A storage unit for use in a cooling appliance

Abstract

A storage unit (10) for use in a cooling appliance (1) and / or in a storage drawer (100) of the cooling appliance (1). The storage unit (10) comprises a main body (11) with a plurality of enclosure walls (111) defining a receiving space (12) for storing moisture-containing products; a sealing lid (15) associated with the main body (11), when in a closed position, restricting air exchange between the exterior of the main body (11) and the receiving space (12), and when in an open position, enabling the placement of items into the receiving space (12); a freshness cartridge (16) comprising a moisture-absorbing material, arranged within the main body (11), adjacent to at least one of the plurality of enclosure walls (111) and / or to the sealing lid (15) such that the freshness cartridge (16) is exposed to the air within the main body (11) when the sealing lid (15) is in the closed position; and a barrier plate (17) with air holes (171), arranged between the freshness cartridge (16) and the receiving space (12), when in use, blocking direct contact of the freshness cartridge (16) with the items in the receiving space (12).

Description

[0001] SPECIFICATION

[0002] A STORAGE UNIT FOR USE IN A COOLING APPLIANCE

[0003] Technical Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a storage unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] Leafy greens such as lettuce, parsley, and spinach are highly perishable due to their high water content, posing a challenge in maintaining their freshness during storage in a cooling appliance. These items tend to lose their freshness quickly due to excessive moisture build-up or poor humidity control within the storage compartments of conventional refrigerators.

[0007] Storage solutions in cooling appliances often fail to provide an optimized environment for these sensitive products. In the art, while many refrigerators include crisper drawers or compartments with adjustable humidity settings, they do not adequately address issues such as condensation, which can lead to premature wilting, spoilage, or microbial growth on stored items. Various attempts have been made to incorporate moisturecontrolling elements, such as desiccants or humidity-regulating inserts, within refrigerator compartments. However, such solutions often lack integration, ease of use, or effectiveness. For example, loose desiccant packs or unsealed containers can pose contamination risks, while designs without proper air circulation or separation may reduce the efficiency of moisture absorption.

[0008] A state-of-the-art document numbered US2007175330A1 relates to a refrigerator having a cabinet forming a fresh food storage compartment and a freezer compartment, at least one door for opening and closing the cabinet, and an adsorbing device containing a desiccant material for collecting moisture from air inside the cabinet, wherein the adsorbing device is mounted inside the cabinet.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a storage unit that integrates into cooling appliances or drawers thereof in a user-friendly way, creating an environment with effective humidity control while preventing direct contact between moistureabsorbing materials and stored items, thereby enhancing the preservation of moisturesensitive products. The present invention proposes a storage unit, for use in a cooling appliance and / or in a storage drawer of the cooling appliance, comprising a main body with a plurality of enclosure walls defining a receiving space for storing moisture-containing products; a sealing lid associated with the main body, when in a closed position, restricting air exchange between the exterior of the main body and the receiving space, and when in an open position, enabling the placement of items into the receiving space. The storage unit further includes a freshness cartridge comprising a moisture-absorbing material, arranged within the main body, adjacent to at least one of the plurality of enclosure walls and / or to the sealing lid such that the freshness cartridge is exposed to the air within the main body when the sealing lid is in the closed position; and a barrier plate with air holes, arranged between the freshness cartridge and the receiving space, when in use, blocking direct contact of the freshness cartridge with the items in the receiving space. Thus, while the inclusion of a freshness cartridge with a moisture-absorbing material ensures optimal humidity levels within the storage space, the barrier plate with air holes prevents direct contact between stored items and the moisture-absorbing material, maintaining product quality and usability. The ability to place the storage unit in a desired compartment in the cooling device provides enhanced versatility and compact integration, facilitating easy access to store or retrieve items without compromising storage efficiency.

[0011] Here, the cooling appliance can be any kind of appliance for cooling and / or freezing the foodstuffs. For example, the cooling appliance can be a refrigerator and / or a freezer.

[0012] Here, the storage drawer is a kind of container wherein the foodstuffs such as leafy greens, vegetables or fruits can be located.

[0013] Here, the wording "moisture-absorbing material" is a material that enhances preservation of stored items by regulating humidity levels. The moisture-absorbing material herein comprises an active component selected from the list comprising silica gel, activated carbon, calcium chloride, zeolite, bentonite clay, and combinations thereof. The moisture-absorbing material may further include a polymer selected from the list comprising polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyamide, polycarbonate (PC), polylactic Acid (PLA), and combinations thereof. Here, the wording "freshness cartridge" is a compact and modular unit. In an embodiment, the freshness cartridge herein may comprise a cartridge housing with a perforated outer surface, made from a polymer selected from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyamide, polycarbonate (PC), polylactic Acid (PLA), and combinations thereof, such that an active component selected from silica gel, activated carbon, calcium chloride, zeolite, bentonite clay, and combinations thereof is provided within the cartridge housing. According to this arrangement, the contact of the active component with the foodstuffs is effectively restricted and the possibility of physical damage to the active component is minimized. In another embodiment, the freshness cartridge may comprise an active component selected from silica gel, activated carbon, calcium chloride, zeolite, bentonite clay, and combinations thereof and a polymer selected from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyamide, polycarbonate (PC), polylactic Acid (PLA), and combinations thereof in a one-piece structure. This arrangement may be preferable in terms of production cost and installation as it provides a solid and compact structure.

[0014] In a possible embodiment, the freshness cartridge comprises activated carbon (AC) and polypropylene (PP). According to this embodiment, the combined use of activated carbon and polypropylene visibly delays the shrinkage of leafy greens and surprisingly extends their shelf life. While activated carbon absorbs ethylene gas released by stored items, thus reducing unwanted odors and maintaining a clean storage environment, polypropylene provides a lightweight and durable structure that enhances moisture control. This combination allows for prolonged use before replacement of the items, contributing to better sustainability and cost-efficiency.

[0015] In a possible embodiment, the main body is provided with a perforated plate, when in use, forming a drainage base for the receiving space by separating the receiving space from a retention space arranged within the main body to allow water draining from the moisture-containing products to collect in the retention space. Accordingly, the perforated plate comprises multiple carrier legs, facilitating the perforated plate to be removably inserted into the main body and to be positioned at a retention height that determines the volume of the retention space. The perforated plate reduces the risk of spoilage caused by excessive moisture by providing an efficient water management. The removable design of the perforated plate facilitates cleaning and maintenance. The arrangement of carrier legs provides stability and reliable positioning while at the same time increasing the adaptability of the retention space volume to moisture levels of different products and thus the customizability of the main body. In an embodiment, the perforated plate has one carrier leg at each corner of the perforated plate, preferably four carrier legs in total, so that the weight of the stored items is evenly distributed. Additional water can be added to this space. The retention space may also be used as a water reservoir, user may add water into the retention space to maintain the freshness of the stored items.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, the freshness cartridge is close-fittingly inserted into a cartridge recess provided on an inner surface of the sealing lid facing the receiving space. According to this arrangement, the sealing lid, when in the closed position, prevents moisture loss, while at the same time playing an active role in humidity control inside the receiving space by absorbing excess moisture from stored items. According to a preferred embodiment, the closed position of the sealing lid also allows ethylene absorption and therefore odor control. Moreover, the cartridge recess detail enables the freshness cartridge to securely attach to the sealing lid with a tight fit, the sealing lid and freshness cartridge can be combined without the need for additional mounting components. This integration simplifies assembly, enhances structural integrity, and minimizes potential leakage or misalignment.

[0017] In a possible embodiment, the barrier plate is arranged on the freshness cartridge so as to cover the cartridge recess. The barrier plate on the sealing lid blocks direct contact between stored items and the freshness cartridge, minimizing contamination and physical damage of the cartridge during use, thus extending its functional lifespan. This configuration allows controlled air exchange between the freshness cartridge and the receiving space, ensuring effective moisture and odor control without obstructing airflow. This arrangement also makes it possible to allocate a larger receiving space for stored items in the main body. According to an embodiment, the barrier plate is glued onto the sealing lid at the edges of the cartridge recess.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the freshness cartridge is placed between the at least one of the plurality of enclosure walls and the barrier plate extending parallel to each other.

[0019] This configuration also minimizes contamination and physical damage of the cartridge during use, thus extending its functional lifespan. It also allows controlled air exchange between the freshness cartridge and the receiving space, ensuring effective moisture and odor control without obstructing airflow. This parallel placement saves space within the storage unit, increasing storage capacity without compromising functionality. In a possible embodiment, the at least one of the plurality of enclosure walls is perforated to allow airflow between the receiving space and the exterior of the main body in such a way as to pass through the freshness cartridge. Thus, when the storage unit is placed in a compartment in the cooling appliance, for example in the crisper drawer, it ensures that not only the items in the receiving space but also the items in the compartment are exposed to the freshness cartridge, thus increasing their shelf life as well.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, when in use in the storage drawer, the air holes of the barrier plate are sealed, ensuring the freshness cartridge to affect only the items within the storage drawer. Accordingly, when the storage unit is placed in a compartment in the cooling appliance, for example in the crisper drawer, only the items placed in said compartment will benefit from preservation of the freshness cartridge. This allows different compartments of the cooling device to be improved in terms of food protection and customized in terms of storing different food products. This arrangement also provides a larger storage space for moisture-sensitive items.

[0021] In a possible embodiment, the air holes have a diameter value between 2-5 mm. This range of values is preferable to accommodate existing cooling appliances to ensure that the barrier plate allows effective air passage and at the same time maintains its mechanical stability so that it does not crack or break during use.

[0022] In a possible embodiment, the main body comprises a seating surface having gripping protrusions, when the storage unit is in use in the storage drawer, extending perpendicular to the sliding direction of the storage drawer and arranged to interlock with gripping recesses provided on the carrier panel so that the movement of the storage unit in a sliding direction of the storage drawer is restricted. Accordingly, when the user pulls or pushes the storage drawer, the storage unit is not affected by this movement. This minimizes the splashing of water accumulated in the retention space into the receiving space and freshness cartridge.

[0023] In a possible embodiment, the sealing lid has a storage cavity provided on an outer surface that faces the exterior of the main body when the sealing lid is in the closed position, for storing additional items. This configuration provides an additional compartment for items that do not require precise humidity control, offering convenient access while maintaining separation from the controlled environment of the receiving space. In a possible embodiment, the main body is further provided with a hanging element, when in use in the cooling appliance, enabling the storage unit to be detachably attached to a side panel of the storage drawer or a door panel provided on an appliance door of the cooling appliance that faces the interior of the cooling appliance when the appliance door is closed. This allows the storage unit to be easily placed in the refrigerator on any panel that has a hanging detail corresponding to the hanging element. In an embodiment, the door panel of the cooling appliance has a hanging tab configured to hold onto the hanging element. In a preferred embodiment, the hanging tab has a form of a longitudinal rail, so that the storage unit can be slid left and right along the hanging tab by means of the hanging element. This facilitates the customization of the storage space in the cooling appliance.

[0024] In a possible embodiment, the main body is sized and shaped to firmly fit between two opposite side panels of the storage drawer. Accordingly, the storage unit extends in a direction perpendicular or parallel to the sliding direction of the storage drawer so that it is fitted between two opposite side panels of the storage drawer and thus does not move with the storage drawer movement. This arrangement eliminates the need for an extra mounting element (hanging element, gripping protrusions etc.).

[0025] The present invention also proposes a storage drawer for use in a cooling appliance, comprising the storage unit according to any one of the preceding embodiments. The integration of the storage unit into the storage drawer allows leafy greens to be preserved in an environment with high humidity control, placed within the drawer environment where some humidity control is already achieved. In other words, thanks to this combined preservation, the shelf life of the products in the storage unit is extended much more effectively. On the other hand, this arrangement makes it possible to store different products in different parts of the storage drawer, increasing the modularity of the storage drawer and user convenience. The storage drawer comprises a carrier panel on which the storage unit is seated. The storage drawer further comprises a plurality of side panels which, along with the carrier panel, defines a storage housing for receiving the storage unit. In an embodiment, the carrier panel comprises gripping recesses corresponding to the gripping protrusions provided on the seating surface of the storage unit so that the movement of the storage unit in the sliding direction of the storage drawer is restricted when in use.

[0026] The present invention also proposes a cooling appliance comprising the storage drawer according to the embodiment above and / or the storage unit according to any one of the preceding embodiments. This arrangement ensures optimized freshness management within the appliance body for moisture-sensitive items, in particular for leafy greens. By integrating a specialized storage drawer or a specialized storage unit, the cooling appliance provides targeted humidity control, enhanced organization in terms of modularity and sustainability, thereby reducing food waste. The cooling appliance comprises an appliance door with a door panel facing interior of the cooling appliance when the appliance door is closed. In an embodiment, the door panel is provided with a hanging tab configured to be coupled with the hanging element provided on the main body of the storage unit. In a preferred embodiment, the hanging tab has a form of a longitudinal rail, so that the storage unit can be slid left and right along the hanging tab by means of the hanging element. This increases user convenience while ensuring efficient use of the internal storage volume of the cooling appliance.

[0027] Brief description of the figures

[0028] The accompanying drawings are given solely for the purpose of exemplifying the invention whose advantages over prior art were outlined above and will be explained in detail hereinafter:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a storage unit according to the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows another exploded perspective view of the storage unit shown in Fig. 2.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a storage unit according to the present invention, when the sealing lid is in the closed position.

[0032] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a storage drawer comprising the storage unit shown in Fig. 3.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a storage unit according to the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a storage drawer comprising the storage unit shown in Fig. 5, when the sealing lid is in the open position.

[0035] Fig. 7 shows another perspective view of the storage drawer shown in Fig. 6.

[0036] Fig. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a storage unit according to the present invention, when the sealing lid is in the open position. Fig. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a storage unit according to the present invention, when the sealing lid is in the open position.

[0037] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a storage unit according to the present invention, when the sealing lid is in the open position.

[0038] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of a storage unit according to the present invention, when the sealing lid is in the closed position.

[0039] Fig. 12 shows a partial perspective view of a cooling appliance comprising a storage unit according to the present invention and a detailed cross-sectional view of the attachment of the storage unit on a door panel of the cooling appliance.

[0040] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a storage drawer comprising a storage unit according to the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a storage drawer comprising a storage unit according to the present invention.

[0042] Detailed description of the figures

[0043] The present invention proposes a storage unit (10) for use in a cooling appliance. The storage unit (10) can be used in a storage drawer (100), such as a crisper of a cooling appliance referring to Figs 13 and 14. The storage drawer (100) comprises a plurality of side panels (103) which, along with the carrier panel (101), defines a storage housing (104) for receiving the storage unit (10).

[0044] Referring to Fig. 10, the storage unit (10) mainly comprises a main body (11) and a sealing lid (15) associated with the main body (11). The main body (11) has a plurality of enclosure walls (111) such that a receiving space (12) is defined which is exposed on one side when the sealing lid (15) is in an open position as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. In an open position of the sealing lid (15), the user can place items, in particular moisture-containing and / or moisture-sensitive products such as leafy greens, into the receiving space (12). When the sealing lid (15) is in a closed position as shown in Fig. 3, air exchange between the exterior of the main body (11) and the receiving space (12) is restricted to achieve humidity control within the receiving space (12).

[0045] Referring to Figs. 6, 7, 8, and 11; the storage unit (10) further has a freshness cartridge (16) arranged within the main body (11). The freshness cartridge (16) comprises a moisture-absorbing material. The moisture-absorbing material is preferably ethylene- absorbing as well. According to the most preferable embodiment, the moistureabsorbing material comprises a combination of activated carbon and polypropylene. In the storage unit (10) of the invention, the freshness cartridge (16) is covered by a barrier plate (17) provided in the main body (11) to block the possible contact of the freshness cartridge (16) with the items in the receiving space (12) when in use. The barrier plate (17) has air holes (171) allowing air to be exchanged between the receiving space (12) and the freshness cartridge (16) as best seen in Fig. 11.

[0046] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1, 2, 10 and 11, the moisture-absorbing material is provided adjacent to the sealing lid (15). Accordingly, the freshness cartridge (16) is exposed to the air within the main body (11) when the sealing lid (15) is in the closed position, thus maintaining a humidity-controlled environment in the receiving space (12). Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, the sealing lid (15) has a cartridge recess (152) provided on an inner surface (151) of the sealing lid (15) facing the receiving space (12) when in the closed position. According to this embodiment, the freshness cartridge

[0047] (16) is close-fittingly inserted into a cartridge recess (152) to be securely attached to the sealing lid (15) so that the sealing lid (15) and freshness cartridge can be coupled without the need for additional mounting components. Accordingly, the barrier plate

[0048] (17) covers the freshness cartridge (16) such that the freshness cartridge (16) is positioned between the barrier plate (17) and the sealing lid (15) as can be seen from Figs. 1, 2 and 11.

[0049] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 5 to 9; the moisture-absorbing material is positioned adjacent to an enclosure wall (111), between the barrier plate (17) and said enclosure wall (111). Accordingly, the freshness cartridge (16) is efficiently exposed to the air within the main body (11) when the sealing lid (15) is in the closed position, thus maintaining a humidity-controlled environment in the receiving space (12). According to this embodiment, the barrier plate (17) and said enclosure wall (111) extend substantially parallel to each other so that the freshness cartridge (16) is sandwiched between them referring to Fig. 5, 8, and 9. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the enclosure wall (111) adjacent to the refreshing cartridge (16) is not perforated to allow air in the receiving space (12) to be exposed to the refreshing cartridge (16) and to circulate only within the receiving space (12). This embodiment of the storage unit (10) ensures excellent humidity control in the main body (11) of the storage unit (10). It may be positioned not only in a storage drawer (100) of a cooling appliance (1) but in any suitable area inside the cooling appliance (1). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the enclosure wall (111) adjacent to the refreshing cartridge (16) is perforated to allow air passage. Accordingly, the freshness cartridge (16) is positioned between a perforated enclosure wall (111) and the barrier plate (17) with air holes (171) so that air in the receiving space (12) passes through the freshness cartridge (16) and the enclosure wall (111) adjacent to the freshness cartridge (16). Thus, when the storage unit (10) is used in a storage drawer (100) of a cooling appliance (1), as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, air within the storage drawer (100) and air within the receiving space (12) can be exchanged, resulting in both being exposed to the refreshing cartridge (16). Accordingly, the user can optionally place moisturesensitive items in the storage unit and / or in the storage drawer.

[0050] In another embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the enclosure wall (111) adjacent to the refreshing cartridge (16) is perforated, however, the air holes (171) provided on the barrier plate (17) are sealed. Accordingly, when the storage unit (10) is used in a storage drawer (100) of a cooling appliance (1), the receiving space (12) is not exposed to the refreshing cartridge (16) but allows items stored in the storage drawer (100) enjoy the humidity controlling effect arising from the refreshing cartridge (16).

[0051] In an embodiment, referring to Figs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, and 11; the storage unit (10) further comprises a perforated plate (13). The perforated plate (13) is positioned in the main body (11) to divide the receiving space (12) so as to create a retention space (14) positioned below the receiving space (12) as shown in Fig. 11, when the storage unit

[0052] (10) is in use. Accordingly, items may be placed on the perforated plate (13) and water draining from the items, e.g. leafy greens, passes through the perforated plate (13) to be collected in the retention space (14). The perforated plate (13) is configured to be externally inserted in the main body (11), allowing easy installation and removal as needed. In other words, the perforated plate (13) serves as an optional drainage base (121) for the receiving space (12). As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, and 11, the perforated plate (13) has carrier legs (131) configured to contact at least one of the plurality of enclosure walls (111) at their free ends and thus determine the distance between the perforated plate (13) and the at least one of the plurality of enclosure walls (111), i.e. the retention height (H) when the storage unit (10) is in use.

[0053] The storage unit (10) comprises a seating surface (112) provided on the main body

[0054] (11); when the storage unit (10) is in use in a storage drawer (100) of a cooling appliance (1), the seating surface (112) is configured to be in contact with a carrier panel (101) of the storage drawer (100) as can be seen in Figs. 3 and 4. Referring to the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the seating surface (112) is provided with gripping protrusions (113). The gripping protrusions (113) are arranged to adapt the storage unit (10) for use on the carrier panel (101) of the storage drawer (100), e.g. in a crisper. The gripping protrusions (113) are configured to extend perpendicular to a sliding direction (X) of the storage drawer (100). According to this embodiment, the carrier panel (101) has gripping recesses (102) arranged to correspond to and interlock with the gripping protrusions (113), when the storage unit (10) is placed within the storage drawer (100), so that the storage unit (10) is locked in the sliding direction (X) and the movement of the storage unit (10) is restricted even if the storage drawer (100) is pulled or pushed by the user.

[0055] According to an embodiment, as best seen in Figs. 2, 5, 10, and 11; the storage unit (10) further comprises a hanging element (114) which is configured to be detachably attached to any panel provided inside a cooling appliance (1), such as a side panel (103) of a storage drawer (100) of a cooling appliance (1) or a door panel (3) of a cooling appliance (1). Referring to Fig. 12, the hanging element (114) is configured to attach the storage unit (10) to an appliance door (2) of a cooling appliance (1) via a hanging groove (4) longitudinally extending on a door panel (3) facing the interior of the cooling appliance (1) when the appliance door (2) is closed. Accordingly, the hanging member (114) has a tab detail (115) to be inserted into the hanging groove (4), where it engages a contact surface (41) of the hanging groove (4) for engaging and retaining the main body (11) to the door panel (3). The hanging groove (4) is preferably arranged to allow the storage unit (10) to be slidably attached via the hanging element (114) to enable the user to change the location of the storage unit (10) along the hanging groove (4).

[0056] According to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 11, the sealing lid (15) has a storage cavity (154) for storing more items on top of the sealing lid (15), outside the receiving space (12). The storage cavity (154) is provided on an outer surface (153) facing the exterior of the main body (11) when the sealing lid (15) is in the closed position, allowing the user to easily access some items that do not require precise humidity control, without having to open the sealing lid (15).

[0057] The present invention further proposes a storage drawer (100) for use in a cooling appliance (1) comprising the storage unit (10) according to any one of the embodiments above. Referring to Fig. 13, the storage drawer (100) comprises a storage unit (10) with a seating surface (112) in touch with a carrier panel (101) of the storage drawer (100). Accordingly, the seating surface (112) is provided with gripping protrusions (113) configured to extend perpendicular to the sliding direction (X) of the storage drawer (100) and to interlock with gripping recesses (102) provided on the carrier panel (101) so that the movement of the storage unit (10) in the sliding direction (X) is restricted via this interlock between the gripping protrusions (113) and the gripping recesses (102). Referring to Fig. 14, the storage drawer (100) comprises a storage unit (10) with a seating surface (112) in touch with a carrier panel (101) of the storage drawer (100) and two parallel enclosure walls (111) in firm contact with two opposing side panels (103) of the storage drawer (100). Since the storage unit (10) is pressed between two opposing side panels (103) of the storage drawer (100), the movement of the storage unit (10) in the sliding direction (X) is restricted. According to this embodiment, the seating surface (112) may also have gripping protrusions (113) configured to extend perpendicular to the sliding direction (X) of the storage drawer (100) and to interlock with gripping recesses (102) provided on the carrier panel (101) for enhancing the stability and secure placement of the storage unit (10) within the storage drawer (100).

[0058] The present invention further proposes a cooling appliance (1) comprising the storage drawer (100) and / or the storage unit (10) according to any one of the embodiments above. Referring to Fig. 12, the cooling appliance (1) comprises a body (not shown) defining a storage compartment (not shown) wherein a cooling and / or freezing operation of the appliance can be realized. The foodstuffs can be stored in the storage compartment. The cooling appliance (1) has an access opening (not shown) for reaching inside the storage compartment from outside. The cooling appliance (1) comprises an appliance door (2) hinged to the body. The appliance door (2) can be rotatably movable between an open position in which the user can access inside the storage compartment from outside, and a closed position in which the appliance door (2) completely covers the access opening. The appliance door (2) has a door panel (3) facing the interior of the cooling appliance (1) when the appliance door (2) is in the closed position. The storage unit (10) is mounted on the door panel (3) by engaging the hanging element (114) to a corresponding hanging groove (4) formed on the door panel (3) such that a tab detail (115) provided on the hanging element (114) to be inserted into the hanging groove (4), where it engages a contact surface (41) of the hanging groove (4), ensuring secure and stable positioning. Within the scope of the invention, comparative tests were carried out with different applications of the storage unit (10) in order to confirm the effectiveness of the storage unit (10) of the invention. Accordingly, fresh parsley bunches were stored in a refrigerator under five different storage conditions and the duration of their freshness was observed.

[0059] Table 1. Preservation performance of five different storage conditions:

[0060] Table 1 above demonstrates the preservation performance of five different storage conditions. "X" herein refers to a unit of time during which the parsley bunches remain fresh. Accordingly, in the first condition, parsley was stored in a storage unit (10) according to the invention, wherein the storage unit (10) was provided with a freshness cartridge (16) containing activated carbon and polypropylene (AC-PP) and the storage unit (10) was placed inside a storage drawer (100) of the refrigerator. This setup maintained 100% humidity at 4.5°C, yielding the highest freshness rating of 14X. During the second condition, parsley was stored in the same embodiment of the storage unit (10) but without a freshness cartridge (16), wherein the storage unit (10) was placed in the same storage drawer (100) as in the first condition. Humidity and temperature were maintained at 100% and 4.5°C, respectively, achieving a freshness rating of 10X. The third condition corresponds to a case in which the storage unit (10) without a freshness cartridge (16) was hung on a door panel (3) inside the refrigerator. Accordingly, storage conditions were kept at 5°C and 100% humidity, and a freshness rating of 7X was obtained. In the fourth condition, parsley was directly placed in the storage drawer (100) without using a storage unit (10). At 4.5°C and 90% humidity, the freshness rating dropped to 3X. During the fifth condition, parsley was stored on a refrigerator shelf without using a storage unit (10) at 5°C and 70% humidity, resulting in the lowest freshness rating of X.

[0061] Reference list:

[0062] I. Cooling appliance

[0063] 2. Appliance door

[0064] 3. Door panel

[0065] 4. Hanging groove

[0066] 41. Contact surface

[0067] 100. Storage drawer

[0068] 101. Carrier panel

[0069] 102. Gripping recesses

[0070] 103. Side panel

[0071] 104. Storage housing

[0072] 10. Storage unit

[0073] II. Main body

[0074] 111. Enclosure walls

[0075] 112. Seating surface

[0076] 113. Gripping protrusion

[0077] 114. Hanging element

[0078] 115. Tab detail

[0079] 12. Receiving space

[0080] 121. Drainage base

[0081] 13. Perforated plate

[0082] 131. Carrier legs

[0083] 14. Retention space

[0084] 15. Sealing lid

[0085] 151. Inner surface

[0086] 152. Cartridge recess

[0087] 153. Outer surface

[0088] 154. Storage cavity

[0089] 16. Freshness cartridge

[0090] 17. Barrier plate

[0091] 171. Air holes

[0092] X. Sliding direction

[0093] H. Retention height

Claims

CLAIMS1. A storage unit (10) for use in a cooling appliance (1) and / or in a storage drawer (100) of the cooling appliance (1), comprising- a main body (11) with a plurality of enclosure walls (111) defining a receiving space (12) for storing moisture-containing products;- a sealing lid (15) associated with the main body (11), when in a closed position, restricting air exchange between the exterior of the main body (11) and the receiving space (12), and when in an open position, enabling the placement of items into the receiving space (12); and characterized in that- a freshness cartridge (16) comprising a moisture-absorbing material, arranged within the main body (11), adjacent to at least one of the plurality of enclosure walls (111) and / or to the sealing lid (15) such that the freshness cartridge (16) is exposed to the air within the main body (11) when the sealing lid (15) is in the closed position; and- a barrier plate (17) with air holes (171), arranged between the freshness cartridge (16) and the receiving space (12), when in use, blocking direct contact of the freshness cartridge (16) with the items in the receiving space (12).

2. The storage unit (10) according to Claim 1, wherein the freshness cartridge (16) comprises activated carbon and polypropylene.

3. The storage unit (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body (11) is provided with a perforated plate (13), when in use, forming a drainage base (121) for the receiving space (12) by separating the receiving space (12) from a retention space (14) arranged within the main body (11) to allow water draining from the moisturecontaining products to collect in the retention space (14); the perforated plate (13) comprising multiple carrier legs (131), facilitating the perforated plate (13) to be removably inserted into the main body (11) and to be positioned at a retention height (H) that determines the volume of the retention space (14).

4. The storage unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the freshness cartridge (16) is close-fittingly inserted into a cartridge recess (152) provided on an inner surface (151) of the sealing lid (15) facing the receiving space (12).

5. The storage unit (10) according to Claim 4, wherein the barrier plate (17) is arranged on the freshness cartridge (16) so as to cover the cartridge recess (152).

6. The storage unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the freshness cartridge (16) is placed between the at least one of the plurality of enclosure walls (111) and the barrier plate (17) extending parallel to each other.

7. The storage unit (10) according to Claim 6, wherein the at least one of the plurality of enclosure walls (111) is perforated to allow airflow between the receiving space (12) and the exterior of the main body (11) in such a way as to pass through the freshness cartridge (16).

8. The storage unit (10) according to Claim 7, wherein, when in use in the storage drawer (100), the air holes (171) of the barrier plate (17) are sealed, ensuring the freshness cartridge (16) to affect only the items within the storage drawer (100).

9. The storage unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air holes (171) have a diameter value between 2-5 mm.

10. The storage unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (11) comprises a seating surface (112) having gripping protrusions (113), when the storage unit (10) is in use in the storage drawer (100), extending perpendicular to a sliding direction (X) of the storage drawer (100) and arranged to interlock with gripping recesses (102) provided on the carrier panel (101) so that the movement of the storage unit (10) in the sliding direction (X) is restricted.

11. The storage unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing lid (15) has a storage cavity (154) provided on an outer surface (153) that faces the exterior of the main body (11) when the sealing lid (15) is in the closed position, for storing additional items.

12. The storage unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (11) is further provided with a hanging element (114), when in use in the cooling appliance (1), enabling the storage unit (10) to be detachably attached to a side panel (103) of the storage drawer (100) or a door panel (3) provided on anappliance door (2) of the cooling appliance (1) that faces the interior of the cooling appliance (1) when the appliance door (2) is closed.

13. The storage unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (11) is sized and shaped to firmly fit between two opposite side panels (103) of the storage drawer (100).

14. A storage drawer (100) for use in a cooling appliance (1), comprising the storage unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A cooling appliance (1) comprising the storage drawer (100) according to Claim 14 and / or the storage unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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