Shelves and refrigerators

Abstract

The application relates to a shelf and a refrigerator, the shelf comprising a first shelf plate, a second shelf plate and a connecting piece, the connecting piece comprising a first connecting piece connecting the first shelf plate, a second connecting piece connecting the second shelf plate and an adjusting piece connecting the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece, when the shelf is in a folding process, the adjusting piece is deformed to make the first shelf plate rotate towards the second shelf plate. The shelf is folded and then turned over by using the gap between the shelf and the refrigerator door body, the shelf can be conveniently taken out, the shelf is more easily cleaned, maintained or replaced, and therefore the convenience of using the refrigerator is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration, and in particular to a shelf and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] In refrigerator design, a double-drawer layout in the refrigeration area is a common arrangement. However, the shelving between the drawers often becomes a difficult problem. This is especially true for ultra-thin built-in refrigerators. Because the door width is smaller than the inner liner width when opened, the shelves cannot be pulled out directly. Cleaning, repairing, or replacing the shelves often requires cumbersome steps, such as removing drawers and shelf trim. This complexity in assembling and disassembling shelves between the double drawers of built-in refrigerators significantly reduces user satisfaction and convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a shelf comprising: a first shelf, a second shelf, and a connector. The connector includes a first connector connecting the first shelf, a second connector connecting the second shelf, and an adjusting member connecting the first connector and the second connector. When the shelf is folded, the adjusting member deforms, causing the first shelf to rotate toward the second shelf.

[0004] Furthermore, the connector also includes a support member connecting the first connector and / or the second connector, the support member being used to restrict the first connector from rotating relative to the second connector in a first direction, the first direction being opposite to the folding direction of the shelf.

[0005] Furthermore, one end of the support member is connected to the first connector, and the other end protrudes from the first connector. When the shelf is in the unfolded state, the end protruding from the first connector abuts against the second connector. Alternatively, the support member includes a first support member and a second support member. One end of the first support member is connected to the first connector, and the other end protrudes from the first connector. One end of the second support member is connected to the second connector, and the other end protrudes from the second connector. When the shelf is in the unfolded state, the end protruding from the first connector abuts against the end protruding from the second connector.

[0006] Furthermore, when the shelf is in the unfolded state, the adjusting member, the supporting member, the first connecting member, and the second connecting member form a cavity.

[0007] Furthermore, the first connecting member includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the first shelf, the second connecting member includes a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the second shelf, the adjusting member connects the first end and the third end, and the supporting member connects the second end and / or the fourth end.

[0008] Furthermore, the cross-section of the adjusting element is trapezoidal.

[0009] Furthermore, the adjusting member, the first connecting member, and the second connecting member are integrally formed.

[0010] Furthermore, the first shelf has a first side near the second shelf, the second shelf has a second side near the first shelf, the first connector includes a first receiving groove to receive the first side, and the second connector includes a second receiving groove to receive the second side.

[0011] Furthermore, at least one of the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove is provided with anti-slip protrusions.

[0012] Furthermore, the lengths of the first connector, the second connector, the first side, and the second side are adapted.

[0013] This application also provides a refrigerator, which includes the aforementioned shelf.

[0014] Furthermore, the shelf is configured such that the direction of movement when the shelf is removed is perpendicular to the axis of rotation when the first connecting member rotates relative to the second connecting member.

[0015] This application relates to a storage shelf and a refrigerator. The storage shelf includes a first shelf, a second shelf, and a connector. The connector includes a first connector connecting the first shelf, a second connector connecting the second shelf, and an adjusting member connecting the first and second connectors. When the storage shelf is folded, the adjusting member deforms, causing the first shelf to rotate toward the second shelf. This allows the storage shelf to be folded and then flipped over using the gap between the storage shelf and the refrigerator door, making it easier to remove, clean, repair, or replace, thereby improving the convenience of using the refrigerator. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the refrigerator in this application;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall shelving unit in this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the shelf explosion in this application;

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of part A in the middle;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the folded state of the shelf in this application;

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of part B in the middle section;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a first-view schematic diagram of the connector in this application;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a second-view schematic diagram of the connector in this application.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0025] 100. Refrigerator; 1. Shelf; 11. First shelf; 12. Second shelf; 13. Connector; 131. First connector; 132. Second connector; 133. Adjustable part; 134. Support; 135. Cavity; 136. First receiving slot; 137. Second receiving slot; 138. Anti-slip protrusion; 139. Buffer protrusion; 14. Front decorative strip; 15. Rear decorative strip; 2. Drawer. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0027] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0028] In this disclosure, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "middle," "outer," "front," and "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for better description of the embodiments of this disclosure and their implementations, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to require them to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the aforementioned terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationship; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "set up," "connect," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0031] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0032] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0033] To provide a better understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and functions of this application, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0034] This application provides a shelf 1, including: a first shelf 11, a second shelf 12 and a connector 13. The connector 13 includes a first connector 131 connecting the first shelf 11, a second connector 132 connecting the second shelf 12 and an adjusting member 133 connecting the first connector 131 and the second connector 132. When the shelf 1 is in the folding process, the adjusting member 133 deforms, causing the first shelf 11 to rotate toward the second shelf 12.

[0035] The first connector 131 is firmly connected to the first shelf 11, and the second connector 132 is firmly connected to the second shelf 12. The first connector 131 and the second connector 132 provide fixation and support for the first shelf 11 and the second shelf 12.

[0036] The adjusting member 133 is connected to the first connecting member 131 and the second connecting member 132. When the shelf 1 needs to be folded, the adjusting member 133 deforms to allow the relative position between the first connecting member 131 and the second connecting member 132 to change, so that the first shelf 11 rotates toward the second shelf 12.

[0037] In this application, during the rotation of the first shelf 11 toward the second shelf 12, the first shelf 11 gradually approaches the second shelf 12 and eventually overlaps with the second shelf 12, thus achieving the folding of the shelf 1. That is, in this application, the angle range of the rotation of the first shelf 11 toward the second shelf is 0 degrees to 180 degrees. When the shelf 1 is needed, the adjusting member 133 is restored to its original deformation, thereby allowing the first shelf 11 and the second shelf 12 to return to their unfolded state.

[0038] The adjusting member 133 is made of an elastic material with deformation properties so that it can deform when the shelf 1 is folded, allowing the first shelf 11 to rotate toward the second shelf 12. Specifically, the deformation of the adjusting member 133 can be bending, twisting or other forms of deformation, and this deformation is reversible, so that the adjusting member 133 can return to its original shape when the shelf 1 is unfolded.

[0039] The connector 13 further includes a support 134 connecting the first connector 131 and / or the second connector 132. The support 134 is used to restrict the first connector 131 from rotating relative to the second connector 132 in a first direction, which is opposite to the folding direction of the shelf 1.

[0040] The support member 134 is connected to the first connector 131 and / or the second connector 132 by bolts, adhesive, welding or other fixing methods to limit the relative rotation between the first connector 131 and the second connector 132 in the first direction, and to prevent the shelf 1 from collapsing due to external factors such as load, vibration or collision when it is in the unfolded state.

[0041] One end of the support member 134 is connected to the first connector 131, and the other end protrudes from the first connector 131. When the shelf 1 is in the unfolded state, the end protruding from the first connector 131 abuts against the second connector 132. Alternatively, the support member 134 includes a first support member 134 and a second support member 134. One end of the first support member 134 is connected to the first connector 131, and the other end protrudes from the first connector 131. One end of the second support member 134 is connected to the second connector 132, and the other end protrudes from the second connector 132. When the shelf 1 is in the unfolded state, the end protruding from the first connector 131 abuts against the end protruding from the second connector 132.

[0042] In this application, the support member 134 can be configured as a single support structure or a double support structure.

[0043] The support member 134 is a single support structure. One end of the support member 134 is firmly connected to the first connector 131, and the other end of the support member 134 protrudes from the first connector 131 to form a support arm. When the shelf 1 is in the unfolded state, the end protruding from the first connector 131 abuts against the second connector 132 through a planar contact or a protrusion of a specific shape to form a stable support structure.

[0044] The support member 134 has a double-support structure. One end of the first support member 134 is connected to the first connector 131, and one end of the second support member 134 is connected to the second connector 132. The other ends of the first and second support members 134 protrude from the first and second connectors 131 and 132 respectively, forming a first support arm and a second support arm. When the shelf 1 is unfolded, the first and second support arms abut against each other, forming a stable supporting force. The abutting portion of the first and second support arms can adopt a planar contact, a combination of protrusions and grooves, or other specific shape designs to ensure the stability and reliability of the abutment.

[0045] When the shelf 1 is in the unfolded state, the adjusting member 133, the supporting member 134, the first connecting member 131, and the second connecting member 132 surround and form a cavity 135.

[0046] When the shelf 1 is unfolded, the adjusting member 133, the supporting member 134, the first connecting member 131 and the second connecting member 132 together form a closed or semi-closed cavity 135. The structure of the cavity 135 provides more design space for the folding mechanism of the shelf 1, allowing the adjusting member 133 to deform within the cavity 135, thereby allowing the relative position between the first connecting member 131 and the second connecting member 132 to change, thus realizing the folding of the shelf 1.

[0047] The cavity 135 can be a regular shape such as a rectangle or a circle, or it can be set to an irregular shape to meet different needs.

[0048] The first connector 131 includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the first shelf 1, the second connector 132 includes a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the second shelf 1, the adjusting member 133 connects the first end and the third end, and the supporting member 134 connects the second end and / or the fourth end.

[0049] The first connecting member 131 extends along the thickness direction of the first shelf 1 and has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The second connecting member 132 extends along the thickness direction of the second shelf 1 and has a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other. The adjusting member 133 connects the first end of the first connecting member 131 and the third section of the second connecting member 132 to connect and adjust the relative positions of the first shelf 11 and the second shelf 12; the adjusting member 133 allows the angle between the first shelf 11 and the second shelf 12 to be changed when needed. The support member 134 connects the second end and / or the fourth end to prevent the shelf 1 from rotating in the opposite direction of its folding direction when the shelf 1 is in the unfolded state, thereby stabilizing the shelf 1.

[0050] Specifically, when the shelf 1 is in the unfolded state, the support member 134 and the adjusting member 133 are arranged opposite to each other to form a stable support structure.

[0051] The adjusting component 133 has a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0052] Specifically, the adjusting member 133 is connected to the first end of the first connecting member 131 and the third end of the second connecting member 132. The distance between the first end and the third end gradually increases in the direction away from the cavity 135, so that the adjusting member 133 gradually increases in size in the direction away from the cavity 135, forming a trapezoidal structure.

[0053] The trapezoidal structure formed by the adjusting member 133 increases the frictional contact length of the connection interface between the adjusting member 133 and the first connecting member 131 and the second connecting member 132. The increase in the contact area reduces the force per unit area, thereby improving the connection stability between the adjusting member 133 and the first connecting member 131 and the second connecting member 132.

[0054] In this application, the adjusting member 133, the first connecting member 131 and the second connecting member 132 are integrally formed.

[0055] Adjusting component 133, first connecting component 131, and second connecting component 132 are integrally formed through processes such as co-extrusion, injection molding, die casting, or 3D printing, creating an inseparable whole structure. The integrally formed structure provides stable damping feedback through material and structural continuity, avoiding the adjustment control failure that may occur in a split structure.

[0056] In this application, the first connector 131 and the second connector 132 are made of ABS material, and the adjusting component 133 is made of TPU material. Of course, other materials with similar functions can also be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific restrictions.

[0057] The first shelf 11 has a first side near the second shelf 12, the second shelf 12 has a second side near the first shelf 11, the first connector 131 includes a first receiving groove 136 to receive the first side; the second connector 132 includes a second receiving groove 137 to receive the second side.

[0058] The first connector 131 and the second connector 132 are respectively provided with a first receiving groove 136 and a second receiving groove 137. The first receiving groove 136 and the second receiving groove 137 are arranged opposite to each other, and the opening of the first receiving groove 136 and the opening of the second receiving groove 137 face opposite directions, so as to achieve the effect of stable connection between the first shelf 11 and the second shelf 12 through the connector 13.

[0059] At least one of the first receiving groove 136 and the second receiving groove 137 is provided with anti-slip protrusions 138.

[0060] Anti-slip protrusions 138 are provided in the first receiving groove 136 and / or the second receiving groove 137. The specific structure of the anti-slip protrusions 138 is not specifically limited in this application. They can be multiple protrusions, anti-slip strips, or other anti-slip structures that can increase friction, so as to increase the friction between the first receiving groove 136 and / or the second receiving groove 137 and the first shelf 11 or the second shelf 12, and enhance the connection stability between the first shelf 11, the connector 13 and the second shelf 12.

[0061] In other alternative embodiments, a buffer protrusion 139 is also provided in the second receiving groove 137. The buffer protrusion 139 is provided in the second receiving groove 137 and is adapted to the thickness of the second shelf 12. When the second shelf 12 is subjected to a force toward the first shelf 11, the buffer protrusion 139 plays a buffering role on the second shelf 12 to move away from the first shelf 11.

[0062] The lengths of the first connector 131, the second connector 132, the first side, and the second side are adapted. That is, the lengths of the first connector 131, the second connector 132, the first side, and the second side are the same or substantially the same. The first connector 131 almost completely covers the entire length of the first side, and the second connector 132 almost completely covers the entire length of the second side, to increase the connection stability between the first shelf 11, the connector 13, and the second shelf 12.

[0063] The first shelf 11 has a front decorative strip 14 on its side away from the connector 13. The second shelf 12 has a rear decorative strip 15 on its side wall away from the connector 13; specifically, when the shelf 1 is placed inside the refrigerator 100, the rear decorative strip 15 is close to the rear side wall of the refrigerator 100's inner liner, and the front decorative strip 14 is close to the refrigerator 100's door.

[0064] This application also provides a refrigerator 100, which includes the shelf 1 described above.

[0065] In an optional embodiment, the refrigerator 100 is a built-in refrigerator 100. Due to limited space, when the door of the built-in refrigerator is opened, the width of the opening at the door is smaller than the width of the inner liner, that is, smaller than the length of the front trim strip of the shelf.

[0066] In other alternative embodiments, the shelf 1 is disposed between the upper and lower drawers 2.

[0067] The shelf 1 installed inside the refrigerator 100 is configured such that the direction of movement of the shelf 1 when it is taken out is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first connecting member 131 relative to the second connecting member 132. That is, when the shelf 1 is placed inside the refrigerator 100, the axis of rotation of the first connecting member 131 relative to the second connecting member 132 is parallel to the rear side wall of the refrigerator 100.

[0068] In the internal structure of the built-in refrigerator 100, there is a narrow space between the front decorative strip 14 of the shelf 1 and the door of the refrigerator 100. When it is necessary to remove the shelf 1 from the built-in refrigerator 100, the first shelf 11 is pulled and rotated toward the second shelf 12, and finally the second shelf 12 is pulled out. The first shelf 11 and the second shelf 12 are in the same narrow space. The shelf 1 is rotated in the narrow space so that its long side and short side are interchanged, so that the shelf 1 can be easily removed from the opening of the refrigerator 100. Generally speaking, the side parallel to the rotation axis is the long side of the shelf 1, and the side perpendicular to the rotation axis is the short side of the shelf 1.

[0069] This application relates to a shelf 1 and a refrigerator 100. The shelf 1 includes a first shelf 11, a second shelf 12, and a connector 13. The connector 13 includes a first connector 131 connecting the first shelf 11, a second connector 132 connecting the second shelf 12, and an adjusting member 133 connecting the first connector 131 and the second connector 132. When the shelf 1 is folded, the adjusting member 133 deforms, causing the first shelf 11 to rotate toward the second shelf 12. This allows the shelf 1 to be folded and then flipped over using the gap between the shelf 1 and the refrigerator 100 door, making it easier to remove the shelf 1 and facilitating easier cleaning, maintenance, or replacement, thereby improving the convenience of using the refrigerator 100.

[0070] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "specifically," or "optional embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0071] This application has been described with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments; however, the above embodiments are merely examples for implementing this application. It must be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. On the contrary, any modifications and refinements made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application are within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. A shelf, characterized in that, include: The first shelf (11), the second shelf (12), and the connector (13) are provided. The connector (13) includes a first connector (131) connecting the first shelf (11), a second connector (132) connecting the second shelf (12), and an adjusting member (133) connecting the first connector (131) and the second connector (132). When the shelf (1) is folded, the adjusting member (133) deforms, causing the first shelf (11) to rotate toward the second shelf (12).

2. The shelf according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (13) further includes a support (134) connecting the first connector (131) and / or the second connector (132), the support (134) being used to restrict the first connector (131) from rotating relative to the second connector (132) in a first direction, the first direction being opposite to the folding direction of the shelf (1).

3. The shelf according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the support member (134) is connected to the first connector (131), and the other end protrudes from the first connector (131). When the shelf (1) is in the unfolded state, the end protruding from the first connector (131) abuts against the second connector (132); or, the support member (134) includes a first support member (134) and a second support member (134). One end of the first support member (134) is connected to the first connector (131), and the other end protrudes from the first connector (131). One end of the second support member (134) is connected to the second connector (132), and the other end protrudes from the second connector (132). When the shelf (1) is in the unfolded state, the end protruding from the first connector (131) abuts against the end protruding from the second connector (132).

4. The shelf according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the shelf (1) is in the unfolded state, the adjusting member (133), the supporting member (134), the first connecting member (131), and the second connecting member (132) surround and form a cavity (135).

5. The shelf according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connector (131) includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the first shelf (1), the second connector (132) includes a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the second shelf (1), the adjusting member (133) connects the first end and the third end, and the supporting member (134) connects the second end and / or the fourth end.

6. The shelf according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment component (133) has a trapezoidal cross-section.

7. The shelf according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting member (133), the first connecting member (131), and the second connecting member (132) are integrally formed.

8. The shelf according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first shelf (11) has a first side near the second shelf (12), the second shelf (12) has a second side near the first shelf (11), the first connector (131) includes a first receiving groove (136) to receive the first side; the second connector (132) includes a second receiving groove (137) to receive the second side.

9. The shelf according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one of the first receiving groove (136) and the second receiving groove (137) is provided with anti-slip protrusions (138).

10. The shelf according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lengths of the first connector (131), the second connector (132), the first side and the second side are adapted.

11. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator (100) includes a shelf (1) as described in any one of claims 1-10.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, characterized in that, The shelf (1) is configured such that the direction of movement when the shelf (1) is removed is perpendicular to the axis of rotation when the first connector (131) rotates relative to the second connector (132).

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