EP2927604A1

EP2927604A1 - Device for height adjustment of a household appliance

Info

Publication number: EP2927604A1
Application number: EP14163227.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefan Dänzer; Frank Benold
Original assignee: Electrolux Appliances AB
Current assignee: Electrolux Appliances AB
Priority date: 2014-04-02
Filing date: 2014-04-02
Publication date: 2015-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-02
Also published as: EP2927604B1

Abstract

Device for height adjustment (1) of a household appliance (2) comprising
a sliding profile (3), a support profile (4), a rod (5) and a locating means (6),
wherein the sliding profile (3) is attachable to a surface (8) of the appliance (2), and, wherein the support profile (4) is for resting the device (1) on a firm base (7),
wherein the support profile (4), the sliding profile (3) and the rod (5) are arranged such that a main section (9) of the sliding profile (3) is parallel to a main section (22) of the support profile (4), and
wherein the rod (5) is located between the sliding profile (3) and the support profile (4), parallel to the main section (9) of the sliding profile (3) and the main section (22) of the support profile (4), the rod (5) forming an axis in its longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the firm base (7), and wherein an operation of said locating means (6) causes a linear motion of the main section (9) along the axis, wherein said operation causes a gliding motion of the main section (9) on and alongside the main section (22) along the axis.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for height adjustment of a household appliance, use of such device for height adjustment of a household appliance and a household appliance comprising at least one such device.
In the top end kitchen installations the alignment and precision is key. However, when installing kitchens, and in particular kitchen interior or household appliances variations in height or inclination inevitably occur to a certain degree. As kitchen installation is a time and thus cost intensive matter it is desired to reduce said time and costs by reduction of the difficulty to carry out kitchen installation processes. This is, in particular, reducing the number of necessary working hours either by reducing the number of kitchen workers needed and/or reducing the difficulty of kitchen installation as such, being allowing an easier thus faster installation.
With regard to height and/or inclination adjustment there are various known solutions to gain a kind of height adjustment of household appliances, and in particular ovens, for example to align such household appliances with a kitchen front and/or other parts of kitchen interior, such as household cabinets. Such adjustment is possible, in general, in vertical and horizontal direction and allows the compensation of imprecise height and/or inclination adjustment if the kitchen is installed not fully correct, particularly if in horizontal direction.
In order - for such adjusting devices - to be of benefit to the installation worker, the device must be both, readily accessible and easily adjustable.
Most known solutions comprise a kind of adjustable feet. Some are connected, others are connectable to the appliance on-site. The latter improve flexibility of the usability of such devices in that the installation worker is able to decide - purpose- and aim- oriented - where and if, or where and how many such devices are to be installed.
The easiest way of adjusting is mostly done by adding bars underneath an appliance, which is done by the installer directly on-site. Early height adjustment mechanisms for household appliances simply comprise a nut in the base of the front of the household appliance into which a threaded rod could be wound by use of a tool, such as tongs or the like, to adjust the height. Thereby, the rod rests on the floor as a foot. Rotation of the rod allows for adjusting the distance between the floor and the nut. However, such system usually requires two installation workers, one to lift and hold the appliance and another adjusts the height of the appliance.
The document US 5,971,350 A1 US 2009/0174300 A1 describes a mechanism for adjusting the height of an appliance, where a thumb wheel is manually turnable, and with its rotation drives a threaded shaft downward. However, such solution has a major drawback in that such mechanism is still complicate to handle and, moreover, fixed to the appliance, which limits its range of application.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for height and/or inclination adjustment for household appliances, which is easy to handle, preferably by one person and/or without the need for a lot of tools, more preferably, no tools are required for height adjustment.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mechanism, optionally, independent from the appliance. Preferably, such adjustment device is not, or not necessarily, directly connected with the appliance.
The desired mechanism for height and/or inclination adjustment for household appliances is optionally connected or not-connected to the household appliance, i.e. may be provided by the manufacturer also independent from the household appliance.
The above objects of the invention are achieved by a device for height adjustment of a household appliance according to claim 1, the use of a device according to claim 14, and a household appliance according to claim 15.
A device for height adjustment of a household appliance according to claim 1 comprises
a sliding profile, a support profile, a rod and a locating means,
wherein the sliding profile is attachable to a surface of the appliance, and, wherein the support profile is for resting the device on a firm base,
wherein the support profile, the sliding profile and the rod are arranged such that a main section of the sliding profile is parallel to a main section of the support profile, and
wherein the rod is located between the sliding profile and the support profile, parallel to the main section of the sliding profile and the main section of the support profile, the rod forming an axis in its longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the firm base, and
wherein an operation of said locating means causes a linear motion of the main section along the axis, wherein said operation causes a gliding motion of the main section on and alongside the main section along the axis.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the support profile and the sliding profile are arranged such that a main section of the sliding profile is parallel to and for gliding on and alongside a main section of the support profile.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the sliding profile, preferably at the main section of the sliding profile, more preferably, at a section formed as an arch, comprises a through hole for receiving the locating means.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention said locating means is mounted on the rod.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the device comprises at least one second fixation means for fixing the relative position of the locating means on the axis. In a further preferred embodiment the rod and/or the locating means comprises at least one second fixation means.
For example, such second fixing means is a threaded hole and a corresponding set screw, grub screw or headless screw. In way of example, such set screw may be screwed into a threaded hole for the set screw in the side of a locating means, such as the side surface of a knurled nut. It is to be understood that such set screw may secure and fix the rod's relative position within the locating means. Such set screw, preferably is fully threaded, more preferably has not an external head and it is inserted into its position by means of an internal Hex, Allen, slot, Torx, star or Phillips key or driver. Preferably, such set screw passes via the threaded hole in the locating means and is tightened alongside the rod to stop it from moving relative to the locating means and vice versa. It, preferably exerts compression force through the bottom tip that projects through the hole instead of a larger head that remains outside. For example such second fixation means may additionally or alternatively be a milled groove, wherein such milled groove extends longitudinally along at least part of the rod.
Such milled groove may be of advantage to secure and fix the rod's relative position within the locating means, preferably be a second fixing means of the locating means, e.g. a set screw, which is screwed into the milled groove.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention at least one end of the rod rests against a connection point on the support profile and/or the sliding profile, preferably such, that a rotational movement of the rod around its axis is prevented, more preferably, upon operation of the locating means.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention operation of said locating means causes an axial movement of said rod in relation to said locating means, and allows to adjust a position of said sliding profile relative to said support profile.
In a particularly preferred embodiment a device for height adjustment of a household appliance according to the present invention comprises a sliding profile, a support profile, a rod and a locating means,
wherein the sliding profile is attachable to a surface of the appliance, and, wherein the support profile is for resting the device on a firm base,
wherein the support profile and the sliding profile are arranged such that a main section of the sliding profile is parallel to and for gliding on and alongside a main section of the support profile,
wherein the sliding profile, preferably at the main section of the sliding profile, more preferably, at a section formed as an arch, comprises a through hole for receiving the locating means,
wherein said locating means is mounted on the rod,
wherein the rod is located between the sliding profile and the support profile forming an axis in its longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the firm base, and wherein, preferably, at least one end of the rod rests against a connection point on the support profile and/or the sliding profile, preferably such, that a rotational movement of the rod around its axis is prevented, more preferably, upon operation of the locating means, and,
wherein operation of said locating means causes an axial movement of said rod in relation to said locating means, and allows to adjust a position of said sliding profile relative to said support profile.
A device according to the present invention is basically comprised by two profiles which slide on each other, and support and/or press away the household appliance from the firm base, preferably by a linear motion of the main section along the axis and a gliding motion of the main section on and alongside the main section along the axis. The sliding allows to adjust the relative position of said two profiles to each other and thus the distance of the appliance to the firm base. Said sliding is caused by a rod and a locating means, more preferably by adjusting the relative position of the rod to the locating means. The relative position of the two profiles to each other, preferably is determined by the relative position of the rod and the locating means.
The rod and the locating means are configured such that the locating means is to be mounted on the rod, e.g. a rod comprising a thread may be mounted with a locating means being a nut.
By operation said locating means the position of the locating means is adjustable relative to the rod along the axis of said rod. Such adjusting preferably leads to a sliding movement of one of the two profiles thus changing its position relative to the second profile, and thus the adjustment of the distance of the appliance to the firm base. This is as the sliding profile preferably is or is to be fixed to the housing of an appliance, i.e. the appliance surface and thus such movement causes a lifting or lowering of the appliance accordingly. It will be understood that terms such as "lifting" or "lowering", "vertical", "upper" or "lower", "height" or "inclination", or the like, as used herein, preferably refer to a firm base, more preferably being a floor, i.e. where the household appliance stands on said floor and the inventive device is for height and/or inclination adjustment relative to said floor. It will, however, be immediately understood that the range of usage of such device is much broader. For example, such device may also be for adjusting a distance of the appliance relative to a kitchen wall, said kitchen wall thus representing said firm base, or such device may also be for adjusting a distance of the appliance relative to a kitchen cabinet, said kitchen cabinet, i.e. one surface thereof thus representing said firm base. Terms such as "lifting" or "lowering", "vertical", "upper" or "lower", "height" or "inclination", or the like thus are to be understood, preferably, from the point of the firm base. In accordance therewith it will be understood that a rod and the whole device may be arranged according to the appliance such that the rod in its longitudinal dimension forms an axis, preferably a vertical axis or horizontal axis. A vertical axis is formed, for example, when the device is put on a floor to adjust the height of the appliance, whereas a horizontal axis is formed, for example, when the device is put against a wall to adjust the distance of the appliance from the wall.
Adjusting the height and/or distance to the firm base as used herein, preferably also comprises adjusting an inclination of the appliance, particularly, where more than one device is applied.
Such device is also advantageous as it may be installed directly at the appliance and/or on-site by a kitchen worker, being easily able to attach the device to the appliance surface and to adjust the distance, e.g. adjusting the height and/or inclination relative to the firm base without the need of a lot of, preferably any, tools.
It will also be immediately recognized that the use of one or more inventive devices at one appliance is possible, for example, one or two inventive devices at each side of the appliance. This allows a flexible and purpose and aim oriented application of such device. Moreover, it is possible to adjust the appliance in any direction, i.e. left/right height/low, incline to front/incline to back from vertical, more preferably, independently, particularly if more than one device according to the present invention will be applied or used.
It will also be immediately seen that the inventive device, preferably, impinges a homogeneous contact pressure per unit area.
Where the support profile comprises a main section, it will be understood that said main section comprises an upper edge and a bottom edge. It is preferred that the bottom edge is for resting the device on a firm base, such as a floor or a wall.
It is also preferred that the through hole is for enabling a user to access the locating means. This is, for example, that the user adjusts the position of said locating means relative to the rod, more particularly on the axis of said rod. Said adjustment may be carried out by gripping said locating means through the through hole with a finger.
Thereby, a movement of the locating means along the axis of the rod allows to change the position of said locating means relative to the longitudinal dimension of said rod and to adjust said position of said locating means relative to the longitudinal dimension and axis of said rod. It is thus possible to adjust the distance, e.g. height, of the appliance relative to the firm base. The through hole is, preferably dimensioned such that a user may access the locating means through the through hole. Said through hole may be dimensioned such that its height and/or width approximately corresponds to the height and/or width of the locating means. Where a central part of the main section, is formed as an arch, said arch may comprise said through hole, wherein preferably said through hole has approximately the same radius and/or diameter as the arch. Preferably said through hole is dimensioned slightly larger than the outline dimension of the locating means, thus the locating means may be easily operated and/or a reached through the through hole.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the rod is arranged in said device such that a rotation around its own axis is prevented. This may be necessary where the locating means is a nut turnable around the rod, and where the rod comprises a thread for the nut.
A rotation of the rod around its own axis may be prevented in different ways. For example, the rod may be pinned between the two profiles, for example such that a rotational movement is prevented, wherein a movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod may be still possible.
The rotational movement of the rod may also be prevented by use of an appropriate connection of said rod at the connection point.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention at least one end of the rod rests against said connection point on the support profile and/or the sliding profile. Where a rotational movement of the rod around its axis is to be prevented, more preferably, upon operation of the locating means, said connection point may be a receiving hole or recess having a shape, such as a rectangular cross section, where the end of the rod fits in, e.g. wherein the end of the rod also has a rectangular cross section. Such configuration will prevent a rotational movement of the rod while resting in said connection point. However, the rod may in some embodiments also be welded to the profile in said connection point. It will be understood that where such fixed connection is used to connect the rod to the connection point the rod not only rests on the respective profile rather than being non-detachably linked.
In an advantageous embodiment of the inventive device, in a configuration where the device is attached to the appliance, the operation of the locating means causes a first force F to impinge against said firm base, and a second force F' to impinge against said appliance.
It will be understood that the first force F and the second force F', preferably are counterforces. Said forces support and push off the appliance from the firm base. Said forces F and F' particularly impinge onto the firm base and the appliance, respectively, or are relieved, respectively, when the relative position of the profiles to each other is changed.
It will be understood that, preferably, upon an axial movement of the locating means on the rod causes a sliding of the profiles, moving in or out and thus changing the distance from the appliance to the firm base.
In an further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the sliding profile, preferably at the main section of the sliding profile, more preferably at a section formed as an arch, comprises a through hole for receiving the locating means, wherein, most preferably, an upper rim of said through hole of said sliding profile rests on an upper rim of the locating means, wherein said connection point is connecting said rod with the support profile.
It will be understood that in such configuration the upper rim of the locating means supports the upper rim of said through hole of said sliding profile. Preferably, the second force F' impinges between said upper rim and said locating means. More preferably, the upper rim of the locating means carries the weight of the appliance in that the upper rim of the locating means carries the upper rim of said through hole of said sliding profile connected to the appliance surface. The locating means is adapted to receive the rod, i.e. the rod and the locating means are configured such that the locating means is mounted on the rod, and e.g. a rod comprising a thread may be mounted with a locating means being a nut. Thereby, the relative position of the locating means may be changed with regard to the longitudinal dimension of the rod, e.g. by operating said locating means, however, said position of the locating means on the rod with regard to the longitudinal dimension of the rod cannot be changed by the forces F or F'. Therefore, said second force F' impinges on the firm base in that the force impinging on the locating means also impinges on the rod. Accordingly, a lower end of the rod is connected with the support profile said force F' impinges on said connection point of the rod with the support profile and thus on the firm base. Preferably, said support profile comprises a first bend section and/or a second bend section, preferably bend towards the appliance, more preferably angled at about 90°, wherein said first and/or second bend section comprises a through hole for receiving and/or guiding the rod. Such second bend section may be formed as a lip. Preferably, said first and/or second bend section is a connection point. Thus, preferably, the rod is connected with the support profile, i.e. screwed in a through hole in the first and/or second bend section for receiving and/or guiding the rod, wherein said force F' impinges on said connection point of the rod with the support profile and thus on the firm base.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the support profile comprises a long hole, wherein said long hole is for receiving the locating means.
In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention a lower rim of the locating means rests on a lower rim of said long hole of said support profile, where said connection point is connecting said rod with the sliding profile.
A through hole comprised in a second bend section, preferably is a threaded hole.
It will be understood that the rod may also be connected to the sliding profile. Then the sliding profile carrying the weight of the appliance will impinge a force onto the rod. The rod being mounted with the locating means will impinge said force onto the locating means. As the locating means rests on a lower rim of said long hole of said support profile, said support profile presses onto the firm base.
However, it will be understood that independent of the above configurations the relative position of the locating means with regard to the longitudinal axis of the rod determines the distance of the appliance to the firm base, which is adjustable by operation of the locating means. Thereby, the forces impinging on the connection between the locating means and the rod do not cause a change of the relative position of the locating means with regard to the longitudinal axis of the rod. Said connection between the locating means and the rod carries the weight of the appliance.
In an further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the sliding profile is an Omega-Profile or an U-profile, comprising
said main section, wherein the main section is the upper border, preferably the front section of the "U" or "Ω", and comprises vertical edges,
a first and a second side section flanking the main section at each vertical edge of the main section, wherein each side section projects from a vertical edge of the main section towards the appliance, and, preferably, is angled at about 90°.
A profile as used herein, preferably is of light weight, e.g. a bended sheet, such profile, e.g. a bended sheet, allows for various options of first fastening means.
It will be understood that the device or at least the sliding profile may be attached to the appliance by the manufacturer or by the installation worker on-site. However, it is also considered within the present invention that the sliding profile is attached to the device via a non-detachable connection. For example the sliding profile may be welded to the appliance surface.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the sliding profile is an omega-profile, said sliding profile further comprising
a first and a second foot section, projecting from the side section parallel to the main section, forming a contact area of the foot section with the appliance, wherein, preferably, the foot section each comprises at least one first fixation point, such as a hole, for the reception of a first fastening means, such as a screw, wherein said first fastening means is for detachable attaching the sliding profile to the surface of the appliance.
It will be understood that such omega -profile is of particular advantage. Such omega-profile may be configured such that each bend of said profile for forming the omega-shape is 90°. While the main section, preferably a central part of the main section, is for receiving the rod and the locating means, a foot section may project from each side section parallel to the main section and thus form a contact area of said foot section. Said foot sections may be used to fix the sliding profile to the appliance, e.g. the foot sections having at least one fixation point such as a hole for receiving a first fastening means such as a screw.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention of the inventive device said device comprises a cover for covering the device.
Such cover may be applied for optical reasons and may hide the device, especially if otherwise said device is visible, e.g. at a kitchen front.
In case where the sliding profile is an omega-shaped profile the cover preferably is attached to foot and/or side sections of said omega-shaped profile. In order to achieve an easy and quick usage of such cover, said cover preferably is mounted via clamps or clip connections, or where the omega-profile is or comprises metal via magnets.
The cover possibly may have the shape of a U-profile. As described above for the omega-shaped profile also the angles of such U-profile may have 90°. It is important that the cover is adapted in its design and dimensions to the device to be covered.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the side sections and the main section of the sliding profile form a sliding channel, said sliding channel is for gliding on and alongside the support profile.
Such sliding channel is configured such that the support profile can slide in said slide channel. For example, the width of said sliding channel, e.g. the distance between the side sections is chosen according to the width of the support profile. Also the distance of the main section of the sliding profile to the firm base is chosen in accordance with the strength of the support profile. Said dimensions allow a play and thus a sliding of the sliding profile upon said support profile, wherein the support profile preferably slides in said sliding channel.
In an further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the sliding profile, preferably the main section of the sliding profile or a part thereof, more preferably a central part of the main section, is formed as an arch, wherein said arch projects away from the appliance and forms a space for receiving the rod and/or the locating means
Said arch, preferably forms a channel for receiving said rod. The arch may dimensioned such that the rod is guided and supported against a tipping or departing of its axis, however, the arch may also be dimensioned according to the dimensions of the locating means.
In an further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device said support profile comprises at least one support section, wherein, preferably said support section projects from the bottom edge of the support profile for being movable under said appliance, wherein, more preferably the support profile, preferably the main section of the support profile, is of rectangular shape and/or wherein the support section comprises a support structure.
In an embodiment of the inventive device said support profile comprises at least one support section which projects from the bottom edge of the support profile for being movable under said appliance. Preferably the support profile, more preferably the main section of the support profile, is of rectangular shape. Preferably said support section projects from the bottom edge of the support profile towards the appliance, preferably angled at about 90°, for being movable under said appliance,
In an embodiment of the inventive device the support section comprises at least one support structure.
Such support structure may be formed by or attached to the support section. Such support structure as used herein, preferably is advantageous in that the support profile, particularly the support section thereof, allows the support profile, particularly the support section, to be more easily moved under said appliance and thus the device may be more easily positioned under said appliance.
In an embodiment the support structure is formed by a broadened section of the support section and/or the support structure is formed as a wing, preferably a bend wing, more preferably an up-bend wing.
In a preferred embodiment the support profile comprises a support structure, e.g. an up-bend wing on each side of the support section.
Where the support structure is an up-bend wing, said up-bend wing is preferably bend upwards with an angle of about 45°C.
Such support structure, preferably such wing, more preferably such up-bend wing is also advantageous in that sliding in the appliance into its position, for example a furniture niche, is facilitated.
Such support structure is of particular advantage, where the appliance is to be positioned adjacent to further furniture elements. For example, the appliance is to be positioned in a furniture niche of a kitchen front.
When the appliance is to be positioned such, the further furniture elements, such as a kitchen front or front of the column of the appliance or furniture, should not be damaged.
By way of example, a hard metal edge would or could slam against the furniture and cause damage of the furniture. The support structure, particularly such up-bend wing, which preferably comprise and/or acts like a slope, allows the appliance to be slide into its final position, e.g. the furniture niche, more easily. Such support structure, e.g. the up-bend wings, will thereby advantageously help to lift up the kitchen appliance when it is pushed into its position, e.g. the niche.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the support profile has the shape of an L-profile, wherein, more preferably, one horizontal leg of said L-profile forms the support section and is to be moved under said appliance and the other vertical leg forms the main section of the support profile.
The support section may, for having an enlarged support section, be broadened.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the support profile comprises a long hole, wherein said long hole is for receiving the locating means.
Said long hole is, preferably oriented in a vertical direction. Said long hole, preferably limits the movement of the locating means along the axis of the rod. Said long hole, more preferably limits the range of possible height adjustment, in that it limits the movement of the locating means along the axis of the rod.
Said long hole, preferably is arranged in the main section of the support profile.
Said long hole, preferably is dimensioned such that its height is selected such that an adjustment of the locating means, i.e. a linear motion along the rod and its axis is possible. For example, the height of such long hole may be selected to allow an adjustment of about 10 mm, preferably 7.5 mm, more preferably 5 mm. Preferably, the height of the long hole is about 10 mm, preferably about 7.5 mm, more preferably about 5 mm, higher than the height of the locating means.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device said support profile comprises a first bend section, preferably bend towards the appliance, more preferably angled at about 90°, wherein said first bend section comprises a through hole for receiving and/or guiding the rod. Such first bend section may be formed as a lip.
It will be understood that said first bend section and through hole may also be present where the rod is connected with the support profile or the sliding profile.
In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the support profile comprises a second bend section, preferably bend towards the appliance, more preferably angled at about 90°, wherein said second bend section comprises a through hole for receiving and/or guiding the rod. Such second bend section may be formed as a lip. Preferably, said second bend section is a connection point
A through hole comprised in a first and/or second bend section, preferably is a threaded hole.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the locating means has a surface structure providing good grip, preferably a knurled surface structure.
It will be understood that the locating means, preferably are manually moveable from the outside by a hand/single finger of the user, e.g. reached through the through hole, and therefore, preferably no tools are needed for the adjustment. Such surface structure allows hands or fingers to get a better grip on the locating means than would be provided by the originally smooth surface, e.g. smooth metal surface. Knurling as used herein, preferably refers to a manufacturing process, typically conducted on a lathe, whereby a diamond-shaped (crisscross) pattern is cut or rolled into metal. Preferably, the knurled pattern is a series of straight ridges or a helix of "straight" ridges rather than the more-usual crisscross pattern.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the locating means is a support cylinder, such as a nut, a crank or an eccentric, wherein the nut preferably, is a knurled nut.
In connection therewith it is to be understood that the operation of the support cylinder, e.g. by a rotary motion around the rod, preferably allows to convert a rotary motion of the support cylinder into a linear motion of the rod, thus, preferably causing linear motion of the main section of the sliding profile along the axis, wherein said operation causes a gliding motion of the main section on and alongside the main section of the support profile along the axis.
The term "eccentric" as used herein, preferably refers to a circular disk or eccentric sheave, more preferably, solidly fixed to the rod with its center offset from that of the axis formed by the rod. It will be understood that such eccentric is advantageously used to convert rotary into linear motion. In order to do so an eccentric usually has a groove at its circumference around which is closely fitted a circular collar or eccentric strap, attached to which an eccentric rod is suspended in such a way that, preferably, its other end can impart the required motion.
It is to be understood that the movement of the locating means along the axis causes the sliding of the profiles and thus their relative movement along each other.
Where the locating means is a nut, the nut has a thread, i.e. said thread being an external thread or an internal thread located within its inner cylinder.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the rod or at least a part thereof is a threaded, or at least partially threaded rod and wherein said locating means preferably is a nut, more preferably a knurled nut.
In connection therewith it is preferred that a nut and a threaded rod interact as and/or are a lead screw. The term "lead screw" as used herein, preferably, refers to a screw used as a linkage to translate turning motion of the operation of the nut into linear motion, i.e. the adjustment of height.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention a thread, preferably a thread of a threaded rod or at least partially threaded rod, is a fine thread. Such fine thread advantageously reduces the force needed for adjusting the relative position of a locating means on the rod and thus for adjusting the height and/or inclination of an appliance.
In a preferred embodiment of the inventive device a thread, preferably the thread of a threaded rod or at least partially threaded rod, more preferably a fine thread, has a thread pitch of less than about 15°, preferably less than about 10°, more preferably less than about 5°.
It will be immediately understood by a person skilled in the art that a thread having a thread pitch of less than about 15°, preferably less than about 10°, more preferably less than about 5° is advantageous in that such thread may exhibit a higher self-locking effect, preferably counteracting an unwanted altering of the adjustment, e.g. by vibrations or the like.
It will be immediately understood that such nut and threaded rod or at least partially threaded rod follow the principle of a usual nut-thread connection. In particular, a strong force directed along the axis of the thread is caused upon a moderate force caused by the screwing process.
Thus an operation of the locating means, i.e. rotating the nut, needs moderate force and causes a strong force able to lift or lower the appliance. Thereby, rod and locating means both have a bearing function in supporting the weight of the appliance.
A nut preferably has a thread, said thread being an external thread or an internal thread located within its inner cylinder. Moreover such thread may be a left-hand thread or a right-hand thread.
Also the rod may have at least at a part a thread. Said thread at the rod or a part thereof may also be an external thread or an internal thread and/or a left-hand thread or a right-hand thread.
It will be understood that the threads of rod and nut have to fit to each other in order to allow the screwing function and proper operation of the nut.
This particularly applies for the various parameters of such nut-thread connections, e.g. gender, handedness, lead, pitch, and starts, form angle and diameters.
However, said parameter may be chosen such that the nut is suitable for fastening to the threaded rod or at least partially threaded rod.
The threads as used herein preferably are standardized. This allows the manufacturing of both parts separate of each other ensuring the function with same nominal values.
In an embodiment the nut and or the thread are manufactured from hardened steel. Preferably, threaded rod or at least partially threaded rod and/or nut are self-tapping. Here the thread will result upon the first screwing in.
Where the locating means is a nut and the rod is a threaded rod or at least partially threaded rod, it will be immediately understood that by rotating the nut around the threaded rod or at least partially threaded rod the relative position of the nut to the longitudinal axis of the rod is adjustable. According to said relative adjustment of the position of the nut, the relative position of the support profile to the sliding profile is adjusted and thus the relative position of the appliance to the firm base.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the inventive device the locating means comprises a fixing means, wherein said fixing means is for fixing the position of the locating means relative to the rod, wherein said fixing means is a clip adjustment, or a lock nut.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the device comprises a turnbuckle.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the device comprises at least one washer.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the support profile comprises a base such as a rubber base.
In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the device and/or the parts thereof are manufactured of metal, metal alloy, nonferrous metals or plastic materials or a mixture thereof.
In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention the device and/or the parts thereof comprise an at least partially coated or laminated surface. Such lamination or coating may be of particular advantage if it is, for example, reducing friction and/or makes a surface more resistant to damage and/or has aesthetic purposes and/or minimizes damage of the surface of a firm basis and/or appliance. For example, a threaded rod or at least partially threaded rod and/or locating means, preferably a thread thereof, may have a coated surface, e.g. a coated thread which reduces friction and thus facilitates adjustment of the relative position of the locating means on the rod. Various materials are known to the skilled person to advantageously coat or laminate surfaces.
In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention said device consists of a sliding profile, a support profile, a rod and a locating means, preferably, each as described in connection with any of the various embodiments of the inventive device as described herein.
The above described problems are also advantageously solved by the use of a device according to the present invention for height adjustment of a household appliance, such as an oven.
The above described problems are also advantageously solved by a household appliance comprising at least one device according to the present invention.
In a preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the present invention, the house hold appliance is suitable to the use of a device according to the present invention for height adjustment of said household appliance.
Accordingly, the person skilled in the art will know methods and means to prepare and/or manufacture a household appliance according to the present invention. For, example such household appliance may comprise at least one reception, e.g. a thread hole, for detachable attaching the sliding profile to the appliance, preferably for reception of a first fastening means, e.g. a screw which is more preferably also received by the first fixation points. For example, a screw may be used to as a first fastening means for detachable attaching the sliding profile to a surface of the appliance.
A household appliance as referred to herein in connection with the various aspects of the present invention, particularly, the device for height adjustment of a household appliance according to the present invention, use of such device for height adjustment of a household appliance according to the present invention and the household appliance according to the present invention comprising at least one such device, preferably is selected from the group comprising a cooking appliance, more preferably an oven, a refrigerator, a fridge and a dishwasher.
All described embodiments of the invention have the advantage, that height and/or inclination of a household appliances may be adjusted on an easy to handle way. Said adjustment is possible by one person only and without the need for tools for the height adjustment as such. Moreover, the device according to the present invention may be either connected or not-connected to the household appliance, i.e. provided by the manufacturer also independent from the household appliance.
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

FIG 1: illustrates a perspective exploded view of the parts of a disassembled device according to the present invention showing a first inventive embodiment;
FIG 2: illustrates a perspective view of an assembled device according to the present invention showing a second inventive embodiment;
FIG 3: illustrates a perspective view of an assembled device according to the present invention and a household appliance according to the present invention showing a second inventive embodiment;
FIG 4: illustrates a perspective exploded view of the parts of a disassembled device according to the present invention showing a third inventive embodiment; and
FIG 5: illustrates a perspective exploded view of the parts of a disassembled device according to the present invention showing the third inventive embodiment.

FIGs 1 to 5 show a devices for height adjustment 1 of an oven 2 according to the present invention. A first embodiment is shown in Fig. 1 which departs from the second and the third embodiment shown in Fig. 2 and 3, 4 and 5, respectively, as will be outlined below. In all embodiments 1 to 4 shown in Figs 1 to 5, the device 1 comprises a sliding profile 3, a support profile 4, an at least partially threaded rod 5 and a knurled nut as a locating means 6, wherein the sliding profile 3 is attachable to a surface 8 of the appliance 2, and, wherein the support profile 4 is for resting the device 1 on the firm base 7, here a floor, wherein the support profile 4, the sliding profile 3 and the at least partially threaded rod 5 are arranged such that a main section 9 of the sliding profile 3 is parallel to a main section 22 of the support profile 4, and wherein the at least partially threaded rod 5 is located between the sliding profile 3 and the support profile 4, parallel to the main section 9 of the sliding profile 3 and the main section 22 of the support profile 4, the at least partially threaded rod 5 forming an axis in its longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the floor 7, and wherein operation of said knurled nut 6 causes a linear motion of the main section 9 along the axis, wherein said operation causes a gliding motion of the main section 9 on and alongside the main section 22 along the axis. More particularly, the sliding profile 3 here is built as an Omega-Profile comprising a main section 9, wherein the main section 9 is the upper border and the front section of the "Ω", and comprises vertical edges 12 and 13, respectively, a first 10 and a second 11 side section flanking the main section 9 at each vertical edge 12 and 13, respectively, of the main section 9, wherein each side section 10 and 11, respectively, projects from a vertical edge 12 or 13, respectively, of the main section 9 towards the oven 2,and is angled at about 90°. The profiles 3 and 4, respectively, according to the shown embodiments are bended metal sheets. The sliding profile 3 further comprises a first 14 and a second 15 foot section, projecting from the side section 10 and 11, respectively, parallel to the main section 9, forming a contact area of the foot section 14 and 15, respectively, with the oven 2, wherein the foot section 14 and 15, respectively, each comprises two holes as first fixation points 16 for the reception of a screw as a first fastening means 17, wherein said screw 17 is for detachable attaching the sliding profile 3 to the surface 8 of the oven 2. Such oven 2 is suitable to the use of the device 1 according to the present invention for height adjustment of said oven, in that, particularly the oven 2 comprises one reception for each of the screws 17 Here thread holes or predrilled holes for receiving the screws 17 are provided at the locations where a device 1 according to the present invention are possibly to be attached, However, the device 1 according to the present invention may also be attached to any usual appliance not having such receptions. For example, the screws 17 may be inserted into predrilled holes which are provided by a kitchen installation worker. However, a kitchen appliance according to the present invention already comprises such receptions for facilitating the detachable attachment of the sliding profile to the appliance.
It will be understood that such omega -profile 3 is of particular advantage. The omega-profile 3 shown is configured such that each bend of said profile for forming the omega-shape is about 90°. While the central part 19 of the main section 9 is for receiving the at least partially threaded rod 5 and the knurled nut 6, a foot section 14 and 15, respectively, projects from each side section 10 and 11, respectively, parallel to the main section 9 and thus form a contact area of said foot section 14 and 15, respectively.
The sliding profile 3 is attachable to a side surface 8 of the oven 2, as may be best seen in Fig. 3. The support profile 4 is for resting the device 1 on the floor 7. The support profile 4 has the shape of an L-profile, wherein, one horizontal leg of said L-profile forms the support section 25 and is to be moved under said oven 2 and the other vertical leg forms the main section 22 of the support profile 4. The support section 25 projects from the bottom edge 24 of the support profile 4 towards the oven 2, angled at about 90°, for being movable under said oven 2, wherein the main section 22 of the support profile 4 is of rectangular shape. The support section 22 comprises a support structure 25a on each side of the support profile 4 which is bend upwards with an angle of about 45°C. Additionally, the support section 25 is broadened.
Such support structure 25a, here particularly the up-bend wings 25a, is advantageous in that the support profile 4, particularly the support section 25 thereof, allows the support profile 4, particularly the support section 25, to be more easily moved under said oven 2 and thus the device 1 may be more easily positioned under said appliance 2.
Moreover, such up-bend wings 25a are also advantageous in that sliding in the oven 2 into its position, for example a furniture niche, is facilitated, particularly, where the oven is to be positioned adjacent to further furniture elements, e.g. in a niche of a kitchen front. Advantageously, such support structure 25a then prevents a kitchen front or front of the column of the appliance or furniture, from being damaged. When the oven 2 is to be inserted in such niche, the support structure 25a, preferably being at least one up-bend wing, and/or the rectangular shape of such support structure 25a is advantageous in that the oven 2 slides in the front leg without damaging or crashing on the front corner of the column and thus damage, for example of the wood thereof, is prevented.
In connection therewith it is to be understood that advantageously an angle of such up-bend wing 25a will facilitate the lifting up of the appliance 2 and support an easy slide in.
The L-profile 4 and the omega- profile 3 are arranged such that a main section 9 of the omega- profile 3 is parallel to and for gliding on and alongside a main section 22 of the L-profile 4. Here both main sections 9 and 22 being arranged vertically. The sliding profile 3 at the main section 9 of the sliding profile 3 has a section formed as an arch, which comprises a through hole 21 for receiving the knurled nut 6, wherein said knurled nut 6 is mounted on the at least partially threaded rod 5. The at least partially threaded rod 5 is located between the sliding profile 3 and the support profile 4 forming an axis in its longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the floor 7. It can be immediately taken from Figures 1 to 5, that the upper rim 31 of the locating means 6 supports the upper rim 30 of said through hole 21 of said sliding profile 3. The second force F' thus impinges between said upper rim 31 and said locating means 6 and the upper rim 31 of the locating means 6 carries the weight of the oven 2 in that the upper rim 31 of the locating means 6 carries the upper rim 30 of said through hole 21 of said sliding profile 3 being connected to the oven surface 8. The position of the locating means 6 on the rod 5 with regard to the longitudinal dimension of the rod 5 cannot be changed by the forces F or F'. Therefore, said second force F' impinges on the floor 7 in that the force impinging on the locating means 6 also impinges on the rod 5. Accordingly, a lower end of the rod 5 is connected with the support profile 4 said force F' impinges on said connection point 29 of the rod 5 with the support profile 4 and thus on the floor 7.
Operation of said knurled nut 6 causes an axial movement of said at least partially threaded rod 5 in relation to said knurled nut 6, and allows to adjust a position of said sliding profile 3 relative to said support profile 4.
It can thus be immediately seen that such device 1 is basically comprised by two profiles 3 and 4 which slide on each other, and support and/or press away the oven 2 from the floor 7, wherein the sliding allows to adjust the relative position of said two profiles 3 and 4 to each other and thus the distance of the oven 2 to the floor 7. Said sliding is caused by an at least partially threaded rod 5 and a knurled nut 6, more preferably by adjusting the relative position of the at least partially threaded rod 5 to the knurled nut 6. The relative position of the two profiles 3 and 4 to each other, preferably is determined by the relative position of the at least partially threaded rod 5 and the knurled nut 6. The at least partially threaded rod 5 and the knurled nut 6 are configured such that the knurled nut 6 is to be mounted on the at least partially threaded rod 5.
By operation of said knurled nut 6 in a stage where the device 1 is assembled, as depicted by the bend double headed arrow, particularly as may be taken from FIG 2, the position of the knurled nut 6 is adjustable relative to the at least partially threaded rod 5 along the axis of said at least partially threaded rod 5, as depicted by the double headed arrow, which is for better understanding depicted in the exploded views shown in Figs 1, 4, and 5. Such adjusting leads to a sliding movement of one of the two profiles 3 or 4 thus changing its position relative to the second profile 3 or 4, respectively, and thus the adjustment of the distance of the oven 2 to the floor 7. This is as the sliding profile 3 is or is to be fixed to the housing of the oven surface 8 and thus such movement causes a lifting or lowering of the oven 2 accordingly. Such device 1 is also advantageous as it may be installed directly at the oven 2 and/or on-site by a kitchen worker, being easily able to attach the device 1 to the oven surface 8 and to adjust the distance, here for example the height or inclination relative to the floor 7 without the need of a lot of tools, preferably without any tools besides, more preferably a screw driver. The use of one or more inventive devices 1 at one oven 2 is possible, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, and may be of particular advantage. Here, two inventive devices 1 at each side of the oven 2 are applied. This allows a flexible and purpose and aim oriented application of such device 1. Here, for example to adjust the oven 2 in a horizontal manner and particularly balance an unwanted horizontal inclination. The main section 22 of the support profile 4 comprises an upper edge 23 and a bottom edge 24. Here the bottom edge 24 is for resting the device 1 on the floor 7. The through hole 21 is for enabling a user to access the knurled nut 6, whereby the user adjusts the position of said knurled nut 6 relative to the at least partially threaded rod 5, more particularly, on the axis of said at least partially threaded rod 5. Said adjustment may be carried out by gripping said knurled nut 6 through the through hole 21 with a finger. Thereby, a movement of the knurled nut 6 along the axis of the at least partially threaded rod 5 allows to change the position of said knurled nut 6 relative to the longitudinal dimension of said at least partially threaded rod 5 and to adjust said position of said knurled nut 6 relative to the longitudinal dimension and axis of said at least partially threaded rod 5. It is thus possible to adjust the distance, e.g. height, of the oven 2 relative to the floor 7. Such at least partially threaded rod 5 may be threaded according to the needs and intended use. According to the embodiment shown in FIG 1 the thread is only present at the lower part of the partially threaded rod 5, whereas according to the embodiment shown in Fig 5 the entire rod 5 may have such thread. The person skilled in the art will immediately understand that the rod 5 may be chosen and/or assembled according to the needs and intended application of the device 1. The through hole 21 as may be best seen in Fig. 2 is dimensioned such that a user may access the knurled nut 6 through the through hole 21 and its height and width approximately corresponds to the height and width of the knurled nut 6, however is slightly broader and higher so as to allow the adjustment of the knurled nut 6 without interference with the through hole 21. As a central part 19 of the main section 9, is formed as an arch, said arch comprises the through hole 21 and the through hole 21 has approximately the same radius and diameter as the arch so as to allow the adjustment of the knurled nut 6 without interference with the through hole 21.
The at least partially threaded rod 5 is arranged in said device 1 such that a rotation around its own axis is prevented. This is necessary, as the knurled nut 6 is a nut turnable around the at least partially threaded rod 5, and as the at least partially threaded rod 5 comprises a thread for the nut 6. A rotation of the at least partially threaded rod 5 around its own axis may be prevented in different ways. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, for example, the at least partially threaded rod 5 is pinned between the two profiles 3 and 4, such that a rotational movement is prevented, wherein a movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the at least partially threaded rod is still possible. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the rotational movement of the at least partially threaded rod 5 is prevented by use of an appropriate connection of said at least partially threaded rod 5 at a here not shown connection point 29. One end, here the lower end of the at least partially threaded rod 5 rests against said connection point 29 on the support profile 4. Said connection point 29 is receiving hole or recess having a rectangular cross section, and the end of the at least partially threaded rod fits in as the partially threaded rod's end has also a rectangular cross section. Such configuration prevents a rotational movement of the at least partially threaded rod 5 while resting in said connection point 29.
As may be best seen in Fig. 3 the operation of the knurled nut 6 causes a first force F to impinge against said floor 7, and a second force F' to impinge against said oven 2. It will be understood that the first force F and the second force F', are counterforces. Said forces support and push off the oven 2 from the floor 7. Said forces F and F', respectively, particularly impinge onto the floor 7 and the oven 2, or are relieved, respectively, when the relative position of the profiles 3 and 4 to each other is changed. It will be understood that the forces impinge at various parts of the device 1, however, as the device 1 is attached to the oven 2 by the fixing means 17, said fixing means 17 also are impinged by said forces. It will be understood that upon an axial movement of the knurled nut 6 on the at least partially threaded rod 5 causes a sliding of the profiles 4 and 5, respectively, moving in or out and thus changing the distance from the oven 2 to the floor 7.
Thereby, an upper rim 30 of the through hole 21 of said sliding profile 3 rests on an upper rim 31 of the knurled nut 6, wherein a connection point 29 is connecting said at least partially threaded rod 5 with the support profile 4. In said configuration the upper rim of the knurled nut 6 supports the upper rim 30 of said through hole 21 of said sliding profile 3. The second force F' impinges between said upper rim 30 and said knurled nut 6. The upper rim 31 of the knurled nut 6 carries the weight of the oven 2 in that the upper rim 31 of the knurled nut 6 carries the upper rim 30 of said through hole 21 of said sliding profile 3 connected to the oven surface 8. The knurled nut 6 is adapted to receive the at least partially threaded rod 5, i.e. the at least partially threaded rod 5 and the knurled nut 6 are configured such that the knurled nut 6 is mounted on the at least partially threaded rod 5. Thereby, the relative position of the knurled nut 6 may be changed with regard to the longitudinal dimension of the at least partially threaded rod 5 by operating said knurled nut 6, however, said position of the knurled nut 6 on the at least partially threaded rod 5 with regard to the longitudinal dimension of the at least partially threaded rod 5 cannot be changed by the forces F and F', respectively. Therefore, said second force F' impinges on the floor 7 in that the force impinging on the knurled nut 6 also impinges on the at least partially threaded rod 5. Accordingly, the lower end of the at least partially threaded rod 5 is connected with the support profile 4 said force F' impinges on the support profile 4 and thus on the floor 7. The relative position of the knurled nut 6 with regard to the longitudinal axis of the at least partially threaded rod 5 determines the distance of the oven 2 to the floor 7, which is adjustable by operation of the knurled nut 6. Thereby, the forces impinging on the connection between the knurled nut 6 and the at least partially threaded rod 5 do not cause a change of the relative position of the knurled nut 6 with regard to the longitudinal axis of the at least partially threaded rod 5. Said connection between the knurled nut 6 and the at least partially threaded rod 5 carries the weight of the oven 2.
Here, as may be best seen in Figs. 1 and 2 the side sections 10 and 11, respectively, and the main section 9 of the sliding profile 3 form a sliding channel 18, said sliding channel 18 is for gliding on and alongside the support profile 4. The support profile 4 can slide in said slide channel. Thereby, the width of said sliding channel 18, e.g. the distance between the side sections 10 and, 11, respectively, is chosen according to the width of the support profile 4. Also the distance of the main section 9 of the sliding profile 3 to the floor 7 is chosen in accordance with the strength of the main section 22 of the support profile 4. Said dimensions allow a play and thus a sliding of the sliding profile 3, in particular its main section 9, upon said support profile 4, in particular its main section 22. Thereby, the support profile 4 slides in said sliding channel 18. The central part 19 of the main section 9, is formed as an arch, wherein said arch projects away from the oven 2 and forms a space 20 for receiving the at least partially threaded rod 5 and the knurled nut 6. The arch according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is dimensioned such that the at least partially threaded rod 5 is guided and supported against a tipping or departing of its axis. According to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1, 4 or 5, however, the arch is dimensioned according to the dimensions of the knurled nut 6.
The support profile 4 comprises a long hole 26 arranged in the main section 22 of the support profile 4, wherein said long hole 26 is for receiving the knurled nut 6. Said long hole 26 is oriented in a vertical direction and limits the movement of the knurled nut 6 along the axis of the at least partially threaded rod 5, thus said long hole 26 also limits the range of possible height adjustment, in that it limits the movement of the knurled nut 6 along the axis of the at least partially threaded rod 5. In the embodiment of the inventive device shown in Fig.1 the support profile 4 comprises a first bend section 27 bend towards the oven 2 angled at about 90°, wherein said first bend section 27 comprises a through hole 28 for receiving and/or guiding the at least partially threaded rod 5.
According to the third embodiment shown in Figs 4 and 5, the support profile 4 comprises additionally a second bend section 35 also bend towards the oven 2 and angled at about 90°, wherein said first 27 and said second 35 bend section comprises a through hole 28 for receiving and/or guiding the rod. Both bend sections 27 and 35 are formed each as a lip. Both bend sections 27 and 35 here serve as a connection point 29. Thus, the rod 5 is connected with the support profile 4, i.e. screwed in a through hole 28 in the first 27 and second 35 bend section for receiving and/or guiding the rod 5, wherein said force F' impinges on said connection points 29 of the rod 5 with the support profile 4 and thus on the floor 7. Moreover, the third embodiment shown in Figs 4 and 5 departs from the first and second embodiment in that the device according to the third embodiment comprises a second fixation means 36 for fixing the relative position of the knurled nut 6 on the axis. Here, the second fixing means comprises a threaded hole and a corresponding set screw 36 being screwed into a threaded hole for the set screw 36 in the side of a knurled nut 6, such as the side surface of a knurled nut 6. It is to be understood that such set screw 36 may secure and fix the rod's 5 relative position within the knurled nut 6. Such set screw 36, is fully threaded and has not an external head and it is inserted into its position by means of an internal Hex, Allen, slot, Torx, star or Phillips key or driver. Such set screw 36 passes via the threaded hole in the knurled nut 6 and is tightened alongside the rod 5 to stop it from moving relative to knurled nut 6 and vice versa. Moreover, the rod 5 here comprises a milled groove 34. The milled groove 34 extends longitudinally along at least part of the rod 5.
Such milled groove 34 is of advantage to secure and fix the rod's 5 relative position within the knurled nut 6 as the set screw 36 is screwed into the milled groove 34.
The knurled nut 6 has a knurled surface structure providing good grip. The knurled nut 6 is thus easily manually moveable from the outside by a hand/single finger of the user, reached through the through hole 21, and therefore, no tools are needed for the adjustment. Such knurled surface structure allows hands or fingers to get a better grip on the knurled nut 6 than would be provided by the originally smooth metal surface. The movement of the knurled nut 6 along the axis causes the sliding of the profiles 3 and 4, respectively, and thus their relative movement along each other. The knurled nut 6 has an internal thread located within its inner cylinder. The threaded rod 5 has an external thread fitting to the thread of the nut 6. Such nut 6 and at least partially threaded rod 5 follow the principle of a usual nut-thread connection. In particular, a strong force directed along the axis of the thread is caused upon a moderate force caused by the screwing process.
Thus an operation of the knurled nut 6, i.e. rotating the nut, needs moderate force and causes a strong force able to lift or lower the oven 2. Thereby, at least partially threaded rod 5 and knurled nut 6 both have a bearing function in supporting the weight of the oven 2.
Here, each thread is a right-hand thread. It will be understood that the threads of at least partially threaded rod 5 and nut 6 have to fit to each other in order to allow the screwing function and proper operation of the nut 6. This particularly applies for the various parameters of such nut-thread connections, e.g. gender, handedness, lead, pitch, and starts, form angle and diameters. Here the nut is suitable for fastening to the at least partially threaded rod 5.
By rotating the nut 6 around the thread of the at least partially threaded rod 5 the relative position of the nut 6 to the longitudinal axis of the at least partially threaded rod 5 is adjustable. According to said relative adjustment of the position of the nut 6, the relative position of the support profile 4 to the sliding profile 3 is adjusted and thus the relative position of the oven 2 to the floor 7.
By rotating the knurled nut 6, the nut 6 moves along the at least partially threaded rod 5 and leads to a movement of the two sliding profiles 3, 4. As the support profile 4 is fixed to the housing of the oven 2, the movement lifts or lowers the at least partially threaded rod 5 and the oven, respectively, accordingly.
It is immediately seen that a kitchen worker may assemble said device 1 on-site and attach the components to the appliance 2 and adjust the height of the appliance 2 with regard to three possible directions, and accordingly also relieve a decline independently. This can be done without using a tool, which leads to a more handy installation and a higher precision.
A device according to the present invention 1 is of particular advantage as in the top end kitchen installations the alignment and precision is key.
The device 1 can either be installed directly in the factory for specific products or may be sold as aftermarket accessory, or for both in parallel.
It has to be acknowledged that one particular advantage of the device 1 according to the present invention is the possibility of the installer to have some devices 1 already upfront and may use them purpose- and aim-oriented in case of need. This provides huge flexibility to the application of the inventive device 1.
Using those devices 1 means less effort for Installation in terms of time, problem solving an iterations to reach the final best fit result. As standardization becomes more and more important the inventive device provides to the installer comparable and standardized conditions and adjustment possibilities.
It is further of advantage when applying the inventive device 1 that upon the slide in/ out movement, no tilting and, most importantly, no collision on the side may occur. More particularly, and attributed to the shape of the device and its parts, furniture damages are avoided.
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

1: device for height adjustment
2: household appliance
3: sliding profile
4: support profile
5: rod
6: locating means
7: firm base
8: appliance surface
9: main section of sliding profile
10: first side section of sliding profile
11: second side section of sliding profile
12: vertical edge of main section of sliding profile
13: vertical edge of main section of sliding profile
14: first foot section of sliding profile
15: second foot section of sliding profile
16: first fixation point
17: first fastening means
18: sliding channel
19: central part of main section of sliding profile
20: space for receiving rod
21: through hole
22: main section of support profile
23: upper edge of support profile
24: bottom edge of support profile
25: support section of support profile
25a: support structure of support section
26: long hole
27: first bend section of support profile
28: through hole
29: connection point
30: upper rim of through hole
31: upper rim of locating means
32: lower rim of locating means
33: lower rim of long hole
34: milled groove
35: second bend section
36: second fixation means

F: first force to impinge against said firm base
F': second force F' to impinge against said appliance

Claims

Device for height adjustment (1) of a household appliance (2) comprising
a sliding profile (3), a support profile (4), a rod (5) and a locating means (6),
wherein the sliding profile (3) is attachable to a surface (8) of the appliance (2), and, wherein the support profile (4) is for resting the device (1) on a firm base (7),
wherein the support profile (4), the sliding profile (3) and the rod (5) are arranged such that a main section (9) of the sliding profile (3) is parallel to a main section (22) of the support profile (4), and
wherein the rod (5) is located between the sliding profile (3) and the support profile (4), parallel to the main section (9) of the sliding profile (3) and the main section (22) of the support profile (4), the rod (5) forming an axis in its longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the firm base (7), and wherein an operation of said locating means (6) causes a linear motion of the main section (9) along the axis, wherein said operation causes a gliding motion of the main section (9) on and alongside the main section (22) along the axis.
Device according to claim 1, wherein in a configuration where the device (1) is attached to the appliance (2), the operation of the locating means (6) causes a first force (F) to impinge against said firm base (7), and a second force (F') to impinge against said appliance (2).
Device according to any one of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sliding profile (3), preferably at the main section (9) of the sliding profile (3), more preferably at a section formed as an arch, comprises a through hole (21) for receiving the locating means (6), wherein, most preferably, an upper rim (30) of said through hole (21) of said sliding profile (3) rests on an upper rim (31) of the locating means (6), wherein said connection point (29) is connecting said rod (5) with the support profile (4).
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sliding profile (3) is an Omega-Profile or an U-profile, comprising
said main section (9), wherein the main section (9) is the upper border, preferably the front section of the "U" or "Ω", and comprises vertical edges (12, 13),
a first (10) and a second (11) side section flanking the main section (9) at each vertical edge (12, 13) of the main section (9), wherein each side section (10, 11) projects from a vertical edge (12, 13) of the main section (9) towards the appliance (2),and, preferably, is angled at about 90°.
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, preferably 4, wherein the sliding profile (3) is an omega-profile, said sliding profile (3) further comprising
a first (14) and a second (15) foot section, projecting from the side section (10, 11) parallel to the main section (9), forming a contact area of the foot section (14, 15) with the appliance (2), wherein, preferably, the foot section (14, 15) each comprises at least one first fixation point (16), such as a hole, for the reception of a first fastening means (17), such as a screw, wherein said first fastening means (17) is for detachable attaching the sliding profile (3) to the surface (8) of the appliance (2).
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the side sections (10, 11) and the main section (9) of the sliding profile (3) form a sliding channel (18), said sliding channel (18) is for gliding on and alongside the support profile (4).
Device according to claim 6, wherein the sliding profile (3), preferably the main section (9) of the sliding profile (3) or a part thereof, more preferably a central part (19) of the main section (9), is formed as an arch, wherein said arch projects away from the appliance (2) and forms a space (20) for receiving the rod (5) and/or the locating means (6).
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said support profile (4) comprises at least one support section (25), wherein, preferably said support section (25) projects from the bottom edge (24) of the support profile (4) for being movable under said appliance (2), wherein, more preferably the support profile (4), preferably the main section (22) of the support profile (4) is of rectangular shape and/or wherein the support section (25) comprises a support structure (25a).
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support profile (4) comprises a long hole (26), wherein said long hole (26) is for receiving the locating means (6).
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said support profile (4) comprises a first bend section (27), preferably bend towards the appliance (2), more preferably angled at about 90°,
wherein said first bend section (27) comprises a through hole (28) for receiving and/or guiding the rod (5).
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the locating means (6) has a surface structure providing good grip, preferably a knurled surface structure.
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the locating means (6) is a support cylinder, such as a nut, wherein the nut preferably, is a knurled nut.
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rod (5) or at least a part thereof is a threaded rod and wherein said locating means (6) preferably is a knurled nut.
Use of a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for height adjustment of a household appliance (2), such as an oven.
Household appliance (2) comprising at least one device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.