EP4756163A1

EP4756163A1 - A deep freezer comprising a hinge

Info

Publication number: EP4756163A1
Application number: EP25198760.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Samet MERMUT; Ali DUDUK; Betul CEBECI
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2024-12-04
Filing date: 2025-08-28
Publication date: 2026-06-10
Also published as: TR2024017601A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a deep freezer (1) comprising a body (2); a door (3) which is attached to the body (2); and a hinge (4) enabling the door (3) to be attached to the body (2) and having a body bracket (5) which is fixed to the body (2), a door bracket (6) which is fixed to the door (3), an axle pin (7) which connects the door bracket (6) to the body bracket (5) and which enables the door bracket (6) to rotate about the extension axis, a movable pin (8) which is fixed onto the door bracket (6) and which moves together with the door bracket (6), and a support arm (9) one end of which bears against the movable pin (8) and the other end of which is fixed to the body bracket (5), and which is able to move toward or away from the body (2) depending on the movement direction of the movable pin (8).

Description

The present invention relates to a deep freezer the door of which is locked by means of a hinge.
Deep freezers typically comprise a body having a large internal volume used for cooling or freezing foodstuffs, and a door attached to the said body by means of a hinge. The door is designed to move between an open position which allows users to access the freezer and a closed position which completely covers the upper portion of the body so as to isolate the internal environment from external factors. This design provides both ease of use and energy efficiency while establishing the necessary conditions for the safe storage of foodstuffs. Traditionally, locking mechanisms are provided on the door or the body to ensure that the door remains securely closed. However, such configurations often prove to be inefficient in terms of both manufacturing and use, due to complex designs and high costs. Therefore, there is a need for simpler, more economical, and user-friendly solutions.
In the state of the art European Patent No. EP2998496B1 , a deep freezer is disclosed, comprising a hinge having a damper mechanism.
In the state of the art German Patent Application No. DE102012016938A1 , a deep freezer is disclosed, comprising a hinge including a damper which provides weight balancing during the opening and closing of the doors.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a deep freezer the door of which is locked by means of a hinge.
The deep freezer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a body; a door which is attached to the body; a hinge enabling the door to be attached to the body and having a body bracket which is fixed to the body, a door bracket which is fixed to the door, an axle pin which connects the door bracket to the body bracket and about which the door bracket rotates, a movable pin which is fixed onto the door bracket and which moves together with the door bracket, and a support arm one end of which bears against the movable pin and the other end of which is fixed to the body bracket, and which is able to move toward or away from the body depending on the movement direction of the movable pin, wherein the hinge has a stopping member which is provided on the body bracket and which is configured to move between a locking position where the stopping member blocks the movement of the support arm and a release position where the stopping member allows the movement of the support arm. Thus, by means of the stopping member provided on the hinge, the door can be locked in an easy and cost-effective manner. Consequently, the door of the deep freezer is enabled to be securely locked without requiring an additional locking mechanism.
In an embodiment of the present invention, on the hinge, an actuator is provided, which enables the stopping member to move between the locking position and the release position. Thus, the users can securely lock and unlock the door of the deep freezer in the desired position. The actuator facilitates the opening and closing operations of the door, providing both convenience and enhanced safety. As a result, the user experience is improved.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator is controlled by means of a button. Thus, the users can easily open and close the door of the deep freezer and practically manage the transition of the stopping member between the locking and release positions. The ease of use provided by the button ensures operational speed and safety. Consequently, the functionality of the deep freezer is enhanced, and the user experience is improved.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator is configured to be controlled via a mobile application. Thus, the users can remotely control the door of the deep freezer and easily switch the stopping member between the locking and release positions. The mobile application offers the users greater flexibility and control, thereby increasing the functionality of the freezer. Moreover, this feature enriches the user experience and provides convenience in daily life.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator comprises a solenoid coil. As a simple and effective actuator, the solenoid coil enables the user to control the deep freezer door quickly and reliably. Thus, the opening and closing of the door is performed through a system controlled by electrical power.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer comprises a casing which surrounds the actuator. Thus, the actuator is protected and prevented from being affected by external factors. Furthermore, the casing supports the safe and orderly operation of the actuator, increasing the overall durability of the system.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a guide is provided on the casing, and a magnet is provided on the guide, which is configured to be moved by sliding and which, when aligned with the actuator, enables the actuator to be manually activated. Thus, the manual control of the actuator is made possible, ensuring continued operation of the system even in situations such as a power outage. Consequently, the functionality of the deep freezer is improved, and the users are enabled to operate the device safely even under extraordinary conditions.
In an embodiment of the present invention, on the body bracket, a bearing is provided, which supports the stopping member. Thus, the stopping member is positioned in a stable manner, ensuring the reliable operation thereof, and when the support arm bears against the stopping member, the displacement of the stopping member is prevented. This structure contributes to the hinge mechanism operating more robustly and in a more controlled manner, thereby increasing the overall performance and durability of the system.
By means of the present invention, the door of the deep freezer can be locked securely, easily, and cost-effectively, improving operational safety. Moreover, the durability and functionality of the system are enhanced, and the need for additional locking mechanisms is eliminated.
The deep freezer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the deep freezer related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 - is the view of the hinge related to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the actuator can be controlled via a mobile application.
Figure 3 - is the view of the hinge related to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the release position of the stopping member.
Figure 4 - is the view of the hinge related to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking position of the stopping member.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1.: Deep freezer
2.: Body
3.: Door
4.: Hinge
5.: Body bracket
6.: Door bracket
7.: Axle pin
8.: Movable pin
9.: Support arm
10.: Spring
11.: Stopping member
12.: Actuator
13.: Button
14.: Channel
15.: Casing
16.: Guide
17.: Magnet
18.: Bearing
19.: Abutment

The deep freezer (1) comprises a body (2); a door (3) which is attached to the body (2); and a hinge (4) enabling the door (3) to be attached to the body (2) and having a body bracket (5) which is fixed to the body (2), a door bracket (6) which is fixed to the door (3), an axle pin (7) which connects the door bracket (6) to the body bracket (5) and which enables the door bracket (6) to rotate about the extension axis, a movable pin (8) which is fixed onto the door bracket (6) and which moves together with the door bracket (6), and a support arm (9) one end of which bears against the movable pin (8) and the other end of which is fixed to the body bracket (5), and which is able to move toward or away from the body (2) depending on the movement direction of the movable pin (8). The door (3) is preferably mounted onto the body (2) by means of two hinges (4). When the door (3) is opened, the door bracket (6) rotates around the axle pin (7) where the door bracket (6) is attached to the body bracket (5), and the movable pin (8) moves in a channel (14) provided on the body bracket (5) so as to approach the body (2). When the door (3) is closed, the movable pin (8) again moves in the channel (14) so as to move away from the body (2). The movable pin (8) bears against the support arm (9) fixed to the body bracket (5), and the support arm (9) carries the door (3) in the open position. When the door (3) is brought into the open position, the weight of the door (3) is carried by a spring (10) provided on the support arm (9).
The deep freezer (1) of the present invention comprises the hinge (4) having a stopping member (11) which is provided on the body bracket (5) so as to move between a locking position where the movement of the support arm (9) is blocked, and a release position where the movement of the support arm (9) is allowed. When the user wishes to lock the door (3) of the deep freezer (1), they place the stopping member (11) between the support arm (9) and the body (2) so as to block the movement of the support arm (9). Thus, since the support arm (9) cannot move toward the body (2), the door (3) becomes locked. On the contrary, when the stopping member (11) is removed from behind the support arm (9), the support arm (9) moves toward the body (2), and the door (3) is opened. Thus, the door (3) can be locked easily and quickly by means of the stopping member (11) provided on the hinge (4).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises an actuator (12) which enables the stopping member (11) to be moved between the locking position and the release position. The actuator (12) may be a motor, solenoid coil, or another mechanical-electronic component which changes the position of the stopping member (11). Thus, the safety of the stopping member (11) is increased, ease of use is ensured, and mechanical wear is reduced, extending the economic life thereof.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises a button (13) which controls the actuator (12). When the button (13) is manually triggered by the user, the actuator (12) is activated and changes the position of the stopping member (11). For example, when the button (13) is pressed, the actuator (12) moves the stopping member (11) to the locking position or the release position. Thus, the position of the stopping member (11) can be easily controlled, and the actuator (12) operation provides fast and precise movement while minimizing human error.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises the actuator (12) which is configured to be controlled via a mobile application. The mobile application enables the users to remotely control the actuator (12) of the deep freezer (1). The said application sends the necessary commands to change the position of the stopping member (11) so as to enable the users to monitor the open/closed status of the door (3) via their smartphones and make adjustments when needed.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises the actuator (12) which is a solenoid coil. The solenoid coil is a device which operates with electrical energy to generate a magnetic field and provide mechanical movement. The solenoid coil provided in the deep freezer (1) moves when electric current passes therethrough so as to change the position of the stopping member (11) and enable the stopping member (11) to switch between the locking and release positions. This system offers fast and precise control and ensures that the deep freezer (1) operates safely and efficiently.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises a casing (15) which almost completely surrounds the actuator (12). The casing (15) protects the actuator (12) from external factors, dust, moisture, and physical damage. Moreover, the casing (15) facilitates the mounting of the actuator (12) and enables the same to be fixed in place safely. Thus, the overall durability and reliability of the system are enhanced. Furthermore, the casing (15) provides thermal and sound insulation for the actuator (12), contributing to more efficient operation of the deep freezer (1). Preferably, the casing (15) is fixed onto the body bracket (5).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises a guide (16) which is provided on the casing (15), and a magnet (17) which is suitable to be moved on the guide (16) and which, when aligned with the solenoid coil, ensures the manual activation of the solenoid coil. When the user moves the magnet (17) along the guide (16) so as to align the same with the solenoid coil, the magnet (17) activates the solenoid coil. In this case, the solenoid coil receives electric current and generates a magnetic field, and the said magnetic field moves the core or piston in the coil. As a result, the position of the stopping member (11) changes and shifts to the locking or release position. The user can observe the system status and, when necessary, reposition the magnet (17) to adjust the position of the stopping member (11) again. This mechanism enhances the user experience by enabling the stopping member (11) to be moved between the locking and release positions even during power outages.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the deep freezer (1) comprises a bearing (18) which is provided on the body bracket (5) and which supports the stopping member (11). The bearing (18) is designed to support the movement of the stopping member (11) and ensure the proper operation thereof. The bearing (18) provided on the body bracket (5) increases the stability of the stopping member (11) and prevents deviation or instability during movement. Moreover, the bearing (18) minimizes friction, reduces mechanical wear, and extends the economic life of the stopping member (11).
By means of the present invention, the door (3) of the deep freezer (1) is enabled to be locked in a simple, reliable, and cost-effective manner. Thus, ease of use and cost advantages are achieved without the need for an additional locking mechanism.

Claims

A deep freezer (1) comprising a body (2); a door (3) which is attached to the body (2); and a hinge (4) enabling the door (3) to be attached to the body (2) and having a body bracket (5) which is fixed to the body (2), a door bracket (6) which is fixed to the door (3), an axle pin (7) which connects the door bracket (6) to the body bracket (5) and which enables the door bracket (6) to rotate about the extension axis, a movable pin (8) which is fixed onto the door bracket (6) and which moves together with the door bracket (6), and a support arm (9) one end of which bears against the movable pin (8) and the other end of which is fixed to the body bracket (5), and which is able to move toward or away from the body (2) depending on the movement direction of the movable pin (8), characterized by the hinge (4) having a stopping member (11) which is provided on the body bracket (5) so as to move between a locking position where the movement of the support arm (9) is blocked, and a release position where the movement of the support arm (9) is allowed.
A deep freezer (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by an actuator (12) which enables the stopping member (11) to be moved between the locking position and the release position.
A deep freezer (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by a button (13) which controls the actuator (12).
A deep freezer (1) as in Claim 2 or Claim 3, characterized by the actuator (12) which is configured to be controlled via a mobile application.
A deep freezer (1) as in any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized by the actuator (12) which is a solenoid coil.
A deep freezer (1) as in any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized by a casing (15) which almost completely surrounds the actuator (12).
A deep freezer (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by a guide (16) which is provided on the casing (15), and a magnet (17) which is suitable to be moved on the guide (16) and which, when aligned with the solenoid coil, ensures the manual activation of the solenoid coil.
A deep freezer (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a bearing (18) which is provided on the body bracket (5) and which supports the stopping member (11).