Shelf for storage items, and household refrigeration appliance

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a shelf (5) for items to be stored in a household refrigeration appliance (1), comprising a base plate (6) which has a boundary edge (7, 9), wherein an edge protection element (8) is arranged at least in some regions on the boundary edge (7, 9), which edge protection element (8) is arranged non-releasably on the boundary edge (7, 9) and is formed as a pressed-on edge protection element (8). The invention also relates to a method.

Description

[0001] Storage shelf for stored goods and household refrigeration appliances

[0002] One aspect of the invention relates to a storage shelf for stored goods in a household refrigeration appliance. Another aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance with at least one such storage shelf.

[0003] Storage shelves for stored goods in household refrigeration appliances are available in a wide variety of designs. Such shelves can be partitions or shelves. They are usually arranged horizontally in a compartment of the household refrigeration appliance and can be removed. Such shelves have edges. In this context, shelves are known that have separate rails arranged along these edges.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage plate for stored goods in a household refrigeration appliance in which the number of components is reduced and a base plate is locally protected.

[0005] This object is achieved by a storage plate and a household refrigeration appliance according to the independent claims.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a storage shelf for stored goods in a household refrigeration appliance. The storage shelf has a base plate. This base plate has an edge. This is formed in particular by the narrow peripheral side of the base plate. An edge protection element is arranged at least in part on the edge. The edge protection element is arranged non-detachably on the edge. The edge protection element is further formed as a printed edge protection element on the edge. As a result, the edge protection element cannot be removed from the edge without being destroyed. It cannot therefore be reversibly removed and reattached. This can save assembly effort. It also ensures that positioning tolerances can be avoided. In this context, the edge protection element is also permanently and precisely positioned on the edge.By printing the edge protection element, in one exemplary embodiment a specific application or attachment of the edge protection element to the edge is formed in a particularly advantageous manner. An edge protection element produced by a printing process on the edge can be produced with a very specific shape and precision. Furthermore, printing enables a particularly stable, permanent attachment of the edge protection element to the edge. With a printing process, the final shape of the edge protection element is only created during production itself. The shape of the edge protection element is therefore only fundamentally formed when the printing material is applied. In particular, storage shelves that are arranged in a receiving space are exposed to very different environmental conditions. They can be arranged in the refrigerator compartment or the freezer compartment.This can expose the shelf to very different temperatures. When the shelf is removed from its storage area, it is typically exposed to ambient conditions similar to those found at room temperature. A printed edge protector is particularly advantageous in this context, taking these varying aspects into account while minimizing wear. A printed edge protector is therefore a very advantageous edge protector that is permanently attached to the edge. Furthermore, a printing process allows the edge protector to be produced in a wide variety of variants, both in terms of material and shape.

[0007] In one embodiment, the edge protection element is, at least in part, a screen-printed edge protection element. In a screen printing process, a grid is applied to a screen, preferably by exposure. The screen then preferably carries the ink and is then applied to the component—here, the edge of the base plate—in a further manufacturing step. This process enables both flat and spot printing with high precision. Both flat and uneven surfaces can be printed on. A screen-printed edge protection element has high UV resistance. Likewise, a high level of scratch resistance is achieved. A very diverse material and structural design of the edge protection element is possible with a screen printing process. Both high ink coverage and the representation of a ceramic surface appearance are possible.In one embodiment, the edge protection element is, at least in part, a pad-printed edge protection element. A pad printing process is an indirect printing process. For example, an elastic stamp, e.g. made of rubber, can be provided, which takes the ink from a printing form and then transfers it to the area to be printed. The advantage of this process is that this stamp adapts very well to the shape of the body to be printed. This allows curved and more strongly deformed surfaces to be printed with very precise shape. Furthermore, a wide variety of material variants is also possible here. A very wide variety of color shades and visual appearance variants are also possible, at least for the surface of the edge protection element.

[0008] In one embodiment, the edge protection element is, at least in part, a digitally printed edge protection element. This type of printing process also allows for a wide variety of variations. For example, digital printing also makes it possible to use UV inks (ultraviolet inks). In digital printing, the material of the base plate, for example glass, is heated and then provided with a so-called primer. This enables increased adhesion of the material. The material of the edge protection element, in particular the ink, is applied using a specific print head. In one embodiment, it is then cured, in particular using UV radiation. A very big advantage of this variant is the high color variety and the ability to customize it in a single work step.

[0009] It is also possible to use digital printing with ceramic ink or paint. Here, too, the ink is applied using a print head. Heating fuses the ink with the base plate material, especially glass. With this type of design, the edge protection element can be highly scratch-resistant. It also offers particularly high resistance to acid and UV light. Furthermore, it is particularly weather-resistant.

[0010] In one embodiment, the edge protection element has a curved, in particular convexly curved, front side. This allows for a corner-free contour in this exposed area, namely the front side. Undesired edges or the like can thus be avoided. This prevents unwanted contact with such edges. Furthermore, such a shaping of the front side can achieve a continuous transition into the top side of the base plate and / or the bottom side of the base plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the edge protection element has a height that corresponds to the height of the edge. Thus, in this embodiment, the edge protection element is in particular just as high as the edge. This prevents the edge protection element from projecting upwards and / or downwards beyond the edge. This achieves a very smooth transition of the edge protection element into the top and / or bottom of the base plate. This prevents an offset or a stepped transition to the top and / or bottom. This makes it easier to prevent dirt from accumulating at such discontinuous transitions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the edge protection element can have a metallic or ceramic appearance. This creates a visual appearance that appears to be a metallic edge protection element or a ceramic edge protection element. In this regard, the materials can be selected accordingly, although they are generally not made of a metallic material or a ceramic metal.

[0013] In one embodiment, the edge protection element is elastic, in particular soft-elastic, at least in some regions. This means that the edge protection element has its own elasticity in its finished form. This allows a certain elastic deformation to occur if, for example, an object hits the edge protection element. The edge protection element thus gives way to a certain extent when such a force is applied. Undesirable plastic and thus permanent deformations can thus be avoided. The edge protection element therefore also serves as a kind of damping element, which dampens the application of force and does not transmit it almost entirely to the base plate. The elasticity is designed in such a way that deformations of up to 0.5 mm are possible, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the edge.This is to be understood in the sense that such a value can occur under normal force impacts, such as impact with stored goods or during conventional movement when a container is placed in or removed from the receiving space. Therefore, deformations are not to be understood as being caused by a very large force impact, such as could occur when the edge protection element is dropped from a great height or deliberately struck with an object with great force.

[0014] In one embodiment, the edge protection element has, in particular elastic, shock-absorbing properties.

[0015] In one embodiment, the base plate is made of glass. It can, in particular, be made of real glass. With such a material configuration, in combination with an at least partially opaque edge protection element, a storage plate can be designed in which an edge protection element is permanently arranged in a non-destructive manner, which also clearly distinguishes it visually from the base plate. The edge protection element thus also serves as a visually defined frame.

[0016] The edge protection element is preferably formed at least on a front edge, viewed in the depth direction. However, it can also be formed on a rear edge and / or on lateral edges of the base plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the storage shelf is a shelf. According to the above explanations, this is therefore also provided with a reduced number of components and equipped with a custom-designed edge protection element.

[0018] A further aspect of the invention relates to a storage shelf for stored goods in a household refrigeration appliance. The storage shelf has a base plate having a peripheral edge. An edge protection element is arranged at least in part on the peripheral edge. The edge protection element is arranged indetachably on the peripheral edge and is designed as a soft-elastic edge protection element. The advantages that can be achieved in this regard have already been mentioned above. A soft-elastic edge protection element can, for example, be a printed edge protection element. However, it can also be an enameled edge protection element. This is then applied to the peripheral edge by an enameling process. For example, a film or a veneer or a metal or a plastic can be applied here by an enameling process. In particular, the application of an organic material can be provided here.In a further step, this material, such as the paint, is then baked at very high temperatures of approximately 800°C, creating a solid, permanent bond. General advantages of this type of enameling include the surface being very well protected against corrosion, oxidation, and wear. Furthermore, sliding properties and insulation properties are improved, and the component's resistance to heat, acids, and alkalis is very high.

[0019] During the manufacturing process, a combination of the enamel firing process and the glass curing process of the base plate can be used. This is particularly advantageous if safety glass is used as the glass material. Enameling can also provide a high level of impact protection for the edge. This creates a very seamless and easy-to-clean joint.

[0020] Another embodiment of a particularly flexible edge protection element can be a hot-stamp edge protection element. In this embodiment, the material of the edge protection element is applied using a hot-stamping process. A decorative film can be pressed onto the edge using an embossing die or a roller. Such decorative films can be very diverse in terms of material and visual appearance. Thus, a very high degree of flexibility in terms of material, pattern, and color can be achieved using a hot-stamping process. Furthermore, a very precise and high-quality edge protection element can be produced.

[0021] In a further embodiment, a particularly soft-elastic edge protection element can be a laminated edge protection element. In this embodiment, the material of the edge protection element is applied by means of lamination. Possible methods here are cold lamination or

[0022] Hot lamination. A film, plastic tape, sheet metal, veneer, or the like is attached with a suitable adhesive layer. This is applied to the edge using pressure and heat. The temperature increases the adhesive strength. This also provides a high level of scratch protection. It is also possible to use real materials such as wood or metal in this context.

[0023] In a further embodiment, a particularly flexible edge protection element can be a painted edge protection element. In this embodiment, the material is applied using a painting process. Here, too, a high degree of customization is possible through customized paint mixtures.

[0024] UV coating is possible here. The paint is then additionally cured using UV light. This allows for very rapid curing with high corrosion protection and a very hard surface. A two-component coating process is also possible. This involves adding a hardener immediately before application, allowing the paint to cure particularly effectively.

[0025] Powder coating or powder painting is also possible.

[0026] Another way to produce a particularly flexible edge protection element is through etching, sandblasting, grinding, and laser processing. Staining can also be used to create such an edge protection element. This is then called a flocked edge protection element.

[0027] It is also particularly advantageous if an edge protection element, particularly a soft-elastic one, is designed, for example, as a rubberized edge protection element. During rubberizing, an elastic layer of rubber is applied to the carrier material and vulcanized. This involves first applying the binding agent, for example by brushing, spraying, dipping, filling, or covering with rubber sheets, to the cleaned and roughened edge. After this rubber layer has dried, it is vulcanized in hot air or with saturated steam at approximately 130°C. This also enables very high impact protection, high corrosion protection, and special protection against oils, greases, waxes, acids, and alkalis. High abrasion resistance and extensibility of the surfaces are achieved here. The other embodiments of edge protection elements are also permanently arranged on the edge.

[0028] A further aspect of the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance with a storage compartment for food. The household refrigeration appliance has at least one storage shelf according to the above-mentioned aspects or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The storage shelf is arranged in the storage compartment, in particular in a manner that can be removed without causing damage.

[0029] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a storage shelf for stored goods in a household refrigeration appliance, in which an edge protection element is permanently attached to at least some of the edge of a base plate of the storage shelf. In particular, this edge protection element is printed onto the edge using a printing process.

[0030] In alternative embodiments, an edge protection element is produced in a non-detachable manner as a soft-elastic edge protection element on the edge.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments of the storage tray according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method. In particular, in this context, the method steps relate to the geometric production of the edge protection element, as described above in the exemplary embodiments.

[0032] Furthermore, advantageous embodiments as mentioned above for the storage plate according to the first independent aspect are also to be regarded as advantageous embodiments for the further independent aspect in which the edge protection element is produced as a soft-elastic edge protection element.

[0033] The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", and "height direction" indicate the positions and orientations prevailing during intended use and proper positioning of the storage shelf or the household refrigeration appliance. Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.Thus, embodiments not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which are derived from the explained embodiments and can be generated by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be considered as disclosed that therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

[0034] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show:

[0035] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household refrigeration appliance according to the invention with an embodiment of a storage plate according to the invention;

[0036] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a storage plate according to the invention; and

[0037] Fig. 3 shows the representation according to Fig. 2 in a different perspective to Fig. 2.

[0038] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a household refrigeration appliance 1. The household refrigeration appliance 1 is designed for storing and preserving food. The household refrigeration appliance 1 can be a refrigerator or a freezer or a fridge-freezer combination appliance. The household refrigeration appliance 1 has a housing 2. At least one receiving space 3 for food is formed in the housing 2. The receiving space 3 can be a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment. The household refrigeration appliance 1 also has a door 4. This is arranged to close the front of the receiving space 3. Furthermore, the household refrigeration appliance 1 has at least one storage shelf 5. The storage shelf 5 can be a partition wall or a shelf. It is arranged horizontally in the receiving space 3. The storage shelf 5 has a base plate 6. This can be made of glass, for example. The base plate 6 can be square. In particular, it can be rectangular.The base plate 6 has a peripheral edge 7. An edge protection element 8 is formed at least in part on the peripheral edge 7. The edge protection element 8 is arranged non-detachably on the peripheral edge 7. The edge protection element 8 is in particular formed as a printed edge protection element 8. It can, for example, be a screen-printed edge protection element or a pad-printed edge protection element or a digitally printed edge protection element. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, at least one front peripheral edge, viewed in the depth direction (z-direction), can have such a non-destructively detachable edge protection element 8. The edge protection element 8 is preferably dimensioned such that it covers the entire surface of this peripheral edge 7, in particular at least the front peripheral edge 7.

[0040] In one embodiment, the edge protection element 8 is configured with a height, viewed in the vertical direction (y-direction), that corresponds to the height of the edge 7. The edge protection element 8 can be configured to be soft-elastic, at least in some regions.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a storage plate 5. As can be seen, in this exemplary embodiment a front side 8a is formed in cross-section with a corner-free and uneven contour. In particular, a convex curvature of this front side 8a is formed here. Furthermore, it can also be seen that in one exemplary embodiment the edge protection element 8 merges flush into an upper side 6a of the base plate 6. In addition or instead of this, it can be provided that the edge protection element 8 merges flush into an underside 6b of the base plate 6. 5 Fig. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the storage plate 5 from a perspective different from Fig. 2. Here, an edge protection element 8 can also be formed on at least one lateral edge 9.

[0042] Reference symbols

[0043] 1 household refrigeration appliance

[0044] Housing

[0045] 3 Recording room

[0046] 4 Door

[0047] 5 storage tray

[0048] 6 Base plate

[0049] 6a top

[0050] 6b bottom

[0051] 7 Edge

[0052] 8 Edge protection element

[0053] 8a front

[0054] 9 Edge

[0055] Latitude y Height

[0056] Depth direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Storage plate (5) for stored goods in a household refrigeration appliance (1), with a base plate (6) which has an edge (7, 9), wherein an edge protection element (8) is arranged at least in regions on the edge (7, 9), which edge protection element is arranged indetachably on the edge (7, 9) and is formed as a printed edge protection element (8).

2. Storage plate (5) according to claim 1, wherein the edge protection element (8) is at least partially a screen-printed edge protection element.

3. Storage plate (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the edge protection element (8) is at least partially a pad-printed edge protection element.

4. Storage plate (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge protection element (8) is at least partially a digitally printed edge protection element.

5. Storage plate (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge protection element (8) has a curved, in particular convexly curved, front side (8a).

6. Storage plate (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge protection element (8) has a height which corresponds to the height of the edge (7, 9).

7. Storage plate (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge protection element (8) is structured on its front side (8a).

8. Storage plate (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge protection element (8) has a metallic or ceramic appearance.

9. Storage plate (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge protection element (8) is designed to be soft-elastic at least in some regions.

10. Storage plate (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (6) is made of glass, in particular real glass.

11. Storage plate (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage plate (5) is a shelf.

12. Storage plate (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge protection element (8), in particular elastic, has shock-absorbing properties.

13. Storage plate (5) for stored goods in a household refrigeration appliance (1), with a base plate (6) which has a peripheral edge (7, 9), wherein an edge protection element (8) is arranged at least in regions on the peripheral edge (7, 9), which edge protection element is arranged indetachably on the peripheral edge (7, 9) and is formed as a soft-elastic edge protection element (8).

14. Household refrigeration appliance (1) with a receiving space (3) for food and with at least one storage plate (5) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged, in particular detachably, in the receiving space (4).

15. Method for producing a storage plate (5) for stored goods in a household refrigeration appliance (1), in which an edge protection element (8) is permanently printed onto an edge (7, 9) of a base plate (6) of the storage plate (5) at least in some areas by means of a printing process.

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