WO2017036554A1

WO2017036554A1 - Height-adjustable shelf for a refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2017036554A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/070247
Authority: WO
Inventors: Burhan SAHIN; Mehmet YASAR; Gokhan OZKAYA
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2015-09-04
Filing date: 2015-09-04
Publication date: 2017-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-04
Also published as: TR201611507A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a height-adjustable shelf (1) for use in a refrigerator (2) which comprises a compartment (3, 4) that has a plurality of pairs of supports (5) each for selectively supporting the shelf (1) at a respective different height. The height-adjustable shelf (1) comprises a storage surface (7). The height-adjustable shelf (1 ) of the present invention comprises a height-adjustment means (8) which includes: two attachment members (9) which are movably disposed onto the opposite lateral sides (10) of the storage surface (7) so as to move between an extended position where both attachment members (9) respectively rest on a pair of supports (5) and a retracted position where the attachment members (9) are released.

Description

HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE SHELF FOR A REFRIGERATOR

The present invention relates to a domestic refrigerator. The present invention more particularly relates to the shelves of the domestic refrigerator.

Domestic refrigerators are commonly known in the art. A domestic refrigerator generally comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment for respectively refrigerating the items to different temperatures. The items to be refrigerated as well as the storage containers for the items generally have various different heights. Therefore, in order to increase the user convenience, the fresh food compartment is generally provided with several releasable shelves, and a plurality of pairs of supports each for selectively supporting a releasable shelf at a respective different height. The supports of each pair are respectively disposed onto the opposite side walls of the fresh food compartment. The user can change the positions of the releasable shelves in accordance with the sizes of the items and the storage containers to be refrigerated. Thereby, the user can use the space inside the fresh food compartment more efficiently in accordance with his/her actual requirements.

WO2015000525 (A1) discloses a domestic refrigerator which comprises a releasable shelf.

A problem with the prior art domestic refrigerators is that when changing the height of the shelf, the user must release the shelf from the respective supports by way of sliding it outwards. Subsequently the user raises or lowers the shelf to the desired pair of supports, and slides it again inwards. During the sliding operation, there is generally a risk that the items on the storage surface of the shelf slip forward or backwards, and fall down. Therefore, the user usually removes the items on the shelf before changing its position. Thus, the user spends valuable time for removing and replacing the items on the shelf. Moreover, the freshfood compartment is filled with the ambient air as the user removes/replaces the items. Consequently, the energy consumption of the refrigerator increases.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a height-adjustable shelf for use in a domestic refrigerator which overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art in a cost effective way and which enables the user to easily and quickly change the position of the shelf.

This objective has been achieved by the height-adjustable shelf as defined in claim 1, and the refrigerator as defined in claim 7. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.

The height-adjustable shelf of the present invention comprises a height-adjustment means which includes at least two attachment members that are movably disposed onto the opposite lateral sides of the storage surface so as to move between an extended position whereat both attachment members respectively rest on a pair of supports and a retracted position whereat the attachment members are released from the pair of supports such that the storage surface can be manually raised/lowered in the horizontal state to another pair of supports, and a single actuating member that is linked to both attachment members and jointly moves the attachment members from the extended position to the retracted position or vice versa.

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user can change the position of the height-adjustable shelf without sliding it outwards and inwards. Thereby, the need for removing the items from the storage surface of the height-adjustable shelf during the adjustment operation can be dispensed with, and the valuable time for removing/replacing the items can be saved and the adjustment process can be expedited. Thereby, also the refrigeration compartment receives comparatively less ambient air during the adjustment process, and the energy consumption of the refrigerator can be accordingly reduced. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that when changing the height of the height-adjustable shelf, the user can actuate the single actuating member with one hand, and balance/support the height-adjustable shelf with the other hand while raising/lowering the storage surface. Thereby, the user can easily and quickly adjust the height of the shelf. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the height-adjustable shelf has a comparatively simple and cost-effective configuration, and can also be retrofitted to existing refrigerators. With the present invention the consumer satisfaction can be increased.

In an embodiment, the single actuating member comprises a rotary knob which is eccentrically linked to the attachment members by linking members respectively. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the user can rotate the knob to release the shelf on both sides simultaneously. In a version of this embodiment, each linking member is provided as a rigid rod which is pivotably coupled at both ends respectively with the rotary knob and the respective attachment member. In another alternative version of this embodiment, each linking member is provided as a gear rack which is meshed with a pinion gear coupled to the rotary knob. In another alternative version of this embodiment, each linking member is provided as flexible cord which is fixed at both ends respectively with the rotary knob and the respective attachment member. The flexible cords may also be combined into a single cord.

In another embodiment, the attachment members are biased towards the extended position by means of spring-loaded mechanism. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the shelf is secured onto the selected pair of supports when the user releases the rotary knob.

In another embodiment, the two attachment members are slidably engaged with the frame members of the storage surface. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the attachment members can be easily assembled with the frame members.

In another embodiment, the height-adjustable shelf comprises a sheet of glass for the storage of the items to be refrigerated. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the glass shelf is robust and can be easily cleaned.

In another embodiment, the fresh food compartment has a plurality of pairs of supports and at least one height-adjustable shelf. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the user can efficiently use the space inside the fresh food compartment through positioning the shelves to the desired supports.

In another embodiment, each support comprises a groove that blocks forward/backward movement and upward/downward movement of the respective attachment member in the extended state. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the shelves can be securely kept on the supports during the transportation or when relocating to new premises. Thereby, the need for using adhesive tapes and shock absorbing materials can be obviated, and thus the transportation costs can be reduced.

Additional features and additional advantageous effects of the height-adjustable shelf and the refrigerator of the present invention will become more apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 – is a schematic perspective view of a domestic refrigerator which has a height-adjustable shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 2 – is a schematic perspective front view of the height-adjustable shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 3 – is a schematic perspective bottom view of the height-adjustable shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 4 – is a schematic top view of the height-adjustable shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 5 – is a schematic bottom view of the height-adjustable shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the arrows show the direction of motion of the moving parts such as that of the attachment members and the linking members when the single actuating member is rotated against the clockwise direction,

Figure 6 – is a schematic exploded view of the height-adjustable shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 7 – is a schematic sectional view of the height-adjustable shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along the line A-A as shown in Fig. 5,

Figure 8 – is a schematic horizontal sectional view of the refrigerator of Fig. 1, when viewing the top of the height-adjustable shelf,

Figure 9 – is a schematic horizontal sectional view of the refrigerator of Fig. 1, when viewing the bottom of the height-adjustable shelf,

Figure 10 – is a schematic vertical sectional view of the refrigerator of Fig. 1, when viewing the side of the height-adjustable shelf.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Shelf
Refrigerator
Fresh food compartment
Freezer compartment
Support
Side wall

6a. Lining
7. Storage surface

7a. Centering hole

7b. Edge

8. Height-adjustment means

9. Attachment member

9a. Receptacle

9b. Wall

9c. Tab

9d. Screw
9e. Screw-in flange

9f. Guiding slot

10. Lateral side

11. Actuating member

12. Linking member

13. Rotary knob

13a. Snap-in pin
13b. Snap-in hole
13c. Hub

13d. Rim

14. Lower side

15. End

16. End

17. Spring-loaded mechanism

17a. Coil spring

18. Flexible cord

19. 1^st connection means

19a. Eyelet

20. 2^nd connection means

20a. Eyelet

21. Frame member

21a. Wall

21b. Groove

21c. Bearing hole

22. Sheet of glass

23. Groove

The height-adjustable shelf (1) is suitable for use in a refrigerator (2).

A domestic refrigerator (2) comprises one or more refrigeration compartments (3, 4), and one or more pairs of supports (5) each for selectively supporting the height-adjustable shelf (1) at a respective different height. The supports (5) of each pair are respectively disposed onto the opposite side walls (6) of the respective compartment (3, 4).

The height-adjustable shelf (1) comprises a storage surface (7) for the storage of the articles (not shown) to be refrigerated.

The height-adjustable shelf (1) of the present invention further comprises a height-adjustment means (8) which includes: two attachment members (9) that are movably disposed onto the opposite lateral sides (10) of the storage surface (7) so as to move between an extended position where both attachment members (9) respectively rest on a pair of supports (5) and a retracted position where the attachment members (9) are released from the pair of supports (5) such that the storage surface (7) can be manually raised/lowered in the horizontal state to another pair of supports (5), and a single actuating member (11) that is linked to both attachment members (9) and adapted to jointly move the attachment members (9) from the extended position to the retracted position or vice versa.

In an embodiment, the height-adjustment means (8) includes two linking members (12) for linking the single actuating member (11) to both attachment members (9). In this embodiment, the single actuating member (11) comprises a rotary knob (13) which is rotatably disposed onto the lower side (14) of the storage surface (7). In this embodiment, one end (15) of each linking member (12) is connected to the respective attachment member (9) whereas the other end (16) of each linking member (12) is eccentrically connected to the rotary knob (13).

In another embodiment, the rotary knob (13) is rotatably disposed onto the center of the lower side (14) of the storage surface (7).

In another embodiment, the rotary knob (13) is rotatably disposed onto the lower side (14) of the storage surface (7) by means of a snap-in pin (13a) which is inserted into the centering hole (7a) in the storage surface (7). In this embodiment, the snap-in pin (13a) snaps into the snap-in hole (13b) in the hub (13c) of the rotary knob (13).

In another embodiment, the height-adjustment means (8) includes: a spring-loaded mechanism (17) which is adapted to move the attachment members (9) towards the extended position.

In another embodiment, each linking members (12) comprises a flexible cord (18). In this embodiment, the rotary knob (13) comprises a first connection means (19) for fixing the respective ends (16) of the cords (18). In this embodiment, each attachment member (9) comprises a second connection means (20) for fixing the respective end (15) of the cord (18).

In another embodiment, the first connection means (19) comprises diametrically opposite eyelets (19a) for fixing the the ends (16) of the cords (18). In this embodiment, the eyelets (19a) are formed into the rim (13d) of the rotary knob (13).

In another embodiment, the second connection means (20) comprises an eyelet (20a) for fixing the end (15) of the cords (18). In this embodiment, the eyelet (20a) is formed into the fixing tab (9c) of the respective attachment member (9).

In another embodiment, the height-adjustable shelf (1) further comprises two frame members (21) which are respectively fixed to the lateral sides (10) of the storage surface (7). In this embodiment, each attachment member (9) is slidably engaged with the respective frame member (21) so as to slide between the extended position and the retracted position upon actuation of the single actuating member (11).

In another embodiment, the spring-loaded mechanism (17) includes two coil springs (17a) which are respectively disposed into the receptacles (9a) of the attachment members (9). In this embodiment, one end of each coil spring (17a) abuts against the wall (9b) of the receptacle (9a) whereas the other end of the coil spring (17) abuts against the respective wall (21a) of the frame member (21).

In another embodiment, each frame member (21) has a fixing groove (21b) into which the respective edge (7b) of the storage surface (7) can be fixed by force-fitting and/or adhesive bonding.

In another embodiment, each attachment member (9) is slidably engaged with the respective frame member (21) by means of a screw (9d) and a screw-in flange (9e). In this embodiment, each attachment member (9) has one or more guiding slots (9f), and each frame member (21) has one or more counterpart bearing holes (21c). The screw (9d) and the screw-in flange (9e) are mounted to each other through the respective guiding slot (9f) and the respective bearing holes (21c).

In another embodiment, the height-adjustable shelf (1) comprises a sheet of glass (22) which defines the storage surface (7).

In another embodiment, each support (5) comprises a groove (23) which is formed into the respective side wall (6) of the compartment (3, 4). In this embodiment, each groove (23) is adapted to receive and to block forward/backward movement and upward/downward movement of the respective attachment member (9) in the extended state.

In another embodiment, the compartments (3, 4) have an inner lining (6a). In this embodiment, the grooves (23) are formed into the lining (6a).

In another embodiment, said one or more pairs of supports (5) are formed into the fresh food compartment (3). In this embodiment, the fresh food compartment (3) includes at least one height-adjustable shelf (1).

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user can change the position of the height-adjustable shelf (1) without sliding it outwards and inwards. Thereby, the need for removing the items from the height-adjustable shelf (1) during the adjustment operation can be dispensed with, and the valuable time for removing/replacing the items can be saved and the adjustment process can be expedited. Thereby, also the refrigeration compartment (3,4) receives comparatively less ambient air during the adjustment process, and the energy consumption of the refrigerator (2) can be accordingly reduced. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that when changing the height of the height-adjustable shelf (1), the user can actuate the single actuating member (11) with one hand, and balance/support the height-adjustable shelf (1) with the other hand while raising/lowering the storage surface (7). Thereby, the user can easily and quickly adjust the height of the shelf (1). Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the height-adjustable shelf (1) has a comparatively simple and cost-effective configuration, and can also be retrofitted to existing refrigerators. Other advantageous effects of the present invention can be taken from the aforementioned particular embodiments.

Claims

A height-adjustable shelf (1) for use in a refrigerator (2) comprising: one or more refrigeration compartments (3, 4), and one or more pairs of supports (5) each for selectively supporting the height-adjustable shelf (1) at a respective different height, wherein the supports (5) of each pair are respectively disposed onto the opposite side walls (6) of the respective compartment (3,4), the height-adjustable shelf (1) comprising a storage surface (7) for the storage of the articles, the height-adjustable shelf (1) being characterized in that a height-adjustment means (8) which includes: two attachment members (9) that are movably disposed onto the opposite lateral sides (10) of the storage surface (7) so as to move between an extended position where both attachment members (9) respectively rest on a pair of supports (5) and a retracted position where the attachment members (9) are released from the pair of supports (5) such that the storage surface (7) can be manually raised/lowered in the horizontal state to another pair of supports (5), and a single actuating member (11) that is linked to both attachment members (9) and adapted to jointly move the attachment members (9) from the extended position to the retracted position or vice versa.
The height-adjustable shelf (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the height-adjustment means (8) further includes: two linking members (12) for linking the single actuating member (11) to both attachment members (9), wherein the single actuating member (11) comprises: a rotary knob (13) which is rotatably disposed onto the lower side (14) of the storage surface (7), and wherein one end (15) of each linking member (12) is connected to the respective attachment member (9), and the the other end (16) of each linking member (12) is eccentrically connected to the rotary knob (13).
The height-adjustable shelf (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the height-adjustment means (8) includes: a spring-loaded mechanism (17) which is adapted to move the attachment members (9) towards the extended position.
The height-adjustable shelf (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each linking members (12) comprises a flexible cord (18), the rotary knob (13) comprises a first connection means (19) for fixing the respective ends (16) of the cords (18), and each attachment member (9) comprises a second connection means (20) for fixing the respective end (15) of the cord (18).
The height-adjustable shelf (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that two frame members (21) which are respectively fixed to the lateral sides (10) of the storage surface (7), wherein each attachment member (9) is slidably engaged with the respective frame member (21) so as to slide between the extended position and the retracted position upon actuation of the single actuating member (11).
The height-adjustable shelf (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that a sheet of glass (22) which defines the storage surface (7).
A refrigerator (2) comprising one or more refrigeration compartments (3, 4) each for storing articles to be refrigerated, and one or more pairs of supports (5) each for selectively supporting a height-adjustable shelf (1) at a respective different height, wherein the supports (5) of each pair are respectively disposed onto the opposite side walls (6) of the respective compartment (3, 4), characterized in that one or more height-adjustable shelves (1) each as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6.
The refrigerator (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that each support (5) comprises a groove (23) which is formed into the respective side wall (6) of the compartment (3, 4), wherein each groove (23) is adapted to receive and to block forward/backward movement and upward/downward movement of the respective attachment member (9) in the extended state.