Hinge assembly and furniture or household appliance

Abstract

A hinge assembly includes a drive device and a hinge having hinge arms, wherein the hinge is configured to move a pivoting element of a household appliance or furniture, wherein the pivoting element can be movably received on the body of the household appliance or furniture by means of the hinge, wherein one side of the hinge is configured to be arranged on the body and the other side of the hinge is configured to be arranged on the pivoting element, wherein the drive device has a drive motor unit configured to be arranged on the pivoting element, and wherein an end section of the drive motor unit is coupled to the hinge arm. According to the invention, a first flange member and a second flange member are provided for arranging the drive motor unit on the pivoting element, wherein the drive motor unit can be arranged on the pivoting element by means of the first flange member and by means of the second flange member, wherein the first flange member and the second flange member each have a mounting section and a coupling section, the mounting section for fixing the respective flange member and the coupling section for coupling the drive motor unit to the respective flange member, wherein in the state in which the flange members are arranged on the pivoting element, the coupling section of the first flange member and the coupling section of the second flange member are aligned with one another such that the two flange members are present symmetrically, and wherein the drive motor unit is present between the first flange member and the second flange member.

Description

Background Art

[0001] In furniture and household appliances having a pivot element, such as a door or flap, which is movably received thereon, different arrangements for movably arranging the pivot element on the body of the furniture or household appliance are known. In the use state of the furniture or household appliance, the pivot element can be moved relative to the body, for example, about a horizontally or vertically oriented pivot axis, by means of a hinge assembly, so that the interior space of the body and / or the pivot element can be accessed and the interior space can be isolated outwardly in the closed state of the pivot element on the body. The pivot element can generally be moved, for example, manually and / or driven.

[0002] In furniture and household appliances, such as cabinet furniture or refrigerators or freezers, the hinge assembly with a compact structure and mechanical stability is matched to the specific use of the furniture or household appliance. Therefore, the hinge assembly constructed as a standard part and proven can be used in various applications. The hinge assembly is generally connected to the body and the pivot element. In mass-produced products such as refrigerators and freezers, it is desirable that, on the one hand, the furniture or household appliance and, on the other hand, the hinge assembly are constructed correspondingly or preparedly, so that standardization can be achieved. Therefore, the proven hinge assembly can be generally used in various different furniture and household appliances without changing its structure, which is economical and advantageous when assembling the furniture and household appliances. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to further improve the hinge assembly described at the beginning and / or the associated furniture or household appliance economically and technically, in particular in terms of improved operating comfort for the user.

[0004] This object is solved by the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to expedient and advantageous further embodiments of the present invention.

[0005] The present invention relates to a hinge assembly, which includes a drive device and a hinge. The hinge has hinge arms. Among them, the hinge is configured to move a pivoting element of a household appliance or furniture. The pivoting element can be movably received on the body of the household appliance or furniture through the hinge. One side of the hinge is configured to be arranged on the body, and the other side of the hinge is configured to be arranged on the pivoting element. The drive device has a drive motor unit, and the drive motor unit is configured to be arranged on the pivoting element. The first end section of the drive motor unit is coupled to the hinge arm, so that the hinged hinge arm of the hinge can be moved by means of the drive motor unit, so that the pivoting element moves relative to the body in the assembled state of the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly is, for example, a motor-driven hinge, such as an electric door opening device or an electric hinge, for example, for automatically moving the refrigerator door of a refrigerator, the cabinet door of a freezer, etc. The hinge assembly, for example, has a standard hinge, and the standard hinge is adjusted so that it is assembled on the body at a section prefabricated for the hinge through two end sections of the hinge and is assembled on the pivoting element at another section prefabricated for the hinge. For example, the hinge includes, for example, exactly one hinge arm, exactly two, exactly three or more than three hinge arms, and these hinge arms are movably hinged on the hinge. For example, the plurality of hinge axes of this hinge arm or these hinge arms are oriented parallel to each other. The hinge is, for example, a multi-joint hinge, such as a four-joint, five-joint or six-joint hinge. For example, prefabricated sections are provided on the end sections on both sides of the hinge. For example, one side has a flat contact surface in contact with the rotating element, and the other side has a flat contact surface in contact with the body. The contact surface has at least one opening or through hole, such as a perforation or a screw receiving portion or a screwed joint receiving portion. By means of the opening or through hole, the hinge, for example, one side of the hinge can be detachably but fixedly arranged, for example, screwed on the body, and the other side can be detachably but fixedly arranged, for example, screwed on the pivoting element. Here, a fixing member, such as a screw, passes through the through hole and enters the material area of the pivoting element or the material of the body. The through hole or through holes on the hinge are, for example, the following through holes, which, for example, exist on known hinges in a standard-prepared manner without being arranged on furniture or household appliances. The through hole can, for example, additionally or only be used to connect the hinge to a flange member by means of a screw, and the screw passes through, for example, the flange member and the contact surface and enters the material of the pivoting element or the body and connects the corresponding sections to each other. For example, exactly one hinge assembly exists on the pivoting element, which has the associated hinge and exactly another hinge, that is, exactly two hinges. For example, these two hinges are of the same type in terms of function and structure, for example, the same. The drive device is, for example, an electric motor or an electric machine, such as a linear drive device or, for example, a spindle drive device. The drive device is, for example, the following linear drive device, which has an adjustable element that can move linearly back and forth, such as a push rod.The adjusting element is realized, for example, by a driven rotating spindle or is linearly moved by the spindle. For example, the adjusting element is mechanically coupled to the hinge arm, for example, kinematically coupled. The adjusting element is, for example, part of a lever assembly. For example, the adjusting element can be coupled to the hinge by a receiving part on the hinge arm, which, for example, includes a screwing profile or receiving profile on the hinge that is externally accessible on the hinge arm. For example, the adjusting element can be coupled to the hinge by a screwing profile or plugging profile that is externally accessible on the assembled hinge, for example, by means of a screwing or insertion opening on the hinge arm. The hinge is, for example, constructed such that the hinge provides a hinge function normally without a drive motor unit by the pivoting movement of the pivoting element. The hinge is, for example, a standard hinge. The hinge is, for example, constructed such that when, for example, a pulling or pressing force is applied to the pivoting element from the outside by a person, the pivoting element can be moved relative to the body without an actuating device acting on the hinge arm or another actuating device, such as a drive motor. The hinge enables the pivoting element to pivot relative to the body along two opposite pivoting directions.

[0006] For example, in a hinge assembly with a drive device, when the coupled adjusting element moves outwards, the pivoting element is driven by the drive device to move away from the body or be opened from, for example, a closed position on the body. When the adjusting element coupled to the hinge arm of the hinge moves back, in the case of the driven forced movement of the hinge arm, the pivoting element moves from a position away from the body or a pivoted position, such as an open position, to the body or is closed. The drive device is correspondingly switchable.

[0007] Optionally, a clutch is present between the drive device and the hinge arm. For example, there is a speed-up or speed-down gearbox or another gearbox, and / or a clutch, such as a sliding clutch and / or, for example, an overload clutch.

[0008] For example, the end of the hinge on the body side is, for example, joined by a body-fixing assembly of the hinge in the region of a vertical body edge that is, in the use state, formed between a lower section on the front side of the body and a section on the side wall of the body that adjoins the front side. The fixing assembly is, for example, an element with flanged feet, such as an angle piece, which has legs of the angle that are at right angles to each other and connected to each other, and the angle piece engages with one leg with the section on the front side and with the other leg with the section on the side wall. For example, depending on whether the pivoting element abuts or is hinged on the right or left side of the body, the joining of the vertical body edge and the adjoining section is carried out on the lower right front of the body or on the lower left front of the body. The element of the hinge extends from the leg on the front side in the direction of the pivoting element or a fixing element that can be arranged on the pivoting element of the hinge.

[0009] The core concept of the present invention lies in providing a first flange member and a second flange member for arranging a drive motor unit on a pivot element, wherein the drive motor unit can be arranged on the pivot element by means of the first flange member and by means of the second flange member, wherein the first flange member and the second flange member each have a mounting section and a coupling section, the mounting section being for fixing the respective flange member, and the coupling section being for coupling the drive motor unit to the respective flange member, wherein, in the state where the flange members are arranged on the pivot element, the coupling section of the first flange member is aligned with the coupling section of the second flange member, so that the two flange members are symmetrically present, and wherein the drive motor unit is present between the first flange member and the second flange member.

[0010] For example, the drive motor unit directly, for example straightly, contacts the coupling section of the first flange member. For example, the drive motor unit directly contacts the coupling section of the second flange member. For example, the drive motor unit directly contacts the coupling section of the first flange member. For example, the drive motor unit directly physically contacts or touches the coupling section of the first flange member with a section.

[0011] Alternatively, for example, the drive motor unit indirectly contacts the coupling section of the first flange member. For example, the drive motor unit indirectly contacts the coupling section of the second flange member. For example, the drive motor unit indirectly contacts the coupling section of the first flange member with a section.

[0012] The hinge assembly, for example, includes a hinge having, for example, exactly one hingedly supported hinge arm or having a plurality of hingedly supported hinge arms. The hinge is, for example, a multi-joint hinge, for example a four-joint, five-joint or six-joint hinge. The hinge assembly, for example, includes a drive device and a flange member. For example, the pivot element is hingedly supported on the body by means of a hinge existing in addition to the hinge assembly. For example, usually exactly one drive device is sufficient for moving exactly one pivot element. For example, the pivot element is pivotally received on the body by means of exactly two joint support portions by means of a hinge respectively.

[0013] For example, exactly two flange members are provided. These two flange members are configured, for example, mirror-symmetrically to each other. These two flange members are provided, for example, on the outer section of the drive motor unit, for example, on the longitudinal end of the drive motor unit, for example, on the opposite longitudinal ends of the drive motor unit. By means of the receiving part between the two flange members, the drive motor unit can be arranged on the pivot element in an economically advantageous manner. In addition, the assembly of the drive motor unit on the pivot element can be simply realized. The flange members are configured, for example, to be assembled on the pivot element, for example, in the lower edge region of the planar inner side of the refrigerator door or in the region of the narrow horizontal lower side of the refrigerator door. Based on the two flange members existing separately, their positioning on the pivot element can be achieved without problems, individually, variably, and adjustably. For example, the flange members can be adapted to the length of the drive motor unit, for example. For example, these two flange members can be arranged on the pivot element in the same fixing manner, for example, by means of corresponding screw connections or plug connections, so that only exactly one type of fixing part is required. This also facilitates the said arrangement. The symmetry of the flange members is related to the hinge assembly. The two separate flange members are, for example, not identical. These two flange members are configured mirror-symmetrically, for example. For example, in the assembled state of the flange members on the hinge assembly and thus on the pivot element, they are aligned with each other, for example, with their respective longitudinal axes. For example, the longitudinal axes of the two flange members lie on a common spatial axis, whereby the arrangement of the hinge assembly on the pivot element is advantageously achieved. These two flange members have, for example, a spacing that provides a region in which the drive motor unit is suitably present. For example, the drive motor unit is matched to the flange members such that the drive motor unit can be detachably connected to the two flange members. Preferably, the opposite sections of the drive motor unit can be connected to the corresponding coupling sections of the flange members. For example, the end sections of the drive motor unit can be connected to the corresponding coupling sections of the flange members. The corresponding sections of the drive motor unit can be connected to the corresponding coupling sections of the flange members, for example, in a snap-lockable, pluggable, and / or clampable manner. The corresponding coupling section has, for example, an elastically displaceable coupling section that can be connected to a mating section adapted thereto. The corresponding coupling section has, for example, an elastically displaceable coupling section that can be detachably snap-locked onto a rigid snap-lock section adapted to the coupling section on the corresponding end section of the drive motor unit. The said snap-lock can be canceled, for example, fixedly but from the outside, for example, by manual action, for example, by applying a release force to the coupling section. The drive motor unit is, for example, detachably received on the two flange members. For example, the drive motor unit is received on the two flange members, for example, in a clampable or snap-lockable manner. This is, for example, the case in the usage state when the hinge assembly is arranged on furniture or household appliances.

[0014] When assembling the hinge assembly, the drive motor unit can first be separated from the rest of the hinge assembly, which makes the assembly easier. These two flange members can be better transported, selected, and assembled on the pivot element, for example, without the drive motor unit received thereon. For example, only the orientation needs to be considered, such as the coincidence of the longitudinal axis with a common spatial axis, and the spacing between the two flange members on the pivot element during assembly.

[0015] For example, exactly one of the two flange members, on the side of the pivot element away from the hinge, can be arranged on the pivot element at a corresponding spacing from the pivot arm without contacting the hinge. In the assembled state, the drive motor unit is present in the area of this spacing. For example, the other flange member on the hinge is received on a fixing element of the hinge, for example. The fixing element is used to fix the corresponding side of the hinge on the pivot element. For example, the other flange member, such as the flange member close to the hinge arm, can be additionally directly arranged on the pivot element. For example, a connecting member, such as a screw connection, is provided to connect the other flange member to the pivot element together or simultaneously and also to the fixing element of the hinge.

[0016] The two flange members are configured, for example, as additional components, such as additional adapters, for a hinge that operates completely without a drive device, such as a conventional hinge or an automatic hinge, and can be additionally arranged on the conventional hinge or automatic hinge. For example, starting from the known hinge or automatic hinge that does not include a drive device or a drive motor unit, a hinge assembly according to the present invention can be constructed. For example, a drive motor unit can be retrofitted to a known hinge. Thus, a conventional hinge can be easily retrofitted in a refrigerator. For example, a known hinge can be easily retrofitted to a movable refrigerator door that is not driven by a motor, so that the refrigerator door can be moved automatically or electrically with the retrofitted hinge.

[0017] For example, a known automatic hinge can be retrofitted with a drive device or a drive motor without adjusting the automatic hinge.

[0018] For example, in the use state of the hinge assembly on the pivot element, the flange members are linearly offset from each other or spaced apart along a straight line, for example, with the same orientation. For example, the two corresponding longitudinal axes of the flange members coincide or are parallel and offset from each other, for example, within a certain width or within half the width of the drive motor unit. For example, the drive motor unit is received between separate flange members. The two or corresponding coupling sections are aligned with each other, for example, aligned, in the arrangement state on the pivot element. For example, the longitudinal axis of the drive motor unit is, for example, transverse to, for example, perpendicular to or inclined to the pivot axis of the hinge or transverse to the pivot axis of the hinge arm.

[0019] Each flange member is configured, for example, as an angular element having, for example, exactly two or three or more planar sections oriented at an angle to each other in a basic shape. For example, one section, such as a mounting section, and another section, such as a coupling section. The coupling section is composed of exactly one section or of exactly two or more sections angled to each other, for example.

[0020] The flange member is configured as an angle piece, for example. The flange member is composed of sheet metal and / or plastic, for example.

[0021] For example, in a state where the drive motor unit is arranged on the pivot element, the coupling section of the first flange member is aligned with the coupling section of the second flange member, so that the two flange members exist in mirror symmetry. For example, there is a mirror plane with respect to the coupling sections of the first flange member and the second flange member. For example, the corresponding narrow sides of the mounting section and the coupling section face each other or are aligned with each other. This facilitates the assembly of the hinge assembly and the drive device on the pivot element. The mirror plane in question is located, for example, at the center of the spacing between the two flange members in the longitudinal direction of the flange member or in the longitudinal direction of the drive motor unit. The mirror plane is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the drive motor unit, for example. For example, the two flange members are configured to be mirror-symmetrical to each other in terms of their shape.

[0022] For example, the coupling section of the first flange member is configured in the same way as the coupling section of the second flange member. This simplifies the assembly. For example, it is possible to achieve the same configuration at two locations, for example, on opposite longitudinal ends, on the drive motor unit, with the coupling sections engaging at these two locations respectively. The coupling section is a thin and / or flat and / or planar section, for example. For example, a straight front edge is formed on the coupling section, and the side edges that adjoin it at right angles on both sides.

[0023] For example, the coupling section is connected to the drive motor unit by two connection or support points spaced apart from each other on the coupling section. Thereby, for example, multi-point fixing, such as two-point fixing, is provided. The connection of the coupling section is provided in a releasable manner, for example, by plugging. The two support points enable a variable connection to the drive motor unit. For example, the support portions on the coupling section of the flange member are configured such that another fixing method is achieved between the flange member and the drive motor unit. For example, a screw connection is possible, for example, as a screw connection to another support portion.

[0024] Another flange member is connected, for example, in a corresponding manner to the associated side of the drive motor unit by means of the coupling section, for example, by plugging.

[0025] For example, the placement section of the first flange member is configured identically to the placement section of the second flange member. This enables, for example, a uniform connection method on the pivot element. For example, in the relevant flange members, the connection to one side of the hinge is achieved through the placement section. For example, the connection to one side of the hinge is carried out by means of a fixing element, for example, by means of the fixing element of the hinge.

[0026] The first flange member, for example, engages on the first end section of the drive motor unit, and the second flange member engages on the second end section of the drive motor unit, where the first flange member and the second flange member are spaced apart. This provides stable support. For example, two-point support or two-point fixation of the drive motor unit is provided. For example, the second end section of the drive motor unit can be placed on the pivot element by means of the second flange member. For example, the first end section of the drive motor unit can be placed on an area spaced apart from the hinge on the pivot element by means of the first flange member. For example, by means of the first flange member, it is additionally provided to place the drive motor unit on the respective side of the hinge. For example, the first flange member is provided for fixing the side of the hinge on the side of the pivot element to the pivot element.

[0027] For example, the placement section and the coupling section are oriented at an angle to each other. The flange member is, for example, a bent sheet element. The placement section and the coupling section are, for example, plate-shaped respectively. Being at a certain angle is mechanically stable and enables the drive motor unit to be stably placed on the pivot element and / or on the respective side of the hinge. In the state of being placed on the inner side of the pivot element, for example, the refrigerator door, the coupling section, for example, extends perpendicular to the plane of the inner side of the pivot element. For example, in the state of being placed on the pivot element, for example, on the inner side of the refrigerator door, the planar and / or flat side of the placement section is parallel to the plane of the inner side of the pivot element.

[0028] For example, the placement section and the coupling section are oriented at an angle to each other, for example, at a right angle. For example, the surface of the placement section and the surface of the coupling section are connected to each other by an edge section, for example, a bent edge. For example, the edge section extends in a direction oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive motor unit, for example, extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drive motor unit.

[0029] For example, the placement section is configured for connection to a fixing element, where the fixing element is used to place the other side of the hinge on the pivot element. The relevant flange member can thus be fully and stably connected to the hinge in an adapted manner, which enables an accurate and stable position of the drive motor unit relative to the rest of the hinge assembly. For example, the placement section is integrally constructed on the hinge.

[0030] The mounting section, for example, has a flat section, such as the bottom of the mounting section. For example, the flat section of the mounting section is suitable for lapping the underside of the fixing element from below. For example, the flat section of the mounting section is sandwiched between other flat areas. For example, the flat section is present between the side of the pivot element and the side of the fixing element. For example, the flange member can be connected to the pivot element on the one hand and to the fixing element on the other hand. For example, the relevant side of the hinge is connected to the pivot element. The fixing element is, for example, a member of a conventional hinge configured to fix the hinge to the pivot element.

[0031] The mounting section, for example, has a bottom for surface contact with the pivot element and a connection section constructed above the bottom, wherein the connection section is spaced from the bottom by a material-free area. Thereby, a variably settable and stable connection of the flange member to the pivot element on the one hand and to the mating section on the other hand can be achieved. The bottom is, for example, used to mount the flange member on the pivot element. The bottom is, for example, used to screw the flange member, for example, on the inner side of the pivot element. The bottom, for example, abuts against the inner side of the pivot element with the underside of the bottom. For example, the fixing element is supported on the upper side of the bottom. The underside of the fixing element, for example, is supported on the upper side of the bottom. For example, the underside is present on the hinge to mount the relevant side of the hinge on the pivot element. The connection section is, for example, used for further fixing or connecting to a section of the hinge and / or the drive motor unit. For example, the bottom and / or the connection section each have through holes for the passage of screw connectors. By means of the through holes, the flange member can be mounted, for example, screwed, on the mating section. For example, one flange member can be mounted, for example, screwed, on a section of the drive motor unit. For example, the flange member, i.e., another flange member, can be mounted, for example, screwed, on the hinge. For example, the flange member can be mounted, for example, screwed, on the part of the hinge joined to the pivot element.

[0032] The connection section is, for example, a plate section, such as a strip-shaped plate section. The plate section, for example, extends freely above the bottom. For example, the free end of the connection section is oriented opposite to the free end of the coupling section. For example, these free ends are oriented along the respective longitudinal direction towards one longitudinal side and the other longitudinal side, for example, are present on the flange member pointing outwards in a common direction. For example, the two opposite longitudinal ends of the flange member are used to connect the flange member to other sections, such as a section of the drive motor unit. For example, in the flange member on the hinge side, the section of the drive motor unit is releasably fixed to one end of the coupling section. For example, another member engages on the free end of the connection section, for example, one side of the hinge engages on the free end of the connection section. For example, on the flange member facing away from the hinge, in addition to the coupling section, the connection section is also used to connect to other sections. For example, in addition to the coupling section, the connection section is also used for further fixing to or fixing with the drive motor unit, which improves the connection stability.

[0033] For example, on the one hand, the plane of the bottom and, on the other hand, the plane of the junction section or the surface of the bottom and the surface of the junction section are oriented relative to each other, for example, parallel to each other.

[0034] For example, the drive motor unit is releasably received on the first flange member and / or the second flange member by a connection that can be set without tools. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the drive motor unit between the two flange members.

[0035] For example, the drive motor unit is arranged in a similar manner, for example, plugged in a similar manner or releasably arranged in other similar ways on the first flange member and the second flange member or on both flange members. For example, the arrangement is set by a plug connection, a clamping connection, and / or a snap connection. The type of connection is, for example, a form-fitting releasable connection. Alternative connection methods, for example, a fixed connection, are possible.

[0036] The first flange member and / or the second flange member, for example, provide a stop for the arranged drive motor unit in the longitudinal direction of the drive motor unit. Additionally or alternatively, and / or the first flange member and / or the second flange member provide a stop in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the drive motor unit. For example, a fixed arrangement position of the drive motor unit on the pivot element is set. The drive motor unit is supported on the flange member in another direction or a third direction, which is perpendicular to the two aforementioned directions, i.e., the longitudinal direction and the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, or, for example, is the normal to the surface of the pivot element. The drive motor unit is, for example, supported on one side of the flange member. The drive motor unit is, for example, supported on the upper side of the bottom of the flange member. For example, the drive motor unit is firmly and fixedly received on a piece of furniture or a household appliance in the use state.

[0037] For example, the drive motor unit is joined to the hinge arm of the hinge by means of a lever assembly. For example, a coupling between the drive motor unit and the hinge arm is provided by means of the lever assembly. For example, a mechanical coupling is provided between the drive motor unit and the hinge arm, which mechanical coupling has a driven movable part of the drive motor unit in motion coupling with the hinge arm. The movable part of the drive motor unit is, for example, a push element which has a motion coupling with the hinge arm. For example, the lever assembly is joined to a part of the hinge which is easily accessible from the outside in the assembled state of the hinge assembly. The part of the hinge which is easily accessible from the outside includes, for example, a receiving part on the hinge arm of the hinge. For example, the joining part or the receiving part on the hinge arm is present conformingly or prefabricatedly constructed. For example, this is used to optionally provide additional functions on a known hinge, for example the damping function by means of a damper or for other additional components. For example, the joining part on a known hinge is used to releasably dock a damper for motion damping on the hinge so that the pivot element moves relative to the body in a damped manner.

[0038] For example, a one-piece or multi-piece lever assembly is joined on the one hand to a linearly movable push element of the drive motor unit, for example a push rod. The lever assembly is joined on the other hand, for example, directly or indirectly to the hinge arm. The lever assembly includes, for example, a component which can be individually arranged on the hinge, for example an arrangement element or an adapter element, which is, for example, made of plastic material.

[0039] For example, the lever assembly is constructed such that when the drive device is activated, the pivot element is driven to move relative to the body along the opening direction or along the closing direction, which is effected by the kinematic structure predefined by the hinge. For example, the lever assembly is constructed such that when the push element moved by the drive motor unit, for example a push rod, moves linearly outwards, the hinge arm performs a pivoting movement about the hinge arm axis. For example, the movement of this hinge arm causes a pivoting movement of the pivot element relative to the body or causes an opening movement of the pivot element along the opening direction or a movement along the closing direction opposite to the opening direction by means of another hinge arm of the hinge. Torque is transmitted to the lever arm of the hinge by means of the lever assembly, which lever arm is rotatably supported about its axis of rotation or pivot axis.

[0040] The lever assembly includes, for example, a control lever which is hingedly connected to the arrangement element of the lever assembly, wherein the arrangement element is releasably joined to a receiving part on the hinge arm of the hinge. The arrangement element is, for example, a plug-in element which can be plugged, for example, plugged and latched onto a receiving part constructed as a plug-in receiving part. For example, a multi-point or two-point connection part of the control lever of the drive motor unit on the hinge arm is provided by means of the arrangement element of the lever assembly. Thereby, a space-saving and reliable coupling of the drive motor unit to the hinge arm of the hinge is achieved.

[0041] For example, the control lever is connected to the push element. For example, the control lever is connected to the push rod of the drive motor unit. A feature on the hinge arm, for example, includes a prefabricated contour that can be used to couple the lever assembly to the hinge arm or for this purpose. The contour includes, for example, two insertion openings configured at a distance from each other in the upper side of the hinge arm. A feature on the hinge arm, for example, a prefabricated contour, includes, for example, two insertion openings of different configurations in the upper side of the hinge arm. A feature on the hinge arm, for example, a contour, includes, for example, a circular opening and an elongated hole.

[0042] For example, a receptacle for coupling a section of a lever assembly, such as a receiving element, to a hinge or a hinge arm is implemented on a receptacle already present as standard on the hinge. The receptacle already present as standard on the hinge comprises, for example, an opening for receiving the insertion section and / or a screw receptacle and is known, for example, as a so-called "Zamak receptacle."

[0043] The control lever, for example, has a curved shape, for example, for articulating the control lever to the mounting element. The control lever, for example, includes two spaced-apart bearing locations, for example, for articulating the control lever to the mounting element. The control lever, for example, has a curved shape and includes two spaced-apart bearing locations. The curved shape relates, for example, to a side view. For example, in a top view and in the longitudinal direction of the drive motor unit, the control lever extends straight. For example, the curved shape of the control lever is used to overcome height differences. For example, height differences arising when viewed normal to the bottom of the flange component and / or when viewed in the assembled state relative to the inner side of the pivot element are overcome. For example, the height difference relates to the different heights between the central longitudinal axis of the push element and the location on the hinge arm that engages with the lever assembly or the mounting element.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a piece of furniture or household appliance comprising a body and a pivot element movably received on the body, wherein a hinge assembly according to one of the aforementioned embodiments is provided for moving the pivot element. This allows the functions and advantages discussed above to be realized in a piece of furniture or household appliance, such as a refrigerator. Since the pivot element can be optionally fastened to the front of the body on the left or right side, a matching double set of flange components, or a left set with two corresponding flange components and a right set with two corresponding flange components, is provided to allow the door to be fastened to the body on either the right or left side. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Further features and advantages are explained in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0046] Figure 1The household appliance is schematically shown in a perspective view from the front, having a pivot element which is movably received thereon by a hinge assembly and is in an open position relative to the body of the household appliance.

[0047] Figure 2 Shown in perspective according to Figure 1 a partially open hinge of the hinge assembly having a mounting element.

[0048] Figure 3 Shown from the side according to Figure 2 the assembly in the fully pivoted first position in the state of being mounted on the household appliance, having a drive device marked by a dashed line and partially shown, and the state is shown partially and sectionally covered.

[0049] Figures 4 to 7 Shown from the side according to Figure 2 the assembly in different pivot positions without the part of the household appliance and the drive device.

[0050] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 1 a section of the hinge assembly having a drive motor unit, two flange members and a section on one side of the hinge.

[0051] Figure 9 Shown enlarged Figure 8 section A in

[0052] Figure 10 Shown enlarged Figure 8 section B in, and

[0053] Figure 11 Shown according to Figure 8 two flange members, wherein, compared with Figure 8 the interrupted and partially shown drive motor unit and the section on one side of the hinge are only marked by a dashed line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a household appliance 1, such as a refrigerator, having a body 2 and a pivot element 3 movably received on the body 2, and in this embodiment, the pivot element forms the refrigerator door of the refrigerator.

[0055] In order to move the pivot element 3 relative to the body 2 along the opening direction P1 of the pivot element 3 and along the closing direction P2 of the pivot element 3, a hinge assembly 4 having a hinge 5 is provided below the right front of the household appliance 1. The pivot element 3 is thus fixed on the refrigerator on the right side. Above the right of the household appliance 1, a hinge 11 corresponding to the hinge 5 acts between the body 2 and the pivot element 3. The hinges 5, 11 are, for example, hinges that can be obtained in accordance with standards, such as multi-joint hinges, such as self-closing hinges, such as large-angle hinges having a plurality of hinged support hinge arms.

[0056] The two hinges 5, 11 form a moving support or pivot support for the pivot element 3 on the body 2. The two hinges 5, 11 are respectively present between the body 2 and the pivot element 3, so that the two hinges 5, 11 form a common vertical or upright pivot axis S in the installed state of the household appliance 1, and the pivot element 3 can pivot back and forth relative to the body 2 along the directions P1 and P2 around the pivot axis.

[0057] The pivot element 3 can be from the Figure 3 shown closed position, that is, when the pivot angle between the vertical front surface of the body 2 and the vertical inner surface or outer surface of the pivot element 3 is 0 degrees, pivot or be opened to different degrees relative to the body 2 along the direction P1. Additionally, Figures 4 to 7 shows the hinge 5 without the body 2 and without the pivot element 3 in its different open positions in successive further open states.

[0058] Figure 4 Thereby, the position of the hinge 5 or the partially opened position of the hinge 5 corresponding to the respective pivot position of the pivot element 3 is shown, in which the pivot element 3 is partially opened or pivoted relative to the body 2 or its vertical front side at an angle of 20 degrees along the direction P1 starting from the closed state, that is, the zero-angle position according to Figure 3 .

[0059] Figure 5 Thereby, the position of the hinge 5 or the partially opened position of the hinge 5 is shown, in which the pivot element 3 is partially opened or pivoted relative to the body 2 or its vertical front side at an angle of 45 degrees starting from the closed state according to Figure 3 .

[0060] Figure 6 Thereby, the position of the hinge 5 or the partially opened position of the hinge 5 is shown, in which the pivot element 3 is partially opened or pivoted relative to the body 2 or its vertical front side at an angle of 90 degrees starting from the closed state according to Figure 3 .

[0061] Finally, Figure 7shows the position of the hinge 5 or a partially open position of the hinge 5, in which the pivot element 3 is fully opened or pivoted to the maximum extent at an angle of 115 degrees relative to the body 2 or its vertical front side starting from the closed state according to Figure 3 and pivoted relative to the body 2 or its vertical front side by 115 degrees starting from the closed state according to

[0062] The hinge assembly 4 includes a hinge 5, a drive device 7, and flange members 12, 13, and the hinge includes a hinge arm 6 and another hinge arm not specifically shown.

[0063] According to Figures 2 - 7 the flange member 12 is designed as an alternative to the flange member 12 according to Figures 8 - 11 and is an alternative to the flange member 12 according to

[0064] The hinge 5 also forms a mechanical basic unit for moving the pivot element 3 of the household appliance 1, similar to the upper hinge 11. All hinge axes of the hinge arms are oriented parallel to each other, for example, in the case of a standard hinge. One of the hinge axes coincides with the pivot axis S (see Figure 4 ).

[0065] The pivot element 3 is movably received on the body 2 by the hinge 5. One side 9 of the hinge 5 is configured to be mounted on the body 2, and the other side 10 of the hinge 5 is configured to be mounted on the pivot element 3. The drive device 7 (see Figure 8 ) has a drive motor unit 8, which is configured to be arranged on the pivot element 3. The drive device 7 is configured as an electric drive device.

[0066] The first end section 8a of the drive motor unit 8, viewed in the longitudinal direction, is coupled to the hinge arm 6, which is specifically shown in Figure 8 and 9 In the powered drive operation of the drive device 7, the drive device 7 is supplied with energy through a connection device (not shown) to an energy supply device, for example, by means of an energy storage device, such as a battery, inside the drive device 7 and / or from the outside by means of a cable supply device. By means of the activated and powered drive motor unit 8, the hinged hinge arm 6 can be pivoted about the hinge arm - pivot axis in a pivoting motion S3 during the opening process of the pivot element 3 (see Figure 4 ), where the hinge arm - pivot axis coincides with the pivot axis S of the pivot element (see [[ID=�2]] Figure 4 ). Thereby, in the assembled state of the hinge assembly 4 and the hinge 11 on the household appliance 1, the pivot element 3 is moved relative to the body 2 along the direction P1, or when the hinge arm 6 pivots in the direction opposite to the direction S3, it moves along the closing direction P2.

[0067] The hinge assembly 4 is thus configured as a motor-driven hinge, for example, an electric door opening device, such as a refrigerator - door opening device.

[0068] Two, for example separate, flange members 12 and 13 are provided for arranging the drive motor unit 8 on the pivot element 3. The flange members 12, 13 are additional or separate members relative to the hinge 5, for example. Alternatively, the flange member 12 on the hinge side can also be integrally formed with one side 10 of the hinge 5. The drive motor unit 8 can be arranged on the pivot element 3 by means of the flange members 12, 13. The drive motor unit 8 is received between the two flange members 12, 13 at the end sides respectively at the opposite longitudinal end sections of the drive motor unit 8. The arrangement of the drive motor unit 8 on the two flange members 12, 13 or the removal from the two flange members is advantageously carried out manually by a fitter, for example, with the aid of a simple assembly handle.

[0069] The two flange members 12 and 13 each have a mounting section 14 for fixing the flange members 12, 13 on the pivot element 3 and a coupling section 15 for coupling the drive motor unit 8 to the flange members 12, 13. If the flange members 12, 13 are made of sheet material, the mounting section 14 and the coupling section 15 are each flat planar sections, for example sheet sections. The mounting section 14 and the coupling section 15 are, for example, at an angle to each other, for example at a right angle. The mounting section 14 and the coupling section 15 are integrally connected to each other, for example, in the region of a bent edge.

[0070] In the state in which the flange members 12, 13 are arranged on the pivot element 3, the two coupling sections 15 are aligned with each other. Here, the respective narrow sides of the mounting section 14 and the coupling section 15 point towards each other or are aligned with each other. The two flange members 12 and 13 are symmetrically present. The associated mirror plane E is shown in Figure 11 is shown.

[0071] As is particularly Figure 8 and 11 shown, in the flange members 12, 13 arranged on the pivot element 3, in the state in which the drive motor unit 8 is arranged on the pivot element 3, the two coupling sections 15 or their narrow end sides are aligned with each other. Thus, the two flange members are mirror-symmetrically present with respect to the mirror plane E.

[0072] The sides 9 and 10 of the hinge 5 respectively have openings 16 for the mating or passing through of fixing elements, such as bolts, for example helical openings, and / or notches 17 for fixing the hinge 5 to the household appliance 1. The openings 16 and the notches 17 are present, for example, conformingly in a standard hinge and can likewise be used in the hinge assembly 4, for example in conjunction with receiving parts for fixing elements which are also present conformingly prefabricated on the household appliance 1 or the body 2 and the pivot element 3. For this purpose, one side 10 of the hinge 5 has, for example, a flat and / or, for example, plate-shaped fixing element 10a which has, for example, exactly two spaced-apart openings 16. The flange member 12 can also be connected to one side 10 of the hinge 5 by means of the notches 17 and / or the openings 16.

[0073] The drive motor unit 8 engages on the hinge arm 6 of the hinge 5 via a lever assembly 18. A coupling between the drive motor unit 8 and the hinge arm 6 is provided by means of the lever assembly 18. The coupling is a mechanical coupling and includes a kinematic coupling, for example a kinematic coupling of elements of the drive motor unit 8 on the one hand and elements of the hinge 5 on the other hand. The movement of the part which can be driven to move, the movement of the push rod of the drive motor unit 8 which can move linearly back and forth and is obscured in the drawing or Figure 9 causes a kinematic coupling with the hinge arm 6, as a result of which the hinge arm can pivot about the hinge axis of the hinge 5 or about the pivot axis S. Thereby, the hinge arm is opened or closed in accordance with the drive direction of the push rod and thereby the pivot element 3 pivots relative to the body 2 in the corresponding direction P1 or P2.

[0074] The lever assembly 18 has a control lever 19 which is connected to a linear element of the drive motor unit 8, for example to the push rod. The control lever 19 is connected in a hinged manner to a mounting element 20 of the lever assembly 18, for example a plug-in element. The mounting element 20 engages releasably, for example screwed or latched, on a receiving part 21 of the hinge arm 6 of the hinge 5. The receiving part 21 is present conformingly on the hinge, for example can be easily accessed from the outside, as a plug-in receiving part and / or a screw receiving part and can be used for connecting the drive motor unit 8 by means of the lever assembly 18.

[0075] The control lever 19 has a bent shape and includes two opposed and spaced-apart bearing sites at the hinge-side end section for a hinged connection to the mounting element 20. The control lever 19 is connected in a hinged manner about the hinge axis G (see Figure 2 ) to the mounting element 20 which is fixedly positioned on the hinge arm 6. For this purpose, there are, for example, aligned circular openings, namely two circular openings on the mounting element 20 and two circular openings on the control lever 19, through which a hinge element, for example a hinge pin 22, passes and is axially fixed.

[0076] List of reference numerals

[0077] 1 Household appliance

[0078] 2 Body

[0079] 3 Pivoting element

[0080] 4 Hinge assembly

[0081] 5 Hinge

[0082] 6 Hinge arm

[0083] 7 Drive device

[0084] 8 Drive motor unit

[0085] 9 Side

[0086] 10 Side

[0087] 10a Fixing element

[0088] 11 Hinge

[0089] 12 Flange member

[0090] 13 Flange member

[0091] 14 Placement section

[0092] 15 Coupling section

[0093] 16 Opening

[0094] 17 Notch

[0095] 18 Lever assembly

[0096] 19 Control lever

[0097] 20 Placement element

[0098] 21 Receiving part

Claims

1. A hinge assembly (4) comprising a drive device (7) and a hinge (5), said hinge having hinge arms (6), wherein, The hinge (5) is constructed to move a pivot element (3) of a household appliance (1) or furniture, wherein the pivot element (3) can be movably received on the body (2) of the household appliance (1) or furniture by means of the hinge (5), wherein one side (9) of the hinge (5) is constructed to be arranged on the body (2), and the other side (10) of the hinge (5) is constructed to be arranged on the pivot element (3), wherein the drive device (7) has a drive motor unit (8) which is constructed to be arranged on the pivot element (3), wherein a first end section (8a) of the drive motor unit (8) is coupled to the hinge arm (6), so that the hinge arm (6) of the hinge (5) which is pivotally supported can be moved by means of the drive motor unit (8), such that the pivot element (3) is moved relative to the body (2) in the assembled state of the hinge assembly (4), wherein a first flange member (12) and a second flange member (13) are provided for arranging the drive motor unit (8) on the pivot element (3), the first flange member and the second flange member existing separately, wherein the drive motor unit (8) can be arranged on the pivot element (3) by means of the first flange member (12) and by means of the second flange member (13), wherein the first flange member (12) and the second flange member (13) each have a mounting section (14) and a coupling section (15), the mounting section for fixing the respective flange member (12, 13), the coupling section for coupling the drive motor unit (8) to the respective flange member (12, 13), wherein in the state in which the flange members (12, 13) are arranged on the pivot element (3), the coupling section (15) of the first flange member (12) is aligned with the coupling section (15) of the second flange member (13), so that the two flange members (12, 13) are symmetrically present, wherein the drive motor unit (8) is present between the first flange member (12) and the second flange member (13), characterized in that the drive motor unit (8) is releasably fixed to the first flange member (12) and / or the second flange member (13) by a connection which can be set without tools.

2. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 1, wherein, In the state in which the drive motor unit (8) is arranged on the pivot element (3), the coupling section (15) of the first flange member (12) and the coupling section (15) of the second flange member (13) are aligned with each other, so that the two flange members (12, 13) are mirror-symmetrically present.

3. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The coupling section (15) of the first flange member (12) is constructed in the same way as the coupling section (15) of the second flange member (13).

4. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting section (14) of the first flange member (12) is constructed in the same way as the mounting section (14) of the second flange member (13).

5. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The first flange member (12) is joined to the first end section (8a) of the drive motor unit (8), and the second flange member (13) is joined to the second end section of the drive motor unit (8), wherein the first flange member (12) and the second flange member (13) are spaced apart from each other.

6. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The placement section (14) and the coupling section (15) are oriented at an angle to each other.

7. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The placement section (14) is configured to be connected to a fixing element (10a), wherein the fixing element (10a) is for placing the other side (10) of the hinge (5) on the pivot element (3).

8. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The placement section (14) has a bottom for surface contact with the pivot element (3) and a connection section constructed above the bottom, wherein the connection section is spaced apart from the bottom by a material-free area.

9. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The first flange member (12) and / or the second flange member (13) provides a stop for the drive motor unit (8) to be placed in the longitudinal direction of the drive motor unit (8) and / or provides a stop in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the drive motor unit (8).

10. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The drive motor unit is joined to the hinge arm (6) of the hinge (5) by a lever assembly (18).

11. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The lever assembly (18) includes a control lever (19), which is hingedly connected to a placement element (20) of the lever assembly (18), wherein the placement element (20) releasably engages a receiving portion (21) on the hinge arm (6) of the hinge (5).

12. The hinge assembly (4) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The control lever (19) has a curved shape and includes two opposed and spaced-apart support portions for hingedly connecting the control lever (19) to the placement element (20).

13. A piece of furniture or household appliance (1) having a body (2) and a pivoting element (3) movably received on the body (2), characterized in that, The hinge assembly (4) according to any one of the preceding claims is provided for moving the pivot element (3).

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