A shelf assembly and a refrigerator
By designing adjustable shelf components, the problem of low space utilization caused by non-adjustable refrigerator shelves is solved, achieving flexible storage functionality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HISENSE(SHANDONG)REFRIGERATOR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
The shelves in existing refrigerators are of fixed size and cannot be adjusted, resulting in a fixed storage pattern between shelves and low space utilization.
Design a shelf assembly in which the shelf and the support plate are hinged together, and the support plate and the fixed base are connected together. The support plate can be flipped to adjust the height of the shelf and is stabilized in the storage or use position by a limiting structure, so as to achieve flexible adjustment.
It improves the space utilization between shelves and allows for flexible adjustment of the space occupied by the shelving components according to storage needs, meeting the storage needs of compact or large spaces.
Smart Images
Figure CN224415506U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a shelf assembly and a refrigerator. Background Technology
[0002] As a household appliance, the refrigerator is mainly used for the cold storage of food or other items. Currently, refrigerators are equipped with shelves to divide the refrigerator and meet users' classification needs, and food can be placed on each shelf. In addition, shelves are usually equipped with additional racks for combined use, which can further divide the space between the shelves for storing more items.
[0003] However, the size of the shelves in existing refrigerators is fixed and cannot be adjusted, resulting in a fixed storage pattern between the shelves; there is also the problem of underutilization of the space within the shelves, which leads to the shelves occupying the space between the shelves and resulting in low space utilization. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a shelf assembly and a refrigerator, which aims to solve the problem that the size of the shelves in existing refrigerators is not adjustable and the storage is not flexible enough.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:
[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a shelf assembly for installation on a refrigerator shelf, comprising: a frame including a shelf panel and support plates disposed on opposite sides of the shelf panel; the support plates are hinged to the shelf panel; a fixing seat disposed at the top of the support plates and used to connect to the shelf; the fixing seat is hinged to the support plates; the shelf panel has a use position and a storage position, wherein in the use position, the shelf panel is perpendicular to the support plates; in the storage position, the support plates on both sides are respectively flipped upward relative to the fixing seat to drive the shelf panel upward against the shelf; and a limiting structure for limiting the shelf panel in the storage position.
[0007] In some embodiments, the limiting structure includes a limiting part disposed on the fixed base and a corresponding limiting mating part disposed on the support plate; when the storage plate is in the storage position, the limiting part and the limiting mating part are mutually limiting and mating.
[0008] In some embodiments, the limiting part includes a hook disposed on the fixed base, and the limiting mating part includes a hook groove formed on the support plate; in the storage position, the hook is hooked and mated in the hook groove.
[0009] In some embodiments, a first support plate and a second support plate are respectively provided on opposite sides of the shelf; in the storage position, the first support plate is folded over the shelf, and the projection of the first support plate and the shelf in the vertical direction coincides; the included angle between the second support plate and the shelf is an obtuse angle.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first support plate includes a main body and a plurality of hinge portions disposed at the bottom end of the main body and spaced apart in the front-back direction; a plurality of grooves are provided on a corresponding side of the shelf and spaced apart in the front-back direction; each of the hinge portions is disposed in the groove and hinged to the shelf.
[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom of the support plate is provided with a first shaft spaced apart in the front-to-back direction, and the side end of the shelf is provided with a second shaft spaced apart in the front-to-back direction; the first shaft and the second shaft are staggered in the front-to-back direction, and the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatably engaged.
[0012] In some embodiments, the fixing base extends in the front-back direction; the top of the support plate is provided with a third shaft spaced apart in the front-back direction, and the bottom of the fixing base is provided with a fourth shaft spaced apart in the front-back direction; the third shaft and the fourth shaft are staggered in the front-back direction, and the third shaft and the fourth shaft are rotatably engaged.
[0013] In some embodiments, the mounting base is adhered to the bottom wall of the shelf.
[0014] In some embodiments, the fixing base is connected to the shelf at both ends along the front-to-back direction by screws.
[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a refrigerator, including an inner liner and the aforementioned shelf assembly; the fixing base is mounted on the bottom wall of the shelf.
[0016] The beneficial effects of the shelf assembly and refrigerator of this application are as follows: the shelf and the support plate are hinged, and the support plate and the fixed base are hinged. The support plate can be flipped relative to the fixed base to adjust the height of the shelf between the shelves. Users can selectively adjust the position of the shelf according to their own storage needs. When a compact storage space between the shelves is required, the shelf can be adjusted to the working position, and the shelf can be used to place items, effectively improving the space utilization rate between the shelves. When a larger storage space between the shelves is required, the shelf can be adjusted to the storage position, thereby reducing the space occupied by the shelf assembly between the shelves, and taller and larger food items can be placed between the shelves. This effectively realizes the function of flexible storage. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of a shelf assembly located inside a refrigerator liner according to an embodiment of this application;
[0019] Figure 2 A perspective view of a shelf assembly provided in an embodiment of this application, disposed on a shelf; wherein the shelf is in the use position;
[0020] Figure 3 A perspective view of a shelf assembly provided in an embodiment of this application, disposed on a shelf; wherein the shelf is in a storage position;
[0021] Figure 4 A perspective view of a shelf assembly with the shelf in use, provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0022] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a shelf assembly with the shelf in the storage position according to an embodiment of this application;
[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of part A in the middle;
[0024] Figure 7 An exploded view of the structure between the side plate, the fixing seat, and the shelf provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0025] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:
[0026] 100. Shelving assembly;
[0027] 200. Shelves; 300. Inner liner;
[0028] 1. Frame; 101. Shelf; 102. Support plate; 2. Mounting base;
[0029] 3. Limiting structure; 301. Limiting part; 302. Limiting mating part;
[0030] 4. First support plate; 5. Second support plate; 6. Hinge joint; 7. Groove;
[0031] 801, First axis; 802, Second axis; 803, Third axis; 804, Fourth axis. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.
[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0036] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. 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 different embodiments or examples.
[0037] For ease of description, unless otherwise specified, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, and back in this article are based on the state of the refrigerator when it is in use. The refrigerator door is the front, the opposite direction is the back, and the vertical direction is the up and down direction.
[0038] Currently, refrigerators have shelves that divide the space to meet users' categorization needs, allowing food to be placed on each shelf. Furthermore, shelves are usually combined with additional racks to further divide the space between shelves, accommodating more items. However, the shelves in existing refrigerators are of fixed size and cannot be adjusted, resulting in a fixed storage pattern between shelves. This leads to underutilization of shelf space, with shelves occupying space between shelves and resulting in low storage efficiency.
[0039] Based on this, in order to solve the above problems, this application designs a shelf assembly in which the shelf and the support plate are hinged, and the support plate and the fixed base are hinged. The support plate can be flipped relative to the fixed base to adjust the height of the shelf between the shelves. When a compact storage space between the shelves is required, the shelf can be adjusted to the use position, and the shelf can be used to place items, effectively improving the space utilization between the shelves. When a larger storage space between the shelves is required, the shelf can be adjusted to the storage position, thereby reducing the space occupied by the shelf assembly between the shelves. This effectively realizes the function of flexible storage.
[0040] refer to Figure 1 The application provides a refrigerator, including an inner liner 300, a shelf 200 disposed within the inner liner 300, and a shelf assembly 100.
[0041] Understandably, the shelving assembly 100 is located at the bottom of the shelf 200; the shelving assembly 100 can separate the storage space between two adjacent shelves 200 to meet the needs of classified storage and improve the utilization rate of storage space between shelves.
[0042] refer to Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the shelf assembly 100 includes a frame 1, a fixing base 2, and a limiting structure 3; the frame 1 includes a shelf 101 and support plates 102 disposed on opposite sides of the shelf; the support plates 102 are hinged to the shelf 101; the fixing base 2 is disposed at the top of the support plate 102 and is used to connect to the shelf 200; the fixing base 2 is hinged to the support plate 102; the shelf 101 has a use position and a storage position. In the use position, the shelf 101 is perpendicular to the support plate 102; in the storage position, the support plate 102 is flipped relative to the fixing base 2 to drive the shelf 101 upward against the shelf 200; the limiting structure 3 is used to limit the shelf 101 in the storage position.
[0043] Specifically, the mounting base 2 is used to install on the bottom wall of the shelf 200, and the frame 1 is set at the bottom of the shelf 200 via the mounting base 2. Consequently, in the storage space between two adjacent shelves 200 inside the inner liner 300, the space where the frame 1 is located is more compact. In the usage position, the shelf 101 of the frame 1 can be used for placing items, utilizing the space near the bottom of the upper shelf 200 to improve space utilization and further enhance the refrigerator's space classification capabilities. The space where the frame 1 is not located can still store taller food items, meeting storage needs.
[0044] Understandably, the shelf 101 and the support plate 102, as well as the support plate 102 and the fixed base 2, are hinged. The support plate 102 can be flipped relative to the fixed base 2 to adjust the height of the shelf 101 between the shelves 200. (Reference) Figure 2 When in use, the shelf 101 is parallel to the shelf 200, and the support plate 102 is perpendicular to the shelf 101 and the shelf 200. The shelf 101 and the support plate 102 enclose an independent storage space. Food can be placed on the shelf 101, making the space between the shelves 200 more compact and improving the space utilization rate.
[0045] refer to Figure 3 When the shelf 101 is in the storage position, the support plates 102 on both sides flip upwards relative to the corresponding fixing base 2 on the same side and get close to the bottom of the shelf 200. At the same time, the support plates 102 will drive the shelf 101 to get close to the shelf 200. Then the shelf and the support plates 102 will get close to and hide at the bottom of the shelf 200, without occupying the storage space between the shelves 200.
[0046] The limiting structure 3 is used to limit the shelf 101 in the storage position. For example, the limiting structure 3 can be, but is not limited to, a snap-fit or hook-fit structure provided between the fixed base 2 and the support plate 102, so that the shelf 101 can be stably held in the storage position. Alternatively, the limiting structure 3 can also be a connector detachably connected between the frame 1 and the fixed base 2, such as a screw or pin, as long as it satisfies the requirement of stably holding the shelf 101 in the storage position.
[0047] Furthermore, with the shelf assembly of this application, users can selectively adjust the position of the shelf 101 according to their storage needs. When a compact storage space is required between the shelves 200, the shelf 101 can be adjusted to the usage position, and the shelf 101 can be used for placing items, effectively improving the space utilization rate of the shelves 200. When a larger storage space is required between the shelves 200, the shelf 101 can be adjusted to the storage position, thereby reducing the space occupied by the shelf assembly 100 between the shelves 200, and the shelves 200 can hold taller and larger food items; effectively realizing the function of flexible storage.
[0048] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the limiting structure 3 includes a limiting part 301 provided on the fixed base 2 and a corresponding limiting mating part 302 provided on the support plate 102; when the shelf 101 is in the storage position, the limiting part 301 and the limiting mating part 302 limit each other.
[0049] Specifically, the fixed base 2 is fixedly connected to the shelf 200, and the limiting part 301 is set on the fixed base 2, making the structure stable. In the storage position, the support plate 102 is close to the shelf 200 and also close to the fixed base 2. The limiting part 302 is fixed on the support plate 102 and is correspondingly provided. The limiting part 301 and the limiting part 302 limit each other to limit the support plate 102, effectively restricting the support plate 102 from rotating downward and resetting under the action of gravity. Thus, the shelf 101 is stably kept in the storage position.
[0050] Understandably, the limiting part 301 and the limiting mating part 302 can adopt limiting connection methods such as hooking, snapping, and plugging to satisfy the limiting of the shelf 101.
[0051] refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the limiting part 301 includes a hook provided on the fixed base 2, and the limiting mating part 302 includes a hook groove opened on the support plate 102; in the storage position, the hook is hooked and mated in the hook groove.
[0052] In a specific embodiment of this application, the fixed base 2 is provided with a downwardly extending hook, and the support plate 102 is provided with a corresponding hook groove, which is close to the position where the support plate 102 and the fixed base 2 are hinged. When the support plate 102 is flipped upward relative to the fixed base 2 and close to the shelf 200, the hook can be hooked in the hook groove, and the hook can provide support force to the support plate 102 to limit the support plate 102 from flipping downward and resetting under the action of gravity, so that the shelf 101 is stable in the storage position.
[0053] In some embodiments, the hook is made of plastic material and has a certain elasticity; when the shelf 101 needs to be reset to the use position, the user can directly deform the hook to remove it from the hook groove, and the support plate 102 can rotate downward relative to the fixed seat 2 to reset, thereby driving the shelf 101 to reset to the use position again.
[0054] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, a first support plate 4 and a second support plate 5 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the shelf 101; in the storage position, the first support plate 4 is folded over the shelf 101, and the projection of the first support plate 4 and the shelf 101 in the vertical direction coincides; the included angle between the second support plate 5 and the shelf 101 is an obtuse angle.
[0055] Understandably, both the first support plate 4 and the second support plate 5 are flipped upwards to be close to the shelf 200; the first support plate 4 is folded in half over the shelf 101; the angle between the shelf 101 and the second support plate 5 is close to 180° so that the shelf 101 is close enough to the shelf 200.
[0056] refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the first support plate 4 includes a main body 401 and a plurality of hinge portions 6 disposed at the bottom end of the main body 401 and spaced apart in the front-back direction; the corresponding side of the shelf 101 is provided with a plurality of grooves 7 spaced apart in the front-back direction, and each hinge portion 6 is disposed in the groove 7 and hinged to the shelf 101.
[0057] Specifically, when the shelf 101 is in the storage position, the first support plate 4 is folded over the shelf 101. Multiple spaced hinge parts 6 are provided at the bottom end of the first support plate 4, and grooves 7 are correspondingly provided on the shelf 101. The hinge parts 6 are located in the grooves 7 and are hinged to the shelf 101. Then, during the flipping process of the first support plate 4 relative to the shelf 101, the hinge parts 6 rotate in the grooves 7, reducing the rotational interference of the shelf 101 on the hinge parts 6. This allows the first support plate 4 and the shelf 101 to be closer together in the storage position, thereby making the shelf 101 closer to the shelf 200 and reducing the space occupied by the shelf 101 between the shelves 200.
[0058] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the bottom of the support plate 102 is provided with a first shaft 801 spaced apart in the front-back direction, and the side end of the shelf 101 is provided with a second shaft 802 spaced apart in the front-back direction; the first shaft 801 and the second shaft 802 are arranged alternately in the front-back direction, and the first shaft 801 and the second shaft 802 are rotatably engaged.
[0059] Specifically, the hinge structure between the support plate 102 and the shelf 101 is as follows: both the first shaft 801 and the second shaft 802 have through shaft holes, the first shaft 801 and the second shaft 802 are arranged alternately in the front-back direction, and the shaft holes coincide in the front-back direction; a long shaft is simultaneously inserted into the shaft holes of each of the first shaft 801 and the second shaft 802, thereby realizing the rotational engagement between the support plate 102 and the shelf 101. The rotational connection structure is stable and the rotation is smooth.
[0060] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7In some embodiments, the fixing base 2 extends in the front-back direction; the top of the support plate 102 is provided with a third shaft 803 spaced apart in the front-back direction, and the bottom of the fixing base 2 is provided with a fourth shaft 804 spaced apart in the front-back direction; the third shaft 803 and the fourth shaft 804 are staggered in the front-back direction, and the third shaft 803 and the fourth shaft 804 are rotatably engaged.
[0061] The specific hinge structure between the support plate 102 and the fixed seat 2 is as follows: both the third shaft 803 and the fourth shaft 804 have through shaft holes. The third shaft 803 and the fourth shaft 804 are arranged alternately in the front-back direction, and the shaft holes coincide in the front-back direction. A long shaft is used to pass through the shaft holes of each third shaft 803 and the fourth shaft 804 at the same time, thereby realizing the rotational fit between the support plate 102 and the fixed seat 2. The rotational connection structure is stable and the rotation is smooth.
[0062] In some embodiments, the mounting base 2 is adhered to the bottom wall of the shelf 200.
[0063] Specifically, the shelf 200 is made of glass, and the fixing base 2 can be directly glued to the glass using adhesive or glue, making the connection quick and stable.
[0064] In another embodiment of this application, screws are provided on the front and rear sides of the fixing base 2, and corresponding holes are drilled in the corresponding positions of the shelf 200. That is, the fixing base 2 is further connected and fixed to the shelf 200 by screws. The fixing base 2 has better structural stability, can provide better support for the support plate 102, and has better structural reliability.
[0065] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A shelf assembly for mounting on a refrigerator shelf, characterized in that, include: The frame includes a shelf and support plates located on opposite sides of the shelf; the support plates are hinged to the shelf. A fixing seat is provided at the top of the support plate and is used to connect with the shelf; the fixing seat is hinged to the support plate; The shelf has a use position and a storage position. In the use position, the shelf is perpendicular to the support plate. In the storage position, the support plates on both sides are flipped upward relative to the fixing base to drive the shelf upward against the shelf. A limiting structure is used to limit the shelf to the storage position.
2. The shelf assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a limiting part disposed on the fixed base and a corresponding limiting mating part disposed on the support plate; when the storage plate is in the storage position, the limiting part and the limiting mating part are mutually limiting and mating.
3. The shelf assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting part includes a hook provided on the fixed base, and the limiting mating part includes a hook groove opened on the support plate; in the storage position, the hook is hooked and mated in the hook groove.
4. The shelf assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shelf has a first support plate and a second support plate on opposite sides; in the storage position, the first support plate is folded over the shelf and the projection of the first support plate onto the shelf in the vertical direction coincides with the projection of the shelf in the vertical direction; the angle between the second support plate and the shelf is an obtuse angle.
5. The shelf assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first support plate includes a main body and a plurality of hinged parts disposed at the bottom end of the main body and spaced apart in the front-back direction; a plurality of grooves are provided on the corresponding side of the shelf and spaced apart in the front-back direction; each of the hinged parts is disposed in the groove and hinged to the shelf.
6. The shelf assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the support plate is provided with a first shaft spaced apart in the front-to-back direction, and the side end of the shelf is provided with a second shaft spaced apart in the front-to-back direction; the first shaft and the second shaft are staggered in the front-to-back direction, and the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatably engaged.
7. The shelving assembly according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The fixed base extends in the front-back direction; the top of the support plate is provided with a third shaft spaced apart in the front-back direction, and the bottom of the fixed base is provided with a fourth shaft spaced apart in the front-back direction; the third shaft and the fourth shaft are staggered in the front-back direction, and the third shaft and the fourth shaft are rotatably engaged.
8. The shelf assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base is bonded to the bottom wall of the shelf.
9. The shelf assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixing base is connected to the shelf at both ends along the front-to-back direction using screws.
10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, It includes an inner liner and a shelf assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9 disposed within the inner liner; the fixing seat is mounted on the bottom wall of the shelf.