Refrigerator
By designing the curved surface and adding anti-slip texture to the handle of the horizontal freezer, the problem of the existing horizontal freezer handle not being ergonomic has been solved, resulting in a more comfortable and effortless gripping experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO HAIGAO DESIGN & MANUFACTURING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
The handle design of existing horizontal freezers is not ergonomic, causing hand fatigue and poor comfort when users grip them.
Design a handle with a curved top wall for the finger grooves and anti-slip textures on the top wall. Combine this with a one-piece injection molding process to optimize the shape and structure of the handle, making it ergonomic and increasing friction and comfort.
By combining curved design with anti-slip texture, the comfort and effortlessness of the user's grip on the handle are improved, hand fatigue is reduced, and the user experience is enhanced.
Smart Images

Figure CN224398086U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of refrigeration technology, and specifically provides a horizontal freezer. Background Technology
[0002] With the improvement of living standards, horizontal freezers are being used more and more widely in homes and commercial spaces. A horizontal freezer typically consists of a cabinet and doors, which users open and close using handles on the doors.
[0003] However, many horizontal freezers on the market currently have handle designs with certain flaws. When users grip the handle to open or close the freezer, the contact between the hand and the top wall of the finger groove is not close enough, which does not conform to the natural gripping shape of the human hand. After prolonged use or when the door is opened forcefully, the hand is prone to fatigue, resulting in poor comfort and inconvenience to the user. Utility Model Content
[0004] One objective of this invention is to solve the problem of poor grip comfort of the handles in existing horizontal freezers.
[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a horizontal freezer with a handle design that conforms to the concept of ergonomics, making it more comfortable and effortless for users to grip the handle.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a horizontal freezer, including a cabinet body and a cabinet door. The cabinet door opens and closes the cabinet body by flipping up and down. The cabinet door is provided with a handle, which defines a finger groove. The top wall of the finger groove extends downward toward the front side of the cabinet door, and at least a portion of the top wall is curved.
[0007] Optionally, the handle has anti-slip texture on the top wall of the finger groove.
[0008] Optionally, the anti-slip texture is a transverse raised strip provided at the front end of the top wall.
[0009] Optionally, the top wall includes a rear wall segment, a middle wall segment, and a front wall segment connected in sequence, wherein the rear wall segment and the front wall segment are planar and the middle wall segment is the curved surface.
[0010] Optionally, the top surface of the front part of the handle extends downward toward the front side of the cabinet door and is referred to as the upward inclined surface.
[0011] Optionally, the angle between the upper inclined surface and the horizontal plane is selected from any value between 100° and 169°.
[0012] Optionally, the front end of the handle is provided with a lower inclined surface located on the bottom side of the upper inclined surface, and the lower inclined surface extends upward toward the front side of the cabinet door;
[0013] The opening of the finger groove is formed on the lower inclined surface.
[0014] Optionally, the angle between the upper inclined surface and the lower inclined surface is selected from any value between 85° and 105°.
[0015] Optionally, the radius of the middle wall segment is selected from any value between 7.5 mm and 22.5 mm.
[0016] Optionally, the cross-section of the protrusion is a portion of a circle, and the radius of the protrusion is selected from any value between 1.25 mm and 3.75 mm.
[0017] Optionally, the handle is a structure made using a one-piece injection molding process.
[0018] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that in the aforementioned technical solution of this utility model, by setting a portion of the top wall of the handle finger groove as a curved surface, when the user grips the handle, the user's hand can make better contact with the top wall of the finger groove, thus making it more comfortable and effortless, and improving the user's gripping experience.
[0019] Furthermore, by setting anti-slip textures on the top wall of the finger groove, the friction between the hand and the top wall of the finger groove is increased, preventing the hand from slipping when gripping the handle, making it more comfortable and effortless for the user to grip the handle.
[0020] Furthermore, the anti-slip texture is a horizontal raised strip set at the front end of the top wall. Its structure is simple and its anti-slip effect is obvious. It is set at the key gripping position at the front end of the finger groove top wall, which can effectively prevent the hand from sliding to the front of the horizontal freezer.
[0021] Furthermore, the cross-section of the convex strip is set to be part of a circle, so that when the hand comes into contact with the convex strip, a greater friction force can be generated, and the hand will not be uncomfortable due to the shape being too sharp.
[0022] Furthermore, the radius of the raised strip is selected from any value between 1.25mm and 3.75mm. Within this radius range, both the anti-slip effect and the tactile feel of the user's hand are guaranteed.
[0023] Furthermore, the radius of the protrusion is selected from any value between 1.85mm and 3mm. Within this radius range, the protrusion is relatively easy to process through manufacturing processes such as injection molding, which helps to reduce production difficulty and cost.
[0024] Furthermore, by setting the rear and front sections of the top wall as flat surfaces and the middle section as curved surfaces, the entire top wall becomes ergonomic, optimizing grip comfort.
[0025] Furthermore, by extending the top surface of the front part of the handle downwards towards the front of the cabinet door with an upward sloping surface, the shape of the top surface of the front part of the handle is changed, making the hand fit more naturally when gripping, and further improving the gripping comfort.
[0026] Furthermore, by selecting any value between the upper inclined surface and the horizontal plane from 100° to 169°, the inclination of the upper inclined surface is ensured to be moderate, neither too steep to cause instability in hand placement, nor too gentle to provide good guidance and comfortable grip, thus further optimizing the user's gripping experience.
[0027] Furthermore, by creating a downward-sloping surface at the front end of the handle, which then cooperates with the upward-sloping surface, the structure of the front end of the handle is further optimized, making the finger groove opening position more in line with human gripping habits.
[0028] Furthermore, by selecting any value between the upper and lower inclined surfaces from 85° to 105°, the transition between the upper and lower inclined surfaces becomes more natural, better conforming to the curvature of the human hand when gripping, thus further improving grip comfort and convenience.
[0029] Furthermore, by manufacturing the handle using an integrated injection molding process, the handle structure has good overall integrity, greatly reducing the need for disassembly. The main body of the handle can be injection molded in one go, which greatly reduces production and installation costs.
[0030] Other beneficial effects of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand the improvement purpose, features and advantages of this utility model. Attached Figure Description
[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, some embodiments of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that the same reference numerals may indicate the same or similar components or parts in different drawings; the drawings of this utility model are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:
[0032] Figure 1 These are isometric views of a horizontal freezer according to some embodiments of this utility model;
[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Axonometric drawing of the handle in a horizontal freezer;
[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Front view of the center handle;
[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 3Sectional view along the middle AA;
[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of section A in the middle;
[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The outline of the top wall;
[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0039] 001. Horizontal freezer;
[0040] 010. Cabinet body; 020. Cabinet door; 030. Handle;
[0041] 300. Finger groove; 310. Top wall; 311. Rear wall section; 312. Middle wall section; 313. Front wall section; 320. Anti-slip texture; 330. Raised strip; 340. Opening;
[0042] 400, upper inclined surface; 500, lower inclined surface. Detailed Implementation
[0043] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0044] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, terms such as "center", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", and "outer" that indicate direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0045] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances. For example, unless otherwise specified, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" can specifically refer to any feasible connection form such as bolt connection, screw connection, welding, insertion, riveting, fusion welding, or snap-fit.
[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the horizontal freezer 001 generally includes a cabinet body 010 and a cabinet door 020, wherein the cabinet body 010 defines a refrigeration and freezing space for storing food (not shown in the figure).
[0047] In this embodiment, a handle 030 is provided on the cabinet door 020. The cabinet door 020 is connected to the cabinet body 010 by a hinge. The user can use the handle 030 on the cabinet door 020 to flip the cabinet door 020 up and down to open and close the cabinet body 010, making it convenient for the user to store and retrieve food in the refrigeration and freezing space.
[0048] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 4, the handle 030 includes a finger groove 300, the top wall 310 of which extends downward toward the front of the cabinet door 020, and at least a portion of the top wall 310 is curved. This handle 030 design conforms to ergonomic principles, allowing the user's hand to fit more snugly against the top wall 310 of the finger groove 300 when gripping the handle 030, resulting in a more comfortable and effortless grip and improving the user experience.
[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the handle 030 is provided with anti-slip texture 320 on the top wall 310 of the finger groove 300. This can increase the friction between the hand and the top wall 310 of the finger groove 300, prevent the hand from slipping when gripping the handle 030, and make it more comfortable and effortless for the user to grip the handle 030.
[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the anti-slip texture 320 can be a transverse convex strip 330 provided at the front end of the top wall 310. The convex strip 330 has a simple structure and obvious anti-slip effect. It is set at the key gripping position at the front end of the top wall 310 of the finger groove 300, which can effectively prevent the hand from sliding towards the front of the horizontal freezer 001, and further enhance the anti-slip performance of the handle 030.
[0051] In some embodiments of this invention, the protrusion 330 can extend laterally throughout the entire finger groove 300. This ensures that the user can contact the protrusion 330 regardless of where their finger is placed laterally within the finger groove 300, greatly increasing the friction between the hand and the top wall 310 of the finger groove 300.
[0052] In some other embodiments of this invention, the protrusion 330 may also extend intermittently in the transverse direction within the finger groove 300. That is, the protrusion 330 may extend discontinuously in the transverse direction.
[0053] In some other embodiments of this utility model, the anti-slip texture 320 may also be a strip-shaped groove along the transverse direction (not shown in the figure). The strip-shaped groove can increase the friction between the fingers and the top wall 310 of the handle 030. When the user grips the handle 030, the fingers can be partially embedded in the groove, thereby preventing the hand from slipping during the gripping process and ensuring stable door opening action.
[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, in some other embodiments of this utility model, the number of protrusions 330 can be one.
[0055] In other embodiments of this utility model, the number of protrusions 330 may also be multiple (not shown in the figure), for example, two or three protrusions 330. Multiple protrusions 330 are all disposed on the top wall 310 of the finger groove 300 and are disposed at a certain distance apart.
[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the cross-section of the protrusion 330 is a portion of a circle. For example, the cross-section of the protrusion 330 can be semi-circular or a cross-section with a smaller area than a semi-circular circle. The protrusion 330 with a circular or partially circular cross-section can provide better friction when in contact with the hand, and will not cause discomfort to the hand due to its overly sharp shape.
[0057] The radius of the raised strip 330 is selected from any value between 1.25mm and 3.75mm. For example, the radius of the raised strip 330 can be 1.25mm, 2mm, and 3.75mm, etc. Within this radius range, both the anti-slip effect and the tactile feel of the user's hand are guaranteed.
[0058] Furthermore, the radius of the protrusion 330 is selected from any value between 1.85mm and 3mm. For example, the radius of the protrusion 330 can be 1.85mm, 2.5mm, and 3mm, etc. From a manufacturing process perspective, this radius range is relatively easy to achieve through manufacturing processes such as injection molding, without requiring overly complex mold design and high-precision machining, which helps to reduce production difficulty and cost.
[0059] In some embodiments of this utility model, the cross-section of the protrusion 330 may also be other shapes (not shown in the figure), such as triangles.
[0060] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the top wall 310 includes a rear wall section 311, a middle wall section 312, and a front wall section 313 connected in sequence. The rear wall section 311 and the front wall section 313 are planar, while the middle wall section 312 is curved. The planar structure of the rear wall section 311 and the front wall section 313 can provide certain support and guidance, while the curved design of the middle wall section 312 conforms to ergonomics and optimizes grip comfort.
[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the forward extension length of the rear wall segment 311 is selected from any value between 2 mm and 6 mm. For example, the forward extension length of the rear wall segment 311 can be 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm, etc.
[0062] Furthermore, the forward extension length of the rear wall segment 311 is selected from any value between 3 mm and 5 mm. For example, the forward extension length of the rear wall segment 311 can be 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm, etc.
[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the radius of the middle wall segment 312 is selected from any value between 7.5mm and 22.5mm. For example, the radius of the middle wall segment 312 can be 7.5mm, 15mm, and 22.5mm. Within this radius range, the curved surface of the middle wall segment 312 can better adapt to the size and shape of different users' hands, ensuring that the curved surface conforms to ergonomics and providing users with a more comfortable gripping experience.
[0064] Furthermore, the radius of the intermediate wall section 312 is selected from any value between 10 mm and 19.5 mm. For example, the radius of the intermediate wall section 312 can be 10 mm, 14 mm, and 19.5 mm, etc.
[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the extension length of the front wall segment 313 is selected from any value from 6mm to 18mm. For example, the extension length of the front wall segment 313 can be 6mm, 14mm, and 18mm, etc.
[0066] Furthermore, the extension length of the anterior wall segment 313 is selected from any value between 9 mm and 15 mm. For example, the extension length of the anterior wall segment 313 can be 9 mm, 13 mm, and 15 mm, etc.
[0067] Continue reading Figure 6In some embodiments of this utility model, a protrusion 330 is provided on the front wall section 313. The protrusion 330 can enhance the structural strength of the front wall section 313 to a certain extent. The protrusion 330 acts like a reinforcing rib, dispersing the external force borne by the front wall section 313, reducing the possibility of deformation or damage to the front wall section 313 due to force, and extending the service life of the front wall section 313.
[0068] Continue reading Figure 6 In some embodiments of this utility model, the protrusion 330 and the front wall section 313 are smoothly connected, which can avoid sharp edges or unevenness at the connection between the protrusion 330 and the front wall section 313, so that there will be no scratching or discomfort when a person touches it.
[0069] Furthermore, the smooth transition means that there are no hard-to-clean gaps or dead corners between the front wall section 313 and the raised strip 330, making it easier to wipe clean and preventing dirt from accumulating, which helps maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of the product.
[0070] Continue reading Figure 6 In some embodiments of this utility model, the rear wall segment 311 extends in the horizontal direction.
[0071] Continue reading Figure 5 In some embodiments of this utility model, the top surface 600 of the front part of the handle 030 extends downward toward the front side of the cabinet door 020 and is referred to as the upper inclined surface 400. The upper inclined surface 400 changes the shape of the top surface 600 of the front part of the handle 030, making the hand fit more naturally when gripping, further improving the gripping comfort, and also helping to guide the user's hand to be correctly placed on the handle 030.
[0072] Continue reading Figure 5 In some embodiments of this utility model, the angle between the upper inclined surface 400 and the horizontal plane is selected from any value between 100° and 169°. For example, the angle between the upper inclined surface 400 and the horizontal plane can be 100°, 140°, and 169°. Within this angle range, it can be ensured that the inclination of the upper inclined surface 400 is moderate, neither too steep to cause instability in hand placement, nor too gentle to fail to provide good guidance and comfortable grip, further optimizing the user's experience of gripping the handle 030.
[0073] The horizontal plane and the top plane 600 are parallel, meaning that the angle between the upper inclined plane 400 and the horizontal plane is the same as the angle between the upper inclined plane 400 and the top plane 600.
[0074] Furthermore, the angle between the upper inclined surface 400 and the horizontal plane is selected from any value between 95° and 145°. For example, the angle between the upper inclined surface 400 and the horizontal plane can be 95°, 105°, and 145°, etc.
[0075] Continue reading Figure 5 In some embodiments of this utility model, the front end of the handle 030 is provided with a lower inclined surface 500 located on the bottom side of the upper inclined surface 400. The lower inclined surface 500 extends upward toward the front side of the cabinet door 020, and the opening 340 of the finger groove 300 is formed on the lower inclined surface 500. The lower inclined surface 500 cooperates with the upper inclined surface 400 to further optimize the structure of the front end of the handle 030, making the position of the opening 340 of the finger groove 300 more in line with human gripping habits.
[0076] Continue reading Figure 5 In some embodiments of this invention, the included angle between the upper inclined surface 400 and the lower inclined surface 500 is selected from any value between 85° and 105°. For example, the included angle between the upper inclined surface 400 and the lower inclined surface 500 can be 85°, 95°, and 105°, etc. Within this angle range, the transition between the upper and lower inclined surfaces 500 is natural, which can better conform to the curvature of the human hand when gripping, further improving the comfort and convenience of gripping.
[0077] Furthermore, the included angle between the upper inclined surface 400 and the lower inclined surface 500 is selected from any value between 88° and 95°. For example, the included angle between the upper inclined surface 400 and the lower inclined surface 500 can be 88°, 90°, and 95°, etc.
[0078] In some embodiments of this utility model, the handle 030 is a structure manufactured using an integral injection molding process. This integral injection molding process results in a well-integrated structure and high strength for the handle 030, reduces gaps between components, lowers the risk of damage, and significantly reduces the need for disassembly. The main body of the handle 030 can be injection molded in one piece, greatly reducing production and installation costs.
[0079] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the horizontal freezer 001 has two doors 020, each with a handle 030 for easy lifting. The handle 030 is located on the front-facing side wall of the door 020, and each door 020 has an independent handle 030, allowing users to precisely operate each individual door 020. For the horizontal freezer 001, different items may be stored in different doors 020; users can open the corresponding door 020 as needed, avoiding cold air loss caused by opening two doors simultaneously, improving energy efficiency, and allowing for faster retrieval of desired items.
[0080] In some embodiments of this utility model, the handle 030 can be fixedly connected to the horizontal freezer 001 by means of fasteners, buckles, etc.
[0081] like Figure 1 As shown, at least a portion of the handle 030 protrudes forward from the freezer. This forward protrusion creates a distinct visual difference, making it more eye-catching within the overall appearance of the freezer and quickly attracting the user's attention. Whether in bright or dim lighting, the protruding handle 030 is more easily identifiable, allowing users to quickly locate and operate the freezer, reducing the time and effort spent searching for the handle and improving operational efficiency.
[0082] This utility model makes a portion of the top wall 310 of the finger groove 300 of the handle 030 curved, and sets specific ranges for several key parameters such as the extension length of the front wall section 313, the angle between the upper inclined surface 400 and the horizontal plane, the angle between the upper inclined surface 400 and the lower inclined surface 500, the radius of the middle wall section 312, and the radius of the protrusion 330, so that the handle 030 conforms to the ergonomic principle, the user's hand fits more closely with the top wall 310 of the finger groove 300, and the grip of the handle 030 is more comfortable and effortless.
[0083] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with several embodiments above. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the technical principles of this utility model, those skilled in the art can disassemble and combine the technical solutions in the above embodiments, and can also make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features. Any changes, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the technical concept and / or technical principles of this utility model will fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0084] Finally, it should be noted that the horizontal freezer of this utility model is a horizontal freezer in a broad sense, which includes not only the horizontal freezer in the narrow sense as commonly referred to, but also preservation equipment with refrigeration and / or freezing functions, such as refrigerators and freezers.
Claims
1. A horizontal freezer, characterized in that, Includes a cabinet body and a cabinet door, wherein the cabinet door is opened and closed by flipping up and down, and the cabinet door is provided with a handle; The handle is defined with a finger groove, the top wall of which extends downward toward the front of the cabinet door, and at least a portion of the top wall is curved.
2. The horizontal freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle has anti-slip textures on the top wall of the finger groove.
3. The horizontal freezer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anti-slip texture is a horizontal raised strip provided at the front end of the top wall.
4. The horizontal freezer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top wall includes a rear wall section, a middle wall section, and a front wall section connected in sequence. The rear wall section and the front wall section are planar, and the middle wall section is a curved surface.
5. The horizontal freezer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top surface of the front part of the handle extends downward toward the front side of the cabinet door and is referred to as the upper inclined surface.
6. The horizontal freezer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The angle between the upper inclined plane and the horizontal plane is selected from any value between 100° and 169°.
7. The horizontal freezer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The front end of the handle is provided with a lower inclined surface located on the bottom side of the upper inclined surface, and the lower inclined surface extends upward toward the front side of the cabinet door; The opening of the finger groove is formed on the lower inclined surface.
8. The horizontal freezer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The angle between the upper inclined surface and the lower inclined surface is selected from any value between 85° and 105°.
9. The horizontal freezer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The radius of the middle wall section is selected from any value between 7.5 mm and 22.5 mm.
10. The horizontal freezer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cross-section of the protrusion is a portion of a circle, and the radius of the protrusion is selected from any value between 1.25 mm and 3.75 mm; and / or The handle is a structure made using a one-piece injection molding process.