Support device for a retractable tray in a refrigerator

Abstract

Support device (1) for a pull-out drawer (24) in a refrigerator (21), comprising two opposing side parts (2) and at least one connecting strip (3) extending transversely to the two side parts (2) and connected to the side parts (2), wherein a free space (4) remains between the side parts (2) and the connecting strip (3) connected thereto, wherein each side part (2) is formed by a guide rail (5) and each connecting strip (3) is provided with two retaining elements (6) via which the connecting strip (3) is connected to the guide rails (5), wherein each retaining element (6) has a retaining leg (7) extending away from the connecting strip (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a support device for a pull-out drawer in a refrigerator, comprising two opposing side parts and at least one connecting strip extending transversely to the two side parts and connected to the side parts, wherein a free space remains between the side parts and the connecting strip connected thereto, wherein each side part is formed by a guide rail and two retaining elements are provided for each connecting strip, via which the connecting strip is connected to the guide rails, wherein each retaining element has a retaining leg extending away from the connecting strip.

[0002] The invention further relates to a combination of the carrying device with an extendable drawer.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a refrigerator with a refrigerated goods compartment in which at least one such support device is installed.

[0004] Refrigerators or freezers with support devices for a pull-out drawer located inside the refrigerator or freezer are known from the prior art. The support devices are designed to reliably support the drawer in the refrigerator and guide it for a defined pull-out movement.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2013 016 430 A1 discloses a refrigerator comprising one or more glass shelves that can be inserted into the ribs of the refrigerated compartment. The glass shelves have retaining strips on their front and back sides, each connected to a pull-out system. The retaining strips and pull-out systems form a frame around the glass shelves. The pull-out systems consist of a fixed rail and a rail that is movable relative to it and are secured against falling out of the refrigerator. A drawer can be mounted on top of each pair of pull-out systems of a glass shelf, allowing it to slide on the glass shelf.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2010 004 219 A1 discloses a refrigerator with support ribs on its inner side walls. These support ribs serve to hold individual refrigerator compartments or drawers. To accommodate a drawer, a base with two strip-shaped roller brackets on two side edges is first inserted into the refrigerator. Each roller bracket can hold up to four rollers. The drawer is guided on these rollers.

[0007] A disadvantage of the known designs is, among other things, the base provided under the drawer, which increases the material requirements, weight, and cost of the support structure. Furthermore, the base, which is inserted into the cooling container ribs or support ribs, only allows for a horizontal arrangement in the refrigerator.

[0008] EP 2 159 523 A1 relates to a refrigerator with a support system for a drawer. The support system has two parallel guide rails and at least one crossbar extending from the first guide rail to the second, defining a fixed distance between the two guide rails. A gap remains between the guide rails and the crossbar. The crossbar is connected to the guide rails via side sections. Each side section has two projections that are received in two superimposed side grooves in a respective side wall of the refrigerator. The crossbar is received in a recess in one of the projections. In the case of two crossbars, they are mounted at a fixed distance from each other.

[0009] The object of the invention is to create a support device for a pull-out drawer in a refrigerator, a combination of the support device with a pull-out drawer, and a refrigerator with a refrigerated compartment in which at least one such support device is installed, each of the type mentioned above, which avoids or at least reduces the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the support device should be designed to be as material-efficient, lightweight, and cost-effective as possible, reliably support the drawer in the refrigerator and guide it during a pull-out movement, and yet still allow variable positioning of the drawer in the refrigerator. The refrigerator should also be cost-effective to manufacture.

[0010] For this purpose, the invention provides a carrying device as defined in claim 1, a combination of the carrying device with a pull-out drawer as defined in claim 9, and a refrigerator as defined in claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] Regarding the support device, the invention provides for two connecting strips extending transversely to the two side panels and connected to them via four retaining elements. These connecting strips are positioned opposite each other and, together with the side panels and the four retaining elements, form a circumferential frame. Two retaining elements connected to the same side panel are spaced apart from each other. The support device thus serves to support and guide a pull-out drawer in a refrigerator. When this description refers to a refrigerator, this also includes a freezer. The support device has two opposing side panels and at least one connecting strip extending transversely to the two side panels and connected to them.Preferably, the two spaced-apart side panels are aligned parallel to each other, so that they point in the same direction. The connecting strip, which runs transversely to the two side panels, can preferably be arranged perpendicular to the side panels. Furthermore, the connecting strip can be located in a front end region of the side panels, in a rear end region of the side panels, or in an intermediate position between the front and rear end regions of the side panels. Since the support device does not have a continuous base, a material-free area remains between the side panels and the connected connecting strip, i.e., a gap, which keeps the material usage, cost, and weight of the support device low. To further reduce material usage, cost, and weight, each side panel is formed by a guide rail on which the tray can rest and be moved.This eliminates the need for the side struts known from the prior art, onto which the guide rails first have to be mounted. To connect the connecting strip to the two guide rails, two retaining elements are provided for each connecting strip. Specifically, the connecting strip is connected to one of the two guide rails via a first retaining element and to the other of the two guide rails via a second retaining element. Thus, each retaining element connects one guide rail to one connecting strip. Preferably, the retaining elements are provided at both ends of the connecting strip. To ensure stable positioning of the support device in the refrigerator, each retaining element has a retaining leg extending away from the connecting strip.Preferably, the retaining leg extends in a plane parallel to or identical with a plane defined by the guide rails and the connecting strip. The retaining elements are preferably made of plastic.

[0012] Furthermore, two connecting strips are provided, running transversely to the two side panels and connected to them via four retaining elements. These strips are positioned opposite each other and, together with the side panels and the four retaining elements, form a surrounding frame. Each pair of retaining elements connected to the same side panel is spaced apart from one another. Thus, four retaining elements are provided to connect the two connecting strips to the two side panels or two guide rails. Preferably, one of the two connecting strips is arranged in a front area of ​​the side panels and the other in a rear area. The frame formed by the side panels, the connecting strips, and the retaining elements preferably has the shape of a rectangle or a square in plan view. A free space remains within the surrounding frame.The surrounding frame is characterized by high stability and can easily be inserted into a refrigerator.

[0013] When the description refers to locations and directions such as "above," "below," "front," "back," or "side," these refer to a state of use of the support device or the refrigerator, in particular a state in which the support device is ready for operation inside the refrigerator. The term "vertical" means in the direction of gravity, from "above" to "below," or vice versa.

[0014] If the retaining elements are designed for a detachable connection of the connecting strip to the guide rails, and in particular if the retaining elements have an opening into which one end of the connecting strip is preferably detachably inserted, the connecting strip(s) and the guide rails can be manufactured individually, transported separately, and connected and disconnected particularly easily. It is especially advantageous if the detachable connection can be made and disconnected without tools. A plug-in connection, for which one end of the connecting strip is inserted into an opening in the retaining elements, is particularly preferred. The opening in the retaining elements can be a recess in the retaining element or a space between retaining walls projecting from the retaining element. The guide rails can also be detachably connected to the retaining elements.

[0015] To reliably connect the connecting strip to the retaining elements, the retaining elements can be connected to the connecting strip via a snap-fit ​​connection, wherein, in particular, a spring-loaded locking projection on the retaining element and a corresponding projection receptacle, especially a locking recess or a locking protrusion, are provided in or on the connecting strip. The snap-fit ​​connection, which can also be referred to as a snap connection, prevents the connecting strip and the retaining elements from falling apart, especially before or during the installation of the support device in a refrigerator. For this purpose, the spring-loaded locking projection can be arranged on a spring-loaded tongue on the retaining element and engage in the locking recess, e.g.,a blind hole or through hole, engage in the connecting strip or interact with the detent projection extending from a main plane of the connecting strip, over which the detent projection is deflected during assembly.

[0016] For connecting the guide rails to the retaining elements, the retaining elements may have a mounting leg to which the guide rail is preferably detachably attached. For example, the guide rail can be pushed onto or inserted into the mounting leg. The mounting leg may preferably be oriented perpendicular to a plane defined by the guide rails and the connecting strip(s). In particular, the mounting leg may be oriented perpendicular to the retaining leg of the retaining element.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous if the mounting leg has several through-holes and the guide rail has or is connected to at least one fastening element, in particular a projection or a screw, which is inserted into at least one of the through-holes. Thus, the guide rail can be connected to the retaining element via the fastening element, which is inserted into a through-hole. Since several through-holes are provided in the mounting leg, the position of the guide rail relative to the retaining element and to the connecting strip can be suitably determined. For particularly stable fastening of the guide rail to the retaining element, at least two fastening elements of a guide rail can be inserted into corresponding through-holes in the mounting leg. The fastening element can be permanently or detachably connected to the guide rail.In particular, the fastening element can be a pin, a screw, or a rivet. If the fastening element is detachably connected to the guide rail, the guide rail can also have at least one through-opening, and the fastening element can be inserted into the through-opening of the guide rail and into one of the through-openings of the mounting leg.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the guide rail is pivotally connected to the mounting element, especially to the mounting leg of the mounting element. For this purpose, the guide rail can be connected to the mounting leg via a single fastening element, which is inserted into a single through-hole in the mounting leg. In this way, the support device can be inserted at an angle into the refrigerator, with a front connecting strip having a different height inside the refrigerator than a rear connecting strip. Thus, a drawer supported by the support device can also be inserted at an angle into the refrigerator.

[0019] To enable the support device to be secured in a desired position within the refrigerator, the retaining elements may be provided with a locking device in the retaining leg that is adjustable in one direction away from the connecting strip. The adjustable locking device may be designed, in particular, to clamp the support device in the refrigerator. The adjustable locking device may be adjustable, especially manually by a user, between a release position, in which the adjustable locking device allows a change in the position of the support device, and a locking position, in which the adjustable locking device makes a change in the position of the support device more difficult or prevents it altogether.

[0020] It is particularly preferred that the adjustable locking device has an adjustment opening in the retaining leg, provided with an internal thread, and an adjustment screw screwed into the adjustment opening. This adjustment screw preferably has an elastic pressure element at an end facing away from the screw head. In this way, the position of the pressure element can be changed by turning the adjustment screw, either towards or away from the connecting strip, i.e., essentially parallel to the direction of the connecting strip. The elastic pressure element is designed to press against a side wall inside the refrigerator when the locking device is in the locked position, without damaging the side wall. For example, the elastic pressure element can be made of a relatively soft plastic or rubber and screwed onto the adjustment screw.The head of the adjusting screw preferably has a knurled or serrated edge to make it easier for a user of the support device to turn the adjusting screw. The adjusting screw may be made of plastic.

[0021] Furthermore, the retaining elements may be provided with a clamping device featuring an elastic contact element in the retaining leg. This contact element forms the outermost region of the retaining element in one direction away from the connecting strip. The elastic contact element is preferably detachable, e.g., screwable or removable, within the retaining leg to allow for replacement if necessary. In the assembled state, the elastic contact element is fixed in position within the retaining leg and forms a lateral outer boundary of the retaining element and the support device. The distance between the outermost endpoints of two elastic contact elements associated with a connecting strip essentially corresponds to the distance between two side walls inside the refrigerator. Thus, when the support device is inserted into a refrigerator, the elastic contact element rubs against a side wall inside the refrigerator.When installed, the support device is clamped inside the refrigerator by the clamping mechanism and can be removed by overcoming the frictional force between the support body and the side wall. The flexible support body can be made of a relatively soft plastic or rubber.

[0022] The invention also relates to a combination of the support device according to the preceding description with a pull-out drawer, which has two side walls with drawer guides, in particular rollers or drawer rails, mounted thereon. When the drawer is connected to the support device, these drawer guides bear against the guide rails of the support device. As the drawer is pulled out, the drawer guides are displaced relative to the support device and slide or roll on or within the guide rails of the support device. Thus, the support device supports the drawer. Extension systems formed by such drawer rails and guide rails, in particular telescopic extensions, roller extensions, or sliding extensions, are known to those skilled in the art.

[0023] With regard to the refrigerator with a refrigerated compartment, the invention provides that at least one support device as described above is inserted into the refrigerated compartment. The refrigerated compartment has a front for removing refrigerated goods, a rear opposite the front, and two side walls with shelf supports arranged between the front and rear, on which the retaining elements of the support device rest. Thus, the guide rails of the support device are held in a desired position in the refrigerator by the retaining elements. The at least one connecting strip determines the distance between the guide rails, preventing them from falling off the shelf supports. The extendable drawer can rest on the support device. For information on the interaction of the support device with the refrigerator, please refer to the preceding description of the support device.

[0024] A particularly simple and stable mounting of the support device in the refrigerator's refrigerated compartment can be achieved if the shelf supports are formed by vertically stacked strips spaced apart by grooves, and the retaining arms of the support elements are inserted into these grooves. This prevents the support elements from being unintentionally displaced upwards or downwards out of the grooves. Preferably, the strips and the grooves extend over a distance greater than the length of the guide rails with the support elements mounted on them. This allows the strips to be variably positioned horizontally within the refrigerated compartment. Preferably, the strips are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, the height of the support arms can be substantially equal to the height of the grooves, particularly between 50% and 100%, and most preferably between 80% and 90% of the groove height.This allows the retaining legs to be inserted into the grooves without significant effort.

[0025] To secure the support device inserted into the refrigerated compartment in the selected position, it is preferred that the elastic pressure element of the adjustable locking device rests against one of the side walls of the refrigerated compartment when the support device is tightened by the adjusting screw. In particular, the pressure elements of both retaining elements associated with a connecting strip press outwards in opposite directions, away from the connecting strip, against the side walls of the refrigerated compartment to secure the support device. The pressure of the pressure elements against the side walls of the refrigerated compartment can be appropriately adjusted by the adjusting screw and released as needed, for example, to remove the support device.

[0026] To secure the support device inserted into the refrigerated compartment in the selected position, the elastic body of the clamping device may be designed to rest against one of the compartment's side walls. Specifically, the bodies of both retaining elements associated with a connecting strip press outwards in opposite directions, away from the connecting strip, against the compartment's side walls to fix the support device. The pressure exerted by the body against the compartment's side walls is determined, firstly, by the distance between the outermost endpoints of the two body elements associated with a connecting strip. This distance essentially corresponds to the distance between the two side walls or between two grooves in opposing side walls of the refrigerated compartment. Secondly, the pressure exerted by the body against the compartment's side walls is determined by the elasticity of the body elements themselves.

[0027] The invention will be further explained below with reference to preferred, non-limiting embodiments and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a support device according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2 two connecting strips and four retaining elements of the support device made of Fig. 1 , without guide rails; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the outside of a holding element of the support device; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the inside of the retaining element Fig. 3 , before inserting a connecting strip into the retaining element; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the inside of the retaining element Fig. 3 , after inserting a connecting strip into the retaining element; Fig. 6 the retaining element made of Fig. 3 with an adjustable locking device in an expanded view; Fig. 7 the retaining element made of Fig. 3 with the adjustable locking device in an assembled state; Fig. 8 the support device Fig. 1 with the adjustable locking device; Fig. 9 the retaining element made of Fig. 3 with a clamping device with an elastic support body for the holding leg in an extended view; Fig. 10 the retaining element made of Fig. 3 with the clamping device in an assembled state; Fig. 11 a symbolic representation of a force exerted on the side walls of a refrigerated compartment of a refrigerator by the adjustable locking device and / or by the clamping device; Fig. 12 an extendable drawer intended for combination with the carrying device in a perspective view from below; Fig. 13 the drawer Fig. 12 in combination with the support device in a perspective view from below; Fig. 14 the drawer Fig. 12 in combination with the support device in a perspective view from above; Fig. 15 a section of a refrigerated compartment of a refrigerator with support devices inserted therein, in a front view; Fig. 16 the section of the refrigerated goods room Fig. 15 with the support devices used therein in a perspective view; Fig. 17 a section of a refrigerated compartment of a refrigerator with a support device inserted therein and a drawer arranged on it, in a front view; Fig. 18 the section of the refrigerated goods room Fig. 17 with the carrying device and the load in a retracted state; Fig. 19 the section of the refrigerated goods room Fig. 17 with the carrying device and the load in a pulled-out position; and Fig. 20 a support device inserted at an angle into the refrigerated compartment of a refrigerator.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a support device 1 according to the invention with two opposing side parts 2 and at least one, as shown in the illustration according to Fig. 1 Two connecting strips 3 extend transversely to and are connected to the two side parts 2. In an embodiment not shown, only one connecting strip 3 may be provided, so that the side parts 2 and the connecting strip 3 together form the shape of a "U" or an "H" in plan view. A free space 4 remains between the side parts 2 and the connecting strip(s) 3 connected to them. It is clearly recognizable that each side part 2 is formed by a guide rail 5. In addition, two retaining elements 6 are provided for each connecting strip 3, via which the connecting strip 3 is connected to the guide rails 5. Each retaining element 6 has a retaining leg 7 extending away from the connecting strip 3. In particular, the retaining leg 7 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the connecting strip 3.The opposing connecting strips 3 form, in the example, according to . Fig. 1 together with the side parts 2 or guide rails 5 and the retaining elements 6, a surrounding frame 8.

[0029] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows the two connecting strips 3 of the support device 1 in a state connected to two retaining elements 6 of the support device 1. The guide rails 5 of the support device 1 are shown in the illustration according to... Fig. 2 not yet or no longer connected to the retaining elements 6.

[0030] Fig. 3 shows an outer side 9 of a retaining element 6 of the support device 1 pointing away from the connecting strip 3 and Fig. 4 shows one of the inner sides 10 of the retaining element 6 of the support device 1 facing the connecting strip 3.

[0031] Especially in Fig. 4 It is evident that the retaining elements 6 are for a detachable connection of the connecting strip 3 with the in Fig. 4 guide rails 5 not shown may be formed and in particular the retaining elements 6 have an opening 11 into which an end 12 of the connecting strip 3 can preferably be detachably inserted or slid in.

[0032] In the example according to Fig. 5 The connecting strip 3 is already inserted into the opening 11 of the retaining element 6 and is thus connected to the retaining element 6.

[0033] The Fig. 3 und 4 The figures further illustrate that the retaining elements 6 are connected to the connecting strip 3 via a snap-fit ​​connection 13, wherein, in particular, a spring-loaded snap-fit ​​projection 14 on the retaining element 6 and a corresponding projection receptacle 15, in particular a snap-fit ​​recess 15a or a snap-fit ​​elevation 15b (shown only symbolically), are provided in or on the connecting strip 3. When the connecting strip 3 is inserted into the opening 11 of the retaining element 6, the snap-fit ​​projection 14 engages in the projection receptacle 15, as shown in the example. Fig. 4 into the detent recess 15a, so that the detent connection 13 between the retaining element 6 and the connecting strip 3 is protected from unintentional loosening. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the connection between the retaining element 6 and the connecting strip 3 could also be made without a detent connection 13, simply by inserting the connecting strip 3 into the retaining element 6, for example, by overcoming a frictional force. The frictional force can be achieved by precisely manufacturing the opening 11 and the connecting strip 3 or by pressure from the spring-loaded detent projection 14 onto a surface of the connecting strip 3.

[0034] Among other things, the Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows, by way of example, that the retaining elements 6 have a mounting leg 16 to which the guide rail 5 is preferably detachably attached. For example, in the Fig. 2 bis 7 The mounting leg 16 is shown without the guide rail 5 attached to it. In the illustrated examples, the mounting leg 16 has several through-openings 17. For connection to the mounting leg 16, the guide rail 5 preferably has at least one fastening element 18, in particular a projection 18a in the form of a pin or a rivet (see Fig. 20 ) or a screw 18b (see Fig. 20 ) on, or is connected with which fastening element 18 is inserted into at least one of the through-openings 17. The guide rail 5 can be connected to the mounting leg 16 via several fastening elements 18. However, if the guide rail 5 is to be pivotably connected to the retaining element 6, in particular to the mounting leg 16, the guide rail 5 can be connected to the mounting leg 16 via a single fastening element 18, which is inserted into a single through-opening 17 of the mounting leg 16.

[0035] The Fig. 6 and 7 The figures show an example in which the retaining elements 6 have a locking device 19 in the retaining leg 7 that is adjustable in a direction R1 away from the connecting strip 3. In the expanded view in Fig. 6 It is evident that the adjustable locking device 19 can be constructed in multiple parts. In particular, the adjustable locking device 19 can be in a Fig. 7 The assembled state shown comprises an adjustment opening 19a with an internal thread in the retaining leg 7 and an adjustment screw 19b screwed into the adjustment opening 19a, which preferably has an elastic pressure body 19d at an end facing away from a screw head 19c of the adjustment screw 19b. In the illustrated example, the adjustment opening 19a is formed in a blind rivet nut 19e, which is inserted into a passage 19f in the retaining element 6, in particular in the retaining leg 7. By turning the adjustment screw 19b, the pressure body 19d can be extended in a direction R1 pointing away from the connecting strip 3 to move the locking device 19 into a locked position, or the pressure body 19d can be retracted in a direction R2 pointing towards the connecting strip 3 to move the locking device 19 into a released position.

[0036] In the example according to Fig. 8 The support device 1 with the adjustable locking device 19 is shown. The adjusting screws 19b are only visible on the left guide rail 5, while the pressure elements 19d are indicated on the right guide rail 5.

[0037] The Fig. 9 und 10 show an example according to which the retaining elements 6 have a clamping device 20 with an elastic support body 20a in the retaining leg 7, which support body 20a in a Fig. 10 The assembled state shown, in a direction R1 away from the connecting strip 3, forms an outermost area of ​​the retaining element 6. For this purpose, in Fig. 10 It is evident that the support body 20a projects towards R1 relative to the retaining leg 7. The support body 20a can be screwed or pushed onto a pin 20b of the clamping device 20 in the retaining leg 7. When the support device 1 is inserted into a refrigerator 21, the support body 20a preferably rubs against an inner wall of the refrigerator 21.

[0038] Fig. 11 The figure symbolically shows a force FN exerted on the side walls 22 of a refrigerated compartment 23 of a refrigerator 21 by the adjustable locking device 19 and / or by the clamping device 20.

[0039] Fig. 12 Figure 1 shows an example of an extendable drawer 24 intended for combination with the support device 1 in a perspective view from below. The drawer 24 preferably has two side walls 25 with drawer guides 26 mounted thereon, in particular rollers 26a or drawer rails 26b, which drawer guides 26 are designed to bear against the guide rails 5 of the support device 1 when the drawer 24 is connected to the support device 1.

[0040] Fig. 13 shows an example of a combination of the carrying device 1 with the extendable drawer 24 made of Fig. 12 . Here, the in Fig. 13 non-visible shop guides 26 on the guide rails 5 of the support device 1.

[0041] Fig. 14 Figure 1 shows, as an example, the drawer 24 in combination with the carrying device 1 in a perspective view from above.

[0042] Fig. 15 Figure 1 shows an example of a section of a refrigerator 21 with a refrigerated compartment 23 in which at least one support device 1 is inserted. In the example according to... Fig. 15 Two complete support devices 1 and two incomplete support devices 1, which lack the guide rails 5, are inserted into the refrigerated goods compartment 23. The refrigerated goods compartment 23 has a front 27 intended for the removal of refrigerated goods, a rear 28 opposite the front 27, and two side walls 22 with shelf supports 29 arranged between the front 27 and the rear 28, on which the retaining elements 6 of the support device 1 rest or can rest. The shelf supports 29 are shown in the example below. Fig. 15 formed by strips 31 arranged one above the other and spaced apart from each other by grooves 30, and the retaining legs 7 of the retaining elements 6 are inserted into the grooves 30.

[0043] Fig. 16 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the section of the refrigerated compartment 23 with the support devices 1 installed therein. The two lower support devices 1 have, by way of example, adjustable locking devices 19. In a state where the support device 1 is tightened by the adjusting screws 19b, i.e., in the locked position of the locking devices 19, the (in Fig. 16 The (non-visible) elastic pressure bodies 19d of the adjustable locking devices 19 abut the side walls 22 of the refrigerated compartment 23. Preferably, the elastic contact bodies 20a of the clamping device 20 also abut the side walls 22 of the refrigerated compartment 23.

[0044] Fig. 17 Figure 1 shows, by way of example, a section of a refrigerated compartment 23 of a refrigerator 21 with a support device 1 inserted therein and a drawer 24 arranged on it, in a front view.

[0045] Fig. 18 shows the section of the refrigerated goods compartment 23 with the inserted support device 1 and the drawer 24, wherein the drawer 24 is inserted into the refrigerated goods compartment 23.

[0046] Fig. 19 shows the section of the refrigerated goods compartment 23 with the inserted support device 1 and the drawer 24, with the drawer 24 being pulled out of the refrigerated goods compartment 23.

[0047] Fig. 20 Figure 1 shows a support device 1 inserted obliquely into a refrigerated compartment 23 of a refrigerator 21, wherein a front connecting strip 3, 3a has a different height in the refrigerator 21 than a rear connecting strip 3, 3b. In particular, the front connecting strip 3, 3a can engage in a different groove 30 than the rear connecting strip 3, 3b. For this purpose, the guide rail 5 can be pivotably connected to the retaining element 6, in particular to the mounting leg 16 of the retaining element 6.

Claims

1. A support device (1) for a pull-out drawer (24) in a refrigerator (21), comprising two opposing side parts (2) and at least one connecting strip (3) extending transversely to the two side parts (2) and connected to the side parts (2), wherein a free space (4) remains between the side parts (2) and the connecting strip (3) connected thereto, wherein each side part (2) is formed by a guide rail (5) and two holding elements (6) are provided for each connecting strip (3), via which the connecting strip (3) is connected to the guide rails (5), wherein each holding element (6) has a holding leg (7) extending away from the connecting strip (3), characterized in thattwo connecting strips (3) are provided which run transversely to the two side parts (2) and are connected to the side parts (2) via four holding elements (6), which are opposite one another and, together with the side parts (2) and the four holding elements (6), form a circumferential frame (8), wherein two holding elements (6) connected to the same side part (2) are spaced apart from one another.

2. Carrying device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding elements (6) are designed for a detachable connection of the connecting strip (3) to the guide rails (5) and in particular the holding elements (6) have an opening (11) into which one end of the connecting strip (3) is preferably detachably inserted.

3. Supporting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe holding elements (6) are connected to the connecting strip (3) via a latching connection (13), wherein in particular a resilient latching projection (14) on the holding element (6) and a corresponding projection receptacle (15), in particular a latching recess (15a) or a latching elevation (15b), are provided in or on the connecting strip (3).

4. Supporting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding elements (6) have a mounting leg (16) to which the guide rail (5) is preferably releasably fastened.

5. Supporting device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the mounting leg (16) has a plurality of through-openings (17) and the guide rail (5) has or is connected to at least one fastening element (18), in particular a projection (18a) or a screw (18b), which is inserted into at least one of the through-openings (17).

6. Supporting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holding elements (6) have a locking device (19) in the holding leg (7) which can be adjusted in a direction (R1) away from the connecting bar (3).

7. Supporting device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the adjustable locking device (19) has an adjustment opening (19a) provided with an internal thread in the holding leg (7) and an adjustment screw (19b) screwed into the adjustment opening (19a), which preferably has an elastic pressure body (19d) at an end facing away from a screw head (19c) of the adjustment screw (19b).

8. Supporting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding elements (6) have a clamping device (20) with an elastic contact body (20a) in the holding leg (7), which contact body (20a) forms an outermost region of the holding element (6) in a direction (R1) away from the connecting strip (3).

9. Combination of the carrying device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 with an extendable drawer (24) which has two side walls (25) with drawer guides (26) mounted thereon, in particular rollers (26a) or drawer rails (26b), which drawer guides (26) rest on the guide rails (5) of the carrying device (1) when the drawer (24) is connected to the carrying device (1).

10. Refrigerator (21) with a refrigerated goods compartment (23) in which at least one carrying device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 is inserted, wherein the refrigerated goods compartment (23) has a front side (27) provided for the removal of refrigerated goods, a rear side (28) opposite the front side (27) and two side walls (22) arranged between the front side (27) and the rear side (28) with compartment supports (29) on which the holding elements (6) of the carrying device (1) rest.

11. Refrigerator (21) according to claim 10, characterized in thatthe compartment supports (29) are formed by strips (31) arranged one above the other and spaced from one another by grooves (30), and the holding legs (7) of the holding elements (6) are inserted into the grooves (30).

12. Refrigerator (21) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the elastic pressure body (19d) of the adjustable locking device (19) rests against one of the side walls (22) of the refrigerated goods compartment (23) when the support device (1) is tightened by the adjusting screw (19b).

13. Refrigerator (21) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the elastic contact body (20a) of the clamping device (20) rests against one of the side walls (22) of the refrigerated goods compartment (23).

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