EP3061383A1

EP3061383A1 - Electrical household appliance

Info

Publication number: EP3061383A1
Application number: EP16154198.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roberto Giorcelli; Riccardo Calvi; Marta CHMIELARZ
Original assignee: Indesit Co SpA
Current assignee: Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Priority date: 2015-02-27
Filing date: 2016-02-04
Publication date: 2016-08-31

Abstract

An electrical household appliance (1) has a load-bearing structure (2) and a door (6). The door (6) is hinged in a lower region thereof to the load-bearing structure (2) via at least one hinge (7) so as to turn according to a substantially horizontal axis of rotation between a closed position and an open position, in which the door (6) is substantially vertical and substantially horizontal, respectively. An upper region of the door (6) is provided with a sliding coupling (50), designed to constrain to the door (6) a front panel (12), the coupling (50) being configured for enabling sliding of the front panel (12) with respect to the door (6) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation. The hinge (7) comprises a first part secured to the load-bearing structure (2), a second part secured to the door (6) and an articulation arrangement that connects the first hinge part (13) to the second hinge part (14).

The sliding coupling (50) is pre-arranged for enabling also an angular movement of the front panel (12) relative to the door (6) during passage of the latter between its closed and open positions.

The hinge (7) comprises a transmission system (40, 42) designed to connect the front panel (12) to the articulation arrangement of the hinge (7) so as to cause both the aforesaid sliding of the front panel (12) and a displacement of a lower region of the front panel (12) into a position at a distance from the door (6), during passage of the door (6) from the closed position to the open position.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to built-in electrical household appliances or, more in general, to electrical household appliances having a load-bearing structure articulated to the front part of which is a door, there in turn being associated to the latter a front decorative panel. The invention finds preferred application in the sector of dishwashers.

State of the art

Some electrical household appliances, typically dishwashers, have a door that is hinged in the lower region thereof to the load-bearing structure of the appliance in order to turn according to a substantially horizontal axis. In these appliances the load-bearing structure typically includes a base, the front of which is in a position set back with respect to the door, in order to enable opening of the latter, i.e., prevent the lower edge of the door from getting caught up in the base. In some uses, associated to the door of the electrical household appliance is a front decorative panel: this measure is adopted in particular in the case of electrical household appliances of the so-called built-in type, i.e., ones designed to be housed or integrated in the furniture of a domestic environment, for example, a fitted kitchen. In these appliances, frequently associated to the front of the base is a base strip or skirting, which also has aesthetic functions.
In the case of use of a front decorative panel having a height greater than that of the door of the electrical household appliance (in general comprised between 720 and 760 mm), there exists the problem of the lower edge of the panel itself interfering with the front of the base, thus preventing complete opening of the door. This problem is more felt when the front panel has a height decidedly greater than that of the door, in so far as it is intended to perform also the functions of the aforesaid base strip, i.e., to hide practically entirely from view the front of the base of the appliance (in these cases, the decorative panel may have a height of 800 mm or more).
A first known solution to the problem referred to above is to reduce the size in depth of the base, i.e., to set its front further back. This measure, however, leads to a smaller space available in the base for housing functional components of the appliance. This solution may also cause problems of stability of a dishwasher, in particular when its door is opened and one or both of its racks loaded with dishes are brought into the corresponding extracted position.
According to other solutions, the front decorative panel is associated to the door by means of a sliding coupling, in such a way that the panel can slide on the door, in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the door. In these solutions, during opening of the door, the panel slides from the bottom upwards on the door. Upon reclosing of the door the panel performs a sliding movement opposite to the previous one, from top downwards, thus again hiding at least in part the base of the appliance.
For example, EP 1529482 A discloses a dishwasher in which the decorative panel is slidably associated to the door in the aforesaid way and has a height such that its lower edge comes into contact with the front of the base in the final step of opening of the door. In this way, as the movement of opening proceeds, the panel is forced to slide on the door, allowing opening of the latter. In this known solution, the system of coupling between the door and the panel includes an elastic element, such as a spring, which tends to bring the panel back into its initial lowered position, when the door is reclosed.
This known solution, although simple and inexpensive, does not enable use of front panels that are decidedly higher than the door and implies each time a mechanical interference between the panel and the base of the dishwasher, with possible damage, yielding, and misalignment between the door and the panel in the long run. A solution that is able to solve these specific problems is known from EP 1 894 509 A , on which the preamble of Claim 1 is based. In this further solution, the door is hinged to the load-bearing structure of the dishwasher via a pair of hinges with fixed fulcrum, where also the decorative panel is connected to the load-bearing structure via an articulated system of levers. This system of levers comprises, in particular, a first lever, having one end articulated to a pivot fixed on the load-bearing structure and the opposite end articulated to a second lever, which is in turn pivoted to the decorative panel. The system of levers further includes a third lever, having an end pivoted to a rotating sector, which belongs to the articulation arrangement of a corresponding hinge of the door, and the opposite end pivoted on the pivot that articulates the first and second levers together. The system of levers operates in the sense of pushing the panel to slide upwards on the door, during opening of the latter, in such a way that the lower edge of the panel will not interfere with the front of the base. During reclosing of the door, the system of levers recalls the panel into position, i.e., causes sliding thereof downwards on the door.
The solution according to EP 1 894509 A envisages a sliding coupling of the panel on the door similar to the one described in EP 1529482 A , which includes four points of constraint, two of which in an upper region of the door and two in a lower region of the door. The sliding coupling comprises in the specific case four engagement elements arranged on the back of the panel, engaged in corresponding guide slits formed on the front of the door.
This solution complicates both installation of the panel on the door, given that it presupposes a precise coupling in the four points of constraint, and production of the door itself, in the metal shell of which at least the lower guide slits are to be formed. The presence of slidable points of constraint between the door and the panel in the upper part and in the lower part moreover causes corresponding friction during opening and closing of the door, with an increased possibility of wear and malfunctioning in the long run.

Aim and summary of the invention

In its general terms, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks and to provide an electrical household appliance of the type referred to above that is simple and inexpensive to produce and install, as well reliable in operation over time.
The above and other aims still, which will emerge more clearly hereinafter, are achieved, according to the present invention, by an electrical household appliance having the characteristics specified in Claim 1. Preferential characteristics of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Further aims, characteristics, and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the ensuing detailed description, with reference to the annexed drawings, which are provided purely by way of explanatory and non-limiting example and in which:

Figure 1 is a partial and schematic perspective view of an electrical household appliance according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figures 2, 3, and 4 are schematic views, in side elevation, of a hinge that can be used in an electrical household appliance according to one embodiment of the invention, in three different operating conditions, in these figures the representation of a transmission system of the hinge being omitted;
Figures 5, 6, and 7 are views similar to those of Figures 2, 3, and 4, respectively, with the further representation of the aforesaid transmission system;
Figures 8, 9, and 10 are schematic views, in side elevation, of an electrical household appliance according to the invention, which uses at least one hinge according to Figures 5-7, in three different conditions;
Figure 11 is a partial and schematic perspective view of an assembly comprising a door and a corresponding front panel, with a hinge associated thereto according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 is a partially exploded schematic view of an assembly comprising a door, a corresponding front panel, and a hinge according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a member belonging to a system of sliding coupling between a door and a front panel of an electrical household appliance according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a door of an electrical household appliance according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 15 is a detail of Figure 14;
Figures 16, 17, and 18 are partial and schematic cross sections of an assembly comprising a door and a front panel of an electrical household appliance according to one embodiment of the invention, aimed at exemplifying operation of a sliding coupling between the door and the panel;
Figures 19, 20, and 21 are views similar to those of Figures 5, 6, and 7, respectively, of a hinge according to a variant embodiment of the invention;
Figures 22, 23, and 24 are views similar to those of Figures 8, 9, and 10, respectively, of an electrical household appliance that uses a hinge according to Figures 19-21; and
Figure 25 is a partial and schematic view in side elevation of a hinge of an electrical household appliance according to a further variant embodiment of the invention, with associated a door and a corresponding front panel.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Reference to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" in the framework of the present description is meant to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as "in an embodiment", "in one embodiment" and the like that may be present in various points in the framework of the present description do not necessarily all refer to one and the same embodiment. Moreover, the particular configurations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments. The references used in what follows are only provided for convenience and do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments.
It is moreover pointed out that in the ensuing description the electrical household appliance according to the invention will be described limitedly to the parts of interest for the purposes of an understanding of the invention, without entering into the detail as regards its characteristics that depart from the invention.
In Figure 1, designated as a whole by 1 is an electrical household appliance according to one embodiment of the invention. In the example, the electrical household appliance is a dishwasher, in particular of the so-called built-in type. The dishwasher 1 has a load-bearing structure, here comprising at least one base 2, for example made of plastic material, rising from which are two front uprights 3, connected to one another by an upper cross member 4. The base 2 supports a washtub 5, of a conception in itself known, open at the front. The side and upper walls of the tub are mechanically connected in the respective front regions to the uprights 3 and to the cross member 4, respectively, which gird the front opening of the tub 5.
The dishwasher 1 has a front door 6, which is hinged in a lower region thereof to the load-bearing structure via at least one hinge 7, in particular a pair of hinges provided in the lower corner areas of the door. In what follows, a single hinge 7 will be illustrated and described, taking for granted that the other hinge may be made in a similar way. In an embodiment, the hinge 7 has a first part that is secured to the load-bearing structure, in particular between the base 2 and a respective upright 3, a second part that is secured to the door 6, and an articulation arrangement that connects the first and second parts together, in such a way that the door 6 can turn according to a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, between a closed position and an open position, in which the door is substantially vertical and substantially horizontal, respectively. In Figure 1 the door 6 is represented in the aforesaid open position.
In a preferred embodiment, the door 6 is made up of a number of parts, which preferably comprise at least an inner metal shell 8, an outer metal shell 9, and a component 10 associated to the upper end of the outer shell 9. The inner shell 8, made, for example, of stainless steel, has a height substantially corresponding to that of the front opening of the tub and is designed to provide a front wall of the latter, when the door is closed. The outer shell 9, for example made of sheet metal, provides a load-bearing structure of the door, preferably fixed to which is the aforesaid second part of each hinge 6. The outer shell 9 has a smaller height than the inner shell 8 so that secured to its top is the component 10, preferably made of plastic material, having a width substantially similar to that of the shells 8 and 9. The component 10, which may have a substantially box-type structure, is preferably configured for housing control and/or warning elements of the dishwasher 1. In a preferred embodiment said control and/or warning elements have respective accessible parts at the upper edge of the component 10, to provide a control panel 11.
Slidably associated to the door 6 is a decorative panel 12, of a conception in itself known. For this purpose, in the upper region of the door 6, in particular provided at the top component 10, is at least one coupling element, belonging to a sliding coupling, designed to constrain the panel 12 to the door 6. A possible embodiment of this sliding coupling will be described hereinafter. Preferably, the sliding coupling comprises two of the aforesaid coupling elements, in particular in the form of guides, provided at the front of the outer shell 9, each in a respective side area. Each coupling element, or in any case the sliding coupling, is configured for enabling sliding of the panel 12 with respect to the door 6 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the door.
According to the invention, and as will emerge more clearly hereinafter, each coupling element, or in any case the sliding coupling between the door and the panel, is also pre-arranged for enabling an angular movement of the panel 12 with respect to the door 6 during passage of the latter between its closed and open positions. Once again according to the invention, at least one of the hinges 7 comprises a transmission system, designed to connect the panel 12 to the articulation arrangement of the hinge itself, so as to cause both the aforesaid sliding of the panel 12 in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the door 6 and a recession of a lower region of the panel 12 with respect to the door 6 during passage of the latter from the closed position to the open position (and, conversely, an approach of the lower region of the panel to the door during passage of the latter from the open position to the closed position).
For a clearer understanding of operation of a hinge provided according of the invention, in Figures 2-4 a hinge 7 is represented in isolation, without the corresponding transmission system, whereas in Figures 5-7 the hinge 7 itself is represented with the transmission system, in three different conditions.
With initial reference to Figure 2, designated by 13 is the part of the hinge 7 designed to be secured to the load-bearing structure of the dishwasher, whereas designated by 14 is the part of the hinge designed to be secured to the door. In one embodiment, the part 13 comprises a substantially plate-like bracket, shaped so as to have a lower portion 13a, designed to be secured in a front corner area of the base 2, and a upper portion 13b, designed to be secured in a lower area of a respective upright 3 (see, for example, Figure 1). Also the part 14 may comprise a substantially plate-like bracket, designed to be secured in a lower corner area of the door 6, in particular of its outer shell 9. Fixing of the parts 13 and 14 may, for example, be made via screws or similar threaded members.
The parts 13 and 14 are connected together by means of an articulation arrangement, preferably but not necessarily including a plurality of levers or the like, articulated together and to the parts 13 and 14.
In a preferred embodiment, and unlike what is disclosed in EP 1 894 509 A , the hinge 7 is a hinge with variable or translatable fulcrum, i.e., a hinge the articulation arrangement of which comprises a system of levers configured in such a way that the axis of rotation of the door, identified by the pivot designated by 15, is able to translate during passage of the door itself between its closed and open positions.
A possible embodiment of the aforesaid articulation arrangement is clearly visible in Figures 2-4. In the case exemplified, this arrangement comprises a first oscillating element, designated by 16, in what follows also referred to as "rocker", for example in the form of a metal plate. The rocker 16 is pivoted in an intermediate region thereof to the hinge part 13, in particular in a portion of the latter that is intermediate between the portions 13a and 13b, via a pivot designated by 17. The rocker 16 has a distal end that is articulated to the hinge part 14 via the pivot 15, which, as has been said, identifies the axis of rotation of the door 6.
The articulation arrangement exemplified comprises a second oscillating element, designated by 18, for example in the form of a shaped metal plate. The oscillating element 18 is pivoted in an intermediate region thereof to the hinge part 13, via a corresponding pivot 19, in particular at a greater height than the rocker 16.
The arrangement then includes a first lever or connection element 20, for example in the form of an oblong metal plate, preferably having a generally arched shape. The lever 20 has a first end articulated to the hinge part 14 via a corresponding pivot 21 and a second end articulated to the upper oscillating element 18, via a corresponding pivot 22. The pivot 21 is located on the hinge part 14 at a greater height than the pivot 15.
The articulation arrangement of the hinge 7 moreover includes a second lever or connection element 23, for example in the form of a metal plate. A first end of the lever 23 is articulated via a pivot 24 to the second end of the rocker 16, i.e., the end of the rocker 16 generally opposite to the pivot 15. A second end of the lever 23 is, instead, articulated to the upper oscillating element 18 via a corresponding pivot 25, which is in a position generally opposite to the pivot 22.
In a preferred embodiment, the hinge 7 comprises or has associated a counter-balancing system, designed to offset or counter-balance the effect of the weight of the door 6 and of the front panel 12, during displacement of the door between the open and closed positions. This counter-balancing system may be of any conception known in the sector.
In a preferred embodiment, such as the one represented, the above system - designated as a whole by 30 - comprises a guide, which extends in a direction generally orthogonal with respect to the axis of rotation of the door, slidably mounted within which is a friction member 31. The guide comprises at least one rail element or, as in the example illustrated, two opposed rail elements, designated by 32 and preferably generally parallel. The rail elements 32 may be, for example, defined by shapings of walls of the hinge part 13, in particular at its upper portion 13b. Consequently, in the example, the guide, i.e., the rail elements 32, extends substantially in a vertical direction.
In one embodiment, the friction member 31, which is designed to brake the movement of rotation of the door 6, comprises a body provided with at least one friction element designed to co-operate with the guide. In the example illustrated, the body of the friction member - for example, in the form of a plate - has associated two friction elements 33 opposite to one another, for example in the form of sliding blocks or slides, preferably made of plastic material, each slidably guided by a corresponding rail element 32. The friction element or elements may possibly be constituted by rollers. The element or elements 33 basically has/have the function of generating a friction variable as a function of the torque determined by the weight of the ensemble comprising the door 6 and the panel 12, during the angular movements of the door.
The counter-balancing system 30 further comprises a connection element 34, here substantially in the form of a lever, having a first end hinged via a pivot 35 to the body of the friction member 31 and a second end hinged via another pivot 36 to an angularly rotatable element of the articulation arrangement of the hinge 7, here represented by the upper oscillating element 18.
In a preferred embodiment, the system 30 further comprises an elastic element, connected to the friction member 31. The elastic element may comprise, for example, a spring reacting to compressive or tensile stress. In the example illustrated, a stem 37 is provided for this purpose, surrounded by a helical spring 38, with the latter that is compressed when the stem 37 is pulled downwards by the friction member 31. In the example, the lower end of the stem 37 is coupled to the friction member 31, which is preferably provided with a hook engaged to which is an eyelet or similar element for engagement of the stem.
In the embodiment exemplified, the various pivots referred to are parallel or substantially parallel to one another.
Operation of the hinge 7 of Figures 2-4, as regards its articulation arrangement, is described in what follows.
Figure 2 illustrates the hinge in the condition where the door is closed, with the hinge part 14 generally brought close and/or parallel to the hinge part 13, in particular to its upper portion 13b. Upon opening of the door 6, the hinge part 14 moves angularly (in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 2-4), about the axis defined by the pivot 15 associated to the rocker 16. This angular movement of the part 14 causes, via the connection element 20, also angular movement (in a counterclockwise direction) of the upper oscillating element 18, about the respective pivot 19. This movement of the upper oscillating element 18 is transferred to the rear end of the rocker 16, by means of the connection element 23 (which in this step moves substantially in a clockwise direction). The rocker 16 then rotates about its own pivot 17 (in a clockwise direction), with its rear end that drops and its front end - with the associated pivot 15 that identifies the axis of rotation of the door - that rises shifting outwards, as visible in Figure 3, which shows a condition of intermediate opening of the door. In this step, the angular movement of the upper oscillating element 18 moreover brings about, via the lever 34, an action of pulling downwards of the friction member 31, countering the action of the elastic element represented by the stem 37 and by the spring 38 of the system 30, in order to counter-balance the weight of the door 6 and panel 12, as explained previously.
As the movement of opening of the door 6 proceeds, the displacement of the hinge part 14 causes, via the connection element 20, the further angular movement (in a counterclockwise direction) of the upper oscillating element 18, and hence a corresponding further angular movement (now substantially in a clockwise direction) of the connection element 23, which is transferred to the rocker 16. The rear end of the rocker 16 opposite to the pivot 15 is then raised substantially up to its initial position. Also the end of the rocker 16 with the pivot 15 thus substantially goes back into the initial position, as may be seen in Figure 4, which shows the condition where the door is completely open. In the passage between the positions of Figure 3 and Figure 4, the counter-balancing system continues to operate as already described above, with a further action of pulling downwards of the friction member 31 and a consequent further compression of the spring 38.
During reclosing of the door 6, the articulation arrangement of the hinge 7 and the corresponding counter-balancing system operate in a way opposite to what has been described above.
As has been said, according to the invention, the hinge 7 comprises a transmission system, for connecting the panel 12 to the articulation arrangement of the hinge in order to cause both sliding of the panel 12 on the door and recession (and subsequent approach) of a lower region of the panel 12 with respect to the door 6, during the movements of the latter.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the above transmission system consists of one or more angularly movable transmission elements. The transmission element, or each transmission element, is angularly movable about a respective axis, or else a respective pair of axes, where - unlike what is disclosed in EP 1 894 509 A - the axis or each axis of the pair of axes is able to translate during displacement of the door between its open and closed positions.
A possible embodiment of the transmission system of a hinge 7 according to one embodiment is illustrated in Figures 5-7. These figures are practically the same as Figures 2-4, with the addition of the elements of the aforesaid transmission system.
In the example illustrated, the transmission system comprises a first transmission element, designated as a whole by 40. In the example, the transmission element 40 has a distal end, designed to be articulated to the panel 12 via a respective pivot 41, which is set at a lower height than the axis of rotation of the door 6, here identified by the pivot 15. Articulation of the element 40 to the panel 12 may be provided via a corresponding articulation member, configured for being fixed at a rear surface of the panel itself. One such member is, for example, designated by 26 in Figure 1.
The transmission element 40 then has a proximal end, which is pivoted at a pivot of the articulation arrangement of the hinge 7. In a preferred embodiment, such as the one illustrated, the aforesaid pivot is the pivot 25, used for articulating the connection element 23 to the upper oscillating element 18.
In a preferred embodiment, the transmission system moreover comprises a second transmission element, designated as a whole by 42. A proximal end of the element 42 is pivoted at a further pivot of the articulation arrangement of the hinge 7, and in particular the pivot 15 that identifies the axis of rotation of the door 6. The element 42 then has a distal end that is articulated via a pivot 43 in a point of the first transmission element 40 that is intermediate between its proximal and distal ends.
In a preferred embodiment, the first transmission element 40 has a generally arched shape. In the example, the element 40, substantially in the form of a shaped lever, has two substantially rectilinear end portions 40a and 40b, connected together by an intermediate portion 40c which is also substantially rectilinear, where the pivot 43 is located. In the example, the lower portion 40a, which includes the distal end of the element 40, is longer than the upper portion 40b, which includes the proximal end of the element 40.
Once again preferentially, the transmission element 42 substantially includes two portions 42a and 42b angled with respect to one another, in particular to form an internal angle greater than 90°. In the example, the portion 42a that includes the proximal end of the element 42 is shorter than the portion 42b that includes the distal end of the element 42.
Figure 5 illustrates the hinge 7 in the condition of closing of the door, in a way similar to the one illustrated in Figure 2. In this condition, as may be noted, the elements 40 and 41 of the transmission system are in relative positions such that the pivot 41, for articulation to the panel 11, is preferably set at a lower height than the axis of rotation of the door identified by the pivot 15, in a position shifted outwards with respect to the latter. In this condition, the lower region of the panel 12 is kept substantially adjacent to the front surface of the door 6, as visible in the corresponding Figure 8. From Figures 5 and 8 it may moreover be appreciated that, in the closed position of the door 6, the axis of rotation identified by the pivot 15 is closer to the upper end of the door than to the distal end of the first transmission element 40, i.e., to the corresponding pivot 41 for articulation to the panel 12.
In the embodiment exemplified, the pivots 43 and 41 of the transmission system are parallel or substantially parallel to one another and to the pivots of the articulation arrangement and of the counter-balancing system, when the latter is envisaged.
When the door 6 is opened, the angular movement described above (in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in the figures) of the upper oscillating element 18 causes also a recession of the pivot 25, and hence of the first transmission element 40. The simultaneous displacement of the pivot 15 of the hinge 7 induces, via the second transmission element 42, a corresponding angular movement (here substantially in a clockwise direction) of the first transmission element 40 about the corresponding end pivot 25. In this way, the pivot 41 shifts upwards and further outwards with respect to the pivot 15 that identifies the axis of rotation of the door, as highlighted in Figure 6, which represents the condition of intermediate opening of the door 6. This movement of the element 40, i.e., of the pivot 41, determines at the same time both sliding of the panel 12 on the door 6, upwards, and recession of the lower portion of the panel 12 from the door 6, as may be seen in the corresponding Figure 9. As has been said, and as is also described hereinafter, in fact, the door 6 and the panel 12 are constrained to one another in their upper regions, via a sliding coupling that enables angular movement of the panel with respect to the door; this sliding coupling is designated as a whole by 50 in Figures 9 and 10.
As the movement of opening of the door 6 proceeds, the further angular displacement of the upper oscillating element 18 causes a further recession of the pivot 25 and raising thereof, with the pivot 15 of the hinge 7 that returns towards its initial position that brings also the second transmission element 42 back into its initial position: the result of these combined movements is that the first transmission element 40 now rotates in a counterclockwise direction and rises, causing the pivot 41 to recede and to approach the pivot 15 that identifies the axis of rotation of the door 6, as may be seen from Figure 7, which shows the condition where the door is completely open (from this figure, and from Figure 10, it may also be appreciated how, in this open position, the distal end of the first transmission element 40, i.e., of the corresponding pivot 41 for articulation to the panel 12, is now closer to the upper end of the door 6 than the axis of rotation identified by the pivot 15). The aforesaid movement of the element 40, i.e., of the pivot 41, determines further sliding of the panel 12 on the door 6, upwards, as well as partial approach of the lower portion of the panel 12 to the door 6, as may be seen from the corresponding Figure 10: in the condition where the door is completely open, the lower region of the panel remains at a distance from the door 6. In one embodiment, such as the one represented, the aforesaid partial approach of the panel to the door at the end of opening also enables easy access to the front of the base, useful for example for adjustment of the height of the feet 2b during installation of the machine and/or access - during operations of technical assistance - to a diagnostic socket of an electronic control board of the machine, positioned at the front of the base.
From Figures 8-10, and in particular from Figures 9 and 10 it may be noted how simultaneous sliding of the panel 12 and its divarication with respect to the door 6 make it possible to prevent the lower edge of the panel 12 from interfering with the front 2a of the base and/or with elements associated to the front itself. In particular, in the figures, designated by 2b is a pair of lateral feet for resting of the base 2, provided precisely at the front 2a.
Of course, during reclosing of the door 6, the elements 40 and 42 of the transmission system of the hinge 7 and the panel 12 move in a way opposite to what has been described above.
From Figures 5-7 it may be noted how, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, the elements 40-41 of the transmission system aimed at moving the panel 12 are not connected to the stationary structure of the electrical household appliance 1. Instead, each of the articulation points corresponding to the elements 40 and 42 can be translated during the movements of the door. From the above figures it may moreover be noted how, in the embodiment represented, in each position of the hinge 7 the axis of rotation of the door - identified by the pivot 15 - is set in a position that is intermediate between the proximal and distal ends of the transmission element 40. Preferably, moreover, in each position assumed by the hinge 7, the intermediate pivot 43 of the transmission element 40 is below the pivot 15.
Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of the door 6, of which representation of the inner shell 8 is omitted, with the associated panel 12 and a hinge 7. In the case exemplified, it may seen how, preferably, the hinge part 14 is fixed to an inner edge of the shell 9 of the door 6. Moreover visible is the connection of the transmission element 40 to an articulation member 26, fixed to the rear side of the panel 12. Once again in the figure it may moreover be noted how associated to the top of the outer shell 9 is the top component 10.
As mentioned previously, in a preferred embodiment, the sliding coupling 50 (see Figures 9 and 10) provided in the upper regions of the door and panel include at least one part that is defined by or integrated in the component 10, preferably made of plastic material, in particular an injection-mouldable thermoplastic material. As already mentioned, the coupling 50 comprises at least one coupling element, preferably two generally parallel coupling elements, which extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the door. In the example illustrated in Figure 11, the coupling elements are substantially constituted by longitudinally extending guides, designated by 51, defined in the component 10. In the preferred embodiment, each element or guide 51 defines a respective cam path, which can be engaged by a cam-follower fixed with respect to the panel 12.
Figure 12 is a partial exploded view of the ensemble comprising the door 6 and the panel 12, with a corresponding hinge 7. Clearly visible in this figure is the rear side of the panel 12, in the upper region of which a cam-follower element can be fixed, designated as a whole by 52. A possible embodiment of such a cam-follower element 52 is visible in Figure 13. In the example, the element 52 has a base 52a provided with through openings 52b for being secured, via screws or the like, to the back of the panel 12. Provided at the top of the base is the cam-follower 52c proper, here in the form of a cylindrical pin projecting laterally with respect to the base 52a, designed to co-operate with the aforesaid cam path defined by a respective slide guide 51.
As has been said, in the lower region of the back of the panel 12 an articulation member 26 may be secured (see, for example, Figures 1 and 8-11), designed for connection with the transmission element 40 of a respective hinge 7. In a preferred embodiment, and as may be seen in Figure 12, such an articulation member comprises at least two parts coupled together with possibility of adjustment. In the example illustrated, a part 26a is provided, for example in the form of a metal bracket, designed to be fixed to the back of the panel 12, to which a second part 26b is in turn fixed, for example in the form of a block made of plastic material, provided for example with a through hole for receiving the pivot 41 (Figures 5-7). The parts 26a and 26b may, for example, be coupled together by one or more screws. Preferably, moreover, fixing between the parts 26a and 26b is adjustable in order to enable precise adaptation of the relative position of the member 26 with respect to the pivot 41 and/or to the transmission element 40. Very preferably, coupling between the parts 26a and 26b is adjustable according to two degrees of freedom, for example in the direction of height and in the direction of width of the panel, even though not excluded is also a possibility of adjustment in the direction of thickness of the panel 12. At least one of the degrees of freedom of the adjustment system may be integrated in the single part 26a.
Visible in Figure 14 is the front side of the top component 10, opposite to the one visible in Figures 11 and 12, whereas visible in Figure 15 is a corresponding detail. It may be noted in this figure how, in a preferred embodiment, the sliding elements or guides 51 are defined directly in the plastic body of the component 10, each in the proximity of a minor side thereof, in a position intermediate between the front and rear sides of the component, i.e., in a position set back with respect to the front side of the door 6. Once again in Figure 15 designated by 54 is the aforesaid cam path, whereas designated by 51 a is a widening of the guide slit 51, designed to enable - during coupling of the panel 12 to the door 6 - insertion of the cam-follower 52c into the corresponding path 54.
A possible embodiment of the aforesaid cam path is visible in Figures 16-18, which are schematic lateral sections of the area of constraint between the door and the panel.
The cam path 54 has at least one cam surface, on which the cam-follower 52c is able to slide. In a preferred embodiment - such as the one illustrated - the path 54 includes two cam surfaces 54a and 54b (see also Figure 15), which extend in a longitudinal direction generally parallel to one another, and between which the cam-follower 52c may be slidably engaged.
As may be noted, the path 54, i.e., at least one of its cam surfaces 54a and 54b, has an initial portion, a final portion, and an intermediate portion, which can be engaged by the cam-follower 52c when the door 6 is in the closed position (Figure 16), in the open position (Figure 18), and in a position of the door intermediate between the open and closed positions (Figure 17). As may clearly noted from Figures 16-18, at least one stretch of the intermediate portion of the path 54, i.e., of at least one of its surfaces 54a and 54b, extends in a position closer to the front side of the door 6 than the corresponding initial and final portions. With reference to the example illustrated, the cam path 54, i.e., at least one of its surfaces 54a and 54b, has a generally arched or substantially V-shaped conformation, in any case distinguished by the presence of a descending stretch (starting from the initial end of the path 54) and an ascending stretch (that terminates at the final end of the path 54). As may be appreciated, in this way, the distance of the cam-follower 52c from the front side of the door 6 is variable during sliding of the cam-follower itself along the path 54.
This shape of the path 54, i.e., of at least one of its cam surfaces 54a and 54b, makes it possible to maintain the panel 12 adjacent to the door 6, when the latter is closed, and enables an angular movement of the panel 12 with respect to the door during the movements of opening and closing.
Figure 16 shows the condition corresponding to closing of the door (see for reference also Figure 8). In this condition, the cam-follower 52c is located substantially at the initial end of the cam path 54. The cam-follower 52c is hence in a position set back with respect to the front side of the door 6, so as to keep the back of the panel - in its upper region - substantially adjacent to the front side. The lower region of the panel is instead kept substantially adjacent to the front side of the door by means of the hinge, in the position of Figures 5 and 8.
During opening of the door 6, and as explained previously, the transmission system 40, 42 of the hinge 7 determines sliding of the panel 12 upwards. This is enabled by the fact that each cam-follower 52c can slide along the corresponding path 54 (i.e., on an at least one of its surfaces 54a, 54b), in particular along its descending stretch. In this way, the cam-follower 52c moves towards the intermediate portion of the path 54, i.e., its portion closer to the front side of the door 6, and in this way the upper region of the panel 12 tends to move away from the door 6. However, given that the transmission system 40, 42 of the hinge 7 determines also angular movement of the panel 12, the latter - albeit continuing to slide upwards - remains in contact with an end area of the door 6, in particular with the upper edge of its component 10, as visible in Figure 17 (see also Figure 9), which represents a condition of intermediate opening of the door.
As opening continues, sliding of the panel 12 proceeds, and hence of the cam-follower 52c in the corresponding path 54, along the corresponding ascending stretch. The cam-follower 52c hence moves towards the terminal portion of the path 54, into a position once again at a greater distance from the front side of the door. In this way, the upper region of the panel tends to approach the door 6 again. On the other side, the transmission system 40, 42 of the hinge 7 causes both sliding of the panel 12 to proceed and an angular movement thereof that tends to approach partially the lower region thereof to the door (see for reference Figure 10). Consequently, also in this situation, the panel 12 continues to slide upwards remaining in localized contact with the aforesaid end area of the door 6, here represented by the upper edge of the component 10. Figure 18 represents for this purpose the condition where the door is completely open (see also Figure 10).
Of course, the sliding coupling exemplified in Figures 16-18 operates in a way opposite to the one described above during reclosing of the door 6.
From the above description, the characteristics of the present invention emerge clearly, as likewise its advantages.
Coupling between the panel and the door, which enables sliding and angular movement of the panel with respect to the door, as well as the transmission system that connects the panel to the articulation arrangement of the hinge for causing the aforesaid sliding and angular movement, makes it possible to limit the number of points of constraint between the door and the panel, consequently simplifying production of the parts in question and their installation, and moreover reducing the friction during the operations of opening and closing of the door itself, with an increased reliability over time. The fact that the aforesaid transmission system is integrated in the hinge, i.e., does not comprise elements designed to be pivoted to the load-bearing structure of the electrical household appliance, simplifies and speeds up installation of the hinges.
It is clear that numerous variations may be made by the person skilled in the art to the electrical household appliance described by way of example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the annexed claims.
For example, in possible variant embodiments, the articulation arrangement between the two parts 13 and 14 of each hinge 7 may be different from the one exemplified herein, without prejudice to its functions. Possibly, the hinges used for the purposes of implementation of the invention could be fixed-fulcrum hinges.
Also the sliding coupling provided between the panel and the door may be different from the one exemplified, without prejudice to its functions of enabling both sliding of the panel and its angular movement. There may be mentioned, for example, the possibility of providing the cam paths on the back of the panel 12 and the corresponding cam-follower on the front of the door 6, in particular of its upper component 10.
Also the transmission system designed to cause sliding and angular movement of the front decorative panel with respect to the door of the electrical household appliance could be different from the one described, without prejudice to its functions.
For example, Figures 19, 20, and 21 illustrate a variant embodiment whereby the transmission system of the hinge 7 includes a single angularly rotatable transmission element. In these figures, the same reference numbers as those of the previous figures are used to designate elements similar or technically equivalent to those already described above.
Also in an embodiment of the above sort, the single transmission element, designated as a whole by 40', is not articulated to the stationary structure of the electrical household appliance, but is instead associated only to rotation pivots that can be translated during the movements of opening and closing of the door. In the example illustrated, the transmission element 40' has substantially the shape of a longitudinally extending shaped lever, in particular including three portions inclined with respect to one another. A proximal end of the element 40' is articulated to the friction member 31, in particular via a corresponding pivot 35, whereas provided at the distal end of the element 40' is the pivot 41 for articulation to the panel 12. The element 40' is then articulated, at an intermediate point thereof, to the upper oscillating element 18, via a corresponding pivot 36. It will be appreciated that the substantially rectilinear portion of the element 40' that extends between the pivots 35 and 36 fulfils also the functions of the connection element 34 of the counter-balancing system 30 of the first embodiment described. The part of the element 40' that extends between the pivots 36 and 41 includes two substantially rectilinear portions angled with respect to one another, in particular to form an internal angle greater than 90°. As may be appreciated from a comparison between Figures 19, 20, and 21, which illustrate conditions corresponding to those of Figures 5, 6 and 7, respectively, the hinge 7 according to the second embodiment makes it possible to obtain an effect of movement of the pivot 41 substantially similar to what has been described with reference to the first embodiment. Also sliding and angular movement of the panel 12 with respect to the door 6 during opening of the latter are substantially similar to those already described previously, as may be noted from a comparison between Figures 22, 23, and 24, on the one hand, and Figures 8, 9, 10 on the other hand. The only significant difference between the hinge of the first embodiment and the hinge of the second embodiment is that the transmission system 40' of the latter determines more marked angular movements of the panel 12 with respect to the door 6, without a significant approach of the panel to the door in the final step of opening, in any case preventing interference of the lower edge of the panel with the front 2a of the base 2, or with elements 2b associated to the front 2a itself.
Figure 25 illustrates a further possible embodiment of a hinge suitable for the purposes of implementation of the invention. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment of Figures 19-24. In this case a transmission element, designated by 40", is formed by two parts designated by 401 and 402, which are not, however, articulated with one another, but secured to one another in a fixed way so as to provide in any case a single transmission element.
The part 401 is, for example, plate-shaped, in particular approximately shaped like an L, which is articulated at its proximal end to the friction member 31, via a corresponding pivot 35, and is articulated in an intermediate region thereof to the upper oscillating element 18, via a corresponding pivot 36. The part 401 has then a distal end, in a position set back with respect to the pivot 36, where secured to the distal end is, via at least one fixed connection 403, the proximal end of the part 402. The distal end of the part 402 is provided with the pivot 41, for rotatable connection, via an articulation member 26, to the panel 12. The part 402 includes in the example two substantially rectilinear portions, angled with respect to one another to form an internal angle greater than 90°. As may be appreciated, operation of the hinge of Figure 25 and of the corresponding transmission system 40" is substantially similar to that of the second embodiment. An additional advantage of this solution is that the part 401, during movement of the door, does not exit at the front from the overall dimensions of the electrical household appliance. In this way, the hinge may also be mounted without the part 402, in the case of use on machines without a front decorative panel or of machines having a front panel of a height substantially corresponding to the height of the door, fixed to the latter without any possibility of movement; the same basic hinge may, instead, be provided with the part 402 in the case of use on machines equipped with a front panel higher than the door (for example, 800 mm or more), as in the embodiments described previously.

Claims

An electrical household appliance (1) having a load-bearing structure (2) and a door (6),
wherein the door (6) is hinged in a lower region thereof to the load-bearing structure (2) via at least one hinge (7), so as to turn according to a substantially horizontal axis of rotation (15) between a closed position and an open position, in which the door (6) is substantially vertical and substantially horizontal, respectively,
wherein an upper region of the door (6) is provided with at least one coupling element (51) belonging to a sliding coupling (50), designed to constrain a front panel (12) to the door (6), the coupling element (51) being configured for enabling a movement of sliding of the front panel (12) relative to the door (6) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation (15),
wherein the hinge (7) comprises a first part (13) secured to the load-bearing structure (2), a second part (14) secured to the door (6) and an articulation arrangement (16, 18, 20, 23) that connects the first hinge part (13) to the second hinge part (14),
the electrical household appliance (1) being characterized in that:
- the coupling element (51) is moreover pre-arranged for enabling an angular movement of the front panel (12) relative to the door (6) during passage of the latter between its closed and open positions, and

- the hinge (7) moreover comprises a transmission system (40, 42; 40'; 40") designed to connect the front panel (12) to the articulation arrangement (16, 18, 20, 23) so as to cause both the aforesaid movement of sliding of the front panel (12) and a displacement of a lower region of the front panel (12) in a position spaced apart with respect to the door (6) during passage of the door (6) from the closed position to the open position.
The electrical household appliance according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one hinge (7) is a hinge with variable fulcrum, the articulation arrangement of which comprises a system of levers (16, 18, 20, 23) configured in such a way that the axis of rotation (15) is able to translate during passage of the door (6) between the closed position and the open position.
The electrical household appliance according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the transmission system consists of one or more angularly rotatable transmission elements (40, 41; 40'; 40"), the transmission element (40'; 40") or each transmission element (40, 41) being rotatable according to a respective axis or a respective pair of axes, the axis or each axis of the pair of axes being able to translate during displacement of the door (6) between the open and closed positions.
The electrical household appliance according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the transmission system (40, 41; 40'; 40") comprises a first transmission element (40; 40'; 40") articulated at a first pivot (25; 36; 36) of the articulation arrangement (16, 18, 20, 23), the first transmission element (40; 40'; 40") having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being designed to be articulated to the front panel (12) at a lower height than the axis of rotation (15).
The electrical household appliance according to Claim 4, wherein the transmission system (40, 41) comprises a second transmission element (41) having:
a proximal end pivoted at a second pivot (15) of the articulation arrangement (16, 18, 20, 23) that identifies the axis of rotation; and

a distal end pivoted in a point of the first transmission element (40) that is intermediate between the respective proximal and distal ends.
The electrical household appliance according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein, in each operative position assumed by the hinge (7) during passage of the door (6) between the closed and open positions, the axis of rotation (15) is in an intermediate position between the proximal and distal ends of the first transmission element (40), the first transmission element (40) preferably having a generally arched shape.
The electrical household appliance according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein, in each operative position assumed by the hinge (7) during passage of the door (6) between the closed and open positions, the aforesaid intermediate point of the first transmission element (40) is below the axis of rotation (15), the second transmission element (41) preferably including two portions that extend at an angle with respect to one another.
The electrical household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge (7) has a counter-balancing system (30) for countering the effect of the weight of the door (6), with the associated front panel (12), during displacement of the door (6) between the open and closed positions.
The electrical household appliance according to Claim 8, wherein the counter-balancing system (30) comprises:
a guide (32) in a fixed position, in particular fixed with respect to or integral with the first hinge part (13), which extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation (15);

a friction member (31) having at least one friction element (33) slidably engaged in the guide (32); and

a connection element (34) having a first end pivoted to the friction member (31) and a second end pivoted to an angularly mobile element (18) of the articulation arrangement (16, 18, 20, 23),

wherein the friction member (31) is moreover connected to balancing means (37, 38), which comprise in particular a spring.
The electrical household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulation arrangement (16, 18, 20, 23) comprises:
a first oscillating element (16), in particular a rocker, pivoted in an intermediate region thereof to the first hinge part (13), the first oscillating element (16) having a first end articulated to the second hinge part (14) via the said second pivot (15) that identifies the axis of rotation;

a second oscillating element (18), pivoted in an intermediate region thereof to the first hinge part (13) at a greater height than the first oscillating element (16);

a first connection element (20), having a first end pivoted to the second hinge part (14) via a corresponding third pivot (21) and a second end pivoted to the second oscillating element (18) via a corresponding fourth pivot (22), the third pivot (21) being at a greater height than the second pivot (15) that identifies the axis of rotation; and

a second connection element (23) having a first end pivoted to a second end of the first oscillating element (16) that is generally opposite to the second pivot (15), and a second end pivoted to the second oscillating element (18), in particular via a pivot (25) that is in a position generally opposite to the fourth pivot (22), where preferably said pivot is the aforesaid first pivot (25).
The electrical household appliance according to Claims 9 and 10, wherein the second end of the aforesaid connection element (34) of the counter-balancing system (30) is pivoted to the second oscillating element (18) of the articulation arrangement (16, 18, 20, 23) via a respective pivot (36).
The electrical household appliance according to any one of Claims 4-11, wherein:
in the closed position of the door (6) the axis of rotation (15) is closer to the upper end of the door (6) with respect to the distal end of the first transmission element (40); and

in the open position of the door (6) the distal end of the first transmission element (40) is closer to the upper end of the door (6) with respect to the axis of rotation (15).
The electrical household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding coupling (50) comprises at least:
a cam path (54), defined by the coupling element (51) in an upper region of the door (6), the cam path (54) extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation (15);

a cam-follower element (52) designed for fixing to the front panel (12) and having a cam-follower (52c) that can be engaged in the cam path (54);

wherein the cam path (54) has at least one cam surface (54a, 54b) on which the cam-follower (52c) of the cam-follower element (52) is able to slide, the cam surface (54a, 54b) having an initial portion engageable by the cam-follower (52c) when the door (6) is in the closed position, a final portion, engageable by the cam-follower (52c) when the door (6) is in the open position, and a portion that is intermediate to the initial and final portions,

wherein at least one stretch of the intermediate portion of the at least one cam surface (54a, 54b) extends in a position closer to a front side of the door (6) with respect to the corresponding initial and final portions,

where in particular the coupling element (51) with the corresponding cam path (54) is defined in a plastic component (10) that provides an upper end portion of the door (6).
The electrical household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, moreover comprising at least one articulation member (26) pre-arranged for articulating the transmission system (40, 41; 40'; 40") of the hinge (7) to the front panel (12), the articulation member (26) being configured for being fixed at a rear side of the front panel (12), the articulation member (26) preferably comprising two parts (26a, 26b) coupled to each other with possibility of adjustment.
A hinge (7) for hinging a lower region of a door (6) to the load-bearing structure (2) of an electrical household appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, in such a way that the door (6) turns according to a substantially horizontal axis of rotation (15) between a closed position and an open position, in which the door (6) is substantially vertical and substantially horizontal, respectively,
wherein the hinge (7) comprises a first part (13), designed to be secured to the load-bearing structure (2), a second part (14) designed to be secured to the door (6) and an articulation arrangement (16, 18, 20, 23) that connects the first hinge part (13) to the second hinge part (14),
wherein the hinge (7) moreover comprises a transmission system (40, 42; 40'; 40") pre-arranged for connecting to the articulation arrangement (16, 18, 20, 23) a front panel (12) that is coupled to the door (6) in a slidable and angularly mobile way, the transmission system (40, 42; 40'; 40") being also pre-arranged so as to cause both a movement of sliding of the front panel (12) on the door (6) and a displacement of a lower region of the front panel (12) in a position spaced with respect to the door (6) during passage of the door (6) from the closed position to the open position.