EP4375466A1 - Hinge for a device, in particular for a domestic appliance or a piece of furniture, and device, in particular domestic appliance or piece of furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hinge (20) for a device (10), with a base element (24), with a hinge arm (30) which is connected to the base element (24) so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (32) relative to the base element (24), with a transmission element (34) which is held on the base element (24) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (36) relative to the base element (24), with a spring (44), and with an actuating element (46) coupled to the spring (44), which is coupled in an articulated manner to the transmission element (34) and can be displaced in a guided manner along a guide (52) of the base element (24), so that the spring (44) can be tensioned and relaxed by displacing the actuating element (46) along the guide (52).

Description

The invention relates to a hinge for a device, in particular for a household appliance or a piece of furniture. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device, in particular a household appliance or a device, with at least one such hinge.

Devices such as household appliances and pieces of furniture with respective hinges are already well known from the general state of the art. The respective device has a respective device body, which for example has a receiving space, also referred to as a receiving area. The receiving space is, for example, a baking tray, in which case the device is designed as an oven, for example. The receiving space is, for example, a cooking space in which food can be cooked. In particular, if the device is designed as a dishwasher, for example, the receiving space can be a treatment chamber for washing or rinsing dishes. The device also has a door, also referred to as a flap, which is connected in an articulated manner to the respective device body via at least one hinge, usually via at least or exactly two hinges, and is thus held on the respective device body so as to be pivotable relative to the respective device body.

The object of the present invention is to provide a hinge for a device such as a household appliance or a piece of furniture and a device with at least one such hinge so that a particularly advantageous operation of a door of the device can be realized.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a hinge having the features of patent claim 1 and by a device having the features of patent claim 15. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a hinge for a device. This means that the device has the hinge in its fully manufactured state. In particular, in its fully manufactured state, the device has a device body, also referred to simply as a base body or body, which can, for example, have a receiving space, also referred to as a receiving area. Furthermore, in its fully manufactured state, the device has, for example, a door, also referred to as a flap, which is connected to the device body in an articulated manner via the hinge, i.e. by means of the hinge. As a result, the door is held on the device body by means of the hinge so that it can pivot relative to the device body. In other words, the door can be pivoted relative to the device body while the door is held on the device body by means of the hinge. For example, the door can be pivoted relative to the device body by means of the hinge between at least one open position and a closed position. In particular, it is conceivable that the receiving space has an opening, in particular designed as a through opening, which, for example, opens on the one hand into the receiving space and on the other hand into an area surrounding the device body itself, i.e. considered on its own. In the closed position, for example, at least a partial area of the opening and thus of the receiving space is closed off, in particular from the surroundings, by the door. In particular, it is conceivable that in the closed position the entire opening and thus the entire receiving space is covered by the door, in particular from the surroundings, and is thus closed off. In the open position, the door releases at least the partial area, so that, for example, in the open position, at least one object can be moved from the surroundings into the receiving space or moved from the receiving space into the surroundings via the released partial area. In particular If the device is designed as a dishwasher, which is also referred to as a dishwasher, the receiving space is, for example, a treatment chamber for washing dishes. Thus, for example, in the open position, dishes can be moved from the surroundings into the receiving space via the released partial area in order to wash the dishes. In particular, after a rinsing process, washed, i.e. rinsed, dishes can be removed from the receiving space via the released partial area in the open position.

In order to be able to realize a particularly advantageous operation of the door, i.e. in order to be able to pivot the door particularly advantageously, in particular particularly comfortably, manually relative to the device body, in particular between the closed position and the open position, the hinge has a base element, which is also referred to as a carrier part. For example, the base element is designed as a base plate. For example, the base element can be designed separately from the device body, wherein the base element is attached to the device body, for example, in particular in such a way that relative movements between the base element and the device body are avoided. It is also conceivable that the base element is a component of the device body, in particular a wall and very particularly a side wall of the device body. The hinge also has a hinge arm which is connected to the base element so that it can pivot about a first pivot axis relative to the base element. The hinge arm can thus be pivoted about the first pivot axis relative to the base element, while the hinge arm is held on the base element, i.e. is connected to the base element. In particular, the base element can be connected at least indirectly, in particular directly, to the device body or to a component of the device body. It is also conceivable that the hinge arm can be connected to the door or to a component of the door. In particular, the hinge arm can be designed separately from the door and can be connected to the door or the component of the door, or the hinge arm is part of the door, so that, for example, in the fully manufactured state of the device, the hinge arm is connected to the said component of the door. The hinge also has a transmission element which can be rotated about an axis of rotation relative to the Base element is rotatably held on the base element. This means that the transmission element can be rotated about the axis of rotation relative to the base element, while the transmission element is held on the base element, i.e. is connected to the base element. In particular, it is conceivable that the axis of rotation is spaced apart from the first pivot axis. For example, the first pivot axis and the axis of rotation run parallel to one another. The transmission element can be designed as a disk, which is also referred to as a turntable or deflection disk. The transmission element is also referred to as a deflection element.

The hinge also has a spring, which is also referred to as a spring element. The spring is preferably a mechanical spring, so that the spring is preferably designed as a solid body. In particular, the spring can be a helical spring. The hinge also has an actuating element which is coupled to the spring. In addition, the actuating element is coupled to the transmission element in an articulated manner. The base element has a guide, which is also referred to as the first guide. When the guide is mentioned above and below, this means the first guide of the base element, unless otherwise stated. The actuating element can be moved along the first guide of the base element. This means that the actuating element can be moved along the guide and thus relative to the base element. If the actuating element is moved along the first guide of the base element and thus relative to the base element, the actuating element is guided by the first guide of the base element, in particular relative to the base element. In particular, the first guide is or defines, for example, a first movement path or first guide track, along which the actuating element can be moved relative to the base element. Thus, for example, the first guide defines a first movement direction, corresponding in particular to the first movement path or the first guide track, along which the actuating element can be moved relative to the base element. It is preferably provided that the first movement path or the first guide track and thus, for example, the first movement direction run straight or rectilinearly, i.e. along a first straight line. Thus, for example, the first guide, that is to say the first movement path or the first guide track, is straight and along the first straight line. It is preferably provided that, in the installed position of the hinge, the first guide and thus the first movement path or the first guide track and thus, for example, the first direction of movement run in a vertical direction. The hinge assumes its installed position when the device having the hinge is fully manufactured and when the device is in the position of use intended for its intended use. For example, in the position of use the device is on an at least substantially horizontal plane. It is also conceivable that the first guide and thus, for example, the first movement path or the first guide track and thus the first direction of movement, and therefore in particular the first straight line, run obliquely to the vertical direction and obliquely to the horizontal when the hinge is installed.

Since the actuating element is coupled to the spring and can be moved along the first guide of the base element and thus guided relative to the base element, the spring can be tensioned and relaxed by moving the actuating element along the first guide and thus relative to the base element. In other words, if the actuating element is pushed back and forth along the first guide and relative to the base element, the spring is thereby tensioned and relaxed, in particular alternately. In other words, if the actuating element is pushed in a first direction along the first guide relative to the base element, for example, the spring is thereby tensioned. If, for example, the actuating element is then pushed in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the first guide relative to the base element, the spring is thereby at least partially relaxed. For example, the spring is designed as a tension spring which, for example, is guided when the actuating element is pushed along the first guide in the first direction, i.e. its length is increased and it is thereby tensioned. If, for example, the actuating element is then pushed in the second direction along the first guide, the spring is shortened in length, i.e. its length is shortened and at least partially relaxed.

The hinge also has a lever element which is connected to the transmission element so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis relative to the transmission element. It is preferably provided that the second pivot axis is spaced apart from the first pivot axis and from the axis of rotation, wherein it is very preferably provided that the second pivot axis runs parallel to the first pivot axis and parallel to the axis of rotation. In addition, the lever element is connected to the hinge arm so as to be pivotable about a third pivot axis relative to the hinge arm. It is preferably provided that the third pivot axis is spaced apart from the first pivot axis, from the axis of rotation and from the second pivot axis. The third pivot axis preferably runs parallel to the first pivot axis, parallel to the second pivot axis and parallel to the axis of rotation. Thus, by pivoting the hinge arm about the first pivot axis and relative to the base element, the transmission element can be driven by the hinge arm via the lever element and thereby rotated about the axis of rotation relative to the base element, whereby the actuating element can be driven by the transmission element and thereby displaced along the guide relative to the base element and the spring can be tensioned and relaxed. In other words, if, for example, the hinge arm is pivoted or swiveled about the first pivot axis in a first pivot direction relative to the base element, the transmission element is driven via the lever element and thereby rotated about the axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation relative to the base element. In this case, for example, the first pivot direction and the first direction of rotation are, for example, in the same direction in a plane of movement running perpendicular to the first pivot axis and perpendicular to the axis of rotation. By rotating the transmission element about the axis of rotation in the first direction of rotation relative to the base element, the actuating element is driven by the transmission element and thereby displaced, for example, along the guide in the first direction relative to the base element. This tensions the spring. If, for example, the hinge arm, also referred to as the swivel arm, is then pivoted or swiveled about the first pivot axis in a second pivot direction opposite to the first pivot direction relative to the base element, the transmission element is driven by the hinge arm via the lever element and is thereby rotated about the axis of rotation in one of the first The actuating element is rotated in a second direction of rotation relative to the base element in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation. For example, the second pivoting direction and the second direction of rotation are in the same direction, particularly with respect to the plane of movement, i.e. in the plane of movement. As a result of the transmission element being rotated about the axis of rotation in the second direction of rotation relative to the base element, the actuating element is driven by the transmission element and is thereby guided along the first guide in the second direction relative to the base element. This at least partially relaxes the spring, for example. In particular, tensioning and relaxing the spring means the following: For example, the actuating element can be guided along the first guide relative to the base element between at least one first actuating position and at least one second actuating position. For example, the actuating element can be moved from the first actuating position to the second actuating position by moving or pushing the actuating element along the first guide in the first direction. Thus, for example, the actuating element can be moved from the second actuating position to the first actuating position while the actuating element is moved or pushed along the first guide in the second direction. In the second actuation position, the spring is more strongly tensioned compared to the first actuation position, i.e. more strongly tensioned compared to the first actuation position, so that conversely the spring in the first actuation position is less strongly tensioned compared to the second actuation position. In the first actuation position, the spring can be completely relaxed, or in the first actuation position the spring is tensioned, but less strongly tensioned than in the second actuation position. Thus, at least in the second actuation position, the spring provides a spring force which acts, for example, via the actuation element, the transmission element and the lever element on the hinge arm and, for example, via the hinge arm on the door of the device. Thus, for example, the hinge arm can be pivoted or swiveled about the first pivot axis in the first pivot direction relative to the base element against the spring force of the spring. For example, the hinge arm can be pivoted relative to the base element about the first pivot axis between at least one first pivot position and at least one second pivot position. For example, the hinge arm can be pivoted from the first pivot position into the second Pivoting position can be pivoted or swiveled by pivoting or swiveling the hinge arm about the first pivot axis relative to the base element in the first pivoting direction. Thus, for example, the hinge arm can be pivoted or swiveled from the second pivoting position to the first pivoting position by pivoting the hinge arm about the first pivot axis relative to the base element in the second pivoting direction. Thus, for example, if the hinge arm is in the first pivoting position, the actuating element is in the first actuating position. Thus, for example, if the hinge arm is in the second pivoting position, the actuating element is in the second actuating position. This means that the first pivoting position of the hinge arm corresponds to or coincides with the first actuating position of the actuating element, and the second pivoting position of the hinge arm corresponds to or coincides with the second actuating position of the actuating element. In particular, it is preferably provided that the first pivoting position of the hinge arm corresponds to or coincides with the closed position of the door. In other words, it is preferably provided that the first pivot position of the hinge arm brings about the closed position of the door and vice versa. It is thus preferably provided that the second pivot position of the hinge arm corresponds to or coincides with the open position of the door, so that preferably the second pivot position of the hinge arm brings about the open position of the door and vice versa. This means in particular that the door can be opened, i.e. pivoted or swiveled from the closed position to the open position, in particular relative to the device body and the base element, by pivoting the hinge arm from the first pivot position to the second pivot position. Thus, for example, the door can be closed, i.e. pivoted or swiveled from the open position to the closed position, in particular relative to the device body and relative to the base element, by pivoting or swiveling the hinge arm from the second pivot position to the first pivot position about the first pivot axis relative to the base element. In other words, if the door is opened, for example, the hinge arm is pivoted about the first pivot axis relative to the base element in the first pivot direction and thus pivoted or swung from the first pivot position to the second pivot position. If the door is then closed, the hinge arm is pivoted or swung about the first pivot axis relative to the base element in the second pivot direction and thus pivoted or swung from the second pivot position into the first pivot position. This means that it is preferably provided that the spring is tensioned when the door is opened, so that, for example, the spring force of the spring opposes the opening of the door. However, this is particularly advantageous because it can prevent the door from opening excessively quickly and/or unexpectedly and/or automatically, i.e. due to the weight of the door. This allows the door to be operated particularly advantageously, in particular particularly comfortably, in particular manually and thus by one person. In particular, it is possible to keep the door in balance, i.e. in the intermediate position, by means of the spring force, for example in at least one intermediate position lying or arranged between the open position and the closed position, so that, for example, starting from the intermediate position, an undesirable and/or automatic opening and an undesirable and/or automatic closing of the door can be avoided. Furthermore, it is conceivable, for example, that when the door is moved from the intermediate position towards the closed position, the door is closed by means of the spring force and in particular without the intervention of a person, and thus moved into the closed position, so that a secure closing of the door can be ensured. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that when the door is moved from the intermediate position towards the open position, the door opens completely automatically or independently, i.e. due to its weight and thus in particular without the intervention of a person, i.e. moves completely into the open position, in particular against the spring force, whereby the spring force can be used to prevent the door from opening excessively quickly and/or the door from hitting too hard in the open position. The lever element is or functions as a connecting lever via which the transmission element can be driven by the hinge arm. The transmission element can have a radius or diameter, in particular relating to the axis of rotation, whereby the radius or diameter can advantageously be made large. In this way, for example, an advantageous transmission ratio can be realized, in particular between the hinge arm and the spring, so that an advantageous operation of the door can be achieved. The background of the invention is in particular that doors of devices can have different weights and thus also very high weights. This is usually because the respective door usually has a respective base body and a respective front panel, for example also referred to as a furniture panel, which is attached to the respective base body. This allows, for example, the device to be integrated in an optically advantageous manner into an environment such as a kitchen environment and in particular into furniture such as kitchen furniture. The front panels can have different weights, in particular depending on the material from which the respective front panel is made, and can also have very high weights. The hinge according to the invention can now be used particularly advantageously for doors with high weights, in particular because advantageous transmission ratios between the hinge arm and the spring can be realized by using the transmission element and the lever element via which the transmission element is coupled to the hinge arm. This means, for example, that the door can be secured against opening excessively quickly and/or moved, in particular pulled, into the closed position, especially when the door is very heavy. In addition, the hinge according to the invention can be adapted to different weights of doors particularly easily and thus quickly and cost-effectively, so that the hinge has a particularly wide and thus flexible area of use, which is also referred to as the area of application.

Since the actuating element is coupled to the spring, for example to one end of the spring, and since the actuating element is displaceable along the first guide, a spring guide is created by the actuating element and the first guide, by means of which the spring can be guided, i.e. is guided, in particular when the spring is tensioned and relaxed.

In order to operate the door particularly advantageously, in particular particularly comfortably, i.e. to be able to pivot it between the closed position and the open position, it is provided in one embodiment of the invention that the guide (first guide of the base element) extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation plane. Thus, for example, the plane runs with the previously mentioned plane of movement or coincides with the plane of movement.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the base element has a second guide, in particular in addition to the first guide. The transmission element and with it the axis of rotation can be moved along the second guide of the base element and thus guided relative to the base element. For example, the second guide is or defines a second movement path or a second guide path along which the transmission element and with it the axis of rotation can be moved relative to the base element. Thus, for example, the second guide defines a second direction of movement along which the transmission element and the axis of rotation can be moved relative to the base element or can be moved in a guided manner when the transmission element and the axis of rotation are moved along the second guide relative to the base element. It is preferably provided that the second movement path or the second guide path and thus, for example, the second direction of movement run in a straight line, thus along a second straight line. It is preferably provided that the second straight line runs parallel to the first straight line. It is therefore preferably provided that the second movement path or the second guide path runs parallel to the first movement path or the first guide path. Thus, it is preferably provided that the second direction of movement runs parallel to the first direction of movement. Preferably, the second movement path or the second guide path and thus, for example, the second direction of movement in the installed position of the hinge run in a vertical direction, so that the second guide preferably extends in a vertical direction. Expressed in other words, it is thus provided, for example, that the second guide, in particular the second movement path or the second guide path, extends along the second direction of movement and, for example, along the second straight line, wherein it is preferably provided that the second straight line runs in a vertical direction in the installed position of the hinge. Alternatively or additionally, the first straight line runs in a vertical direction in the installed position of the hinge.

Because the transmission element and the axis of rotation can be moved along the second guide of the base element, an advantageous coupling of the hinge arm via the lever element, the transmission element and the actuating element with the spring can be achieved, so that the door can be operated particularly advantageously. In particular, because the transmission element and the axis of rotation can be moved along the second guide and thus relative to the base element, an advantageous support of the transmission element, in particular on the base element, can be achieved, so that a particularly advantageous operation of the hinge arm and thus of the door can be achieved.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the second guide extends in the plane in which the first guide also extends. This allows advantageous mobility of the actuating element and the transmission element and subsequently also of the lever element and the hinge arm, so that the hinge arm and thus the door can be actuated, i.e. pivoted, in a particularly advantageous manner.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hinge has at least one braking surface which, in particular at least indirectly and very preferably directly, exerts a frictional force as a braking force on the transmission element. The braking force opposes a rotation of the transmission element around the axis of rotation and relative to the base element. In other words, the transmission element is braked by means of the braking force when it is rotated around the axis of rotation relative to the base element. This allows, for example, the door to be kept in balance, i.e. in particular in the intermediate position, in a particularly advantageous manner. In addition, an excessively rapid opening of the door and thus an excessively hard impact of the door in the open position can be avoided, so that a particularly advantageous operation of the door can be achieved. In addition, this allows, for example, the hinge to be used for a large number of doors with different weights, so that a particularly flexible usability and thus a particularly wide range of applications of the hinge can be realized. The braking surface is, for example, at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the base element. This means in particular that the braking surface is provided on the base element in such a way that relative movements between the base element and the braking surface are avoided. This allows the transmission element and, via the transmission element, the door to be advantageously braked.

In order to be able to advantageously brake the transmission element during its rotation and the hinge arm and the door via the transmission element, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the braking surface adjoins the transmission element along the second guide, in particular in the previously mentioned second direction. This makes it possible, for example, to brake the transmission element and, via the transmission element and the lever element, the hinge arm and thus the door particularly advantageously when the hinge arm is pivoted from the first pivot position into the second pivot position, in particular when the door is opened. In particular, this makes it possible to brake the hinge arm more strongly by means of the braking surface when it is pivoted from the first pivot position into the second pivot position than when the hinge arm (swivel arm) is pivoted from the second pivot position into the first pivot position. This makes it particularly advantageous, for example, to avoid an excessively rapid, automatic opening of the door caused by the weight of the door, so that a particularly advantageous operation of the door can be achieved.

In particular, the invention makes it possible to guide the transmission element by means of the second guide, which is designed, for example, as a vertical slot, in particular in the second guide, in such a way that the transmission element is pressed against the braking surface, which is formed, for example, by a brake pad or is designed as a brake pad, by the spring force acting in particular along the first guide and very particularly in the second direction and by a second force, also referred to as a lever force, which is exerted, for example, by the lever on the transmission element and thereby acts, for example, along the second guide, in particular in the second direction, so that, for example, the spring force and the lever force act in the same direction, which is, for example, the second direction. In particular, the invention makes it possible to The transmission element is pressed by the spring force and the lever force in the second direction and/or in the installed position of the hinge in a vertical direction downwards against the braking surface, so that the transmission element is advantageously braked, particularly during its rotation, which occurs when the hinge arm is pivoted from the first pivot position to the second pivot position. This means that the hinge can also be used advantageously for heavy doors.

Preferably, it is provided that in the installed position of the hinge the first direction points vertically upwards, so that preferably in the installed position of the hinge the second direction points vertically downwards. Thus, for example, it is provided that the aforementioned plane is a vertical plane, and therefore runs in a vertical direction.

In order to be able to brake the transmission element particularly advantageously and thus realize a particularly advantageous operation of the door, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that a contact surface of the rotary element, formed for example by an outer peripheral surface of the rotary element, whose contact surface points away from the rotary axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotary axis, is in, in particular direct, contact with the braking surface, whereby the braking force acts, in particular directly, on the contact surface. It is preferably provided that the direction perpendicular to the rotary axis is the second direction or coincides with the second direction.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the braking surface is made of a first material and the transmission element, in particular the contact surface, is made of a second material that is different from the first material. As a result, the transmission element and, via the transmission element and the lever element, the hinge arm and thus the door can be braked particularly effectively and efficiently, so that a particularly advantageous, in particular a particularly comfortable, operation of the hinge arm and thus the door can be achieved.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the braking surface is formed by a separate from the base element formed and held on the base element, which is, for example, the aforementioned brake pad. This means that the hinge can be manufactured particularly easily and therefore quickly and inexpensively, and can also be maintained or repaired particularly quickly and inexpensively, since, for example, if the brake element or the braking surface wears out, only the brake element and not the entire base element needs to be replaced. In addition, this means that the braking force can be adjusted easily and as required, so that the transmission element can be braked particularly effectively.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least a predominant part, i.e. at least more than half of the spring, in particular the entire spring, is connected to the transmission element in a vertical downward direction when the hinge is installed. This makes it possible to realize a particularly advantageous, in particular particularly compact, design of the hinge, so that the hinge can be arranged particularly advantageously in and/or on the device body. As a result, advantageous dimensions, for example of the transmission element and/or the spring, can be realized, so that, for example, a particularly advantageous transmission ratio between the spring and the hinge arm can be realized. As a result, a particularly advantageous operation of the door can be guaranteed.

A further embodiment is characterized in that at least the majority, i.e. at least more than half of the spring, in particular the entire spring, is arranged in a lower area of the base element in the installed position of the hinge or is connected to the base element in a vertical downward direction in the installed position of the hinge. This also makes it possible to realize a particularly advantageous, in particular a particularly compact, design of the hinge and/or the hinge can be arranged particularly advantageously in the device body, so that particularly advantageous dimensions of the hinge, in particular of the spring and/or the transmission element, can be realized. As a result, an advantageous transmission between the hinge arm and the spring can be realized, so that a particularly advantageous operation of the door can be achieved.

In particular, it can be provided that the spring is arranged in the installation position of the hinge and in/or on a foot of the base element, which is designed as a carrier plate, for example. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly advantageous, in particular a particularly compact, design of the hinge. The background to this is in particular that there is usually enough space in the lower area to arrange at least part of the hinge, in particular the spring, there, so that advantageous dimensions of the hinge, in particular the transmission element and/or the spring, can be achieved. As already described above, this makes it possible to achieve an advantageous transmission between the hinge arm and the spring, so that the hinge arm and thus the door can be operated, i.e. pivoted, in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular manually by a person.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the actuating element is coupled to the transmission element in an articulated manner, in that the actuating element engages in a guide track of the transmission element, also referred to as a third guide track, wherein the actuating element can be displaced, in particular guided, along the third guide track of the transmission element relative to the transmission element. As a result, for example, a rotation of the transmission element around the axis of rotation and relative to the base element, and thus a rotary movement, can be particularly advantageously converted or diverted into a particularly vertical movement of the actuating element along the first guide, so that a particularly advantageous coupling can be achieved between the transmission element and the actuating element and thus between the hinge arm and the spring. In particular, by means of the third guide track, i.e. by constructively designing the third guide track, in particular a shape of the third guide track, it is possible to set a ratio in which the rotary movement of the transmission element is converted or diverted into the movement of the actuating element along the first guide. In other words, it is possible, for example, to use the third guideway, i.e. by constructively designing or laying out the third guideway, in particular the shape of the third guideway, to achieve a translation between the transmission element and the actuating element, i.e. between the rotary movement of the transmission element and the displacement of the actuating element along the first guide. This makes it possible, for example, to set a particularly advantageous transmission ratio between the hinge arm and the spring, so that, for example, the hinge can be particularly advantageously adapted to different weights of different doors. This can ensure a particularly large or broad area of application for the hinge. In other words, by setting the aforementioned ratio, in particular together with the spring force and the spring constant of the spring, a desired characteristic of the hinge, also known as the hinge characteristic, can be set as required, so that the hinge or its characteristics can be adapted as required to different doors, which differ from one another in particular in their weight.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the guide track is curved, so that the guide track is preferably designed as a guide curve, which is also referred to as a control curve. As a result, the aforementioned relationship between the rotary movement of the transmission element and the displacement of the actuating element along the first guide, which is designed as a translatory movement, can be set particularly advantageously, so that a particularly advantageous actuation of the door can be achieved.

In order to be able to realize a particularly advantageous transmission between the hinge arm and the spring and thus a particularly advantageous operation of the door, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the third guide track extends in a guide track plane running perpendicular to the axis of rotation, which is preferably the aforementioned plane or runs parallel to the aforementioned plane.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a device which is designed, for example, as a household appliance or piece of furniture. The device has a device body and at least one door, also referred to as a flap, which is connected to the device body in an articulated manner by means of at least one hinge according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa. Thus, for example, the door can be pivoted relative to the device body by means of the hinge, in particular between a closed position and at least one open position.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer Vorrichtung, mit einem Vorrichtungskörper, einer Tür und wenigstens einem Scharnier, mittels welchem die Tür gelenkig mit dem Vorrichtungskörper verbunden ist;

Fig. 2

ausschnittsweise eine schematische Perspektivansicht des Scharniers;

Fig. 3a

eine schematische Vorderansicht des Scharniers, wobei sich ein Scharnierarm des Scharniers in einer ersten Schwenkstellung befindet;

Fig. 3b

eine schematische Rückansicht des Scharniers gemäß Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4a

eine schematische Vorderansicht des Scharniers, wobei sich der Scharnierarm in einer Zwischenstellung befindet;

Fig. 4b

eine schematische Rückansicht des Scharniers gemäß Fig. 4a;

Fig. 5a

eine schematische Vorderansicht des Scharniers, wobei sich der Scharnierarm in einer zweiten Schwenkstellung befindet;

Fig. 5b

eine schematische Rückansicht des Scharniers gemäß Fig. 5a; und

Fig. 6

ausschnittsweise eine weitere schematische Vorderansicht des Scharniers.

The drawing shows in:

Fig.1

a partial schematic perspective view of a device, with a device body, a door and at least one hinge by means of which the door is hingedly connected to the device body;

Fig.2

a partial schematic perspective view of the hinge;

Fig. 3a

a schematic front view of the hinge, wherein a hinge arm of the hinge is in a first pivot position;

Fig. 3b

a schematic rear view of the hinge according to Fig. 3a ;

Fig. 4a

a schematic front view of the hinge with the hinge arm in an intermediate position;

Fig. 4b

a schematic rear view of the hinge according to Fig. 4a ;

Fig. 5a

a schematic front view of the hinge, with the hinge arm in a second pivot position;

Fig. 5b

a schematic rear view of the hinge according to Fig. 5a ; and

Fig.6

Another schematic front view of the hinge.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference symbols.

Fig.1 shows a device 10 in a schematic perspective view. The device 10 is in the Fig.1 shown embodiment is designed as a household appliance. In particular, the device 10 is designed as a dishwasher, which is also referred to as a dishwasher. The device 10 has a device body 12, which in the case of the Fig.1 shown embodiment is a housing. The housing is also referred to as a device housing. The housing (device body 12) has a receiving space 14, also referred to as a receiving area, wherein the receiving space 14 and thus the housing has an opening 16. The opening 16 opens into the receiving space 14 on the one hand and into an area surrounding the housing (device body 12) on the other hand. Fig.1 In the embodiment shown, the receiving space 14 is a treatment chamber for washing dishes.

The device 10 further comprises a door 18, also referred to as a flap, and at least one hinge 20. The door 18 is connected to the device body 12 in an articulated manner via the hinge 20, i.e. by means of the hinge 20, such that the door 18 can be pivoted between a closed position and at least one open position relative to the device body 12. In Fig.1 the door 18 is in an intermediate position, which lies between the open position and the closed position. In particular, the open position and the closed position are respective end positions of the door 18, whose end positions are also referred to as end positions. The door 18 can be moved into the respective end position, but cannot be moved beyond the respective end position. In the In the closed position, the door 18 covers the opening 16 and thus the receiving space 14, in particular completely, and thus closes it. In the open position, the door 18 exposes at least a partial area of the opening 16 and thus of the receiving space 14, so that when the door 18 is open, dishes can be moved from the surroundings into the receiving space 14 or dishes can be moved from the receiving space 14 to or into the surroundings. In particular, it is conceivable that the door 18 is connected in an articulated manner to the device body 12 by means of at least or exactly one second hinge, not visible in the figures, wherein the hinges are arranged, for example, on sides of the device body 12 that are opposite one another in the transverse direction of the device 10. The transverse direction is in Fig.1 illustrated by a double arrow 22 and runs in a Fig.1 shown position of use of the device 10 horizontally, i.e. in a horizontal plane. The device 10 assumes its position of use in its intended position, i.e. orientation. In particular, the door 18 can be pivoted about a door pivot axis relative to the device body 12, wherein in the position of use of the device 10 the door pivot axis runs in the transverse direction of the device 10. The previous and following statements on the hinge 20 can be easily transferred to the other hinge and vice versa. For example, a person in the vicinity can manually operate the door 18 and thereby manually pivot it between the closed position and the open position relative to the device body 12. As will be explained below, a particularly advantageous operation of the door 18 can be ensured by means of the hinge 20. For this purpose, the hinge 20 has, as can be seen particularly well from Fig.2 can be seen, a base element 24, which is also referred to as a carrier element or carrier part and is designed, for example, as a base plate, which is also referred to as a carrier plate. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base element 24 is designed separately from the device body 12 and is connected at least indirectly, in particular directly, to the device body 12. The device body 12 has two side walls 26 and 28, which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the device 10 and delimit the receiving space 14 in the transverse direction of the device 10. For example, the base element 24 is attached to the side wall 26, in particular in such a way that relative movements between the side wall 26 and the base element 24 are prevented. It can be seen that the side wall 26 is a component of the device body 12.

The hinge 20 also has a hinge arm 30, also referred to simply as an arm or pivot arm, which is connected to the base element 24 so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis 32 relative to the base element 24. In the installed position of the hinge 20, the pivot axis 32 runs in the transverse direction of the device 10, the hinge 20 assuming its installed position in the fully manufactured state of the device 10 and when the device 10 is in its intended use position, which in Fig.1 is shown. In its fully manufactured state, the device 10 has the hinge 20, which is attached to the side wall 26 in the fully manufactured state of the device 10. In particular, the door pivot axis is defined by the hinge 20. It is conceivable that the first pivot axis 32 coincides with the door pivot axis or is the door pivot axis.

The hinge 20 also has a transmission element 34, which is held on the base element 24 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 36 relative to the base element 24. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the pivot axis 32 and the rotation axis 36 run parallel to one another, with the pivot axis 32 and the rotation axis 36 being spaced apart from one another, in particular in the depth direction of the device 10. The depth direction of the device 10 is illustrated by a double arrow 38 and runs perpendicular to the transverse direction. In the position of use of the device 10, the depth direction runs horizontally, thus in the aforementioned horizontal plane, so that the transverse direction and the depth direction extend in the common horizontal plane in the position of use of the device 10. Along the depth direction of the device 10, the receiving space 14 is delimited towards the rear by a rear wall 40 of the device body 12. In the closed position of the door 18, the receiving space 14 is limited in the depth direction of the device 10 to the front by the door 18. In the vertical direction of the device 10, the receiving space 14 is limited downwards by a base of the device body 12, which is not visible in the figures. In the vertical direction of the device 10 upwards, the receiving space 14 is limited by a Fig. not visible ceiling of the device body 12. The vertical direction of the device 10 is illustrated by a double arrow 42 and runs perpendicular to the depth direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction, wherein in the position of use of the device 10 the vertical direction runs in the vertical direction, thus runs vertically.

The hinge 20 further comprises a Fig. 2 The hinge 20 has a spring 44, which can be seen in detail. The spring 44 is a mechanical spring in the present case, and is therefore designed as a solid body. The spring 44 can be designed as a tension spring or as a compression spring, whereby, for example, in the present case the spring 44 is designed as a compression spring. The hinge 20 also has an actuating element 46 which is coupled to the spring 44. The spring 44 has two ends E1 and E2 which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the spring 44. In the installed position of the hinge 20, the longitudinal direction of the spring 44 runs in the vertical direction. For example, the end E1 in the longitudinal direction of the spring 44 can be or is supported at least indirectly, in particular directly, on a first stop 48 provided on the base element 24, wherein the stop 48 is provided at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the base element 24, in particular such that relative movements between the base element 24 and the stop 48 are avoided. The second end E2 can be or is supported at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the actuating element 46, in particular on a second stop 50 of the actuating element 46, in the longitudinal direction of the spring 44. For example, the ends E1 and E2 and thus the spring 44 are arranged between the stops 48 and 50 in the longitudinal direction of the spring 44. In particular, as will be explained below, the stop 50 is translationally movable in the longitudinal direction of the spring 44 relative to the stop 48, and thus displaceable, whereby the spring 44 can be tensioned and relaxed.

If, for example, the stop 50 is moved towards the stop 48, the end E2 is moved towards the end E1. This compresses the spring 44 and thus tensions it. If, in particular, the stop 50 is then moved away from the stop 48, the spring 44 can relax at least partially. In other words, the end E2 can move away from the end E1, so that the spring 44 can increase in length and thus at least partially relax. By tensioning the spring 44, the spring 44 provides a spring force which acts at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the actuating element 46, in particular via the stop 50 of the actuating element 46, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the spring 44 and thus in the present case, for example, in the vertical direction.

Particularly good in combination with Fig. 3b it can be seen that the base element 24 has a first guide 52. The base element 24 can be one-piece or one-part, thus formed from a single piece. It is also conceivable that the base element 24 is designed in several parts and thus has several components that are formed separately from one another and thus connected to one another. The actuating element 46 is articulated to the transmission element 34 and can be moved in a guided manner along the first guide 52 of the base element 24, and thus can be moved in a guided translational manner. This means that the actuating element 46 can be moved along the guide 52 of the base element 24 and thus in a guided manner relative to the base element 24. The first guide 52 is or comprises a first movement path, which is also referred to as the first guide path. In this case, for example, the actuating element 46 engages in the first movement path so that the actuating element 46 can be moved in a guided manner along the first movement path and thus relative to the base element 24. The first movement path is or defines a first direction of movement along which the actuating element 46 can be guided and displaced relative to the base element 24. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the first guide 52 and thus the first movement path in the first direction of movement run straight along a first straight line, which in the present case runs in the vertical direction in the installed position of the hinge 20, and therefore runs vertically. The first guide 52 thus extends vertically, so that the first guide 52 is a vertical guide, in particular a vertical sliding guide. By displacing the actuating element 46 along the first guide 52 and thus along the first movement path and along the first direction of movement, the displacement of which takes place in the vertical direction because the first guide 52 runs vertically, in particular with respect to the installed position of the hinge 20, the spring can be tensioned and relaxed.

In Fig.2 an arrow 54 illustrates a first direction which coincides with the first direction of movement or runs parallel to the first direction of movement. In addition, an arrow 56 illustrates a second direction which is opposite to the first direction and coincides with the first direction of movement or runs parallel to the first direction of movement.

In Fig. 3a and 3b the actuating element 46 is, for example, in a first actuating position. In Fig.2 the actuating element 46 is, for example, in a second actuating position. The actuating element 46 can be moved from the first actuating position to the second actuating position by pushing or shifting the actuating element 46 along the first guide 52 in the first direction relative to the base element 24. As a result, for example, the stop 50 is moved towards the stop 48, as a result of which the spring 44 is tensioned, in this case compressed and tensioned. If, for example, the actuating element 46 is then pushed or shifted along the first guide 52 in the second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the base element 24, the actuating element 46 is thereby shifted or pushed, for example pushed back, from the second actuating position to the first actuating position. As a result, for example, the stop 50 is moved away from the stop 48, as a result of which the spring 44 can at least partially relax. It can be seen that the spring force of the spring 44 opposes the displacement of the actuating element 46 from the first actuating position into the second actuating position. For example, the spring force of the spring 44 can cause or at least support the displacement of the actuating element 46 from the second actuating position into the first actuating position.

The hinge 20 also has a lever element 58, which is connected to the transmission element 34 so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis 60 relative to the transmission element 34. In addition, the lever element 58 is connected to the hinge arm 30 so as to be pivotable about a third pivot axis 62 relative to the hinge arm 30. It can be seen that the pivot axes 60 and 62 run parallel to one another and are spaced apart from one another, wherein the pivot axes 60 and 62 run in the transverse direction of the device 10, in particular in the installed position of the hinge 20. Thus, in the embodiment shown in the figures, it is provided that the pivot axes 32, 60 and 62 and the rotation axis 36, especially when viewed in pairs, run parallel to one another and are spaced apart from one another. In addition, the pivot axes 32, 60 and 62 and the rotation axis 36 run in the transverse direction of the device 10 in the installed position of the hinge 20. It can be seen that the lever element 58 is connected both in an articulated manner to the hinge arm 30 (swivel arm) and in an articulated manner to the transmission element 34. As a result, by pivoting or swiveling the hinge arm 30 about the first pivot axis 32 and relative to the base element 24, the transmission element 34 can be driven by the hinge arm 30 via the lever element 58 and can thereby be rotated about the axis of rotation 36 relative to the base element 24, whereby the actuating element 46 can be driven by the transmission element 34 and can thereby be displaced along the first guide 52 relative to the base element 24 and the spring 44 can be tensioned and relaxed. The hinge arm 30 is between a Fig. 3a and 3b shown, first swivel position and one in Fig. 5a and 5b shown, second pivot position about the first pivot axis 32 relative to the base element 24. In particular, the pivot positions of the hinge arm 30 are respective end positions of the hinge arm 30, which can be pivoted into the respective end position, but cannot be pivoted beyond the respective end position. Fig. 4a, b show an intermediate position of the hinge arm 30, also referred to as an intermediate position, wherein the intermediate position lies between the first pivot position and the second pivot position.

For example, in Fig. 3a a first pivoting direction is illustrated by an arrow 64. In addition, Fig. 3a a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction is illustrated by an arrow 66. In Fig. 3a an arrow 68 shows a first direction of rotation of the transmission element 34, and an arrow 70 shows a second direction of rotation of the transmission element 34, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first pivot position of the hinge arm 30 corresponds to the closed position of the door 18, and the second pivot position of the hinge arm 30 corresponds to the open position of the door 18. In addition, the intermediate position of the hinge arm 30 corresponds to the position shown in Fig.1 shown intermediate position of the door 18. If the door 18 is in the Closed position, the hinge arm 30, which is also referred to as the pivot arm, is in the first pivot position. If the door 18 is opened, the hinge arm 30 is pivoted about the pivot axis 32 relative to the base element 24 in the first pivot direction, in particular such that the door 18 is pivoted from the closed position to the open position and thus the hinge arm 30 is pivoted from the first pivot position to the second pivot position. If, for example, the door 18 is then closed, i.e. pivoted from the open position to the closed position, the hinge arm 30 is pivoted or swiveled about the pivot axis 32 relative to the base element 24 in the second pivot direction and thereby from the second pivot position to the first pivot position. If the hinge arm 30 is pivoted in the first pivoting direction, the transmission element 34 is driven via the lever element 58 such that the transmission element 34 is rotated in the first direction of rotation about the axis of rotation 36 relative to the base element 24. As a result, the actuating element 46 is displaced along the first guide 52 such that the actuating element 46 is displaced along the first guide 52 in the first direction and is thereby displaced from the first actuating position into the second actuating position. As a result, the spring 44 is tensioned. If the transmission element 34 is rotated about the axis of rotation 36 relative to the base element 24 in the second direction of rotation, in particular as a result of the hinge arm 30 being pivoted in the second pivoting direction, the actuating element 46 is displaced along the first guide 52 relative to the base element 24 in the second direction and is thereby displaced from the second actuating position into the first actuating position, as a result of which the spring 44 is relaxed.

Particularly good looking Fig. 3a, b It can be seen that the first guide 52 extends in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 36.

Particularly good looking Fig. 3b , 4b and 5b it can be seen that the base element 24 has a second guide 72, which is designed, for example, as an elongated hole. The second guide 72 is or comprises a second movement path, which is also referred to as a second guide path. The second guide 72 defines or forms a second direction of movement along which the transmission element 34 and with it the axis of rotation 36 can be displaced in a guided manner relative to the base element 24. This means that the transmission element 34 and with it the axis of rotation 36 can be moved along the second guide 72 and thus along the second movement path and relative to the base element 24. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second guide 72 and thus the second movement path and thus the second direction of movement extend rectilinearly and thus along a second straight line, with the second straight line in the present case running parallel to the first straight line. Thus, the second straight line and thus the second guide 72 and the second movement path run vertically in the installed position of the hinge 20, that is to say in the vertical direction. The guides 52 and 72 are spaced apart from one another and in particular separated from one another. The guides 52 and 72 extend in the same, previously mentioned plane.

Particularly good looking Fig. 3a , 4a and 5a it can be seen that the hinge 20 has a braking surface 74 which, in particular directly, exerts a frictional force as a braking force on the transmission element 34. The braking force opposes a rotation of the transmission element 34 about the axis of rotation 36 and, for example, in the first direction of rotation (arrow 68) and relative to the base element 24. In other words, when the transmission element 34 is rotated relative to the base element 24 about the axis of rotation 36 in the first direction of rotation and/or in the second direction of rotation, the transmission element 34 is braked by means of the braking force, that is to say by means of the braking surface 74. This can, for example, prevent the door 18 from opening excessively quickly and the door 18 from hitting excessively hard in the open position. The braking surface 74 is provided on the base element 24 in particular in such a way that relative movements between the braking surface 74 and the base element 24 are avoided. The braking surface 74 adjoins the transmission element 34 along the second guide 72 and in particular in the second direction. In the installed position of the hinge 20, the second direction (arrow 56) runs vertically downwards, and the first direction runs vertically upwards (arrow 54) in the installed position of the hinge 20.

The transmission element 34 has a contact surface 76 which is in, in particular direct, contact with the braking surface 74, whereby the braking force acts on the contact surface 76. The contact surface 76 faces in a direction perpendicular to the Rotation axis 36 extending direction, in particular in the second direction, away from the rotation axis 36 and is formed, for example, by an outer peripheral surface of the transmission element 34.

Preferably, it is provided that the braking surface 74 is made of a first material and the transmission element 34 is made of a second material that is different from the first material, whereby the transmission element 34 can be braked particularly advantageously.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, it is provided that the braking surface 74 is formed by a braking element 78 which is designed separately from the base element 24 and which is designed, for example, as a brake pad or is also referred to as a brake pad. The braking element 78 is attached to the base element 24, in particular in such a way that relative movements between the braking element 78 and the base element 24 are avoided.

From a summary of Fig. 1 to 5b it can be seen that at least a predominant part of the spring 44 is arranged in a lower region UB of the base element 24 in the installed position of the hinge 20 or that at least the predominant part of the spring 44 in the installed position of the hinge 20 adjoins the base element 24 in a vertical downward direction. In particular, it is conceivable that the spring 44 is arranged in and/or on a foot of the base element 24, which is designed as a carrier plate, for example. This makes it possible to realize a particularly advantageous, in particular particularly compact, design of the hinge 20, so that the hinge 20 can be arranged particularly advantageously in the device body 12.

The actuating element 46 is, for example, coupled to the first guide 52 and thus displaceable along the guide 52 in such a way that a coupling element 80 ( Fig. 3b ) of the actuating element 46 engages in the guide 52, in particular in its first movement path. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating element 46 is coupled to the transmission element 34 in such an articulated manner that the actuating element 46, in particular the coupling element 80, (also) engages in a movement path also referred to as the third, third guide track 82 of the transmission element 34 engages. The coupling element 80 and thus the actuating element 46 can be moved along the third guide track 82 relative to the transmission element 34. In other words, if the transmission element 34 is rotated about the axis of rotation 36 relative to the base element 24, in particular when and/or as a result of the hinge arm 30 being pivoted about the pivot axis 32 relative to the base element 24, the actuating element 46 is moved in the guide track 82 and the actuating element 46 is driven by the transmission element 34, in particular by at least one wall of the transmission element 34 which delimits the guide track 82, in particular directly, in such a way that the actuating element 46 is moved in and along the first guide 52. The guide track 82 is also referred to as a control curve and is arcuate, i.e. curved, in the embodiment shown in the figures. As a result, a respective rotary movement of the transmission element 34 around the rotation axis 36 and relative to the base element 24 can be converted, i.e. redirected, into a translatory movement along the first guide 52 and relative to the base element 24, and thus displacement of the actuating element 46. In particular, by designing, i.e. constructively laying out the control curve, an advantageous transmission ratio between the hinge arm 30 and the spring 44 can be set or designed, whereby, for example, an advantageous torque can be set or designed, in particular one that opposes the opening of the door 18 and is also referred to as the hinge torque.

For example, Fig. 3a , 4a and 5a it can be seen that the transmission element 34 is coupled to the lever element 58 in such an articulated manner that the transmission element 34, in particular a coupling element 84 of the transmission element 34, engages in a fourth guide 86 of the lever element 58, wherein the coupling element 84 and thus the transmission element 34 can be displaced along the guide 86 relative to the lever element 58. In particular, the guide 86 can be designed as an elongated hole.

The aforementioned spring force of the spring 44 is in Fig.6 illustrated by a force arrow F1. A second force, also known as leverage force, is in Fig.6 through a force arrow F2 is illustrated. The second force results, for example, from the hinge arm 30 being pulled on the door 18 and over the door 18, in particular to open the door 18. Alternatively or additionally, the second force can result from the weight of the door 18, in particular in the intermediate position and/or in the open position of the door 18. Components of the second force, also referred to as force components, are illustrated by force arrows F2a and F2b, whereby the force component of the second force illustrated by force arrow F2a acts in a vertical direction and thereby downwards, and is therefore a vertical force component. The force component of the second force illustrated by force arrow F2b acts in a horizontal direction and is therefore a horizontal force component of the second force. A force arrow F3 illustrates a third force, also referred to as a total force, which in this case acts in a vertical direction downwards on the transmission element 34. The total force results from the spring force (force arrow F1) and from the vertical force component (force arrow F2a), whereby the total force is in particular the sum of the spring force (force arrow F1) and the vertical force component (force arrow F2a). The spring force and the vertical force component of the second force act in a vertical downward direction. By means of the third force acting in a vertical downward direction (force arrow F3), the transmission element 34, in particular its contact surface 76, is pressed against the braking surface 74, i.e. pushed, whereby the braking force acts on the transmission element 34. The braking force is in Fig.6 illustrated by a force arrow Fr and results from the third force multiplied by the coefficient of friction of the braking surface 74. As a result, the transmission element 34 and thus the door 18 can be advantageously braked.

Claims (15)

Hinge (20) for a device (10), comprising: - a base element (24); - a hinge arm (30) which is connected to the base element (24) so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (32) relative to the base element (24); - a transmission element (34) which is held on the base element (24) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (36) relative to the base element (24); - a spring (44); - an actuating element (46) coupled to the spring (44), which is coupled in an articulated manner to the transmission element (34) and is displaceable along a guide (52) of the base element (24), so that the spring (44) can be tensioned and relaxed by moving the actuating element (46) along the guide (52); and - a lever element (58) which is connected to the transmission element (34) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (60) relative to the transmission element (34) and to the hinge arm (30) so as to be pivotable about a third pivot axis (62) relative to the hinge arm (30), so that by pivoting the hinge arm (30) about the first pivot axis (32) and relative to the base element (24), the transmission element (34) can be driven by the hinge arm (30) via the lever element (58) and can thereby be rotated about the axis of rotation (36) relative to the base element (24), whereby the actuating element (46) can be driven by the transmission element (34) and can thereby be displaced along the guide (52) relative to the base element (24). Hinge (20) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the guide (52) extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36). Hinge (20) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the base element (24) has a second guide (72), wherein the transmission element (34) and the axis of rotation (36) are guided and displaceable along the second guide (72) of the base element (24). Hinge (20) according to claims 2 and 3,
characterized in that
the second guide (72) extends in the plane. Hinge (20) according to one of the preceding claims,
marked by
at least one braking surface (74) which exerts a frictional force on the transmission element (34) as a braking force which opposes a rotation of the transmission element (34) about the axis of rotation (36) and relative to the base element (24). Hinge (20) according to claim 5 in its dependence on claim 3 or 4,
characterized in that
the braking surface (74) adjoins the transmission element (34) along the second guide (72). Hinge (20) according to claim 5 or 6,
characterized in that
a contact surface (76) of the transmission element (34), the contact surface (76) of which points away from the axis of rotation (36) in a direction (56) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36), is in contact with the braking surface (74), whereby the braking force acts on the contact surface (76). Hinge (20) according to one of claims 5 to 7,
characterized in that
the braking surface (74) made of a first material and the Transmission element (34) is formed from a second material different from the first material. Hinge (20) according to one of claims 5 to 8,
characterized in that
the braking surface (74) is formed by a braking element (78) which is formed separately from the base element (24) and held on the base element (24). Hinge (20) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least a predominant part of the spring (44) in the installed position of the hinge (20) is connected to the transmission element (34) in a vertical direction downwards. Hinge (20) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least a predominant part of the spring (44) is arranged in a lower region (B) of the base element (24) in the installed position of the hinge (20) or adjoins the base element (24) in a vertical direction downwards in the installed position of the hinge (20). Hinge (20) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the actuating element (46) is coupled in an articulated manner to the transmission element (34) in that the actuating element (44) engages in a guide track (82) of the transmission element (34), wherein the actuating element (44) is displaceable along the guide track (82) relative to the transmission element (34). Hinge (20) according to claim 12,
characterized in that
the guide track (82) is curved. Hinge (20) according to claim 12 or 13,
characterized in that
the guide track (82) extends in a guide track plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36). Device (10), in particular a household appliance or piece of furniture, with a device body (12), and with at least one door (18) which is articulated to the device body (12) by means of at least one hinge (20) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images