Shelf components and refrigerators

By setting a hinge abutment at the corner of the frame of the refrigerator shelf component to abut against the lower surface of the plate, and utilizing the deformation of the synthetic resin frame, the problem of appearance aesthetics caused by the gap between the plate and the frame is solved, and simple installation and aesthetic effects are achieved.

CN117120793BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-03HAIER SMART HOME CO LTD +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202280025848.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-03-30
Filing Date
2022-03-29
Publication Date
2025-10-03
Estimated Expiration
2042-03-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the manufacturing process of existing refrigerator shelf components, gaps are easily formed between the plate portion and the frame portion, resulting in reduced appearance.

Method used

The hinge abutment part is used to abut the lower surface of the plate at the corner of the frame and abut the corner of the plate through a snap-fit ​​structure. The frame is made of synthetic resin for easy deformation, ensuring smooth embedding of the plate.

Benefits of technology

The gap between the plate portion and the frame portion is effectively suppressed, the aesthetic appearance of the shelf component is improved, and the installation process of the plate portion is simplified.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Provided are a shelf member and a refrigerator that prevent the appearance from being degraded. The shelf member (30) includes a plate portion (31) and a frame portion (32) that supports the periphery of the plate portion (31). The plate portion (31) includes an upper surface (311) and a lower surface (312). The frame portion (32) includes a frame body (33), an upper surface abutting portion (34) that abuts against the upper surface (311) of the plate portion (31), a lower surface abutting portion (35) that abuts against the lower surface (312) of the plate portion (31), and a hinge abutting portion (36). Here, the hinge abutting portion (36) abuts against the lower surface (312) of the plate portion (31) at a corner of the frame portion (32).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shelf member and a refrigerator, and in particular to a shelf member provided in a storage compartment of a refrigerator and the refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] A refrigerator equipped with shelves, such as that described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-25708), is known. In this refrigerator, a storage compartment is formed within the insulated housing, and shelves are provided within the compartment. The shelves divide the compartment vertically. Furthermore, stored items such as food are placed on the upper surfaces of the shelves.

[0003] For example, Figure 9 The shelf member 1100 is shown in a perspective view. The shelf member 1100 includes a plate portion 1101 and a frame portion 1102. The plate portion 1101 is made of a plate material such as glass and has a substantially rectangular shape. The frame portion 1102 is made of a synthetic resin and supports the plate portion 1101 from all sides.

[0004] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing a method of integrating the plate portion 1101 into the frame portion 1102 .

[0005] Frame 1102 includes a front frame portion 1103, a rear frame portion 1104, a left frame portion 1105, and a right frame portion 1106. Front frame 1103 is partially protruded rearward to form a front lower surface contact portion 1107. Rear frame 1104 is partially protruded forward to form a rear lower surface contact portion 1108. Left frame 1105 is partially protruded rightward to form a left lower surface contact portion 1109. Right frame 1106 is partially protruded leftward to form a right lower surface contact portion 1110.

[0006] When inserting the plate 1101 into the frame 1102, the operator first slides the front portion of the plate 1101 from the rear while inserting it into the frame 1102. Then, the front, left, and right sides of the plate 1101 are pressed by the front lower surface abutment 1107, the left lower surface abutment 1109, and the right lower surface abutment 1110.

[0007] After that, the operator deforms the rear frame portion 1104 so that it bends rearward. Furthermore, the operator deforms the rear portion of the frame portion 1102 so that it bends upward. As a result, the rear edge of the plate portion 1101 is pressed by the rear lower surface contact portion 1108.

[0008] Through the above steps, the plate portion 1101 is incorporated into the frame portion 1102 .

[0009] However, when the shelf member 1100 is manufactured by the above method, there is a problem in that a gap is formed at some locations between the plate portion 1101 and the frame portion 1102 , thereby reducing the aesthetic appearance.

[0010] The related issues are described in detail with reference to Fig. 11 : Fig. 11(A) is a bottom view showing the lower surface of the shelf member 1100, and Fig. 11(B) is an enlarged bottom view showing the right rear end of the shelf member 1100.

[0011] Referring to Figure 11(A), the rear lower surface abutment portion 1108 is formed only in the middle of the rear frame portion 1104, the left lower surface abutment portion 1109 is formed only in the middle of the left frame portion 1105, and the right lower surface abutment portion 1110 is formed only in the middle of the right frame portion 1106. This is to allow the frame portion 1102 to bend when the plate portion 1101 is inserted into the frame portion 1102. Therefore, the left rear end of the plate portion 1101 is not pressed by the rear lower surface abutment portion 1108 or the left lower surface abutment portion 1109. Similarly, the right rear end of the plate portion 1101 is not pressed by the rear lower surface abutment portion 1108 or the right lower surface abutment portion 1110.

[0012] In FIG. 11B , arrows indicate a portion of the right rear end portion of the shelf member 1100 , where the plate portion 1101 is not pressed by the rear lower surface abutment portion 1108 and the right lower surface abutment portion 1110 .

[0013] Refer again Figure 9 In the portion indicated by the dotted oval, plate portion 1101 is not pressed from below by the aforementioned rear lower surface abutment portion 1108, left lower surface abutment portion 1109, and right lower surface abutment portion 1110. Consequently, gaps are formed between plate portion 1101 and frame portion 1102 in the portions indicated by the dotted oval, i.e., the rear left and rear right ends of plate portion 1101. Since these portions are visible to the user from the front, the aesthetic appearance of shelf member 1100 is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a shelf member that prevents deterioration in appearance.

[0015] The shelf member of the present invention is arranged in the storage room of the refrigerator and is used to store stored items. It has a plate portion and a frame portion supporting the periphery of the plate portion, the plate portion has an upper surface and a lower surface, the frame portion has a frame body, an upper surface abutting portion abutting the upper surface of the plate portion, a lower surface abutting portion abutting the lower surface of the plate portion, and a hinge abutting portion, and the hinge abutting portion abuts the lower surface of the plate portion at a corner of the frame portion.

[0016] In addition, in the shelf component of the present invention, the hinge abutment portion has: a hinge body portion; an engaged portion; an engaging claw portion, which extends continuously from the hinge body portion toward the engaged portion; and an abutment portion, which abuts against the plate portion continuously from the hinge body portion.

[0017] In addition, in the shelf component of the present invention, the lower surface abutting portion has: a front lower surface abutting portion abutting against the front edge of the lower surface of the plate portion, a rear lower surface abutting portion abutting against the rear edge of the lower surface of the plate portion, a left lower surface abutting portion abutting against the left edge of the lower surface of the plate portion, and a right lower surface abutting portion abutting against the right edge of the lower surface of the plate portion, the left lower surface abutting portion abutting against the left middle portion of the lower surface of the plate portion, and the right lower surface abutting portion abutting against the right middle portion of the lower surface of the plate portion.

[0018] Furthermore, in the shelf member of the present invention, the plate portion is made of glass, and the frame portion is made of synthetic resin.

[0019] Furthermore, in the shelf member of the present invention, the hinge abutment portion is disposed at a rear corner.

[0020] The shelf member of the present invention is arranged in the storage room of the refrigerator and is used to store stored items. It has a plate portion and a frame portion that supports the periphery of the plate portion, the plate portion has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the frame portion has a frame body, an upper surface abutting portion that abuts the upper surface of the plate portion, a lower surface abutting portion that abuts the lower surface of the plate portion, and a hinge abutting portion, wherein the hinge abutting portion abuts the lower surface of the plate portion in the corner of the frame portion. Thus, according to the shelf member of the present invention, a shelf member that prevents the appearance from being aesthetically pleasing can be provided. Specifically, the hinge abutting portion abuts the lower surface of the plate portion in the corner of the frame portion, thereby suppressing the formation of a large gap between the upper surface of the plate portion and the frame portion, thereby preventing the appearance of the shelf member from being aesthetically pleasing.

[0021] Furthermore, in the shelf member of the present invention, the hinge abutment portion comprises: a hinge body portion; an engaged portion; an engaging claw portion extending continuously from the hinge body portion toward one side of the engaged portion; and an abutment portion extending continuously from the hinge body portion and abutting against the plate portion. Thus, according to the shelf member of the present invention, the abutment portion abuts against the corner portion of the plate portion using the engaging structure comprising the engaged portion and the engaging claw portion, thereby suppressing the corner portion of the plate portion from lifting from the frame portion.

[0022] Furthermore, in the shelf member of the present invention, the lower surface abutting portion includes: a front lower surface abutting portion abutting near the front edge of the lower surface of the plate portion; a rear lower surface abutting portion abutting near the rear edge of the lower surface of the plate portion; a left lower surface abutting portion abutting near the left side of the lower surface of the plate portion; and a right lower surface abutting portion abutting near the right side of the lower surface of the plate portion, wherein the left lower surface abutting portion abuts against the left middle portion of the lower surface of the plate portion, and the right lower surface abutting portion abuts against the right middle portion of the lower surface of the plate portion. Thus, according to the shelf member of the present invention, the left lower surface abutting portion and the right lower surface abutting portion of the frame portion abut against the left and right middle portions of the plate portion, respectively, thereby making it easy to fit the plate portion relative to the frame portion. According to this structure, a gap may form between the corner of the plate portion and the frame portion, but by pressing the corner of the frame portion with the hinge abutting portion, the formation of the gap can be suppressed.

[0023] Furthermore, in the shelf member of the present invention, the plate portion is made of glass and the frame portion is made of synthetic resin. Thus, according to the shelf member of the present invention, the frame portion is made of synthetic resin, and thus, when the plate portion is inserted into the frame portion, the frame portion deforms, thereby making it easy to insert the plate portion relative to the frame portion.

[0024] Furthermore, in the shelf member of the present invention, the hinge abutment portion is disposed at the rear corner. Thus, according to the shelf member of the present invention, the hinge abutment portion is disposed at the rear corner, thereby suppressing the formation of a gap between the rear corner of the plate portion and the frame portion. Since the space between the rear corner of the plate portion and the frame portion is easily visible to the user during use, suppressing the formation of a gap in this area can improve the shelf member's aesthetic appearance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a refrigerator including a shelf member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a side cross-sectional view showing a refrigerator including a shelf member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG3(A) is a perspective view showing a shelf member according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0028] FIG3(B) is a perspective view showing the shelf member according to the embodiment of the present invention as seen from below.

[0029] 4(A) is a perspective view of a shelf member according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below; and FIG. 4(B) is an enlarged perspective view of a left frame portion of the shelf member according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG4(C) is an enlarged perspective view of the rear frame portion of the shelf member showing the embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG5(A) is a perspective view showing a shelf member according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below.

[0032] FIG5(B) is an enlarged perspective view showing the right frame portion of the shelf member according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG5(C) is an enlarged perspective view showing the front frame portion of the shelf member according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a shelf member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a process of assembling a plate portion into a frame portion.

[0035] FIG. 7(A) is a perspective view showing a shelf member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG7(B) is a perspective view showing the hinge contact portion of the shelf member in the open state according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 7(C) is a perspective view showing the hinge contact portion of the shelf member in the closed state according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG8(A) is a bottom view showing the right rear end of the shelf member according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG8(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the hinge contact portion of the shelf member in the open state according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG8(C) is a cross-sectional view showing the hinge contact portion of the shelf member in the closed state according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG8(D) is a cross-sectional view showing the hinge contact portion of the shelf member in the closed state according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing a shelf member of the background art.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a method of installing a shelf member according to background art.

[0044] FIG. 11(A) is a bottom view illustrating a method of assembling a shelf member according to the background art.

[0045] FIG11(B) is an enlarged bottom view showing a method of installing a shelf member according to the background art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, a refrigerator 10 including a shelf member 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. In the following description, identical components are generally denoted by identical reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, while the terms "up, down, front, back, left, and right" are used as appropriate, left and right refer to the direction of viewing the refrigerator 10 from the front.

[0047] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the refrigerator 10 .

[0048] Refrigerator 10 includes an insulated housing 11 and storage compartments formed within the insulated housing 11. The storage compartments include a refrigerator compartment 12, a vegetable compartment 121, and a freezer compartment 13. The front opening of refrigerator compartment 12 is closed by a rotating insulated door 18, while the front opening of vegetable compartment 121 is closed by a retractable insulated door 19. Furthermore, the front opening of freezer compartment 13 is closed by retractable insulated doors 20 and 21.

[0049] Figure 2 1 is a side cross-sectional view of refrigerator 10. Referring to this figure, heat-insulating housing 11 is composed of outer shell 111, inner liner 112, and heat-insulating material 113. Outer shell 111 is composed of a steel plate bent into a predetermined shape. Inner liner 112 is disposed inside and separated from outer shell 111 and is composed of a synthetic resin board. Heat-insulating material 113 is filled between outer shell 111 and inner liner 112.

[0050] The storage compartment inside the insulated box 11 is divided, from the top, into a refrigerator compartment 12, a vegetable compartment 121, and a freezer compartment 13. The refrigerator compartment 12 is a storage compartment for fresh food, beverages, etc., kept in a refrigerated temperature range. The vegetable compartment 121 is a storage compartment for vegetables, fruits, etc., kept in a refrigerated temperature range. The freezer compartment 13 is a storage compartment for frozen food, ice, etc., kept in a refrigerated temperature range.

[0051] The interior of the refrigerator compartment 12 is divided vertically by a plurality of shelf members 30. Furthermore, a storage container 25 that can be pulled out in both directions is located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 12. Below the storage container 25, a storage container 26 that can be pulled out in both directions is located. The interior of the storage container 26 is used as a freezer for storing fish or meat, for example.

[0052] On the rear side of the freezer compartment 13, a cooling chamber 115 is formed, and an evaporator 116 is housed in the cooling chamber 115. Behind the lower end of the heat-insulating box body 11, a machine chamber 14 is formed, and a compressor 22 is arranged in the machine chamber 14. The evaporator 116 and the compressor 22, together with the expansion device and the condenser (not shown here), form a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle. In addition, an air supply path 118 is connected to the top of the cooling chamber 115. The air cooled by the evaporator 116 in the cooling chamber 115 is blown to the air supply path 118 by the air supply force of the blower (not shown here). The air cooled by the evaporator 116 is also blown to the freezer compartment 13 through an opening formed in front of the cooling chamber 115.

[0053] A defrost heater 117 is disposed within the cooling chamber 115 and below the evaporator 116. The defrost heater 117 generates heat when energized. During the defrosting process, the frost on the evaporator 116 is melted by the generated heat.

[0054] FIG3(A) is a perspective view of the shelf member 30 as viewed from above, and FIG3(B) is a perspective view of the shelf member 30 as viewed from below.

[0055] 3(A) , the shelf member 30 is disposed in the storage compartment of the refrigerator 10 and is used to store food and other items. The shelf member 30 includes a plate portion 31 and a frame portion 32 that supports the periphery of the plate portion 31 .

[0056] The plate portion 31 has an upper surface 311 and a lower surface 312. As the plate portion 31, for example, a substantially rectangular glass plate extending elongated in the left-right direction can be adopted.

[0057] The frame 32 primarily comprises a frame body 33, an upper surface contact portion 34 that contacts the periphery of the upper surface 311 of the plate 31, a lower surface contact portion 35 that contacts the periphery of the lower surface 312 of the plate 31 (see Figure 4), and a hinge contact portion 36 (see Figure 7). The frame 32 is made of a synthetic resin that deforms when the plate 31 is inserted into the frame 32. For example, injection-molded PP (polypropylene) can be used.

[0058] The frame body 33 includes a front frame portion 331, a rear frame portion 332, a left frame portion 333, and a right frame portion 334. The front frame portion 331 supports the front edge of the plate portion 31, the rear frame portion 332 supports the rear edge of the plate portion 31, the left frame portion 333 supports the left side of the plate portion 31, and the right frame portion 334 supports the right side of the plate portion 31.

[0059] The upper surface contact portion 34 includes a front upper surface contact portion 341, a rear upper surface contact portion 342, a left upper surface contact portion 343, and a right upper surface contact portion 344. Here, the front upper surface contact portion 341, the rear upper surface contact portion 342, the left upper surface contact portion 343, and the right upper surface contact portion 344 are continuous with each other.

[0060] The front upper surface abutting portion 341 extends rearward from the front frame portion 331 in an eave-like manner, pressing from above the vicinity of the front edge of the upper surface 311 of the plate portion 31. The rear upper surface abutting portion 342 extends forward from the rear frame portion 332 in an eave-like manner, pressing from above the vicinity of the rear edge of the upper surface 311 of the plate portion 31. The left upper surface abutting portion 343 extends rightward from the left frame portion 333 in an eave-like manner, pressing from above the vicinity of the left side of the upper surface 311 of the plate portion 31. The right upper surface abutting portion 344 extends leftward from the right frame portion 334 in an eave-like manner, pressing from above the vicinity of the right side of the upper surface 311 of the plate portion 31.

[0061] 3 (B), a left rail portion 38 is formed in the middle of the left frame portion 333. In addition, a right rail portion 37 is formed in the middle of the right upper surface abutment portion 344. The left rail portion 38 and the right rail portion 37 are rail-shaped members that are slidably received in the Figure 2 The inner container 112 is shown in a track groove formed in the side surface.

[0062] FIG4(A) is a perspective view of the frame portion 32 of the shelf member 30 as viewed from below. FIG4(B) is an enlarged perspective view of the region A enclosed by the dotted line in FIG4(A). FIG4(C) is an enlarged perspective view of the region B enclosed by the dotted line in FIG4(A). The plate portion 31 is not shown in the various views of FIG4.

[0063] Referring to Figure 4(A), the lower surface abutting portion 35 includes a front lower surface abutting portion 351, a rear lower surface abutting portion 352, a left lower surface abutting portion 353, and a right lower surface abutting portion 354. The front lower surface abutting portion 351 extends rearward from the front frame portion 331 in an eave-like manner, pressing from below the vicinity of the front edge of the lower surface 312 of the plate portion 31. The rear lower surface abutting portion 352 extends forward from the rear frame portion 332 in an eave-like manner, pressing from below the vicinity of the rear edge of the lower surface 312 of the plate portion 31. The left lower surface abutting portion 353 extends rightward from the left frame portion 333 in an eave-like manner, pressing from below the vicinity of the left side of the lower surface 312 of the plate portion 31. The right lower surface abutting portion 354 extends leftward from the right frame portion 334 in an eave-like manner, pressing from below the vicinity of the left side of the lower surface 312 of the plate portion 31.

[0064] Referring to Figure 4(B), the left lower surface abutment portion 353 is formed in the middle of the left frame portion 333. No lower surface abutment portion 353 is formed at the front and rear ends of the left frame portion 333. This is to allow for bending of the left frame portion 333 during the process of assembling the plate portion 31 into the frame portion 32, which will be described later. The left lower surface abutment portion 353 is formed below the left upper surface abutment portion 343, with the left side of the plate portion 31 being sandwiched between the left upper surface abutment portion 343 and the left lower surface abutment portion 353. Furthermore, the left rail portion 38 is formed continuously downward from the left lower surface abutment portion 353.

[0065] Referring to Figure 4(C), the rear lower surface abutment portion 352 is formed in the middle of the rear frame portion 332. No rear lower surface abutment portion 352 is formed at the left and right ends of the rear frame portion 332. This is to allow for bending of the rear frame portion 332 during the process of assembling the plate portion 31 into the frame portion 32, which will be described later. Furthermore, the rear lower surface abutment portion 352 is formed below the rear upper surface abutment portion 342, so that the rear side of the plate portion 31 is sandwiched between the rear upper surface abutment portion 342 and the rear lower surface abutment portion 352.

[0066] FIG5(A) is a perspective view of the shelf member 30 as viewed from below. FIG5(B) is an enlarged perspective view of the area C enclosed by the dotted line in FIG5(A). FIG5(C) is an enlarged perspective view of the area D enclosed by the dotted line in FIG5(A). The plate portion 31 is also not shown in the various views of FIG5.

[0067] Referring to Figure 5(B), the right lower surface abutment portion 354 is formed in the middle portion of the right frame portion 334. No right lower surface abutment portion 354 is formed at the front and rear ends of the right frame portion 334. The right lower surface abutment portion 354 is formed below the right upper surface abutment portion 344. The right side of the plate portion 31 is sandwiched between the right upper surface abutment portion 344 and the right lower surface abutment portion 354. Furthermore, the right rail portion 37 is formed continuously at the lower end of the right lower surface abutment portion 354.

[0068] Referring to Figure 5(C), the front lower surface abutment portion 351 is formed continuously from the left end to the right end of the front frame portion 331. This prevents the front frame portion 331 from significantly bending during the process of assembling the plate portion 31 into the frame portion 32, which will be described later. Therefore, the front lower surface abutment portion 351 can be formed continuously from the right end to the left end of the front frame portion 331. Furthermore, the front lower surface abutment portion 351 is formed below the front upper surface abutment portion 341, with the front side of the plate portion 31 being sandwiched between the front upper surface abutment portion 341 and the front lower surface abutment portion 351.

[0069] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a process of assembling the plate portion 31 into the frame portion 32 .

[0070] First, the operator inserts the plate portion 31 into the frame portion 32 from the rear. Here, the operator inserts the plate portion 31 into the frame portion 32 until the front edge of the plate portion 31 is sandwiched between the front upper surface abutment portion 341 and the front lower surface abutment portion 351. Simultaneously, the left side of the plate portion 31 is inserted between the left lower surface abutment portion 353 and the left upper surface abutment portion 343. Furthermore, the right side of the plate portion 31 is inserted between the right lower surface abutment portion 354 and the right upper surface abutment portion 344.

[0071] Next, the operator pulls the left-right middle portion of the rear frame 332 rearward. Because the frame 32 is made of a deformable synthetic resin, the rear frame 332 deforms so that it expands rearward. The deformed shape of the rear frame 332 is shown here with a dashed line. Furthermore, the operator pushes the rear frame 332 upward, causing the rear portions of the left and right frame portions 333 and 334 to bend upward. The deformed rear portions of the left and right frame portions 333 and 334 are shown here with dashed lines.

[0072] After deforming the frame portion 32 in this manner, the operator inserts the rear side edge of the plate portion 31 between the rear lower surface abutting portion 352 and the rear upper surface abutting portion 342. Thus, the plate portion 31 is incorporated into the frame portion 32.

[0073] Referring to Figure 7 , the rear corner of the plate portion 31 is then pressed by the hinge abutment 36. Figure 7(A) is a perspective view of the shelf member 30, Figure 7(B) is a perspective view of the hinge abutment 36 in the open state, and Figure 7(C) is a perspective view of the hinge abutment 36 in the closed state.

[0074] 7A , hinge contact portions 36 are formed at the rear left and right ends of the frame portion 32 . The hinge contact portions 36 are members that contact the lower surface 312 of the plate portion 31 at the corners of the frame portion 32 .

[0075] 7(B) , the hinge contact portion 36 includes a hinge body portion 364 , an engaged portion 361 , an engaging claw portion 362 , and a contact portion 363 .

[0076] Hinge body 364 is a generally rectangular member that is continuous with the right end of rear frame 332 via thin-walled portion 365. Thin-walled portion 365 is thinner than hinge body 364. Thin-walled portion 365 is shown here by a dotted line. As described later, hinge body 364 bends with thin-walled portion 365 serving as a fulcrum.

[0077] The engaged portion 361 is an opening formed in the rib 39 , and the rib 39 is arranged near the engaging claw portion 362 .

[0078] The engaging claw portion 362 is a claw-shaped portion that continuously extends from the end of the hinge body portion 364 toward the engaged portion 361 , and has a size that allows it to be inserted into the engaged portion 361 .

[0079] The abutment portion 363 is a plate-shaped portion extending forward from the hinge body 364. The abutment portion 363 is formed forward of the front end of the rear frame portion 332 to enable it to press against the plate portion 31. Furthermore, the leftward-facing main surface of the abutment portion 363 is an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the leftward-facing main surface of the hinge body 364. This ensures that when the hinge abutment portion 36 is in the closed position (described later), the leftward-facing main surface of the abutment portion 363 makes substantially parallel surface contact with the lower surface 312 of the plate portion 31.

[0080] 7C , when the operator tilts the hinge body 364 to the left, the engaging claw 362 formed at the end of the hinge body 364 engages with the engaged portion 361 , thereby pressing the lower surface 312 of the plate 31 with the contact portion 363 .

[0081] 7(A) , the above-described matters also apply to the hinge contact portion 36 formed at the rear left end of the frame portion 32 .

[0082] Referring to FIG8 , the structure of the hinge abutment portion 36 and other aspects will be further described. FIG8(A) is a bottom view showing the right rear end of the shelf member 30. FIG8(B) shows the hinge abutment portion 36 in an open state, and is a cross-sectional view taken along section line AA in FIG8(A). FIG8(C) is a cross-sectional view showing the hinge abutment portion 36 in a closed state, and is a cross-sectional view taken along section line AA in FIG8(A). FIG8(D) is a cross-sectional view showing the hinge abutment portion 36 in a closed state, and is a cross-sectional view taken along section line BB in FIG8(A).

[0083] 8(A) , as described above, in the closed state of the hinge abutment portion 36 , the abutment portion 363 of the hinge abutment portion 36 presses the right rear end portion of the lower surface 312 of the plate portion 31 .

[0084] Referring to Figure 8(B), when the hinge contact portion 36 is open, the hinge body 364 stands substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the rear frame portion 332. Furthermore, as described above, the engaging claw 362 is formed at the upper end of the hinge body 364. To ensure reliable engagement with the engaged portion 361, the engaging claw 362 faces downward and is tilted to the right.

[0085] 8C , the operator tilts the hinge body 364 to the left, whereby the engaging claw 362 is inserted into and engaged with the engaged portion 361. At this time, the hinge body 364 is tilted upward toward the left.

[0086] Referring to Figure 8(D), the abutment portion 363 is in surface contact with the lower surface 312 of the plate portion 31. This effectively presses the rear right end of the plate portion 31 with the rear upper surface abutment portion 342 and the abutment portion 363. This prevents the formation of a gap between the upper surface 311 of the plate portion 31 and the rear upper surface abutment portion 342 at the rear right end of the plate portion 31.

[0087] According to this embodiment, the main effects described below can be achieved.

[0088] 7(C) , in the shelf member 30 according to the present invention, the hinge abutting portion 36 abuts against the lower surface 312 of the plate portion 31 at the corner of the frame portion 32 , thereby suppressing the formation of a large gap between the upper surface 311 of the plate portion 31 and the frame portion 32 , thereby preventing the aesthetic appearance of the shelf member 30 from being reduced.

[0089] 7C , the engaging structure including the engaged portion 361 and the engaging claw portion 362 causes the abutting portion 363 to abut against the corner of the plate portion 31 , thereby preventing the corner of the plate portion 31 from floating away from the frame portion 32 .

[0090] 4 and 5 , the left lower surface abutment portion 353 and the right lower surface abutment portion 354 of the frame portion 32 abut against the left and right intermediate portions of the plate portion 31, respectively, thereby facilitating the insertion of the plate portion 31 into the frame portion 32. With this structure, there is a risk of gaps forming between the corners of the plate portion 31 and the frame portion 32. However, by pressing the corners of the frame portion 32 with the hinge abutment portion 36, the formation of such gaps can be suppressed.

[0091] Reference Figure 6 The frame portion 32 is made of synthetic resin, and thus, when the plate portion 31 is fitted into the frame portion 32 , the frame portion 32 is deformed, so that the plate portion 31 can be easily fitted into the frame portion 32 .

[0092] 7(A) , the hinge contact portion 36 is disposed at the rear corner, thereby preventing a gap from being formed between the rear corner of the plate portion 31 and the frame portion 32 .

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0094] 7(A) , in this embodiment, hinge abutment portions 36 are formed at the left rear end portion and the right rear end portion of the frame portion 32 . However, hinge abutment portions 36 may be formed at the four corners of the frame portion 32 .

Claims

1. A shelf member, which is arranged in a storage compartment of a refrigerator and is used to store stored items, characterized in that: comprising a plate portion and a frame portion supporting a peripheral edge of the plate portion, The plate portion has an upper surface and a lower surface, The frame portion includes a frame portion body, an upper surface contact portion contacting the upper surface of the plate portion, a lower surface contact portion contacting the lower surface of the plate portion, and a hinge contact portion. The hinge abutment portion abuts against the lower surface of the plate portion at a corner of the frame portion; Among them, the hinge abutment portion is continuous with the end of the rear frame portion via a thin-walled portion, the thickness of the thin-walled portion is thinner than that of the hinge main body, and the hinge main body is bent with the thin-walled portion as a fulcrum; the hinge abutment portion includes a clamped portion and a clamping claw portion, the clamped portion is an opening formed in the rib of the rear frame portion, and the clamping claw portion extends from the end of the hinge main body portion to the side of the clamped portion and can be inserted into the clamped portion for clamping.

2. The shelf member according to claim 1, wherein The hinge abutment portion has: a hinge body portion and an abutment portion; The engaging claw portion continuously extends from the hinge body portion toward the engaged portion; and The contact portion contacts the plate portion continuously from the hinge body portion.

3. The shelf member according to claim 1, wherein The lower surface abutting portion includes: a front lower surface abutting portion abutting against the front edge of the lower surface of the plate portion, a rear lower surface abutting portion abutting against the rear edge of the lower surface of the plate portion, a left lower surface abutting portion abutting against the left edge of the lower surface of the plate portion, and a right lower surface abutting portion abutting against the right edge of the lower surface of the plate portion. The left lower surface abutting portion abuts against the left middle portion of the lower surface of the plate portion, The right lower surface abutting portion abuts against a right middle portion of the lower surface of the plate portion.

4. The shelf member according to claim 1, wherein The plate portion is made of glass, The frame portion is made of synthetic resin.

5. The shelf member according to claim 1, wherein The hinge abutment portion is disposed at a rear corner.

6. The shelf member according to claim 2, characterized in that The contact portion is a plate-shaped portion that continues forward from the hinge body portion and is formed forward of the front end of the rear frame portion so as to press the plate portion.

7. The shelf member according to claim 6, characterized in that The main surface of the contact portion facing the other side of the frame body is an inclined surface inclined relative to the main surface of the hinge body facing the other side of the frame body.

8. The shelf member according to claim 2, wherein: The hinge contact portion is formed at least at the left rear end portion and the right rear end portion of the frame portion.

9. A refrigerator comprising a heat-insulating box body and a storage chamber formed inside the heat-insulating box body, wherein the shelf member according to claim 1 is disposed in the storage chamber.

Citation Information

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