Pull-out devices, refrigerators or freezers, and dishwashers

Abstract

A pull-out device (1, 1') includes a pull-out guide rail (2) and an adjustment device (5, 5'); the pull-out guide rail (2) includes at least two relatively movable tracks (3, 4); the adjustment device (5, 5') includes at least two mounting elements (6) that can be fixed to a wall (10, 10'), each mounting element (6) having a bracket (7) that can be adjusted perpendicular to the pull-out direction; wherein each bracket (7) can be locked to the corresponding mounting element (6) by a locking device, and the locking state of at least two brackets (7) can be released by an operating element (8, 8'); wherein the operating element (8, 8') can move in the pull-out direction or the opposite pull-out direction to release the locking device. This pull-out device enables convenient adjustment of the height of the pull-out guide rail (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pull-out device, which includes a pull-out guide rail and an adjustment device; the pull-out guide rail includes at least two relatively movable tracks; the adjustment device includes at least two mounting elements that can be fixed to a wall, each mounting element having a bracket that can be adjusted along a direction perpendicular to the pull-out direction; wherein each bracket can be locked to the corresponding mounting element by a locking device, and the locking state of at least two brackets can be released by an operating element; this invention also relates to refrigerators or freezers and dishwashers. Background Technology

[0002] CN218410437U discloses a refrigerator in which the guide rails of the shelves can be installed at different heights. An adjustment mechanism is provided for this purpose, through which the guide rails can be attached to vertical columns at different heights. However, this adjustment mechanism is unlocked by a button that can move towards the wall, which makes operation difficult, especially when items are placed on the shelves. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a pull-out device that allows for convenient adjustment of the height of the pull-out guide rail.

[0004] This objective is achieved by a pull-out device having the features of claim 1.

[0005] The pull-out device of the present invention includes a pull-out guide rail and an adjustment device. The pull-out guide rail comprises at least two relatively movable tracks. The adjustment device comprises at least two mounting elements that can be fixed to a wall, each mounting element having a bracket that can be adjusted perpendicular to the pull-out direction (especially vertically along the lower edge of the mounting position). Each bracket can be locked to the corresponding mounting element by a locking device, and the locking state of at least two brackets can be released by an operating element. The operating element can move in the pull-out direction or the reverse pull-out direction to release the locking device. This means that the locking state can be released first by moving the operating element in the pull-out direction or the reverse pull-out direction, and then the bracket can be moved to the desired position. This makes the adjustment operation more convenient because at least two locking structures on the mounting elements can be released, and then the adjustment can be completed by a single movement in the pull-out direction or the reverse pull-out direction.

[0006] Preferably, the operating element is configured such that its operating part protrudes from the pull-out guide rail in the pull-out direction. The operating part can then be grasped to release the locking device and moved in or against the pull-out direction to perform an adjustment operation. Therefore, the operating part is accessible from the front opening in the installed position. Optionally, the height of the pull-out guide rail relative to the operating part in different positions can also be detected by the operating part.

[0007] Each locking device preferably includes a latch, which is movably mounted on one of the mounting elements and can be inserted into one of a plurality of slots on a corresponding bracket. Therefore, the latch can be used to fix the bracket to the mounting element at a preset height. Each latch can be compressed to a locked position by a accumulator (preferably in the form of a spring or spring element), thereby releasing the locking action overcoming the force of the accumulator, and the accumulator fixing the locked position.

[0008] For easy adjustment, each bracket can be guided to move along a vertical guide rail on the mounting element. To this end, each mounting element can have two lateral strips that clamp one edge of the bracket. Alternatively, other linear guides, such as slots, elongated holes, or guide bars, can also be used.

[0009] To achieve a compact structure, the operating element may include a lever that can move in or against the direction of extension. Tension and pressure can be transmitted through the lever. The lever may, for example, have two drive units, each of which actuates one of the latches of the locking device. The latch may be fixed to the lever via a snap-fit ​​connection, allowing the latch to move with the lever through the snap-fit ​​connection to loosen or lock the bracket and mounting element.

[0010] In the alternative configuration, the operating element includes a rotating element connected to the two latches of the locking device via two levers. The rotating element can then be rotated by the operating element (e.g., a movable rod) to move the two levers, thereby disengaging the latches from the locked position. Here, the latches can also be slidably guided on the mounting element.

[0011] To achieve stable support for the pull-out guide rail, each bracket has an angular structure, and one leg is equipped with a support portion for supporting the fixed track of the pull-out guide rail. The other leg (especially the vertically arranged one) is slidably guided on the mounting element.

[0012] This pull-out device can be applied to furniture or household appliances. Preferably, the pull-out device is applied to a refrigerator or freezer, which includes a cabinet with at least one pull-out device arranged on the wall of the cabinet. In this case, only two mounting elements can be provided, which are fixed to the wall at a distance from each other. The two mounting elements are used to stably support the pull-out guide rail in both the retracted and extended positions, because gravity and upward forces can be absorbed by the overturning moment.

[0013] In refrigerators or freezers, it is preferable to install a pull-out device on each opposite wall of the cabinet, with the shelf supported on two movable rails. This allows the shelf to be adjusted in height along with the pull-out rails by releasing the locking devices on two opposite sides.

[0014] In another embodiment, the pull-out device of the present invention is applied to a dishwasher, wherein the pull-out device is arranged on at least one wall of the dishwasher's cabinet. Preferably, at least one pull-out device is fixed on each of the opposing walls. This allows the dish rack to be movably supported on the dishwasher's cabinet via at least one pull-out device. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to several embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1A and Figure 1B Two perspective views of the pull-out device of the present invention in different positions are shown; Figure 2 An exploded view of the pull-out device without shelves or walls is shown; Figures 3A to 3D Show Figure 2 Multiple views of the pull-out device during the adjustment process; Figure 4A and Figure 4B Two views are shown of the improved pull-out device in different positions; Figures 5A to 5D The following are multiple views of the pull-out guide rail shown in Figure 4 during the adjustment process; Figure 6A and Figure 6B Show Figure 4A The image shows two views of the pull-out device during the unlocking process; Figure 7 A perspective view of the operating elements of the pull-out device shown in Figure 4 is provided. Figure 8 An exploded view of the pull-out device shown in Figure 4 is shown. Figure 9 An exploded view of a portion of a dishwasher equipped with the pull-out device of the present invention is shown; Figure 10 Showing an assembled product with Figure 9 A perspective view of the dishwasher with the pull-out mechanism shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The pull-out device 1 is used for the sliding installation of the shelf 30, especially in household appliances such as refrigerators or freezers, and can also be used in furniture.

[0017] The pull-out device 1 includes a pull-out guide rail 2, which has at least two relatively movable rails 3 and 4, with an optional intermediate rail between the rails to extend the pull-out stroke. The fixed rail 3 is fixed to two spaced-apart brackets 7, and at least one movable rail 4 is movably mounted on the fixed rail or the intermediate rail by means of a rolling element.

[0018] Each pull-out device 1 also includes an adjustment device 5 for adjusting the height of the pull-out guide rail 2 on the wall 10. The adjustment device 5 has two mounting elements 6 spaced apart along the pull-out direction, which are fixed to the wall 10, for example, by fastening members or by conforming to the shape of the wall 10. Each mounting element 6 is supported by a vertically movable bracket 7. The bracket 7 can be locked to different positions on the mounting element 6 by a locking device. The locking state can be released by an operating element 8, which can move along the pull-out direction. The operating element 8 includes an operating part 9 that protrudes forward from the pull-out guide rail 2 in the retracted position. Figure 1A In the middle, shelf 30 is in a low position, in Figure 1B In the middle, shelf 30 is in a high position.

[0019] By pulling the operating part 9, the lever-shaped operating element 8 can move in the pulling direction, thereby causing the rotating element 12 to rotate. Two levers 13 are supported on the rotating element 12, and each lever is connected to the locking tongue 15 via a connector 14. By rotating the rotating element 12, the locking tongue 15 can move from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby achieving height adjustment.

[0020] Figure 2 An exploded view of the adjustment mechanism of the pull-out device 1 is shown. The fixed rail 3 of the pull-out guide rail 2 is fixed to the horizontal support leg 70 of the angle bracket 7. The angle bracket 7 has a vertical web 71, and grooves 72 are provided on opposite sides of the vertical web 71, into which the locking tongue 15 can be inserted. In the illustrated embodiment, only two grooves 72 are provided, but more grooves 72 can also be provided on the bracket 7.

[0021] The vertical web 71 is supported within a socket between two guide bars 60 of the mounting element 6, allowing for vertical movement. The guide bars 60 have an angular cross-section, each enclosing one edge of the vertical web 71. Two more guide bars 61 are also formed on the mounting element 6, with a locking tongue 15 movably guided between them. The locking tongue 15 is connected to one of the levers 13, the other end of which is connected to the rotating element 12. Each locking tongue 15 is biased to a locked position by a spring-type energy storage element via a connecting member 14.

[0022] The rotating element 12 is rotatably but immovably supported on the wall 10 by bearing element 17. The rotating element 12 has a socket 19 for coupling with an operating element 8, which is constructed as a rod and connected to the socket 19 via a pin 18. The operating element 8 is mounted on a guide 11, which can be mounted adjacent to the front of the shelf 30. The operating part 9 of the operating element 8 is guided through the guide 11, thereby pulling the operating part 9 rotates the rotating element 12, which in turn moves the two locking tongues 15 to the unlocked position via lever 13.

[0023] Figures 3A to 3DThe adjustment process of the pull-out device 1 is shown. Figure 3A In the middle, the pull-out guide rail 2 is in a high position, and the upper edge of the bracket 7 is basically flush with the mounting element 6. The bracket 7 is fixed by two locking tongues 15, each of which is engaged in the lower groove 72 of the bracket 7.

[0024] To adjust the equipment, such as Figure 3B As shown, the operating part 9 of the operating element 8 is pulled. Pulling the operating part 9 causes the rotating element 12 to rotate clockwise, which in turn pulls the two levers 13. Each lever moves the locking tongue 15 from the locked position to the unlocked position. In this position, the bracket 7 can move relative to the mounting element 6.

[0025] exist Figure 3C In the middle, the bracket 7 moves downward, while the operating element 8 remains in the unlocked position. After the operating part 9 is released, the force of the spring 16 causes the locking tongue 15 to insert into the nearest corresponding groove 72 on the bracket 7, and the lever 13 drives the rotating element to rotate counterclockwise until it reaches the desired position. Figure 3D The position shown. The pull-out guide rail 2 is again stably supported on the two mounting elements 6 by the bracket 7, and compared to Figure 3A It is at a low level.

[0026] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An improved pull-out device 1' is shown, which has some of the same components as the original pull-out device 1, and the same components are referred to by the same reference numerals. The difference of the pull-out device 1' is that it has an improved adjustment device 5', which includes two mounting elements 6, and a bracket 7 is vertically movable and guided on the mounting elements 6. Pull-out guide rails 2 (having multiple rails 3 and 4) are supported on the bracket 7. In the assembled state, the shelf 30 is supported on the two movable rails 4 of the two pull-out guide rails 2.

[0027] The adjustment device 5' includes an operating element 8', which is constructed as a rod and has an operating part 9'. The operating part 9' protrudes from the front end of the pull-out guide rail 2 in the retracted position along the pull-out direction. This makes the operating part 9' easy to grip even in the installed position. The locking device can be released by pressing the operating element 8' in the reverse pull-out direction via the operating part 9'. Optionally, other operating directions along the pull-out direction can be provided by changing the direction of movement of the locking tongue 15'.

[0028] exist Figure 4A In the middle, shelf 30 is shown in the raised position of the two pull-out guide rails 2. Figure 4B In the middle, the shelf 30 is lowered by the movable bracket 7. The adjustment process is achieved by the movement of the locking tongue 15', which can be moved by the operating element 8'. The operating element 8' is movably mounted on the guide element 20, which has a socket for the guide web 21 for connection with the operating element 8'.

[0029] Figures 5A to 5D Show Figure 4A and Figure 4B The adjustment process of the pull-out device 1' is shown. The pull-out guide rail 2 is in the high position, and the bracket 7 and mounting element 6 are set at approximately the same height. If adjustment is required, pressure is applied to the operating part 9', causing the operating element 8' to move in the reverse pull-out direction. This, in turn, moves the two locking tongues 15' in the reverse pull-out direction, thus disengaging them from the grooves 72 on the web plate 71. This releases the locking coupling between the mounting element 6 and the bracket 7, as shown... Figure 5B As shown. By decoupling the locking tongue 15' from the bracket 7, the pull-out guide rail 2 can be lowered, and the operating elements 8' of the two brackets 7 move downwards accordingly, as shown. Figure 5C As shown. If it is necessary to fix the pull-out guide rail 2 again, the operating part 9' can be loosened, so that the operating element 8' moves to the locking position under the force of the accumulator, and then the locking tongue 15' is inserted into the groove 72 on the bracket 7, as shown. Figure 5D As shown.

[0030] Details of the adjustment mechanism, such as Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown. In Figure 6A In the middle, the adjustment mechanism is in the locked position, and the pull-out guide rail is not shown on the bracket 7. The locking tongues 15' are respectively engaged in the grooves 72 on the bracket 7. If so Figure 6B As shown, when the operating element 8' is moved in the reverse pulling direction, both locking tongues 15' simultaneously move out of the groove 72, so that the bracket 7 can move vertically relative to the mounting element 6.

[0031] Figure 7 The operating element 8' is shown in detail. The operating element 8' includes a drive unit 23, which is either snapped onto or integrally formed with the operating element 8'. Additionally, two locking tongues 15' are fixed to or integrally formed with the operating element 8'. The operating element 8' is guided by the drive unit 23 in cooperation with the guide element 20, and compressed to the locked position by a accumulator in the form of a spring 22.

[0032] Figure 8 The adjustment mechanism is shown, wherein a guide element 20 is shown between two mounting elements 6. The guide element 20 includes two guide webs 21, and the drive unit 23 is guided by the two guide webs 21 in the pulling direction and the reverse pulling direction. Two energy storage members in the form of springs 22 are arranged between the guide element 20 and the drive unit 23, and the energy storage members compress the drive unit 23 to the locked position.

[0033] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the locking device is released by pressing (i.e., pressing the operating part 9'). Of course, if the locking tongue 15' is located on the opposite side of the bracket 7, the locking tongue 15' can also be released by pulling the operating element 8'.

[0034] Figure 9 Figure 4 to Figure 8 The pull-out device 1' shown is positioned before being installed on the dishwasher wall 10'. The dishwasher wall 10' may be made of, for example, an embossed metal sheet, to which the two mounting elements 6 of the pull-out device 1' are welded, bonded, or secured using mechanical fasteners. The pull-out device 1' includes a pull-out guide rail 2, the height of which can be adjusted via two brackets 7, as in the previous embodiment. The dish rack 40 can be fixed to the movable track 4 of the pull-out guide rail 2, and the dish rack 40 can be supported on the movable track 4 by at least one support rod 41 and a connecting device 42. Preferably, one pull-out device 1' is installed on each of the opposite sides of the dish rack 40 on the wall 10' to guide the dish rack 40 on the opposite sides.

[0035] Figure 10 The diagram shows a pull-out device 1' with a dish rack 40 in an assembled state. The dish rack 40 is movable relative to the dishwasher wall 10' via a pull-out guide rail 2. For height adjustment, the operating unit 9' moves the operating element 8' to adjust the two supports 7.

[0036] List of reference numerals 1.1' Pull-out device 2. Pull-out guide rails 3. Fixed track 4. Activity Track 5. Adjustment equipment 6 Mounting Components 7 supports 8, 8' Operating elements 9, 9' Operation Section 10, 10' wall 11 Guide components 12 Rotating elements 13 Leverage 14 Connectors 15' Locking Tongue 16 Springs 17 Bearing components 18 sales 19 sockets 20 Guide elements 21 Guide web 22 Springs 23 Drive Unit 30 shelves 40 bowls 41 struts 42 Connecting devices 60 guide strip 61 Guide bar 70 legs 71 Vertical web 72 Grooves

Claims

1. A pull-out device (1, 1'), comprising a pull-out guide rail (2) and an adjusting device (5, 5'); the pull-out guide rail (2) includes at least two relatively movable tracks (3, 4); the adjusting device (5, 5') includes at least two mounting elements (6) that can be fixed to a wall (10, 10'), each mounting element (6) being provided with a bracket (7) that can be adjusted perpendicular to the pull-out direction; wherein, Each bracket (7) can be locked to the corresponding mounting element (6) by a locking device, and the locking state of at least two of the brackets (7) can be released by an operating element (8, 8'); characterized in that the operating element (8, 8') can move in the pulling direction or the reverse pulling direction to release the locking device.

2. The pull-out device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the removal direction, the operating elements (8, 8') protrude from the pull-out guide rail (2) through the operating part (9, 9') in the retracted position.

3. The pull-out device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the locking devices includes a latch (15, 15') that is movable on one of the mounting elements (6) and can be inserted into one of the plurality of grooves (72) on the corresponding bracket (7).

4. The pull-out device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each latch (15, 15') is biased to the locked position by the accumulator (16, 22).

5. The pull-out device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each bracket (7) is movably guided along a vertical guide rail to be mounted on one of the mounting elements (6).

6. The pull-out device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating elements (8, 8') include a rod that can move in the extraction direction or the reverse extraction direction.

7. The pull-out device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rod body is provided with two drive units, each of which can move one of the locking tongues (15') of the locking device.

8. The pull-out device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The operating element (8) includes a rotating element (12), which is connected to the two locking tongues (15) of the locking device via two levers (13).

9. The pull-out device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each bracket (7) has an angular structure and a leg, on which a support portion is provided for supporting the fixed track (3) for supporting the pull-out guide rail (2).

10. A refrigerator or freezer, comprising a cabinet, wherein at least one pull-out device (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims is provided on the wall (10) of the cabinet.

11. The refrigerator or freezer according to claim 10, characterized in that, Two mounting elements (6) are provided, which are fixed to the wall (10) at intervals.

12. The refrigerator or freezer according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, Each of the two opposing walls (10) of the refrigerator or freezer is provided with a pull-out device (1, 1'), and the shelf (30) is supported on two movable tracks (4).

13. A dishwasher, comprising a cabinet, wherein at least one wall (10') of the cabinet is provided with a pull-out device (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. The dishwasher according to claim 13, characterized in that, The bowl basket (40) is movably supported on the pull-out guide rail (2).

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