EP4705602A1

EP4705602A1 - Hinge assembly with a damper holder

Info

Publication number: EP4705602A1
Application number: EP24853006.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mehmet Faik Ciftci
Original assignee: Atasan Metal Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Current assignee: Atasan Metal Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Priority date: 2024-03-08
Filing date: 2024-12-27
Publication date: 2026-03-11
Also published as: TR2024002805A1; WO2025188269A1; WO2025188269A8

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hinge assembly (1) for use in the doors of white goods such as oven and for efficient use of a damper in force damping, comprising at least one body arm (2) which is used by being mounted on the body on which the door is closed; at least one door arm (3) which is used by being mounted on the door and rotatably connected to the body arm (2); at least one damper (6) for force absorption which is located within the body arm (2); a damper positioner (5) which comprises at least one main body (51) located within the body arm (2), movable with the force acting thereon, and comprising a housing (52) for the damper (6) to be positioned therein, and which comprises at least one inlet channel (53) opening through the housing (52) to the end portion of the main body (51), a first limiting pin (7) which is fixed on the body arm (2) and adapted to pass through the inlet channel (53) and to interact with the damper (6) with the movement of the damper positioner (5); a damper positioner (5) having an inlet channel (53) that has a flexible structure and a dimension such that the first limiting pin (7) passes therethrough by making contact, thereby creating friction during the passage of the first limiting pin (7).

Description

HINGE ASSEMBLY WITH A DAMPER HOLDER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hinge assembly comprising a damper holder for use in the doors of white goods such as oven and for efficient use of a damper in force damping.

Background of the Invention

In the state of the art, there are white goods such as ovens, dishwashers, etc. on which a door is provided for access to the internal volume. Hinge assemblies are provided for the opening and closing movements of the said doors, and the hinge assemblies are provided with a fixed arm (body arm) fixed to the device body and a movable arm (door arm) fixed to the device door and rotatably connected to the fixed arm. In order to dampen the moments of inertia that occur when the said door is slam shut and open, a damper is used within the fixed arm and there are damper holders in which the damper is inserted so that the damper can be positioned in the fixed arm. In the state of the art, there is a roller thrust element which transmits the force to the damper with the movement of the moving arm, and the roller thrust element transmits the force directly to the damper located in the fixed arm. In the current state, if the roller thrust element directly interacts with the damper, moment of inertia loads is created on the damper and this may reduce the damper efficiency. Furthermore, if the roller thrust element acts directly on the damper, an impact occurs, and this may reduce the service life of the damper and reduce the comfort felt by the user when closing the door.

The Chinese patent document no. CN107355160 known in the state of the art relates to a hinge system with damping properties for use in oven doors. In the said application, the piston is used by being positioned in a damper seat with a wall at one side and a wall at the end, and the force is transmitted to the damper by closing the door.

Summary of the Invention

The objective of the present invention is to realize a hinge assembly, which is used in the doors of white goods such as ovens and provides damping in the damper movement together with the damper.

The objective of the present invention is to realize a hinge assembly, which is used in the doors of white goods such as ovens and prevents/reduces inertia moment loads on the damper positioned within the hinge assembly.

The objective of the present invention is to realize a hinge assembly, which is used in the doors of white goods such as ovens and prevents direct impact on the damper, thus extending the service life of the damper.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The drawings of the hinge assembly developed for achieving the objective of the present invention show the following:

Figure 1. a front perspective view of the first type flexible element version of the hinge assembly of the present invention with the outer body exploded.

Figure 2. a front perspective view of the second type flexible element version of the hinge assembly of the present invention with the outer body exploded.

Figure 3. a front perspective view of the hinge assembly of the present invention in fully exploded state. Figure 4. a front perspective view of the hinge assembly of the present invention comprising an embodiment of the outer body in fully exploded state.

Figure 5. a front perspective view of the hinge assembly of the present invention comprising an embodiment of the outer body.

Figure 6. a front perspective view of the hinge assembly of the present invention comprising another embodiment of the outer body.

Figure 7. a front perspective view of the hinge assembly of the present invention comprising another embodiment of the outer body.

Figure 8. a front perspective mounting view of the damper positioner and damper in the hinge assembly of the present invention.

Figure 9. a front perspective exploded view of the damper positioner, damper slide, and damper in the hinge assembly of the present invention.

Figure 10. a detailed side view of the damper positioner in the hinge assembly of the present invention.

Figure 11. a detailed side view of the hinge assembly in the half-open position of the door of the present invention, and the damper and the damper positioner.

Figure 12. a detailed side view of the hinge assembly in the fully closed position of the door of the present invention, and the damper and the damper positioner.

Figure 13. a detailed side view of the hinge assembly in the fully open position of the door of the present invention, and the damper and the damper positioner.

The parts in the figures are individually numbered and their equivalents are given below.

1. Hinge assembly

2. Body arm

3. Door arm 4. Transmission part

5. Damper positioner

51. Main body

52. Housing

53. Inlet channel

54. Outlet channel

55. Elastic deformation form

56. Recessed seat

6. Damper

7. First limiting pin

8. Second limiting pin

9. Damper slide

10. Outer body

101. First slot

102. Second slot

11. Cam holder

12. Fixing pin

13. First type flexible element

14. Holder part

15. Second type flexible element

A hinge assembly (1) for use in the doors of white goods such as oven comprises the following: at least one body arm (2) which is used by mounting on the body on which the door is closed, at least one door arm (3) which is used by being mounted on the door and rotatably connected to the body arm (2), at least one damper (6) for force absorption which is located within the body arm (2), a damper positioner (5) which is located within the body arm (2), is movable with the force acting thereon, and comprises

• at least one main body (51) which comprises a housing (52) for the damper (6) to be positioned therein,

• at least one inlet channel (53) which runs through the housing (52) to the end portion of the main body (51),

• at least one outlet channel (54) which runs through the housing (52) to the end portion of the main body (51) that is opposite to the inlet channel (53), a first limiting pin (7) which is fixed on the body arm and adapted to pass through the inlet channel (53) and to interact with the damper (6) with the movement of the damper positioner (5), a second limiting pin (8) which is fixed on the body arm and adapted to pass through the outlet channel (54) and to interact with the damper (6) with the movement of the damper positioner (5), a damper positioner (5) which has an inlet channel (53) and an outlet channel (54) that are flexible and have a dimension such that the first limiting pin (7) and the second limiting pin (8) pass therethrough by making contact, thereby enabling friction during the passage of the first limiting pin (7) and the second limiting pin (8).

The safety hinge assembly (1) of the present invention is used for positioning the damper (6) which serves as a force absorber, as well as for damping the force acting on the damper (6) by friction beforehand, thereby reducing the load on the damper (6), improving the moment of inertia on the damper (6) and extending the service life of the damper (6). The said hinge assembly (1) comprises a body arm (2), a door arm (3), and a damper positioner (5), which is positioned within the body arm (2) and is movable in the body arm (2) with the force acting thereon, wherein the damper (6) is inserted into this damper positioner (5) and fixed on the body arm (2). The said damper positioner (5) comprises a housing (52) for the damper (6) to be positioned therein and comprises an inlet channel (53) and an outlet channel (54) in the form of an opening at both ends of the housing (52) opening to the side. At both ends of the damper (6), there are first limiting pin (7) and second limiting pin (8), which interact with the damper (transmitting force to the damper), and the said first limiting pin (7) and second limiting pin (8) are fixedly positioned in the body arm (2). When a force acts on the damper positioner (5), the damper positioner (5) moves in the body arm (2) and with the movement of the damper positioner (5), the first limiting pin (7) moves by passing through the inlet channel (53), while the second limiting pin (8) moves by passing through the outlet channel (54). While the first limiting pin (7) passes through the inlet channel (53), it passes through the inlet channel (53) by frictional movement therein and the process of force damping occurs when passing through the inlet channel (53) due to the flexibility of the inlet channel. Likewise, while the second limiting pin (8) passes through the outlet channel (54), it passes through the outlet channel (54) by frictional movement therein, and the process of force absorption occurs when passing through the outlet channel (54) due to the flexibility of the outlet channel (54). Thus, before the force acts on the damper (6), the process of damping occurs on the moving damper positioner (5) and then the first limiting pin (7) and the second limiting pin (8) interact with the damper and the force is absorbed on the damper (6). The force transmitted to the damper (6) is first absorbed upon the matching of the first limiting pin (7) and/or second limiting pin (8) with the inlet channel (53) and outlet channel (54), respectively, and the force is transmitted to the damper (6) in such a way that no moment of inertia is created in the damper (6).

In the hinge assembly (1) of the present invention, as shown in Figure 6, while the door connected to the movable arm (3) assumes the closed position, the second limiting pin (8) and the damper (6) interact to absorb the forces directed from the moments of inertia of the door and ensure a controlled soft closing. The first limiting pin (7) creates friction in the amount determined by the pressure generated thereon as it passes through the inlet channel (53) and provides a static effect in the stop direction during the stroke movement, eliminating some of the moment of inertia loads acting on the damper (6). It also provides frictional force within the system, compensating for a certain part of the door load.

In the hinge assembly (1) of the present invention, as shown in Figure 7, at the point where the second limiting pin (8) and damper (6) interact while the door connected to the movable arm (3) assumes the closed position, the first limiting pin (7) exits the inlet channel (53) region and the second limiting pin (8) exits the outlet channel (54) region, creating no additional force to the damping forces defined by damper (6). Thus, a force damping effect is achieved within the range defined by damper (6). It is ensured that the angular moment of the moving arm (3) is kept under control by the force damping coefficient of the damper (6).

In the hinge assembly (1) of the present invention, as shown in Figure 8, at the point where the first limiting pin (7) and the damper (6) interact when the door connected to the movable arm (3) assumes the open position, the second limiting pin (8) exits the outlet channel (54) region, creating no additional force to the damping forces defined by the damper (6), and thus a force damping effect is achieved within the range defined by the damper (6). It is ensured that the angular moment of the moving arm (3) is kept under control by the force damping coefficient of the damper (6).

In an embodiment of the invention, there is a damper slide (9) which is used to allow the damper positioner (5) to move within the body arm (2), and the damper positioner (5) is fixed on the said damper slide (9). During the movement of the hinge, the force is transmitted to the damper slide (9) and the hinge can move linearly within the body arm (2) together with the damper positioner (5) located within the damper slide (9). In another embodiment of the invention, the damper positioner (5) is fixed on the damper slide (9) by means of fixing pins (12). In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided at least one channel opening for the first limiting pin (7) and the second limiting pin (8) to pass therethrough, and with the linear movement of the damper slide (9), these channels move on the fixed first limiting pin (7) and second limiting pin (8).

In an embodiment of the invention, the flexible structure of the inlet channel (53) and the outlet channel (54) is achieved by the body of the inlet channel (53) and the outlet channel (54) being made of flexible/elastic material. Thus, by means of the flexing of the channels as the inlet channel (53) passes over the first limiting pin (7) and the outlet channel (54) passes over the second limiting pin (8), the forces acting on the damper positioner can be absorbed to some extent during the passage, followed by interaction with the damper (6). In case of friction with the said flexible material, the elasticity of the material can be modified by changing the material type of the end parts of the main body that comprise the channels, and thus the amount of friction can be adjusted.

In an embodiment of the invention, a hollow structure is provided on the end portions of the main body (51) that comprise the channel, thus ensuring that the inlet channel (53) and outlet channel (54) have a flexible structure. Thus, when the first limiting pin (7) passes through the inlet channel (53) and the second limiting pin (8) passes through the outlet channel (54), the channel walls will flex towards the hollow structure and after the passage process, the channel wall will flex back to return its original position. By means of the said hollow structure, the amount of flexing of the inlet channel (53) and outlet channel (54), and therefore the amount of friction to be created with the first limiting pin (7) and the second limiting pin (8) can be modified by changing the shape or size of the hollow structure and the elasticity of the end parts of the main body (51) that comprise channels, and thus the amount of friction can be adjusted.

In an embodiment of the invention, the main body (51) comprises a hollow structure on the end portions with channels and an elastic deformation form (55) with a folding arm extending between the hollow structures in a foldable manner. Thus, when the first limiting pin (7) passes through the inlet channel (53) and the second limiting pin (8) passes through the outlet channel (54), the channel walls will flex towards the hollow structure and after the passage process of the pins, the folding arm pushes the hollow structure so that it returns to its original state. Thus, after the passage process, the channel wall will flex back to return its original position. By means of the system developed with the said technique, as the first limiting pin (7) passes through the inlet channel (53), it travels along the stroke with friction under surface pressure and flexes the channel, creating static stress on the elastic deformation form (55). The resulting stress can be kept under control by changing the thickness parameter of the folding arm of the elastic deformation form (55). As the elastic folding arm parameter is increased, the stress on the elastic deformation form (55) increases and the surface pressure between the surfaces of the channels (53 and 54) increases, thereby the friction force created on the limiting pins (7, 8) can be modified. A part of the force intensity created by the moments of inertia due to the movement of the door located on the moving arm (3) is eliminated by frictional force and the effect of the impact between the limiting pins (7, 8) and the damper (6) is reduced. Thus, the service life and comfort of the damper (6) is increased.

In an embodiment of the invention, the inlet channel (53) and/or the outlet channel (54) has a structure with a section narrowing from the outer end of the main body (51) in the direction of the housing (52). Thus, as the first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin (8) approaches the housing (52), the inlet channel (53) and/or the outlet channel (54) are subjected to more friction and can absorb more force. In another embodiment of the invention, the inlet channel (53) and/or the outlet channel (54) has a curved structure. Thus, as the first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin (8) approaches the housing (52), the inlet channel (53) and/or the outlet channel (54) are subjected to more friction and can absorb more force. By means of the system developed with the said technique, the amount of surface pressure can be changed by controlling the interaction formed on the first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin (8) with the angled surface forms located on the surface of the outlet channel (54) and inlet channel (53). As the surface angle is increased, the first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin (8) passes through the surface of the outlet channel (54) and inlet channel (53) more easily and provides controlled friction. The amount of friction can be gradually defined along the first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin

(8).

In an embodiment of the invention, there is at least one recessed seat (56) which is located on the surface of the outlet channel (54) and/or inlet channel (53) and is in a recessed form into which the first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin (8) can pass during the passage.

By means of the system developed with the said technique, the amount of surface pressure can be changed by controlling the interaction formed on the first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin (8) with the recessed seat (56) forms located on the surface of the flexible outlet channel (54) and/or inlet channel (53). As the depth of the recessed seat (56) is increased, the rear first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin (8) passes through the surface of the channel (54, 54) more easily and creates a clip effect. Dependent on the angular movement of the movable arm (3), the oven door and the channel (54, 54) with which it is in interaction create a frictional stopping effect at the desired stage at defined angles along the first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin (8).

In an embodiment of the invention, the damper (6) is comprised of a cylindrical body and a piston rod, wherein the force acting on the damper (6) is absorbed by the passage of the piston rod into the cylindrical body. In an embodiment of the invention, an additional flexible element (spring) is provided between the piston rod and the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment of the invention, the body arm (2) comprises at least one outer body (10) which is positioned on the parts such as damper (6), damper positioner (5), etc. The said outer body (10) has a hollow structure and consists of side walls and an upper wall where the side walls are joined. In another embodiment of the invention, the first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin (8) is fixed on the outer body (10); and the damper positioner (5) or the damper slide (9) in which the damper positioner (5) is fixed moves within the outer body (10). In another embodiment of the invention, there is at least one first slot (101), which is located on the side wall of the outer body (10) and allows the first limiting pin (7) to be slidably fixed within the limits defined therein. Thus, the damper positioner (5) or the damper slide (9) in which the damper positioner (5) is fixed can move within the outer body (10).

In another embodiment of the invention, there is at least one second slot (102), which is located on the side wall of the outer body (10) and allows the second limiting pin (8) to be slidably fixed within the limits defined therein. Thus, the damper positioner (5) or the damper slide (9) in which the damper positioner (5) is fixed can move within the outer body (10).

In another embodiment of the invention, both the first slot (101) and the second slot (102) are provided on the outer body (10) and the first limiting pin (7) and the second limiting pin (8) can move within these slots (101, 102).

In another embodiment of the invention, the first limiting pin (7) is movable within the first slot (101), while the second limiting pin (8) is fixed on the outer body (10). In another embodiment of the invention, the second limiting pin (8) is movable within the second slot (102), while the first limiting pin (7) is fixed on the outer body (10).

In an embodiment of the invention, the main body (51) consists of at least two parts overlapping with each other at the upper and lower sides, wherein the housing (52) is formed by joining the cavities located in each part. Thus, the damper (6) can be inserted into the housing (52) and removed therefrom.

In an embodiment of the invention, there is a cam holder (11) which is connected to the movable arm (3) on one side and which can move linearly on the body arm (2) with the movement of the movable arm (3), and the said cam holder (11) linearly moves the damper positioner (5) or damper slide (9) by its linear movement on the body arm (2), thereby enabling the damper (6) and damper holder to absorb force. The said cam holder (11) is connected to the movable arm on one side and to the damper positioner (5) or damper slide (9) on the other side.

In an embodiment of the invention, there is at least one transmission part (4), which is located on the upper part of the cam holder (11) and which can perform the process of force absorption.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is a first type flexible element (13) which is positioned on the body arm (2), and this flexible element is connected to a holder part (14). The said holder part (14) extends outwards from the body arm (2) on one side and is connected to the damper positioner (5) or damper slide (9) on the other side. Thus, the force absorbed in the damper (6) and damper positioner (5) is then transmitted to the first type flexible element (13). The said first type flexible element (13) is used to create the moment forces necessary for the door to remain fixed in the open position at defined (predetermined) degrees. In an embodiment of the invention, the first type flexible element (13) is a spring.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is a second type flexible element (15) which is positioned on the body arm (2), and this second type flexible element (15) is fixed on one side to the body arm (2) and connected on the other side to the damper positioner (5) or damper slide (9). In an embodiment of the invention, the said second type flexible element (15) is a return spring. The said second type flexible element (15) is used to create the moment forces necessary for the door to remain fixed in the open position at defined (predetermined) degrees. In an embodiment of the invention, the second type flexible element (15) is a spring.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly (1) for use in the doors of white goods such as oven, characterized by: at least one body arm (2) which is used by mounting on the body on which the door is closed, at least one door arm (3) which is used by being mounted on the door and rotatably connected to the body arm (2), at least one damper (6) for force absorption which is located within the body arm (2), a damper positioner (5) which comprises at least one main body (51) located within the body arm (2), movable with the force acting thereon, and comprising a housing (52) for the damper (6) to be positioned therein, and which comprises at least one inlet channel (53) opening through the housing (52) to the end portion of the main body (51), a first limiting pin (7) which is fixed on the body arm (2) and adapted to pass through the inlet channel (53) and to interact with the damper (6) with the movement of the damper positioner (5), a damper positioner (5) which has an inlet channel (53) having a flexible structure and a dimension such that the first limiting pin (7) passes therethrough by making contact, thereby creating friction during the passage of the first limiting pin (7).

2. A hinge assembly (1) according to claim 1, comprising

- a damper positioner (5) which is located within the body arm (2), is movable with the force acting thereon, and comprises

• at least one inlet channel (53) which opens through the housing (52) to the end portion of the main body (51), • at least one outlet channel (54) which runs through the housing (52) to the end portion of the main body (51) that is opposite to the inlet channel (53), a second limiting pin (8) which is fixed on the body arm (2) and adapted to pass through the outlet channel (54) and to interact with the damper (6) with the movement of the damper positioner (5), a damper positioner (5) which has an inlet channel (53) and an outlet channel (54) that are flexible and have a dimension such that the first limiting pin (7) and the second limiting pin (8) pass therethrough by making contact, thereby enabling friction during the passage of the first limiting pin (7) and the second limiting pin (8).

3. A hinge assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a damper slide (9) which is used to allow the damper positioner (5) to move within the body arm (2).

4. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an inlet channel (53) and/or outlet channel (54) with body portions made of flexible/elastic material.

5. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one hollow structure which is located on the end portions of the main body (51) channel, and which enables the inlet channel (53) and/or the outlet channel (54) to have flexible structure.

6. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a hollow structure which is located on the end portions of the main body (51) that comprise channel, and an elastic deformation form (55) which comprises a folding arm extending between the hollow structures in a foldable manner.

7. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an inlet channel (53) and/or outlet channel (54) which comprise a surface with a section narrowing from the outer end of the main body (51) in the direction of the housing (52).

8. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one recessed seat (56) which is located on the surface of the outlet channel (54) and/or inlet channel (53) and is in a recessed form into which the first limiting pin (7)/second limiting pin (8) can pass during the passage.

9. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one outer body (10) on the body arm (2) on which parts such as damper (6), damper positioner (5) are positioned.

10. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a main body (51) which consists of at least two parts overlapping with each other at the upper and lower sides.

11. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cam holder (11) which is connected to the movable arm (3) on one side and is linearly movable on the body arm (2) with the movement of the movable arm (3), and adapted to move the damper positioner (5) or damper slide (9) linearly.

12. A hinge assembly (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one first type flexible element (13) which is positioned on a holder part (14) extending outwards from the body arm (2) and connected to the damper positioner (5) or damper slide (9) on one side.

13. A hinge assembly (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one second type flexible element (15) which is fixed to the body arm (2) on one side and to the damper positioner (5) or damper slide (9) on the other side.

14. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one first slot (101) which is located on the side wall of the outer body (10) and allows the first limiting pin (7) to be slidably fixed within the limits defined therein.

15. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one second slot (102) which is located on the side wall of the outer body

(10) and allows the second limiting pin (8) to be slidably fixed within the limits defined therein.

16. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first limiting pin (7) which is fixed on the outer body (10) and/or positioned within the first slot (101).

17. A hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second limiting pin (8) which is fixed on the outer body (10) and/or positioned within the second slot (102).