pivot device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pivoting device (1) for an embedded refrigerator, the embedded refrigerator comprising a refrigerator body (8) and a furniture cabinet, wherein a refrigerator door (4) is pivotally mounted on the refrigerator body (8) by at least one hinge (3), the hinge (3) comprising a side plate (5) fixed to the refrigerator body (8) and a pivotable hinge component (7) to which the refrigerator door (4) is fixed, wherein a support device (10, 10') is fixed on the side wall (2) of the furniture cabinet, the support device (10, 10') being arranged below the side plate (5) of the hinge (3), the support device (10, 10') supporting the side plate (5), and the support device (10, 10') having a retainer (11, 11') fixed to the side wall (2) and a support element (20, 20') held by the retainer (11, 11'), the support element being infinitely adjustable in height relative to the retainer (11, 11'). This helps to reduce the sinking of the door (4) when it is opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pivoting device for an embedded refrigerator, the embedded refrigerator comprising a refrigerator body and a furniture cabinet, wherein the refrigerator door is pivotally mounted on the refrigerator body by at least one hinge, and the hinge comprises a side plate fixed to the refrigerator body and a pivotable hinge component on which the refrigerator door is fixed, wherein a support device is fixed on the side wall of the furniture cabinet, wherein the support device is arranged below the side plate of the hinge, and wherein the support device supports the side plate. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2019 211 686 A1 discloses a built-in household appliance having a body on which a door is pivotally mounted via a hinge, and the hinge being connected to a support body that supports the hinge on its underside and is fixed to the furniture wall. While this support body can reduce door sagging caused by the door's weight, it is arranged on the hinge either in a form-fit manner or with a gap during installation, thus providing support only after the hinge has undergone a certain degree of deformation. Furthermore, precise installation of the support body is difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting device for furniture or household appliances that can reliably limit the sinking of the hinge caused by gravity.

[0004] This objective is achieved by a pivoting device having the features of claim 1.

[0005] The pivoting device for an embedded refrigerator according to the invention comprises a refrigerator body and a cabinet body, wherein the refrigerator door is pivotally mounted on the refrigerator body via at least one hinge, and the hinge includes a side plate fixed to the refrigerator body and a pivotable hinge component to which the refrigerator door is fixed. A support device is fixed to the side wall of the cabinet body, the support device being arranged below the side plate of the hinge, the support device supporting the side plate, and the support device having a retainer fixed to the side wall and a support element held by the retainer, the support element being infinitely adjustable in height relative to the retainer. Thus, after the support device is installed, the support element can be aligned relative to the retainer. The support element contacts the side plate of the hinge, thereby acting as a support to absorb forces. Preferably, support is provided throughout the entire range of motion of the hinge, wherein the force acting on the side plate is greatest in the open position. Thus, the load caused by weight on the side plate can be at least partially transferred to the support element in a simple manner, and deformation of the side plate can be counteracted.

[0006] Preferably, the support element abuts against the side panel via friction fit, form fit, or clamping. After the support device is installed, the support element can be adjusted relative to the retainer. Here, the support element can abut against the side panel with a preload, thereby overcoming gravity and preloading the side panel upward, which prevents or reduces the door from sinking due to gravity. Thus, the hinge can also withstand the high weight load of the door. Optionally, the support element can additionally or solely abut against a fixed lug integrally formed on the hinge side panel, for example, by engaging a pin into a hole in the fixed lug, which improves stability and simplifies installation. The support member's support of the side panel can be direct, or optionally achieved through at least one other component in the middle.

[0007] The optional protrusions on the support element can have various advantageous shapes, such as cylindrical or conical, or even multiple segments with different shapes. Choosing a suitable shape simplifies installation and improves the force transmitted to the support element. Preferably, the diameter of the protrusion is smaller than the diameter of the hole on the fixing lug. This ensures reliable contact between the support element and the side plate and prevents tolerance interference. Furthermore, this allows for the modification of deformed side plates.

[0008] In another embodiment, the retainer is configured as a guide rail on which the support element is linearly slidably mounted. The guide rail may include guide ribs and / or other guiding devices to ensure linear guidance of the support element.

[0009] To achieve effective adjustment, an adjustment mechanism can be provided between the retainer and the support element. This adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment element, such as a rotatable worm gear, eccentric wheel, lead screw, or rack. The adjustment mechanism is preferably self-locking, such that after adjustment by the adjustment mechanism, the support element is held in the set position on the retainer by at least frictional engagement.

[0010] To achieve a compact structure, the support element is preferably substantially plate-shaped and extends above the upper surface of the retainer.

[0011] To provide optimal mechanical support for the side plate, the contact points of the support elements on the side plate are arranged spaced apart from the side wall. These contact points are formed by the support surfaces on the support elements for the side plate. The distance between the side wall and the contact points can be from 1 mm to 10 mm, particularly from 2 mm to 6 mm. Multiple contact points may also exist between the support elements and the side plate. Thus, the side plate is preferably supported in the region or along the extension of at least one axis of rotation, which is mechanically loaded by a hinge component. At least one axis of rotation for a link of the hinge mechanism may be provided on the side plate. The support elements may be arranged at least partially below this at least one axis of rotation. Therefore, the at least one axis of rotation is located on the extension of the support element or adjacent to the support element, ensuring reliable support. The contact points between the support elements and the side plate are preferably located less than 10 mm away from the at least one axis of rotation, thus being arranged near the axis of rotation.

[0012] The retainer preferably comprises a lower fixing section and an upper guide section, the lower fixing section being secured to the sidewall by fasteners (e.g., screws), and the support element being slidably held on the upper guide section. Preferably, the support element is at least partially accommodated within the envelope of the retainer. Thus, the support device can be fixed to the sidewall in a flat structure. In the region of the retainer, in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the sidewall, the support device preferably has a height of 2 mm to 8 mm, particularly 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0013] To manufacture the adjustment mechanism with only a few parts, the adjustment element, such as a worm gear or eccentric wheel, can be rotatably mounted on the support element. Alternatively, the adjustment element can also be rotatably mounted on the retainer.

[0014] Optionally, a cover plate may be provided, which is fixed to either the support element or the retaining element. This allows for a uniform and visually appealing appearance.

[0015] The pivoting device is preferably mounted on a built-in refrigerator, such as a refrigerator-freezer combination cabinet. In this configuration, the support mechanism is preferably located only below the upper hinge of the door. Alternatively, support mechanisms can be provided below both the upper and lower hinges. In another embodiment, an intermediate door hinge can be provided, forming a hinge component for the upper door and a hinge component for the lower door. Therefore, when using the support device, the lower hinge of the upper door and the upper hinge of the lower door are supported by the support device.

[0016] The refrigerator door is preferably constructed in multiple parts and may include a furniture panel (especially made of wood) and the door of the refrigeration unit. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to two embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view of the pivoting device according to the invention in its mounting position is shown; Figure 2A and Figure 2B Two views of the support device during installation are shown; Figure 3A It shows the use of Figure 1 Perspective view of the support device for the pivoting mechanism shown; Figure 3B An exploded view of the support device shown in Figure 2 is shown; Figure 4 A detailed view of the adjustment mechanism of the support device is shown; Figure 5A and Figure 5B Two views of the worm gear of the support device are shown; Figure 6 A view of the retaining element of the support device is shown; Figure 7A and Figure 7B Two views of the support elements of the support device are shown; Figure 8 A top view of the support device is shown; Figure 9 A perspective view of the modified support device is shown; Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 An exploded view of the modified support device shown. Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 A perspective view of the retaining element of the support device shown; Figure 12 It shows Figure 9 A perspective view of the support element of the support device shown; Figures 13A to 13C It shows Figure 9 Multiple views of the eccentric wheel of the support device shown; and Figures 14A to 14C It shows Figure 9 Multiple views of the support device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The pivoting device 1 for a built-in refrigerator includes a refrigerator body 8 and a cabinet with side walls 2. A refrigerator door 4 is pivotally mounted on the refrigerator body 8 via at least one hinge 3. Preferably, two hinges 3 are mounted on the refrigerator body 8. Each hinge 3 is fixed to the refrigerator body 8 via a side panel 5 and includes a hinge mechanism 6 through which a hinge component 7 is pivotally mounted. The refrigerator door 4 is fixed to the hinge component 7. The hinges 3 can be constructed as multi-joint hinges, preferably four-joint or seven-joint hinges.

[0019] To enable hinge 3 to withstand the high weight load on door 4 while preventing or reducing sagging of door 4, a support device 10 is provided below hinge 3. The support device 10 includes a retainer 11 fixed to the side wall 2, which is secured to the side wall 2 of the furniture cabinet by a plurality of fasteners 12 (particularly screws) at its lower fixed section. A support element 20 is arranged on the upper guide section of the retainer 11, which is height-adjustable relative to the retainer 11 by an adjustment mechanism. The support element 20 abuts against the lower side of side panel 5 and supports side panel 5 when weight load is applied to door 4. Here, the contact point of the support element 20 can be arranged on or within at least one extension line of the rotation axis of hinge mechanism 6 to obtain the most favorable leverage ratio possible.

[0020] exist Figure 2A The diagram shows the state of the support device 10 before it is installed onto the side wall 2. A web-shaped fixing lug 9 protrudes from the side plate 5 of the hinge 3, having mounting holes 90. These mounting holes would be used to thread the hinge onto the side wall 2 if the support device 10 is not installed. However, in an embodiment according to the invention, the support device 10 is installed below the hinge 3, wherein protruding pins 27 are provided on the support element 20, which engage with the mounting holes 90 of the fixing lug 9. The support element 20 does not directly abut against the side wall 2, but is arranged at a predetermined distance X, wherein at least one upwardly projecting protrusion 28 abuts against the lower side of the side plate 5; for example, this distance is 1 mm to 10 mm from the side wall 2, as shown from... Figure 2B As can be seen from the installation position of the support device 10 shown.

[0021] exist Figure 3A The support device 10 is shown in detail. The support device 10 includes a retainer 11 constructed as a guide rail and having a base plate 14. Two strip-shaped ribs 15 extend vertically from the base plate 14 and are aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction. A support element 20 is slidably guided between the ribs 15 and slidably abuts against the base plate 14 via a guide section 21. The support element 20 includes a step 22 and a base section 23 adjacent to the guide section 21, the base section being spaced apart from the base plate 14 of the retainer 11. An adjusting element 30 is rotatably mounted on the base section 23, which can be used to adjust the height of the support element 20 relative to the retainer 11. The adjusting element 30 is configured here as a worm gear. A hole 35 in the support element 20 can be used to secure an optional cap.

[0022] exist Figure 3AIt can also be seen that the support element 20 is at least partially accommodated within the envelope of the retainer 11 in the region of the retainer 11. This results in a compact structure perpendicular to the sidewall 2. Advantageously, the height Y of the support device 10, measured perpendicular to the sidewall 2 in the region of the retainer 11, is 2 mm to 8 mm, more preferably 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0023] exist Figure 3B The support device 10 is shown in an exploded view. The retainer 11 includes a plurality of holes 13 for fasteners 12 in its lower fixing section. Two elongated holes 18 are provided in the upper guide section, into which pins 29 are inserted to linearly guide the support element 20 along the retainer 11. The guide section also includes substantially slit-shaped grooves 17, wherein the longitudinal direction of the grooves 17 extends parallel to the sliding direction of the support element 20. For guiding the support element 20, inwardly projecting guide ribs 16 are also provided on the two ribs 15, which abut against the narrow side of the support element 20 in the mounting position, thereby preventing lateral displacement of the support element 20.

[0024] For the adjustment mechanism, the retaining member 11 includes protrusions 19, which are formed as raised portions protruding from the base plate 14 and, for example, integrally formed. The protrusions 19 cooperate with the adjustment element 30, which is rotatably mounted in the receiving portion 24 of the support element. Two pins 29 pass through the support element 20 and can slide within the elongated hole 18.

[0025] The support element 20 has two strip-shaped guide elements 25 for guidance, each guide element engaging a groove 17. Additionally, lateral ribs 26 protrude and are engaged by the guide ribs 16 in the installed position. This also prevents the support element 20 from lifting off the retainer 11.

[0026] The support element 20 has a section that protrudes beyond the retainer 11, on which protrusions 27 are provided, which engage with the retaining lugs 9. The support element 20 is arranged with its upper surface spaced apart from the side wall 2. Protrusions 28 are arranged on the upper surface of the support element 20, which abut against the side plate 5 of the hinge 3. Alternatively, these protrusions 28 may be omitted, such that the end face 55 of the support element 20 abuts against the side plate 5, or contact with the side plate 5 may be completely omitted in the region of the end face 55 of the support element 20.

[0027] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, the adjusting element 30 is mounted on the protrusion 19. By rotating the adjusting element 30, its position relative to the retainer 11 can be changed steplessly, thereby also causing the support element 20 to move relative to the retainer 11.

[0028] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe adjustment element 30, constructed as a worm gear, is shown in detail. The worm gear includes a flat rib 31, the flat thread of which can be inserted between two protrusions 19. The flat rib 31 is formed on a disk 32, in which a hole 33 for a tool interface is formed. A ring 34 is integrally formed on the side of the disk 32 opposite to the flat rib 31, and the ring is rotatably mounted in the receiving portion 24 of the support element 20.

[0029] exist Figure 6 The image shows one side of the retainer 11 abutting against the sidewall 2. The hole 13, groove 17, and elongated hole 18 in the lower fixing section are visible. The retainer 11 rests flat against the sidewall 2.

[0030] exist Figure 7A and Figure 7B The image shows a support element 20, which has a receiving portion 24 on a plate-shaped base section 23 for rotatably mounting an adjusting element 30. Furthermore, a strip-shaped guide element 25 and a rib 26 protrude from the base section 23. On the side facing the sidewall 2, a protruding pin 27 is provided in a section extending beyond the retainer 11.

[0031] exist Figure 7B The shape of the protruding pin 27 can be clearly seen. In this configuration, the protruding pin 27 consists of two sections: a cylindrical base section 61 and a tapered head section 62. This configuration simplifies installation by using the head section 62 as a guide surface and improves force transmission to the support element 20 due to the larger contact area between the base section 61 and the mounting hole 90. Preferably, the diameter of the protruding pin 27 is smaller than the diameter of the mounting hole 90.

[0032] exist Figure 8 The image shows the support device 10 in its installed position. The support element 20 is largely housed within the retainer 11 and can be moved relative to the retainer 11 by the adjusting element 30. This achieves a flat structure for the support device 10, which is advantageous for limited installation space. In the region of the retainer 11, in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the sidewall 2, the support device 10 preferably extends only 2mm to 8mm, particularly 3mm to 6mm.

[0033] exist Figure 9 The modified support device 10' is shown, wherein the support element 20' is slidably mounted on the retainer 11'. Adjustment is achieved by an adjusting element 40. The adjusting element 40 is configured as an eccentric wheel. The eccentric wheel is preferably configured as a uniform thickness eccentric wheel. The support element 20' has a section protruding from the retainer 11', which abuts against or engages with the side plate 5 of the hinge 3 in the mounted position.

[0034] exist Figure 10An exploded view of the modified support device 10' is shown in the figure. The eccentric wheel includes a cylindrical pin 41 that inserts into an elongated hole 51 in the bag-shaped receiving portion 24' of the support element 20'. Furthermore, the pin 41 is rotatably mounted in a hole 50 on the retainer 11'. The pin 41 is eccentrically arranged on the eccentric wheel such that rotating the eccentric wheel moves the support element 20' relative to the retainer 11'. The lower section of the retainer 11' has a hole 13 for a fastener 12, and the upper region has grooves 17 as in the aforementioned embodiment, into which the guide element 25 of the support element 20' engages.

[0035] Figure 11 The retainer 11' shown has a flat surface on the side facing the sidewall 2, which is penetrated by the hole 13 and the groove 17. Furthermore, the hole 50, serving as a bearing for the adjusting element 40, can be seen.

[0036] Figure 12 The support element 20' shown includes an elongated hole 51 in a bag-shaped receiving portion 24' at the bottom, wherein one edge of the bag-shaped receiving portion 24' engages with one edge of an eccentric wheel. The support element 20' is substantially strip-shaped and includes a base segment 52, which is connected to a support segment 54 by a step 53. Pins 27 may be integrally formed on the support segment 54, engaging into holes 90 for fixing lugs 9. The side plate 5 can be supported by the end face 55 of the support element 20' and / or by the pins 27. Alternatively, as in the first embodiment, protrusions may also be formed on the end face 55 of the support element 20' to serve as supports for the side plate 5.

[0037] exist Figures 13A to 13C The adjustment element 40 is shown in detail, comprising an eccentrically arranged cylindrical pin 41. The equal-thickness eccentric wheel includes a circumferential edge that abuts against the opposite side of the edge of the bag-shaped receiving portion 24' in each adjustment position. A tool interface 42 is formed within the adjustment element 40 to facilitate easy rotation of the adjustment element.

[0038] exist Figures 14A to 14C The image shows a support device 10' in its installed position, wherein a support element 20' is slidably mounted on a retainer 11'. The relative position of the support element 20' with respect to the retainer 11' can be changed by rotating the adjusting element 40. Two protruding pins 27 are provided on the upper support section 54 extending upward beyond the retainer 11'.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting element 30 is constructed as a worm gear, and the adjusting element 40 is constructed as an eccentric wheel, which are respectively arranged on the support element 20 or 20'. Alternatively, a worm gear or eccentric wheel can be provided on the retaining member 11 or 11' to move the support element 20 or 20'. Furthermore, a rack, lead screw, or other adjusting mechanism can be provided for adjusting the support element 20 or 20'.

[0040] List of reference numerals 1 Pivoting device 2 sidewalls 3 hinges 4. Refrigerator door 5 side panels 6-hinge mechanism 7 hinge components 8. Refrigerator body 9 Fixed lugs 10, 10' support device 11, 11' retainer 12 Fasteners 13 holes 14 base plate 15 ribs 16 guide ribs 17 grooves 18 long holes 19 bumps 20, 20' support elements 21 guide section 22 steps 23 base section 24 holes 24' Reception Section 25 guide elements 26 ribs 27 convex pins 28 protrusions 29 pins 30 Adjustment Elements 31 flat thread 32 disks 33 holes 34 rings 35 holes 40 Adjustment Elements 41 pins 42 Tool Interface 50 holes 51 long holes 52 base section 53 steps 54 support sections 55 end face 61 base section 62 head segment 90 mounting holes X distance Y height

Claims

1. A pivoting device (1) for a built-in refrigerator, the built-in refrigerator having a refrigerator body (8) and a furniture cabinet, wherein, The refrigerator door (4) is pivotally mounted on the refrigerator body (8) by at least one hinge (3), and the hinge (3) includes a side plate (5) fixed to the refrigerator body (8) and a pivotable hinge component (7) to which the refrigerator door (4) is fixed, wherein a support device (10, 10') is fixed on the side wall (2) of the furniture cabinet, wherein the support device (10, 10') is arranged below the side plate (5) of the hinge (3), wherein the support device (10, 10') supports the side plate (5), characterized in that the support device (10, 10') has a retainer (11, 11') fixed to the side wall (2) and a support element (20, 20') held by the retainer (11, 11'), the support element being infinitely adjustable in height relative to the retainer (11, 11').

2. The pivoting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support elements (20, 20') abut against the side plate (5) by means of friction fit, form fit or clamping.

3. The pivoting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining elements (11, 11') are constructed as guide rails, on which the supporting elements (20, 20') can move linearly.

4. The pivoting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An adjustment mechanism with an adjustment element (30, 30') is provided between the retainer (11, 11') and the support element (20, 20'). The adjustment element is, for example, a rotatable worm, an eccentric wheel, a lead screw, or a movable rack.

5. The pivoting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support elements (20, 20') are basically constructed as plates and protrude above the upper surface of the retainers (11, 11').

6. The pivoting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contact points of the support elements (20, 20') on the side plate (5) are arranged at intervals from the side wall (2).

7. The pivoting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distance (X) between the contact point and the sidewall (2) is 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 6 mm.

8. The pivoting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support device (10) has a height (Y) of 2 mm to 8 mm, particularly 3 mm to 6 mm, in the area of ​​the retainer (11, 11') in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the side wall (2).

9. The pivoting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one axis of rotation for a link of a hinge mechanism (6) is provided on the side plate (5), and support elements (20, 20') are arranged on the extension line and / or in the region of the at least one axis of rotation.

10. The pivoting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The retainer (11, 11') includes a lower fixed section and an upper guide section. The lower fixed section is fixed to the side wall (2) by a fastener (12), and the support element (20, 20') is slidably held on the upper guide section.

11. The pivoting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A worm gear or eccentric wheel is rotatably mounted in the support element (20, 20').

12. An embedded refrigerator having a pivoting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support devices (10, 10') are located below the upper hinge (3).

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