EP2686626B1 - Refrigeration device door - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator door for closing a cold room of the refrigerator.

Refrigerators usually have a door for firing a cold room of the refrigerator. The refrigerator door is often pivotally mounted. The refrigeration device door is widely used with a sheet-metal door panel, which is bordered at the top and bottom by door closure strips. Existing refrigeration appliance doors are designed so that the door closure strip with a door panel embracing groove receives this. The door closure strip thereby projects beyond the door panel to the front, i. away from the refrigerator to be closed. The door closure strip is thus visible from the front. A forward facing refrigerator front surface, which is completely formed by the door panel, is therefore not feasible. As a result, the homogeneous and transition-free design of the refrigerator door limits.

The publication JP 5 288 458 A shows a door for a refrigerator comprising an inner plate and an outer plate, wherein the outer plate is formed of resin.

The Utility Model DE 20 2007 007 321 U1 shows a household appliance comprising a door having an outer wall. The outer wall has at the upper edge of a web which is received in a groove of a closure element. DE 20 2007 007 321 U1 discloses a refrigerator door according to the preamble of claim 1.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved refrigerator door in which in particular the door panel conceals the door closure strip, so that no dirt deposit from the front results on the door closure strip and the front is transition-free and therefore easy to clean.

This object is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

The present invention relates to a refrigerator door for closing a cold room of a refrigerator with a door panel and at least one door closure strip, the is arranged on the edge edge of the door panel. The door seal strips are struck, for example, when the refrigerator door is ready for operation at the top and bottom of the refrigeration appliance door and delimit the door panel between them. Preferably, the door completion strips are made of plastic. The door closure strip has a first along the door closure strip extending first rib, with which it engages in a groove in the door panel. The door closure strip can be locked by the engagement of the first rib in the groove with the door panel against slipping. The fact that the door seal strip engages with the first rib in the groove in the door panel, this can be dispensed with embracing the door panel by the door closure strip, so that the door seal strip to the front, that is not visible from the side facing away from the refrigerator. The door closure strip is then covered by the door panel. As a result, a continuous transition-free front panel formed by the door panel is achieved, which is easy to clean. Furthermore, the dirt deposit on the door closing strip is minimized.

A refrigeration appliance is understood in particular to be a household refrigeration appliance, that is to say a refrigeration appliance which is used for household purposes or possibly also in the gastronomy sector, and in particular for storing food and / or drinks in household quantities at specific temperatures, such as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer , a fridge freezer or a wine storage cabinet.

According to the invention, when the refrigerating appliance is set up ready for operation and the refrigerator door is mounted on the refrigerating appliance, the door closing strip extends substantially horizontally above or below the door panel. The horizontal orientation allows easy fitting in a cuboid shaped refrigerator. Likewise, it is also possible to provide two door closure strips which, when the refrigeration appliance is installed ready for operation and the refrigerator door mounted on the refrigeration appliance, extend essentially horizontally with door panel interposed therebetween. Such a two-sided enclosure of the door panel allows a particularly good bending stiffness of the refrigerator door. Further, then optionally both top and bottom of a door closure strip with a handle portion, such as a recessed grip, are provided for gripping the refrigerator door by an operator.

According to one aspect, the door closure strip with the first rib is inserted into the groove in the door panel. A connector is simple and inexpensive to implement. A play-free holding the first rib in the groove is given when the first rib is clamped press-fitting into the groove. As a result, further slipping out of the first rib from the groove and thus loosening the door closure strip is avoided. In one aspect, the first rib is glued in the groove. The door seal strip, which is made separately from the door panel, can thus be connected to the door panel in a durable way. In combination with the plug-in connection of the first rib and the groove results in a simple mountability with great strength of the connection of door closure strip and door panel in the assembled state.

According to one aspect, the door closure strip is latched and / or screwed to the door panel. The locking allows easy fixation of the door edge strip on the door panel without the use of special tools. It can be realized a permanent non-releasing connection. The screw allows a later release of the connection of door seal strip and door panel, so that later the door closure strip can be replaced or accessibility in case of repair by unscrewing the door closure strip is possible.

According to one aspect, a second rib is provided on the end strip, which runs along the end strip. The second rib allows additional stabilization of the end strip and in particular an increase in their flexural rigidity. The second rib runs closer to the cooling space than the first rib, for example, when the refrigeration device is installed ready for operation and the refrigerator door is mounted and closed on the refrigeration device. The second rib thereby extends in the area between the door panel and the cold room.

According to one aspect, a recessed grip is provided in the door closure strip. The recessed handle allows operator intervention, allowing for good grip on the door sill panel. This makes it particularly easy to open the refrigerator door. The recessed grip has, for example, a corner-free oval shape, so that it is comfortable for an operator to grasp.

According to one aspect, the groove in the door panel is realized as a bay by bending the door panel. As a result, the groove can be produced particularly inexpensively. The use of an additional molding with the groove can be saved. Further, the groove realized by bending the door panel provides good elasticity against buckling. As a result, the first rib of a door closure strip can be clamped well in the groove. A easy-to-attach backlash-free connection of door seal strip and door panel is made possible by this arrangement.

According to one aspect, the groove is bounded on one side by a folding of the door panel, in particular by substantially parallel layers of the door panel. The folding is formed for example on the side facing away from the cooling chamber of the groove. As a result, the folding limits the door panel and there is no simple sheet metal edge outside on the side facing away from the refrigerator. The fold is more rigid than a simple sheet metal edge and therefore less likely to be damaged or bent.

According to one aspect, the door panel protrudes in its longitudinal extent, in particular viewed from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extent of the door panel, beyond the door closure strip. As a result, the door closure strip is invisible to a viewer from a direction opposite the refrigerator compartment to be closed, since it is hidden by the door panel. Furthermore, mechanical stresses, e.g. in the form of impacts by the operator, on the upstream door panel. Loads due to external mechanical action on the door closing strip are avoided. Damage or loosening of the door closing strip is thereby avoided.

According to one aspect, an end portion of the door panel is guided between the ribs of the door closure strip ends there. This end portion engages together, for example, with the folding of the door panel forming the groove the first rib. In this way, the groove is easy and inexpensive to implement by bending the door panel. The bent end portion may further resiliently spring, so that an elastic clamping of the first rib in the groove is made possible. This allows a backlash-free fit of the first rib in the groove and prevents noise during operation by moving against each other door panel and door closure strip.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The expert will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the refrigeration device.

Figur 1:

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Kältegerättür im Bereich einer oberen Türabschlussleiste gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Figur 2:

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts der Kältegerättür gemäß der Ausführungsform aus Fig. 1; und

Figur 3:

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts einer Kältegerättür gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the embodiments of the invention described below. Furthermore, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator door in the region of an upper door closure strip according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2:

a schematic perspective view of a section of the refrigerator door according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 ; and

FIG. 3:

a schematic perspective view of a section of a refrigerator door according to a second embodiment.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals, unless stated otherwise.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator door 1 in the region of an upper door closing strip 6 according to a first embodiment. The refrigeration device door 1 is used to close a cooling space 30 of a refrigeration device, which is arranged on the left above the refrigerator door 1 in the illustration. The refrigerator door 1 has a door panel 2 to which in this embodiment, on the upper side of a door seal strip 6 is attached. The door panel 2 has in this embodiment vertically extending chamfers 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, which serve to stiffen the door panel 2. The door seal strip 6 runs in the image from bottom left to top right. It is attached to the upper edge of the door panel 2. Therefore, the door panel 2 of the refrigerator door 1 extends downwards from the doorcombination strip 6 in the picture. The directional information, eg top and bottom, refer to the representation of a ready-chipped refrigerator door 1. On the door closure strip 6 is provided at the top of a recessed grip 9, which allows the operator to find good grip with the fingers on the door closing strip 6, to open or close the refrigerator door 1. Furthermore, the door closure strip 6 has depressions 16a, 16b. In these wells 16a, 16b can Functional parts, such as lighting elements, are integrated. Furthermore, closable recesses may be provided in this area, which allow access to the interior of the refrigerator door 1, for example, for maintenance purposes. The door panel 2 has in this embodiment, a circumferential bead 11, which is realized by forming the door panel 2. By means of the bead 11, an improved rigidity of the door panel 2 adjacent the door closure strip 6 is achieved.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a section of the refrigerator door 1 according to the embodiment Fig. 1 , In this presentation, the focus is on the connection of door panel 2 and door seal 6. As in Fig. 1 the refrigerator door 1 is arranged so that the refrigerator compartment 30 of the refrigerator is located on the left of the refrigerator door 1 in the picture. From the door edge strip 6, the door panel 2 extends in the picture down. The door seal strip 6 has a first rib 7, with which it protrudes into a groove 3 in the door panel 2. The groove 3 in the door panel 2 is formed by the door panel 2 having a fold 4, which merges into an end section 5 after bending. The groove 3 is thus bounded laterally by the fold 4 and the end portion 5. In the area of the fold 4, two layers of door panel 2 are more or less close together. The first rib 7 is enclosed in the groove 3 by the end portion 5 and the fold 4. By this construction and the elasticity of the door panel 2 is made possible that the rib 7 is clamped in the groove 3. This allows them to be kept free of play there. The connection of door panel 2 and door closing strip 6 is easily realized by joining, wherein the first rib 7 is pushed into the groove 3. Furthermore, a second rib 8 is provided on the door closure strip 6. The second rib 8 extends between the first rib 7 and the cooling space 30 along the door closure strip 6. The second rib 8 makes it possible to increase the bending stiffness of the door seal strip 6.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a section of a refrigerator door 1 according to a second embodiment. The illustrated elements correspond to those from Fig. 2 , only the geometric structure is different. The reference numerals are therefore made Fig. 2 already known. The door panel 2 protrudes in this embodiment in its longitudinal extent, viewed from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extent of the door panel 2, beyond the door closing strip 6 addition. The uppermost region of the refrigerator door 1 is therefore formed here by the door panel 2. When viewed from the side facing away from the cooling chamber 30, the door panel 2 therefore conceals the Door seal strip 6. This allows a particularly homogeneous and easy-to-clean refrigerator door 1 can be realized, since on the side facing away from the refrigerator 30 a continuous front of the door panel 2, without a parting line between the door panel 2 and door seal 6 is formed. Furthermore, in this illustration, the internal structure of the refrigerator door 1 can be further recognized. Stiffening ribs 18a, 18b extend between the door panel 2 and a door panel 2 opposite substantially vertically extending portion 19 of the door closing strip 6. The stiffening ribs allow an increase in the bending stiffness of the door seal strip 6. Further, in this embodiment, a trough wall 17 of the wells 16a, 16b connected to the stiffening ribs 18a, 18b. As a result, the respective trough 16a, 16b can be made more robust. It is supported by the stiffening ribs 18a, 18b.

Used reference signs:

1

The refrigerator door

2

door panel

3

groove

4

folding

5

end

6

Door end strip

7

first rib

8th

second rib

9

grip

10a, 10b, 10c, 10d

chamfers

11

bead

16a, 16b

Hopper

17

recess wall

18a, 18b

stiffening ribs

30

refrigerator

Claims (14)

1. Refrigeration appliance door (1) for closing off a cooling chamber (30) of a refrigeration appliance with a door panel (2) and at least one door cover strip (6) arranged on the edge of the door panel (2), wherein the door cover strip (6) extends essentially horizontally above or below the door panel (2) when the refrigeration appliance (20) is established to be ready for operation and the refrigeration appliance door (1) is attached to the refrigeration appliance (20), characterised in that the door panel strip (6) has a first rib (7) extending along the door panel strip, by means of which it engages into a groove (3) in the door panel (2).
2. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that two door cover strips (6) are provided, which extend essentially horizontally with the door panel (2) arranged therebetween when the refrigeration appliance (20) is established to be ready for operation and the refrigeration appliance door (1) is attached to the refrigeration appliance (20).
3. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first rib (7) of the door cover strip (6) is inserted into the groove (3) in the door panel (2).
4. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first rib (7) is glued into the groove (3).
5. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the door cover strip (6) is manufactured from plastic.
6. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that door cover strip (6) is latched and/or screwed to the door panel (2).
7. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a second rib (8) is provided on the door cover strip (6), which runs along the door cover strip (6).
8. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the second rib (8) runs closer to the cooling chamber (30) than the first rib (7) when the refrigeration appliance (20) is established to be ready for operation and the refrigeration appliance door (1) is attached to the refrigeration appliance (20) and closed.
9. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a recessed handle (9) is provided in the door cover strip (6).
10. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the groove (3) in the door panel (2) is realised as a slot caused by bending the door panel (2).
11. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the groove (3) is delimited on one side by a folding (4) of the door panel (2), in particular by layers of the door panel (2) running essentially in parallel.
12. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the door panel (2) projects beyond the door cover strip (6) with its longitudinal extension, in particular when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the door panel (2).
13. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the second rib (8) runs essentially in parallel to the first rib (7).
14. Refrigeration appliance door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an end section (5) of the door panel (2) is guided between the ribs (7, 8) and ends there.

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