EP2284466A1 - Drawer-like container for a cooler - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (1) has a body made of a plastic material and comprising a container space for storing chilled or frozen products, where the space is laterally limited by a front wall (3), rear wall (4) and two side walls (5, 6). A box (10) separated from the container space is arranged at a region of the walls for separate accommodation of the chilled or frozen products. The separate box is limited to a side of a partition wall (11) that is arranged at a close region of the walls. Accommodation volume of the box is smaller than accommodation volume of the space.

Description

The present invention relates to a drawer-like container for arrangement in a refrigerator. The invention further relates to a refrigeration device, comprising at least one such drawer-like container.

From the DE 93 02 130 U1 The same applicant is a drawer-like container for arrangement in the refrigerated interior of a refrigerator known. Such a drawer-like container is used for storage of refrigerated or frozen food. For this purpose, the drawer-like container is arranged relatively movable to the cooled interior of the refrigerator and can be pulled out after opening the refrigerator door and inserted again after storage or after removal of a refrigerated or frozen.

The object of the invention is to improve the function of such a drawer-like container.

This object is achieved by a drawer-like container according to claim 1. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The solution of the problem extends according to the independent claim also to a refrigerator, comprising at least one such drawer-like container.

The object is achieved with a drawer-like container for placement in a refrigerator, with at least one container space for storage of refrigerated or frozen, the container space is bounded below by a container bottom and laterally by container side walls, and wherein in the region of at least one container side wall at least one separated from the container space compartment for separate recording of refrigerated or frozen food is arranged. The separated compartment is bounded at least on one side by a boundary wall arranged in the vicinity of the container side wall.

The drawer-like container may for example be a refrigerated goods or frozen food and is z. B. formed at least substantially parallelepiped and includes a body, the down from a container bottom and laterally through a preferred completely circumferential container wall is formed, which comprises a plurality of container side walls. Preferably, there are four container sidewalls, particularly a front container sidewall, a rear container sidewall, and two lateral container sidewalls, which enclose a usable container space. The directions "front", "side", "rear", "bottom" and the like relate to a preferred arrangement position of the drawer-like container in the interior of a refrigerator. The front container area is facing an operator. For the purposes of the invention, a separate compartment can be understood as meaning a limited receiving space for refrigerated or frozen goods separated from the container space. Such a separated compartment can therefore also be referred to as an extra compartment. The term "in the region of the container side wall" in the sense of the invention is preferably to be understood as a spatial region which adjoins directly to the front wall.

The provision according to the invention of a separated compartment in the region of the front wall enables a separate or separate and easily visible storage of refrigerated or frozen food. Such a separate compartment is particularly well suited for the storage of flat packs, rechargeable batteries, medicines, smaller Tetrapackungen and other small parts for which there is often no space provided in the interior of the refrigerator and therefore often are difficult to find between the other frozen or frozen food. Another advantage is a quick and direct access to the stored in such a separate compartment refrigerated or frozen, including the drawer-like container does not or only slightly must be pulled out. Also offers the possibility for stable and upright storage already open packaging, such. B. herbal flat packs and the like.

The separated compartment is bounded at least on one side by a boundary wall arranged in the vicinity of the container side wall. This distinguishes the boundary wall of conventional drawer room dividers, which are not arranged in the vicinity of a container side wall, but instead divide the drawer, for example, in the middle, so that they are strongly spaced from both container side walls, to which they are parallel to the surface. By "close range" is usually meant a distance of up to 80mm, preferably up to 60mm, more preferably between 20mm and 40mm.

In other words, the separated compartment is preferably narrow. By "narrow" it is meant that the depth of the compartment is less than 1/5 and especially less than 1/10 of the distance between the front wall and the rear wall of the drawer-like container.

Preferably, the receiving volume of the separated compartment is substantially smaller than the receiving volume of the container space. This results, on the one hand, from the proximity of the boundary wall. On the other hand, the separated compartment can also have a raised shelf, so that smaller frozen food is still available. For example, the receiving volume of the separated compartment is about 0.2 to 10%, preferably 1-5% of the container space.

Preferably, the separated compartment is bounded on one side by the container side wall and on a side opposite thereto from the boundary wall. In this case, the boundary wall is preferably arranged at least approximately surface-parallel to this container side wall, so that these two walls form a kind of double wall whose hollow interior forms the separated compartment.

Down the separated compartment is preferably limited by a shelf. This may be a portion of the container bottom or be formed as a projecting from the container side wall to the outside projection. According to a preferred embodiment, the shelf opposite the container bottom is increased, for example by about 5 - 30% of the height of the drawer-like container.

According to a preferred embodiment, the boundary wall is connected to the container side wall, in the vicinity of which it is arranged. The connection can for example be done laterally via web-like transverse walls of the separated compartment, or also over the shelf of the separated compartment. Particularly preferably, this is a cohesive connection, wherein the boundary wall is preferably formed integrally with the drawer-like container.

In addition to the shelf, the container side wall and arranged in the vicinity of the boundary wall, the separated compartment does not necessarily require additional walls, in particular are arranged transverse to the boundary wall side walls are not mandatory.

Preferably, the boundary wall occupies a partial height of the container side wall, in the vicinity of which it is arranged. For example, it has about 30-70% of the height of the container side wall. As a result, for example, the separated compartment less deep than the container space can be formed so that even smaller items to be cooled from the separated compartment can be removed quickly.

According to a preferred embodiment, the upper edge of the boundary wall at a small distance from the container bottom than the upper edge of the container side wall, in the vicinity of which it is arranged. In other words, the upper edge of the boundary wall is lower than the upper edge of the container side wall or jumps back against this. Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the lower edge of the boundary wall opposite the container bottom and / or opposite the shelf, which limits the separated compartment down, be arranged increased. As a result, a kind of window is formed between the lower edge of the boundary wall and the shelf so that refrigerated goods stored in the separated compartment are also visible when the boundary wall or the container side wall are not transparent. In this embodiment, the boundary wall is preferably formed as a side wall of the container upstream bow-like pretext.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the container side wall of the drawer-like container, in the region of which the separated compartment is arranged, is formed at least partially from a transparent or at least translucent (transparent) material. Preferably, the entire body of the drawer-like container is formed of a transparent material.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that at least one separated compartment is arranged adjacent to the inside of a container side wall facing the container space. If the container side wall of the drawer-like container is formed of a transparent material, the result is an attractive showcase effect, whereby the refrigerated or frozen goods (eg different types of frozen herbs) arranged in the separated compartment will optimally stand out and due to the Light reflections on the front wall the appearance of cleanliness and freshness is achieved. Preferably, the container side wall is the front wall.

It is preferably provided here that the separated compartment is separated from the container space by at least one partition wall forming the boundary wall, wherein this partition wall is arranged or oriented in particular parallel to the surface of the container sidewall, in the region of which it is arranged. Preferably, it is also provided that the partition wall is formed lower than the container side wall.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the partition is made displaceable and z. B. within the container space at different distances surface parallel z. B. can be arranged to the front wall. For fixing a displaceable partition wall, on the insides e.g. the side walls receiving means may be arranged, the z. B. are designed as upwardly open U-shaped bays. In order to store an unused, displaceable partition wall, a corresponding receiving device can be arranged on or in the region of the inside of the container rear wall facing the container space. Further details are explained below in connection with the attached figures.

According to a preferred development, it is provided that at least one separated compartment is arranged adjacent to the outside of a container sidewall facing away from the container space. Preferably, this is the front wall. This results in an attractive display effect, whereby the arranged in the separated compartment refrigerated or frozen optimally comes into their own. Another advantage results from the simple accessibility to the arranged in the separated compartment refrigerated or frozen, without requiring the drawer-like container must be pulled out.

In this case, it is preferably provided that the separated compartment is delimited to the front by at least one preamble which forms the boundary wall and which is arranged parallel to the surface of the container side wall or front wall. This pretext may be formed in particular bow-like or web-like and z. B. also serve as a handle for moving the drawer-like container. Further details are explained below in connection with the attached figures.

According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the front wall is provided on its side facing away from the container space outside with a handle for moving the drawer-like container. This handle is in particular a lower handle, which is ideally arranged in a lower portion of the front wall. Further, it is preferably provided that the lower handle at least partially also forms a shelf for the separated compartment. Further details are explained below in connection with the attached figures.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the body of the drawer-like container is integrally formed of a plastic material. Preference is given here a shock and cold-resistant plastic material used. The production takes place z. B. by injection molding.

The invention also extends to a refrigerator comprising at least one such drawer-type container. Such a refrigerator is z. As a refrigerator, a freezer or a wine storage cabinet, which is preferably a household refrigerator.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführungsform eines schubladenartigen Behälters in einer per- spektivischen Darstellung und in einer perspektivischen Schnittdarstellung;

Fig. 2

eine zweite Ausführungsform eines schubladenartigen Behälters in einer per- spektivischen Darstellung und in einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 3

eine dritte Ausführungsform eines schubladenartigen Behälters in einer per- spektivischen Darstellung; und

Fig. 4

eine vierte Ausführungsform eines schubladenartigen Behälters in einer per- spektivischen Darstellung und in einer Schnittansicht.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following, exemplary description with reference to the accompanying figures. In these show:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a drawer-like container in a perspective view and in a perspective sectional view;

Fig. 2

a second embodiment of a drawer-like container in a perspective view and in a sectional view;

Fig. 3

a third embodiment of a drawer-like container in a perspective view; and

Fig. 4

A fourth embodiment of a drawer-like container in a perspective view and in a sectional view.

In the embodiments shown below, the separated compartment is in each case arranged in the region of the front wall of the drawer-type container. However, the invention is not limited to the front wall, but the separated compartment can be arranged on any of the container side walls.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment. The drawer-like container 1 is cuboid. As can be seen from the perspective view of Fig. 1a results, the body of the drawer-like container 1 comprises a container bottom 2, which is surrounded by a closed container with four container side walls, namely a front wall 3, a rear wall (container rear wall) 4 and two side walls 5 and 6, whereby an upwardly open container space is formed , which serves for the storage of refrigerated or frozen goods. On the side facing away from the container space outside of the front wall 3 is designed as a lower handle 8 handle for moving the drawer-like container 1 is arranged in the lower portion. The lower handle 8 extends by way of example over the entire width of the drawer-like container 1. The body of the drawer-like container 1 is integrally formed of a transparent plastic material.

On the inside of the front wall 3, which faces the container space, a separate compartment or extra compartment 10 for the separate holding of refrigerated or frozen goods G is formed immediately adjacent to it. The separated compartment 10 extends, for example, over the entire width of the drawer-like container 1, wherein a separate compartment 10 would also be possible, which extends only over a width section. The separated compartment 10 may be formed divided (not shown). In this compartment 10 can be various refrigerated and or frozen goods G, in particular small packages, cool batteries or the like, space-saving order. As a result of the transparent front wall 3 results in an appealing showcase effect, with which the stored in the separated compartment 10 refrigerated or frozen goods G is very visible without the need for the drawer-like container 1 must be pulled out. In particular, immediately any labeling or the like can be detected on the goods to be frozen or frozen G. The separated compartment 10 is separated by a partition wall 11 from the container space. The separated compartment 10 thus extends between the front wall 3 and the partition wall 11 and is closed in the lateral directions by the side walls 5 and 6. The partition wall 11 occupies only a partial height of the front wall 3, in particular it is lower than the front wall 3 is formed, and has in about 1/3 to 2/3 of the height of the front wall 3. This will On the one hand saves weight and plastic material, but on the other hand also facilitates the setting of the refrigerated or frozen goods G and the cleaning of the separated compartment 10.

Fig. 1b shows a section through the drawer-like container 1, according to the Fig. 1a specified section AA. The transverse web 9 of the lower handle 8 connects the front wall 3 with the partition wall 11, wherein this transverse web 9 likewise forms a shelf for the separated compartment 10. As a result, the step formed on the container space side of the lower handle 8 can be functionally integrated. The front wall 3 and the partition wall 11 are arranged parallel to each other surface. In this embodiment, the partition wall 11 is integrated, that is formed integrally with the body and extends perpendicularly from the container bottom. 2

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment. The partition wall is formed here as a single, displaceable partition wall 11 a, wherein the body of the drawer-like container 1 a may be formed in one piece unchanged. For attachment of the displaceable partition wall 11a on the body of the drawer-like container 1 a receiving means 51a / 61a, 52a / 62a and 53a / 63a are arranged on the inner sides of the side walls 5a and 6a, which are pairwise opposite and formed as upwardly open U-shaped bays , Preferably, these receiving devices are integrally formed with the side walls 5a and 6a. However, this attachment for a removable partition 11a is only an example. In the illustration shown, the displaceable partition wall 11 a is disposed in the front position and supported by the front receiving means 51 a and 61 a, as shown in Fig. 2a seen. In this front position, the partition wall 11a forms a separate compartment 10a immediately adjacent to the front wall 3a for storing separate items to be cooled or frozen G, as explained above in connection with the first embodiment.

Fig. 2b shows a section through the drawer-like container 1a according to the in Fig. 2a specified cutting profile BB. It can be seen very well that, in this variant as well, the transverse web 9a of the lower handle 8a also forms the shelf for the separated compartment 10a. The partition wall 11a may differ from the one shown in FIG Fig. 2b manually shown in a middle position in which it is supported by the central receiving means 52 a and 62 a and z. B. as a room divider for the container space of the drawer-like container 1a is used. Of course, a plurality of such middle positions are possible for a displaceable partition wall 11a, for which purpose a corresponding number of further receiving devices would have to be provided on the side walls 5a and 6a. Also, a plurality of partitions 11a can be used. By means of the rear receiving means 53a and 63a, an unused partition wall 11a can be arranged to save space on the inner side of the rear wall 4a facing the container space. The possible change of position of a displaceable partition wall 11a is indicated by dashed arrows.

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment. In this drawer-like container 1 b, a separated compartment 10b is arranged on the outside of the front wall 3b facing away from the container space. The separated compartment 10b extends between the front wall 3b and an upstream surface-parallel prewall 12b, wherein the prewall 12b is formed lower than the front wall 3b and has approximately 1/3 to 2/3 of the height of the front wall 3b. This facilitates z. B. the setting of the refrigerated or frozen goods G. The separated compartment 10b extends for example over the entire width of the drawer-like container 1 b. In the lateral direction, the compartment 10b is closed by extending beyond the front wall 3b forward extension portions 55b and 65b of the side walls 5b and 6b.

Also in this compartment 10b can be various refrigerated or frozen goods G, such. As small packages, cooling batteries or the like, space-saving order. The positioning in front of the front wall 3b results in an attractive display effect, which is supported by a transparent design of the pretext 12b, with which the refrigerated or frozen goods G stored in the separated compartment 10b are very clearly visible. A further advantage is that the compartment 12b can be accessed directly and thus also quickly without the drawer-type container 1b having to be pulled out for this purpose, which also results in energy savings as a result. The body of the drawer-like container 1 b is formed integrally with the pretext 12 b of a transparent plastic material, with a sporadic training is possible. The transverse web 9b of the lower handle 8 also serves, as in the previous embodiments, as a shelf for the separated compartment 10b. The separated compartment 10b may also be divided (not shown).

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment. In this drawer-like container 1c, as in the third embodiment, a separated compartment 10c is arranged on the outside of the front wall 3c facing away from the container space. Deviating from the third embodiment, however, the pretext 12c is bow-shaped or web-like. In other words, the lower edge of the preamble to the shelf of the separated compartment is increased to form a window. The bow-like pretext 12b extends over the entire width of the drawer-like container 1c and covers in height about the middle third of the front wall 3c. Thus, it is possible to adjust the refrigerated or frozen food G both from above and from below into the separated compartment 10c or to remove from this, which in the Fig. 4b indicated by arcuate double arrows. As a result, degrees of freedom for the arrangement of the drawer-like container 1c are created in a refrigerator. The bracket or the bow-like pretext 12c is formed of a transparent material, which enhances the display effect. The bow-like pretext 12c can also serve as a handle for manually moving the drawer-like container 1c.

Fig. 4b shows a section through the drawer-like container 1 c according to the in Fig. 4a specified cutting profile CC. The sectional view is very good to see that in this embodiment, the shelf of the separated compartment 10c is formed by an extension beyond the front wall 3c extension 21 c of the container bottom 2c. Also in this embodiment, the body of the drawer-like container 1c is formed integrally with the bow-like pretext 12c of a transparent plastic material, with a sporadic training is possible.

The features of the various embodiments discussed above may also be combined. In particular, it is possible to arrange at least one separated compartment on a drawer-type container both on the inside of the front wall facing the container space and on the outside thereof facing away from the container space.

Claims (20)

Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) for placement in a refrigeration appliance, with at least one container space for storing refrigerated or frozen goods, the container space being directed downwards from a container bottom and laterally through container side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) is limited
characterized in that
in the region of at least one container side wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) at least one compartment (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) separated from the container space is arranged for separately receiving refrigerated or frozen goods (G), wherein the separated compartment (10 , 10a, 10b, 10c) is delimited, at least on one side, by a boundary wall (11, 11a, 12b, 12c) located in the vicinity of the container side wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c). Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the receiving volume of the separated compartment (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) is substantially smaller than the receiving volume of the container space. Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the separated compartment (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) is bounded below by a shelf, wherein the shelf is raised relative to the container bottom. Drawer-like container (1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the separated compartment (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) on one side of the container side wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) and on a side opposite thereto from the boundary wall (11, 11a, 12b, 12c) located in the vicinity of the container side wall is limited. Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the boundary wall (11, 11a, 12b, 12c) with the container side wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c),
in the vicinity of which it is arranged, in particular connected in a materially bonded manner. Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the boundary wall (11, 11a, 12b, 12c) is arranged parallel to the surface of the container side wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), in the vicinity of which it is arranged. Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the boundary wall (11, 11a, 12b, 12c) assumes a partial height of the container side wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), in the vicinity of which it is arranged. Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the upper edge of the boundary wall (11, 11a, 12b, 12c) has a smaller distance from the container bottom than the upper edge of the container side wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), in the vicinity of which the boundary wall (11, 11a, 12b, 12c) is arranged. Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the lower edge of the boundary wall (11, 11a, 12b, 12c) is arranged elevated relative to the container bottom and / or opposite the shelf which delimits the separated compartment (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) downwards. Drawer-like container (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least one separated compartment (10, 10a) is arranged adjacent to the inner side of a container side wall (3, 3a) facing the container compartment, the boundary wall being formed by a partition wall (11, 11a) through which the separated compartment (10, 10a) is separated from the container space. Drawer-like container (1a) according to claim 10,
characterized in that
the partition wall (11a) is made displaceable. Drawer-like container (1a) according to claim 11,
characterized in that
on the inner sides of the adjacent container side walls (5a, 6a) receiving means (51a, 61a, 52a, 62a) for fixing a displaceable partition wall (11a) are formed. A drawer-like container (1a) according to claim 11 or 12,
characterized in that
on or in the region of the inner side facing the container space another container side wall, in particular the container rear wall (4), a receiving device (53a, 63a) for depositing an unused, displaceable partition wall (11a) is arranged. Drawer-type container (1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least one separated compartment (10b, 10c) is arranged adjacent to the outside of a container side wall (3b, 3c) remote from the container space, the boundary wall being formed by a front wall (12b, 12c) which is parallel to the container side wall (3b, 3b). 3c) (3b, 3c) is arranged. Drawer-like container (1 c) according to claim 14,
characterized in that
the pretext (12c) is bow-shaped. Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least one container sidewall, in the region of which at least one compartment (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) separated from the container compartment is arranged, is a front wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) of the drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c). Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to claim 16,
characterized in that
the front wall (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) on its side facing away from the container space outside with a handle for moving the drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) is equipped. Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 17,
characterized in that
the handle is designed as a lower handle (8, 8a, 8b), wherein the lower handle (8, 8a, 8b) at least in sections also forms a shelf for the separated compartment (10, 10a, 10b). Drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
whose body is integrally formed of a plastic material. Refrigerating appliance, in particular household refrigerating appliance, comprising at least one drawer-like container (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to one of the preceding claims.

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