WO2015180790A1

WO2015180790A1 - Glass door with improved safety against breakage for use in a household appliance and method of manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2015180790A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/061257
Authority: WO
Inventors: Davut Ayhan Serabatir; Mehmet Baris Gocer; Mehmet Murat MAMATOGLU
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2014-05-30
Filing date: 2014-05-30
Publication date: 2015-12-03

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door (1) for use in a household appliance, in particular an oven. The door (1) comprises an outer glass pane (2) and an inner glass pane (3). The door (1) also comprises a frame assembly (4) which holds the outer glass pane (2) and the inner glass pane (3). In the door (1) of the present invention, the frame assembly (4) comprises edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) for respectively protecting a left lateral edge (6a) and a right lateral edge (6b) of the inner glass pane (3). The edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105) are respectively arranged in a proximity of the left lateral edge (6a) and the right lateral edge (6b) without contacting the inner glass pane (3).

Description

GLASS DOOR WITH IMPROVED SAFETY AGAINST BREAKAGE FOR USE IN A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a door for use in a household appliance, in particular in a domestic oven. The present invention more particularly relates to a door with glass panes and a method of manufacturing the same.

A conventional domestic oven is usually provided with a transparent glass door in order to enable a user to view into the cooking chamber. Thereby, the user can intermittently follow the cooking process. The conventional glass door typically comprises an outer glass pane and an inner glass pane which are held together by a frame assembly. The conventional glass door is pivotably mounted to the main body of the conventional domestic oven through the hinges of the frame assembly. The handle of the conventional glass door is usually mounted onto the front glass pane.

A drawback of conventional glass door is that it is vulnerable to breakage. The user occasionally drops a heavy kitchenware such as a cooking pot onto the inner glass pane which causes the inner glass pane to break into pieces and spread all over the kitchen floor. The glass fractures pose a severe health risk to the user. To prevent the inner glass pane from breaking, the conventional glass door is usually manufactured by using tempered glass panes.

DE 101 43 925 A1 discloses a cooking appliance door. This conventional cooking appliance door includes an outer glass pane, an inner glass pane, and an intermediate glass pane. The intermediate glass pane is arranged between the outer glass pane and the inner glass pane. This conventional cooking appliance door further includes a frame which holds the glass panes together. In this conventional cooking appliance door, at least the inner glass pane is tempered to attain improved impact strength.

The tempered glass panes which are used in the conventional oven door have a moderate thickness, and cannot completely eliminate glass breakage. In general, if a thickness of the tempered glass pane is increased, then the glass door gets heavier and becomes difficult to manipulate. Moreover, the overall manufacturing cost increases.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a door for use in a household appliance and a method of manufacturing the same which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in a cost effective way and which enables an improved safety against breakage and easy assemblage.

This objective has been achieved by the door according to the present invention as defined in claim 1, the manufacturing method as defined in claim 13, and the oven according to the present invention as defined in claim 15. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.

In the door according to the present invention the frame assembly comprises edge protector elements for respectively protecting a left lateral edge and a right lateral edge of the inner glass pane. The edge protector elements are respectively arranged in a proximity of the left lateral edge and the right lateral edge without contacting the inner glass pane.

In an embodiment, each edge protector element comprises a lateral segment and a protruding segment for respectively protecting a lateral surface and a lateral edge of the inner glass pane. None of the lateral segment and the protruding segment contact the inner glass pane.

In another embodiment, each edge protector element comprises a transverse segment which protects an inner surface of the inner glass pane which is in the proximity of the lateral edge. The transverse segment does not contact the inner glass pane.

In another embodiment, the protruding segment has a substantially a convex form so as to deform in case of a frontal impact, and to absorb the impact energy.

In another embodiment, each edge protector element is integrally formed with a respective support element of the frame assembly.

In another embodiment, each edge protector element is detachably attached to the frame assembly.

In another embodiment, each edge protector element is attached to the frame assembly through a heat resistant adhesive, preferably a silicone adhesive.

In another embodiment, each edge protector element is attached to the frame assembly through a tape.

In another embodiment, the edge protector elements are made of a heat resistant, durable plastic.

In another embodiment, the edge protector elements are made of metal.

In the manufacturing method of the present invention, the edge protector element is formed by an extrusion process.

In another embodiment, the edge protector element and the respective support element are integrally formed by the extrusion process.

With the present invention, a glass door has been provided which has an improved safety against breakage. By virtue of the edge protector elements, the lateral edges of the inner glass pane are reliably protected both against lateral impacts and frontal impacts. In particular, by virtue of the lateral segment and the protruding segment of the edge protector element respectively a lateral surface of the inner glass pane and an inner surface in the proximity of the lateral edge of the inner glass pane are effectively protected against impacts. Since the edge protector elements are arranged in a proximity of the left lateral edge and the right lateral edge without contacting the inner glass pane, any impact energy of a dropping kitchenware is not transferred to the inner glass plane, but absorbed by the edge protector elements itself in form of deformations or transferred to the frame assembly which is more robust. Thereby, the inner glass pane is effectively protected against impacts. With the detachable edge protector elements, the user is enabled to clean the edge protector elements and the lateral edges shielded by the same. With the detachable edge protector elements, the user is also enabled to replace the edge protector element with an intact one, for example in case of deformations. With the method of the present invention, the manufacturing of the door has become simpler. In particular, by virtue of the support elements which have been extruded together with the edge protector elements, the assembly process has been expedited. Moreover, attachment of the detachable edge protector elements of the present invention to the inner glass pane is optional, if the door has been already provided with support elements having the integral edge protector elements of the present invention. However, even when the user removes the detachable edge protector element of the present invention for cleaning, the support elements having the integral edge protector elements of the present invention continue to ensure an improved protection against breakage. Thereby a consumer satisfaction can be further increased.

Additional advantages of the door and the household appliance according to the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 – is a schematic partial perspective view of a door according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 2 – is a schematic view of the detail A of Fig.1,

Figure 3 – is a schematic cross sectional view of the door of Fig. 1, taken along the line B-B,

Figure 4 – is a schematic partial perspective view of a door according to another embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 5 – is a schematic view of the detail C of Fig.4,

Figure 6 – is a schematic cross sectional view of the door of Fig. 4, taken along the line D-D,

Figure 7 – is a schematic partial perspective top view of the door of Fig. 4,

Figure 8 – is a schematic view of the detail E of Fig.7,

Figure 9 – is a schematic view of the detail F of Fig.7.

Figure 10 – is a schematic cross sectional view of a support element and an edge protector element which are integrally formed by an extrusion process according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along a vertical direction,

Figure 11 – is a schematic cross sectional view of a detachable edge protector element according to another embodiment of the present invention, taken along a vertical direction.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Door
Outer glass pane
Inner glass pane

3a. Lateral surface

3b. Inner surface
3c. Left lateral side
3d. Right lateral side
4. Frame assembly

5a. Edge protector element (left)

105a. Edge protector element (left)

5b. Edge protector element (right)

105b. Edge protector element (right)
6. Lateral edge

6a. Left lateral edge

6b. Right lateral edge
7a. Lateral segment
107a. Lateral segment

7b. Protruding segment

107b. Protruding segment

107c. Transverse segment

8a. Support element (left)

8b. Support element (right)

9a. Profile segment (left)

9b. Profile segment (right)

The door (1) is suitable for use in a household appliance, in particular an oven (not shown) (Figs. 1 to 11).

The door (1) comprises an outer glass pane (2) and an inner glass pane (3). The door (1) also comprises a frame assembly (4) which holds the outer glass pane (2) and the inner glass pane (3) (Figs. 1 to 11).

In the door (1) of the present invention, the frame assembly (4) comprises edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) for respectively protecting a left lateral edge (6a) and a right lateral edge (6b) of the inner glass pane (3). The edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) are respectively arranged in a proximity of the left lateral edge (6a) and the right lateral edge (6b) without contacting the inner glass pane (3) (Figs. 1 to 11).

In an embodiment, each edge protector element (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) comprises a lateral segment (7a, 107a) and a protruding segment (7b, 107b) (Figs. 3 and 6). The lateral segment (7a, 107a) extends along a thickness direction (x) of the inner glass pane (3) so as to shield a respective lateral surface (3a) of the inner glass pane (3). The protruding segment (7b, 107b) is slightly raised above an inner surface (3b) of the inner glass pane (3). None of the lateral segment (7a, 107a) and the protruding segment (7b, 107b) contact the inner glass pane (3). The lateral segment (7a, 107a) protects the lateral edge (6) of the inner glass pane (3) from lateral impacts. The protruding segment (7b, 107b) protects the lateral edge (6) of the inner glass pane (3) from frontal impacts (Figs. 1 to 11).

In another embodiment, each edge protector element (105a, 105b) further comprises a transverse segment (107c) which extends along a width direction (y) of the inner glass pane (3) so as to partly shield an inner surface (3b) of the inner glass pane (3) which is in the proximity of the respective lateral edge (6) (Fig. 6). The transverse segment (107c) and the lateral segment (107a) are formed on opposite ends of the protruding segment (107b). The transverse segment (107c) does not contact the inner glass pane (3). The transverse segment (7b, 107c) protects the lateral edge (6) of the inner glass pane (3) from frontal impacts (Figs. 1 to 11).

In another embodiment, the protruding segment (107b) is curved shaped, in particular a convex shaped (Fig. 6). The convex shaped protruding segment (107b) deforms in case of a frontal impact, and thereby absorbs the impact energy.

In another embodiment, the frame assembly (4) further comprises two elongated support elements (8a, 8b) which respectively support a left lateral side (3c) and a right lateral side (3d) of the inner glass pane (3) (Figs. 1 and 4). The edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) are respectively formed on the two support elements (8a, 8b) (Figs. 3 and 6).

In another embodiment, each elongated support element (8a, 8b) comprises a respective profile segment (9a, 9b) (Fig. 1, Figs. 7 to 9).

In another embodiment, each edge protector element (5a, 5b) is integrally formed with the respective elongated support element (8a, 8b) (Fig. 10).

In another embodiment, each edge protector element (105a, 105b) is detachably attached to the frame assembly (4) (Figs. 6 and 11). In this embodiment, each edge protector element (105a, 105b) can be detached for cleaning or for replacement with an intact one.

In another embodiment, each edge protector element (105a, 105b) is attached to the frame assembly (4) by an adhesive which is heat resistant. In a version of this embodiment, a silicone adhesive has been used.

In another embodiment, each edge protector element (105a, 105b) is attached to the frame assembly (4) by a bonding tape. In a version of this embodiment, a double sided bonding tape has been used.

In another embodiment, the edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) are made of a heat resistant and durable plastic.

In another embodiment, the edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) are made of metal. In a version of this embodiment, the edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) are made from an inox metal plate.

The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing the door (1). The manufacturing method of the present invention comprises a step of forming the edge protector element (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) by an extrusion process. However, the present invention is not limited to the extrusion process. Thus, other techniques may be alternatively used.

In another embodiment, in the forming step the edge protector element (5a, 5b) and the respective support element (8a, 8b) are integrally formed by the extrusion process (Fig. 10). Thereby an assembly process of the door (1) is simplified. In a version of this embodiment, the protector element (5a, 5b) and the respective support element (8a, 8b) are extruded from Aluminium.

The present invention also provides an oven (not shown). The oven comprises a chamber for cooking/backing/grilling food.

The oven of the present invention comprises the door (1) of the present invention. The door (1) is pivotably arranged to enable access to the interior of the chamber.

With the present invention, a door (1) has been provided which has an improved safety against breakage of its inner glass pane (3). Thereby, a consumer satisfaction can be further increased.

Claims

A door (1) for use in a household appliance, in particular an oven, the door (1) comprising

- an outer glass pane (2),

- an inner glass pane (3) and

- a frame assembly (4) for holding the outer glass pane (2) and the inner glass pane (3),

characterized in that

the frame assembly (4) comprises edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) for respectively protecting a left lateral edge (6a) and a right lateral edge (6b) of the inner glass pane (3), wherein the edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) are respectively arranged in a proximity of the left lateral edge (6a) and the right lateral edge (6b) without contacting the inner glass pane (3).
The door (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each edge protector element (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) comprises a lateral segment (7a, 107a) which extends along a thickness direction (x) of the inner glass pane (3) so as to shield a respective lateral surface (3a) of the inner glass pane (3), and a protruding segment (7b, 107b) which is slightly raised above an inner surface (3b) of the inner glass pane (3).
The door (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that each edge protector element (105a,105b) further comprises a transverse segment (107c) which extends along a width direction (y) of the inner glass pane (3) so as to partly shield an inner surface (3b) of the inner glass pane (3) which is in the proximity of the respective lateral edge (6), wherein the transverse segment (107c) and the lateral segment (107a) are formed on opposite ends of the protruding segment (107b).
The door (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the protruding segment (107b) is curved shaped.
The door (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame assembly (4) further comprises two elongated support elements (8a, 8b) which respectively support a left lateral side (3c) and a right lateral side (3d) of the inner glass pane (3), wherein the edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105, 105b) are respectively formed on the two support elements (8a, b).
The door (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each elongated support element (8a, 8b) comprises a respective profile segment (9a, 9b).
The door (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that each edge protector element (5a, 5b) is integrally formed with the respective elongated support element (8a,8b).
The door (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each edge protector element (105a, 105b) is detachably attached to the frame assembly (4).
The door (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each edge protector element (105a, 105b) is attached to the frame assembly (4) by an adhesive.
The door (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each edge protector element (105a, 105b) is attached to the frame assembly (4) by a bonding tape.
The door (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) are made of plastic.
The door (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the edge protector elements (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) are made of metal.
A method of manufacturing the door (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a step of forming the edge protector element (5a, 5b, 105a, 105b) by an extrusion process.
The method according to claim 13, where dependent on claim 7, characterized in that in the forming step the edge protector element (5a,5b) and the respective support element (8a,8b) are integrally formed by the extrusion process.
An oven, comprising a chamber for cooking/backing/grilling food, characterized in that a door (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the door (1) is pivotably arranged to enable access to an interior of the chamber.