Rack assembly and refrigerator
By designing a reversible shelf assembly and using a flat connecting rod structure to connect the shelf and the back plate, the problem of fixing the spacing between the shelf in the existing refrigerator is difficult to store items with higher heights, and the flexible use of shelf and effective utilization of vertical space is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421918486.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-08
AI Technical Summary
The spacing between existing refrigerator shelves is fixed, which is difficult to meet the user's need to store items with higher heights, and the shelves are difficult to disassemble and are easily lost.
A shelf assembly is designed, including a back plate, shelf and movable assembly. The shelf can be flipped to the position close to the back plate to release vertical space. The movable assembly connects the shelf and the back plate through a flat connecting rod structure to achieve stable support and flexible flip of the shelf.
It realizes flexible flip of shelves, frees up vertical space of refrigerators, meets users' needs to store items with higher heights, and simplifies the use and maintenance of shelves.
Smart Images
Figure CN222964271U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of refrigerator shelves, and more particularly, to a shelf assembly and a refrigerator. Background Art
[0002] A refrigerator is a household appliance used to store and keep items such as food and beverages refrigerated or frozen. A refrigerator usually includes multiple shelves, and items such as food can be placed on each shelf. The distance between two adjacent shelves is generally fixed, which is not convenient for placing too tall items. Summary of the Utility Model
[0003] This application provides a shelf assembly and a refrigerator, which can release the vertical space for users to store taller items.
[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a shelf assembly, including:
[0005] A back panel provided with a mounting groove;
[0006] A shelf having a flipping position and a storage position; and
[0007] An active component connecting the back panel and the shelf; wherein, in the storage position, the shelf is inserted into the mounting groove and horizontally arranged; in the flipping position, the shelf is separated from the mounting groove, and the active component can drive the shelf to rotate so that the shelf flips to be close to the back panel.
[0008] Optionally, the active component includes a planar link structure, and the planar link structure connects the side end of the shelf and the side end of the back panel.
[0009] Optionally, the planar link structure includes a first rod, a second rod, and a third rod. The two ends of the first rod are respectively hinged to the back panel and the shelf, the two ends of the second rod are respectively hinged to the back panel and the third rod, and the third rod is also hinged to the shelf; wherein, the hinge point of the first rod and the shelf is located on the side close to the back panel of the hinge point of the third rod and the shelf.
[0010] Optionally, the first rod is provided with a support and limit portion, and when the shelf is in the storage position, the second rod is supported on the support and limit portion.
[0011] Optionally, the support and limit portion is set to protrude locally from the rod body of the first rod.
[0012] Optionally, the planar link structure further includes a fourth rod, and the two ends of the fourth rod are respectively hinged to the first rod and the second rod.
[0013] Optionally, one end of the fourth rod is hinged to the rod body of the first rod, and the other end is hinged to the connection between the second rod and the third rod.
[0014] Optionally, the planar linkage structure further includes a fifth rod, which is slidably connected to the shelf. The first rod is indirectly hinged to the shelf by being hinged to the fifth rod, and the third rod is indirectly hinged to the shelf by being hinged to the fifth rod.
[0015] Optionally, the installation groove penetrates through the back plate along the thickness direction of the back plate.
[0016] In a second aspect, the present application provides a refrigerator, including:
[0017] The shelf assembly according to any one of the above.
[0018] The shelf assembly and the refrigerator provided by the present application have at least the following advantages:
[0019] The shelf has a storage position and a flipping position. When the shelf is in the storage position, the user can store items on the shelf to meet more storage needs. When the shelf is in the flipping position, the shelf releases the vertical space, that is, the space in the height direction of the refrigerator, which can meet the user's demand for vertical space and enable the user to store taller items. Description of the Drawings
[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the shelf assembly in the storage position shown in an embodiment;
[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the shelf assembly in the flipping position shown in an embodiment;
[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the back plate shown in an embodiment;
[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the connection between the first rod and the second rod shown in an embodiment;
[0024] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a partial enlarged schematic diagram of area B in
[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the shelf assembly in the storage position shown in another embodiment;
[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the shelf assembly in the flipping position shown in another embodiment;
[0027] Figure 8It is a schematic exploded view of the shelf and the fifth rod shown in an embodiment.
[0028] Explanation of reference numerals: 10, shelf; 11, sliding groove; 20, movable component; 20a, planar link structure; 21, first rod; 211, support and limit portion; 22, second rod; 23, third rod; 24, fourth rod; 25, fifth rod; 251, sliding strip; 30, back panel; 31, installation groove; 32, first rotating shaft; 33, second rotating shaft. Detailed implementation manners
[0029] Existing refrigerators generally include a refrigerator inner liner and a shelf. Multiple layers of supporting ribs are provided on two opposite side walls of the refrigerator inner liner, and a shelf can be placed on each layer of supporting ribs. Users can store items on the shelves at different heights. However, the distance between two adjacent shelves is fixed. Sometimes users need to refrigerate items with a relatively high height, and the distance between two adjacent shelves is not sufficient to meet the needs of users. At this time, users need to remove the shelf to meet the requirements. However, on the one hand, it is difficult to remove the shelf from the supporting ribs, and on the other hand, the removed shelf needs to be stored separately, occupying users' space and being easy to lose.
[0030] In view of this, the present application provides a shelf assembly and a refrigerator. The shelf assembly and the refrigerator will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Without conflict, the features in the following embodiments and implementation manners can be combined with each other.
[0031] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 It is a schematic structural view of the shelf assembly in the storage position shown in an embodiment; Figure 2 It is a schematic structural view of the shelf assembly in the flipped position shown in an embodiment. The present application embodiment provides a shelf assembly. When the shelf assembly is applied to a refrigerator, the shelf 10 can be flipped to the back side of the refrigerator, thereby releasing the vertical space of the refrigerator.
[0032] The shelf assembly includes a back panel 30, a shelf 10, and a movable component 20. The back panel 30 is provided with an installation groove 31. The shelf 10 has a flipped position and a storage position. The movable component 20 connects the back panel 30 and the shelf 10. Among them, when the shelf 10 is in the storage position, the shelf 10 is inserted into the installation groove 31; when the shelf 10 is in the flipped position, the shelf 10 is separated from the installation groove 31, and the movable component 20 can drive the shelf 10 to rotate, so that the shelf 10 is flipped to be close to the back panel 30.
[0033] Thus, when the rack 10 is in the storage position, the user can store items on the rack 10 to meet more storage needs. When the rack 10 is in the flip position, the rack 10 releases vertical space, that is, space in the height direction of the refrigerator, which can meet the user's demand for vertical space and allow the user to store taller items.
[0034] It should be noted that the vertical and height directions mentioned above and below in this article can refer to Figure 1 The length direction of the shelf can be referred to Figure 2 The X direction shown, the width direction can refer to Figure 2 The Y direction shown. The descriptions of directions in the subsequent embodiments can all refer to this explanation. In addition, the directions or positional relationships indicated by "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "side", etc. are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present application.
[0035] When the shelf assembly provided in this embodiment is used, the back plate 30 is vertically mounted on the refrigerator inner tank, and the back plate 30 is close to the rear wall of the refrigerator inner plate, and the shelf 10 is inserted into the mounting groove 31 of the back plate 30. When the user needs to release the space of the refrigerator storage room in the height direction, the shelf 10 can be separated from the mounting groove 31 to release the support relationship between the back plate 30 and the shelf 10, and then the shelf 10 can be turned over along the side close to the back plate 30 to make the shelf 10 close to the back plate 30 to release the vertical space of the refrigerator storage room.
[0036] In some embodiments, two movable components 20 may be provided, respectively located at the two ends of the rack 10 along the width direction. The two movable components 20 can provide a more stable support effect for the rack 10, making the rack 10 more stable during the flipping process. For the convenience of explaining the present application, the following embodiments only discuss one movable component 20, but the solution of the present application is not limited to one movable component 20.
[0037] In one embodiment, when the rack 10 is in the flipped position, the angle between the rack 10 and the back plate 30 is 0 to 30 degrees. That is, when the rack 10 is in the flipped position, the rack 10 can be set to be parallel to the back plate 30 or the angle between the rack 10 and the back plate 30 is less than 30 degrees. In this way, the rack 10 can release more vertical space and minimize the obstruction of the vertical space. For example, the angle between the rack 10 and the back plate 30 can refer to Figure 2 Angle A is shown, and angle A can be 0°, 5°, 10°, 20°, 30°, etc., but is not limited thereto.
[0038] Please refer toFigure 3 and in combination with Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of the backboard 30 shown in an embodiment. The installation groove 31 penetrates through the backboard 30 in the thickness direction of the backboard 30. When the storage rack 10 is in the storage position, the storage rack 10 can pass through the installation groove 31, so that the backboard 30 can more stably support the storage rack 10.
[0039] Please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3 , in an embodiment, the movable assembly 20 includes a planar link structure 20a, and the planar link structure 20a connects the side ends of the storage rack 10 and the backboard 30. On the one hand, compared with complex mechanical devices (such as robotic arms), the design and manufacturing costs of the planar link structure 20a may be lower, and it is easy to install and maintain, reducing the possibility of component failures and repairs. On the other hand, the planar link structure 20a can provide additional support and stability, ensuring that the storage rack 10 can safely support items or bear weights in both the storage position and the flipping position, avoiding unnecessary shaking or movement. Of course, in some other embodiments, the movable assembly 20 can also be structures such as a gear set, a robotic arm, etc., but not limited thereto.
[0040] In an embodiment, the planar link structure 20a includes a first rod 21, a second rod 22, and a third rod 23. Both ends of the first rod 21 are hinged to the backboard 30 and the storage rack 10 respectively. Both ends of the second rod 22 are hinged to the backboard 30 and the third rod 23 respectively. The third rod 23 is also hinged to the storage rack 10; wherein, the hinge point of the first rod 21 and the storage rack 10 is located on the side of the hinge point of the third rod 23 and the storage rack 10 close to the backboard 30. After being arranged in this way, during the flipping process of the storage rack 10, the hinge of the second rod 22 and the third rod 23 can provide more degrees of freedom, avoiding the storage rack 10 being restricted by the second rod 22 and the third rod 23 during the flipping process, so that the storage rack 10 can be smoothly flipped to the flipping position.
[0041] In an embodiment, a first rotating shaft 32 is provided at the upper end of the backboard 30, and the first rotating shaft 32 extends along the width direction of the backboard 30. Two second rotating shafts 33 are provided at the lower end, and the two second rotating shafts 33 are respectively arranged at both ends of the backboard 30 along the width direction. The first rod 21 is hinged to the backboard 30 through the first rotating shaft 32, and the second rod 22 is hinged to the backboard 30 through the second rotating shaft 33. Similarly, the first rod 21 and the storage rack 10, the second rod 22 and the third rod 23, and the third rod 23 and the storage rack 10 can all be hinged through rotating shafts. But not limited thereto. For example, in some other embodiments, the above-mentioned hinging methods can also be realized through hinges, universal joints, etc.
[0042] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4Schematic diagram of the connection structure of the first rod 21 and the second rod 22 shown in an embodiment; Figure 5 is Figure 4 Partial enlarged schematic diagram of area B in. In one embodiment, the first rod 21 is provided with a support and limit portion 211. When the shelf 10 is in the storage position, the second rod 22 is supported on the support and limit portion 211. In this way, the hinged second rod 22 and third rod 23 can also be used to support the shelf 10, making the shelf 10 more stable in carrying and storing items when in the storage position.
[0043] such as Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the support and limit portion 211 is provided to protrude locally from the rod body of the first rod 21, which can save the consumption of materials while providing support. Among them, the support and limit plate can be a block structure or a plate structure, but is not limited thereto.
[0044] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the shelf assembly in the storage position shown in another embodiment; Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the shelf assembly in the flipped position shown in another embodiment. In one embodiment, the planar link structure 20a further includes a fourth rod 24, and both ends of the fourth rod 24 are respectively hinged to the first rod 21 and the second rod 22. The addition of the fourth rod 24 further enhances the stability of the entire planar link structure 20a. Through the hinging of the fourth rod 24 with the first rod 21 and the second rod 22, more supports and rigid connections can be formed, effectively reducing the swaying and instability of the shelf 10 during movement and flipping.
[0045] such as Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, one end of the fourth rod 24 is hinged to the rod body of the first rod 21, and the other end is hinged to the connection point of the second rod 22 and the third rod 23. The hinging method of the fourth rod 24 enables it to provide additional support between the rod body of the first rod 21 and the hinge point of the second and third rods 23. Compared with the two ends of the fourth rod 24 being hinged to the ends of the above-mentioned rods, this layout effectively increases the stability of the entire structure, especially important when the shelf 10 needs to be frequently moved or carry heavy objects.
[0046] In one embodiment, the planar link structure 20a further includes a fifth rod 25. The fifth rod 25 is slidably connected to the shelf 10. The first rod 21 is indirectly hinged to the shelf 10 by being hinged to the fifth rod 25, and the third rod 23 is indirectly hinged to the shelf 10 by being hinged to the fifth rod 25. After being arranged in this way, when the shelf 10 is in the process of flipping or in the flipped position after flipping, the shelf 10 can adjust the connection positions with the first rod 21 and the third rod 23 by sliding with the fifth rod 25, so as to adjust the relative position with the back panel 30. This can prevent the shelf 10 from interfering with other structures in the refrigerator as much as possible when flipping, so that the shelf 10 can be smoothly rotated to the position of the back panel 30.
[0047] Wherein, the sliding connection manner between the fifth rod 25 and the shelf 10 may not be limited.
[0048] In one embodiment, one of the fifth rod 25 and the shelf 10 may be provided with a slider, and the other is provided with a sliding groove. The slider is slidably connected in the sliding groove so that the fifth rod 25 is slidably connected to the shelf 10.
[0049] As Figure 8 shown in the embodiment, Figure 8 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the shelf 10 and the fifth rod 25 shown in an embodiment. A sliding groove 11 is provided at the side end of the shelf 10. The sliding groove 11 extends along the length direction of the shelf 10. The fifth rod 25 is provided with a sliding strip 251. The sliding strip 251 extends along the length direction of the fifth rod 25. The sliding strip 251 is inserted into the sliding groove 11. Under the action of an external force, the sliding strip 251 can move along the sliding groove 11.
[0050] The embodiment of the present application further provides a refrigerator (not shown), including the shelf assembly described in any of the above embodiments or implementation manners. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator inner liner. The back panel 30 is vertically installed on the refrigerator inner liner and is close to the rear wall of the inner plate of the refrigerator. The shelf 10 is inserted into the installation groove 31 of the back panel 30. When the user needs to release the space in the height direction of the refrigerator storage compartment, the shelf 10 can be separated from the installation groove 31, the support relationship between the back panel 30 and the shelf 10 is released, and then the shelf 10 is flipped along the side close to the back panel 30 so that the shelf 10 is close to the back panel 30 to release the vertical space of the refrigerator storage compartment.
[0051] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.
Claims
1. A shelf assembly, characterized in that: include: A back panel having a mounting slot; A shelf having a flip position and a storage position; and A movable component connects the back panel and the shelf; wherein, when in the storage position, the shelf is inserted into the mounting groove and arranged horizontally; when in the flip position, the shelf is separated from the mounting groove, and the movable component can drive the shelf to rotate so that the shelf is flipped to be close to the back panel.
2. The rack assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable assembly includes a planar connecting rod structure, and the planar connecting rod structure connects the side end of the shelf and the side end of the back plate.
3. The rack assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The planar connecting rod structure includes a first rod, a second rod and a third rod, the two ends of the first rod are respectively hinged to the back plate and the shelf, the two ends of the second rod are respectively hinged to the back plate and the third rod, and the third rod is also hinged to the shelf; wherein the hinge point between the first rod and the shelf is located on the side of the hinge point between the third rod and the shelf close to the back plate.
4. The rack assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first rod is provided with a support and limit portion, and when the shelf is in the storage position, the second rod is supported on the support and limit portion.
5. The rack assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support and limiting portion is configured to protrude from a portion of the shaft of the first rod.
6. The rack assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The planar connecting rod structure further includes a fourth rod, and two ends of the fourth rod are respectively hinged to the first rod and the second rod.
7. The rack assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the fourth rod is hinged to the rod body of the first rod, and the other end is hinged to the connection between the second rod and the third rod.
8. The rack assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The planar connecting rod structure also includes a fifth rod, which is slidably connected to the shelf, the first rod is indirectly hinged to the shelf by being hinged to the fifth rod, and the third rod is indirectly hinged to the shelf by being hinged to the fifth rod.
9. The rack assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The mounting groove penetrates the back plate along the thickness direction of the back plate.
10. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A shelf assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.