A carrier element

Abstract

The present invention discloses a carrier element suitable for use in a cooling device. Said carrier element comprises at least one rear panel (2); at least one front panel (3) detachably connected to said rear panel (2); at least two connecting pins (4), each connected to said rear panel (2), and each comprising at least a first protrusion (4a) and a second protrusion (4b); at least two support profiles (1) provided opposite each other, wherein each of the support profiles (1) comprises at least a first support surface (1a) for supporting said front panel (3) at a lower section thereof, at least a second support surface (1c) for supporting said rear panel (2) at a lower section thereof, at least one rear channel (1b) in which the first protrusion (4a) on at least one connecting pin (4) moves, at least one support cavity (1e) provided at a portion of the rear channel (1b) distant from the first support surface (1a), wherein said first protrusion (4a) rotates in the support cavity (1e); at least two connecting slots (3c), each provided on said front panel (3) for accommodating the second protrusion (4b) located on the connecting pin (4).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A CARRIER ELEMENT

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a carrier element used in a cooling device.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] A cooling device such as a refrigerator comprises at least one body; at least one inner compartment provided in the body for placing the products to be cooled; at least one door providing access to the inner compartment; and at least one cooling system for cooling the inner compartment. Especially in a household cooling device, said cooling system comprises at least one compressor; at least one condenser; at least one evaporator; at least one dryer; and at least one refrigerant. Here, the evaporator cools down while the condenser heats up due to the change in the pressure of the refrigerant by the compressor and capillary tube. In other words, the cooling process is carried out by transferring the heat energy at the location of the evaporator to the location of the condenser.

[0007] In the inner compartments of cooling devices, carrier elements, e.g. shelves, are provided for placing the products to be cooled. The carrier elements can be in the form of a wire grid or a plate made of a material such as glass or plexiglass.

[0008] In cooling devices, in order to use the limited internal volume efficiently, said carrier elements are positioned above the other with a space therebetween. In this case, the products to be cooled or kept cold are placed in the space on each carrier element. However, if the height of a product to be positioned in the inner compartment is greater than the space left on a carrier element, it is not possible to position the product on the carrier element. For this reason, in the prior art, the height of the space between the two carrier elements can be changed by positioning the carrier elements at different heights. However, in such applications, the carrier element must be removed from the cooling device in order to change the height, which is problematic for users. Brief Description of the Invention

[0009] The present invention discloses a carrier element suitable for use in a cooling device. Said carrier element comprises at least one rear panel; at least one front panel detachably connected to said rear panel; at least two connecting pins, each connected to said rear panel, and each comprising at least a first protrusion and a second protrusion; at least two support profiles provided opposite each other, wherein each of the support profiles comprises at least a first support surface for supporting said front panel at a lower section thereof, at least a second support surface for supporting said rear panel at a lower section thereof, at least one rear channel in which the first protrusion on at least one connecting pin moves, at least one support cavity provided at a portion of the rear channel distant from the first support surface, wherein said first protrusion rotates in the support cavity; at least two connecting slots, each provided on said front panel for accommodating the second protrusion located on the connecting pin.

[0010] In the carrier element according to the present invention, since the front panel is slid on the support elements together with the rear panel, users can easily access to the products on the front and rear panels. Additionally, as the front panel is separated from the rear panel and the rear panel is rotated along an axis of the connecting pin, larger-sized products can be placed in the space beneath the carrier element. Furthermore, connection of the front panel to said connecting pins to reposition the rear panel on the horizontal axis allows the carrier element to be used as a half-shelf. Therefore, various user needs are met in a practical and reliable manner with a single carrier element.

[0011] Object of the Invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a carrier element suitable for use in a cooling device.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a movable carrier element.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a carrier element that provides easy access to the products thereon. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a carrier element that can be used in a half configuration.

[0015] Description of the Drawings

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the carrier element according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the carrier element according to the invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the carrier element according to the invention.

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a moved state of the carrier element according to the invention.

[0020] Figure 4 is a side sectional view of a moved version of the carrier element according to the invention.

[0021] Figure 5 is a detailed view of detail A illustrated in Figure 4.

[0022] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another moved version of the carrier element according to the invention.

[0023] Figure 7 is a detailed view of detail B illustrated in Figure 6.

[0024] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the overlapped version of the front panel and rear panel in the carrier element according to the invention.

[0025] Figure 9 is a detailed view of detail C illustrated in Figure 8.

[0026] Figure 10 is a side view of the overlapped version of the front panel and rear panel in the carrier element according to the invention.

[0027] All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

[0028] Support profile (1)

[0029] First support surface (1 a)

[0030] Rear channel (1b)

[0031] Second support surface (1c)

[0032] Third support surface (1d)

[0033] Support cavity (1e) Connecting piece (1f)

[0034] Front channel (1g)

[0035] Rear panel (2)

[0036] First edge piece (2a)

[0037] First connecting element (2b)

[0038] Front panel (3)

[0039] Second edge piece (3a)

[0040] Second connecting element (3b)

[0041] Connecting slot (3c)

[0042] Connecting pin (4)

[0043] First protrusion (4a)

[0044] Second protrusion (4b) of the Invention

[0045] A cooling device such as a refrigerator comprises a carrier element, e.g. a shelf, for placing the products to be cooled or kept cold. To efficiently utilize the limited space within the cooling device's inner compartment, multiple carrier elements are stacked on top of each other in the compartment. However, in such cases, it is not possible to position a product on a shelf that is taller than the opening of the shelf. For this reason, the present invention provides a movable carrier element for solving this issue.

[0046] The carrier element according to the present invention, as illustrated figures 1-10, is suitable for use in a cooling device, and comprises at least one rear panel (2); at least one front panel (3) detachably connected to said rear panel (2); at least two connecting pins (4), each connected to said rear panel (2) (for example, under a rear section of the rear panel (2) that is distant from the front panel (3)), and each comprising at least a first protrusion (4a) and a second protrusion (4b); at least two support profiles (1) provided opposite each other, wherein each of the support profiles (1) comprises at least a first support surface (1a) for supporting said front panel (3) at a lower section thereof, at least a second support surface (1c) for supporting said rear panel (2) at a lower section thereof, at least one rear channel (1b) in which the first protrusion (4a) on at least one connecting pin (4) moves, at least one support cavity (1e) provided at a portion of the rear channel (1b) distant from the first support surface (1a), wherein said first protrusion (4a) rotates in the support cavity (1e); at least two connecting slots (3c), each provided on said front panel (3) for accommodating the second protrusion (4b) located on the connecting pin (4).

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said carrier element is used in a cooling device such as a refrigerator. Here, said support profiles (1) are positioned opposite each other within an inner compartment of the cooling device. The rear panel (2) and the front panel (3) are positioned one behind the other on the support profiles (1). Here, the front panel (3) is positioned on the first support surface (1a), while the rear panel (2) is positioned on the second support surface (1c). In these positions, the front panel (3) can slide on the first support surface (1a), and the rear panel (2) can slide on both the first support surface (1a) and the second support surface (1c). Thanks to this sliding movement, the front panel (3) moves away from the support profiles (1), in other words, moves outward from the cooling device. In this case, the rear panel (2) can also be pulled forward. Thus, users are provided with easier access to the products located on the front panel (3) and / or the rear panel (2). Since the front panel (3) is connected to the rear panel (2), the rear panel (2) also slides together with the front panel (3). This sliding movement is restricted by the movement of the first protrusion (4a) located on the connecting pin (4) within the rear channel (1b). In other words, the movement of the front panel (3) away from the support profiles (1) continues until the first protrusion (4a) touches the end of the rear channel (1b) that is distant from the support cavity (1e). As shown in Figure 5, when the first protrusion (4a) touches the end of the rear channel (1b) that is distant from the support cavity (1e), the movement is completed. Additionally, the front panel (3) can be separated from the rear panel (2) it is positioned in front of and connected under the rear panel (2). For this, the front panel (3) is first separated from the rear panel (2), for example, by moving it upward. Then, the rear panel (2) is moved backward until the first protrusion (4a) on the connecting pin (4) touches the support cavity (1e). Once the first protrusion (4a) is seated in the support cavity (1e), the rear panel (2) is raised to an upper position, as shown in Figure 6, by rotating the first protrusion (4a) within the support cavity (1e). Then, the front panel (3) is connected to the connecting pins (4) in such a way that the second protrusions (4b) are seated within the connecting slots (3c). Here, as shown in Figure 6, the rear panel (2) and the front panel (3), which is connected to the rear panel (2) via connecting pins (4), can be positioned perpendicularly to the horizontal plane. This allows taller products to be placed on the carrier element located beneath the current carrier element. Alternatively, the rear panel (2) is returned to the horizontal position by rotating the first protrusion (4a) in the support cavity (1e) in the opposite direction of the previous rotation. In this position, the front panel (3) is located under the rear panel (2). Thus, the carrier element can be used as a half-shelf, with the front section open and the rear section closed. For instance, while taller products can be placed in the front section of the carrier element underneath, products can also be placed on the rear section of the carrier element that has been converted into a half-shelf, ensuring more efficient use of the internal volume of the cooling device.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier element comprises at least one front channel (1g) provided on a front side of the support profile (1), which is suitable for accommodating the rear panel (2) and / or the connecting slot (3c) located on the front panel (3). When the front panel (3) and the rear panel (2) are moved forward, the front channel (1g) houses the connecting slot (3c) and the edge sections of the rear panel (2). This prevents the front panel (3) and rear panel (2) from detaching from the support profile

[0049] (1) and ensures a safer forward sliding movement.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier element comprises at least a first connecting element (2b) located on the rear panel (2); and at least a second connecting element (3b) on the front panel (3), which is suitable for connecting to said first connecting element (2b). Said first connecting element (2b) is preferably a hook with at least one opening facing upward, while the second connecting element (3b) is at least one protrusion that is suitable for fitting into said opening. Thus, the front panel (3) and the rear panel (2) slide together along the horizontal axis, and the front panel (3) is easily separated from the rear panel (2) by lifting it upward.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said front panel (3) and / or rear panel

[0052] (2) comprises a plastic material (e.g. made of a plastic material). In this embodiment, the front panel (3) and / or rear panel (2) can be produced as a single form using methods like plastic injection molding. Here, the connecting pins (4) can also be integrated into the rear panel (2) in a single structure. In an alternative embodiment, the front panel (3) and / or rear panel (2) comprises a glass material (e.g. made of a glass material). In this embodiment, particularly the first connecting piece (2b), the second connecting piece (3b), the connecting slot (3c), and the connecting pin (4) cannot be made of glass, so these components are separate from the glass section. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rear panel (2) comprises at least two first edge pieces (2a) that are opposite each other. The first edge piece (2a) preferably comprises a plastic material, with components such as the first connecting element (2b) and the connecting pin (4) located in the first edge piece (2a). Similarly, the front panel (3) comprises at least two second edge pieces (3a) that are opposite each other. The second edge piece (3a) also preferably comprises a plastic material, with components such as the second connecting element (3b) and the connecting slot (3c) located in the second edge piece (3a).

[0053] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the support profiles (1) comprises at least a third support surface (1d) provided beneath the second support surface (1c). In this embodiment, when the front panel (3) is located under the rear panel (2), the third support surface (1d) supports the lower section of the front panel (3). Thus, when the carrier element is used as a half-shelf, the front panel (3) is supported from the lower section thereof so as to be located securely underneath the rear panel (2).

[0054] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the support profiles (1) comprises at least one connecting piece (1f). In this embodiment, the support profiles (1) are attached to the body of the cooling device by the protruding connecting pieces (1f) fitting into the connection sections within the inner compartment of the cooling device.

[0055] The present invention also discloses at least one cooling device comprising said carrier element. The cooling device, preferably structured as a refrigerator, comprises at least one body; at least one inner compartment in which the carrier element is provided; at least one door providing access to the inner compartment; and at least one cooling system for cooling the inner compartment. Said cooling system comprises at least one compressor; at least one condenser; at least one evaporator; at least one drier; and at least one refrigerant.

[0056] In the carrier element according to the present invention, since the front panel (3) is slid on the support elements (1) together with the rear panel (2), users can easily access to the products on the front (3) and rear panels (2). Additionally, as the front panel (3) is separated from the rear panel (2) and the rear panel (2) is rotated along an axis of the connecting pin (4), larger-sized products can be placed in the space beneath the carrier element. Furthermore, connection of the front panel (3) to said connecting pins (4) to reposition the rear panel (2) on the horizontal axis allows the carrier element to be used as a half-shelf. Therefore, various user needs are met in a practical and reliable manner with a single carrier element.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A carrier element suitable for use in a cooling device, characterized by comprising: at least one rear panel (2); at least one front panel (3) detachably connected to said rear panel (2); at least two connecting pins (4), each connected to said rear panel (2), and each comprising at least a first protrusion (4a) and a second protrusion (4b); at least two support profiles (1) provided opposite each other, wherein each of the support profiles (1) comprises at least a first support surface (1a) for supporting said front panel (3) at a lower section thereof, at least a second support surface (1c) for supporting said rear panel (2) at a lower section thereof, at least one rear channel (1b) in which the first protrusion (4a) on at least one connecting pin (4) moves, at least one support cavity (1e) provided at a portion of the rear channel (1b) distant from the first support surface (1a), wherein said first protrusion (4a) rotates in the support cavity (1e); at least two connecting slots (3c), each provided on said front panel (3) for accommodating the second protrusion (4b) located on the connecting pin (4).

2. A carrier element according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one front channel (1g) provided on a front side of the support profile (1), which is suitable for accommodating the rear panel (2) and / or the connecting slot (3c) located on the front panel (3).

3. A carrier element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least a first connecting element (2b) located on the rear panel (2); and at least a second connecting element (3b) on the front panel (3), which is suitable for connecting to said first connecting element (2b).

4. A carrier element according to claim 3, characterized in that said first connecting element (2b) is a hook with at least one opening facing upward.

5. A carrier element according to claim 4, characterized in that the second connecting element (3b) is at least one protrusion that is suitable for fitting into said opening.

6. A carrier element according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front panel (3) comprises a plastic material.

7. A carrier element according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear panel (2) comprises a plastic material.

8. A carrier element according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the front panel (3) comprises a glass material.

9. A carrier element according to claim 8, characterized in that the front panel (3) comprises at least two second edge pieces (3a) that are opposite each other.

10. A carrier element according to claim 9, characterized in that the second edge piece (3a) comprises a plastic material.

11. A carrier element according to any of the claims 1 to 5 or 8 to 10, characterized in that the rear panel (2) comprises a glass material.

12. A carrier element according to claim 11 , characterized in that the rear panel (2) comprises at least two first edge pieces (2a) that are opposite each other.

13. A carrier element according to claim 12, characterized in that the first edge piece (2a) comprises a plastic material.

14. A carrier element according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the support profiles (1) comprises at least a third support surface (1d) provided beneath the second support surface (1c).

15. A carrier element according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the support profiles (1) comprises at least one connecting piece (1f).

16. A cooling device comprising a carrier element according to any of the preceding claims.

17. A cooling device according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one body; at least one inner compartment in which the carrier element is provided; at least one door providing access to the inner compartment; and at least one cooling system for cooling the inner compartment.

18. A cooling device according to claim 17, characterized in that the cooling system comprises at least one compressor; at least one condenser; at least one evaporator; at least one drier; and at least one refrigerant.

19. A cooling device according to any of the claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the cooling device is a refrigerator.

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