Abstract
A modular profile system (1) for suspending a door (2) of a kitchen appliance (3), comprising at least one elongate first profile element (4), at least one second profile element (5), and at least one panel element (7), wherein the at least one elongate first profile element (4) is formed to be attachable at its first longitudinal plane (10) to a surface (6) of a first panel element (7), and wherein the at least one elongate first profile element (4) is formed to be attachable at at least one of its end face (11) to said second profile element (5), wherein said second profile element (5) is selectable from a plurality of said second profile elements (5), wherein said elongate first profile element (4) is combinable and to be assembled with at least one particular of said plurality of second profile elements (5), in order to achieve and realize one particular door structure and/or door organization.
Claims
1. A modular profile system for suspending a door of a kitchen appliance, comprising at least one elongate first profile element, at least one second profile element, and at least one panel element, wherein the at least one elongate first profile element is formed to be attachable at its first longitudinal plane to a surface of a first panel element, and wherein the at least one elongate first profile element is formed to be attachable at at least a first end face thereof to said second profile element, wherein said second profile element is selectable from a plurality of said second profile elements, and wherein said elongate first profile element is combinable and to be assembled with at least one of said plurality of second profile elements, in order to achieve and realize one particular door structure and/or door organization.
2. The modular profile system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate first profile element comprises at least one supporting element for supporting the first panel element and/or wherein the at least one second profile element comprises at least one fixing element for fixing the position of the first panel element.
3. The modular profile system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate first profile element and/or the second profile element, comprises at least one first connecting means for attaching the second profile element to the at least one elongate first profile element.
4. The modular profile system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate first profile element and/or the at least one second profile element comprises at least one first mounting point for mounting at least one hinge or hinge element.
5. The modular profile system according to claim 1, wherein the modular profile system comprises at least one hinge or hinge element, wherein the at least one hinge or hinge element is for pivotal mounting of the door.
6. The modular profile system according to claim 1, wherein the door is a side opening door.
7. The modular profile system according to claim 1, wherein the door is a drop-down door.
8. The modular profile system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate first profile element comprises at least one further supporting element for supporting at least one further panel element and/or wherein the at least one second profile element comprises at least one further fixing element for fixing the position of at least one further panel element.
9. The modular profile system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate first profile element and/or the at least one second profile element comprises at least one second mounting point for mounting at least one functional element, wherein the functional element, is selected from the group consisting of a locking mechanism or a part thereof, a latch means, a handle or a part thereof, a lid and an aperture.
10. The modular profile system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one cover element, wherein the at least one elongate first profile element is formed to be attachable to said at least one cover element.
11. The modular profile system according to claim 1, wherein the modular profile system further comprises a receiving for receiving electronic components.
12. The modular profile system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate first profile element comprises at least one second connecting means for attachment of the at least one elongate first profile element to the surface of the first panel element.
13. Door for a kitchen appliance, comprising a door suspension system for suspending the door, wherein the door suspension system comprises the modular profile system according to claim 1.
14. Kitchen appliance comprising a door and a door suspension system for suspending the door of the kitchen appliance, the door suspension system comprising the modular profile system according to claim 1.
15. (canceled)
16. A modular profile system for suspending a door of a kitchen appliance, comprising first and second elongate first profile elements each having a channel-shaped cross-section, at least one second profile element, and a first panel element, wherein the first and second elongate first profile elements are attachable at planar surfaces thereof to opposite ends of the first panel element, said first and second elongate first profile elements being attachable at respective first end faces thereof to said at least one second profile element so as to oppose and be mirror images of one another at opposite sides of the door, said first and second elongate first profile elements further being attachable at respective second end faces thereof to a cover, wherein said at least one second profile element is selected from a plurality of second profile elements respectively configured for a plurality of different door-suspension configurations, said first and second elongate first profile elements comprising a plurality of hinge-mounting points to accommodate respectively said plurality of different door-suspension configurations, wherein not every such mounting point will be used in each such configuration, said plurality of different door-suspension configurations comprising a drop-down door configuration and a side opening door configuration.
17. The modular profile system according to claim 16, said at least one second profile element comprising first and second ones of said second profile element, each being attachable respective to one of said first and second elongate first profile elements at opposite sides of said door, said first and second second profile elements further comprising one or more further hinge-mounting points to accommodate one or more of said plurality of different door-suspension configurations.
18. A method of manufacturing a door for a kitchen appliance, comprising: a. attaching first and second elongate first profile elements to opposite sides of a first panel element, said first and second elongate first profile elements comprising a plurality of hinge-mounting points to accommodate respective a plurality of different door-suspension configurations; b. selecting one of the plurality of different door configurations; c. selecting at least one second profile element from a plurality of available second profile elements configured to accommodate respectively said plurality of different door configurations, wherein ones of said plurality of second profile elements comprise one or more additional hinge-mounting points to accommodate respectively an associated one of said configurations; d. attaching said at least one second profile element to said first and second elongate first profile elements at respective first end faces thereof; e. attaching one or more hinges to ones of said hinge-mounting points that correspond to the selected one of said plurality of different door configurations.
Description
[0099] The present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings from which further features, embodiments and advantages may be taken, and in which
[0100] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate two perspective views of an elongate first profile element showing a first inventive embodiment;
[0101] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate perspective views of an elongate first profile element according to the first inventive embodiment attached to a second profile element showing a second inventive embodiment;
[0102] FIG. 2D illustrate a perspective view of a modular profile system for suspending a drop-down door configuration comprising an elongate first profile element attached to a second profile element according to the second inventive embodiment;
[0103] FIG. 2E illustrates a cross-sectional view of an elongate first profile element along a line A-A of FIG. 2D;
[0104] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate two perspective views of an elongate first profile element according to the first inventive embodiment attached to a second profile element showing a third inventive embodiment;
[0105] FIG. 3C illustrate a perspective view of a modular profile system for suspending a side opening swing door configuration comprising an elongate first profile element attached to a second profile element according to the third inventive embodiment;
[0106] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate two perspective views of an elongate first profile element according to the first inventive embodiment attached to a second profile element showing a fourth inventive embodiment;
[0107] FIG. 4C illustrate a perspective view of a modular profile system for suspending a side opening full door configuration comprising an elongate first profile element attached to a second profile element according to the fourth inventive embodiment;
[0108] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a modular profile system for suspending a door comprising three planar glass elements and comprising an elongate first profile element according to a fifth inventive embodiment; and
[0109] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective detail view of the modular profile system according to the fifth inventive embodiment.
[0110] In FIGS. 1A and 1B two perspective views of an elongate first profile element 4 are shown which is to be used in connection with the modular profile system 1 according to the present invention for suspending a door 2 of a kitchen appliance 3. In FIGS. 1A and 1B the door 2 and the kitchen appliance 3 are not shown. Said elongate first profile element 4 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be applied for various door configurations as part of the modular profile system 1 according to the present invention attached to at least one particular second profile element being selectable and/or selected from a plurality of second profile elements 5.
[0111] Therefore, the first profile element 4 may comprise one or several mounting points 12 for various hinges or hinge elements 13, and/or at least one second mounting point 14 for mounting at least one further function element 15. The first profile element 4 is formed to be attachable (see also FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B) or is attached (see FIGS. 2D, 3C, 4C, and 5A) at its first longitudinal plane 10 to a surface 6 of a first panel element 7 or 7a (not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), and wherein the elongate first profile elements 4 is formed to be attachable (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B) or is attached (see FIGS. 2D, 3C, and 4C) at its first end face 11 each to a particular second profile element 5 selected from a plurality of said second profile elements 5 according to the desired door configuration.
[0112] It is to be understood that also the second end face 22 of the first elongate first profile element 4 may be attached to either a second profile element 5 or to a cap or cover 16. As may be immediately taken from the FIGS. 2D and 3C, such cover 16 is at one end be attached to a second end face 22 of the first elongate first profile element 4 and at its second end is attached to the second end face 22 of a second elongate first profile element 4, thus serving as a connecting element, connecting said first elongate first profile elements 4 and 4, more particularly said second end faces 22 and 22.
[0113] This may be taken from FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D which illustrate a modular profile system 1 and/or parts thereof assembled and selected for suspending a drop-down door configuration compared to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C which illustrate a modular profile system 1 and/or parts thereof assembled and selected for suspending a side opening swing door configuration, compared to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C which illustrate a modular profile system 1 and/or parts thereof assembled and selected for suspending a side opening swing door configuration. Each modular profile system 1 comprises at least one, preferably two, elongate first profile element 4 or 4 according to the first inventive embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, being attachable to or attached to an appropriate second profile element 5 selected and/or selectable from a plurality of second profile elements. It is to be understood that two first profile elements 4 and 4 may be configured identical or mirror-inverted to each other depending on the specific needs and configuration, e.g. positioning of mounting points 12 and/or 14. In a particular preferred embodiment a first profile element 4 according to the present invention is configured such that it can be mounted to a surface 6 of a first panel element 7 or 7a in two orientations which are oriented at 180 to one another, whereby, preferably the positioning of mounting points 12 and/or 14, as well as the configuration of the end faces 11 and 22 is configured accordingly.
[0114] Each modular profile system 1 as particularly shown in FIGS. 2D, 3C and 4C in a stage where elongate first profile elements 4 are mounted with the first longitudinal plane 10 to a surface 6 of a first panel element 7 or 7a comprises two of said elongate first profile elements 4, 4, each attached to a particular second profile element 5 or 5 selected according to the intended purpose. Again, it will immediately be understood that depending on the specific needs and configuration, for example the intended hinges or hinge elements and/or door configuration, the second profile elements 5 or 5 may be configured identical or mirror-inverted to each other.
[0115] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D for suspending a drop-down door 2; according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C for suspending a side opening swing door 2; and according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C for suspending a side opening full door, each modular profile system 1 in its mounted stage ready to be hinged to an according kitchen appliance 3 as shown in FIGS. 2D, 3C, and 4C, respectively, further comprises at least one panel element 7, wherein according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B a door may provided having more than one panel element, particularly having four panel elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d. Thereby, the elongate first profile elements 4 and 4 are formed to be attachable (see particularly FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B) or are attached (see FIGS. 2D, 3C, 4C, and 5A) at their first longitudinal plane 10 to the surface 6 of a first panel element 7 or 7a, and wherein the elongate first profile elements 4 and 4 are formed to be attachable (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B) or are attached (see FIGS. 2D, 3C, and 4C) at their first end face 11 each to a particular second profile element 5 or 5 selected from a plurality of said second profile elements 5, 5 according to the desired door configuration.
[0116] Thereby, and as may be best seen from FIGS. 2D, 3C, and 4C two elongate first profile elements 4 and 4 are attached with their with the first longitudinal plane 10 to a surface 6 of a first panel element 7 or 7a such, that said profile elements 4 and 4 are positioned on the glass plate 7 according to the intended purpose in an orientation parallel to the opposing side edges 21 and 21, respectively, of the glass plate 7. More particularly, the elongate first profile elements 4 and 4 are oriented and positioned in parallel to the side edges 21 and 21 of the glass plate 7, which, in a mounted position in or on the door is in upright substantially vertical orientation. In the embodiments shown here, for example as shown in FIGS. 2D, 3C, and 4C, the elongate first profile elements 4 and 4 are positioned in a manner mirror-inverted to each other on the glass plate 7. Accordingly, also the second profile element 5, which is attached to the first end face 11 of an elongate first profile element 4 is configured mirror-inverted to the second profile element 5, which is attached to the first end face 11 of an elongate first profile element 4.
[0117] In other words, the elongate first profile elements 4 are arranged such that one first end 11 faces towards the bottom of the oven 3 and the second end face 22 is oriented towards an upper surface of the oven 3, preferably in a configuration being mirror-inverted to each other. Here it is immediately clear that the when the second profile element 5 or 5 is attached to the first end face 11 or 11, respectively, of an elongate first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, said second profile element 5 or 5, respectively, is also oriented towards the bottom of the oven 3. From the door configurations shown in FIGS. 2D, 3C, and 4C, it is also immediately clear that here the surface 6 of the glass plate 7 refers to the surface 6 of the glass plate 7 which is facing towards an inner compartment of the oven 3. Accordingly, in a stage where the door 2 is mounted to the oven 3, the elongate first profile elements 4 and 4, respectively, are also directed to an inner compartment, i.e. the oven cavity, of said kitchen appliance 3.
[0118] However, also more than one panel element 7 may be advantageously applied as already indicated above. Referring in so far to the embodiment of the door 2 according to the present invention, and the modular profile system 1 according to the present invention as shown in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5B, it can be immediately seen that the elongate first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, are attached at their first longitudinal plane 10 to the surface 6 of the first panel element 7a. In connection therewith, it is to be understood that in the embodiment shown here, panel element 7a is glass panel, which may be configured with or without metal trim. However, the elongate first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, are configured such that three further panel elements 7b, 7c, and 7d, are supported, particularly by the configuration of the basically C-shaped cross-section of the elongate first profile elements 4 and 4, respectively, which comprises bend sections 8b, 8c, and 8d each configured to support a further panel element 7b, 7c, or 7d, respectively, as a supporting element 8.
[0119] Such modular profile system 1 allows to create a modular door 2 and/or door structure that can be used for all different types of doors in that each configuration and set of elongate first profile elements 4 and 4, respectively, and second profile elements 5 and 5, respectively, as well as, preferably the intended hinges or hinge elements and further elements provides one particular door suspension, which may be best seen when comparing FIG. 3C for the purpose of realizing a side opening door, here a swing door, FIG. 4C for the purpose of realizing a side opening door, here a full door, FIG. 2D for the purpose of realizing a drop-down door, and FIG. 5A showing a door 2 with more than one panel element 7. Each desired door structure and door suspension to be realized, is thereby advantageously based on and realized with the modular profile system 1, and more particularly with the elongate first profile elements 4, and 4, respectively, being attachable at its first longitudinal plane 10 to the surface 6 of a first panel element 7, as for example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B the surface of a planar glass panel. The elongate first profile element 4 is also attachable or attached to, at its first end face 11 to at least one particular second profile element 5, or 5 respectively, selected from a plurality of said second profile elements 5 and 5, respectively, according to the desired purpose and door configuration, i.e. according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2D a drop-down door, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C a swing door, and according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C a full door. The particular second profile elements 5 and 5, respectively, are configured in various ways according to the desired purpose and door configuration. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C for a pivotally hinged door about a horizontal axis, i.e. for a drop-down door; and according to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, or 4A and 4b, respectively, for a pivotally hinged door about a vertical axis, i.e. for a side opening door. Accordingly, the shape and further elements such as mounting points 12 for hinges or hinge elements 13 are present or not present at such particular second profile elements 5 or 5, respectively. For example, it may be seen that according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D the particular second profile elements 5 or 5, respectively, comprises at least one first mounting point 12, here a through hole, e.g. for mounting a drop-down hinge 13, as may be best seen in FIG. 2D. By contrast, the particular second profile elements 5 or 5, respectively shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, or FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, does not comprise such first mounting point 12, as said configuration is intended to provide a door suspension and door structure for a side opening door 2. It has to be understood that advantageously in the manufacturing and/or assembly process, such first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, as shown here is advantageously attached and common to all door structures and types of doors, which may be adapted to the desired door structure by choosing an appropriate/particular second profile element 5 or 5, respectively, from a plurality of said second profile elements. Here the door 2 comprises a skin 20, which may be best seen in FIG. 5B, wherein said skin 20 is mainly for aesthetic purpose. Such skin 20, here an external skin 20, is arranged such that it is visible to the user of the kitchen appliance 3. Said skin 20 is preferably made out of aluminium, more precisely being an aluminium profile.
[0120] Here, in all shown embodiments, the door 2 is a door of an oven 3. The elongate first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, is an elongate profile of substantially C-shaped cross-section wherein the base of the C forms its first longitudinal plane 10. This may be best seen in FIG. 2E showing the cross-sectional view of the elongate first profile element 4 along the line A-A of FIG. 2C. In order to attach the elongate first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, to a glass panel 7 the first longitudinal plane 10 of the elongate first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, is, for example provided with an adhesive, laid flat and glued on the surface 6 of the planar glass plate 7 and the elongate first profile element 4 is thus attached to the glass plate 7.
[0121] The first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, as shown here, also comprise guiding slots as supporting elements 8 for supporting the front glass plate 7 or other panel elements (as shown, e.g. in FIGS. 5A and 5B) and arranged along a longitudinal edge of the first profile element 4. The second profile elements 5 or 5, respectively, further comprises frame supports in the form of slots for glass panels, as fixing elements 9 for fixing the position of the panel elements 7. Also it may be taken from the different embodiments shown in the hereto attached Figures, that the elongate first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, comprises several first mounting points 12 for mounting hinges or hinge elements 13. As may be best seen from FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C only in the embodiment for suspending a drop-down door the second profile element 5 or 5, respectively, may comprise first mounting points 12 for mounting hinges or hinge elements 13, here a drop-down hinge 13. As may be taken from FIGS. 3A and 3B, and from 4A and 4B, in the embodiment for suspending a side opening door, i.e. a full door or a swing door, the particular second profile element 5 or 5, respectively, is chosen from the plurality of second profile elements, for example, such that it does not comprise such first mounting points 12 as no hinges or hinge elements 13 are to be mounted at the second profile element 5 or 5, respectively. However, the mounting points 12, present at the elongate first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, and, optionally on the second profile element 5 or 5, respectively, are advantageously used for mounting a hinge or hinge element 13. Such mounting point 12, preferably is configured as a receiving structure 23 for receiving such hinge or hinge element 13. In FIG. 4C the hinge or hinge element is, for example a four bar hinge 13. Various mounting points are advantageously provided for mounting various hinges or hinge elements in an optional manner. It is to be understood that not each mounting point 12 present at the first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, or the second profile element 5 or 5, respectively, is needed for each door configuration. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2B each profile element, i.e. the elongate first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, and the second profile element 5 or 5, respectively, each comprise a first mounting point 12, suitable to apply the drop-down hinges 13.
[0122] For example, the elongate first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 4A and 4B may comprise a mounting point 12 for mounting a hinge or hinge element, e.g. drop-down hinge. However, the desired configuration in said example, is to configure the door 2 as a side-opening door, being hinged at a four bar hinge 13 the door to be opened about a substantially vertical axis. In connection therewith, it is thus immediately clear that, particularly the elongate first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, may comprise such mounting points 12 independent from the intended use, but provided for different possible door configurations. In other words, as the at least one elongate first profile element is preferably the same in all embodiments the second profile element 5 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D is different from the second profile element 5 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, and is also different from the second profile element 5 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. Each of said particular second profile elements 5 or 5, respectively, is selected from a plurality of second profile elements, the mounting points 12 and the position thereof provided at the elongate first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, are not to be changed, but are provided according to various intended purposes and door configurations, and suitable for mounting various hinges or hinge elements 13.
[0123] Here the elongate first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, at its first end face 11 and 11, respectively, and the second profile elements 5 or 5, respectively, each comprise at least one first connecting means 17 for attaching the elongate first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, to the second profile element 5 or 5, respectively.
[0124] Various hinges or hinge elements 13 may be mounted to a single or different mounting points 12 according to the intended purpose and/or desired door configuration. Thereby a hinge or hinge element 13 suitable for the desired door configuration is mounted to a first mounting point 12, wherein the hinge element 13 is for pivotal mounting of the door 2.
[0125] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3C, and 4C where the desired door configuration is a side opening door configuration, i.e. a swing door configuration as shown in FIG. 3C or a full door configuration as shown in FIG. 4C, the column(s) of the swing door or full door are basically formed by two elongate first profile elements 4 and 4, each attached at their first longitudinal planes 10 to the surface 6 of the front glass panel 7, and at the first end face 11 or 11, respectively, of the elongate first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, a particular second profile element 5 and 5, respectively is attached, which in this case does not comprises a mounting point 12 for a hinge or hinge element 13 typically used for a drop-down door. However, the elongate first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, comprise each at least one mounting point 12 and are attached to a hinge or hinge element 13 typically used for a swing door e.g. a hinge or hinge element 13 which in its mounted stage allows for a pivotal opening/closing movement of the door 2 around a substantially vertical main axis of said hinge or hinge element 13. Here the first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, comprise at least one further supporting element 8 for supporting at least one further panel element 7 and the at least one second profile elements 5 or 5, respectively, comprise at least one further fixing element 9 for fixing the position of the at least one further panel element 7. This may be best seen in FIG. 2B or 3B. Said further panel element, preferably is an inner glass door.
[0126] As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D in case of a drop-down door configuration, the column(s) of the drop-down door 2 are basically formed by two elongate first profile elements 4 and 4, respectively, attached each at their first longitudinal plane 10 to the surface 6 of the front glass plate 7, and at the first end faces 11 and 11, respectively, of the elongate first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, a second profile element 5 or 5, respectively, is attached, which comprises and may be attached to a hinge or hinge element 13 typically used for a drop-down door 2, i.e. a hinge or hinge element which in its mounted stage allows for a pivotal opening/closing movement of the door 2 around a substantially horizontal main axis of said hinge or hinge element 13. In such case, the first profile elements 4 or 4, respectively, comprise at least one further supporting element 8, 8b, 8c, 8d for supporting at least one further panel element 7b, 7c and/or 7d and the second profile elements 5 or 5, respectively, comprises at least one further fixing element 9 for fixing the position of at least one further panel element 7. Said further panel element, preferably is an inner glass door (see particularly FIGS. 5A and 5B).
[0127] As may be seen, for example, from FIG. 4C, the elongate first profile element 4 or 4, respectively, and/or the second profile element 5 or 5, respectively, here elongate first profile element 4, may comprise at least one second mounting point 14 for mounting at least one further function element 15. As may be seen in FIG. 4C the functional element 15 is a latch means for closing said door 2. As may be best seen in FIG. 4A vis--vis FIG. 4C, the second mounting point 14 also may be configured as or comprise a cut out 14 for providing the possibility and space to attach the functional element 15, here the latch means 15, which particularly is for closure of the side opening door.
[0128] Moreover, as may be seen in FIGS. 2D and 3C an aluminium profile is provided which is mainly for aesthetic purpose, e.g. for hiding and covering the profile elements 4, 4 and 5, 5. Such aluminium profile may be attached to the profile elements 4, 4 and/or 5, 5 or may be attached to the panel element or other door parts. It may be attached to the door or parts thereof in various ways, detachably mounted or non-detachably mounted. For example, it may be attached to the profile elements using an adhesive.
[0129] As may be best seen in FIGS. 2D and 3C, the inventive modular profile system 1 further comprises a cover element 16, and the elongate first profile elements 4 and 4 are attached to the cover element 16. The cover element 16 advantageously prevents the planar glass elements from slipping out of its support, particularly if the cover 16 is arrange such that the planar element is fixed in its intended position. As may be immediately taken from the FIGS. 2D and 3C, the cover 16 is at one end attached to a second end face 22 and 22, respectively, of the first elongate first profile element 4 and 4, respectively, and at its second end is attached to the second end face 22 and 22, respectively, of a second elongate first profile element 4 and 4, respectively, thus serving as a connecting element, connecting said first elongate first profile elements 4 and 4. This, advantageously provides a frame comprising said cover element 16 and the first and second elongate first profile elements 4 and 4, said frame advantageously supporting the glass plate 7.
[0130] Such cover element 16 may be attached to the profile elements 4 and 4, respectively, and/or 5 and 5, respectively, or may be attached to the panel element or other door parts. It may be attacked to the door or parts thereof in various ways, detachably mounted or non-detachably mounted. For example, it may be attached to the profile elements using an adhesive, however, if it is desired to easily exchange the planar element(s) or to make them easily accessible, it is preferred to detachable mount the cover element 16, for example using a plug- or clip-connection.
[0131] As may be taken from FIG. 4C, wherein the door 2 is a full door, the cover element 16 comprises a receiving 19 for receiving electronic components, such as wiring or modules. Such receiving is advantageous in that electrical parts such as wires or modules or further electrical components may be stored or housed therein and are protected from dirt, steam and/or mechanical damage.
[0132] In the shown embodiments the elongate first profile elements 4 and 4, respectively, are directly glued onto the surface 6 of the first panel element 7, the glue thus serving as a second connecting means 18.
[0133] The features of the present invention disclosed in the specification, the claims, and/or the figures may both separately and in any combination thereof be material for realizing the invention in various forms thereof.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0134] 1 modular profile system [0135] 2 door [0136] 3 kitchen appliance [0137] 4 elongate first profile element [0138] 5 second profile element [0139] 6 surface [0140] 7 panel element [0141] 8 supporting element [0142] 9 fixing element [0143] 10 first longitudinal plane [0144] 11 first end face [0145] 12 mounting point [0146] 13 hinge element [0147] 14 at least one second mounting point [0148] 15 function element [0149] 16 cover element [0150] 17 first connecting means [0151] 18 second connecting means [0152] 19 receiving [0153] 20 skin [0154] 21 side edges [0155] 22 second end face [0156] 23 receiving structure for hinge element
