EP2104820A2

EP2104820A2 - Refrigerating unit

Info

Publication number: EP2104820A2
Application number: EP07858079A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ralph Staud; Thomas Tischer
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2006-12-22
Filing date: 2007-12-21
Publication date: 2009-09-30

Abstract

According to the invention, the refrigerating unit comprises a refrigerator door (3), on which at least one door shelf is arranged such as to be height adjustable and detachably fixed to the inner side of the door by means of a catch device, comprising a first operable catch means (10), forming the catch device with a second catch means (15), characterised in that a third catch means (16a, 16b) is provided which cooperates at least with a part of the second catch means (15).

Description

The refrigerator

The invention relates to a refrigerator according to the preamble of claim 1.

Refrigerators, especially refrigerators, usually have door racks, so storage compartments or storage containers for refrigerated goods such as bottles, eggs, butter containers or other smaller refrigerated goods, which are detachably attached to the door of the refrigerators. Often these door racks are height-adjustable arranged on the door of the refrigerator, so that the classification of the door racks can be adapted to the refrigerator door different size ratios of refrigerated goods einzulagerndem. In most cases, different attachment positions for the door racks are provided for this purpose on the door of the refrigerator, so that usually two different height settings result per door racks, resulting in a certain flexibility in the arrangement of the door racks.

Often, however, it is desirable to provide a finer, on different packaging envelopes of einzulagernden refrigerated incoming positioning possibility of door racks. In DE 85 17 976 therefore already a very fine level height adjustment for door storage container is disclosed. The steps for the height adjustment are given by arranged on the refrigerator door, rack-like rails, which engage provided on the storage containers locking lugs. In order to fix the storage container in the respective latching step projections are also provided on the refrigerator door side of the tray extending Holmen provided in the storage container mounted claws engage from behind, so that the locking lugs of the storage containers are pressed firmly into the teeth of the racks. The claws of the storage containers can be actuated by means of buttons arranged laterally on the storage containers. When the push buttons are pressed, the claw releases completely from the projection and releases the container, so that it can be removed to the front and placed in another stage.

The height adjustment of the aforementioned type, however, has a number of disadvantages. One disadvantage is, for example, the complexity of the height adjustment. For the height adjustment on the one hand and for the fixation on the other hand, two independent devices are necessary. This results in a large number of individual parts in order to realize the corresponding height adjustment. This in turn means that several, mechanically movable parts that are subject to wear, eg due to material fatigue, can become defective. Furthermore, the production of this height adjustment is costly because of the high number of components.

The unpublished PCT / EP2007 / 063500 describes a refrigerator with a refrigerator door on which at least one height adjustable arranged door racks is provided which is releasably secured to the inside of the door by means of a locking device, and having a first operable locking means, the second locking means with Detent device forms. However, this height adjustment has the disadvantage that, on the one hand, the height can be adjusted by the locking device, but on the other hand, the door rack for removing the same along a guide rail to the upper or lower end must be performed. Due to the holder of the door compartment by these guide elements a simple removal to the front is not possible.

The object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration device which at least partially eliminates the disadvantages of refrigeration devices known from the prior art.

This object is achieved by a refrigeration device according to the appended independent claim. The subclaims relate to preferred embodiments which can be used individually or in combination with each other.

In particular, the present invention relates to a refrigeration device with a refrigerator door on which at least one height-adjustable arranged door racks is provided which is releasably secured to the inside of the door by means of a locking device, and which has a first operable locking means which forms the locking device with a second locking means. In this case, a third locking means is provided, which cooperates at least with a part of the second locking means. The advantage of such a refrigeration device, for example a refrigerator and / or freezer, is that the height adjustment is a low-complexity mechanism. The arrangement according to the invention can be implemented very cost-effectively, in particular due to the small number of individual parts, which goes hand in hand with the simple and thus cost-effective production of such a refrigeration device. However, the cost savings not only results in the use of a few items, but also on the associated lower assembly costs in the production. In addition, the height adjustment according to the invention has the advantages that the corresponding door rack is easy to adjust, and to clean. In addition, the door rack according to the invention can be easily removed forwards, which represents a high level of comfort for the user. In addition, it is understandable and reliable for the user, in particular because of its simple design.

According to the invention, the refrigeration device has a refrigerator door on which at least one height-adjustable door rack is provided. The door cabinets can be any kind of door cabinets. These door racks can be used as storage for smaller refrigerated goods, such. Butter or eggs, only partially across the width of the

Refrigeration appliance door extend. However, the height adjustment according to the invention can also be used for door racks, which extend over the entire width of the refrigerator door. In addition, the door rack can in the area of the side parts of the respective contour of the refrigerator door or receiving the door rack

Facilities should be designed accordingly.

The at least one door rack is fastened by a height adjustment in the form of a locking device releasably attached to the refrigerator door. The latching device has a first and a second latching means. The first, operable latching means is assigned to the door rack. The second latching means is the latching means engaged with the first latching means. It is, so to speak, the counter-locking means for the first locking means. Both locking means together, as described above, the locking device. The locking means may in principle have any conceivable shape, as long as they are designed as first and second locking means such that they can be engaged. It is irrelevant whether a special embodiment of the corresponding locking means provided on the door rack, or on the refrigerator door is. Thus, it does not matter whether, for example, a locking cam engaging in the latching opening is provided on the door racks, or on the refrigerator door. Of importance in this context is only that both locking means ensure a secure locking. Furthermore, a third locking means is provided, which cooperates at least with a part of the second locking means. It can be provided that the third latching means, for example in the form of guides, cooperates with the second latching means associated with the refrigerator door by being guided, for example, along a guide element or a guide rail or movably arranged. However, it is also conceivable any other embodiment of the second locking means, on the one hand allows a guide of the third locking means and a locking of the first locking means. Thus, it can be ensured that the door rack is both easily adjustable in height, as well as can be easily removed forward.

In one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the third latching means and the first latching means are actuated independently of each other. As a result, the height of the door compartment can be adjusted, for example, by pressing the first locking means, while the door rack is still securely secured against falling out. By -gleichzeitiges- pressing the first and third locking means then the door racks can then be removed in addition to the front.

The third actuating means preferably has an actuating device. This can be realized for example in the form of two, possibly adjacent, elevations or depressions, or by a two-part survey or depression. So it is conceivable, for example, that the first locking means for height adjustment of the door compartment "unlocked" by an actuator, so that the door rack can be adjusted in terms of height only. By -gleichzeitiges- pressing the actuator of the third locking means is now also the third locking means "unlocked", and the door racks can be easily removed forward.

In a further preferred embodiment, the third latching means can be actuated by the first latching means. This has the advantage that no further or additional facilities must be provided for the operation of the third locking means. The first latching means preferably has a means for engaging in the third latching means. This means is used to transmit a force from the first to the third locking means. For example, the first locking means for height adjustment of the door compartment can be actuated or pressed, this state corresponding to a first stage or position. By pushing beyond a certain resistance, the means also causes a transmission of the force to the third locking means, which corresponds to a second stage or position. As a result, the guides snap behind the guide rail and the door racks can be removed to the front.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for engaging in the third locking means are formed as cams. This embodiment has the advantage that a defined force can be transmitted from the first to the third latching means.

It is preferably provided that the means is arranged engageable in a recess of the third locking means. A further embodiment provides that this recess of the third locking means is formed as a groove. The recess or the groove has the advantage that, for example, a cam of the first locking means is guided within this corresponding recess or groove of the third locking means.

In a further embodiment, the first and / or the third latching means on an elastically deflectable device. Preferably, this is elastically deflectable

Device designed as a detent spring. A detent spring allows in a simple manner to release two engaging locking means, so as to adjust the door rack in its height or to remove. By means of the detent spring is brought by the action of a force, such as by pressing the fingers, the spring from its initial or rest position into a second, the spring force opposite position.

As a result, the first and the second latching means or the third and the second stand

Locking means no longer engaged with each other, and the door rack can be adjusted or removed in height. Another advantage is that due to the training as a detent spring no further complicated elements or devices, such as lever or similar parts must be provided to separate the locking elements from each other.

Preferably, the first and third locking means in each case in the side part of the door compartment arranged. The two-sided arrangement allows a secure locking of the door compartment. Due to the respective arrangement of the locking means in the two side panels of the door compartment, the height adjustment can be easily operated by the user or the entire door rack can be easily removed by the user, for example, holding the detent springs with the index fingers, and then the door rack by moving into the desired Position or height brings or removes.

Furthermore, it is provided in an advantageous embodiment that the first and / or third latching means and the door racks are integrally formed. Due to the one-piece design, for example, eliminates the installation effort of individually manufactured elements or devices that would otherwise have to be joined together in further operations.

Preferably, the locking means and the door rack are made of the same material. The use of only one material leads to a cost saving and thus to the possibility to produce a refrigeration device according to the invention correspondingly low.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the detent springs are cut free from the side part of the door compartment. Depending on the length of this free cut area or this slit, it is possible to realize a certain spring rate and a resulting spring force. The longer the correspondingly free-cut region, the lower is the force required to act on the detent spring for separating the engaged two detent elements.

In a further preferred embodiment, the latching means and the door rack are made of different materials. The use of different materials allows an adaptation to the respective requirements of the corresponding device. Thus, for example, for the door racks a cheap material can be used that meets the requirements of the door compartment, while for the locking means a higher quality or more stable material is used because the locking means are exposed to a higher compared to the door rack higher load.

Preferably, the locking means are made of metal. Have latching means of metal the advantage that the stability is greater, for example, with respect to plastic, and thus the risk is reduced that the detent springs could break if misused or after prolonged use.

In addition, in a further advantageous embodiment, the latching means are arranged by means of two-component or multi-component technology on the door racks. In this case, different materials such. Hard-soft compounds processed in one part.

For example, the locking elements can be "sprayed" to the door rack. These

Application is particularly advantageous because individual components, such as the detent springs, must be made movable. Thereby, e.g. provided that the locking springs made of a soft material, and the door rack can be made of a harder material. In addition, the elaborate assembly of

Parts omitted.

In a further embodiment, the latching means in the side part with respect to the vertical axis is arranged centrally between the third latching means (see Figure 1). This advantageous arrangement allows a stable locking of the corresponding door compartment, as both above and below the first locking means guides the third

Locking means ensure a sufficiently large guidance of the door compartment. It goes without saying that, in addition to the first locking means of course, only a third latching means can be provided as a guide of the door compartment. The two-sided arrangement of the third locking means, that is above and below the first locking means, however, has proved to be particularly advantageous due to their stability.

In one embodiment, the first locking means on an actuating device to facilitate the operation of the height-adjustable locking device. This actuator is to allow the user to press the locking element targeted.

Preferably, the actuator is a latch button. By training as a latch button, the user can easily determine even without direct eye contact, where are the locking means for height adjustment.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the actuating device is an in corresponding detent means provided recess. This depression also allows the user easy handling or operation.

Both actuators thus allow by their advantageous training a "feeling" of the respective operable locking device. This allows the user a quick and targeted operation of height adjustment or removal.

Thus, the present invention has the advantage that with simple means both the door racks can be adjusted in height and removed from the front.

Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims in connection with the description of exemplary embodiments, which are explained in detail with reference to the drawing.

In it show schematically:

Figure 1 is a perspective, enlarged view of a portion of the door compartment with the first and third locking means.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a door compartment;

Fig. 3 is a perspective detail view of the attachment of the door compartment

In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals designate the same or comparable components.

Figure 1 shows a door rack 1 with a frame 2. The frame 2 has in the rear area, so the refrigerator door 3 side facing a rebound. In addition, the refrigeration device door 3 facing sides are slightly chamfered, so that the door rack 1 can be easily inserted between the attached to the refrigerator door 3 guide rails 4. In each side part of the frame 2 is located in relation to the vertical axis a centrally disposed first locking means 10, which is formed integrally with the door racks 1 and between the third locking elements (16a, 16b) is arranged. The first locking element 10 has a detent spring 1 1, a locking cam 12th and an actuator in the form of a latch button 14. The latching element 10, together with the latching opening 13, the latching device for height adjustment of the door compartment. 1

The detent spring 1 1 is cut free in the side part of the frame 2. This slit is dimensioned so that the detent spring 1 1 both sufficient spring force for locking the

Door cabinet 1 has, and is easy to handle for the user. The

Detent spring 1 1, like the frame 2 also in the rear area a return, so that both the door rack 1 and the detent spring 1 1 can be adapted to the refrigerator door 3 and the guide rails 4 of the refrigerator door 3. The detent spring 1 1 has on the side facing away from the door racks 1 on a latch button 14, which is rectangular. By pressing or pressing the latch button 14 so a force on the detent spring 1 1 can be exercised.

The locking cam 12 protrudes laterally beyond the frame 2 and has at the edges of the latching opening 13 facing sides on the edges to facilitate engagement in the latching opening. At the top and bottom of the locking cam 12 are

Cam (17a, 17b) for engagement in the below-described grooves (18a, 18b) of the third locking means (16a, 16b) is provided. By pressing the actuator 14 to a first position / level or stop the locking device is unlocked for height adjustment, so that the door rack 1 can be adjusted in height.

The third latching means (16a, 16b) are arranged above or below the first latching means (10). The third latching means (16a, 16b) has latching springs (19a, 19b), which are also cut free in the side part of the frame 2. The third locking element (16a, 16b) forms together with the guide rails 4 of the refrigerator door 3, the holder of the door compartment 1, so that it can not tilt forward inadvertently during the height adjustment. The guide rails 4 of the refrigerator door 3 together with the third locking means (16a, 16b) ensure a clean management of the door compartment 1 and relieve in its fixed position, the locking cam 12 of tilting moments. By further pressing the actuating device 14 up to a second position / step or stop, ie beyond the first resistance, the cams located on the latching cam 12 transmit the force to the third Latching element (16a, 16b), so that thereby disengage behind the guide rail 4 formed as guides third locking means (16a, 16b), and the door rack 1 can be removed to the front. The third latching means (16a, 16b) also has on its the guide rail 4 of the refrigerator door 3 side facing chamfers in order to facilitate the engagement in the guide rails 4 of the refrigerator door 3.

FIG. 2 shows the entire door racks 1 with a frame 2 and the first locking means 10 and third locking means (16a, 16b) respectively arranged in the side parts. In order to adjust the door racks 1 in height, the locking button 14 are pressed against a spring force in the frame 2. This leads to the locking cams 12 being retracted at least to the extent that they release the door racks 1 for height adjustment. In this position, the locking cam 12, the door rack 1 can be moved along the guide rails 4 of the refrigerator door 3 in the vertical direction. The third locking means (16a, 16b) and the guide rails 4 ensure a positive connection between the door racks 1 and the two guide rails 4 even during the adjustment that the door racks 1 is clean and can not tip forward even when loaded.

Letting go of the latching button 14 causes the locking cams 12 are pressed by the spring force again in the direction of the guide rails 4 and are supported on this. Another vertical movement of the door compartment 1 causes the locking cam 12 engage in the next latching opening 13.

In order to remove the door racks 1 from the refrigerator door 3, the locking button 14 are further pressed against the spring force, ie beyond the first stage / position or stop, in the frame 2. This leads to a second position or stage in which the third latching means (16a, 16b) are retracted to the extent that they release the door rack 1 for removal. The door racks 1 can now be easily removed to the front, without first unthreading him from the guide rails 4. The insertion of the door compartment 1 takes place analogously in the reverse order.

In a preferred embodiment, the guide rails 4 have a rectangular cross-section and have latching openings 13 (FIG. 3). These latching openings 13 have rectangular openings on the surface of the guide rails 4, which points in the direction of the other guide rail 4. The distances of the detent openings 13 within a support element 4 are so small that a fine height adjustment of the door compartment is possible. The location and size of the detent openings 13 are identical for both guide rails 4. The distance between the guide rails 4 from each other is dimensioned so that the side parts of the frame 2 slide without tilting between the two guide rails. In the latching openings 13 of the guide rails 4 engage the locking cam 12, not shown here. In this way, the door rack 1 is fixed in its height.

Since the door racks 1 can be safely changed even when loaded in height, its position can be particularly well adapted to the stored therein refrigerated goods. Thus, it is possible, the tight storage space in the refrigerator door 3 through the

Variation of the location of the refrigerated goods loaded door racks 1 optimally divide. In addition, he has the great advantage of having it easy to understand

Operation allows the user to remove it without effort with only one actuator 14 also. Thus, one of the main advantages is to adjust the door racks 1 with only a total of a device both in height as well as to take forward.

For cleaning purposes, the door racks 1 can be easily removed. Now, the inside of the refrigerator door 3 is easy to clean, since the guide rails 4 due to their shape and dimensions do not affect the ease of cleaning.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 door rack

2 frames

3 refrigerator door

4 guide rail

10 first locking means

1 1 detent spring

12 locking cam

13 latching opening

14 actuating device

15 second locking means

16a, 16b third locking means

17a, 17b cams

18a, 18b groove

19a, 19b detent spring

Claims

claims

1. Refrigeration device with a refrigerator door (3) on which at least one height-adjustable arranged door racks (1) is provided, which on the inside of the door by means of a

Detent device is releasably secured, and having a first operable latching means (10) which forms the latching device with a second latching means (15), characterized in that a third latching means (16a, 16b) is provided which at least with a part of the second Locking means (15) cooperates.

2. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the third latching means (16a, 16b) and the first latching means (10) are actuated independently of each other.

3. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the third latching means (16a, 16b) has an actuating device.

4. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the third latching means (16a, 16b) by the first latching means (10) is actuated.

5. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the first

Locking means (10) comprises means (17a, 17b) for engagement in the third locking means (16a, 16b).

6. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that the means for engagement in the third latching means (16a, 16b) as a cam (17a, 17b) are formed.

7. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the means (17a, 17b) in a recess (18a, 18b) of the third latching means (16a, 16b) is arranged engageable.

8. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that the recess of the third latching means (16a, 16b) as a groove (18a, 18b) is formed.

9. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first latching means (10) and / or the third latching means (16a, 16b) has an elastically deflectable means (11; 19a, 19b).

10. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that the elastically deflectable device as a detent spring (1 1; 19a, 19b) is formed.

11. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and third latching means (10; 16a, 16b) are each arranged in the side part of the door compartment (1).

12. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first latching means (10) and / or the third latching means (16a, 16b) and the door rack (1) is integrally formed.

13. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first latching means (10) and / or the third latching means (16a, 16b) and the door rack (1) is made of the same material.

14. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 10 - 13, characterized in that the detent springs (1 1; 19a, 19b) are cut free from the side part of the door compartment.

15. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the first latching means (10) and / or the third latching means (16a, 16b) and the door rack (1) is made of different material.

16. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that the first latching means (10) and / or the third latching means (16a, 16b) is made of metal.

17. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that the first latching means (10) and / or the third latching means (16a, 16b) by means of two- or

Multi-component technology on the door rack (1) is arranged connectable.

18. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Locking means (10) in the side part with respect to the vertical axis is arranged centrally between the third latching means (16a, 16b).

19. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first latching means (10) has an actuating device (14).

20. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 17, characterized in that the actuating device is a latching button (14).

21. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 17, characterized in that the actuating device is a depression (14).