DE102019209297B4 - Hinge mechanism, cabinet or refrigerator with such a hinge mechanism, locking bracket for such a cabinet or refrigerator and method of operating and manufacturing such a cabinet or refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A hinge mechanism (10) for pivotally supporting a door (4a) on a body (2) of a cabinet or refrigerator (1), particularly for a recreational vehicle, the hinge mechanism (10) comprising: a first attachment part (20) and a second Fastening part (22), wherein the first fastening part (20) is designed to be fastened to the housing (2) and the second fastening part (22) is designed to be fastened to the door (4a), the hinge mechanism ( 10) further comprises a first coupling arm (24) and a second coupling arm (26), the first coupling arm (24) having a first longitudinal end portion (24a) and a second longitudinal end portion (24b) opposite the first longitudinal end portion (24a) of the first coupling arm (24 ) wherein the first longitudinal end portion (24a) of the first coupling arm (24) is pivotally coupled to the first mounting member (20) to pivot about a first pivot axis (P1) and the second longitudinal the first coupling arm (24) portion (24b) is pivotally coupled to the second mounting member (22) for pivoting about a second pivot axis (P2); andthe second linkage arm (26) has a first longitudinal end portion (26a) and a second longitudinal end portion (26b) opposite the first longitudinal end portion (26a) of the second linkage arm (26), the first longitudinal end portion (26a) of the second linkage arm (26) being pivotable with the second mounting part (22) is coupled to pivot about a third pivot axis (P3), and the second longitudinal end portion (26b) of the second coupling arm (26) is pivotally coupled to the first mounting part (20) to pivot about a fourth pivot axis (P4) to pivot, the first to fourth pivot axes (P1, P2, P3, P4) being parallel to each other, the first coupling arm (24) and/or the second coupling arm (26) being connected to the first attachment part (20) and/or the second Fastening part (22) is/are coupled via at least one swivel joint, characterized in that at least one of the swivel joints has a longitudinal bore (28ba, 28ca) parallel to the pivot axis (P2, P3) of the respective swivel joint a ufweise designed to receive a locking pin of the cabinet or refrigerator (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a hinge mechanism, a cabinet or refrigerator with such a hinge mechanism, a locking bracket for such a cabinet or refrigerator, and methods of operating and manufacturing such a cabinet or refrigerator.

In general, hinge mechanisms are provided to support a door of a cabinet or refrigerator, in particular for a mobile home, on a body of the cabinet or refrigerator, respectively, in order to be able to pivot the door about two separate pivot axes with respect to the body. In order to achieve this, the known hinge mechanisms usually have a rather complex structure. An example of such a hinge mechanism is in EP 3 287 722 A1 described. Although such complex configurations for corresponding hinge mechanisms have proven themselves quite well in terms of their functionality, there is still a need to further improve the known hinge mechanism with regard to simplicity and thus reliability as well as production costs and maintenance effort. Furthermore, there is a need to provide an embodiment of a corresponding hinge mechanism that is independent of a locking mechanism for the door.

Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a hinge mechanism that has a fairly simple but reliable structure and is configured to be implemented without the need to provide a corresponding locking mechanism.

Other structurally simpler configurations for corresponding hinge mechanisms are, for example, from U.S. 2003/005 140 7 A1 and the DE 44 28 051 A1 famous. However, these very simple designs lack certain functionalities such as the ability to limit movement of the hinge mechanism. In other words, with these known designs it is not possible to directly restrict movement between the different operating states of the hinge mechanism. However, such a possibility is not only desirable, but even essential in certain situations such as in recreational vehicles.

There is also a need for a corresponding cabinet or refrigerator, a latch bracket that improves the functionality of such a cabinet or refrigerator, and methods of operating and manufacturing such a cabinet or refrigerator.

The above problems and needs are solved by the subject matter of the accompanying independent claims. Further advantageous features for the respective matters are included in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hinge mechanism for pivotally supporting a door on a body of a cabinet or refrigerator, particularly intended for a recreational vehicle such as a mobile home or caravan, comprises a first attachment part and a second attachment part. The first fastening part is designed to be fastened to the housing and the second fastening part is designed to be fastened to the door of the cabinet or the refrigerator. The hinge mechanism according to the present invention further includes a first link arm and a second link arm. The first link arm has a first longitudinal end portion and a second longitudinal end portion opposite the first end portion of the first link arm. The first longitudinal end portion of the first link arm is pivotally coupled to the first mounting member to pivot about a first pivot axis. The second longitudinal end portion of the first link arm is pivotally coupled to the second mounting member to pivot about a second pivot axis. The second link arm has a first longitudinal end portion and a second longitudinal end portion opposite to the first longitudinal end portion of the second link arm. The first longitudinal end portion of the second link arm is pivotally coupled to the second mounting member to pivot about a third pivot axis. The second longitudinal end portion of the second link arm is pivotally coupled to the first mounting member to pivot about a fourth pivot axis. The first to fourth pivot axes are parallel to each other.

The design of the hinge mechanism according to the present invention is quite simple. This means that the hinge mechanism according to the present invention has only a few individual components and thus leads to reduced production and maintenance costs and a reduced susceptibility to errors. At the same time, the various couplings that allow pivoting movement between the various components of the hinge mechanism result in many different degrees of freedom for the movement of the two fastening parts relative to one another. In addition, the technical design of the hinge mechanism according to the present invention tion that each of the two fastening parts is coupled to the other of the two fastening parts via the two provided coupling arms, a quite robust overall configuration. In addition, the hinge mechanism according to this embodiment does not require a single locking mechanism since it is not necessary to lock or unlock specific linkages. Finally, the hinge mechanism according to the present invention requires no additional components since the hinge mechanism is very compact and self-contained. This means that such a hinge mechanism can be retrofitted in conventional cabinets or refrigerators. In other words, the already existing hinge mechanism can be easily exchanged for the advantageous hinge mechanism according to the present invention.

The hinge mechanism is preferably designed in such a way that a distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis corresponds to a distance between the third pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis.

This preferred embodiment ensures that the first attachment part and the second attachment part can be pivotally moved relative to each other. In particular, the first fastening part and the second fastening part can be moved simultaneously in a pivoting manner about the first pivot axis and the third pivot axis or about the second pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis. In addition, such a configuration is formed quite regularly, which leads to a lower complexity of the entire hinge mechanism and improved flexibility when using such a hinge mechanism.

Preferably, at least one, in particular all, of the couplings between the first coupling arm and/or the second coupling arm with the first fastening part and/or the second fastening part is/are non-detachable.

This preferred embodiment prevents inadvertent decoupling between the coupling arms and the attachment parts. This leads to improved reliability of the hinge mechanism and a more robust overall design.

Preferably, the hinge mechanism is configured to have a first operating condition in which the first pivot axis corresponds to the third pivot axis and the second pivot axis corresponds to the fourth pivot axis. The hinge mechanism is further configured to have a second operating condition in which the fourth pivot axis corresponds to the second pivot axis while the third pivot axis is offset transversely to the first pivot axis. In addition, the hinge mechanism has a third operating condition in which the fourth pivot axis is offset transversely to the second pivot axis, while the third pivot axis corresponds to the first pivot axis.

The term "corresponds" as used herein means that the corresponding axes are completely aligned with each other. These different operational states result in corresponding operational states for a cabinet or refrigerator equipped with this hinge mechanism. The first operating state corresponds to a state in which the door is closed. The second as well as the third operating state correspond to two different states in which the door is open in two different directions. In other words, in the second operating state, the door is pivoted from the closed state of the cupboard or refrigerator about the fourth and second pivot axis into a first open state. In the third state, the door is pivoted from the closed state of the cupboard or refrigerator about the third and the first pivot axis into a second open state, which does not correspond to the first open state. The two different opening states allow a very flexible operation of the corresponding cupboard or refrigerator.

More preferably, the hinge mechanism is adapted to have a fourth operating condition in which the third pivot axis is offset transversely to the first pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis is offset transversely to the second pivot axis.

In other words, in the fourth operational state of the hinge mechanism, none of the first to fourth pivot axes corresponds to any other one of the first to fourth pivot axes. This operating condition represents a raised open condition for the door in which the door is lifted across the housing. Since the door is still reliably coupled to the housing of the cupboard or refrigerator even in this operating state, the hinge mechanism prevents the door from being completely decoupled from the housing. This leads to a reliable and safe overall design. In certain applications of the cabinet or refrigerator, this detached state can be used for specific purposes, such as ventilation of the interior of the cabinet.

More preferably, the hinge mechanism is designed to be movable between the first operating state and one of the second or third, and if provided the fourth, operating state and vice versa. But the hinge mechanism is designed not to be directly movable between the second and third, and if provided the fourth, operating conditions.

In other words, in order to set the hinge mechanism from one of the second to fourth operational states to another of the second to fourth operational states, the hinge mechanism must first be set to the first operational state as a mandatory intermediate operational state. Such an embodiment leads to an overall embodiment of the present invention that is reliably controllable and therefore less error-prone and easy to operate.

According to the invention, the first coupling arm and/or the second coupling arm is/are coupled to the first fastening part and/or the second fastening part via at least one rotary joint.

The use of rotary joints for the couplings between the pivotally coupled components of the hinge mechanism results in a simple and inexpensive, yet very reliable and functional overall design.

Furthermore, at least one of the swivel joints comprises a longitudinal bore parallel to the axis of rotation of the respective swivel joint. The longitudinal bore is designed to accommodate a locking pin of the cabinet or refrigerator.

For example, the pivot joint, which serves as a coupling between the first attachment part and the first linkage arm and allows pivotal movement between the first attachment part and the first linkage, is provided with a bore to engage a corresponding locking pin. Such locking pins are provided to limit movement of the corresponding pivot (coupling) into engagement with the bore. Thus, such locking bolts are provided to facilitate movement of the various components provided in the hinge mechanism with respect to one another, i. H. movement between the various operating states of the hinge mechanism. This specific provision of the bore, i.e. within the swivel joint, represents a space-saving and very reliable option for such an implementation.

Preferably, the first fastening part and/or the second fastening part (each) is/are provided as an elongate one-piece fastening part(s), in particular with a rod-shaped and/or plate-shaped shape.

Elongated one-piece fasteners are a very suitable design for the fasteners, allowing reliable and very robust attachment of the fasteners to the door or body of the cabinet or refrigerator. Rod and plate configurations are known and are a fairly flexible implementation for elongate, one-piece fasteners.

Preferably, the first attachment part and/or the second attachment part comprise one or more protruding coupling portions to which the first coupling arm and/or the second coupling arm are pivotally coupled.

Such specific coupling parts may, for example, be reinforced or otherwise specifically configured to improve the coupling and/or general structural properties of the hinge mechanism.

Preferably, the first attachment part and/or the second attachment part comprise at least two separate attachment elements, each of the longitudinal end portions of the coupling arms being coupled to a different attachment element of the corresponding attachment part.

In other words, the first and/or the second fastening part are provided as a multi-part element, with the individual fastening elements not being coupled directly to one another. Such a configuration enables a very flexible spatial adjustment of the entire hinge mechanism to the spatial conditions, which leads to an improved overall structure of the hinge mechanism. In particular, the coupling arms can be coupled to individual parts of the door or the housing via the corresponding fastening part, without a direct coupling between the fastening elements being necessary.

Preferably the hinge mechanism has an overall height of less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 4 cm and preferably 2.8 cm.

These limitations lead to a space-saving technical design of the hinge mechanism. In addition, these limitations make it possible to use such a hinge mechanism according to the present invention Retrofit invention in various conventional cabinets and / or refrigerators.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cupboard or refrigerator, in particular for a leisure vehicle, comprises a housing and at least one door. The housing has side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The walls form an interior space. The housing has a front opening in one of the side walls. The door is designed to seal the front opening of the housing. According to the present invention, the cabinet or refrigerator further comprises at least one of the hinge mechanisms described above. The first attachment part of the hinge mechanism is attached to the housing and the second attachment part of the hinge mechanism is attached to the door such that the door is pivotally mounted on the housing with respect to the housing between a closed condition and two different open conditions

Such a cabinet or refrigerator benefits from the advantages of the corresponding hinge mechanism described above.

Preferably, the at least one hinge mechanism is coupled to the housing and the door such that when the door is closed, the first pivot axis and the third pivot axis are positioned on and aligned along one of the left and right sides of the front opening. Further, the second pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis are positioned on the other side of the left and right sides of the front opening and aligned along them.

With this design of the corresponding cabinet or refrigerator, the opening area of the door to the housing and thus the operability of the entire cabinet or refrigerator is significantly increased.

Preferably, the cabinet or refrigerator includes two hinge mechanisms. A first hinge mechanism is coupled to the cabinet and the door such that the first hinge mechanism is positioned at and aligned along one of the lower side and the upper side of the front opening in the closed state. A second hinge mechanism is coupled to the cabinet and the door such that the second hinge mechanism is positioned at and aligned along the other of the lower side and the upper side of the front opening when in the closed state.

Such a preferred embodiment is particularly stable and reliable since two hinge mechanisms particularly preferably support the door to the housing.

Preferably, the cabinet or the refrigerator further comprises at least one locking mechanism which is designed to releasably lock the door in the closed state in relation to the housing.

Such a locking mechanism can prevent accidental opening of the door.

More preferably, the at least one locking mechanism comprises at least one actuating mechanism and at least one locking pin, which is coupled to the actuating mechanism in such a way that actuation of the actuating mechanism results in movement of the locking pin between a locking position in which the locking pin locks the door in the closed state and a Unlocking position, in which the locking pin does not lock the door when closed, leads.

Such a design of the locking mechanism is quite simple and reliable.

More preferably, the actuating mechanism is provided in the form of a handle, in particular a handle that is pivotally coupled to the door.

A handle is a very simple and reliable implementation for an operating mechanism.

The cupboard or the refrigerator preferably also comprises at least one, in particular two, of the locking brackets described below for each hinge mechanism provided. The locking bracket(s) is/are coupled to the housing such that the locking bracket(s) prevent(s) the hinge mechanism from moving from a first operating condition in which the third pivot axis corresponds to the first pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis corresponds to the second pivot axis to a fourth Moved operating state in which the third pivot axis is offset transversely to the first pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis is offset transversely to the second pivot axis.

If required, such locking brackets can restrict or even prevent an unintentional movement from the first operating state to the fourth operating state.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking bracket formed to be coupled to a cabinet or refrigerator equipped with at least one of the hinge mechanisms described above. The locking bracket is provided to prevent the hinge mechanism from moving from the first operating condition, in which the third pivot axis corresponds to the first pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis corresponds to the second pivot axis, to the fourth operating condition, in which the third pivot axis corresponds transversely to the first pivot axis is offset and the fourth pivot axis is offset transversely to the second pivot axis.

Such a locking bracket according to the present invention can prevent unintentional movement of the hinge mechanism from the first operating state to the fourth operating state, if necessary.

The locking bracket preferably has at least one, in particular two, coupling section(s), (each) having in particular a through hole. The through hole is adapted to receive a fastener that supports the latch bracket(s) on the body of the cabinet or refrigerator and/or the first fastener of the hinge mechanism.

With the coupling sections provided, the locking brackets can be reliably coupled to the corresponding components.

The locking bracket preferably has at least a first stop section, a second stop section and a connecting section which connects the two stop sections to one another. The locking bracket is configured such that, in a state where the locking bracket is installed in the cabinet or refrigerator, or on the hinge mechanism, respectively, when the hinge mechanism is moved from the first operating state to any other operating state, the second fixing part is moved with respect to the first fixing part is moved, one of the first link arm and the second link arm abuts against one of the first stopper portion and the second stopper portion. The locking clip is designed to deform when one of the two coupling arms hits the respective stop section, so that the locking clip, in particular with the other of the two stop sections, blocks movement of the other of the two coupling arms. In addition, the locking bracket is configured not to be deformed when each of the two link arms abuts its corresponding stopper portion, so that the locking bracket blocks movement of the two link arms.

Thus, movement of the hinge mechanism from the first operational state to the fourth operational state is restricted or even reliably prevented with a simple and inexpensive structure.

Preferably the locking bracket is provided as a deformed elongate strip.

Such a configuration is simple and reliable.

Preferably, the locking bracket has a substantially dovetail shape.

The dovetail shape is useful for the corresponding design.

The locking bracket is preferably made of a rigid but elastically deformable material, in particular metal.

Such a configuration is simple and inexpensive. However, other configurations with additional hinges are also possible.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a leisure vehicle, in particular a mobile home or a caravan, is provided with at least one of the aspects of the present invention described above.

It goes without saying that such a recreational vehicle benefits from the above-described advantages of the above-described aspects of the present invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for operating one of the cabinets or refrigerators described above, according to which the cabinet or refrigerator, between a first operating state, in which the third pivot axis corresponds to the first pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis corresponds to the second pivot axis corresponds to a second operating condition in which the third pivot axis corresponds to the first pivot axis while the fourth pivot axis is offset transversely to the second pivot axis, and a third operating condition in which the third pivot axis is offset transversely to the first pivot axis while the fourth pivot axis is offset from the second Pivot axis corresponds, is moved.

Such a process leads to a simple and reliable opening and closing of the cupboard or refrigerator.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing any of the cabinets or refrigerators described above comprises the steps of providing a cabinet or refrigerator having a cabinet, a door and a conventional hinge mechanism pivotally connecting the door to the cabinet; disassembling the cabinet or refrigerator; reducing the height of the door so that at least one, in particular two, of the hinge mechanisms described above can be attached to the housing or to the door of the cabinet or refrigerator respectively; attaching the first attachment part(s) of the provided hinge mechanism(s) to the housing and the second attachment part(s) to the door such that the door changes between one closed state and at least two different ones with respect to the housing open states can be moved.

Different opening states mean here a first opening state in which the door is pivoted in relation to the housing about a first pivot axis and a second opening state in which the door is pivoted in relation to the housing about a second pivot axis which does not correspond to the first pivot axis is. With such a method, the hinge mechanism can be easily and inexpensively retrofitted to a conventional cabinet or refrigerator, thereby improving the operability and/or the physical properties of the cabinet or refrigerator in question.

Preferably, the method of manufacture further comprises a step of providing a locking mechanism on the cabinet or refrigerator, which is designed to releasably lock the door in the closed state with respect to the housing.

A suitable locking mechanism reliably prevents the cupboard or refrigerator from being opened unintentionally.

• 1 verschiedene räumliche Ansichten eines Kühlschranks gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in zwei verschiedenen Öffnungszustanden zeigt;
• 2A bis 2C verschiedene Prinzipdarstellungen eines beispielhaften Scharniermechanismus gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in verschiedenen Betriebszuständen sind;
• 3 eine räumliche Ansicht des Kühlschranks von 1 von oberhalb des oberen Scharniermechanismus 10 in einem weiteren Betriebszustand zeigt;
• 4A und 4B zwei räumliche Ansichten eines Scharniermechanismus mit Verriegelungsbügeln gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung sind;

A fuller appreciation of the invention and many of the advantages attendant thereto will be readily obtained as the same is better understood from the following detailed description of a selected embodiment of the present invention when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 12 shows different spatial views of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in two different opening states;
• 2A until 2C 12 are various schematic diagrams of an exemplary hinge mechanism according to the present invention in various states of operation;
• 3 a spatial view of the refrigerator from 1 shows from above the upper hinge mechanism 10 in a further operational condition;
• 4A and 4B Figure 2 is perspective views of a hinge mechanism with locking brackets according to the present invention;

A selected embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers indicate corresponding or identical elements throughout the different drawings.

In 1 two different spatial views of a refrigerator 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown. The refrigerator 1 is designed for use in a recreational vehicle such as a mobile home or caravan and includes a housing 2 and at least one, here in particular two, separate doors 4a and 4b. The case 2 has four side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall forming an inner space. In the front side wall of the housing 2, a front opening is formed through which the interior is accessible from the outside. The doors 4a and 4b are designed to seal the front opening of the case 2. As shown in FIG. At least one of the doors 4a and 4b, here the lower door 4a, is coupled to the housing 2 via at least one, here in particular two, hinge mechanisms 10. The hinge mechanisms 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are openable in two different directions. In the upper left figure of 1 the refrigerator 1 is shown in an operating state in which the door 4a is open to the right. In the lower right side illustration of 1 the refrigerator 1 is shown in a further operating state in which the door 4a on the left side of the refrigerator 1 is open.

The following is with reference to the 2A until 2C and 3 the detailed functional design of the hinge mechanisms 10 in 1 refrigerators 1 shown for coupling the door 4a to the housing 2 described in detail.

In 2A the hinge mechanism 10 is shown schematically in a first operating state, which corresponds to a closed state of the hinge mechanism 10 . In 2 B the hinge mechanism 10 is shown schematically in a second operating state, which corresponds to a first open state of the hinge mechanism 10 . In 2C the hinge mechanism 10 is shown schematically in a third operating state, which corresponds to a second open state of the hinge mechanism 10 . In 3 the hinge mechanism 10 is shown in a fourth operating state, which corresponds to a lift-off state of the hinge mechanism 10 .

The hinge mechanism 10 includes a first attachment part 20, a second attachment part 22, a first coupling arm 24 and a second coupling arm 26. A first longitudinal end portion 24a of the first coupling arm 24 is connected via a first coupling 28a having a protruding coupling portion to a first longitudinal end portion 20a of the first attachment part 20 coupled for pivoting about a first pivot axis P1. A second longitudinal end portion 24b opposite to the first longitudinal end portion 24a of the first coupling arm 24 is coupled to a first longitudinal end portion 22a of the second attachment member 22 via a second coupling 28b having a protruding coupling portion for pivoting about a second pivot axis P2. A first longitudinal end portion 26a of the second coupling arm 26a is coupled via a third coupling 28c having a protruding coupling portion to a second longitudinal end portion 22b of the second attachment member 22 for pivoting about a third pivot axis P3. A second longitudinal end portion 26b opposite to the first longitudinal end portion 26a of the second link arm 26 is coupled to a second longitudinal end portion 20b of the first attachment member 20 via a fourth linkage 28d having a protruding coupling portion to pivot about a fourth pivot axis P4. Each of the pivot axes P1 to P4 is parallel to each other of the pivot axes P1 to P4.

The fastening parts 20 and 22 and the coupling parts 24 and 26 are formed as elongate, one-piece elements with a rod-like shape and essentially the same length. The linkages 28a-28d are non-releasable pivots that couple to the attachment members 20 and 22 and the linkage arms 24 and 26 such that the distance between the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 is equal to a distance between the third pivot axis P3 and the corresponds to fourth pivot axis P4. This configuration makes it possible between the in 2A illustrated first operating state and one of the 2 B , 2C and 3 illustrated second to fourth operating states to switch. As in 2A As can be seen, in the first operating state, which corresponds to a closed state, the first pivot axis P1 corresponds to the third pivot axis P3, while the second pivot axis P2 corresponds to the fourth pivot axis P4. By moving the second attachment part 22 at its second longitudinal end portion 22b away from the first attachment part 20 while the first longitudinal end portion 22a of the second attachment part 22 is held on the first attachment part 20, the second attachment part 22 pivots about the second pivot axis P2 and the fourth pivot axis P4, the nor correspond to each other, with respect to the first fastening part 20 in the second operating state, which corresponds to a first open state, as in FIG 2 B is shown. By moving the second attachment part 22 at its first longitudinal end portion 22a away from the first attachment part 20 while the second longitudinal end portion 22b of the second attachment part 22 is held on the first attachment part 20, the second attachment part 22 pivots about the first pivot axis P1 and the third pivot axis P3, the nor correspond to each other, with respect to the first fastening part 20 in the third operating state, which corresponds to a second open state, as in FIG 2C is shown. By moving the second fastening part 22 at its two longitudinal end sections 22a and 22b away from the first fastening part 20, the second fastening part 22 is lifted from the first fastening part 20 into the fourth operating state, which corresponds to a lifting state, as in FIG 3 is shown, from. This lifting is primarily due to structural tolerances in the hinge mechanism 10.

The hinge mechanism 10 is designed in such a way that it can only be activated from the first operating state (see FIG 2A ) into one of the second to fourth operating states (see 2 B until 2C and 3 ) and vice versa. In other words, it cannot be moved directly between the second through fourth modes of operation.

As in particular in 2 B As can be seen, the second linkage 28b and the third linkage 28c are each provided with a longitudinal bore 28ba and 28ca, respectively. The bores 28ba and 28ca extend along the pivot axes P2 and P3 of the respective linkages 28b and 28c. The bores 28ba and 28ca are designed to receive locking pins (not shown) of the refrigerator 1 when the refrigerator 1 is in the assembled state. In a locked condition in which a locking pin is engaged in the respective bore 28ba or 28ca, the locking pin prevents relative movement of the corresponding linkage 28b or 28c relative to the first fastening part 20 or the second fastening part 22. This means that at least one of the locking pins must be released from the corresponding hole in order to be able to move the two fastening parts 20 and 22 against one another. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the door 4a from being opened unintentionally or on its own, since at least one of the locking pins must first be actively released from the corresponding bore 28ba or 28ca. Of course, other configurations for the bores 28ba and 28c, which still have the same functionality, are also possible. In addition, a locking design that is independent of the hinge mechanism can even be provided.

In order to enable easy installation of such hinge mechanisms 10 in conventional refrigerators 1, the overall height of the hinge mechanism 10 is 2.8 cm. However, higher configurations with a height of up to 5 cm or with a height of at least up to 4 cm are also possible.

Although in the illustrated embodiment of the 2A until 2C the two fastening parts 20 and 22 are provided as one-piece elements, the respective couplings 28a to 28d can be coupled with separate fastening elements 21a, 21b, 23a, 23b of the two fastening parts 20 and 22, as in 3 is shown. The separate fastening elements 21a, 21b, 23a and 23b can each be designed in such a way that they can be coupled to the door 2a or the housing 2 of the refrigerator 1 independently of one another. This enables a high level of adaptability to the final configuration of the refrigerator 1 in the assembled state.

Referring again to 1 For example, the door 4a is coupled to the cabinet 2 via two of the hinge mechanisms 10 described above, one hinge mechanism 10 extending along a top of the door 4a while another hinge mechanism 10 is provided along the bottom of the door 4a. The first fastening parts 20 of both hinge mechanisms 10 are coupled to the housing 2, in particular by screws, the second fastening parts 22 of both hinge mechanisms 10 being coupled to the door 4a, in particular by screws. Thus, the door 4a (when the respective locking pins are disengaged from the corresponding holes 28ba and 28ca) with respect to the housing 2 between four different operational states corresponding to the first to fourth operational states of the hinge mechanisms 10 as shown in Figs 2A - 2C and 3 shown correspond to be moved. The operational state of the door, which essentially corresponds to the second operational state of the hinge mechanism 10, as shown in FIG 2 B shown corresponds to is in the lower right corner of 1 shown. The operating condition of the door, which essentially corresponds to the third operating condition of the hinge mechanism 10, as shown in FIG 2C shown corresponds to is top left in 1 shown.

The hinge mechanisms 10 are coupled to the door 4a and the housing such that in the closed state of the door (corresponding to the first operating state of the hinge mechanisms 10), the pivot axes P1 to P4 extend along the left and right sides of the door 4a and the housing 2.

The refrigerator 1 includes a locking mechanism having movable locking pins that can be engaged and disengaged from the bores 28ba and 28ca to lock or unlock movement of the door 4a with respect to the cabinet 2 .

The refrigerator 1 further comprises an operating mechanism with in particular two handles, one on the left side and one on the right side of the door 4a. The handles are coupled to the latch mechanism such that actuation of the handles results in movement of the latch mechanism to disengage the locking pins on the respective side of the door 4a from the corresponding bores 28ba or 28ca.

Referring to the 4A and 4B , the other sectional views of the refrigerator 1 of 1 show, two locking brackets 30 are preferably provided to prevent movement of the hinge mechanism 10 from the first operating state, as shown in FIG 2A is shown, to the fourth operating state, as shown in 3 is shown to restrict or even completely block.

Each of the locking brackets 30 is formed as a formed elongated metal band. Each of the locking brackets 30 has a first coupling portion 32 , a second coupling portion 34 , a first stop portion 36 , a second stop portion 38 and a connecting portion 40 . The connecting section 40 connects two longitudinal end sections of the two stop sections 36 and 38 to one another, while one of the coupling sections 32 or 34 is coupled to the two stop sections 36 or 38 on each of the opposite longitudinal end sections of the two stop sections 36 and 38 .

In this case, each of the two locking brackets 30 is coupled to the first fastening part 20 by means of corresponding coupling screws 42 as assembly elements.

The locking brackets 30 are designed in such a way that they are elastically deformable. The locking brackets 30 have a dovetail-like shape in particular (see 4B ) and are designed to be deformed by the coupling arms 24 and 26 . The locking brackets 30 are deformed when one of them abuts the locking bracket 30 so that the other of the coupling arms 24 or 26 is blocked by the locking brackets 30 so that the other coupling arm 24 or 26 cannot move with respect to the first attachment part. In other words, the locking brackets 30 allow substantially only one of the two coupling arms 24 and 26 to move relative to the first attachment part 20 while simultaneous movement of the coupling arms 24 and 26 relative to the first attachment part 20 is prevented or at least restricted. The locking brackets 30 thus limit or prevent a movement of the hinge mechanism 10 or the door 4a from the first operating state to the fourth operating state, as a result of which an undesired lifting movement of the door 4a from the housing 2 is prevented or at least restricted.

Of course, other configurations for corresponding locking brackets can also be realized, e.g. with hinges instead of elastically deformable material and/or with only one coupling section.

Although not shown, it is pointed out that the scope of protection also includes leisure vehicles such as motorhomes or caravans that are equipped with at least one and in particular several of the aspects of the present invention described above. In addition, it is pointed out that not only refrigerators, but also any type of cabinet is included in the scope of protection, although the embodiment shown here relates to a refrigerator. The scope of protection of the present invention also includes corresponding methods for operating the refrigerator (e.g. cabinet) described above.

Finally, the scope of the present invention also includes a method of manufacturing a corresponding cabinet or refrigerator, starting with a conventional cabinet or refrigerator.

One such method involves disassembling the conventional cabinet or refrigerator, reducing the height of the door 4a, and installing the hinge mechanism(s) 10 described above in place of the conventional hinge mechanism. This method may further comprise the step of providing on the cabinet or refrigerator 1 a locking mechanism adapted to lock and unlock movement of the door relative to the cabinet 2 .

The embodiment described above should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but only as a preferred implementation thereof.

Many modifications and/or additions to the implementation described above are known or can easily be imagined by a person skilled in the art, without going beyond the protective scope defined by the appended claims.

Reference List

1

refrigerator

2

Housing

4a

door

4b

door

10

hinge mechanisms

20

first fastener

20a

first longitudinal end section

20b

second longitudinal end section

21a

fastener

21b

fastener

22

second fastener

22a

first longitudinal end section

22b

second longitudinal end section

23a

fastener

23b

fastener

24

first coupling arm

24a

first longitudinal end section

24b

second longitudinal end section

26

second coupling arm

26a

first longitudinal end section

26b

second longitudinal end section

28a-28d

coupling

28ba

drilling

28approx

drilling

30

locking bracket

32

first coupling section

34

second coupling section

36

first stop section

38

second stop section

40

connection section

42

coupling screws

P1

first pivot axis

p2

second pivot axis

P3

third pivot axis

P4

fourth pivot axis

Claims (27)

A hinge mechanism (10) for pivotally supporting a door (4a) on a body (2) of a cabinet or refrigerator (1), particularly for a recreational vehicle, the hinge mechanism (10) comprising: a first attachment part (20) and a second Fastening part (22), wherein the first fastening part (20) is designed to be fastened to the housing (2) and the second fastening part (22) is designed to be fastened to the door (4a), the hinge mechanism ( 10) further comprises a first coupling arm (24) and a second coupling arm (26), the first coupling arm (24) having a first longitudinal end section (24a) and a second longitudinal end section (24b) opposite the first longitudinal end section (24a) of the first coupling arm (24 ), wherein the first longitudinal end portion (24a) of the first coupling arm (24) is pivotally coupled to the first mounting member (20) to pivot about a first pivot axis (P1), and the second longitudinal transmission portion (24b) of the first coupling arm (24) is pivotally coupled to the second mounting member (22) to pivot about a second pivot axis (P2); and the second coupling arm (26) has a first longitudinal end portion (26a) and a second longitudinal end portion (26b) opposite the first longitudinal end portion (26a) of the second coupling arm (26), the first longitudinal end portion (26a) of the second coupling arm (26) being pivotable with the second attachment part (22) to pivot about a third pivot axis (P3), and the second longitudinal end portion (26b) of the second coupling arm (26) is pivotally coupled to the first attachment part (20) to pivot about a fourth pivot axis (P4 ) with the first to fourth pivot axes (P1, P2, P3, P4) being parallel to one another, with the first coupling arm (24) and/or the second coupling arm (26) being connected to the first fastening part (20) and/or the second attachment part (22) is/are coupled via at least one swivel joint, characterized in that at least one of the swivel joints has a longitudinal bore (28ba, 28ca) parallel to the pivot axis (P2, P3) of the respective swivel joint enks, which is designed to receive a locking pin of the cabinet or refrigerator (1). The hinge mechanism (10) after claim 1 , characterized in that the hinge mechanism (10) is designed such that a distance between the first pivot axis (P1) and the second pivot axis (P2) corresponds to a distance between the third pivot axis (P3) and the fourth pivot axis (P4). The hinge mechanism (10) according to one of Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that at least one, in particular all, of the couplings 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d between the first coupling arm (24) and/or the second coupling arm (26) with the first fastening part (20) and/or the second fastening part ( 22) is/are provided non-releasably. The hinge mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge mechanism (10) is designed to have a first operating state in which the first pivot axis (P1) of the third pivot axis (P3) and the second pivot axis (P2) of the corresponds to the fourth pivot axis (P4), a second operating condition in which the fourth pivot axis (P4) corresponds to the second pivot axis (P2), while the third pivot axis (P3) is offset transversely to the first pivot axis (P1), and a third operating condition , in in which the fourth pivot axis (P4) is offset transversely to the second pivot axis (P2), while the third pivot axis (P3) corresponds to the first pivot axis (P1). The hinge mechanism (10) after claim 4 , characterized in that the hinge mechanism (10) is designed to have a fourth operating state in which the third pivot axis (P3) is offset transversely to the first pivot axis (P1) and the fourth pivot axis (P4) transversely to the second pivot axis (P2 ) is offset. The hinge mechanism (10) according to one of Claims 4 or 5 characterized in that the hinge mechanism (10) is adapted to be movable only between the first operating condition and one of the second or third, and if provided the fourth, operating condition and vice versa, but not between the second and the third, and if provided the fourth, operating state directly. The hinge mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first attachment part (20) and/or the second attachment part (22) (each) is/are provided as elongate one-piece attachment part(s). , in particular with a rod-like and/or plate-like shape. The hinge mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first attachment part (20) and/or the second attachment part (22) comprises one or more projecting coupling sections with which the first coupling arm (24) and/or the second Coupling arm (26) is pivotally coupled / are. The hinge mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening part (20) and/or the second fastening part (22) comprises at least two separate fastening elements (21a, 21b, 23a, 23b), each of the longitudinal end portions ( 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b) of the coupling arms (24, 26) is coupled to another fastening element (21a, 21b, 23a, 23b) of the corresponding fastening part (20, 22). The hinge mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge mechanism (10) has an overall height of less than 5 cm, in particular less than 4 cm and preferably 2.8 cm. A cabinet or refrigerator (1), in particular for a leisure vehicle, the cabinet or refrigerator comprising: a housing (2), the housing (2) having side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, the walls forming an interior space , and a front opening provided in one of the side walls; at least one door (4a) formed to close the front opening of the cabinet (2); characterized in that the cabinet or refrigerator (1) further comprises at least one hinge mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening part (20) of the hinge mechanism (10) on the housing (2) and the second fastening part (22) of the hinge mechanism (10) is fixed to the door (4a) so that the door (4a) is pivoted to the housing (2) between a closed condition and two different open conditions with respect to the housing (2). Cupboard or fridge (1) after claim 11 , characterized in that the at least one hinge mechanism (10) is coupled to the housing (2) and the door (4a) in such a way that when the door (4a) is closed, the first pivot axis (P1) and the third pivot axis (P3) are positioned on and aligned along one of a left side and a right side of the front opening, and the second pivot axis (P2) and the fourth pivot axis (P4) are positioned on the other side of the left side and the right side of the front opening and are aligned along these. Cabinet or refrigerator (1) according to any of Claims 11 or 12 , characterized in that the cabinet or refrigerator (1) comprises two hinge mechanisms (10), a first hinge mechanism (10) being coupled to the housing (2) and the door (4a) in such a way that the first hinge mechanism (10) is positioned at and aligned along one of the lower sides and the upper side of the front opening in the closed state, and a second hinge mechanism (10) is coupled to the cabinet (2) and the door (4a) such that the second hinge mechanism ( 10) positioned at and aligned along the other of the lower side and the upper side of the front opening when closed. Cabinet or refrigerator (1) according to any of Claims 11 until 13 , characterized in that the cabinet or refrigerator (1) further comprises at least one locking mechanism which is adapted to releasably lock the door (4a) in the closed state with respect to the housing (2). Cupboard or fridge (1) after Claim 14 , characterized in that the at least one locking mechanism comprises at least one actuating mechanism and at least one locking pin, which is coupled to the actuating mechanism in such a way that actuation of the actuating mechanism results in a movement of the locking pin between a locking position in which the locking pin locks the door (4a) in the locked in the closed state, and an unlocked position in which the locking pin does not lock the door (4a) in the closed state. Cupboard or fridge (1) after claim 15 , characterized in that the actuating mechanism is provided in the form of a handle, in particular a handle pivotably coupled to the door (4a). A locking bracket (30), characterized in that the locking bracket (30) is adapted to be connected to a cabinet or refrigerator (1) having at least one hinge mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 until 10 is provided to be coupled and to prevent the hinge mechanism (10) from a first operating condition in which the third pivoting axis (P3) corresponds to the first pivoting axis (P1) and the fourth pivoting axis (P4) to the second pivoting axis (P2) corresponds to a fourth operating state in which the third pivot axis (P3) is offset transversely to the first pivot axis (P1) and the fourth pivot axis (P4) is offset transversely to the second pivot axis (P2). The locking bracket (30) after Claim 17 , characterized in that the locking bracket (30) has at least one, in particular two, coupling section(s) (32, 34), in particular (each) with a through hole, which is used to accommodate assembly elements for holding the locking bracket(s) (30) is/are formed on a housing (2) of the cupboard or refrigerator (1) and/or the first fastening part (20) of the hinge mechanism (10). The locking bracket (30) according to one of claims 17 or 18 , characterized in that the locking bracket (30) has at least a first stop section (36), a second stop section (38) and a connecting section (40) which connects the two stop sections (36, 38) to one another, the locking bracket (30) is configured such that, in a state where the locking bracket (30) is installed in the cabinet (1), or on the hinge mechanism (10), when the hinge mechanism (10) moves from the first operation state to any other operation state by moving the second attachment part (22) with respect to the first attachment part (20), one of the first coupling arm (24) and the second coupling arm (26) against one of the first stop portion (36) and the second stop portion (38) strikes, wherein the locking bracket (30) is designed to deform when one of the two coupling arms (24, 26) on the respective stop section t (36, 38) abuts, so that the locking bracket (30), in particular with the other of the two abutment sections (36, 38), blocks movement of the other of the two coupling arms (24, 26); and wherein the locking bracket (30) is designed not to deform when each of the two coupling arms (24, 26) rests against the respective stop section (36, 38), so that the locking bracket (30) prevents movement of both coupling arms (24 , 26) blocked. The locking bracket (30) according to one of claims 17 until 19 , characterized in that the locking bracket (30) is provided as a deformed elongate strip. The locking bracket (30) according to one of claims 17 until 20 , characterized in that the locking bracket (30) has a substantially dovetail shape. The locking bracket (30) according to one of claims 17 until 21 , characterized in that the locking bracket (30) consists of a rigid but elastically deformable material, in particular metal. Cabinet or refrigerator (1) according to any of Claims 11 until 16 , characterized in that the cabinet or refrigerator (1) further per provided hinge mechanism (10) at least one, in particular two, locking bracket (30) according to one of claims 17 until 22 which are coupled to the housing (2) such that the locking bracket(s) (30) prevent(s) the hinge mechanism (10) from moving out of a first operating state in which the third pivot axis (P3) corresponds to the first pivot axis (P1 ) and the fourth pivot axis (P4) corresponds to the second pivot axis (P2), into a fourth operating state in which the third pivot axis (P3) is offset transversely to the first pivot axis (P1) and the fourth pivot axis (P4) transversely to the second pivot axis ( P2) is offset, moves. A leisure vehicle, in particular a mobile home or a caravan, characterized in that the leisure vehicle is provided with at least one of the devices according to one of the preceding claims. Method for operating a cupboard or a refrigerator (1) according to one of Claims 11 until 16 or 23 , characterized in that the cupboard or refrigerator (1) only switches between a first operating state, in which the third pivot axis (P3) corresponds to the first pivot axis (P1) and the fourth pivot axis (P4) corresponds to the first pivot axis (P1), a second Operating condition in which the third pivot axis (P3) corresponds to the first pivot axis (P1), while the fourth pivot axis (P4) is offset transversely to the second pivot axis (P2), and a third operating condition in which the third pivot axis (P3) is transverse to the first pivot axis (P1) is offset while the fourth pivot axis (P4) corresponds to the second pivot axis (P2), is moved. Method of manufacturing a cabinet or refrigerator (1) according to any one of the preceding Claims 11 until 16 or 23 characterized by comprising the steps of providing a cabinet (1) having a cabinet (2), a door (4a) and a conventional hinge mechanism pivotally connecting the door (4a) to the cabinet (2); disassembling the cabinet or refrigerator (1); reducing the height of the door (4a) so that at least one, in particular two, of the hinge mechanisms (10) according to any one of the preceding claims can be conveniently attached to the housing (2) and the door (4a) respectively; fixing the first fixing part(s) (20) of the provided hinge mechanism(s) (10) according to the present invention to the housing (2) and the second fixing part(s) (22) to the door (4a ) so that the door (4a) can be moved in relation to the housing (2) between a closed state and at least two different open states. procedure after Claim 26 characterized by further comprising the step of providing on the cabinet (1) a locking mechanism adapted to releasably lock the door (4a) in the closed state with respect to the cabinet (2).

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