WO2023105358A1 - Refrigerator cabinet door with triple-glazed panel - Google Patents

Refrigerator cabinet door with triple-glazed panel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023105358A1
WO2023105358A1 PCT/IB2022/061640 IB2022061640W WO2023105358A1 WO 2023105358 A1 WO2023105358 A1 WO 2023105358A1 IB 2022061640 W IB2022061640 W IB 2022061640W WO 2023105358 A1 WO2023105358 A1 WO 2023105358A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
slab
abutment surface
major face
parallel
edge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2022/061640
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alberto Guiducci
Enrico Paroli
Original Assignee
Cisaplast S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cisaplast S.P.A. filed Critical Cisaplast S.P.A.
Publication of WO2023105358A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023105358A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
    • A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
    • A47F3/0404—Cases or cabinets of the closed type
    • A47F3/0426—Details
    • A47F3/0434—Glass or transparent panels
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/02—Wings made completely of glass
    • E06B3/025—Wings made completely of glass consisting of multiple glazing units
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
    • E06B3/6617—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together one of the panes being larger than another

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a door for a refrigerator cabinet provided with a tripleglazed, i.e. double-chamber, panel for applications at low temperatures, in particular below -5°C.
  • Doors for refrigerator cabinets like those of document EP2908074 in the name of the same Applicant provided with a triple-glazed insulating panel, also called doublechamber, particularly suitable for applications at low temperatures are known. These panels differ from those for so-called normal temperatures, i.e. between -5° and 10°, in that they have three panels instead of two, i.e. two chambers instead of one.
  • said panel is formed by three slabs of transparent material (possibly also thermally insulating), including a first slab, a second slab and a third slab, which are spaced apart from each other, for example by means of spacer bars, so as to form a first air space between the first slab and the second slab and a second air space between the second slab and the third slab.
  • the door then comprises a support frame which supports and frames the panel and which is formed by a plurality of edging profiles, at least the vertical ones having a flat abutment surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the profile itself and which is contacted (directly or by interposition of glues) by an edge of the first slab, an edge of the second slab and an edge of the third slab, all parallel to each other.
  • the edging profile then comprises a longitudinal cavity parallel to the longitudinal axis and which is shaped to house so-called technical elements of the door, i.e. at least one from among: a heating electrical resistance, a hinge bar and a stiffening bar.
  • This longitudinal cavity is located entirely on a side of a lying plane of the abutment surface which is opposite with respect to a side where the slabs of the panel are located.
  • the object of the present invention is to make available a more compact door for a refrigerator cabinet of the triple-glazed type, with the same sizes of the slabs, compared to the devices of the prior art, all within a rational, effective and cost-effective solution.
  • the invention makes available in particular a door for a refrigerator cabinet of the type with a triple-glazed panel, said door comprising:
  • a panel provided with three slabs parallel to each other, with a first slab, a second slab and a third slab, each provided with a respective first major face and an opposite second major face, wherein between the second major face of the first slab and the first major face of the second slab there is a first air space, and between the second major face of the second slab and the first major face of the third slab there is a second air space, and
  • a support frame which supports and frames the panel, wherein the support frame is provided with a plurality of edging profiles including at least one edging profile extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis, said door being characterised in that such an edging profile comprises:
  • first abutment surface which is flat, parallel to the longitudinal axis and on which an edge of the first slab and an edge of the second slab rest in contact
  • a second abutment surface which is derived from the first abutment surface, is flat, perpendicular to the first abutment surface, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and on which a portion of the second major face of the second slab rests in contact and which is near said edge of the second slab,
  • a third abutment surface which is derived from a side of the second abutment surface distal from the first abutment surface, is flat, parallel to the first abutment surface and on which an edge of the third slab rests, and
  • a longitudinal cavity adapted to house at least one from among a hinge rod, a stiffening rod and a heating element, which longitudinal cavity extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile, wherein at least a portion of the longitudinal cavity is interposed between a lying plane of the first abutment surface and a lying plane of the third abutment surface, and wherein the entire longitudinal cavity is placed on a side of a lying plane of the second abutment surface which is opposite with respect to a side where the first slab is located.
  • the door is more compact in the direction of the lying plane of the panel, that is of the major faces of its slabs, since the longitudinal cavity adapted to house the so-called technical components such as heating electrical resistances, hinge rod or stiffening rod, protrudes less from the panel than the devices of the prior art.
  • the longitudinal cavity is at least partly included in the encumbrance of the panel, or even in the overall encumbrance defined by the first slab of the panel.
  • the proposed solution allows to save, for the same sizes of the slabs, the material of the edging profile, making available a door suitable for low temperatures since it can be associated with a triple glass.
  • the invention may provide that the edging profile may comprise a plate-like portion that makes the first abutment surface and an opposite outer surface available, and wherein the longitudinal cavity is entirely interposed between a lying plane of the outer surface and the lying plane of the third abutment surface.
  • the plate-like portion may have a thickness, as a distance between the outer surface and the first abutment surface, which is less than the thickness of any of the three slabs.
  • the plate-like portion is preferably made of aluminium.
  • the edging profile may comprise a channel for housing a gasket, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, is directed a direction opposite the first major face of the first slab and is interposed between a lying plane of the first abutment surface and the third abutment surface.
  • the panel may comprise:
  • first spacer bar and the second spacer bar x are parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first spacer bar and the second spacer bar are misaligned with respect to a direction perpendicular to both the first slab and the second slab.
  • the spacer bars are thermally conductive, like for example aluminium spacer bars without insulating chambers or methacrylate spacer bars.
  • the spacer bars are both parallel to each other and aligned along a direction perpendicular to the slabs (to all the slabs), as a result, dangerous thermal bridges are formed in case these slabs are particularly conductive, making it necessary to increase the power of the heating electrical resistances in order to reduce the formation of condensation.
  • the methacrylate spacer bars are transparent and therefore appreciated because they allow to increase the visibility of the interior of the compartment even when the door is in the closed position compared to those in non-transparent materials, but cause a high thermal transmission among the slabs they contact.
  • This technical solution in case of use of methacrylate or other thermally highly conductive bars, simultaneously allows to increase the visibility of the interior of the refrigerated compartment and to reduce transmission problems, thus to reduce electricity consumption due to electrical heating resistances. Furthermore, this solution is worthy of a protection independent of the technical characteristics of claim 1 , therefore the invention also makes available a panel for a door of a refrigerator cabinet provided with:
  • first slab a first slab
  • second slab and a third slab are each provided with a respective first major face and an opposite second major face, wherein between the second major face of the first slab and the first major face of the second slab there is a first air space, and between the second major face of the second slab and the first major face of the third slab there is a second air space,
  • first spacer bar and the second spacer bar are (totally, for their entire longitudinal extension) misaligned with respect to a direction perpendicular to both the first slab, the second slab and the third slab.
  • the first spacer bar and the second spacer bar appear to be side by side without overlapping.
  • the invention further makes available a closure apparatus for a refrigerator cabinet provided with a refrigerated compartment, said apparatus comprising:
  • a door according to claim 1 hinged according to a hinge axis to the frame, wherein the hinge axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the profile and is entirely contained in the longitudinal cavity.
  • the hinge axis can be entirely contained between the lying plane of the first abutment surface and the lying plane of the third abutment surface.
  • the invention further makes available a refrigerator cabinet (10) comprising a refrigerated compartment and a compartment closure apparatus as described above, wherein the frame is fixed to the compartment.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view in axonometry projection of a refrigerator cabinet according to the invention.
  • FIG 2 is a front schematic view of a refrigerator cabinet closure apparatus of Figure 1.
  • FIG. 1 there is a schematic partial section detail made with a section plane containing a hinge axis C and parallel to a lying plane of a panel of a door of the refrigerator cabinet.
  • Figure 3 is half a sectional view of the closure apparatus of Figure 2 according to section plane Ill-Ill.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlargement of detail IV of Figure 3.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlargement of detail V of Figure 2.
  • Figure 6 is an enlargement of Figure 4 in which a second surface is substantially smooth for most of its extension.
  • a refrigerator cabinet has been indicated globally with 10 comprising a refrigerated compartment (not visible in the figures because hidden by other elements), for example made available by a box-like body 15, inside which the products to be refrigerated are stored.
  • the compartment i.e. the box-like body, comprises an opening (a single opening) for access (not visible in the figures because hidden by other elements) to the compartment, for example rectangular in shape, through which it is possible to access the compartment from the outside.
  • the cabinet is vertical, i.e. the access opening lies on a substantially vertical plane.
  • the cabinet 10 also comprises a compartment closure apparatus configured to occlude or disengage the access opening.
  • this closure apparatus comprises a frame 25, for example rectangular in shape, fixed to the compartment, i.e. to the boxlike body that makes it available, so as to frame the access opening.
  • the frame 25 can be formed by a plurality of straight profiles which are joined together at the respective longitudinal ends, for example said profiles being made of polymeric or metallic material.
  • the frame may be made available by the compartment itself.
  • the closure apparatus further comprises a door 30 hinged to the frame with respect to a hinge axis C and adapted to selectively occlude or disengage, at least partially, the access opening (i.e. a portion of access opening identified by the frame 25) for access to the compartment.
  • the door 30 is hinged to the frame with respect to the hinge axis C and movable around said hinge axis between a closed position, in which it at least partially occludes the access opening preventing access (at least partially) to the compartment, and an open position, in which it does not obstruct access to the refrigerated compartment, i.e. it does not obstruct access to the compartment through a portion of access opening underlying the door itself when the door is in the closed position.
  • the cabinet comprises at least one hinge provided with a first portion 31 fixed (integral with no residual degrees of freedom) to the frame and a second portion 32 movable with respect to the first portion with respect to the hinge axis C and fixed (integral with no residual degrees of freedom) to the door.
  • the cabinet comprises two hinges for each door, including a lower hinge 33 and an upper hinge 34.
  • the refrigerator cabinet comprises a single door, when it is in the closed position it fully occludes the access opening.
  • the refrigerator cabinet comprises a plurality of doors 30, for example two doors 30, each door occludes a respective portion of access opening or allows access thereto. Overall, access to the access opening is completely prevented when all the doors 30 are in the closed position.
  • each door 30, comprises a panel 35, for example rectangular in shape, thermally insulating, for example also optically transparent, which panel comprises a plurality of slabs.
  • the plurality of slabs comprises (only) three slabs parallel to each other, preferably all in optically transparent material, such as for example glass or polymeric material or a combination of both, and between them there are interposed air spaces filled with a gas, such as for example argon or krypton, for thermal insulation.
  • a gas such as for example argon or krypton
  • the three slabs are for example flat and preferably rectangular, furthermore they each have at least one straight edge which is proximal to the hinge axis C.
  • the panel comprises a first slab 40, provided with a first major (flat) face 45 and an opposite second major (flat) face 50 parallel to the first and connected thereto by means of a perimeter side edge (closed as a ring) provided with a plurality of edges, for example straight, in succession to each other wherein an edge 55 proximal to the hinge axis is, for example, arranged parallel to the hinge axis.
  • Said edge 55 is also flat (i.e. it is a flat surface) and lies on a plane perpendicular to both a lying plane of the first major face 45 and a lying plane of the second major face 50.
  • the first slab is rectangular in shape and the perimeter side edge comprises four straight edges two by two parallel so as to form a rectangle, each of which is flat, i.e. it is a flat surface.
  • the edge 55 is among said four edges the one closest to the hinge axis of the door.
  • the perimeter side edge comprises two horizontal straight edges, including one upper and one lower, and two vertical straight edges, wherein the vertical straight edge closest to the hinge axis is the edge 55 (while the other is a vertical straight edge distal from the hinge axis).
  • the first slab 40 is the furthest of the plurality of slabs from the refrigerated compartment, its first major face is directed outward, while its second major face is directed inward of the refrigerated compartment.
  • the panel also comprises a second slab 60 provided with a first major (flat) face 65 and with an opposite second major (flat) face 70 parallel to the first and connected thereto by means of a perimeter side edge (closed as a ring) provided with a plurality of edges in succession to each other, for example straight, including an edge 75 proximal to the hinge axis, and for example arranged parallel to the hinge axis.
  • Said edge 75 is also flat (i.e. it is a flat surface) and lies on a plane perpendicular to a lying plane of the first major face 65 and a lying plane of the second major face 70.
  • the second slab is rectangular in shape and the perimeter side edge comprises four straight edges two by two parallel so as to form a rectangle, each of which is flat, i.e. it is a flat surface.
  • the edge 75 is among said four edges the one closest to the hinge axis of the door.
  • the perimeter side edge comprises two horizontal straight edges, including one lower and one upper, and two vertical straight edges, wherein the vertical straight edge closest to the hinge axis is the edge 75 (while the other is a vertical straight edge distal from the hinge axis).
  • the panel also comprises a third slab 80 provided with a first major (flat) face 85 and with an opposite second major (flat) face 90 parallel to the first and connected thereto by means of a perimeter side edge (closed as a ring) provided with a plurality of edges in succession to each other, for example straight, wherein an edge 95 proximal to the hinge axis, is for example arranged parallel to the hinge axis.
  • Said edge 95 is also flat (i.e. it is a flat surface) and lies on a plane perpendicular to a lying plane of the first major face 85 and a lying plane of the second major face 90.
  • the third slab is rectangular in shape and the perimeter side edge comprises four straight edges two by two parallel so as to form a rectangle, each of which is flat, i.e. it is a flat surface.
  • the edge 95 is among said 4 edges the one closest to the hinge axis of the door.
  • the perimeter side edge comprises two horizontal straight edges and two vertical straight edges, wherein the vertical straight edge closest to the hinge axis is the edge 95 (while the other is a vertical straight edge distal from the hinge axis).
  • the third slab 80 is the closest of the plurality of slabs to the refrigerated compartment and the second slab 60 is interposed between the first slab 40 and the third slab 80.
  • the first major face 85 of the third slab is directed outward, while its second major face 90 is directed inward of the refrigerated compartment. Also for the second slab, the first major face is directed outward, so it faces onto the first slab, that is, the second major face 50 of the first slab, and its second major face is directed inward of the refrigerated compartment, so it faces onto the third slab, that is, the first major face 85 of the third slab.
  • the major faces of each slab are all parallel to each other and parallel to the major faces of the other slabs.
  • the first major face of each slab is identical (in shape and area) to the second major face of the respective slab.
  • the edge 55, the edge 75 and the edge 95 are all parallel to each other and for example the edge 55 and the edge 75 lie on the same lying plane (parallel to the hinge axis).
  • the edge 95 instead lies on another lying plane parallel to the lying plane of the other two edges 55,75 and which is spaced therefrom by a non-zero amount.
  • the lying plane of the edge 95 is closer to a central portion of the panel than the lying plane of the edge 55 and of the edge 75.
  • the third slab 80 has thus an extension, along a direction that is both perpendicular to the edge 95 and parallel to its first major face and second major face, less than the extension, along the same direction, of the first slab 40 and of the second slab 60. Further, the first slab and the second slab are substantially identical and both have a surface of the major faces that is higher than the surfaces of the major faces of the third slab.
  • Each slab also comprises a respective edge 55’, 75’ and 95’ of the perimeter side edge which is parallel and opposite respectively to the edge 55, to the edge 75 and to the edge 95 and which has all the characteristics of the edge expressed so far.
  • the edge 55’, the edge 75’ and the edge 95’ are all parallel to each other and, for example, the edge 55’ and the edge 75’ lie on the same lying plane (parallel to the hinge axis).
  • the edge 95’ instead lies on another lying plane parallel to the lying plane of the other two edges 55’, 75 and which is spaced therefrom by a non-zero amount.
  • the lying plane of the edge 95’ is closer to a central portion of the panel than the lying plane of the edge 55’ and of the edge 75’.
  • the edge 55’, the edge 75’ and the edge 95’ are the vertical edges distal from the hinge axis C.
  • first air space 100 between the slabs there are interposed air spaces, in particular between the second major face 50 of the first slab 40 and the first major face 65 of the second slab 60 there is a first air space 100, and between the second major face 70 of the second slab 60 and the first major face of the third slab there is a second air space 105.
  • the panel comprises a plurality of first spacer bars, interposed in contact between the second major face 50 of the first slab 40 and the first major face 65 of the second slab 60, and a plurality of second spacer bars, interposed in contact between the second major face 70 of the second slab 60 and the first major face 85 of the third slab 80.
  • Such a plurality of first spacer bars comprises a first (straight) spacer bar 110 near the edge 55 and the edge 75, which is arranged with a longitudinal axis parallel thereto.
  • the plurality of second spacer bars comprises a second (straight) spacer bar 115 near the edge 75 and the edge 95, which is arranged with a longitudinal axis parallel thereto.
  • the first plurality of spacer bars forms a closed annular path, for example a rectangular frame formed by four straight spacer bars, which makes the first air space 100 a sealed first chamber, for example thanks to the use of adhesives (silicone glues) for fixing the spacer bars to the respective slabs.
  • adhesives silicone glues
  • the second plurality of spacer bars forms a closed annular path, for example a rectangular frame formed by four straight spacer bars, which makes the second air space x a second sealed chamber, for example thanks to the use of adhesives (silicone glues) for fixing the spacer bars to the respective slabs.
  • adhesives silicone glues
  • the first chamber and the second chamber are filled with inert gas.
  • the spacer bars can be made of metal, such as for example aluminium, or preferably in an optically transparent polymer, such as for example methacrylate.
  • the door comprises a support frame 120 which supports and for example frames the panel of the three slabs. Furthermore, it is by means of the support frame that the panel is hinged with respect to the hinge axis C. In detail, the second portion of the hinge, i.e. of each hinge, is directly fixed to the support frame.
  • the support frame 120 may be directly fixed, i.e. with no interposition of other structural elements, to the panel 35, for example by means of glues or other fixing elements.
  • the support frame may comprise a plurality of straight edging profiles fixed to each other at the respective longitudinal ends, for example four (including an upper profile, a lower profile, a right profile and a left profile in the illustrated embodiment), which constitute a rectangular frame of the panel.
  • the plurality of edging profiles comprises at least one edging profile 125 which extends longitudinally along its own longitudinal axis, for example parallel to the hinge axis C.
  • said edging profile 125 is the one of the plurality of edging profiles that is closest to the hinge axis C. In the illustrated embodiment it is also arranged with vertical longitudinal axis.
  • the edging profile 125 comprises a first abutment surface 130, which is flat (and straight, i.e. substantially shaped like a rectangular straight strip), parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself, i.e. it lies on a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself.
  • the first abutment surface 130 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile. Furthermore, the first abutment surface 130 lies on a plane perpendicular to the lying plane of the first major face 45.
  • the first abutment surface 130 is directed towards the (faces onto the) perimeter edge of the first slab and of the second slab, in particular the edge 55 and the edge 75 rest (entirely, i.e. for their entire longitudinal extension) in contact with said first abutment surface, i.e. in contact with two portions thereof.
  • the first spacer bar 110 rests on the first abutment surface (entirely, i.e. over its entire longitudinal extension).
  • only the edge 55, the edge 75 and the first spacer bar 110 rest on the first abutment surface.
  • Such above-mentioned contacts can be mediated by a thin adhesive layer, such as a silicone glue.
  • a thin adhesive layer such as a silicone glue.
  • the first abutment surface 130 is comprised between the lying plane of the first major face 45 and the lying plane of the second major face 70.
  • the edging profile 125 comprises a second abutment surface 135, which is derived from the first abutment surface, is flat (and straight, i.e. substantially shaped as a rectangular straight strip), perpendicular to the first abutment surface and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself.
  • the second abutment surface is not exactly flat, i.e. it is not smooth, but it has a plurality of depressions and peaks, however, it can be considered overall a flat surface, or in any case substantially equivalent to a flat surface.
  • the second abutment surface 135 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile.
  • the second abutment surface 135 faces onto the second major face 70 of the second slab 60 and in particular on which (only) a portion of the second major face 70 of the second slab 60 which is at said edge 75 of the second slab itself rests. In other words, this portion of the second major face 70 extends directly from the edge 75.
  • the second abutment surface thus extends from the first abutment surface in the direction towards a central portion of the panel.
  • the second abutment surface 135 has a minimum extension (in the illustrated embodiment the extension is constant) along a direction perpendicular to the first abutment surface 130 which is greater than a maximum extension of the first spacer bar 110, measured along the same direction perpendicular to the first abutment surface 130.
  • the edging profile comprises a third abutment surface 140 that is derived from a side of the second abutment surface 135 distal from the first abutment surface 130.
  • the third abutment surface is flat (and straight, i.e. substantially shaped like a straight rectangular strip), parallel to the first abutment surface 130.
  • the third abutment surface 140 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile.
  • the third abutment surface 140 is closer to the central portion of the panel than the first abutment surface 130.
  • the third abutment surface faces onto the perimeter edge of the third slab, in particular the edge 95 rests (entirely, i.e. over its entire longitudinal extension) in contact with said third abutment surface 140. Furthermore, the second spacer bar 115 rests on the third abutment surface (entirely, i.e. over its entire longitudinal extension). As a further detail, only the edge 95 and the second spacer bar 115 rest on the third abutment surface.
  • Such contacts may be mediated by the interposition of a thin adhesive layer, such as a silicone glue.
  • a thin adhesive layer such as a silicone glue.
  • the contact between the abutment surfaces, the edges of the slabs and the spacer bars is not represented as there is preferably always a layer of adhesive that is interposed between said elements so as to be able to fix the panel to the edging profile with no residual degrees of freedom.
  • the third abutment surface is substantially comprised between the lying plane of the second major face 90 and the lying plane of the second major face 70.
  • the edging profile also comprises a longitudinal cavity 145 which extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile and houses therein at least one from among a hinge rod, a stiffening rod and a heating electrical resistance.
  • the longitudinal cavity may be shaped to house all three such elements together.
  • the longitudinal cavity has an internal surface shaped so as to make a prismatic connection (sliding only during assembly) with the hinge rod and/or the stiffening bar.
  • the longitudinal cavity 145 houses inside it the hinge rod 150 integral with the second portion 32 of the hinge 33 in rotation around the hinge axis C forming with it a prismatic connection integral in rotation around the hinge axis C.
  • At least a portion of the longitudinal cavity 145 is interposed between the lying plane of the first abutment surface 130 and the lying plane of the third abutment surface 140, preferably the entire longitudinal cavity 145 is interposed between said planes. Furthermore, the entire longitudinal cavity is placed on a side of the lying plane of the second abutment surface 135 which is opposite with respect to a side where the first slab is located, i.e. the longitudinal cavity is entirely made in a portion of the edging profile that is located on a side opposite to a side where the first slab 40 is located with respect to the lying plane of the second abutment surface 135.
  • the longitudinal cavity 145 is substantially contained between the lying plane of the second major face of the third slab and the lying plane of the second major face 70.
  • the edging profile comprises an outer surface 155, for example flat, parallel to the first abutment surface 130 and is directed in the direction opposite with respect to the abutment surface. In particular, it is directed outward of the panel and of the door.
  • the longitudinal cavity 145 is entirely interposed between a lying plane of the outer surface 155 and the lying plane of the third abutment surface 140.
  • the maximum distance between the first abutment surface 130 and the outer surface 155 is less than the thickness of any one of the slabs (thickness to be understood as the distance between the first major face and the second major face of the respective slab), preferably less than half of this thickness.
  • the outer surface 155 extends along the entire length of the profile along a direction perpendicular to the major faces of the slabs.
  • the outer surface substantially delimits the maximum overall encumbrance of the door in a direction that is both perpendicular to the hinge axis and parallel to the major faces of the slabs. In other words, a direction perpendicular to the first abutment surface.
  • the edging profile 125 comprising a channel 160 (open laterally) for housing a sealing gasket 165 adapted to lie on an upright 170 of the cabinet (only) when the door is in the closed position.
  • the channel 160 is distinct from the longitudinal cavity, in particular there is a wall of non-zero thickness interposed between the two along their entire longitudinal extension. Said channel 160 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself, and is directed in the direction opposite to the first major face 45 of the first slab 40 (in particular it is directed inward of the compartment when the door is in the closed position), and is interposed between a lying plane of the first abutment surface and the third abutment surface.
  • the channel 160 is comprised between a plane perpendicular to the third abutment surface and which intersects it at one end thereof distal from the second abutment surface and the lying plane of the second abutment surface.
  • the edging profile comprises a central body 175 substantially shaped as a straight parallelepiped that extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the edging profile.
  • a plate-like body 180 (for example shaped like an elongated rectangular straight slab) that makes available (only) the first abutment surface 130 and a portion of the outer surface 155 (the outer surface in its entirety is made available by the plate-like body and the central body) extends in a direction away from and perpendicular to said face.
  • the plate-like body is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile and its thickness is the distance between the first abutment surface 130 and the outer surface 155.
  • the central body makes the second abutment surface 135 and the third abutment surface 140 available, in detail the second abutment surface 135 is made available by the face of the straight parallelepiped from which the plate-like body extends.
  • the third abutment surface is made available by a face of the straight parallelepiped perpendicular to the face that makes available the second abutment surface and that is opposite to a face of the straight parallelepiped that makes available a portion of the outer surface 155.
  • the plate-like body is free of longitudinal cavities or channels, in particular it is a solid body without interruption.
  • the longitudinal cavity 145 is made available (solely) by the central body and crosses it from a longitudinal end of the straight parallelepiped body to an opposite longitudinal end (including ends).
  • the gasket housing channel is also made available by the central body, for example said channel opens into a face of the straight parallelepiped that is opposite the face which makes the second abutment surface available.
  • the face into which the channel opens also extends from the face that makes available the third abutment surface to the face that makes available the portion of outer surfaces.
  • the edging profile 125 is formed only by the central body and by the plate-like body.
  • the edging profile is made by extrusion.
  • the edging profile 125 is preferably made of metal, for example aluminium, owing to its compactness; however, it is not excluded that in the future polymeric materials with an adequate cost and with equal strength are made which might be used for the creation of the edging profile.
  • this edging profile is the other vertical edging profile of the plurality of edging profiles that is distal from the hinge axis.
  • the edging profile 190 is the same as the edging profile 125 except that it integrates a grasping handle 195 that the user of the refrigerator cabinet can use to move the door between the closed position and the open position.
  • the handle 195 extends from the first abutment surface, i.e., from the plate-like body, while in the other edging profile 125, the extension of the edging profile itself in a direction perpendicular to the major faces of the slabs ends at an end of the first abutment surface distal from the second abutment surface.
  • the third slab thus also has a second edge that is specular to the edge 95 with respect to a centreline plane of the panel perpendicular to the slabs and parallel to edges 55,75 and 95 that is closer to the hinge axis than the second edges of the first slab and of the second slab which are respectively specular to the edge 55 and to the edge 75. From both ends the third slab is therefore narrower than the first slab and the second slab according to a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Refrigerator Housings (AREA)

Abstract

There is disclosed a door (30) of the type with a triple-glazed panel (35) for a refrigerator cabinet (10), said door (30) comprising: a panel (35) provided with three slabs parallel to each other, a first slab (40), a second slab (60) and a third slab (80), each provided with a respective first major face (45,65,85) and an opposite second major face (50,70,90) wherein between the second major face (50) of the first slab and the first major face (65) of the second slab there is a first air space (100), and between the second major face (70) of the second slab and the first major face (85) of the third slab there is a second air space (105), and a support frame (120) which supports and frames the panel. The support frame is provided with a plurality of edging profiles including at least one edging profile (125) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis. Wherein the edging profile comprises a first abutment surface (130), which is flat, parallel to the longitudinal axis and on which an edge (55) of the first slab and an edge (75) of the second slab rest in contact, a second abutment surface (135), which is derived from the first abutment surface (130), is flat, perpendicular to the first abutment surface, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and on which a portion of the second major face (70) of the second slab that is near said edge (75) of the second slab rests in contact, a third abutment surface (140), which is derived from a side of the second abutment surface (135) distal from the first abutment surface (130), is flat, parallel to the first abutment surface (130) and on which an edge (95) of the third slab rests in contact, and a longitudinal cavity (145) adapted to house at least one from among a hinge rod, a stiffening rod and a heating electrical resistance, which longitudinal cavity (145) extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself. Further, at least one portion of the longitudinal cavity (145) is interposed between a lying plane of the first abutment surface (130) and a lying plane of the third abutment surface (140), and the entire longitudinal cavity (145) is placed on a side of a lying plane of the second abutment surface (135) which is opposite with respect to a side where the first slab (40) is located.

Description

REFRIGERATOR CABINET DOOR WITH TRIPLE-GLAZED PANEL
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention concerns a door for a refrigerator cabinet provided with a tripleglazed, i.e. double-chamber, panel for applications at low temperatures, in particular below -5°C.
PRIOR ART
Doors for refrigerator cabinets like those of document EP2908074 in the name of the same Applicant provided with a triple-glazed insulating panel, also called doublechamber, particularly suitable for applications at low temperatures are known. These panels differ from those for so-called normal temperatures, i.e. between -5° and 10°, in that they have three panels instead of two, i.e. two chambers instead of one.
In particular, said panel is formed by three slabs of transparent material (possibly also thermally insulating), including a first slab, a second slab and a third slab, which are spaced apart from each other, for example by means of spacer bars, so as to form a first air space between the first slab and the second slab and a second air space between the second slab and the third slab. The door then comprises a support frame which supports and frames the panel and which is formed by a plurality of edging profiles, at least the vertical ones having a flat abutment surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the profile itself and which is contacted (directly or by interposition of glues) by an edge of the first slab, an edge of the second slab and an edge of the third slab, all parallel to each other. The edging profile then comprises a longitudinal cavity parallel to the longitudinal axis and which is shaped to house so-called technical elements of the door, i.e. at least one from among: a heating electrical resistance, a hinge bar and a stiffening bar.
This longitudinal cavity is located entirely on a side of a lying plane of the abutment surface which is opposite with respect to a side where the slabs of the panel are located.
The object of the present invention is to make available a more compact door for a refrigerator cabinet of the triple-glazed type, with the same sizes of the slabs, compared to the devices of the prior art, all within a rational, effective and cost-effective solution.
Such object is achieved by the features of the invention reported in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The invention makes available in particular a door for a refrigerator cabinet of the type with a triple-glazed panel, said door comprising:
- a panel provided with three slabs parallel to each other, with a first slab, a second slab and a third slab, each provided with a respective first major face and an opposite second major face, wherein between the second major face of the first slab and the first major face of the second slab there is a first air space, and between the second major face of the second slab and the first major face of the third slab there is a second air space, and
- a support frame, which supports and frames the panel, wherein the support frame is provided with a plurality of edging profiles including at least one edging profile extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis, said door being characterised in that such an edging profile comprises:
- a first abutment surface, which is flat, parallel to the longitudinal axis and on which an edge of the first slab and an edge of the second slab rest in contact,
- a second abutment surface, which is derived from the first abutment surface, is flat, perpendicular to the first abutment surface, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and on which a portion of the second major face of the second slab rests in contact and which is near said edge of the second slab,
- a third abutment surface, which is derived from a side of the second abutment surface distal from the first abutment surface, is flat, parallel to the first abutment surface and on which an edge of the third slab rests, and
- a longitudinal cavity adapted to house at least one from among a hinge rod, a stiffening rod and a heating element, which longitudinal cavity extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile, wherein at least a portion of the longitudinal cavity is interposed between a lying plane of the first abutment surface and a lying plane of the third abutment surface, and wherein the entire longitudinal cavity is placed on a side of a lying plane of the second abutment surface which is opposite with respect to a side where the first slab is located. In this way, the door is more compact in the direction of the lying plane of the panel, that is of the major faces of its slabs, since the longitudinal cavity adapted to house the so- called technical components such as heating electrical resistances, hinge rod or stiffening rod, protrudes less from the panel than the devices of the prior art. In other words, one could similarly say that such a longitudinal cavity is at least partly included in the encumbrance of the panel, or even in the overall encumbrance defined by the first slab of the panel. In addition, the proposed solution allows to save, for the same sizes of the slabs, the material of the edging profile, making available a door suitable for low temperatures since it can be associated with a triple glass.
In particular, in order to maximize such advantages, the invention may provide that the edging profile may comprise a plate-like portion that makes the first abutment surface and an opposite outer surface available, and wherein the longitudinal cavity is entirely interposed between a lying plane of the outer surface and the lying plane of the third abutment surface.
According to one aspect of the invention, the plate-like portion may have a thickness, as a distance between the outer surface and the first abutment surface, which is less than the thickness of any of the three slabs.
In this way it is possible to make the door even more compact.
In order to make a resistant yet compact profile available, the plate-like portion is preferably made of aluminium.
According to another aspect of the invention, the edging profile may comprise a channel for housing a gasket, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, is directed a direction opposite the first major face of the first slab and is interposed between a lying plane of the first abutment surface and the third abutment surface.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the panel may comprise:
- a first spacer bar proximal to the first abutment surface and interposed between the first slab and the second slab, and
- a second spacer bar proximal to the third abutment surface and interposed between the second slab and the third slab, wherein the first spacer bar and the second spacer bar x are parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first spacer bar and the second spacer bar are misaligned with respect to a direction perpendicular to both the first slab and the second slab.
In this way it is possible to avoid the formation of thermal bridges due to the spacer bars in the event that they are thermally conductive, like for example aluminium spacer bars without insulating chambers or methacrylate spacer bars. In the prior art devices, the spacer bars are both parallel to each other and aligned along a direction perpendicular to the slabs (to all the slabs), as a result, dangerous thermal bridges are formed in case these slabs are particularly conductive, making it necessary to increase the power of the heating electrical resistances in order to reduce the formation of condensation. Furthermore, the methacrylate spacer bars are transparent and therefore appreciated because they allow to increase the visibility of the interior of the compartment even when the door is in the closed position compared to those in non-transparent materials, but cause a high thermal transmission among the slabs they contact. This technical solution, in case of use of methacrylate or other thermally highly conductive bars, simultaneously allows to increase the visibility of the interior of the refrigerated compartment and to reduce transmission problems, thus to reduce electricity consumption due to electrical heating resistances. Furthermore, this solution is worthy of a protection independent of the technical characteristics of claim 1 , therefore the invention also makes available a panel for a door of a refrigerator cabinet provided with:
- a first slab, a second slab and a third slab and are each provided with a respective first major face and an opposite second major face, wherein between the second major face of the first slab and the first major face of the second slab there is a first air space, and between the second major face of the second slab and the first major face of the third slab there is a second air space,
- a first spacer bar placed in the first air space between the first slab and the second slab and in direct contact with them (without any other interposed element, not even adhesives), and
- a second spacer bar placed in the second air space between the second slab and the third slab and in direct contact with them (without any other interposed element, not even adhesives), and wherein the first spacer bar and the second spacer bar are (totally, for their entire longitudinal extension) misaligned with respect to a direction perpendicular to both the first slab, the second slab and the third slab.
In other words, from a point of view perpendicular to both the first slab, to the second slab and to the third slab, the first spacer bar and the second spacer bar appear to be side by side without overlapping.
The invention further makes available a closure apparatus for a refrigerator cabinet provided with a refrigerated compartment, said apparatus comprising:
- a frame adapted to be fixed to the refrigerated compartment and adapted to define an access port to the refrigerated compartment itself, and
- a door according to claim 1 hinged according to a hinge axis to the frame, wherein the hinge axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the profile and is entirely contained in the longitudinal cavity.
According to one aspect of the invention, the hinge axis can be entirely contained between the lying plane of the first abutment surface and the lying plane of the third abutment surface.
The invention further makes available a refrigerator cabinet (10) comprising a refrigerated compartment and a compartment closure apparatus as described above, wherein the frame is fixed to the compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of a non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the accompanying tables.
Figure 1 is a schematic view in axonometry projection of a refrigerator cabinet according to the invention.
Figure 2 is a front schematic view of a refrigerator cabinet closure apparatus of Figure 1. In this figure there is a schematic partial section detail made with a section plane containing a hinge axis C and parallel to a lying plane of a panel of a door of the refrigerator cabinet.
Figure 3 is half a sectional view of the closure apparatus of Figure 2 according to section plane Ill-Ill.
Figure 4 is an enlargement of detail IV of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is an enlargement of detail V of Figure 2.
Figure 6 is an enlargement of Figure 4 in which a second surface is substantially smooth for most of its extension.
BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION
With particular reference to these figures, a refrigerator cabinet has been indicated globally with 10 comprising a refrigerated compartment (not visible in the figures because hidden by other elements), for example made available by a box-like body 15, inside which the products to be refrigerated are stored.
The compartment, i.e. the box-like body, comprises an opening (a single opening) for access (not visible in the figures because hidden by other elements) to the compartment, for example rectangular in shape, through which it is possible to access the compartment from the outside. In the illustrated embodiment the cabinet is vertical, i.e. the access opening lies on a substantially vertical plane.
The cabinet 10 also comprises a compartment closure apparatus configured to occlude or disengage the access opening. In particular, this closure apparatus comprises a frame 25, for example rectangular in shape, fixed to the compartment, i.e. to the boxlike body that makes it available, so as to frame the access opening. The frame 25 can be formed by a plurality of straight profiles which are joined together at the respective longitudinal ends, for example said profiles being made of polymeric or metallic material. In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the frame may be made available by the compartment itself.
The closure apparatus further comprises a door 30 hinged to the frame with respect to a hinge axis C and adapted to selectively occlude or disengage, at least partially, the access opening (i.e. a portion of access opening identified by the frame 25) for access to the compartment. In particular, the door 30 is hinged to the frame with respect to the hinge axis C and movable around said hinge axis between a closed position, in which it at least partially occludes the access opening preventing access (at least partially) to the compartment, and an open position, in which it does not obstruct access to the refrigerated compartment, i.e. it does not obstruct access to the compartment through a portion of access opening underlying the door itself when the door is in the closed position.
The cabinet comprises at least one hinge provided with a first portion 31 fixed (integral with no residual degrees of freedom) to the frame and a second portion 32 movable with respect to the first portion with respect to the hinge axis C and fixed (integral with no residual degrees of freedom) to the door.
In particular, the cabinet comprises two hinges for each door, including a lower hinge 33 and an upper hinge 34. In the event that the refrigerator cabinet comprises a single door, when it is in the closed position it fully occludes the access opening.
In the case, such as the one illustrated, in which the refrigerator cabinet comprises a plurality of doors 30, for example two doors 30, each door occludes a respective portion of access opening or allows access thereto. Overall, access to the access opening is completely prevented when all the doors 30 are in the closed position.
The door 30, i.e. each door 30, comprises a panel 35, for example rectangular in shape, thermally insulating, for example also optically transparent, which panel comprises a plurality of slabs.
In particular, the plurality of slabs comprises (only) three slabs parallel to each other, preferably all in optically transparent material, such as for example glass or polymeric material or a combination of both, and between them there are interposed air spaces filled with a gas, such as for example argon or krypton, for thermal insulation.
The three slabs are for example flat and preferably rectangular, furthermore they each have at least one straight edge which is proximal to the hinge axis C.
With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, the panel comprises a first slab 40, provided with a first major (flat) face 45 and an opposite second major (flat) face 50 parallel to the first and connected thereto by means of a perimeter side edge (closed as a ring) provided with a plurality of edges, for example straight, in succession to each other wherein an edge 55 proximal to the hinge axis is, for example, arranged parallel to the hinge axis. Said edge 55 is also flat (i.e. it is a flat surface) and lies on a plane perpendicular to both a lying plane of the first major face 45 and a lying plane of the second major face 50.
In the illustrated embodiment the first slab is rectangular in shape and the perimeter side edge comprises four straight edges two by two parallel so as to form a rectangle, each of which is flat, i.e. it is a flat surface. The edge 55 is among said four edges the one closest to the hinge axis of the door. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment in which the hinge axis is vertical, the perimeter side edge comprises two horizontal straight edges, including one upper and one lower, and two vertical straight edges, wherein the vertical straight edge closest to the hinge axis is the edge 55 (while the other is a vertical straight edge distal from the hinge axis).
The first slab 40 is the furthest of the plurality of slabs from the refrigerated compartment, its first major face is directed outward, while its second major face is directed inward of the refrigerated compartment.
The panel also comprises a second slab 60 provided with a first major (flat) face 65 and with an opposite second major (flat) face 70 parallel to the first and connected thereto by means of a perimeter side edge (closed as a ring) provided with a plurality of edges in succession to each other, for example straight, including an edge 75 proximal to the hinge axis, and for example arranged parallel to the hinge axis. Said edge 75 is also flat (i.e. it is a flat surface) and lies on a plane perpendicular to a lying plane of the first major face 65 and a lying plane of the second major face 70.
In the illustrated embodiment the second slab is rectangular in shape and the perimeter side edge comprises four straight edges two by two parallel so as to form a rectangle, each of which is flat, i.e. it is a flat surface. The edge 75 is among said four edges the one closest to the hinge axis of the door. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment in which the hinge axis is vertical, the perimeter side edge comprises two horizontal straight edges, including one lower and one upper, and two vertical straight edges, wherein the vertical straight edge closest to the hinge axis is the edge 75 (while the other is a vertical straight edge distal from the hinge axis).
The panel also comprises a third slab 80 provided with a first major (flat) face 85 and with an opposite second major (flat) face 90 parallel to the first and connected thereto by means of a perimeter side edge (closed as a ring) provided with a plurality of edges in succession to each other, for example straight, wherein an edge 95 proximal to the hinge axis, is for example arranged parallel to the hinge axis. Said edge 95 is also flat (i.e. it is a flat surface) and lies on a plane perpendicular to a lying plane of the first major face 85 and a lying plane of the second major face 90.
In the illustrated embodiment the third slab is rectangular in shape and the perimeter side edge comprises four straight edges two by two parallel so as to form a rectangle, each of which is flat, i.e. it is a flat surface. The edge 95 is among said 4 edges the one closest to the hinge axis of the door. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment in which the hinge axis is vertical, the perimeter side edge comprises two horizontal straight edges and two vertical straight edges, wherein the vertical straight edge closest to the hinge axis is the edge 95 (while the other is a vertical straight edge distal from the hinge axis). The third slab 80 is the closest of the plurality of slabs to the refrigerated compartment and the second slab 60 is interposed between the first slab 40 and the third slab 80.
The first major face 85 of the third slab is directed outward, while its second major face 90 is directed inward of the refrigerated compartment. Also for the second slab, the first major face is directed outward, so it faces onto the first slab, that is, the second major face 50 of the first slab, and its second major face is directed inward of the refrigerated compartment, so it faces onto the third slab, that is, the first major face 85 of the third slab.
The major faces of each slab are all parallel to each other and parallel to the major faces of the other slabs.
Furthermore, since the slabs have substantially straight and flat edges, the first major face of each slab is identical (in shape and area) to the second major face of the respective slab.
The edge 55, the edge 75 and the edge 95 are all parallel to each other and for example the edge 55 and the edge 75 lie on the same lying plane (parallel to the hinge axis). The edge 95 instead lies on another lying plane parallel to the lying plane of the other two edges 55,75 and which is spaced therefrom by a non-zero amount. In particular, the lying plane of the edge 95 is closer to a central portion of the panel than the lying plane of the edge 55 and of the edge 75.
The third slab 80 has thus an extension, along a direction that is both perpendicular to the edge 95 and parallel to its first major face and second major face, less than the extension, along the same direction, of the first slab 40 and of the second slab 60. Further, the first slab and the second slab are substantially identical and both have a surface of the major faces that is higher than the surfaces of the major faces of the third slab.
Each slab also comprises a respective edge 55’, 75’ and 95’ of the perimeter side edge which is parallel and opposite respectively to the edge 55, to the edge 75 and to the edge 95 and which has all the characteristics of the edge expressed so far. In particular, the edge 55’, the edge 75’ and the edge 95’ are all parallel to each other and, for example, the edge 55’ and the edge 75’ lie on the same lying plane (parallel to the hinge axis). The edge 95’ instead lies on another lying plane parallel to the lying plane of the other two edges 55’, 75 and which is spaced therefrom by a non-zero amount. In particular, the lying plane of the edge 95’ is closer to a central portion of the panel than the lying plane of the edge 55’ and of the edge 75’.
In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 55’, the edge 75’ and the edge 95’ are the vertical edges distal from the hinge axis C.
As mentioned above, between the slabs there are interposed air spaces, in particular between the second major face 50 of the first slab 40 and the first major face 65 of the second slab 60 there is a first air space 100, and between the second major face 70 of the second slab 60 and the first major face of the third slab there is a second air space 105.
These air spaces are made by means of spacer bars, which are interposed in contact between the slabs separating them from each other.
In particular, the panel comprises a plurality of first spacer bars, interposed in contact between the second major face 50 of the first slab 40 and the first major face 65 of the second slab 60, and a plurality of second spacer bars, interposed in contact between the second major face 70 of the second slab 60 and the first major face 85 of the third slab 80.
Such a plurality of first spacer bars comprises a first (straight) spacer bar 110 near the edge 55 and the edge 75, which is arranged with a longitudinal axis parallel thereto. The plurality of second spacer bars comprises a second (straight) spacer bar 115 near the edge 75 and the edge 95, which is arranged with a longitudinal axis parallel thereto.
In detail, the first plurality of spacer bars forms a closed annular path, for example a rectangular frame formed by four straight spacer bars, which makes the first air space 100 a sealed first chamber, for example thanks to the use of adhesives (silicone glues) for fixing the spacer bars to the respective slabs.
Also the second plurality of spacer bars forms a closed annular path, for example a rectangular frame formed by four straight spacer bars, which makes the second air space x a second sealed chamber, for example thanks to the use of adhesives (silicone glues) for fixing the spacer bars to the respective slabs.
The first chamber and the second chamber are filled with inert gas.
The spacer bars can be made of metal, such as for example aluminium, or preferably in an optically transparent polymer, such as for example methacrylate.
The door comprises a support frame 120 which supports and for example frames the panel of the three slabs. Furthermore, it is by means of the support frame that the panel is hinged with respect to the hinge axis C. In detail, the second portion of the hinge, i.e. of each hinge, is directly fixed to the support frame.
The support frame 120 may be directly fixed, i.e. with no interposition of other structural elements, to the panel 35, for example by means of glues or other fixing elements. The support frame may comprise a plurality of straight edging profiles fixed to each other at the respective longitudinal ends, for example four (including an upper profile, a lower profile, a right profile and a left profile in the illustrated embodiment), which constitute a rectangular frame of the panel.
The plurality of edging profiles comprises at least one edging profile 125 which extends longitudinally along its own longitudinal axis, for example parallel to the hinge axis C. In particular, said edging profile 125 is the one of the plurality of edging profiles that is closest to the hinge axis C. In the illustrated embodiment it is also arranged with vertical longitudinal axis.
With particular reference to Figure 4, the edging profile 125 comprises a first abutment surface 130, which is flat (and straight, i.e. substantially shaped like a rectangular straight strip), parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself, i.e. it lies on a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself. The first abutment surface 130 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile. Furthermore, the first abutment surface 130 lies on a plane perpendicular to the lying plane of the first major face 45.
The first abutment surface 130 is directed towards the (faces onto the) perimeter edge of the first slab and of the second slab, in particular the edge 55 and the edge 75 rest (entirely, i.e. for their entire longitudinal extension) in contact with said first abutment surface, i.e. in contact with two portions thereof. In addition, the first spacer bar 110 rests on the first abutment surface (entirely, i.e. over its entire longitudinal extension). As a further detail, only the edge 55, the edge 75 and the first spacer bar 110 rest on the first abutment surface.
Such above-mentioned contacts can be mediated by a thin adhesive layer, such as a silicone glue. In particular, between the first spacer bar 110 and the first abutment surface 130 it is preferable to have (only) one layer of adhesive.
The first abutment surface 130 is comprised between the lying plane of the first major face 45 and the lying plane of the second major face 70.
The edging profile 125 comprises a second abutment surface 135, which is derived from the first abutment surface, is flat (and straight, i.e. substantially shaped as a rectangular straight strip), perpendicular to the first abutment surface and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself. In the illustrated embodiment, the second abutment surface is not exactly flat, i.e. it is not smooth, but it has a plurality of depressions and peaks, however, it can be considered overall a flat surface, or in any case substantially equivalent to a flat surface.
The second abutment surface 135 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile.
The second abutment surface 135 faces onto the second major face 70 of the second slab 60 and in particular on which (only) a portion of the second major face 70 of the second slab 60 which is at said edge 75 of the second slab itself rests. In other words, this portion of the second major face 70 extends directly from the edge 75.
As can be understood, the second abutment surface thus extends from the first abutment surface in the direction towards a central portion of the panel.
The second abutment surface 135 has a minimum extension (in the illustrated embodiment the extension is constant) along a direction perpendicular to the first abutment surface 130 which is greater than a maximum extension of the first spacer bar 110, measured along the same direction perpendicular to the first abutment surface 130.
The edging profile comprises a third abutment surface 140 that is derived from a side of the second abutment surface 135 distal from the first abutment surface 130. The third abutment surface is flat (and straight, i.e. substantially shaped like a straight rectangular strip), parallel to the first abutment surface 130. The third abutment surface 140 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile.
The third abutment surface 140 is closer to the central portion of the panel than the first abutment surface 130.
The third abutment surface faces onto the perimeter edge of the third slab, in particular the edge 95 rests (entirely, i.e. over its entire longitudinal extension) in contact with said third abutment surface 140. Furthermore, the second spacer bar 115 rests on the third abutment surface (entirely, i.e. over its entire longitudinal extension). As a further detail, only the edge 95 and the second spacer bar 115 rest on the third abutment surface.
Such contacts may be mediated by the interposition of a thin adhesive layer, such as a silicone glue. In particular, between the second spacer bar 115 and the third abutment surface 140 it is preferable to have (only) one layer of adhesive.
In the figures, the contact between the abutment surfaces, the edges of the slabs and the spacer bars is not represented as there is preferably always a layer of adhesive that is interposed between said elements so as to be able to fix the panel to the edging profile with no residual degrees of freedom.
The third abutment surface is substantially comprised between the lying plane of the second major face 90 and the lying plane of the second major face 70.
These abutment surfaces extend along the entire longitudinal extension of the edging profile itself.
The edging profile also comprises a longitudinal cavity 145 which extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile and houses therein at least one from among a hinge rod, a stiffening rod and a heating electrical resistance. The longitudinal cavity may be shaped to house all three such elements together.
In the case of the hinge rod and of the stiffening bar, the longitudinal cavity has an internal surface shaped so as to make a prismatic connection (sliding only during assembly) with the hinge rod and/or the stiffening bar.
As can be seen in the enlargement of Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment the longitudinal cavity 145 houses inside it the hinge rod 150 integral with the second portion 32 of the hinge 33 in rotation around the hinge axis C forming with it a prismatic connection integral in rotation around the hinge axis C.
At least a portion of the longitudinal cavity 145 is interposed between the lying plane of the first abutment surface 130 and the lying plane of the third abutment surface 140, preferably the entire longitudinal cavity 145 is interposed between said planes. Furthermore, the entire longitudinal cavity is placed on a side of the lying plane of the second abutment surface 135 which is opposite with respect to a side where the first slab is located, i.e. the longitudinal cavity is entirely made in a portion of the edging profile that is located on a side opposite to a side where the first slab 40 is located with respect to the lying plane of the second abutment surface 135.
Further, the longitudinal cavity 145 is substantially contained between the lying plane of the second major face of the third slab and the lying plane of the second major face 70. The edging profile comprises an outer surface 155, for example flat, parallel to the first abutment surface 130 and is directed in the direction opposite with respect to the abutment surface. In particular, it is directed outward of the panel and of the door.
The longitudinal cavity 145 is entirely interposed between a lying plane of the outer surface 155 and the lying plane of the third abutment surface 140.
In order to contain the overall encumbrances, the maximum distance between the first abutment surface 130 and the outer surface 155 is less than the thickness of any one of the slabs (thickness to be understood as the distance between the first major face and the second major face of the respective slab), preferably less than half of this thickness. In addition, the outer surface 155 extends along the entire length of the profile along a direction perpendicular to the major faces of the slabs.
The outer surface substantially delimits the maximum overall encumbrance of the door in a direction that is both perpendicular to the hinge axis and parallel to the major faces of the slabs. In other words, a direction perpendicular to the first abutment surface.
The edging profile 125 comprising a channel 160 (open laterally) for housing a sealing gasket 165 adapted to lie on an upright 170 of the cabinet (only) when the door is in the closed position.
The channel 160 is distinct from the longitudinal cavity, in particular there is a wall of non-zero thickness interposed between the two along their entire longitudinal extension. Said channel 160 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself, and is directed in the direction opposite to the first major face 45 of the first slab 40 (in particular it is directed inward of the compartment when the door is in the closed position), and is interposed between a lying plane of the first abutment surface and the third abutment surface.
Further, the channel 160 is comprised between a plane perpendicular to the third abutment surface and which intersects it at one end thereof distal from the second abutment surface and the lying plane of the second abutment surface.
In the preferred illustrated embodiment, the edging profile comprises a central body 175 substantially shaped as a straight parallelepiped that extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the edging profile.
From a face of the straight parallelepiped, that is, from a portion of a face parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself that is located at an edge of the straight parallelepiped, a plate-like body 180 (for example shaped like an elongated rectangular straight slab) that makes available (only) the first abutment surface 130 and a portion of the outer surface 155 (the outer surface in its entirety is made available by the plate-like body and the central body) extends in a direction away from and perpendicular to said face.
The plate-like body is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile and its thickness is the distance between the first abutment surface 130 and the outer surface 155.
In addition, the central body makes the second abutment surface 135 and the third abutment surface 140 available, in detail the second abutment surface 135 is made available by the face of the straight parallelepiped from which the plate-like body extends. The third abutment surface is made available by a face of the straight parallelepiped perpendicular to the face that makes available the second abutment surface and that is opposite to a face of the straight parallelepiped that makes available a portion of the outer surface 155.
The plate-like body is free of longitudinal cavities or channels, in particular it is a solid body without interruption.
Further, the longitudinal cavity 145 is made available (solely) by the central body and crosses it from a longitudinal end of the straight parallelepiped body to an opposite longitudinal end (including ends). The gasket housing channel is also made available by the central body, for example said channel opens into a face of the straight parallelepiped that is opposite the face which makes the second abutment surface available. The face into which the channel opens also extends from the face that makes available the third abutment surface to the face that makes available the portion of outer surfaces.
The edging profile 125 is formed only by the central body and by the plate-like body.
The edging profile is made by extrusion. In addition, the edging profile 125 is preferably made of metal, for example aluminium, owing to its compactness; however, it is not excluded that in the future polymeric materials with an adequate cost and with equal strength are made which might be used for the creation of the edging profile.
In addition to the edging profile proximal to the hinge axis there is another one identified by number 190 which is parallel to the edging profile 125 and distal from the hinge axis C. In practice, this edging profile is the other vertical edging profile of the plurality of edging profiles that is distal from the hinge axis.
The edging profile 190 is the same as the edging profile 125 except that it integrates a grasping handle 195 that the user of the refrigerator cabinet can use to move the door between the closed position and the open position.
The handle 195, for example, extends from the first abutment surface, i.e., from the plate-like body, while in the other edging profile 125, the extension of the edging profile itself in a direction perpendicular to the major faces of the slabs ends at an end of the first abutment surface distal from the second abutment surface.
The third slab thus also has a second edge that is specular to the edge 95 with respect to a centreline plane of the panel perpendicular to the slabs and parallel to edges 55,75 and 95 that is closer to the hinge axis than the second edges of the first slab and of the second slab which are respectively specular to the edge 55 and to the edge 75. From both ends the third slab is therefore narrower than the first slab and the second slab according to a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.
Moreover, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.
In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. A door (30) of the type with a triple-glazed panel (35) for a refrigerator cabinet (10), said door (30) comprising:
- a panel (35) provided with three slabs parallel to each other, a first slab (40), a second slab (60) and a third slab (80), each provided with a respective first major face (45,65,85) and an opposite second major face (50,70,90) wherein between the second major face (50) of the first slab and the first major face (65) of the second slab there is a first air space (100), and between the second major face (70) of the second slab and the first major face (85) of the third slab there is a second air space (105), and
- a support frame (120), which supports and frames the panel, wherein the support frame is provided with a plurality of edging profiles including at least one edging profile (125) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis, said door being characterised in that such an edging profile comprises:
- a first abutment surface (130), which is flat, parallel to the longitudinal axis and on which an edge (55) of the first slab and an edge (75) of the second slab rest in contact,
- a second abutment surface (135), which is derived from the first abutment surface (130), is flat, perpendicular to the first abutment surface, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and on which a portion of the second major face (70) of the second slab which is near said edge (75) of the second slab rests in contact,
- a third abutment surface (140), which is derived from a side of the second abutment surface (135) distal from the first abutment surface (130), is flat, parallel to the first abutment surface (130) and on which an edge (95) of the third slab rests in contact, and
- a longitudinal cavity (145) adapted to house at least one from among a hinge rod x, a stiffening rod and an electrical heating resistance, which longitudinal cavity (145) extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile itself, wherein at least one portion of the longitudinal cavity (145) is interposed between a lying plane of the first abutment surface (130) and a lying plane of the third abutment surface (140), and wherein the entire longitudinal cavity (145) is placed on a side of a lying plane of the second abutment surface (135) which is opposite with respect to a side where the first slab (40) is located.
2. A door (30) according to claim 1 , wherein the edging profile (125) comprises a plate-like portion (180) which makes the first abutment surface (130) and an opposite outer surface (155) available, and wherein the longitudinal cavity (145) is entirely interposed between a lying plane of the outer surface (155) and the lying plane of the third abutment surface (140).
3. A door (30) according to claim 2, wherein the plate-like portion (180) has a thickness, as a maximum distance between the outer surface (155) and the first abutment surface (130), which is less than the thickness of any of the three slabs.
4. A door (30) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plate-like portion x is made of aluminium.
5. A door (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the edging profile (125) comprising a channel (160) for housing a gasket (165), which channel extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, is directed in a direction opposite the first major face (45) of the first slab and is interposed between a lying plane of the first abutment surface (130) and the third abutment surface (140).
6. A door (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel (35) comprises:
- a first spacer bar (110) proximal to the first abutment surface (130) and interposed between the first slab (40) and the second slab x, and
- a second spacer bar (115) proximal to the third abutment surface (140) and interposed between the second slab (60) and the third slab (80), wherein the first spacer bar (110) and the second spacer bar x are parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first spacer bar x and the second spacer bar (115) are misaligned with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first slab (40) to the third slab (60) and to the second slab (80).
7. A closure apparatus for a refrigerator cabinet provided with a refrigerated compartment, said apparatus comprising:
- a frame (25) adapted to be fixed to the refrigerated compartment and defining an access port to the refrigerated compartment itself, and 19
- A door (30) according to claim (1 ) hinged according to a hinge axis (C) to the frame, wherein the hinge axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile (125) and is entirely contained in the longitudinal cavity (145).
8. A closure apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the hinge axis (C) is entirely contained between the lying plane of the first abutment surface (130) and the lying plane of the third abutment surface (140).
9. A refrigerator cabinet (10) comprising a refrigerated compartment and a compartment closure apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the frame is fixed to the compartment.
PCT/IB2022/061640 2021-12-06 2022-12-01 Refrigerator cabinet door with triple-glazed panel WO2023105358A1 (en)

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IT202100030743 2021-12-06
IT102021000030743 2021-12-06

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02128089U (en) * 1989-03-29 1990-10-22
EP0503893A1 (en) * 1991-03-12 1992-09-16 Ardco, Inc. Refrigerator door assembly with all glass front
WO1993018266A1 (en) * 1992-03-12 1993-09-16 Anthony's Manufacturing Company, Inc. Foam rail door
CN204060416U (en) * 2013-09-17 2014-12-31 广东富信科技股份有限公司 Insulated door

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02128089U (en) * 1989-03-29 1990-10-22
EP0503893A1 (en) * 1991-03-12 1992-09-16 Ardco, Inc. Refrigerator door assembly with all glass front
WO1993018266A1 (en) * 1992-03-12 1993-09-16 Anthony's Manufacturing Company, Inc. Foam rail door
CN204060416U (en) * 2013-09-17 2014-12-31 广东富信科技股份有限公司 Insulated door

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