ITPD20060034A1 - HINGE FOR OVEN OR SIMILAR DOORS - Google Patents

Abstract

A hinge for doors of ovens or the like, of the type which comprises: - a first elongated arm (13), to be fixed to the structure of the door (12) of the oven (11); - a second arm (14), which is pivoted to the first arm (13) and is designed to be fixed to the structure of the oven (11); - a mechanism (16) which is adapted to manage the relative angular position of the first arm (13) on the second arm (14). The second arm (14) has an internal space (19) which is open upward. The mechanism (16) is constituted by: - a slider (28) which can perform a translational motion substantially in the longitudinal direction of the first arm (13) by association with guiding means (29) formed on the first arm (13); - a linkage (32) which is pivoted respectively to the second arm (14) and to the slider (28); - an intermediate body (34), which is pivoted to the slider (28) on the same axis on which the linkage (32) is pivoted to the slider (28); - elastic elements (39), which are rigidly coupled to the first arm (13) and act by traction on the intermediate body (34).

Description

"HINGE FOR OVEN DOORS OR SIMILAR"

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a hinge for oven doors or the like. In the sector of the production of hinges for ovens or other similar apparatuses, one of the main problems is linked to the structural complexity of the hinges themselves, a complexity which inevitably affects the production costs.

The hinges for oven doors or other similar apparatuses generally consist of a first arm to be fixed to the closing door of the oven chamber and a second arm, articulated in some way to the first arm, to be fixed to the oven structure.

Between the first and the second arm a kinematic mechanism is interposed (generally also comprising a spring with a high elastic constant) designed to allow the rotation of the first arm on the second arm according to a controlled movement, ensuring stable equilibrium positions for the door both when closed on the oven chamber both when opening on this, as well as on intermediate positions.

The kinematic mechanism that manages the relative movement of the two arms of the hinge is generally very complicated, as it consists of many components, some even of complex geometry.

This structural complexity of the hinges has a significant impact on production costs, both in terms of manufacturing costs of the individual components, and in terms of the cost of the equipment for manufacturing these components, and in terms of assembly costs.

It should also be noted that, as regards assembly, known hinges generally have a drawback.

This drawback is linked to the fact that the spring of the kinematic mechanism of the hinge, which as mentioned, has a high elastic constant, tends to keep the first arm closed on the second arm (typically according to an angle of about 90 °), corresponding to the position of the closing door on the oven chamber.

During the assembly phase, this arrangement of the hinge does not allow it to be fixed to the oven, as the first arm must be angled with respect to the second arm by an angle between 90 ° and 180 °, in order to allow easy insertion of the end head of the second arm in a corresponding locking seat defined on the oven.

Given the great force required to overcome the resistance of the spring and rotate the first arm with respect to the second, many manufacturers equip themselves with dedicated tools to "open" the hinges during the assembly phase.

Other manufacturers equip the hinge with a fork element that is hinged, on the sides of the fork, to the second arm, embracing part of it.

This fork element is used as an element for locking the rotation of the first arm on the second arm due to the effect of the spring, since, during the assembly phase, it is rotated interposing itself between the two arms.

This locking element, in addition to complicating the structure, has the disadvantage of increasing the lateral dimensions of the second arm, with sizing problems that are not easy to solve, if we consider the need to try to reduce the dimensions of the hinge components ( obviously with the same mechanical resistance).

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a hinge for oven doors or the like which solves the problems highlighted in known types.

Within the scope of the main aim described above, an important object of the present invention is to provide a hinge for oven doors or the like which is structurally simple.

A further important object of the present invention is to provide a hinge for oven doors or the like which allows easy association of the door to the oven structure during the assembly step.

Not least object of the present invention is to provide a hinge for oven doors or the like which can be produced with known low-cost equipment.

These and still other objects, which will appear more clearly in the following, are achieved by a hinge for oven doors or the like, of the type comprising

- a first arm, elongated in shape, to be fixed to the structure of the oven door,

- a second arm, hinged to said first arm, to be fixed to the oven structure,

- a kinematic mechanism adapted to manage the relative angular position of said first arm on said second arm,

characterized by the fact that said second arm has an internal space open upwards, and that said kinematics consists of

- a slider element that can be moved substantially in the direction of development of said first arm for the association with guide means obtained on the same first arm,

- a connecting rod element hinged respectively to said second arm and to said slider element, said connecting rod element being arranged for its part within said space defined in said second arm,

- an intermediate body hinged to said slider element on the same axis for which said connecting rod element is hinged to said slider element, said intermediate body having a cam coupling with said second arm to ensure a stable equilibrium position of said first arm on said second arm corresponding to the closing position of the door on the oven chamber,

- elastic means, constrained to said first arm, acting in traction on said intermediate body.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional side view of a hinge according to the invention applied to an oven, with the opening configuration of the oven door highlighted;

figure 2 shows an enlarged detail of the hinge of figure 1 with the door in the closed configuration on the oven;

- figure 3 represents an exploded view of the hinge of the previous figures; - figure 4 represents an axonometric view of the hinge of the previous figures, in an intermediate opening step;

figure 5 represents a side view, in section, of the hinge of the previous figures in an intermediate opening step with an associated disk for locking the rotation of the two arms of the hinge;

Figure 6 is a sectional side view of a hinge according to the invention in an intermediate opening step, with a variant form of means for locking the relative rotation of the hinge arms;

- figure 7 represents a side view, in section, of part of the hinge of figure 6 in the opening configuration.

It should be noted that everything that in the course of the procedure for obtaining the patent turns out to be already known, is intended not to be claimed and subject to excerpt from the claims.

With reference to the aforementioned figures, a hinge for oven doors, according to the invention, is indicated as a whole with the number 10.

The structure of the oven is indicated as a whole with 11, while the oven door is indicated with the number 12.

The hinge 10 comprises a first arm 13, of elongated shape, to be fixed to the structure of the door 12 of the oven 11 (oven and door are schematized in hatching) and a second arm 14, hinged to the first arm 13, to be fixed to the structure of the oven 11; the connection between the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 takes place by means of a first pin 15.

Between these first and second arms 13 and 14 there is also a kinematic mechanism, indicated as a whole with 16, suitable for managing the relative angular position of the first arm 13 on the second arm 14.

In particular, according to a known type of configuration, the first arm 13 has a substantially C-shaped cross section designed to define a longitudinal housing 17 for the components of the kinematic mechanism 16.

The second arm 14 is hinged to the side walls 18 of the longitudinal housing 17 and internally has a space 19 open upwards.

In particular, the second arm 14 consists of two plates 20, symmetrical and correspondingly facing each other, joined by a transverse bridge 21.

These plates 20 are made in a single piece, conveniently for example by shearing and U-bending of a metal sheet.

The shape of each plate 20 has an upper spur 22, able to be arranged in anti-extraction abutment against the internal front wall 23 of a seat 24 obtained in the structure of the oven 11, and a lower groove 25 able to receive a lower edge 26 of the same office 24.

The same shape of each plate 19 also has a rear portion 27 in correspondence with which the first arm 13 is hinged.

The kinematic mechanism 16 comprises a slider element 28 which can be moved substantially in the direction of development of the first arm 13 for the association with guide means 29 obtained on the same first arm 13.

The slider element 28 consists of a pin, hereinafter referred to as the second pin 30, whose ends are guided on parallel slots 31, constituting the guide means 29, obtained symmetrically on the side walls 18 of the housing 17 defined on the first arm 13 .

The kinematics 16 also includes a connecting rod element 32, plate-like, hinged respectively to the second arm 14 and to the slider element 28.

The connecting rod element 28 is arranged on its own side within the space 19 defined by the U-shaped folding of the second arm 14, and is hinged to this second arm 14 through a third pin, numbered 33, arranged passing through the plates 20.

The waxing axis of the connecting rod element 32 on the second arm 14 is spaced upwards with respect to the waxing axis of the first arm 13 to the second arm 14; the straight line, schematised with the letter A in figure 2, which joins the centers of rotation of the connecting rod element 32 on the second arm 14 and of the first arm 13 on the second arm 14, the interface surface between door and oven is incident when the door is closed on the oven chamber.

Furthermore, the kinematic mechanism 16 comprises an intermediate body 34 hinged to the slider element 28 on the same axis for which the connecting rod element 32 is hinged to the slider element 28, in practice the axis of the second pin 30 which constitutes the same slider element 28.

The intermediate body 34 consists of a U-shaped sheet between the side wings 35 of which the slider element 28 is arranged.

The intermediate body 34 also has a cam coupling, indicated with the number 36, with the second arm 14; this cam coupling 36 is able to ensure a stable equilibrium position of the first arm 13 on the second arm 14 corresponding to the closing position of the door 12 on the oven chamber 11, as can be seen in figure 2.

This cam coupling 36 consists of a roller, indicated as a whole with 37, rotatably disposed between the lateral fins 35 of the intermediate body 34, which is arranged in sliding contact, during part of the relative rotation of the first arm 13 on the second arm 14, with a cusp portion 38 defined on the upper edge 35 of the second arm 14.

The positioning of the roller 37 on the part of the cusp portion 38 facing the bottom of the housing 17 defined on the first arm 13, as seen in Figure 2, corresponds to the closing position of the door 12 on the oven chamber 11.

Finally, the kinematic mechanism 16 comprises elastic means 39, constrained to the first arm 13, acting in traction on the intermediate body 34.

These elastic means 39 take the form of a traction spring 40 connected at the ends respectively to a first coupling portion 41, such as a fourth pin transversal to the side walls 18 of the housing 17, and to a second coupling portion 42, such as a fifth pin defined transversely between the fins 35 of the intermediate body 34.

The connecting rod element 32 has, near its axis of hinging to the second arm 14, an extension appendix 43 able to abut against a lower limit stop 44 for the connecting rod element 32 when the first arm 13 is rotated into position corresponding to the fully open position of the door 12 with respect to the oven chamber 11, as well as clearly visible in Figure 1.

The lower end stop 44 is defined on the second arm 14, inside the space 29 defined by the U-shaped folding, and consists for example of a sixth pin 45 arranged passing through at least one of the two plates 20.

When the appendix 43 abuts on this lower limit switch 44, the slider element 28 abuts on the lower ends of the guide slots 31.

The operation of the hinge is as follows.

The first and second arms 13 and 14 are hinged together, while the spring 40 brings the connecting rod element 32 in traction, in practice by acting on the slider element 28.

The fact that the hinging axis of the connecting rod element 32 on the second arm 14 is spaced upwards with respect to the hinging axis of the first arm 13 to the second arm 14, means that in practice the spring pulls eccentrically on the second arm 14, leading to a rotation of the first arm 13 on the same second arm 14; the eccentric traction action is hypothetically ceased when the direction of traction of the spring aligns with the straight line A which joins the centers of rotation of the connecting rod element 32 on the second arm 14 and of the first arm 13 on the second arm 14.

Since this straight line A impacts the interface surface between door and oven when the door is closed on the oven chamber, the aforementioned alignment cannot take place: the first arm 13 moves until the door 12 meets the front of the oven chamber 11 .

To increase safety, when the door 12 strikes on the front of the oven chamber 11, the roller 37 is positioned on the part of the cusp portion 38 facing the bottom of the housing 17 defined on the first arm 13, as seen in figure 2, increasing the stability of the closed position of the door.

Door 12 is opened simply by rotating it downwards; the kinematic mechanism 16 is structured so that the door 12, taking into account the center of gravity of the same, is always in equilibrium in any angular position between the cusp portion 38 and the position of maximum opening, corresponding to the abutment of the appendix 43 on the stop of the lower limit switch 44 and by the abutment of the slider element 28 on the lower ends of the guide slots 31.

Advantageously, the hinge 10 comprises angular locking means 46 of the rotation of the first arm 13 on the second arm 14 in an angular position suitable for allowing the assembly of the second arm 14 to the structure of the oven 11 (see Figure 5).

This angular position corresponds to an intermediate rotation position between the position of the closed door on the oven chamber (as in figure 2) and a position corresponding to the maximum opening of the door (figure 1).

The angular locking means 46 comprise a locking element 47 (shown in broken lines in Figure 5) adapted to be interposed in compression, due to the indirect effect of the thrust of the elastic means 39, between a first abutment 48 defined on the first arm 13 and a second abutment 49 inside the space 19 defined by the U-shaped folding of the second arm 14.

In particular, this locking element 47 consists of a disc that can be partially inserted into the slot 50 for opening upwards of the space 19 defined by the U-shaped folding of the second arm 14; in the sectional figures, the slot 50 is indicated with reference to the longitudinal edge thereof.

The disc is inserted in this slot 50, abutting laterally both on the first abutment 48 which corresponds to the base of the outlet 51 defined at the end of the first arm 13 to allow the front portion of the second arm 14 to come out of the housing 17 of the same first arm 13, and on the second abutment 49 consisting of a monolithic tab 52 at the edge of one of the two plates 20 and folded orthogonally thereto.

Furthermore, this disk constituting the locking element 47 rests on a lower support 53 defined internally in the space 19, which is realized in the upper part of the sixth pin making the lower limit switch 42.

The disc, which can conveniently be a coin of suitable diameter, is therefore easily insertable and removable from the slot 50.

A variant form of angular locking means, visible in figures 6 and 7 and indicated with the number 146, comprise a locking element 147 able to be interposed in compression, due to the indirect effect of the thrust of the elastic means 139, between a first abutment 148 defined on the first arm 13 and a second abutment 149 inside the space 19 defined by the U-shaped folding of the second arm 14.

In this embodiment, the locking element 147 consists of a lever 154 hinged to the second arm 14 and partially contained within the slot 150 for opening upwards of the space 19 defined by the U-shaped folding of the second arm 14. .

The end 155 of the lever, opposite to the hinging end of the second arm 14, strikes, during the locking phase, against the first stop 148.

In particular, the second abutment 149 is constituted by the hinging pin of the lever 154 while the first abutment 148 is constituted by the base of the outlet 51 defined at the end of the first arm 13 to allow the front portion of the second arm 14 to come out of the housing 17 of the same first arm 13.

The end 154 of the lever 153 is wider than the width of the slot 50, for example by transversal folding of the same end 154, in order to avoid the complete insertion of the lever into the slot 50.

Figure 7 shows the position of the lever once the hinge has been associated with the oven 11.

In practice it has been found that the invention thus described solves the problems noted in known types of hinges for ovens.

In particular, the present invention provides a hinge for oven doors or the like which is simplified with respect to known hinges, since the number of components is reduced to a minimum.

The shape of the components is also simple and furthermore these components are substantially all obtainable by shearing and bending metal sheets.

In addition, the use of angular locking means of the relative rotation of the two arms of an extremely simple type, such as a coin, makes it possible to greatly simplify the step of associating the hinge itself to the oven.

The variant of the aforesaid angular locking means which provides the lever takes up a per se known concept; the application of the single lever housed between the plates forming the second arm is constructively simple and leads to smaller overall dimensions.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; moreover, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the needs and the state of the art.

Where the characteristics and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference marks, such reference marks have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and consequently such reference marks have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element. identified by way of example by these reference signs.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS 1) Hinge for oven doors or the like, of the type comprising - a first arm (13), of elongated shape, to be fixed to the structure of the door (12) of the oven (11), - a second arm (14), hinged to said first arm (13), to be fixed to the oven structure (11), - a kinematic mechanism (16) adapted to manage the relative angular position of said first arm (13) on said second arm (14), characterized in that said second arm (14) has an internal space (19) open upwards, and that said kinematic mechanism (16) consists of - a slider element (28) which can be moved substantially in the direction of development of said first arm (13) for the association with guide means (29) obtained on the same first arm (13), - a connecting rod element (32) hinged respectively to said second arm (14) and to said slider element (28), said connecting rod element (32) being arranged for its part within said space (19) defined in said second arm ( 14), - an intermediate body (34) hinged to said slider element (28) on the same axis for which said connecting rod element (32) is hinged to said slider element (28), said intermediate body (34) having a cam coupling ( 36) with said second arm (14) adapted to ensure a stable equilibrium position of said first arm (13) on said second arm (14) corresponding to the closing position of the door (12) on the oven chamber, - elastic means ( 39), constrained to said first arm (13), acting in traction on said intermediate body (34). 2) Hinge, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first arm (13) has a substantially C-shaped cross section able to define a longitudinal housing (17) for the components of said kinematic mechanism (16), said second arm (14) being hinged to the side walls (18) of said longitudinal housing (17), said slider element (28) being constituted by a pin (30) whose ends are guided on parallel slots (31), constituting said means guide (29), obtained symmetrically on said side walls (18), said intermediate body (34) being constituted by a U-shaped sheet between whose side fins (35) said pin (30) is arranged. 3) Hinge, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said cam coupling (36) of said intermediate body (34) with said second arm (14) consists of a rotatable roller (37) interposed between said lateral fins (35) of said intermediate body (34) which is arranged in sliding contact, during part of the relative rotation of said first arm (13) on said second arm (14), with a cusp portion (38) defined on the upper edge of said second arm (14), the positioning of said roller (37) on the part of said cusp portion (38) facing the bottom of said housing (17) defined on said first arm (13) corresponding to the closing position of the door (12) on the oven chamber (11). 4) Hinge, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second arm (14) consists of two symmetrical and correspondingly facing plates (20), said plates (20) being joined by at least one transverse bridge (21) , said plates (20) being made in a single piece folded into a U to define said space (19). 5) Hinge, according to one of the claims from 2 to 4, characterized in that said connecting rod element (32) has, near the axis hinging to said second arm (14), an extension appendix (43) adapted to meet against a lower limit stop (44) for the same connecting rod element (32) when the first arm (13) is rotated into a position corresponding to the fully open position of the door (12) with respect to the oven chamber (11), called bottom end stop (44) being made on said second arm (14) inside said space (19), when said appendix (43) abuts on said lower limit switch (44), said slider element (28) being abutment on the lower ends of said guide slots (31). 6) Hinge, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastic means (39) take the form of a traction spring (40) constrained at the ends respectively to a first coupling portion (41) transversal to the side walls ( 18) of said housing (17) defined on said first arm (13) and to a second coupling portion (42) defined on said intermediate body (34). 7) Hinge, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinging axis of said connecting rod element (32) on said second arm (14) is spaced upwards with respect to the hinging axis of said first arm (13) to said second arm (14), the straight line (A) which joins the center of rotation of said connecting rod element (32) on said second arm (14) and the center of rotation of the first arm (13) on second arm (14) the interface surface between door (12) and oven (11) being incident when the door (12) is closed on the oven chamber (11). 8) Hinge, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises angular locking means (46, 146) of the rotation of said first arm (13) on said second arm (14) in an angular position suitable for allowing the assembly of said second arm (14) to the furnace structure (11), said angular locking means (46, 146) comprising a locking element (47, 147) able to be interposed in compression, due to the thrust of said elastic means ( 39), between a first abutment (48, 148) defined on said first arm (13) and a second abutment (49, 149) inside the space (19) inside said second arm (14). 9) Hinge, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said locking element (47) is constituted by a disc which can be partially inserted in the slot (50) for opening upwards of the space (19) defined inside said second arm ( 14), said disc being removable from said slot (50) and released from the structure of said hinge (10). 10) Hinge, according to the previous claim, characterized in that on said second arm (14), inside the space (19) defined inside this (14), there is a lower support (53) for said disk. 11) Hinge, according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said first abutment (48) is constituted by the base of the outlet (51) defined at the end of said first arm (13) to allow the front portion of said second to come out arm (14) and said second abutment (49) consists of a tongue (52) monolithic to said second arm (14) and internal to said space (19). 12) Hinge, according to claim 2, characterized in that said locking element (147) consists of a lever (154) hinged to said second arm (14) and partially contained inside the opening slot (50) towards the top of the space (19) defined internally to said second arm (14), the end (155) of said lever (154) opposite to that of hinging to said second arm (14) going to stop, during the locking, against said first abutment (148). 13) Hinge, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said end (155) of said lever (154), opposite to that of hinging to said second arm (14), is of greater width than the width of said slot (50 ). 14) Hinge, according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said second abutment (149) is constituted by the pin for hinging said lever (154) to said second arm (14) while said first abutment (148) is constituted by the base of the outlet (51) defined at the end of the first arm (13) to allow the front portion of the second arm (14) to come out. 15) Hinge for oven doors or the like, according to one or more of the preceding claims, which is characterized by what is described and illustrated in the attached drawings.