EP3619474A1

EP3619474A1 - Cooking appliance with improved assemblage

Info

Publication number: EP3619474A1
Application number: EP17725867.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Emrah BICER; Mehmet Murat MAMATOGLU; Merih Tarimtoru; Ilhan OFLUGIL
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2017-05-03
Filing date: 2017-05-03
Publication date: 2020-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-03
Also published as: WO2018202281A1; EP3619474B1; TR201801569A2; PL3619474T3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooking appliance (1), in particular a freestanding oven (1) comprising: a cooktop (2) for accommodating one or more heating units; a top lid (3) for covering/uncovering the cooktop (2); one or more hinge assemblies (4) each for pivotably connecting the top lid (3) to the cooktop (2), wherein one or more hinge assemblies (4) each comprises: a hinge arm (5) which is adapted to be connected to the top lid (3); a hinge base (6) which is adapted to be connected to the cooktop (2); and a hinge joint (7) which is adapted to pivotably join the hinge arm (5) and the hinge base (6), wherein one or more hinge assemblies (4) each further comprises: a first connecting means (8) for non-releasably connecting the hinge arm (5) to the top lid (3); a second connecting means (9) for non-releasably connecting the hinge arm (5) and the hinge base (6) through the hinge joint (7); and a third connecting means (10) for connecting the hinge base (6) to the cooktop (2).

Description

COOKING APPLIANCE WITH IMPROVED ASSEMBLAGE

The present invention relates to a cooking appliance, in particular to a freestanding oven with a cooktop.
Cooking appliances such as freestanding ovens with cooktops are commonly known in the art. A freestanding oven generally comprises a cooktop for accommodating one or more heating units such as gas burners; a top lid for covering/uncovering the cooktop; one or more hinge assemblies each for pivotably connecting the top lid to the cooktop. The hinge assembly generally comprises: a hinge arm which is adapted to be connected to the top lid; a hinge base which is adapted to be connected to the cooktop; and a hinge joint which is adapted to pivotably join the hinge arm and the hinge base.
DE102005042801A1 discloses a cooking appliance with a cooktop and a top lid for covering/uncovering the cooktop.
A problem with the prior art cooking appliance is that the assembly operator experiences difficulties when assembling the top lid with the cooktop, and thus the assembly process takes unnecessary time and effort of the assembly operator. Another problem with the prior art cooking appliance is that during the package testing, the top lid is frequently dislodged. In such instances, the glass top lid is vulnerable to receive damages during the transportation per ship, rail and/or truck, and thus the damaged top lid requires maintenance/repair which incurs additional costs both in terms of labor and material.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance and a method of assembling the cooking appliance which solve the aforementioned problems of the prior art in a cost-effective way and which enables an improved production and assemblage.
This objective has been achieved by the cooking appliance as defined in claim 1, and the method of assembling the cooking appliance as defined in claim 15. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.
In the cooking appliance of the present invention one or more hinge assemblies each further comprises: a first connecting means for non-releasably connecting the hinge arm to the top lid; a second connecting means for non-releasably connecting the hinge arm and the hinge base through the hinge joint; and a third connecting means for connecting the hinge base to the cooktop.
The assembly method of the present invention comprises: a step of preassembling one or more hinge assemblies with each top lid such that the top lid is non-releasably connected to the hinge arms, and the hinge arms are non-releasably connected to the hinge bases respectively through the hinge joint; and after the preassembling step, a step of putting the cooktops and the top lids which are preassembled with the hinge assemblies into a production line, and connecting the hinge bases to the respective cooktops.
A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the assembly operator can easily and quickly assemble the top lid with the cooktop on the production line. Thereby the overall production cost can be reduced both in terms of labor and material. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the top lid can be prevented from becoming dislodged, relatively misaligned or misplaced during the transportation. Thereby, the risk of damaging the top lid can be eliminated or reduced as much as possible.
In alternative embodiments, the cooking appliance may be provided with or without an oven. In alternative embodiments, the cooking appliance may be provided as a freestanding type appliance or a built-in type appliance.
In an embodiment, the top lid and the hinge arms are bonded together with an adhesive. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the adhesive bond is reliable, cost-effective, and inconspicuous. In an embodiment, the top lid and the hinge arms of the hinge assemblies are bonded in the preassembling step. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the assembly operator can easily and quickly assemble the top lid and the hinge assemblies with the cooktop on the production line.
In an embodiment, the edge of the top lid is received and held by a groove in the hinge arm. In an embodiment, the groove has ridges. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the top lid and the hinge assembly can be securely assembled.
In an embodiment, the hinge joint has a horizontal pivoting pin which is secured into the pivoting holes formed into the hinge arm and the hinge base. In an embodiment, the hinge arm and the hinge base are non-releasably joined in the preassembling step. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the assembly operator can easily and quickly assemble the top lid and the hinge assemblies with the cooktop on the production line.
In an embodiment, the hinge base is releasably connected to the cooktop. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the hinge assemblies can be easily removed for maintenance/repair when the top lid is broken or damaged, and must be replaced.
In an embodiment, the hinge base is releasably connected to the cooktop with a screw connection such as a threaded bar and a nut. In an embodiment, the screw connection is tightened from the inner side of the cooktop. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the screw connection cannot be accessed from the outside.
In an embodiment, the threaded bar is integrally provided with the hinge base as a single piece. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the hinge assembly can be easily handled by the assembly operator.
In another embodiment, a restricting means restricts the pivotal movement of the top lid towards the cooktop when the top lid is in the horizontal position and away from the cooktop when the top lid is in a stable upright position. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the top lid can be selectively and properly held in the horizontal position and in the stable upright position.
In another embodiment, a front abutment on the hinge arm abuts against a front bearing surface of the hinge base when the top lid is in the horizontal position. In an embodiment, a rear abutment on the hinge arm abuts against a rear bearing surface of the hinge base when the top lid is in the stable upright position. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the restricting means, including the front abutment and the rear abutment can be provided integrally with the hinge assembly, and thus the number of pieces can be reduced.
In another embodiment, the top lid has a glass panel. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the user can view through the glass panel and see the cooktop.
Additional features and additional advantageous effects of the cooking appliance of the present invention will become more apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 – is a schematic partial perspective view of a cooking appliance, in particular a freestanding oven according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the top lid is in the horizontal position;
Figure 2 – is a schematic partial perspective view of the cooking appliance of Fig. 1, wherein the top lid is in the stable upright position;
Figure 3 – is a schematic enlarged partial perspective view of the cooking appliance of Fig. 1;
Figure 4 – is a schematic enlarged partial perspective view of the cooking appliance of Fig. 2;
Figure 5 – is a schematic partial perspective rear view of the cooking appliance of Fig. 1;
Figure 6 – is a schematic enlarged partial perspective rear view of the cooking appliance of Fig. 5;
Figure 7 – is a schematic exploded enlarged partial perspective view of the hinge assembly of the cooking appliance of Fig. 1.
The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Cooking appliance (Freestanding oven)
Cooktop
Top lid
Hinge assembly
Hinge arm
Hinge base
Hinge joint
First connecting means
Second connecting means
Third connecting means
Bonding connection
Groove
Ridge
Pivoting pin
Pivoting hole
Screw connection
Threaded bar
Aperture
Nut
Restricting means
Front abutment
Front bearing surface
Rear abutment
Rear bearing surface
Glass panel
Leaf Spring
Cam
Alignment pin
Alignment hole

The cooking appliance (1) comprises: a cooktop (2) for accommodating one or more heating units (not shown); a top lid (3) for covering/uncovering the cooktop (2); one or more hinge assemblies (4) each for pivotably connecting the top lid (3) to the cooktop (2). The hinge assemblies (4) each comprises: a hinge arm (5) which is adapted to be connected to the top lid (3); a hinge base (6) which is adapted to be connected to the cooktop (2); and a hinge joint (7) which is adapted to pivotably join the hinge arm (5) and the hinge base (6) (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).
In the cooking appliance (1) of the present invention, the hinge assemblies (4) each further comprises: a first connecting means (8) for non-releasably connecting the hinge arm (5) to the top lid (3); a second connecting means (9) for non-releasably connecting the hinge arm (5) and the hinge base (6) through the hinge joint (7); and a third connecting means (10) for connecting the hinge base (6) to the cooktop (2) (Fig. 7).
In an embodiment, the cooking appliance (1) is provided in form of a freestanding oven (1).
In an embodiment, the first connecting means (8) comprises a bonding connection (11) which non-releasably connects the hinge arm (5) to the top lid (3) (Fig. 3). The bonding connection (11) comprises an adhesive which binds the top lid (3) and the hinge arm (5) together.
In an embodiment, the first connecting means (8) comprises a groove (12) for receiving and holding the edge of the top lid (3). In this embodiment, the groove (12) is formed into the hinge arm (5) (Fig. 7).
In an embodiment, the first connecting means (8) comprises a plurality of ridges (13) which are formed onto the surface of the groove (12) (Fig. 7).
In an embodiment, the hinge joint (7) comprises a horizontal pivoting pin (14). In this embodiment, the second connecting means (9) comprises horizontal pivoting holes (15) which are formed into the hinge base (6) and the hinge arm (5). In this embodiment, the pivoting pin (14) is secured into the pivoting holes (15) (Fig. 7).
In an embodiment, the third connecting means (10) is further adapted to releasably connect the hinge base (6) to the cooktop (2) (Fig. 6).
In an embodiment, the third connecting means (10) comprises a screw connection (16) (Fig. 7).
In an embodiment, the screw connection (16) comprises: a vertical threaded bar (17) which is fixed to the hinge base (6) and adapted to protrude into an aperture (18) on the cooktop (2); and a nut (19) to be fixed on the threaded bar (17) from the inner side of the cooktop (2) (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7).
In an embodiment, the threaded bar (17) and the hinge base (5) are a single piece (Fig. 7).
In an embodiment, the third connecting means (10) is not accessible from the upper side of the cooktop (2). In this embodiment, the third connecting means (10) is accessible from the inner side of the cooktop (2). (Fig. 1)
In an embodiment, the cooking appliance (1) further comprises a restricting means (20) for restricting the pivotal movement of the top lid (3) towards the cooktop (2) when the top lid (3) is in the horizontal position, and for restricting the pivotal movement of the top lid (3) away from the cooktop (2) when the top lid (3) is in a stable upright position (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).
In an embodiment, the restricting means (20) comprises a front abutment (21) which is formed onto the hinge arm (5) and which abuts against a front bearing surface (22) of the hinge base (6) when the top lid (3) is in the horizontal position (Fig. 7).
In an embodiment, the restricting means (20) comprises a rear abutment (23) which is formed onto the hinge arm (5) and which abuts against a rear bearing surface (24) of the hinge base (6) when the top lid (3) is in the stable upright position (Fig. 7).
In an embodiment, the top lid (3) comprises a glass panel (25) for covering the cooktop (2) (Fig. 1).
In an embodiment, the hinge assembly (4) has a leaf spring (26) inside the hinge base (6) for cushioning the top lid (3). In this embodiment, the hinge arm (5) has two cams (27) which respectively contact the leaf spring (26) in the horizontal position and the upright position respectively (Fig. 7).
In an embodiment, the hinge base (6) has two vertical alignments pins (28) which are to be inserted into the alignment holes (29) on the cooktop (2) (Fig. 6).
In the subsequent description, a method of assembling one or more cooking appliances (1) will be briefly explained. Two hinge assemblies (4) are preassembled with each top lid (3) such that the top lid (3) is non-releasably connected to the hinge arms (5), and the hinge arms (5) are non-releasably connected to the hinge bases (6) respectively through the hinge joints (7). After the preassembling step, the cooktops (2) and the top lids (3) which have been preassembled with the hinge assemblies (4) are put into a production line, and the hinge bases (6) are connected by the assembly operator to the respective cooktops (2) through the screw connection (16).
A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the assembly operator can easily and quickly assemble the top lid (3) with the cooktop (2) on the production line. Thereby, the overall production cost can be reduced both in terms of labor and material. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the top lid (3) can be prevented from becoming dislodged, relatively misaligned or misplaced during the transportation. Thereby, the risk of damaging the top lid (3) can be eliminated or reduced as much as possible. Other advantageous effects of the present invention can be taken from the above described embodiments.

Claims

A cooking appliance (1), in particular a freestanding oven (1) comprising: a cooktop (2) for accommodating one or more heating units; a top lid (3) for covering/uncovering the cooktop (2); one or more hinge assemblies (4) each for pivotably connecting the top lid (3) to the cooktop (2), wherein one or more hinge assemblies (4) each comprises: a hinge arm (5) which is adapted to be connected to the top lid (3); a hinge base (6) which is adapted to be connected to the cooktop (2); a hinge joint (7) which is adapted to pivotably join the hinge arm (5) and the hinge base (6), characterized in that one or more hinge assemblies (4) each further comprises: a first connecting means (8) for non-releasably connecting the hinge arm (5) to the top lid (3); a second connecting means (9) for non-releasably connecting the hinge arm (5) and the hinge base (6) through the hinge joint (7); and a third connecting means (10) for connecting the hinge base (6) to the cooktop (2).
The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting means (8) comprises a bonding connection (11) which non-releasably connects the hinge arm (5) to the top lid (3).
The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first connecting means (8) comprises a groove (12) for receiving and holding the edge of the top lid (3), wherein the groove (12) is formed into the hinge arm (5).
The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first connecting means (8) comprises a plurality of ridges (13) formed onto the surface of the groove (12).
The cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hinge joint (7) comprises a horizontal pivoting pin (14); and the second connecting means (9) comprises horizontal pivoting holes (15) which are formed into the hinge base (6) and the hinge arm (5), wherein the pivoting pin (14) is secured into the pivoting holes (15).
The cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the third connecting means (10) is further adapted to releasably connect the hinge base (6) to the cooktop (2).
The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the third connecting means (10) comprises a screw connection (16).
The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the screw connection (16) comprises: a vertical threaded bar (17) which is fixed to the hinge base (6) and adapted to protrude into an aperture (18) on the cooktop (2); and a nut (19) to be fixed on the threaded bar (17) from the inner side of the cooktop (2).
The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the threaded bar (17) and the hinge base (5) are a single piece.
The cooking appliance (1) according to any one claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the third connecting means (10) is accessible from the inner side of the cooktop (2).
The cooking appliance (1) according to any one claims 1 to 10, characterized by further comprising a restricting means (20) for restricting the pivotal movement of the top lid (3) towards the cooktop (2) when the top lid (3) is in the horizontal position, and for restricting the pivotal movement of the top lid (3) away from the cooktop (2) when the top lid (3) is in a stable upright position.
The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the restricting means (20) comprises a front abutment (21) which is formed onto the hinge arm (5) and which abuts against a front bearing surface (22) of the hinge base (6) when the top lid (3) is in the horizontal position.
The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the restricting means (20) comprises a rear abutment (23) which is formed onto the hinge arm (5) and which abuts against a rear bearing surface (24) of the hinge base (6) when the top lid (3) is in the stable upright position.
The cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the top lid (3) comprises a glass panel (25) which covers the cooktop (2) in the horizontal position.
A method of assembling one or more cooking appliances (1) each comprising: a cooktop (2) for accommodating one or more heating units; a top lid (3) for covering/uncovering the cooktop (2); one or more hinge assemblies (4) each for pivotably connecting the top lid (3) to the cooktop (2), wherein one or more hinge assemblies (4) each comprises: a hinge arm (5) which is adapted to be connected to the top lid (3); a hinge base (6) which is adapted to be connected to the cooktop (2);a hinge joint (7) which is adapted to pivotably join the hinge arm (5) and the hinge base (6), characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: preassembling one or more hinge assemblies (4) with each top lid (3) such that the top lid (3) is non-releasably connected to the hinge arms (5), and the hinge arms (5) are non-releasably connected to the hinge bases (6) respectively through the hinge joints (7); and

putting, after the preassembling step, the cooktops (2) and the top lids (3) which are preassembled with the hinge assemblies (4) into a production line, and connecting the hinge bases (6) to the respective cooktops (2).