SUPPORT FRAME FOR A SHELF

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a support frame for a shelf with a profile strip that partially or completely surrounds an inner frame area, into which a base plate can be inserted, wherein the profile strip has a spring section on the inner side of the frame facing the inner frame area, which includes a contact section, wherein the contact section of the spring section is configured to be pushed away from the base plate when the base plate is inserted into the profile strip and thereby release an insertion path for the base plate in the direction of a receiving area, wherein the spring section is configured to perform a return movement in order to fix the base plate to the inner side of the frame of the profile strip in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner as soon as the base plate has reached the receiving area.wherein the contact section of the suspension area extends obliquely towards the inside of the frame in the insertion direction of the base plate, both before and after the base plate is inserted, so that the base plate can be inserted into the profile strip from above or from below.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a shelf, in particular a kitchen cabinet shelf, with a support frame and a base plate.

[0003] Shelves are used particularly in kitchen cabinets to make the best possible use of the storage space provided by the cabinet. The shelves are usually individually or as part of a larger pull-out unit that can be pulled out from the cabinet body, thus ensuring a high level of user convenience.

[0004] Such a shelf is known, for example, from publication DE 20 2019 106 557 U1. Another related piece of furniture is proposed in publication DE 20 2010 017 098 U1. Furthermore, a frame that can be inserted into a cabinet is described in publication DE 10 2011 009 566 A1.

[0005] Furthermore, a reinforced shelf is known from publication WO 2020 / 053850 A1. Publication US 2020 / 214446 A1 discloses a wire mesh wall shelf with a component for increasing strength.

[0006] Particularly in kitchen design, there is a need for highly customizable kitchen furniture, allowing kitchens to be tailored to the needs and preferences of future users. In this context, there is also a demand for modular shelves that allow for different combinations of support frames and base panels.

[0007] Ideally, changes to the shelf configuration, such as replacing the support frame or base plate, should be carried out by the user themselves, without requiring specialist personnel. Therefore, such shelves should also be relatively easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0008] At the same time, the modularity of the shelf must not compromise its load-bearing capacity. Due to sustainability concerns, many kitchens are increasingly replacing relatively lightweight plastic containers with stone and glass vessels, meaning that shelves for modern kitchens should actually have increased load-bearing capacity.

[0009] Furthermore, the modular shelf, which must have a high load-bearing capacity, must be manufacturable with acceptable manufacturing effort, so that the production costs allow for comparatively high market acceptance. Since the manufacturing tolerances required in furniture production have a significant impact on manufacturing costs, there is a need for a shelf design that places low demands on manufacturing tolerances.

[0010] The object underlying the invention is therefore to enable the provision of a modular shelf which has a high load-bearing capacity and can be manufactured at a comparatively low cost.

[0011] The problem is solved by a support frame of the type mentioned above, wherein the suspension area has a top contact surface which is designed to be in contact with the top of the base plate after the base plate has been inserted into the receiving area. Alternatively or additionally, the suspension area has a bottom contact surface which is designed to be in contact with the underside of the base plate after the base plate has been inserted into the receiving area.

[0012] The invention utilizes the fact that the base plate must be inserted into the profile strip from above or below to allow it to be inserted into a profile strip that partially or completely surrounds the inner area of ​​the frame. In combination with the spring section supporting the contact area, non-destructive insertion and removal of the base plate from the support frame is also possible, giving users the option of combining different support frames and base plates. The non-destructive removal of the base plate also allows for easy replacement, for example, if it is damaged or needs to be replaced with a base plate of a different type.The contact section of the suspension area, which extends diagonally towards the inside of the frame, also results in comparatively low requirements for the manufacturing tolerances of the support frame and the base plate. Due to the flexibility of the suspension area, minor dimensional deviations can be compensated for without affecting the load-bearing capacity or the stable fit of the base plate within the support frame.

[0013] After the base plate is inserted into the support frame, it preferably fits snugly within the receiving area of ​​the profile strip. The base plate can be, for example, a decorative panel or a wooden panel. The profile strip of the support frame is preferably made of metal and serves as a metal edging for the base plate.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the support frame according to the invention, the contact section of the spring element is configured to be pressed outwards by the base plate when the base plate is inserted into the profile strip. For example, when the base plate is inserted into the profile strip, a lateral edge of the base plate comes into contact with the contact section of the spring element and exerts a compressive force on the contact section, causing the contact section of the spring element to be pressed outwards. Alternatively or additionally, the spring element of the support frame can be configured to perform the return movement for positive and / or non-positive locking of the base plate to the inside of the profile strip in the direction of the frame's interior.After the contact section of the spring area is pushed outwards when the base plate is inserted, the profile strip undergoes a return movement in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the inside of the frame, as soon as the base plate reaches the receiving area, so that the return movement of the spring area provides both centering and fixing of the base plate in the receiving area of ​​the support frame.

[0015] The support frame according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the profile strip has an inner leg and an outer leg located outside the inner leg. The spring section is preferably part of the inner leg, with a gap between the outer leg and the inner leg, and the spring section is designed to move into this gap when pushed away by the base plate. Therefore, no additional assembly or disassembly space is required for inserting the base plate into or removing it from the support frame. The dimensions of the support frame do not change during the assembly and disassembly of the base plate. The inner leg and the outer leg of the profile strip preferably run parallel to each other, at least along a section.The inner leg and the outer leg are preferably connected to each other via a strip section of the profile strip having a connecting arch.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the support frame according to the invention, the profile strip has an open cross-sectional profile with two free profile end sections. Preferably, one profile end section is configured to serve as a support for the inserted base plate. The profile end section serving as a support can, for example, be part of the spring section of the profile strip. Furthermore, the profile end section serving as a support can be part of the inner leg of the profile strip. Alternatively or additionally, a profile end section is configured to serve as a lateral stop for the inserted base plate. The profile end section serving as a lateral stop can be part of the spring section. Furthermore, the profile end section serving as a lateral stop can be part of the inner leg of the profile strip.Preferably, a strip section with a connecting arc is located between the profile end sections. The connecting arc of the strip section preferably extends over an angle of approximately 180°. Preferably, the connecting arc of the strip section has a U-shape.

[0017] The support frame according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the contact section of the suspension area is part of a profile projection of the profile strip that extends in a nose-like manner towards the interior of the frame. The nose shape of the profile projection extending towards the interior of the frame provides a contact section that extends obliquely towards the interior of the frame. When the base plate is inserted into the profile strip, this contact section can be pressed away from the base plate to the outside, thus creating an insertion path for the base plate. Preferably, the nose-shaped profile projection covers a circumferential edge area of ​​the base plate when the base plate is located within the receiving area of ​​the circumferential profile strip. Any edge damage to the base plate is thus covered by the nose-shaped profile projection and is not visible to the user of the shelf.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the support frame according to the invention, the suspension area has a side-edge contact surface which is designed to be in contact with the circumferential side edge of the base plate after the base plate has been inserted into the receiving area. This contact surface ensures that the base plate is seated in the support frame without rattling or play. The side-edge contact surface is preferably supported by the inner leg of the profile strip.

[0019] According to the invention, the spring section has a top contact surface which is designed to make contact with the top of the base plate after the base plate is inserted into the receiving area. Alternatively or additionally, the spring section has a bottom contact surface which is designed to make contact with the underside of the base plate after the base plate is inserted into the receiving area. The base plate positioned in the receiving area is thus secured both upwards and downwards after insertion, preventing unintentional lifting of the base plate from its support surface. Since unintentional lifting of the base plate from the support surface is impossible, there is also no risk of injury from a finger being trapped between the base plate and the profile strip.A shelf with a suitable support frame can therefore be cleaned safely and can also be used in households with small children.

[0020] Furthermore, a support frame according to the invention is preferred in which the profile strip is bent or folded in the corner regions. The partially or completely circumferential profile strip is therefore preferably a single piece and not composed of several strip sections. Preferably, the profile strip comprises four longitudinal sections, with adjacent longitudinal sections being connected to each other in the corner regions.

[0021] The support frame can be a closed frame in which the profile strip completely surrounds the inner frame area. Alternatively, the support frame can be an open frame in which the profile strip partially, or in particular largely, surrounds the inner frame area. If the support frame is an open frame, the profile strip can, for example, be slotted. Preferably, a longitudinal section of the profile strip comprises two butt-joined longitudinal sections. These butt-joined longitudinal sections can be laser-welded.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the support frame according to the invention, the profile strip has interrupted edges in the corner areas on the inside of the frame. The inner corner areas are preferably laser-cut to allow the profile strip to be bent or folded over during manufacturing, so that no edge collision occurs in the corner areas on the inside of the frame when bending or folding.

[0023] Furthermore, a support frame according to the invention is preferred in which the profile strip is formed as a single-piece body. Preferably, the profile strip is made of metal or is a metal strip. The profile strip may have a coating. The profile strip may be powder-coated. Furthermore, the profile strip may have a galvanized surface.

[0024] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a shelf of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the support frame of the shelf according to the invention is designed according to one of the embodiments described above, and the base plate can be inserted into or is inserted into the inner area of ​​the support frame. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the shelf according to the invention, reference is first made to the advantages and modifications of the support frame according to the invention.

[0025] The base of the shelf is preferably made of wood. The base can be designed without grooves, thus eliminating the need for complex machining, such as milling. However, in alternative embodiments, the base can also have one or more grooves.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the shelf according to the invention before the base plate is inserted, in a perspective view; Fig. 2 shows the shelf in the Fig. 1 The illustrated shelf during the insertion of the base plate is shown in a perspective view; Fig. 3, which is in the Fig. 1 The illustrated shelf after completion of the base plate insertion process is shown in a perspective view; Fig. 4 shows the cross-sectional profile of the profile strip of the support frame of the [unclear text]. Fig. 1 The illustrated shelf during the insertion of the base plate in a first state; Fig. 5, which is shown in the Fig. 4 The cross-sectional profile shown during the insertion of the base plate in a second state; Fig. 6, which is shown in the Fig. 4Fig. 7 shows the cross-sectional profile after completion of the insertion process of the base plate; Fig. 7 shows the cross-sectional profile of the profile strip of a support frame according to the invention during the insertion of the base plate in a first state; Fig. 8 shows the cross-sectional profile of the profile strip of a support frame according to the invention during the insertion of the base plate in a first state. Fig. 7 The cross-sectional profile shown during the insertion of the base plate in a second state; Fig. 9, which is shown in the Fig. 7 The cross-sectional profile shown after completion of the insertion process of the base plate; Fig. 10 the cross-sectional profile of the profile strip of a support frame according to the invention during the insertion of the base plate in a first state; Fig. 11 the in the Fig. 10 The cross-sectional profile shown during the insertion of the base plate in a second state; Fig. 12, which is shown in the Fig. 10The cross-sectional profile shown after completion of the insertion process of the base plate; Fig. 13 the cross-sectional profile of the profile strip of a support frame according to the invention during the insertion of the base plate from above in a first state; Fig. 14 the in the Fig. 13 The cross-sectional profile shown during the insertion of the base plate from above in a second state; Fig. 15, which is shown in the Fig. 13 The cross-sectional profile shown during the insertion of the base plate from below; and Fig. 16, which is shown in the Fig. 13 The cross-sectional profile shown is from above and below after completion of the installation process of the base plate.

[0027] The Figs. 1 to 3 The figures show the assembly process of a shelf 100. During the assembly process, a base plate 102 made of wood is inserted from above into a support frame 10 of the shelf 100.

[0028] The base plate 102 is a rectangular decorative plate with a surrounding side edge 104. The flat base plate 102 is groove-free and has a top surface 106 and a bottom surface 108.

[0029] The support frame 10 comprises a profile strip 12, which completely surrounds an inner frame section 14. The base plate 102 is inserted into the inner frame section 14 from above during the installation process. The profile strip 12 is a single-piece metal body, so that after the base plate 102 is inserted, the profile strip 12 forms a metal frame for the base plate 102. The profile strip 12 also has four longitudinal sections 16a-16d, which are connected to each other at the corner sections 18a-18d. The profile strip 12 forms a closed frame, in which the profile strip 12 is bent or folded at the corner sections 18a-18d. On the inside of the frame 24, the profile strip 12 has interrupted edges in the corner areas 18a-18d, so that edge collisions do not occur in the corner areas 18a-18d when the profile strip 12 is bent or folded during the manufacture of the support frame 10.

[0030] The profile strip 12 of the support frame 10 allows the base plate 102 to be inserted from above, so that the base plate is moved downwards along the insertion direction 20a during the insertion process. Upon completion of the insertion process (see...) Fig. 3 ) the base plate 102 is fixed to the inside of the frame 24 of the profile strip 12 in a form-fit and force-fit manner.

[0031] Furthermore, a railing 22 is mounted on the surrounding profile strip 12, which serves to further stabilize the items placed in the shelf 100.

[0032] The profile strip 12 of the support frame 10 also allows for the non-destructive removal of the base plate 102 after completion of the installation process. This allows the user to combine different support frames 10 and base plates 102.

[0033] The Figs. 4 to 6Figure 1 shows the open cross-sectional profile of the profile strip 12 during the insertion process of the base plate 102. The profile strip 12 has an inner leg 26 on the inside of the frame 24. An outer leg 30 of the profile strip 12 is arranged on the outside of the frame 28. The inner leg 26 and the outer leg 30 run parallel to each other in sections and are connected by a curved strip section 32. The strip section 32 has a U-shaped connecting arc that extends over an angle of 180°.

[0034] Due to its open cross-sectional profile, the profile strip 12 comprises two free profile end sections 34, 36. The end section 34 runs parallel to the base plate 102.

[0035] The profile strip 12 has a spring section 38 on the inner side 24 of the frame facing the inner frame area 14. The spring section 38 includes a profile projection 40 extending in a nose-like shape towards the inner frame area 14. The profile projection 40 carries a contact section 42, which is located before the base plate 102 is inserted (state as shown in Fig. 4 ) and after the insertion of the base plate 102 (see Fig. 6 ) extends diagonally towards the inner frame area 14.

[0036] When the base plate 102 is inserted into the profile strip 12, the contact section 42 is pushed outwards by the base plate 102 (see figure). Fig. 5This presses the spring section 38 into a space between the inner leg 26 and the outer leg 30, thus opening an insertion path for the base plate 102 towards a receiving area 44 of the profile strip 12. As soon as the base plate 102 reaches the receiving area 44 of the profile strip 12, the spring section 38 performs a return movement towards the inner frame area 14. This return movement of the spring section 38 secures the base plate 102 to the inner frame side of the profile strip 12 in a form-fit and force-fit manner. The spring section 38 ensures that the base plate 12 is centered and fixed to the support frame 10.

[0037] The profile end section 34 serves as a support for the base plate 102 located in the receiving area 44. The profile end section 36 serves as a lateral stop for the base plate 102 inserted into the receiving area 44.

[0038] The spring section 48 has a side edge contact surface 46, a top contact surface 48, and a bottom contact surface 50. After the base plate 102 is inserted into the receiving area 44, the side edge contact surface 46 is in contact with the circumferential side edge 104 of the base plate 102. After completion of the insertion process, the top contact surface 48 is also in contact with the top surface 106 of the base plate 102, and the bottom contact surface 50 is in contact with the bottom surface 108 of the base plate 102.

[0039] The Figs. 7 to 9 Figure 1 shows a support frame 10 in which the underside contact surface 50 is arranged on the inner leg 26. Thus, the profile end section 36 serves as a support for the inserted base plate 102.

[0040] The Figs. 10 to 12Figure 1 shows the insertion process of a base plate 102, which has a circumferential groove 110. The base plate 102 is again inserted from above into the circumferential profile strip 12 in the insertion direction 20a. In this case, however, the profile end section 36 serves as an engagement element, which engages in the circumferential groove 110 of the base plate 102 during the return movement of the spring section 38. The profile end section 36 thus again acts as a support for the base plate 102, whereby the support effect is not achieved by providing a bearing surface for the underside 108 of the base plate 102, but by the engagement of the profile end section 36 in the circumferential groove 110 of the base plate 102.

[0041] The Figs. 13 to 16 show a support frame 10, wherein the profile strip 12 facilitates the insertion of the base plate 102 from both above (cf. Figs. 13, 14 and 16 ) as well as the insertion of the base plate 102 from below (see Figs. 15 and 16 ) allowed.

[0042] As the Figs. 13 and 14 As shown, the profile projection 40 provides the contact section 42 when the base plate 102 is inserted from above, i.e. from the insertion direction 20a, which is pressed outwards by the base plate 102 during the insertion process.

[0043] As the Fig. 15 As shown, the underside of the profile end section 36 serves as a contact section 42 when the base plate 102 is inserted along the insertion direction 20b, i.e., from below. This contact section 42 is pressed outwards by the base plate 102 during the insertion process. In both cases, i.e., when the base plate 102 is inserted from above as well as from below, the respective contact section 42 of the spring area 38 is pressed outwards in such a way that an insertion path for the base plate 102 is opened in the direction of a receiving area 44. As soon as the base plate has reached the receiving area 44 (see Figure 1), the contact section 42 of the spring area 38 is pressed outwards. Fig. 16), the suspension area 38 performs a return movement, thereby fixing and centering the base plate 102. Reference sign

[0044] 10 Support frame 12 Profile strip 14 Frame interior 16a-16d Longitudinal sections 18a-18d Corner areas 20a, 20b Insertion directions 22 Railing 24 Frame interior 26 Inner leg 28 Frame exterior 30 Outer leg 32 Strip section 34 Profile end section 36 Profile end section 38 Spring area 40 Profile projection 42 Contact section 44 Receiving area 46 Side edge contact surface 48 Top contact surface 50 Bottom contact surface 100Shelf 102Base plate 104Side edge 106Top 108Bottom 110Groove

Claims

1. Support frame (10) for a tray (100), with - a profiled strip (12) which runs partially or completely around an inner frame region (14) and into which a base plate (102) can be inserted; wherein the profiled strip (12) has a spring region (38) on the inner side (24) of the frame facing the inner frame region (14), which spring region comprises a contact section (42), wherein the contact section (42) of the spring region (38) is arranged to be pressed away from the base plate (102) when the base plate (102) is inserted into the profiled strip (12) and thereby to release an insertion path for the base plate (102) in the direction of a receiving region (44), wherein the spring area (38) is set up to execute a return movement for form-locking and / or force-locking fixing of the base plate (102) to the inner side (24) of the frame of the profiled strip (12) as soon as the base plate (102) has reached the receiving area (44); wherein the contact section (42) of the spring region (38) extends obliquely in the direction of insertion (20a, 20b) of the base plate (102) before and after insertion of the base plate (102) in the direction of the inner frame region (14), so that the base plate (102) can be inserted into the profiled strip (12) from above or from below; characterized in that the suspension region (38) - has an upper side contact surface (48) which is adapted to be in contact with the upper side (106) of the base plate (102) after insertion of the base plate (102) into the receiving area (44); and / or - has an underside contact surface (50) which is arranged to be in contact with the underside (108) of the base plate (102) after the base plate (102) has been inserted into the receiving area (44).

2. Support frame (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the contact portion (42) of the spring region (38) is arranged to be pressed outwards by the base plate (102) when the base plate (102) is inserted into the profiled strip (12); and / or - the spring area (38) is set up to execute the return movement for form-locking and / or force-locking fixing of the base plate (102) on the inner side (24) of the frame of the profiled strip (12) in the direction of the inner frame area (14).

3. Support frame (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the profiled strip (12) has an inner limb (26) and an outer limb (30) located on the outside of the inner limb (26), the spring region (38) being a component of the inner limb (26), wherein a free space is located between the outer limb (30) and the inner limb (26), and wherein the spring region (38) designed to move into the free space when pushed away by the base plate (102).

4. Support frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profiled strip (12) has an open cross-sectional profile with two free profile end sections (34, 36), wherein a profile end section (34, 36) is arranged to serve as a support for the inserted base plate (102); and / or a profile end section (36) is designed to serve as a lateral stop for the inserted base plate (102).

5. Support frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact section (42) of the suspension region (38) is part of a profile projection (40) of the profile strip (12) extending in the shape of a nose in the direction of the inner frame region (14).

6. Support frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring region (38) has a side edge contact surface (46) which is set up to be in contact with the circumferential side edge (104) of the base plate (102) after the base plate (102) has been inserted into the receiving region (44).

7. Support frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profiled strip (12) is bent or kinked in corner regions (18a-18d).

8. Support frame (10) according to claim7, characterized in that the profile strip (12) has interruption edges in the corner areas (18a-18d) on the inside of the frame (24).

9. Support frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profiled strip (12) is designed as a one-piece body.

10. Tray (100), in particular kitchen cupboard tray, with - a support frame (10); and - a base plate (102) characterized in that the support frame (10) is designed according to one of the preceding claims and the base plate (102) can be inserted or is inserted into the inner frame region (14) of the support frame (10).