WO2017076468A1

WO2017076468A1 - Refrigerator having a foldable shelf

Info

Publication number: WO2017076468A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/075937
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mehmet Ercan KAYMAK; Emre AKYILDIZ; Erman ERTAS; Bugra TEKCAN; Miray HAMARAT
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2015-11-06
Filing date: 2015-11-06
Publication date: 2017-05-11

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) which comprises a freezer compartment (2) for refrigerating articles and at least one shelf (3) including a support surface (4) for storing the articles inside the freezer compartment (2). The refrigerator (1 ) of the present invention comprises: at least one stowage (5) which is formed into the wall (6) of the freezer compartment (2), wherein the shelf (3) is disposed into the stowage (5) of the freezer compartment (2) and wherein the support surface (4) is foldable such that in the folded state the support surface (4) is stowed away inside the stowage (5) and in the unfolded state the support surface (4) extends out of the stowage (5) and becomes parallel to the bottom of freezer compartment (2).

Description

REFRIGERATOR HAVING A FOLDABLE SHELF

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

Refrigerators are commonly known in the art. A refrigerator generally comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment for respectively refrigerating the articles to different temperatures. The freezer compartment is generally smaller than the fresh food compartment. In order to increase the user convenience, the fresh food compartment is generally provided with a plurality of shelves whereas the freezer compartment is provided with a single shelf which divides the freezer compartment into two equal spaces. The user stores various frozen articles by placing them side by side and one above the other onto the bottom of the freezer compartment and also onto the support surface of the shelf inside freezer compartment.

WO2015000525 (A1) discloses a refrigerator which comprises a freezer compartment with a releasable shelf.

A problem with the prior art domestic refrigerator is that the number of areas inside the freezer compartment into which the user can sort out the frozen articles is insufficient. Thus, there are instances where the user cannot freeze the different articles separately from each other.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator which overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art in a cost effective way and which enables the user to use the space inside the freezer compartment more efficiently and in accordance with his/her actual requirements.

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

The refrigerator of the present invention comprises at least one stowage which is formed into the wall of the freezer compartment, wherein a shelf is disposed into the stowage of the freezer compartment. The support surface of the shelf is foldable such that in the folded state the support surface is stowed away inside the stowage and in the unfolded state the support surface extends out of the stowage and becomes parallel to the bottom of the freezer compartment.

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user can more effectively sort out the frozen articles into the freezer compartment and freeze the different articles separately from each other. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user can stow way the shelf into the stowage when it is not in use. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user can personalize the space inside the freezer compartment to his/her exact requirements. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the usability of the freezer compartment has been improved through the shelf. Thereby, the user satisfaction can be increased.

In alternative embodiments, one or more stowages are formed into the side walls and/or the rear wall of the freezer compartment. In another embodiment, the wall is defined through a thermoplastic inner lining. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the usability of the freezer compartment can be further improved through the respective shelves.

In another embodiment, the shelf is releasable and portable. In this embodiment, the shelf can be detachably attached into the stowage of the freezer compartment through an attachment means. In other alternative embodiments, the attachment means comprises a first form-fitting connection and/or first force-fitting connection. In another embodiment, the shelf is attached the stowage through magnetic forces. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the user can easily detach the shelf for cleaning or transporting the frozen article to another location.

In another embodiment, the back of the support surface becomes flush with the wall that surrounds the stowage when the shelf is folded and stowed away. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the shelf does not reduce the utilizable space of the freezer compartment when it is not in use. Moreover, the interior of the freezer compartment can be smoothly cleaned when the shelf is stowed away.

In another embodiment, a rim surrounds the support surface of the shelf. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the rim prevents the juice of the articles from running into the freezer compartment. Thereby, the hygiene of the freezer compartment can be improved.

In another embodiment, a fence is disposed onto the support surface. The fence is foldable. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the fence prevents round articles from rolling over the support surface. Thereby, the articles can be safely maintained in their positions and stacked one above the other. The fence may be produced from a plastic or metal wire.

In another embodiment, the fence is kept upright through a releasable retainer. In other alternative embodiments, the retainer comprises a second form-fitting connection and/or second force-fitting connection. In another embodiment, the retainer has a catch which releasably catches the fence in the upright position. In another embodiment, the fence is guided from the unfolded state to the folded state through a bevel when the support surface is folded. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the fence can be securely held in the upright position when the shelf is in use and easily stowed away together with the support surface when the shelf is not in use. Thereby, the usability of the shelf has been further improved.

In another embodiment, a recessed grip is formed into the the back of the support surface. In other alternative embodiments the recessed grip has a raised texture including knobs or the like. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the shelf can be easily opened and closed.

In another embodiment, the support surface is kept in the folded state through a releasable closure means. In other alternative embodiments, the closure means comprises a third form-fitting connection and/or force force-fitting connection. In another embodiment, the rim is force-fittingly received in an indent. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the shelf can be easily and safely closed.

In another embodiment, the support surface has reinforcement ribs. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the mechanical strength of the support surface can be increased.

In another embodiment, the width of the shelf is comparatively smaller that the width of the wall. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the freezer compartment can be provided with a plurality of shelves and thus the user can sort out the frozen article and freeze the different articles separately from each each other.

In another embodiment, the weight of the support surface is carried by a bearing means in the unfolded state. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the support surface can securely held in the unfolded state.

In another embodiment, the support surface is pivotally hinged to a container of the shelf. The container and the support surface define a box. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the shelf can be used, in the folded state, to store and/or transport one or more articles. For instance, the user can place the shelf including the article into the fresh food compartment for thawing or into a cool bag or the like.

Additional features and additional advantageous effects of the refrigerator and the shelf 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 partial perspective view of a refrigerator which has two stowages in the walls of the freezer compartment for receiving two shelves according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 – is a schematic perspective view of the shelf for attaching into the stowage of the freezer compartment according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shelf is in the folded state;

Figure 3 – is another schematic perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 2, wherein the shelf is in the unfolded state;

Figure 4 – is a schematic rear perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 2;

Figure 5 – is a schematic perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 2 while being opened by the user;

Figure 6 – is a schematic perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 5, after having been slightly opened;

Figure 7 – is a schematic sectional view of the shelf of Fig. 6, taken along the line C-C;

Figure 8 – is a schematic enlarged view of the detail D of Fig. 7;

Figure 9 – is a schematic perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 5, after having been further slightly opened;

Figure 10 – is another schematic perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 5, after having been opened about halfway;

Figure 11 – is another schematic perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 5, after having been completely opened;

Figure 12 – is another schematic perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 11, while the fence is being set upright by the user;

Figure 13 – is a schematic enlarged view of the detail E of Fig. 13;

Figure 14 – is a schematic enlarged view of the detail B of Fig. 3;

Figure 15 – is a schematic sectional view of the shelf of Fig. 3, taken along the line A-A;

Figure 16 – is a schematic enlarged view of the detail F of Fig. 15;

Figure 17 – is a schematic view of the support surface of the shelf of Fig. 3;

Figure 18 – is a schematic sectional view of the support surface of Fig. 17, taken along the line G-G;

Figure 19 – is a schematic perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 3, while being closed by the user;

Figure 20 – is a schematic sectional view of the shelf of Fig. 19, taken along the line H-H;

Figure 21 – is another schematic perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 19 while being closed by the user;

Figure 22 – is a schematic enlarged view of the detail I of Fig. 21;

Figure 23 – is a schematic partial perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 3;

Figure 24 – is a schematic sectional view of the shelf of Fig. 23, taken along the line J-J;

Figure 25 – is another schematic perspective view of the shelf of Fig. 19, while being further closed by the user;

Figure 26 – is a schematic sectional view of the shelf of Fig. 25, taken along the line K-K;

Figure 27 – is a schematic enlarged view of the detail L of Fig. 26.

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

Refrigerator
Freezer compartment
Shelf
Support surface
Stowage
Wall
Attachment means

7a. Ferromagnetic plate

7b Receptacle
8. Rim

9. Fence

10. Retainer

10a. Catch

11. Bevel

12. Recessed grip

13. Knob

14. Closure means

14a. Indent

15. Reinforcement rib

16. Bearing means

17. Container

The refrigerator (1) comprises a freezer compartment (2) for refrigerating articles (Fig. 1). The refrigerator (1) further comprises: at least one shelf (3) including a support surface (4) for storing the articles inside the freezer compartment (2) (Fig. 3).

The refrigerator (1) of the present invention further comprises at least one stowage (5) which is formed into the wall (6) of the freezer compartment (2) (Fig. 1). In the refrigerator (1) of the present invention, the shelf (3) is disposed into the stowage (5) of the freezer compartment (2) (not shown). The support surface (4) of the shelf (3) is foldable such that in the folded state the support surface (4) is stowed away inside the stowage (5) and in the unfolded state the support surface (4) extends out of the stowage (5) and becomes parallel to the bottom of the freezer compartment (2) (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

In an embodiment, the refrigerator (1) comprises an attachment means (7) which detachably attaches the shelf (3) into the stowage (5) (Fig. 1 and Fig. 4).

In another embodiment, the attachment means (7) is further adapted to detachably attach the shelf (3) to the stowage (5) through magnetic forces (Fig. 1 and Fig. 4).

In another embodiment, the attachment means (7) comprises: one or more permanent magnets (not shown) and a ferromagnetic plate (7a) (Fig. 1). The ferromagnetic plate (7a) is disposed on the back of the wall (6) which forms the stowage (5) (Fig. 1). The permanent magnets are disposed into the receptacles (7b) of the shelf (3) at the position that faces the ferromagnetic plate (7a) (Fig. 1 and Fig. 4).

In another embodiment, the support surface (4) is foldable such that the back of the support surface (4) becomes flush with the wall (6) that surrounds the stowage (5). In this embodiment, the size of the stowage (5) matches the size of the respective shelf (3).

In another embodiment, the shelf (3) comprises a rim (8) which surrounds the support surface (4) (Fig. 3).

In another embodiment, the shelf (3) comprises a fence (9) which is disposed onto the support surface (4) (Fig. 3). In this embodiment, the fence (9) is foldable (Fig. 11 and Fig 12).

In another embodiment, the shelf (3) comprises a retainer (10) which keeps the fence (9) in the upright position when it is brought into the unfolded state (Fig. 13).

In another embodiment, the retainer (10) has a catch (10a) which releasably catches the fence (9) in the upright position (Fig. 13).

In another embodiment, the shelf (3) comprises a bevel (11) which guides the fence (9) from the unfolded state to the folded state when the support surface (4) is folded (Fig. 26 and Fig. 27).

In another embodiment, the shelf (3) comprises a recessed grip (12) which is formed into the the back of the support surface (4) (Fig. 5 to 7).

In another embodiment, the recessed grip (12) has knobs (13) (Fig. 21 and Fig. 22).

In another embodiment, the refrigerator (1) comprises a closure means (14) which releasably keeps the support surface (4) in the folded state (Fig. 7 and Fig. 8).

In another embodiment, the closure means (14) has an indent (14a) which force-fittingly receives the rim (8) (Fig. 8).

In another embodiment, the support surface (4) has reinforcement ribs (15) (Fig. 14, Fig. 17 and Fig. 18).

In another embodiment, the width of the stowage (5) including the shelf (3) is narrower than the width of the wall (6) (Fig. 1).

In another embodiment, the refrigerator (1) comprises a bearing means (16) which bears the weight of the support surface (4) in the unfolded state (Fig. 15 and Fig. 16).

In another embodiment, the shelf (3) further includes a container (17) (Fig. 19). In this embodiment, the support surface (4) is pivotally hinged to the container (17) so as to open/close the container (17) (Fig. 20).

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user can more effectively sort out the frozen articles into the freezer compartment (2) and freeze the different articles separately from each other. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user can stow way the shelf (3) into the stowage (5) when it is not in use. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user can personalize the space inside the freezer compartment (2) to his/her exact requirements. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the usability of the freezer compartment (2) has been improved through the shelf (3). Other advantageous effects of the present invention can be taken from the above-described embodiments.

Claims

A refrigerator (1) comprising a freezer compartment (2) for refrigerating articles and at least one shelf (3) including a support surface (4) for storing the articles inside the freezer compartment (2), the refrigerator (1) characterized in that at least one stowage (5) which is formed into the wall (6) of the freezer compartment (2), wherein the shelf (3) is disposed into the stowage (5) of the freezer compartment (2) and wherein the support surface (4) is foldable such that in the folded state the support surface (4) is stowed away inside the stowage (5) and in the unfolded state the support surface (4) extends out of the stowage (5) and becomes parallel to the bottom of the freezer compartment (2).
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an attachment means (7) for detachably attaching the shelf (3) into the stowage (5).
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the attachment means (7) is further adapted to detachably attach the shelf (3) to the stowage (5) through magnetic forces.
The refrigerator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support surface (4) is foldable such that the back of the support surface (4) becomes flush with the wall (6) that surrounds the stowage (5).
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf (3) comprises a rim (8) which surrounds the support surface (4).
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf (3) comprises a fence (9) which is disposed onto the support surface (4), wherein the fence (9) is foldable.
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the shelf (3) comprises a retainer (10) for keeping the fence (9) in the upright position when it is brought into the unfolded state.
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf (3) comprises a bevel (11) for guiding the fence (9) from the unfolded state to the folded state when the support surface (4) is folded.
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf (3) comprises a recessed grip (12) which is formed into the back of the support surface (4).
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the recessed grip (12) has knobs (13).
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf (3) comprises a closure means (14) for keeping the support surface (4) in the folded state.
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support surface (4) has reinforcement ribs (15).
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the stowage (5) including the shelf (4) is narrower than the width of the wall (6).
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf (3) comprises a bearing means (16) for bearing the weight of the support surface (4) in the unfolded state.
The refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf (3) further includes a container (17), wherein the support surface (4) is pivotally hinged to the container (17) so as to open/close the container (17).