Shelf for storage and household refrigeration equipment
By printing edge protection elements non-removably on the edges of the shelves in household refrigeration equipment, the problem of numerous and easily damaged shelf components is solved, achieving stability and durability of the shelves in different environments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202390000524.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-08-16
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2033-07-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing household refrigeration equipment has a large number of storage shelf components that are prone to damage under different environmental conditions. Improvements are needed to reduce the number of components and provide effective protection.
Non-removable edge protection elements are formed on the edges of the shelf through processes such as printing, pad printing, and digital printing, combining different materials and designs to provide scratch-resistant, weather-resistant, and resilient protection.
It reduces the number of shelf components, provides stability and durability under different environmental conditions, avoids positional tolerances and assembly work, and achieves precise edge positioning and high wear resistance.
Smart Images
Figure CN223741090U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] One aspect of this invention relates to a storage shelf for use in a household refrigeration appliance. Another aspect of this invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance having at least one such shelf. Background Technology
[0002] Shelves used for storage in household refrigeration equipment come in many different forms. These shelves can be partitions or grid bottoms. They are typically removable and placed horizontally in the receiving space of the household refrigeration equipment. Such shelves have edges. In this case, known shelves have individual tracks arranged on these edges. Utility Model Content
[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a storage shelf for use in household refrigeration equipment, which reduces the number of components and provides partial protection for the substrate.
[0004] The task is solved by the shelf and household refrigeration equipment described in this utility model.
[0005] One aspect of this utility model relates to a storage shelf for use in household refrigeration equipment. The shelf has a substrate. The substrate has edges. These edges are formed, in particular, by narrow circumferential sides of the substrate. Edge protection elements are arranged at least regionally on the edges. The edge protection elements are non-removably arranged on the edges. Furthermore, the edge protection elements are also printed on the edges. Therefore, the edge protection elements cannot be separated from the edges without being damaged. Therefore, they cannot be reversibly removed and reinstalled. This saves assembly work. Positional tolerances can also be avoided. In this case, the edge protection elements can also be permanently and precisely positioned on the edges. Since the edge protection elements are printed, in one embodiment, the specific application or placement of the edge protection elements on the edges is formed in a particularly advantageous manner. Edge protection elements produced on the edges by the printing process can be produced in a specific and precise shape. Furthermore, printing allows the edge protection elements to be permanently and stably fixed on the edges. By using the printing process, the final shape of the edge protection elements is produced only during the manufacturing process itself. Therefore, in principle, the shape of the edge protection element is only formed when the printing material is applied. This is especially true when the shelf is placed in a receiving space, where it is exposed to very different environmental conditions. It may be placed in a refrigerator or freezer compartment, thus exposing the shelf to very different temperatures. If the shelf is removed from the receiving space, it is typically exposed to environmental conditions such as room temperature. In this case, a printed edge protection element is particularly advantageous because it takes into account these different aspects with low abrasion. Therefore, a printed edge protection element is a very advantageous edge protection element, as it can be non-removably mounted on the edge. Furthermore, through the printing process, edge protection elements can be produced in a variety of variations not only in terms of material but also in terms of specific shapes.
[0006] In one embodiment, the edge protection element is at least regionally a screen-printed edge protection element. In the screen printing process, a mesh is preferably applied to a screen by exposure. The screen is then preferably colored and applied to the part in the next manufacturing step, in this example, to the edges of the substrate. This process allows for high-precision planar and dot-matrix printing. Both flat and uneven surfaces can be printed. Screen-printed edge protection elements have strong UV resistance. Furthermore, they exhibit high scratch resistance. The screen printing process allows for a variety of material and structural designs for the edge protection element. It can achieve both high color coverage and ceramic surface appearance.
[0007] In one embodiment, the edge protection element is at least regionally a pad-printed edge protection element. Pad printing is an indirect printing process. For example, a flexible mold, such as a rubber mold, can be provided, which can remove ink from a printing die and then transfer it to the area to be printed. The advantage of this process is that the mold adapts well to the shape of the object to be printed. Therefore, curved and highly deformable surfaces can be printed with great precision. Furthermore, a variety of different materials can be used. At least for the surface of the edge protection element, there can also be a variety of shades and visual appearance variations.
[0008] In one embodiment, the edge protection element is at least regionally digitally printed. Such a printing process can also achieve several variations. For example, digital printing can also use UV inks (ultraviolet inks). In digital printing, the substrate material (e.g., glass) is heated, and then a so-called primer is applied. This allows for better material adhesion. The material, especially the color, of the edge protection element is applied through a specific printhead. In one embodiment, it is then cured, particularly by means of ultraviolet radiation. The main advantage of this variation is the wide color range, which can be customized in a common working step.
[0009] Digital printing can also be performed using ceramic inks or regular inks. In this case, the ink is applied using a printhead. Heating causes the ink to fuse with the substrate material (especially glass). In this embodiment, the edge protection element can achieve very high scratch resistance. Furthermore, exceptionally high acid and UV resistance can be achieved. Additionally, exceptionally high weather resistance can also be achieved.
[0010] In one embodiment, the edge protection element has a curved, particularly convex, front side. This creates a cornerless profile in the exposed area, i.e., on the front side. This avoids unwanted edges or similar features, thus preventing undesirable impacts on these edges. Furthermore, this shape of the front side allows for a smooth transition with the upper and / or lower sides of the substrate.
[0011] In one embodiment, the height of the edge protection element is the same as the height of the edge. Therefore, in this embodiment, the height of the edge protection element is specifically the same as the edge. This prevents the edge protection element from protruding upwards and / or downwards from the edge. This allows the edge protection element to transition very continuously to the upper and / or lower sides of the substrate. This avoids offsets or stepped transitions to the upper and / or lower sides. This better prevents dirt from accumulating at such discontinuous transitions.
[0012] In one embodiment, the edge protection element may have a metallic or ceramic appearance. This results in the optical appearance of either a metallic or ceramic edge protection element. In this respect, the material can be selected accordingly, although it is generally not formed of a metallic or ceramic-metallic material.
[0013] In one embodiment, the edge protection element is at least regionally elastic, particularly soft-elastic. This means that the edge protection element has inherent elasticity after it has been shaped. This makes it possible for a certain amount of elastic deformation to occur, for example, when an object impacts the edge protection element. Thus, when subjected to such a force, the edge protection element will yield to a certain extent. This avoids unnecessary plastic deformation and permanent deformation. Therefore, the edge protection element also functions to some extent as a damping element, which can dampen the applied force without transferring the force almost entirely to the substrate. This elasticity is formed in such a way that a maximum deformation of 0.5 mm can be produced, particularly in the direction perpendicular to the edge. This can be understood as a value that would occur under normal forces, such as when colliding with a storage container, or during routine movement of placing or removing a container from a receiving space. Therefore, no deformation will occur when a large force is applied, such as when falling from a height or when the edge protection element is deliberately and violently impacted by an object.
[0014] In one embodiment, the edge protection element has damping characteristics, especially elastic damping characteristics.
[0015] In one embodiment, the substrate is made of glass. In particular, it can be made of real glass. Therefore, with such a material design, combined with edge protection elements that are at least partially opaque, a shelf can be designed in which the edge protection elements are arranged non-removably without damage and are visually distinct from the substrate. Thus, the edge protection elements can also serve as a visual boundary frame.
[0016] The edge protection element is preferably formed at least on the front edge when viewed along the depth direction. However, it may also be formed on the rear edge and / or side edge of the substrate.
[0017] In one embodiment, the shelf is a grid base plate. As described above, this grid base plate is therefore also provided in a manner that reduces the number of parts and features a personalized design with edge protection elements.
[0018] Another aspect of this invention relates to a storage shelf for use in household refrigeration equipment. The shelf has a substrate with edges. Edge protection elements are arranged at least regionally on the edges. These edge protection elements are non-removably arranged on the edges and form a soft, resilient edge protection element. Advantages achievable in this respect have been mentioned above. For example, the soft, resilient edge protection element can be a printed edge protection element. However, it can also be an enamel-based edge protection element. It is then applied to the edges using an enamel process. For example, a film, panel, metal, or plastic can be applied to the edges using an enamel process. Organic materials can be applied in particular. In a next step, this material (e.g., ink) is baked at a high temperature of approximately 800°C, thereby creating a strong, non-removable bond. A general advantage of this enamel process is that the surface is well protected against corrosion, oxidation, or abrasion. Furthermore, sliding characteristics and insulation properties are improved, and the heat resistance, acid resistance, and alkali resistance of the components are also very high.
[0019] In the production process, the enamel firing process can be combined with the curing process of the substrate glass. Using safety glass as the glass material is particularly advantageous. Enameling also provides high impact protection for the edges. This allows for a very seamless and easy-to-clean connection.
[0020] Another embodiment of edge protection elements, particularly soft and flexible edge protection elements, is a hot stamping edge protection element. In this embodiment, the material of the edge protection element is applied using a hot stamping process. An embossing die or roller can be used to press a decorative film onto the edge. The material and visual appearance of this decorative film can be very diverse. Therefore, hot stamping offers a high degree of flexibility in terms of material, pattern, and color. Furthermore, it can produce very precise and high-quality edge protection elements.
[0021] In another embodiment, the edge protection element, particularly a soft, resilient edge protection element, can be a laminated edge protection element. In this embodiment, the material of the edge protection element is applied by means of lamination. Cold lamination or hot lamination can be used here. Films, plastic strips, metal sheets, panels, or the like are all installed with a corresponding adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is applied to the edge by means of pressure and heat. The adhesive strength is increased by means of temperature. This also achieves a very high scratch resistance. In this case, real materials such as wood or metal can also be used.
[0022] In another embodiment, the edge protection element, particularly a soft, flexible edge protection element, can be a varnish-based edge protection element. In this embodiment, the material is applied via a varnishing process. Here, a high degree of customization can be achieved due to the use of a suitable varnish mixture.
[0023] UV varnish can be used here. Furthermore, the varnish can be cured using ultraviolet light. This results in very fast curing, strong corrosion resistance, and a very hard surface. A 2K-varnish process (two-component) can also be used. In this process, the hardener is added directly before spraying, and the varnish cures particularly well.
[0024] It can also be powder coated or powder varnished.
[0025] Another possibility for producing edge protection elements, especially soft and flexible edge protection elements, is through etching, sandblasting, polishing, and laser processing. Flocking can also be used to produce such edge protection elements. Thus, the edge protection element is a flocked edge protection element.
[0026] It is particularly advantageous to design edge protection elements, especially soft, elastic edge protection elements, such as rubber-edge protection elements. During the adhesive application process, an elastic rubber layer is applied to the carrier material and vulcanized. For this, the adhesive is first applied to the cleaned and roughened edges, for example, by coating, spraying, dipping, filling, or covering with a rubber sheet. After the rubber layer dries, it is vulcanized in hot air or saturated steam at approximately 130°C. This also provides very high impact resistance, high corrosion protection, and special protection against oils, greases, waxes, acids, and alkalis. High abrasion resistance and ductility of the surface are achieved here.
[0027] In other embodiments, the edge protection element is also non-removably arranged on the edge.
[0028] Another aspect of this invention relates to a household refrigeration device with a food receiving space. This household refrigeration device includes at least one shelf as described in the foregoing aspects or advantageous embodiments thereof. The shelf is arranged in the receiving space in a manner that prevents non-destructive disassembly.
[0029] Another aspect of this invention relates to a method for manufacturing a storage shelf for use in household refrigeration equipment, in which edge protection elements are non-removably disposed on at least a portion of the edge of the shelf substrate. In particular, such edge protection elements are printed onto the edge using a printing process.
[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the edge protection element is non-removably formed on the edge as a soft, resilient edge protection element.
[0031] Advantageous embodiments of the shelf according to this invention should be considered advantageous embodiments of the method. In particular, the method steps herein relate to the geometric fabrication of edge protection elements, as described in the embodiments above.
[0032] Furthermore, the advantageous embodiments described above for the shelf according to the first independent aspect can also be regarded as advantageous embodiments for other independent aspects, wherein the edge protection element is produced as a soft and elastic edge protection element.
[0033] "Up", "Down", "Front", "Back", "Horizontal", "Vertical", "Depth", "Width", and "Height" indicate the position and orientation of shelves or household refrigeration equipment when used and positioned in accordance with regulations.
[0034] Other features of this utility model are derived from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. Features and combinations of features mentioned in the foregoing description, as well as features and combinations of features mentioned in the following description of the drawings, and / or features and combinations of features shown individually in the figures, can be used not only in the combinations shown, but also in other combinations or individually without departing from the scope of this utility model. Therefore, embodiments not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which arise from the explained embodiments and can be generated by individual combinations of features, should also be considered as embodiments included and disclosed by this utility model. This utility model also discloses some embodiments and combinations of features, but these embodiments and combinations of features do not possess all the features of the initially proposed independent claims. Attached Figure Description
[0035] The embodiments of this utility model are explained in more detail below with the aid of schematic diagrams. In the accompanying drawings:
[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a household refrigeration device with a shelf according to the present invention is provided.
[0037] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a portion of an embodiment of the shelf according to the present invention; and
[0038] Figure 3 With different Figure 2 Angle shown Figure 2 The diagram in the image. Detailed Implementation
[0039] In the figure, the same or functionally identical elements are given the same reference numerals.
[0040] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of a household refrigeration device 1. This household refrigeration device 1 is designed for storing and preserving food. The household refrigeration device 1 can be a refrigerator or freezer, or a refrigerator-freezer combination unit.
[0041] The household refrigeration appliance 1 has a housing 2. At least one receiving space 3 for food is formed within the housing 2. The receiving space 3 can be a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment. Furthermore, the household refrigeration appliance 1 also has a door 4. The door 4 is used to close the receiving space 3 from the front. Additionally, the household refrigeration appliance 1 has at least one shelf 5. The shelf 5 can be a partition wall or a grid base plate. It is arranged horizontally in the receiving space 3. The shelf 5 has a base plate 6. The base plate can be made of glass, for example. The base plate 6 can be designed as a quadrilateral. The base plate can be particularly designed as a rectangle. The base plate 6 has edges 7. Edge protection elements 8 are formed at least regionally on the edges 7. The edge protection elements 8 are non-removably arranged on the edges 7. The edge protection elements 8 are particularly formed as printed edge protection elements 8. For example, it can be a screen-printed edge protection element, a pad-printed edge protection element, or a digitally printed edge protection element. In the embodiment shown here, at least one edge located at the front when viewed from the depth direction (z-direction) can have such an edge protection element 8 that cannot be removed without damage. The edge protection element 8 is preferably sized to cover the entire surface of the edge 7, particularly at least the front edge 7.
[0042] In one embodiment, the edge protection element 8 has the same height as the edge 7 in the height direction (Y direction). The edge protection element 8 may be configured to be at least regionally flexible.
[0043] exist Figure 2 A portion of an embodiment of the shelf 5 is shown. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the front side 8a has a non-angular and uneven profile in cross-section. Specifically, a convex bend is formed in the front side 8a. Furthermore, it can be seen that in one embodiment, the edge protection element 8 transitions flush with the upper side 6a of the substrate 6. Alternatively, the edge protection element 8 may also transition flush with the lower side 6b of the substrate 6.
[0044] exist Figure 3 China and Israel Figure 2 Different angles show one embodiment of the shelf 5. Here, edge protection elements 8 can also be formed on at least one side edge 9.
[0045] List of reference numerals
[0046] 1 Household refrigeration equipment
[0047] 2 shells
[0048] 3 receiving space
[0049] 4 doors
[0050] 5 shelves
[0051] 6 substrates
[0052] 6a upper side
[0053] 6b lower side
[0054] 7 edges
[0055] 8-edge protection element
[0056] 8a front side
[0057] 9-sided edge
[0058] x-width direction
[0059] y-axis
[0060] z-direction (depth direction).
Claims
1. A shelf (5) for the storage of goods in a domestic refrigeration device (1), comprising a base panel (6) having edges (7, 9), wherein at least regionally edge protection elements (8) are arranged on the edges (7, 9), which are arranged non-removably on the edges (7, 9) and are formed as printed-on edge protection elements (8).
2. A shelf (5) according to claim 1, wherein The edge protection elements (8) are at least regionally screen-printed edge protection elements.
3. A shelf (5) according to claim 1, wherein The edge protection elements (8) are at least regionally pad-printed edge protection elements.
4. A shelf (5) according to claim 1, wherein The edge protection elements (8) are at least regionally digitally printed edge protection elements.
5. A shelf (5) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein The edge protection elements (8) have a curved front side (8a).
6. A shelf (5) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein The height of the edge protection elements (8) corresponds to the height of the edges (7, 9).
7. A shelf (5) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein The edge protection elements (8) are structured on their front side (8a).
8. A shelf (5) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein The edge protection elements (8) have a metallic or ceramic appearance.
9. A shelf (5) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein The edge protection elements (8) are at least regionally constructed in a soft-elastic manner.
10. A shelf (5) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein The base panel (6) is made of glass.
11. A shelf (5) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein The shelf (5) is a grid floor.
12. A shelf (5) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein The edge protection elements (8) have a shock-absorbing property.
13. A shelf (5) according to claim 5, wherein The edge protection elements (8) have a convexly curved front side (8a).
14. A shelf (5) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The base panel (6) is made of true glass.
15. The shelf (5) according to claim 12, wherein The edge protection elements (8) have an elastically shock-absorbing property.
16. A shelf (5) for the storage of goods in a domestic refrigeration device (1), comprising a base panel (6) having edges (7, 9), wherein at least regionally edge protection elements (8) are arranged on the edges (7, 9), which are arranged non-removably on the edges (7, 9) and are formed as soft-elastic edge protection elements (8).
17. A domestic refrigeration device (1), comprising a receiving space (3) for food and at least one shelf (5) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 16, which is arranged in the receiving space (4).
18. The domestic refrigeration appliance (1) of claim 17, wherein The shelf is arranged in the receiving space (4) in a removable manner.