TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an ethylene absorbing unit, and a cooling device, particularly a domestic cooling device having a drawer structure comprising said ethylene absorbing unit according to preamble of claim 1.
PRIOR ART
As known, most fruits and vegetables ripen after they are plucked. This ripening changes the characteristics of foods including taste levels, consistence and hardness changes. Consumption of foods like fruits or vegetables, which are in ripening process, at the optimum level maximizes the taste, and moreover, increases the benefits of such foods in terms of health.
Ripening is basically a natural process which is a result of production of ripening enzymes triggered by ethylene release by foods like fruits or vegetables. Ethylene is a simple hydrocarbon gas produced when a fruit or vegetable ripens, and it is known that ethylene facilitates upward-regulation of genes which lead to occurrence of enzymes which support ripening. These enzymes can change the color of the outer part of said food while chlorophyll is being dissolved, they can support deterioration of acids which lead to sour taste of said foods, they can transform starches into sweet sugars and can soften the pectin.
Keeping of fruits and vegetables in a substantially cold medium after they are plucked extends the shelf lifetime of these fruits and vegetables. However, this condition is not sufficient for eliminating unfavorable effects of ethylene release. Besides, in a cooling device, for instance in a refrigerator, it is a known problem that the release of ethylene enclosed in limited air space leads to bad odors. These bad odors lead to a repellent and unpleasant condition for the user of the cooling device. Moreover, it is also known that the ethylene release can have an unfavorable effect on the quality of other foods in the cooling device. For instance, it is known that some foods like fish or onion release strong odors and these odors can spread to the other foods nearby and can affect the taste and freshness of these foods. Therefore, it is desired that the ethylene, which exists in the medium, should be at the lowest possible level during storage. As the ethylene content of foods in the storage medium is reduced, freshness quality of the stored foods is protected for a longer duration. Ethylene absorbing units are used for absorbing at least one part of the ethylene gas which exist in the inner medium of cooling devices, for instance which exist in the drawer space of a drawer structure. It is expected that the ethylene should be absorbed by the ethylene absorbing units in an effective manner.
In the patent application numbered DE102018213839A1 which belongs to the known state of the art, an ethylene absorbing unit is described for a domestic cooling device which has at least one absorbing pad arranged in a receiving space of the casing in a replaceable manner. Here, a holding shaft which is different from the casing walls is formed in the receiving space wherein the suctioning pad is placed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ethylene absorbing unit which is suitable for use in a drawer structure of a cooling device, to eliminate the abovementioned disadvantages and bring new advantages to the relevant technical field.
The object of the invention is to provide an ethylene absorbing unit which can more effectively absorb ethylene in order to provide extending the freshness lifetime of the foods, for the drawer structures of cooling devices wherein foods like fruits and vegetables can be placed.
In order to realize the abovementioned objects and the objects which are to be deducted from the detailed description below, the present invention is an ethylene absorbing unit which has an absorbing element for absorbing at least one part of the ethylene gas content which exists in a drawer space of a drawer structure, and a casing structure embodied to define a casing space wherein the absorbing element is positioned. The casing structure, which exists in the etyhlene absorbing unit, comprises multiple air passage holes provided in a manner opening to the casing space, the absorbing element comprises the related multiple rib structures on the faces which face the related multiple air passage holes, and the multiple air passage holes are configured to have a hole opening area between 0.025 cm2 and 0.045 cm2 per cm2 of the total surface area of the absorbing element. For instance, in case the absorbing element has a total surface area of 3600 cm2, the casing structure can have a total hole opening area between 90 cm2 and 162 cm2. By means of this, in order for the ethylene absorbing unit to be able to realize ethylene absorption in an effective manner, a parametric approach has been provided between the total surface area of the absorbing element and the hole opening area which exists in the casing structure. Thus, casing structure is provided which has sufficient hole opening area for reaching of the air, which exists in the drawer space, in sufficient amount, in order for the ethylene gas which exists in the drawer space to be absorbed in an effective manner.
Here, said ethylene absorbing unit can be any absorbing unit which has an absorbing element configured to provide absorbing at least one part of the ethylene gas, for instance, which has an element described as a cartridge or a pad used for this purpose. The absorbing element which exists here has a structure which can effectively absorb the ethylene gas which exists in the drawer space at a specific usage duration, for instance, at a period of six months or one year. The absorbing element may have to be replaced with a new one at the end of said usage duration.
The shape and number of the multiple air passage holes mentioned here can change according to the design, provided that the hole opening area is provided per cm2 of the total surface area of the absorbing element. For instance, each of the multiple air passage holes can be formed as essentially circular-shaped holes, essentially rectangular-shaped holes or essentially square-shaped holes. The casing structure can also have a structure where the air passage holes, which have different shapes, come together.
Here, the shape and number of the mentioned multiple rib structures can change according to the design. For instance, each of the multiple rib structures can be embodied in the form of planar extensions, curved extensions. For instance, each of the rib structures can be formed as having different geometrical shapes like essentially square-shaped extensions, essentially rectangle-shaped extensions or essentially triangle-shaped extensions.
By means of the multiple rib structures, absorbing element which has smaller dimensions has been obtained in a manner having the maximum surface area. This provides non-reduction of the usage volume of the drawer space of the drawer structure wherein fruits and vegetables can be placed.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the casing structure is provided in the form of semi-shell couple where the related air passage holes are existing on the perforated walls embodied in a manner completing each other and provided in essentially parallel planes mutually to each other. By means of this, air is filled to the casing space through the opposite sides of the casing structure. Moreover, in conditions where the absorbing element should be replaced, the replacement process can be easily realized by providing separation of the semi-shell couple from each other. Thus, an ethylene absorbing unit which is easy to use for the users is provided.
Here, said semi-shell couples are shell structures which have grooves and which have a form similar to bowl-shape and which face each other. The grooves of the semi-shell couple define the casing space by connecting the semi-shell couple to each other.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the area between 13% and 30% of the total surface area of each of the perforated walls is provided as the hole opening area. By means of this, the semi-shell couples have a hole opening area in a manner allowing passage of sufficient amount of air and in a manner providing productivity of perforated walls.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the related rib structures are configured such that there are intermediate spaces in between in order to be able to guide the air which passes through the related air passage holes. By means of this, the air, which passes through the air passage holes, is guided to the rib structures, and air is filled into the intermediate spaces that exist between the rib structures and thereby, ethylene can be absorbed in a more effective manner.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the multiple rib structures are configured to define the related ribbed surface arrangements which essentially have a form similar to bulge-shape. By means of this, bigger amount of air fills into the casing space and into the intermediate spaces particularly through edge regions, and said air reaches the rib structures on the absorbing element and effective ethylene absorption is provided.
The multiple rib structures, which exist here and which have a specific geometrical shape and embodied on at least one planar surface of the absorbing element and configured at specific frequency, define the ribbed surface arrangements. The ribbed surface arrangements are provided on the related faces of the absorbing element which face the related air passage holes.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, each of the rib structures is provided in the form of extensions which are essentially similar to rectangular shape. By means of this, the spaces between the rib structures are provided in the form of peripheral channels, and thus, the air is filled into the channels peripherally.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the absorbing element is made of a mixture comprising activated carbon constituent at the amount between 5-35% by weight, preferably, 20% by weight and the polypropylene material at the remaining amount by weight. By means of this, an absorbing element is provided which can absorb ethylene in an effective manner on one hand and which is easy to mold, namely easy to produce on the other hand.
Moreover, an absorbing element which is lightweight and which can be carried easily is provided for users.
Here, said activated carbon constituent can be a carbon constituent obtained by using a physical activation method for instance from a cellulose-based material. Said mixture is obtained by adding said constituent to polypropylene. Here, the mentioned physical activation method can be an activation method provided by applying vapor under nitrogen atmosphere. The nitrogen atmosphere can be preferred since it forms a neutral medium which does not include oxygen for providing correct activation.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, the absorbing element is an element provided in a one-piece form. By means of this, an absorbing element which is easy to produce and which has high ethylene absorption capability is provided.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least one drawer structure is provided which has a drawer space provided such that an ethylene absorbing unit can be positioned. By means of this, a drawer structure which has the ethylene absorbing unit which has the abovementioned advantages is provided. Preferably, the absorbing element of the ethylene absorbing unit can be embodied to have a total surface area of 75 cm2 per dm3 of the drawer space of the drawer structure. Accordingly, for instance, the absorbing element for a drawer structure which has drawer space for instance 30 dm3 can have a total surface area between 1800 cm2 and 2700 cm2, preferably 2250 cm2.
The ethylene absorbing unit can be connected to the related vertical wall of the drawer structure by means of any ways. For instance, the ethylene absorbing unit can be connected by being hung to the related vertical wall, or by being adhered to a face thereof. The related vertical wall mentioned here can be any drawer wall which is essentially in an orthogonal vertical plane with respect to the base wall of the drawer structure, which is provided essentially in the horizontal plane, in a manner defining the drawer space. For instance, the related vertical walls can be any one of a front vertical wall, a rear vertical wall or lateral vertical walls.
The drawer structure can be configured to realize passage between a first condition where at least partial access can be provided to the drawer space through an upper opening, and a second condition where an upper cover is provided in a manner completely covering the upper opening. By means of this, in a condition where the drawer structure is not in use, the required closed medium volume is provided in a manner providing effective absorption of ethylene which exists in the drawer space.
In a possible embodiment of the invention, a cooling device, particularly a domestic cooling device is provided which has drawer structure configured to realize passage between a first condition where at least partial access can be realized to the drawer space from outside through an upper opening, and a second position where an upper cover is provided in a manner completely covering the upper opening. By means of this, cooling device which has at least one drawer structure comprising ethylene absorbing unit is provided which has the abovementioned advantages.
Here, said cooling device can particularly be a domestic cooling device, for instance a refrigerator. The cooling device is a device which has at least one cooling cycle embodied to realize cooling and/or freezing process of the foods existing therein. The cooling device is a device which has at least one storage space encircled by the body. The storage space can be any space wherein foods can be placed, for instance the space of at least one cooling compartment and/or the space of at least one freezing compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
- Figure 1 shows a representative isometric view of a cooling device which has a drawer structure wherein the subject matter ethylene absorbing unit can be placed.
- Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the drawer structure which has a drawer space wherein the subject matter ethylene absorbing unit can be placed, in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the drawer structure which comprises the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 4 shows a zoomed isometric view of the drawer structure which comprises the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 5 shows a zoomed top view of the drawer structure which comprises the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 6 shows an exploded view which shows the sub-parts which form the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 7 shows another exploded view which shows the sub-parts which form the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 8 shows a zoomed isometric view, which belongs to the drawer structure comprising the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention, and provided in a manner showing a cross-sectional view of the ethylene absorbing unit.
- Figure 9 shows another zoomed isometric view, which belongs to the drawer structure comprising the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention, and provided in a manner showing another cross-sectional view of the ethylene absorbing unit.
- Figure 10a shows an isometric view of the second semi-shell which exists in the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 10b shows another isometric view of the second semi-shell which exists in the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 11a shows an isometric view of the absorbing element which exists in the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 11b shows another isometric view of the absorbing element which exists in the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 12a shows a top view of the absorbing element which exists in the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 12b shows a zoomed top view of the absorbing element which exists in the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 13a shows an isometric view of the first semi-shell which exists in the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 13b shows another isometric view of the first semi-shell which exists in the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the first embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 14 shows an exploded view which shows the sub-parts of the ethylene absorbing unit together with a cross-sectional view of the drawer structure which exists in the second embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 15 shows an exploded view which shows the sub-parts of the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the second embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 16 shows a zoomed isometric view which shows the process of hanging of the ethylene absorbing unit to the hanging groove, which exists in the drawer structure, in the second embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 17 shows a zoomed cross-sectional view of the condition where the ethylene absorbing unit is hung to the hanging groove, which exists in the drawer structure, in the second embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 18a shows an isometric view of the hanger element which exists in the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the second embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 18b shows another isometric view of the hanger element which exists in the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the second embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 19 shows an isometric view of a drawer structure having the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the third embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 20 shows an isometric view of the drawer structure such that there is no front vertical wall of the drawer structure in a manner showing the condition where the first semi-shell of the ethylene absorbing unit is adhered to a first lateral vertical wall of the drawer structure in the third embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 21 shows a zoomed cross-sectional view of the drawer structure comprising the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the third embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 22 shows an isometric view of the ethylene absorbing unit which exists in the third embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In this detailed explanation, the invented subject matter is explained with examples in order to make the subject more understandable without forming any restrictive effect.
In this context, said width direction (x) describes the width direction of the cooling device (1), the width direction of the body (4), the width direction of the drawer structure (6), the width direction of the ethylene absorbing unit (13), the width direction of the casing structure (14) and the width direction of the absorbing element (15).
In this context, said height direction (y) describes the height direction of the cooling device (1), the height direction of the body (4), the height direction of the drawer structure (6), the height direction of the ethylene absorbing unit (13), the height direction of the casing structure (14) and the height direction of the absorbing element (15).
In this context, said first depth direction (z1) describes the first depth direction of the cooling device (1), the first depth direction of the body (4), the first depth direction of the drawer structure (6), the first depth direction of the ethylene absorbing unit (13), the first depth direction of the casing structure (14) and the first depth direction of the absorbing element (15).
In this context, said second depth direction (z2) describes the second depth direction of the cooling device (1), the second depth direction of the body (4), the second depth direction of the drawer structure (6), the second depth direction of the ethylene absorbing unit (13), the second depth direction of the casing structure (14) and the second depth direction of the absorbing element (15).
With reference to Figure 1, the cooling device (1), particularly domestic cooling device has a body (4) which defines at least one storage space (2). Said storage space (2) is any space, for instance the space of a cooling compartment encircled by the body (4) and wherein the foods can be placed. The storage space (2) is defined by a lower wall, an upper wall, a rear wall and mutual lateral walls of the body (4). There is an access opening (3) provided in a manner enabling access to the storage space (2) from outside in the cooling device (1). The access opening (3) is existing at a front side of the cooling device (1). There is at least one rotatable door (5) which can selectively cover the access opening (3). At an open position of the door (5), air passage can occur between the outer medium air of the medium, where the cooling device (1) is existing, and the inner medium air which exists in the storage space (2). At the open position, access can be provided to the storage space (2) from outside by the user. At a closed position of the door (5), the access opening (3) is completely covered by the door (5). The door (5) is embodied in a manner realizing passage selectively between the open position and the closed position. These passages of the door (5) between the open position and the closed position can be provided by means of at least one hinge assembly (not shown in the figures). There is at least one drawer structure (6) provided in a manner existing in the storage space (2) and embodied in a manner defining a drawer space (7) wherein foods, for instance vegetables and fruits can be placed. With reference to Figure 2, the drawer space (7) of the drawer structure (6) is defined by a base wall (9) essentially provided in a horizontal plane, and a front vertical wall (10a), a rear vertical wall (10b) and mutual lateral vertical walls (10c, 10d) extending essentially in the related vertical planes with respect to the base wall (9), in other words, a first lateral vertical wall (10c) and a second lateral vertical wall (10d). The drawer structure (6) has an upper opening (10e) at the opposite side in a height direction (y) with respect to the base wall (9). The drawer structure (6) is provided in a movable manner by being slid in a depth direction of the body (4). Movement of the drawer structure (6) by sliding can be provided by means of mutual rail mechanisms (not shown in the drawings) provided on the inner faces of the mutual lateral walls of the body (4) facing the storage space (2). Each of the lateral vertical walls (10c, 10d) of the drawer structure (6) is configured to be at least partially guided by the related rail mechanisms. At the closed position of the door (5), the drawer structure (6) is completely provided in the storage space (2). In this case, an upper cover (8) is provided in a manner covering the upper opening (10e). In other words, the drawer space (7) has become a space whose all sides are closed. The upper cover (8) is a cover provided to be in an essentially parallel plane with respect to the floor where the cooling device (1) seats. At the open position of the door (5) as in Figure 1, when the drawer structure (6) is drawn at a first depth direction (z1), the drawer structure (6) realizes sliding movement with the help of rail mechanisms and can pass through the access opening (3) and at least one part of the drawer structure (6) can be provided such that said part exits the storage space (2). In this case, the drawer space (7) can be accessed from outside through a part of the upper opening (10e) which is not covered by the upper cover (8). When the drawer structure (6) is pushed at a second depth direction (z2) which is a direction reverse to the first depth direction (z1), the upper cover (8) has arrived at a condition which can cover the upper opening (10e) again. In other words, the drawer structure (6) is configured to realize passage between a first condition where at least partial access can be provided to the drawer space (7) through the upper opening (10e), and a second condition where the upper cover (8) is provided in a manner completely covering the upper opening (10e).
Figures 2-13b are visuals which belong to a first embodiment of the invention. With reference to Figure 2, at least one part of the base wall (9) of the drawer structure (6) has a curved form. At a part of the base wall (9) which is close to the lateral vertical walls (10c, 10d), there is a base groove (11) provided in a groove form and embodied for collecting the juices which may seep from the foods. The part of the base wall (9), where the base groove (11) is provided, is provided in a manner having essentially a planar form. At a side of the drawer structure (6) where the base groove (11) is embodied, there is at least one couple of guiding extensions (12a, 12b), namely a first guiding extension (12a) and a second guiding extension (12b). Said guiding extensions (12a, 12b) can be provided in an associated manner with the base wall (9) from one side, and associated with the related lateral vertical wall (10c, 10d) from the other side. Again said guiding extensions (12a, 12b) can be provided mutually to each other near the related lateral vertical wall (10c, 10d). The related lateral vertical wall in Figure 2 given for exemplification is the first lateral vertical wall (10c). Preferably, said guiding extensions (12a, 12b) essentially has a shape which is similar to L-shape. The guiding extensions (12a, 12b) are positioned in a distanced manner to each other in the depth direction (z1, z2) of the drawer structure (6). The distance of the guiding extensions (12a, 12b) with respect to each other is provided to be compliant to the dimension of the subject matter ethylene absorbing unit (13) in the depth direction. The height of the guiding extensions (12a, 12b) has a design in a manner not exceeding the height of the related lateral vertical wall (10c, 10d). As shall be seen in Figure 3, the drawer structure (6) has ethylene absorbing unit (13) configured to provide absorbing of at least one part of the ethylene gas content in the drawer space (7). The ethylene absorbing unit (13) is positioned in the drawer space (7) in a manner staying in an essentially parallel and stable manner with respect to the related lateral vertical wall (10c, 10d) with the help of the second guiding extension (12b). As shall be seen in Figure 4, the ethylene absorbing unit (13) is provided in a manner close to a wall inner face (42) which is facing the drawer space (7) of the first lateral vertical wall (10c). At least one part of the ethylene absorbing unit (13) which is close to the wall inner face (42) can be in contact with the wall inner face (42) (Figure 5).
As shall be seen in Figure 8, the ethylene absorbing unit (13) comprises a casing structure (14) embodied in a manner defining a casing space (25) and whereon multiple air passage holes (17a, 17b) are provided in a manner opening to the casing space (25) from one side and in a manner opening to the drawer space (7) from the other side. The casing structure (14) is provided in the form of a semi-shell (14a, 14b) couple where the related air passage holes (17a, 17b) are existing on the perforated walls (23a, 23b) embodied in a manner completing each other and provided in essentially parallel planes mutually to each other. In other words, there are the front air passage holes (17b) on the first semi-shell (14a), and there are the rear air passage holes (17a) on the second semi-shell (14b). Preferably, in order to facilitate reaching of the air, which exists in the drawer space (7), to the casing space (25), the front air passage holes (17b) and the rear air passage holes (17a) are formed in a manner having different shapes and dimensions from each other. The multiple air passage holes (17a, 17b) of the casing structure (14) are configured to have a hole opening area (D) between 0.025 cm2 and 0.045 cm2 per cm2 of the total surface area of the absorbing element (15). The area between 13% and 30% of the total surface area of each of the perforated walls (23a, 23b) is provided as the hole opening area (D). As shall be seen in Figures 10a and 10b, the second semi-shell (14b) comprises a first guiding edge (27a) and a second guiding edge (27b) provided at opposite sides to each other. The guiding extensions (12a, 12b) are embodied to guide the related guiding edges (27a, 27b). The ethylene absorbing unit (13) moreover comprises an absorbing element (15) which has the related ribbed surface arrangements (19a, 19b) comprising the related multiple rib structures (24a, 24b) thereon and positioned in the casing space (25). As shall be seen in Figure 6, the absorbing element (15) is an element provided in a one-piece manner and made of a mixture. The absorbing element (15) is made of a mixture comprising activated carbon constituent at the amount between 5-35% by weight, preferably, 20% by weight and the polypropylene material at the remaining amount by weight. By means of this, ethylene is effectively absorbed on the one hand, and an absorbing element (15) is provided which is easily moldable, namely which is easy to produce on the other hand. The absorbing element (15) is produced in a one-piece manner by means of a plastic injection method.
With reference to Figures 6 and 7, semi-shells (14a, 14b) are mutual shell structures embodied in a manner similar to essentially a bowl-shape and which have the related inner grooves (16a, 16b) facing each other. The first semi-shell (14a) has the first groove (16a), the second semi-shell (14b) has the second groove (16b). The semi-shells (14a, 14b) are positioned such that said first groove (16) and said second groove (16b) face each other and can be connected to each other in a separable manner by being moved in a manner approaching each other. When the semi-shells (14a, 14b) are connected to each other, said first groove (16a) and said second groove (16b) define the casing space (25) together. Said casing space (25) is a volume provided such that the absorbing element (15) can be placed therein. Accordingly, the semi-shells (14a, 14b) and the absorbing element (15) have shapes and dimensions which are compliant to each other. The first semi-shell (14a) is the semi-shell which is closer to the related lateral vertical wall (10c, 10d), and the second semi-shell (14b) is the semi-shell which is further to the related lateral vertical wall (10c, 10d). As shall be seen in Figures 2-5 given for exemplification, the related lateral vertical wall is the first lateral vertical wall (10c). Figures 13a and 13b are representative isometric views of the first semi-shell (14a). The first semi-shell (14a) has a first peripheral skirt part (22a) provided in a manner diverging from the rear perforated wall (23a) whereon the rear air passage holes (17a) are existing. The first peripheral skirt part (22a) defines the first groove (16a) and the periphery of the first semi-shell (14a). The rear air passage holes (17a) which exist on the rear perforated wall (23a) are provided as multiple holes formed longitudinally. By means of longitudinal forming of the rear air passage holes (17a), since the first semi-shell (14a) is positioned in a close manner to the first lateral vertical wall (10c), the air passages between the casing space (25) and the drawer space (7) through the rear perforated wall (23a) are prevented from becoming difficult. Moreover, there is at least one, preferably more than one connection item (29) at the first peripheral skirt part (22a). Said connection items (29) are positioned in a manner distanced to each other at the first peripheral skirt part (22a). As shall be seen in Figure 13a, totally ten connection items (29) are provided preferably such that there are three each connection items (29) at the long edges of the first peripheral skirt part (22a), two each connection items (29) at the short edges thereof. Said connection items (29) are tabbed structures configured to realize the connection function. On the other hand, there is also a connection groove (18) on the rear perforated wall (23a). The connection groove (18) is a depression form provided in a manner diverging from the first lateral vertical wall (10c). There are mutual connection items (35a, 35b) and stopper items (36a, 36b, 36c) at the connection groove (18). Figures 10a and 10b are the representative views of the second semi-shell (14b). The second semi-shell (14b) has a second peripheral skirt part (22b) provided in a manner diverging from the front perforated wall (23b) whereon the front air passage holes (17b) are provided. The second peripheral skirt part (22b) defines the second groove (16b) and the periphery of the second semi-shell (14b). The front air passage holes (17b) which exist on the front perforated wall (23b) are multiple holes formed essentially circularly. There is a planar part (20), formed essentially in a planar manner, on the front perforated wall (23b). There can be visual items like a brand or a logo (not illustrated in the drawings), related to the ethylene absorbing unit (13), at this planar part (20). Moreover, there is at least one, preferably more than one corresponding connection item (30) at the second peripheral skirt part (22b). Said corresponding connection items (30) are positioned in a manner distanced to each other at the second peripheral skirt part (22b). The corresponding connection items (30) are embodied on an inner face of the skirt part (31) which is a face of the second peripheral skirt part (22b) which faces the second groove (16b). The corresponding connection items (30) are provided such that the connection items (29) which exist at the first semi-shell (14a) can be held. The numbers and positions of the corresponding connection items (30) which exist on the inner face of the skirt part (31) are compliant to the numbers and positions of the connection items (29). The corresponding connection items (30) are groove structures configured to fulfill the connection function and on the second peripheral skirt part (22b). When the semi-shells (14a, 14b) are connected to each other in a separable manner, the connection items (29) are held to the related corresponding connection items (30). Here, said holding is meaning that at least one part of the connection items (29) engages to the related corresponding connection items (30). When the semi-shells (14a, 14b) are connected to each other, a big part of the first semi-shell (14a) is positioned in the second groove (16b) as shall be seen in Figure 8. In other words, the second peripheral skirt part (22b) is provided in a manner at least partially overlapping with the first peripheral skirt part (22a) in the depth direction. In this case, the guiding edges (27a, 27b) and the rear perforated wall (23a) are nearly in aligned condition. There are peripheral extension parts (28a, 28b) provided on the second peripheral skirt part (22b). In other words, there is a first peripheral extension part (28a) and a second peripheral extension part (28b) embodied peripherally and provided mutually to each other on the second peripheral skirt part (22b). The guiding edges (27a, 27b), provided mutually to each other, are embodied on the second peripheral extension part (28b) which are closer to the first semi-shell (14a). On the other hand, on the first semi-shell (14a), there is a third peripheral extension part (37) which extends essentially in a parallel manner to the first lateral vertical wall (10c) and provided in a manner diverging from the first semi-shell (14a) (Figures 8 and 13b). By means of this, when the semi-shells (14a, 14b) are connected to each other, the second peripheral extension part (28b) is provided nearly in an aligned manner with the third peripheral extension part (37). This provides an aesthetical outer appearance of the ethylene absorbing unit (13) in a condition where the ethylene absorbing unit (13) is removed from the drawer structure (6). Said aesthetical outer appearance means that the casing structure (14) has an outer appearance as if it has an integrated structure even if it does not have an integrated structure. On the other hand, the first peripheral extension part (28a) and the second peripheral extension part (28b) are provided in a manner seating to the base wall (9) at the lower side of the ethylene absorbing unit (13). By means of this, the peripheral extension parts (28a, 28b) realize seating foot function for the ethylene absorbing unit (13), seating of the ethylene absorbing unit (13) on the base wall (9) in a balanced manner is provided. In other words, as shall be seen in Figure 9, the ethylene absorbing unit (13) stays in a balanced manner on the base groove (11); by means of this, undesired sounds are prevented which may occur due to probable swings of the ethylene absorbing unit (13) during forward-backward movements of the drawer structure (6). With reference to Figure 10b, there is moreover at least one engagement extension (33) on the inner face of the skirt part (31) which has the second semi-shell (14b) structure. The engagement extensions (33) are structures which have extension form provided on the inner face of the skirt part (31). The engagement extensions (33) are provided in a manner extending essentially in the orthogonal direction to the front perforated wall (23b). The engagement extensions (33) are provided at the mutual sides of preferably the inner face of the skirt part (31). Preferably, there are two engagement extensions (33) on the inner face of the skirt part which exists at a lower side of the second semi-shell (14b), there are two engagement extensions (33) on the inner face of the skirt part which exists at an upper side which is opposite to the lower side.
With reference to Figure 8, the absorbing element (15) is embodied in the form of ribbed surface arrangements (19a, 19b) provided on the mutual faces of a planar plate (49) which is essentially planar. In other words, there is a front ribbed surface arrangement (19a) on a front face of said planar plate (49) which faces the first lateral vertical wall (10c), and there is a rear ribbed surface arrangement (19b) on a rear face which is opposite to the front face. Said front face and said rear face are faces of the absorbing element (15) which face the related air passage holes (17a, 17b). The front ribbed surface arrangement (19a) comprises the front rib structures (24a), the rear ribbed surface arrangement (19b) comprises the rear rib structures (24b). Said rib structures (24a, 24b) are provided in a manner extending outwardly from the planar plate (49). The related rib structures (24a, 24b) are configured such that there are intermediate spaces (26) in between for guiding the air which passes through the related air passage holes (17a, 17b). In other words, there are intermediate spaces (26) between the adjacent related rib structures (24a, 24b) which are near each other. Preferably, each of the rib structures (24a, 24b) is provided as extensions which are similar to essentially rectangular shape. In other words, the front rib structures (24a) and the rear rib structures (24b) are embodied as extensions provided at specific frequency on the related front face and rear face. By means of the rib structures (24a, 24b), the total surface area of the absorbing element (15) is increased, this is a factor which increases effectiveness of the ethylene absorption. The absorbing element (15) is embodied to have a total surface area between 60 cm2 and 90 cm2 per dm3 of the drawer space (7), namely liter of the drawer space (7). In other words, the absorbing element (15) has a design in a manner providing a total surface area in accordance with the volume of the drawer space (7) which exists in the drawer structure (6). Here, the most important part which affects the total surface area of the absorbing element (15) is the rib structures (24a, 24b). With reference to Figure 12a and Figure 12b, each of the ribbed surface arrangements (19a, 19b) essentially has a form which is similar to bulge-shape. By means of this, particularly at the side of the ethylene absorbing unit (13) which is adjacent to the first lateral vertical wall (10c) of the drawer structure (6), bigger amount of air fills into the casing space (25) and reaches the absorbing element (15) and fills into the intermediate spaces (26). As shall be seen in Figure 12b, for this purpose, while the rib structures, which exist in a middle region of the absorbing element (15) which is far from the edge parts thereof, have a first length (h1), the rib structures, which exist at the edge regions which are close to the edge parts, are configured to have a second length (h2). Here, the second length (h2) is a length value which is bigger than the first length (h1). In other words, the rib structures arrangement, which exists on the absorbing element (15), is an arrangement where the rib structures which have first length (h1) are existing in the middle region of the absorbing element (15) and where the rib structures which have gradually increasing length values with respect to the first length (h1) from the middle region towards the edge regions and where the rib structures which have the second length (h2) at the edge regions are existing. By means of this arrangement, at the edge regions, bigger amount of air fills into the intermediate spaces (26).
In Figures 11a and 11b, the representative isometric views of the absorbing element (15) are given. There is at least one engagement slot (32) on the periphery of the absorbing element (15). The second semi-shell (14b) has the related engagement extensions (33) provided on the inner face of the skirt part (31) which faces the casing space (25) in a manner corresponding to the related engagement slot (32). Preferably, there are couples of engagement slots (32) at a first edge part (34a) of the absorbing element (15), and at a second edge part (34b) at the opposite side with respect to the first edge part (34a). As shall be seen in Figures 11a and 11b, the distances (w1, w2) between the related engagement slots (32) provided at the same side are arranged to be different from each other. For instance, with reference to Figure 11b, a first distance (w1) between the engagement slots (32) provided at the first edge part (34a) can be provided to be bigger than a second distance (w2) between the engagement slots (32) provided at the second edge part (34b). By means of this, placement of the absorbing element (15) to the casing space (25) in a correct manner by the user is guaranteed. On the other hand, there is an embossment receiving groove (21) at a side of the absorbing element (15) where the front ribbed surface arrangement (19a) is embodied. Said embossment receiving groove (21) is shaped and dimensioned in a compliant manner to the connection groove (18) which exists on the first semi-shell (14a). In other words, when the absorbing element (15) is placed to the casing space (25), at least one part of the connection groove (18) is placed to the embossment receiving groove (21). As shall be seen in Figures 7 and 9, the connection groove (18) embodied on the first semi-shell (14a) is provided by means of an embossment form provided in a manner approaching towards the absorbing element (15). In the first embodiment of the invention, said connection groove (18) does not have a function of connecting the ethylene absorbing unit (13) to the first lateral vertical wall (10c). In the second and third embodiments of the invention which are described in details below, the connection groove (18) becomes usable for assisting the connection function. The reason for providing the connection groove (18) also in the first embodiment of the invention is that the same first semi-shell (14a) can be used in all alternatives of the invention. By means of this, increase of the number of parts in production is prevented, and complexity is reduced.
Figures 14-18b are visuals which belong to a second embodiment of the invention. The descriptions made in relation with the first embodiment of the invention as above are also valid for the second embodiment of the invention. Thus, here, only the parts of the second embodiment of the invention which are different from the first embodiment are given in details. In the second embodiment of the invention, there is an external hanger element (41) in a different manner from the first embodiment. Moreover, also in the drawer structure (6), there is a hanging groove (38) on the first lateral vertical wall (10c). The hanging groove (38) is a groove form embodied at an upper side of the first lateral vertical wall (10c) which is far from the base wall (9). Said hanging groove (38) is provided in a manner extending in the depth directions (z1, z2) where the drawer structure (6) moves on the first lateral vertical wall (10c). There is a seating face (40) in the region where the hanging groove (38) is embodied, and there is a first resting wall (39a) and a second resting wall (39b) provided mutually to each other in the depth direction. Said resting walls (39a, 39b) are configured in a manner preventing undesired separation of the hanger element (41) from the hanging groove (38). The hanger element (41) has a design in a manner connecting to the first semi-shell (14a) which is closer to the first lateral vertical wall (10c) from one side and in a manner holding to the hanging groove (38) from the other side. In the second embodiment of the invention, with the help of said hanger element (41) and said hanging groove (38), the ethylene absorbing unit (13) can be connected by being hung to the first lateral vertical wall (10c) in a manner positioned far from the base wall (9) of the drawer structure (6). As shall be seen in Figures 18a and 18b, the hanger element (41) has a part which is essentially similar to T-shape. There is a connection surface (50) which is essentially planar at a lower part of the hanger element (41). The connection surface (50) is a surface of the first semi-shell (14a) which faces the connection groove (18). At said connection surface (50), there is at least one holding extension (43) provided in a manner diverging from the connection surface (50). Preferably said holding extension (43) is an extension which has a closed geometrical shape, for instance, essentially a rectangular shape. When the hanger element (41) is moved downwardly in the height direction (y) towards the connection groove (18), the mutual edge parts of the hanger element (41) are guided by a first connection item (35a) and a second connection item (35b) provided mutually to each other in the connection groove (18). Said connection items (35a, 35b) have a form which is essentially similar to L-shape. When the connection of the hanger element (41) to the first semi-shell (14a) is provided, the holding extension (43) is rested to a first stopper item (36a) at the upper side and is rested to a second stopper item (36b) and to a third stopper item (36c) at the lower side. In this manner, the movement of the hanger element (41) in the height direction (y) is limited. The connection items (35a, 35b) which are similar to L-shape delimits the movement of the hanger element (41) in the other directions except the height direction (2). In this manner, the hanger element (41) is connected to the first semi-shell (14a) from one side. In Figures 16 and 17, the steps are given, which show hanging of the ethylene absorbing unit (13), whereon the hanger element (41) is existing, to the first lateral vertical wall (10c) of the drawer structure (6). As shall be seen in Figure 16, first of all, the ethylene absorbing unit (13) is positioned in an angled manner with respect to the first lateral vertical wall (10c). In this case, the upper part of the hanger element (41), which has a form which is essentially similar to L-shape, corresponds to the hanging groove (38). In other words, there is a seating wall (45) at the upper part of the hanger element (41), and there is a hanger wall (44) which is essentially in orthogonal direction to the seating wall (45). When the ethylene absorbing unit (13), which has the hanger element (41), is moved in a hanging direction (S), the ethylene absorbing unit (13) makes rotational movement in a rotation direction (R) towards the wall inner face (42) and is hung to the first lateral vertical wall (10c). As shall be seen in Figure 17, when the ethylene absorbing unit (13) is hung to the first lateral vertical wall (10c), the drawer structure (6) is positioned further to the base wall (9) and in an essentially parallel manner to the first lateral vertical wall (10c). When the ethylene absorbing unit (13) is hung to the first lateral vertical wall (10c), the seating wall (45) is placed to the seating face (40), and the hanger wall (44) is also provided in a manner resting to the resting walls (39a, 39b). Moreover, since nearly whole of the lower part of the hanger element (41) is existing inside the connection groove (18), the first semi-shell (14a) can be provided in a manner positioned substantially adjacently to the wall inner face (42). This improves the aesthetical appearance of the drawer structure (6). When the ethylene absorbing unit (13) is desired to be separated from the first lateral vertical wall (10c), the ethylene absorbing unit (13) should be firstly brought to angled position in a manner diverging from the wall inner face (42), then the ethylene absorbing unit (13) should be drawn downwardly in a direction opposite to the hanging direction (S) and the hanger element (41) should be released from the resting walls (39a, 39b). In the second embodiment of the invention, the ethylene absorbing unit (13) is hung and connected to the first lateral vertical wall (10c). By means of this connection method which exists in the second embodiment of the invention, the ethylene absorbing unit (13) is hung and connected to any related vertical wall (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) of the drawer structure (6).
Figures 19-22 are visuals which belong to a third embodiment of the invention. The descriptions given in relation with the first embodiment of the invention as above are also valid for the third embodiment of the invention. Thus, here, only the parts of the third embodiment of the invention which are different from the first embodiment are given in details. In the third embodiment of the invention, there is an external connection part (46) in a different manner from the first embodiment. Said connection part (46) is a part which is similar to the lower part of the hanger element (41) which exists in the second embodiment of the invention. The connection part (46) is connected in the same manner as the hanger element (41), which exists in the second embodiment of the invention, is connected to the connection groove (18) of the first semi-shell (14a). In other words, there is essentially a planar connection surface (50) at a lower part of the connection part (46). The connection surface (50) is a surface of the first semi-shell (14a) which faces the connection groove (18). At said connection surface (50), there is at least one holding extension (43) provided in a manner diverging from the connection surface (50). Preferably, said holding extension (43) is an extension which has a closed geometric shape, for instance, which essentially has a rectangular shape. When the connection part (46) is moved downwardly in the height direction (y) towards the connection groove (18), the mutual edge parts of the connection part (46) are guided by a first connection item (35a) and a second connection item (35b) provided mutually to each other in the connection groove (18). Said connection items (35a, 35b) have a form which is essentially similar to L-shape. When the connection of the connection part (46) to the first semi-shell (14a) is provided, the holding extension (43) is rested to the first stopper item (36a) at the upper side and is rested to the second stopper item (36b) and to the third stopper item (36c) at the lower side. In this manner, movement of the connection part (46) in the height direction (y) is delimited. The connection items (35a, 35b), which have a form which is similar to L-shape, delimits the movement of the hanger element (41) in the directions other than the height direction (2). In this manner, connection of the connection part (46) to the first semi-shell (14a) from one side is provided. As shall be seen in Figure 22, the connection part (46) has a planar face (47) which is essentially planar and which faces the first lateral vertical wall (10c). In the third embodiment of the invention, there is an adhesive element (48), particularly a double-sided band element between the first lateral vertical wall (10c) and the casing structure (14). By means of approaching of the ethylene absorbing unit (13) towards the wall inner face (42) of the first lateral vertical wall (10c), the casing structure (14) is connected by adhering to the wall inner face (42) with the help of the adhesive element (48) as seen in Figure 19. As shall be seen in Figure 21, since a big part of the connection part (46) is provided inside the connection groove (18), the first semi-shell (14a) is positioned in a manner nearly adjacently to the wall inner face (42). This improves the aesthetical appearance of the drawer structure (6). On the other hand, in the third embodiment of the invention, when the lifetime of the absorbing element (15) is completed and when the absorbing element (15) is desired to be replaced by the user, it is sufficient to separate the second semi-shell (14b) from the first semi-shell (14a). By means of this separation, the user can easily reach to the absorbing element (15) which exists in the casing space (25). In this case, as shall be seen in Figure 20, the first semi-shell (14a) continues to stay in an adhered manner to the wall inner face (42). After the user places the new absorbing element (15) to the second groove (16b) of the second semi-shell (14b), the user moves the second semi-shell (14b) towards the first semi-shell (14a) and can easily provide connection of the semi-shells (14a, 14b) again in a separable manner. By means of this connection method which exists in the third embodiment of the invention, the ethylene absorbing unit (13) can be connected by being adhered to any related vertical wall (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) of the drawer structure (6).
The protection scope of the present invention is set forth in the annexed claims and cannot be restricted to the illustrative disclosures given above, under the detailed description. It is because a person skilled in the relevant art can obviously produce similar embodiments under the light of the foregoing disclosures, without departing from the main principles of the present invention.
REFERENCE LIST
- 1. cooling device
- 2. storage space
- 3. access opening
- 4. body
- 5. door
- 6. drawer structure
- 7. drawer space
- 8. upper cover
- 9. base wall
- 10a. front vertical wall
- 10b. rear vertical wall
- 10c. first lateral vertical wall
- 10d. second lateral vertical wall
- 10e. upper opening
- 11. base groove
- 12a. first guiding extension
- 12b. second guiding extension
- 13. ethylene absorbing unit
- 14. casing structure
- 14a. first semi-shell
- 14b. second semi-shell
- 15. absorbing element
- 16a. first groove
- 16b. second groove
- 17a. rear air passage holes
- 17b. front air passage holes
- 18. connection groove
- 19a. front ribbed surface arrangement
- 19b. rear ribbed surface arrangement
- 20. planar part
- 21. embossment receiving groove
- 22a. first peripheral skirt part
- 22b. second peripheral skirt part
- 23a. rear perforated wall
- 23b. front perforated wall
- 24a. front rib structure
- 24b. rear rib structure
- 25. casing space
- 26. intermediate space
- 27a. first guiding edge
- 27b. second guiding edge
- 28a. first peripheral extension part
- 28b. second peripheral extension part
- 29. connection item
- 30. corresponding connection item
- 31. inner face of the skirt part
- 32. engagement slot
- 33. engagement extension
- 34a. first edge part
- 34b. second edge part
- 35a. first connection item
- 35b. second connection item
- 36a. first stopper item
- 36b. second stopper item
- 36c. third stopper item
- 37. third peripheral extension part
- 38. hanging groove
- 39a. first resting wall
- 39b. second resting wall
- 40. seating face
- 41. hanger element
- 42. wall inner face
- 43. holding extension
- 44. hanger wall
- 45. seating wall
- 46. connection part
- 47. planar face
- 48. adhesive element
- 49. planar plate
- 50. connection surface
- x. width direction
- y. height direction
- z1. first depth direction
- z2. second depth direction
- w1. first distance
- w2. second distance
- h1. first length
- h2. second length
- S. hanging direction
- R. rotation direction
- D. hole opening area