that in one-piece door edge trim elements that are to be produced in the simplest possible injection molds and must be easily demoldable, the mold treasure is relatively limited. If, on the other hand, at least two profile elements are used, they may themselves be used in simple injection molds, e.g. without backgrounds, but they can be combined as needed to form more complex shapes or shapes with a greater variety of shapes. In addition, simple injection molds and good releasability generally require that the profile element to be produced is an open profile element without or with as few undercuts as possible. The strength properties of open profiles are, e.g. in terms of bending or torsional stresses, but known to be worse than closed profiles. In the solution according to the invention, however, the individual (open) profile elements, which as such are easy to manufacture and easily demouldable, can be joined together to form a closed profile or hollow profile if required. As a result, improved strength properties of the door edge end element with low material consumption and low weight can be achieved. In addition, by using the profile elements, a door edge closure element can be created, which has in its interior over predetermined cavities that can be used for protected recording or attachment of device-functional elements or device controls or other built-in parts. Since one of the profile elements is designed as a cladding element, it can also be made detachable in the manner of a cap or flap, so that any functional elements or device operating elements, e.g. for servicing or maintenance purposes.

In summary, the solution according to the invention thus provides an improved door edge closure element of a household appliance door, in particular the door of a refrigeration appliance; that in a structurally simple and effective way and with simple production engineering means in a variety of appearances and variants can be produced efficiently, and which can also be used for optional additional components or additional functions of the associated door or the household appliance if necessary.

The object underlying the invention is achieved according to a second aspect by a household appliance door having the features of claim 19. This household appliance door has at least one door edge closure element according to one of claims 1 to 18.

The object underlying the invention is achieved according to a third aspect by a household appliance having the features of claim 20. This household appliance, in particular refrigerator, has a housing body with a door frame and a mobile appliance door mounted thereto movably according to claim 19.

With the household appliance door according to the invention and the household appliance according to the invention substantially the same advantages can be achieved as they were previously explained in connection with the door edge closure element according to the invention.

The object underlying the invention is achieved according to a fourth aspect by a door-end element set with the features of claim 23.

This door trim element set, with at least one door edge closure element according to one of claims 1 to 18, has a uniformly shaped base profile and in each case at least one trim profile of at least a first and a second trim profile type. The cladding profiles of these cladding profile types are identically shaped and have a different external appearance, at least in a region which forms a joining region for joining to the base profile.

"Set" here is not necessarily to be understood as a single set of these corresponding components, but is to be understood in particular with regard to a series production on an industrial scale with corresponding quantities of the relevant parts. With the door trim elements set according to the invention Essentially, the same advantages can be achieved as they were previously explained in connection with the door edge closure element according to the invention. In addition, the door end element set according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously in the context of the production method mentioned below.

The object underlying the invention is achieved according to a fifth aspect by a method according to claim 25.

1. a) Für beide Tür-Varianten:
   • a1) jeweils Bereitstellen eines einheitlich (bzw. identisch) geformten Grundprofils;
   und
2. b) Zur weiteren Herstellung der ersten Tür-Variante:
   • b1) Bereitstellen eines Verkleidungsprofils des ersten Verkleidungsprofil-Typs; und
   • b2) Zusammenfügen des Verkleidungsprofils mit dem betreffenden Grundprofil und dadurch Herstellung eines ersten Türrand-Abschlusselementes eines zweiten Türrand-Abschlusselement-Typs; und
   • b3) Montieren dieses Türrand-Abschlusselementes an einen Türrand eines korrespondierenden Türkörpers und dadurch Herstellen einer Haushaltsgeräte-Tür der ersten Tür-Variante;
   und
3. c) Zur weiteren Herstellung der zweiten Tür-Variante:
   • c1) Bereitstellen eines Verkleidungsprofils des zweiten Verkleidungsprofil-Typs; und
   • c2) Zusammenfügen des Verkleidungsprofils mit dem betreffenden Grundprofil und dadurch Herstellung eines zweiten Türrand-Abschlusselementes eines zweiten Türrand-Abschlusselement-Typs; und
   • c3) Montieren dieses Türrand-Abschlusselementes an einen Türrand eines korrespondierenden Türkörpers und dadurch Herstellen einer Haushaltsgeräte-Tür der zweiten Tür-Variante.

This method for producing substantially identically shaped household appliance doors in at least two different door variants, wherein the first variant has a first external appearance and the second variant has a second external appearance, which differs from the first external appearance, by means of a door closing elements Sets according to one of claims 23, 24, comprising the following steps, but not necessarily in the following order:

1. a) For both door variants:
   • a1) each providing a uniform (or identically) shaped base profile;
   and
2. b) For the further production of the first door variant:
   • b1) providing a trim profile of the first trim profile type; and
   • b2) joining the trim profile to the respective base profile and thereby producing a first door edge termination element of a second door edge termination element type; and
   • b3) mounting this door edge terminating element to a door edge of a corresponding door body and thereby producing a household appliance door of the first door variant;
   and
3. c) For the further production of the second door variant:
   • c1) providing a cladding profile of the second cladding profile type; and
   • c2) joining the trim profile to the respective base profile and thereby producing a second door edge termination element of a second door edge termination element type; and
   • c3) mounting this edge door closure element to a door edge of a corresponding door body and thereby producing a household appliance door of the second door variant.

Essentially the same advantages can be achieved with the method according to the invention, as explained above in connection with the door edge closing element according to the invention. In addition, it contributes significantly to the rationalization and cost reduction in large-scale production of household appliance doors and household appliances with such doors.

Further preferred and advantageous design features of the abovementioned solutions according to the invention are in each case the subject matter of the associated dependent claims, which find their support in the following description and the drawings.

A preferred embodiment of the invention with additional design details and other advantages is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and explained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine schematische perspektivische Explosionsansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Tür-Abschlusselementes mit einem Grundprofil und einem Verkleidungsprofil;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittansicht entlang der Ebene II-II in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schnittansicht entlang der Ebene III-III in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Frontalansicht des Grundprofils des Tür- Abschlusselementes von Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Schnittansicht entlang der Ebene V-V in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Schnittansicht entlang der Ebene VI-VI in Fig. 1;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Schnittansicht entlang der Ebene VII-VII in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Schnittansicht entlang der mittleren Symmetrieebene des Tür-Abschlusselementes in einem zusammengefügten Zustand des Grundprofils und des Verkleidungsprofils;

Fig.9

eine schematische perspektivische Rückseitenansicht des Tür- Abschlusselementes von Fig. 1 in einem zusammengefügten Zustand des Grundprofils und des Verkleidungsprofils; und

Fig.10

eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Kühlschranks mit dem Tür-Abschlusselement von Fig. 1.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic exploded perspective view of a door end element according to the invention with a base profile and a trim profile;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view taken along the plane II-II in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a schematic sectional view taken along the plane III-III in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

a schematic frontal view of the basic profile of the door end element of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5

a schematic sectional view taken along the plane VV in Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

a schematic sectional view taken along the plane VI-VI in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7

a schematic sectional view taken along the plane VII-VII in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8

a schematic sectional view along the central plane of symmetry of the door-closing element in an assembled state of the base profile and the trim profile;

Figure 9

a schematic perspective rear view of the door end element of Fig. 1 in an assembled state of the base profile and the trim profile; and

Figure 10

a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator according to the invention with the door-closing element of Fig. 1 ,

PRESENTATION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a door closing element 2 according to the invention (hereinafter referred to as closing element 2 called) shown, which forms the final element of a door of a household refrigerator in this example. In the Fig. 1 the longitudinal, depth and height direction of the end element is indicated by a Cartesian coordinate system with the axes X, Y and Z. The end element 2 is designed in several parts and has at least two mutually corresponding, joinable profile elements 4, 6, which form in an assembled state, a total of the end element 2 forming profile structure unit. The one in which Fig. 1 lower profile element, forms a connectable to a door edge of a door body base profile 4; and the other, in the Fig. 1 upper profile element, forms a connectable to the base profile 4 panel profile 6, which disguised in the assembled state, at least a portion of the base section 4. The closure element 2 has a strip-like, elongated shape. The total length of the closing element 2 in the longitudinal direction X preferably corresponds to the width of the door or of the door body to which or it should be connected later. In this example, the end member 2 is formed as an upper door edge termination. In another embodiment, however, it could also be designed as a lower door edge closure element.

Both the base profile 4 and the trim profile 6 are each made of a thermoplastic material in an injection molding process. Both plastic materials are of the same type of material (or at least compatible with each other) and ultrasonically weldable, so that the profile elements 4, 6, as will be explained in more detail below, can be welded together. In this embodiment, the base profile 4 are made of an opaque and the trim profile 6 made of a transparent thermoplastic material of the same plastic type. In a further variant, however, in particular the trim profile 6 can also be made completely (or partially) from a translucent or opaque material or plastic material.

The base profile 4 is half-shell-like or cap-shaped and adapted to be plugged onto a door edge and secured thereto. At its side portions it has in each case an accessible from its top insertion opening 8 for a pivot pin of a door hinge, or other means for connection to a door hinge mechanism, so that the closing element 2 is suitable both for doors in which the door pivot axis on the left side of the door lie as well as for those in which the pivot axis is located on the right side of the door. The unnecessary insertion opening 8 can be covered by a cap or the like. The base profile 4 also has an open hollow profile cross-section, which in the figure after Fig. 1 is open at the bottom.

Like in the Fig. 2 It can be seen that a sectional view along the plane II-II in Fig. 1 shows, has the cross-section of the base profile 4 in this area in the broadest sense, the shape of an inverted "U" with different lengths profile legs, which form a front wall 4a, a rear wall 4b and an intermediate upper wall 4c. 4c is in the in Fig. 2 The area shown slightly arched and sloping. In contrast, in a lateral profile region of the closing element 2, as in the Fig. 3 outlined is a sectional view taken along the plane III-III in Fig. 1 shows has the cross section essentially the shape of an approximately symmetrical, inverted "U". The lower edge regions of the base profile 4 are associated with a door edge and connectable to this. The profile contour of the edge regions or edges in this case corresponds substantially to the contour or profile contour of the associated door edge or the door edge of the usual manner forming sheets, plastic plates or door profiles. For accurate connection of the base profile 4 to the edge of the door, the base profile 4 at its lower edge door edge connection elements, which may be configured, for example in the form of grooves 10a, grooves, claw-shaped areas, contact surfaces 10b, etc. and correspond correspondingly with the edge of the door.

Like from the Fig. 4 it emerges, which shows a frontal view of the base profile 4, this has when viewed in frontal view a window-like recess 12 in the form of a from the top of the base profile 4 forth to the underside extending indentation. The recess 12 or this window extends over the entire depth of the base profile 4 in this area (see Fig. 1 Beveled or curved side walls 14 surround the recess 12 in this case on three sides, so that the free passage cross section of the visible window-like recess 12 from the back extended to the front of the basic profile 4 out.

In the Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view taken along the plane VV in Fig. 4 shown. As is apparent from this drawing, the base profile 4 has at a left and right side edge of a front portion 16 each have a groove 15th

The trim profile 6 is also half-shell-like or trough or cap-shaped. As the Fig. 6 shows a section along the plane VI-VI in Fig. 1 represents, has the trim profile 6 in a central, the recess 12 and adjacent wall portions of the base profile 4 associated area a downwardly open hollow profile cross section, which has approximately the shape of an inverted "U"', with a front and rear wall 6a, 6b and a intermediate horizontal wall 6c. In lateral areas of the cladding element, however, this U-shaped cross-section merges into a substantially L-shaped cross section, as shown in FIG Fig. 7 which shows a section along the plane VII-VII in Fig. 1 shows.

The trim profile 6 is in the in Fig. 1 indicated by a large arrow direction, with its open side down, attachable to the back and corresponding receiving areas of the base profile 4. In the assembled or assembled with the base profile 4 state, the trim profile 6 completely covers the area of the viewing window or the recess 12. The trim profile 6 extends here also over lateral edges of the viewing window or the recess 12 across the adjacent front portions 16 and ceiling portions 18 of the base profile 4. In addition, rear portions of the trim profile 6 also extended beyond rear portions of the base profile 4 away. Parts of the cladding profile 6 therefore form part of the front, top and back of the final element 2 composed of the base profile 4 and the cladding profile 6.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view along the in Fig. 1 and 4 As can be seen from this drawing, formed in this state, the trim profile 6 together with the base profile 6 is a substantially completely closed hollow profile cross-section, the extends over the entire recess 12 and laterally immediately adjacent areas away. Here, the door edge closure element is particularly torsionally rigid and strong, and it can therefore be used profile elements with comparatively thin wall thicknesses, which also allows material savings. If a transparent or translucent cladding profile 6 is used, this forms a transparent "box" in the region of the viewing window or recess 12 due to its previously described profile cross-sectional shape.

In order to facilitate the assembly of the base profile 4 and the trim profile 6 during assembly, both profiles 4, 6 have guiding and positioning means for precisely matching these profile elements. The guiding and positioning means may in particular be mutually corresponding plug connections, for example in the form of spring and groove-like elements or regions or also pins, pins, tongues which can be inserted into correspondingly fitting openings or recesses, or in order other, in at least one direction producing a positive connection elements. These leadership and Positioning means can simultaneously serve as reinforcing elements for the thus assembled end element 2 and contribute, for example, to increase its bending and / or torsional rigidity and strength.

In the present embodiment, the front lower edge 20 of the trim profile 6 on a front projection 22 of the base profile 4. And a spring 24 of a laterally adjoining the lower edge 20, L-shaped downwardly angled region (see also 6 and 7 ) is inserted into a provided adjacent to the projection 22, corresponding groove 26 of the base section 4. The rear lower edge 28 of the wall 6a of the trim profile 6 rests on either the top of a rear portion of the central wall 14 or is at a small distance thereto, or has a similar tongue and groove arrangement as at the front edge 20. Die Side edges 6a1 of the front wall 6a of the trim profile 6 stuck with a spring (not shown) in the grooves 15 (see Fig. 1 and 3 ). And the side edges 6b1 of the rear wall 6b of the trim profile 6 are stuck in corresponding side grooves 30 (see FIG Fig. 1 ) on the back of the base profile 4. The side edges 6a1 and 6b1 are due to the shape of the grooves 15, 30, and the shape side edges 6a1, 6b1 itself, in the depth direction Y positively secured (see also Fig. 1 ).

Furthermore, the base profile 4 and the trim profile 6 on connecting means. These connecting means are preferably formed integrally with these two profile elements 4, 6. In the present case, the trim profile 6 has at its front and rear edge a plurality of integral, tongue-like tabs 32 which in corresponding slots 34 (see Fig. 1 and 3 ) in the basic profile 4 can be inserted. The tabs 32 and slots 34 also serve as guiding and positioning aids. In the Fig. 1 only a single slot 34 is shown in a diagrammatically cut-out area, as the slot 34 is concealed in the groove 26 (see FIG Fig. 2 ) lies. The length of these tabs 32 in the insertion direction is chosen so that they protrude slightly on the other side again from the base profile 4. By means of eg an ultrasonic welding device these tabs 32 can then be welded to the material of the base profile 4 or at least be deformed so that they form a positive connection. In the assembled state, the base profile 4 and the trim profile 6 are thus permanently connected to each other. In addition, the base profile 4 and the trim profile 6 on other Welded areas or interconnected by other suitable connection means, such as a latching connection, adhesive, etc.

The base profile 4 and the trim profile 6 of this embodiment form in a joined state, at least at a front region and at the top of the end element 2 a flush outer contour. For this purpose, the profile contour of the base profile 4 is formed in the areas 16 and 18 at least corresponding to the respective wall thickness and the outer contour of the trim profile 6 of the desired outer contour of the finished closure element 2 offset inwardly or stepped (see Fig. 1 and 4 ). In the present case, the depth of the gradations is partially slightly larger than the wall thickness of the trim profile 6 at the corresponding location, so that in these areas between the inner surface of the trim profile 6 and the outer surface of the base section 4 remains a small gap.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective rear view of the end element 2 of Fig. 1 As can be seen in this drawing, the rear wall 4b of the base profile 4 of lateral, rear profile edge portions 36 and a lower, rear edge 38 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3 ) of the same over a step 4d away in the depth direction Y back and forms over a majority of the back of the closing element 2 extending recess. The profile edge regions 36 and the edge 38 lie in this embodiment of a plane.

The door closure element 2 according to the invention with its base profile 4 and trim profile 6 can be provided in the context of a door-end element sets, which can be used in a manufacturing process of substantially similar shaped household appliance doors in at least two different door variants, wherein the first variant has a first external appearance and the second variant has a second external appearance, which differs from the first external appearance. Likewise, this set is used in a process for the production of household appliances with such different door variants. The set according to the invention comprises for series production, for example, a multiplicity of uniformly and / or identically shaped base profiles 4 and a plurality of trim profiles 6 of at least a first and a second one Trim profile type. These cladding profile types are identically shaped at least in a region which forms a joining region for joining to the base profile 4 and have a different external appearance. For example, the first trim profile type is injection molded from an opaque thermoplastic material and the second type is a transparent one. However, it is preferred that these two panel profile types are completely identically shaped, so that the same injection mold or the same shape injection molds can be used for their production, and for example, only the plastic material or its properties must be varied.

In the Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an inventive household appliance in the form of a refrigerator 40 is shown. The refrigerator 40 has a case body 42 having a front opening and a door frame formed here from a front portion of the case body 42. On the door frame, a door 44 is pivotally mounted by means of a hinge member 45. The hinge member 45 has a pivot pin which in the insertion opening 8 (see, eg Fig. 1 ) of the closing element 2 can be inserted. The door 44 has a door body 46, the upper edge of which is provided with a door edge closing element 2 according to the invention, which extends over the entire width of the door 44. The height of the door 44 including the closing element 2 corresponds in this example substantially the height of the housing body. Likewise, the width of the door 44 substantially corresponds to the width of the housing body 42. The base profile 4 of the end element 2 is made of an opaque plastic material, while the trim profile 6 is made of a transparent plastic material. The closing element 2 also has a central viewing window or a recess 12. The cladding profile 6 clad the viewing window 12 and also extends beyond even adjacent areas of the base profile 4. In the area of the viewing window 12, the cladding profile 6 simultaneously acts as a disc for the viewing window 12th

Arranged on an upper, central front area of the door frame or housing body 42 is a control panel 48 with device function and operating elements 50, which are, for example, an ON / OFF switch, operating status indicators (eg lights or displays), adjustment elements and the like can act. In the closed state of the door 44, these elements 50 are behind the Viewing window 12 and are due to the transparency of the trim profile 6 well in the closed state of the door 44 well visible from outside through the viewing window 12 and located in the viewing window 12 area of the trim profile 6 therethrough or recognizable.

A method according to the invention for producing refrigerators 40 with essentially identically shaped doors 44 in two different door variants, wherein the first variant has a first external appearance and the second variant has a second external appearance which differs from the first external appearance, will now be described. and a method according to the invention for producing such doors 44 by means of a door trim set according to the invention will be described.

The respective refrigerators 40, on which these doors 44 are later mounted, in turn have a housing body 42 with a door frame, on which the respective associated door 44 is pivotally storable. The door body 46 used for producing the first and second door variant are uniform or substantially identical in shape, but it is basically sufficient that those door edge areas where the base section 4 is mounted, identical or substantially identical ,

For both door variants, a uniform or identically shaped base profile 4 is provided in each case, but this provision need not be made simultaneously or at the same location.

• Es wird jeweils ein Verkleidungsprofil 6 des ersten Verkleidungsprofil-Typs bereitgestellt. Die Verkleidungsprofile 6 dieses ersten Typs sind in diesem Beispiel aus einem opaken thermoplastischen Kunststoffmaterial hergestellt.
• Das opake Verkleidungsprofil 6 wird mit einem Grundprofil 4 zusammengefügt und ultraschall-verschweißt. Dadurch wird ein Türrand-Abschlusselement 2 eines ersten Türrand-Abschlusselement-Typs geschaffen.
• Dieses Abschlusselement 2 wird dann an einen Türrand eines korrespondierenden Türkörpers 46 montiert und dadurch eine Tür 44 gemäß der ersten Tür-Variante geschaffen.

For further production of the first door variant, the procedure is as follows:

• In each case, a trim profile 6 of the first trim profile type is provided. The trim profiles 6 of this first type are made in this example of an opaque thermoplastic material.
• The opaque trim profile 6 is assembled with a base profile 4 and ultrasonically welded. As a result, a door edge closure element 2 of a first door edge closure element type is created.
• This closure element 2 is then mounted on a door edge of a corresponding door body 46, thereby creating a door 44 according to the first door variant.

The door 44 is then pivotally attached to the housing body 42 and its door frame.

• Es wird jeweils ein Verkleidungsprofil 6 des zweiten Verkleidungsprofil-Typs bereitgestellt. Die Verkleidungsprofile 6 dieses zweiten Typs sind in diesem Beispiel aus einem transparenten thermoplastischen Kunststoffmaterial hergestellt.
• Das transparente Verkleidungsprofil 6 wird mit einem Grundprofil 4 (d.h. dem gleichem einheitlichen Grundprofil-Typ wie bei der ersten Tür-Variante) zusammengefügt und ultraschall-verschweißt. Dadurch wird ein Türrand-Abschlusselement 2 eines zweiten Türrand-Abschlusselement-Typs geschaffen.
• Dieses Abschlusselement 2 wird dann an einen Türrand eines korrespondierenden Türkörpers 46 montiert und dadurch eine Tür 44 gemäß der zweiten Tür-Variante geschaffen.
• Die Tür 44 wird dann an dem Gehäusekörper 42 bzw. dessen Türrahmen schwenkbar befestigt.

For further production of the second door variant, the procedure is as follows:

• A fairing profile 6 of the second fairing profile type is provided in each case. The cladding profiles 6 of this second type are made in this example of a transparent thermoplastic material.
• The transparent trim profile 6 is assembled with a base profile 4 (ie the same uniform basic profile type as in the first door variant) and ultrasonically welded. As a result, a door edge closure element 2 of a second door edge closure element type is created.
• This end element 2 is then mounted on a door edge of a corresponding door body 46, thereby creating a door 44 according to the second door variant.
• The door 44 is then pivotally attached to the housing body 42 and its door frame.

It goes without saying that, for example, the steps of providing the base profile 4 and the trim profile 6 can take place simultaneously, successively or in a different order and in particular the invention is not limited to a particular order in this regard. The method according to the invention can also have additional steps or intermediate steps for the respective door variant or the respective domestic appliance (here: refrigerator 40), for example for attaching sealing elements to the door 44 or the closing element 2, or e.g. for foaming the door body 46 and / or the closing element 2 with an insulating foam material. The number of required basic profiles 4 and trim profiles 6 (corresponding to the respective trim profile types) is to be matched to the number of doors or household appliances to be manufactured.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Within the scope of the appended claims, other embodiments may be practiced.

Although in the above embodiment, the connection of the closing element 2 was made to the edge of the door exclusively on the base profile 4, the invention is not limited to such a variant. Also, the trim profile 6, depending on its shape and correspondingly corresponding shape of the base profile 4 have areas that are designed to be connected to the edge of the door.

In the inside of the viewing window 12 located in the substantially closed hollow profile cross-section can also be provided means for attaching device functional elements and / or device controls on which or in which then these functional or operating elements are to be arranged. If, for example, a touch control element is used as the control element, and if this is arranged close enough to a front inner surface of the trim profile 6 (or of the basic profile 4) from inside, then it can be replaced by the trim profile 6 (or the basic profile 4). be served away. Such operability can also be achieved if the operating element is arranged, for example, in an externally accessible opening of the trim profile 6 (or the basic profile 4). The terminating element 2 can also be open on its rear side, at least in some areas, so that, for example, a device-functional element and / or device operating element or a control panel 50 or the like arranged in the housing element 42 of the household appliance projects into the terminating element 2.

When using a transparent or translucent cladding profile 6, decorative elements, e.g. Adhesive sheets or the like, be attached, which are visible from the outside. Such decorative elements can also be attached to those areas of the base profile 4, over which the transparent or translucent trim profile 6 extends away and which are visible from the outside. For producing in particular the trim profile 6 in an injection mold, it is also possible to use a plurality of different variants of the preferably same type of plastic; in this way is e.g. a covering profile 6 or basic profile 4 can be produced, which integrally has both opaque and transparent or translucent areas.

Also, the basic profile 4 can basically be provided in different, but preferably equally shaped variants, a different external Appearance. The base profile 4 and the trim profile 6 can also be made of other suitable materials or combined with these.

Reference signs in the claims, the description and the drawings are only for the better understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

Door closing element

4

basic profile

4a

Front wall of 4

4b

Rear wall of 4

4c

Partition of 4

4d

step

6

trim profile

6a

Front wall of 6

6a1

Margins of 6a

6b

Rear wall of 6

6b1

Margins of 6b

6c

Upper wall of 6

8th

Insertion openings in 4

10a

groove

10b

Contact surfaces of 4

12

Viewing window-like recess in 4

14

Sloping side walls

15

groove

16

Front areas of 4

18

Ceiling areas of 4

20

Front lower edge of 6

22

Advantage of 4

24

Spring of 6

26

Groove of 4

28

Rear lower edge of 6b

30

Grooves in 4

32

tabs

34

slots

36

Side, rear profile edge areas of 4

38

Lower, rear edge of 4

40

fridge

42

housing body

44

door

45

hinge element

46

door body

48

Switchboard

50

Device function and operating elements

X

longitudinal direction

Y

depth direction

Z

height direction

Claims (27)

Door edge closure element (2) of a household appliance door (44), in particular the door of a refrigeration appliance (40),
characterized in that the door-edge closure element (2) is of multi-part design and has at least two mutually corresponding, joinable profile elements (4, 6) which in an assembled state form a profile structure unit forming the entirety of the door edge closure element (2); and the one profile element forms a base profile (4) which can be connected to a door edge of a door body (46) and the other profile element forms at least one cladding profile (6) which can be connected to the base profile (4) and which comprises at least one subregion (12, 16, 18 ) of the basic profile (4). Door edge closing element (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
this is formed as an upper door edge terminating element (2). Door edge termination element (2) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the base profile (4) and the cladding profile (6) are made of plastic materials which can be welded together, in particular ultrasonically welded, to one another. Door edge closing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
Base profile (4) and the trim profile (6) connecting means (32, 34) for captively connecting these profile elements (4, 6) in an assembled state. Door edge closing element (2) according to claim 4,
characterized in that
the connecting means (32, 34) are formed integrally with the base profile (4) and (or the trim profile (6). Door edge closing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the base profile (4) and the trim profile (6) have guiding and positioning means (15, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) for precisely matching these two profile elements (4, 6). Door edge closing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least the base profile (4) has door edge connection elements (10a, 10b) for accurately fitting the base profile (4) to a door edge. Door edge closing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the base profile (4) and the trim profile (6) in an assembled state form a flush outer contour at least on a front region of the door edge termination element (2), in particular on a front region and an upper region of the door edge termination element (2). Door edge closing element (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the cladding profile (6) is made entirely of a transparent material. Door edge closing element (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the cladding profile (2) is made of a translucent material. Door edge closing element (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the cladding profile (6) is made of an opaque material. Door edge closing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the base profile (4) has a half-shell-like or cap-like design and is designed to be plugged onto a door edge and / or fastened thereto. Door edge closing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the cladding profile (6) has a half-shell-like or channel-like or cap-like design and can be plugged onto and / or attached to a corresponding receiving area (14, 15, 22, 26, 34, 30) of the base profile (4). Door edge closing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the cladding profile (6) has an open hollow profile cross-section and with the open side of this hollow profile cross-section on the base profile (4) can be plugged. Door edge closing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
when viewing the door edge end element (2) in a front view, the base profile (4) has a view window-like recess (12) which extends over the entire depth of the base profile (4); and the cladding profile (6) in a state joined to the base profile (4) covers at least the region of the viewing window (12). Door edge closing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the cladding profile (6) in a state joined to the base profile (4) extends at least over lateral edges of the viewing window (12) over adjacent front regions (16) and / or upper regions (18) of the base profile (4). Door edge closing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the trim profile (6) forms a substantially closed hollow profile cross-section in a state joined together with the base profile (4) in the region of the viewing window (12) together with the base profile (4). Door edge closing element (2) according to claim 17,
characterized in that
within the area of the viewing window (12) located, substantially closed hollow profile cross-section means for attaching device-functional elements or device controls are provided. Domestic appliance door (44) having at least one door edge closing element (2) according to one of claims 1 to 18. Domestic appliance, in particular refrigeration appliances (40), having a housing body (42) with a door frame and a household appliance door (44) movably mounted thereon according to claim 19. Household appliance (40) according to claim 20,
characterized in that
on the door frame, a device-functional element and / or device control element (48, 50) is arranged, which is in the closed state of the door (44) behind the door edge-closure element (2); and the trim profile (6) is transparent or translucent at least in the region of the device functional element and / or device control element (48; 50). Household appliance (40) according to claim 20 or 21,
characterized in that
the cladding profile (6) is made of a transparent or translucent material and in the region of the cladding profile (6) device functional elements or device controls within the door edge termination element (2) are provided, passing through the transparent or translucent cladding profile (6) are operable and / or visible. A door trim set comprising at least one door edge closure element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, having a uniformly shaped base profile (4) and at least one trim profile (6) of at least a first and a second trim profile type, respectively; wherein the cladding profiles (6) of these cladding profile types are identically shaped and have a different external appearance, at least in a region which forms a joining region for joining to the base profile (4). Door end element set according to claim 23,
characterized in that
the cladding profiles (6) of the at least two cladding profile types having a different external appearance are substantially completely identically shaped. A method for producing substantially identically shaped household appliance doors (44) in at least two different door variants, wherein the first variant has a first external appearance and the second variant has a second external appearance, which differs from the first external appearance, by means of a door Terminal set according to one of claims 23, 24, comprising the following steps: a) For both door variants: a1) each providing a uniformly shaped base profile (4); and b) For the further production of the first door variant: b1) providing a trim profile (6) of the first trim profile type; and b2) joining the cladding profile (6) with the relevant base profile (4) and thereby producing a first door edge terminating element (2) of a first door edge terminating element type; and b3) mounting this door edge terminating element (2) on a door edge of a corresponding door body (46) and thereby producing a household appliance door (44) of the first door variant; and c) For the further production of the second door variant: c1) providing a cladding profile (6) of the second cladding profile type; and c2) joining the cladding profile (6) to the respective base profile (4) and thereby producing a second door edge closure element (2) of a second door edge cladding element type; and c3) mounting this door edge end element (2) on a door edge of a corresponding door body (46) and thereby producing a household appliance door (44) of the second door variant. Method according to claim 25,
characterized in that
the door bodies (46) used to make the first and second door variants are uniformly shaped. Method for producing household appliances, in particular refrigeration appliances (40), having substantially similar shaped household appliance doors (44) in at least two different door variants, wherein the respective domestic appliance (40) has a housing body (42) with a door frame and one movable thereon mounted household appliance door (44), comprising the method according to any one of claims 25, 26.

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