Hinge

Abstract

The invention relates to a hinge (4) for furniture or household appliances (1), comprising: a first hinge part (5) and a second hinge part (6), which are connected to each other via a lever mechanism having seven hinge pins (7) and a lever (8) hinged thereto; wherein the first hinge part (5) comprises a first connection piece (51) and the second hinge part comprises a second connection piece (61), the first connection piece and the second connection piece being arranged substantially parallel and spaced apart in the closed position of the hinge (4); and a cover element (10) at least partially covers the lever mechanism on at least three sides so that it is not possible to reach between the levers (8) of the lever mechanism; wherein a plurality of cover plates (11, 12, 13) are formed integrally with the cover element (10), and when the hinge (4) is pivoted, the cover plates (11, 12, 13) arranged on one side of the lever mechanism can be pivoted relative to each other, partially overlapping each other, thereby preventing the possibility of reaching into the lever mechanism.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The invention relates to a hinge for furniture or household appliances, comprising a first hinge part and a second hinge part, which are pivotally connected to each other via a lever mechanism having seven joint axes and levers hinged to the joint axes, wherein the first hinge part has a first web and the second hinge part has a second web, the first web and the second web are arranged to be substantially parallel and spaced apart in the closed position of the hinge, and a cover element at least partially covers the lever mechanism on at least three sides to prevent engagement between the levers of the lever mechanism.

[0002] DE 44 18 238 A1 discloses a multi-joint hinge which has a lever mechanism between two hinge elements which, when the hinge parts are pivoted, produces a variable opening which is covered by a cover in the form of a protective cap. In this way, engagement with the opening can be prevented. Such an elastic protective cap can be deformed when the hinge is pivoted, but this generates additional forces when the material is stretched. The protective cap also contains a cavity and is therefore of relatively large construction. Summary of the invention

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hinge which offers improved joint protection and is of compact design.

[0004] This object is solved by a hinge according to one aspect of the invention.

[0005] The hinge according to the invention comprises a cover element for the lever mechanism between two hinge parts, wherein a plurality of cover plates are formed integrally with the cover element and when the hinge is pivoted, the cover plates arranged on one side of the lever mechanism can be pivoted relative to each other in a partially overlapping position. The cover plates can thus be moved relative to each other and can be adapted to the shape of the lever mechanism, wherein when the hinge parts are pivoted, the cover plates can overlap each other, so that the required installation space for the cover element is reduced.

[0006] Preferably, the cover panels arranged on one side are connected to one another via a flexible web or a film hinge or another connection with a joint axis. The film hinge forms the joint axis, while the flexible web can have a length of, for example, more than 10 mm, in particular between 20 mm and 50 mm, in order to guide the two cover panels together movably by a bending movement. Preferably, the cover panels pivot about an axis which is aligned parallel to the joint axis of the lever mechanism.

[0007] In one design, a plurality of cover plates are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the lever mechanism, the cover plates being pivotable relative to each other and being formed integrally with the cover element. Preferably, three cover plates are each arranged on opposite sides of the lever mechanism, although the number of cover plates may also vary depending on the design of the lever mechanism.

[0008] The cover element preferably has a section which is U-shaped and strip-shaped in cross section, the legs of which are formed by cover plates which are held together by connecting webs. The connecting webs can be formed beyond the region with the cover plates and then form a flexible web, at the end sections of which two further cover plates are arranged.

[0009] To facilitate assembly, the cover element can be slid or snapped onto the lever mechanism. For this purpose, the cover element can have a tab with a groove for fixing to the lever of the lever mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the cover element can also have a bent mounting tab, which is inserted around the lever of the lever mechanism for fixing.

[0010] The cover element is preferably made of a stamped and folded plastic film, such as a biaxially oriented polyester film. Other films can also be used, wherein the thickness of the film is preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm. Alternatively, the cover element can be made of a thin metal sheet.

[0011] For a particularly compact construction, the first hinge part comprises a strip-shaped and U-shaped cross-section portion, in which a portion of the cover element, in particular the portion with the connecting web, is accommodated. The cover element with the cover web thus does not protrude laterally beyond the hinge, but is arranged between the legs of the first hinge part. The hinge part with the U-shaped cross-section can thus have a web from which two legs extend substantially at right angles.

[0012] The hinge according to the present invention is preferably used for household appliances, such as refrigerators. However, it can also be used for furniture or other purposes.

[0013] The hinge according to the invention can also have a closing and / or opening damper. The damping can be located in the lever arm of the hinge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Two views showing a hinge according to the invention in the assembled position;

[0016] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Several views showing the hinge in an open position;

[0017] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E showing various views of the hinge in a partially open position;

[0018] 4A to 4D Several views showing the hinge in a closed position;

[0019] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5Dshowing various views of the cover element without the hinge;

[0020] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Two views showing a modified cover element;

[0021] Figure 7 shows a view of the hinge with the cover element of FIG. 6 , and

[0022] Figure 8 A view of the hinge with the cover element of FIG. 6 is shown, wherein the cover element is in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A household appliance 1 or piece of furniture is shown having a body 2 on which a door 3 is pivotably mounted by means of one or more hinges 4. A first hinge part 5 is thereby fixed to the body 2 and a second hinge part 6 is fixed to the door 3. A lever mechanism between the two hinge parts 5 and 6 is largely concealed by a cover element 10 to prevent engagement with the lever mechanism. Figure 1B A detailed view shows Figure 1A The area specified in B.

[0024] exist FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E In the figure, the hinge 4 is shown in the open position. The hinge 4 comprises a lever mechanism with levers 8, each of which is hinged to at least two joint axes 7, two of which are formed on the first hinge part 5, two of which are formed on the second hinge part 6, and three further joint axes 7 are formed between the levers 8. Such a seven-joint hinge is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2016 123 498 A1 or EP 2 129 852 B1, to which reference is made here. A damper for such a seven-joint hinge is also described in DE 10 2016 123 498 A1 or EP 2 129 852 B1, which can also be used with the hinge 4, and reference is made to these documents.

[0025] The lever mechanism formed by the lever 8 is covered by a cover element 10, which has a plurality of cover plates 11, 12 and 13, each of which covers a partial area of ​​the lever mechanism. The cover plates 11, 12 and 13 can be moved relative to each other, wherein a flexible web 14 is arranged between the cover plates 11 and 12, and a film hinge 15 is arranged between the cover plates 12 and 13. The cover element 10 has the cover plates 11, 12 and 13 on opposite sides of the lever mechanism, respectively, so that three cover plates 11, 12 and 13 are arranged on opposite sides of the lever mechanism. The cross section of the cover element 10 in the region of the cover plates 12 and 13 is U-shaped and has a connecting web 18 on the bottom side, and the film hinge 15 is also formed on the bottom side. The flexible web 14 holding the two cover plates 11 is formed as an extension of the connecting web 18.

[0026] The first hinge part 5 is provided with a strip-shaped portion having a U-shaped cross section and having a web 51, from which two legs 52 extend approximately at right angles. The U-shaped container thus formed is used to receive a part of the cover element 10 in the closed position, wherein the cover plates 12 and 13 are arranged in the two legs 52. The first hinge part 5 can be connected to the main body 2 at the web 51. In addition, a flange 50 is also formed on the first hinge part 5, and the flange 50 can also be used to fix the first hinge part 5.

[0027] The second hinge part 6 comprises a web 61 which can be fixed to the door 3. An outwardly protruding flange 60 is formed on the web 61, which flange 60 can also be used to fix the web to the door 3.

[0028] exist Figure 2E , the parts covered by the cover element 10 are shown in dotted lines. It can be seen that a plurality of levers 8 are formed between the two hinge parts 5 and 6 connected to each other by the joint axis 7. In order to prevent engagement in the openings between the levers 8, cover plates 11, 12 and 13 are provided which completely or largely cover these openings.

[0029] exist FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E 4 , the hinge 4 is shown in an only partially open position, which is between the maximum open position according to FIG. 2 and the closed position according to FIG. 4 . It can be seen that the hinge part 6 has been pivoted relative to the hinge part 5, thereby changing the outer geometry of the lever mechanism with the lever 8. In addition, the cover plate 11 has been pivoted relative to the cover plate 12, thereby reducing the overlapping area between the cover plates 11 and 12. In addition, the slot between the cover plates 12 and 13 has been reduced because the cover plates 12 and 13 have also been pivoted relative to each other. Despite the different positions of the hinge parts 5 and 6 relative to each other, the opening between the lever 8 is covered by the cover plates 11, 12 and 13.

[0030] exist 4A to 4D, the hinge 4 is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, the two webs 51 and 61 of the hinge parts 5 and 6 are essentially parallel and spaced apart. In the closed position, the cover plate 11 already overlaps the cover plate 12 to a large extent, i.e. more than 80% of the area of ​​the cover plate 11 overlaps. The lever mechanism has a more compact structure in the closed position of the hinge 4, so that the cover plates 11, 12 and 13 are also arranged in a correspondingly more compact manner, i.e. with a greater overlap compared to the maximum opening area of ​​the hinge 4. In Figure 4B In FIG. 4 , it can be seen that in the closed state of the hinge 4 , the cover plates 11 , 12 and 13 are located between the two legs 52 of the U-shaped hinge part 5 .

[0031] exist FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D In FIG, a cover element 10 is shown without a hinge 4. The cover element 10 is made of a thin material, in particular a film or a thin metal sheet. If the cover element 10 is made of a plastic film, for example, a polyester film can be used.

[0032] For fixing to the lever mechanism, the cover element 10 comprises two lugs 16 and 17 which can engage with each other so that the cover element 10 can be fixed to the lever 8 of the lever mechanism. This allows the cover element 10 to be clamped or latched to the lever mechanism. The lug 16 is partially integral with the cover plate 13 and forms a rigid unit with it. A V-shaped groove is formed between the cover plates 12 and 13 to allow them to pivot relative to each other to a certain extent. The cover plate 11 is connected to the connecting web 18 via a flexible web 14, where the cover plates 12 and 13 extend at a certain angle, in particular at a right angle.

[0033] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A modified cover element 10 is shown, formed as in the first exemplary embodiment, but with bent mounting tabs 20 instead of tabs 16 and 17. The connecting web 18 extends beyond the cover plate 13 and is bent or folded 180° away from the cover plate 13, so that the mounting tab 20 can be folded around the lever 8 for fixing. The geometry of the cover plate 13 is slightly modified, but in all other respects the cover element is designed as in the first exemplary embodiment, in particular the cover plate 11 can be pivoted on the flexible web 14 and arranged to overlap the cover plates 12 and 13.

[0034] exist Figure 7 6 , the hinge 4 is shown together with the cover element 10 , and it can be seen that the cover panel 11 , when opened, swings outward from a position inside the two cover panels 12 at least in certain areas.

[0035] exist Figure 8, the maximum open position of the hinge 4 is shown, and it can be seen that the cover plate 11 of the cover element 10 is completely separated from the cover plate 12, so that there is no longer any overlap. When the hinge part 6 is moved to the closed position, the cover plate 11 moves between the two cover plates 12 of the cover element 10 again.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment shown, three cover plates 11, 12 and 13 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the lever mechanism. Of course, the number of cover plates can be changed, depending on the geometry of the lever mechanism at the various positions of the hinge 4.

[0037] In a further design, in addition to the hinged connection, the cover plates 11, 12 and 13 can also be connected to each other in other ways, such as inserting lugs. In this way, the cover plates can be prevented from bending.

[0038] Reference numerals list

[0039] 1. Home appliances

[0040] 2 Main body

[0041] 3 doors

[0042] 4 Hinges

[0043] 5. Hinge

[0044] 6 Hinge

[0045] 7 Joint shaft

[0046] 8 Leverage

[0047] 10 Cover element

[0048] 11 Cover

[0049] 12 Cover

[0050] 13 Cover

[0051] 14 Belly Plate

[0052] 15 Film hinge

[0053] 16 convex pieces

[0054] 17 convex piece

[0055] 18 Connecting web

[0056] 20 Install the tabs

[0057] 50 flange

[0058] 51 belly plate

[0059] 52 Legs

[0060] 60 flange

[0061] 61 belly plate.

Claims

1. A hinge (4) for furniture or household appliances (1), comprising: a) a first hinge part (5) and a second hinge part (6), the first hinge part (5) and the second hinge part (6) being pivotally connected to each other via a lever mechanism having seven joint axes (7) and a lever (8) hinged to the seven joint axes; b) wherein the first hinge part (5) has a first web (51) and the second hinge part has a second web (61), the first web and the second web being arranged substantially parallel and spaced apart in the closed position of the hinge (4); c) and a cover element (10) at least partially covers the lever mechanism on at least three sides to prevent engagement between the levers (8) of the lever mechanism, The invention is characterized in that a plurality of cover plates (11, 12, 13) are integrally formed with the cover element (10), and when the hinge (4) is pivoted, the cover plates (11, 12, 13) arranged on one side of the lever mechanism can pivot relative to each other in a partially overlapping manner.

2. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover plates (11, 12, 13) arranged on one side are connected to one another via flexible webs (14) or film hinges (15).

3. The hinge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The pivot axes of the cover plates (11, 12, 13) are aligned parallel to the joint axis (7) of the hinge (4).

4. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first hinge part (5) has a strip-shaped portion with a U-shaped cross section, in which a part of the cover element (10) is received in the closed position of the hinge (4).

5. The hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first hinge part (5) having the U-shaped cross section has a web (51) from which two legs (52) extend substantially at right angles.

6. The hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cover plate (11, 12, 13) is located between the two legs (52) of the U-shaped first hinge part (5) in the closed state of the hinge (4).

7. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of cover plates (11, 12, 13) pivotable relative to each other are respectively formed integrally with the cover element (10) on opposite sides of the lever mechanism.

8. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover element (10) has a section which is U-shaped in cross section, and the legs of the section which is U-shaped in cross section are formed by cover plates (11, 12, 13) which are held against each other by connecting webs (18).

9. The hinge according to claim 8, characterized in that The connecting web (18) extends beyond the legs with the cover plates (12, 13) and forms a flexible web (14) on which two further cover plates (11) are arranged at one end portion.

10. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that The cover element (10) is inserted or snapped onto the lever mechanism.

11. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that The cover element (10) is made of a punched and folded plastic film or thin metal sheet.

12. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that At least three cover plates (11, 12, 13) are each arranged on opposite sides of the lever mechanism and are movable relative to each other when the hinge (4) is pivoted.

13. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that The cover element (10) comprises two tabs (16, 17) which are engageable with each other for fixing to the lever (8) of the lever mechanism.

14. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that The cover element (10) comprises a bent mounting tab (20) for fixing to a lever (8) of the lever mechanism.

15. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that The hinge has closing and / or opening damping.

16. A refrigerator having a body (2) and a door (3), the door being pivotably mounted on the body (2) by means of at least one hinge (4) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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