Household appliance with a symmetric hinge bracket for a door, as well as method of manufacturing a household appliance

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a domestic appliance (1) having a housing (2), having at least one hinge (5, 7), which is mounted on a front (6) of the housing (2), and having a door (4), which is mounted on the hinge (5, 7) and as a result is mounted pivotably relative to the housing (2), wherein the hinge (5, 7) has a bracket (15), which is fastened to an end face (8, 8a, 8b) of the front (6) with at least one fastening element (32, 33), wherein the bracket (15) is constructed symmetrically, so that it can be installed either on a left end face (8a) of the front (6) or on a right end face (8b) of the front (6), and in both installation situations the door (4) mounted on the bracket (15) is situated in the same position relative to the housing (2) in the height direction (y) and the width direction (x) of the domestic appliance (1) when in the closed state. Another aspect concerns a method.

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance with a housing. At least one food storage compartment is formed in the housing. The household appliance has at least one hinge arranged on a front of the housing. The household appliance further comprises a door arranged on the hinge. As a result, the door is pivotable relative to the housing. One aspect of the invention also relates to a method.

[0002] Household appliances are known, for example, as household refrigeration appliances. These usually comprise a housing with a pivoting door. To enable this pivoting, a hinge is implemented. Such hinges comprise bearing brackets. In this context, there are also designs in which these bearing brackets are arranged on the front of the door. For example, they are screwed to a front flange of the housing. For example, such a design is known from EP 1 679 481 A2. The bearing bracket there comprises an elongated, horizontal rail with which the bearing bracket is attached directly to the front of the housing. Furthermore, this bearing bracket comprises a bearing pin arranged asymmetrically to this rail, viewed in the width direction. The door is mounted on this bearing pin. With such a completely asymmetric bearing bracket, the door can only be mounted in one direction.

[0003] Furthermore, a hinge device for a household refrigeration appliance is known from DE 203 12 282 U1. The hinge device has a bearing block that can be screwed to a body of the household refrigeration appliance. This bearing block has a vertically oriented plate with which the bearing block can be screwed to the body. This plate has two separate and spaced-apart mounting openings, viewed in the width direction, through which the screws can be passed. In addition, this bearing block has two separate bearings that are arranged next to one another in the width direction. A bearing bolt, which is designed separately, can be inserted into one of these bearings and fastened, in particular screwed therein. A bearing bush can then be rotatably mounted on this bearing bolt, which in turn can be fastened in the door.The two bearings are offset from the mounting holes. This bearing bracket can also only be installed and used in a specific position on the housing.

[0004] DE 10 2008 021337 A1 discloses a hinge element for a door of a household appliance and a housing for a household appliance and a household appliance, in particular a refrigerator or freezer, wherein the hinge element has a mounting section for mounting on the body of the household appliance, a support arm projecting from the mounting section and a bearing element arranged at the free end of the support arm.

[0005] DE 20 2004 007 067 U1 discloses a household appliance, such as a refrigeration appliance or the like, with a hollow-axle hinge, which has a bearing arm with an axle section which is fixedly connected at one of its longitudinal ends to a first side of the bearing arm and a passage which extends through the axle section in the axial direction and which is rotatably mounted in a bearing bush.

[0006] With the existing hinge designs, different designs are required, which are mounted on the left and right sides of the housing in order to accommodate doors with different pivoting angles. This increases both the development effort and the manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a household appliance in which a hinge is improved with regard to the usability and storage of differently hinged doors.

[0008] This object is achieved by a household appliance and a method according to the independent claims.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance with a housing. At least one receiving space for food is formed in the housing. The household appliance furthermore has at least one hinge. This hinge is arranged on a front of the housing. The household appliance furthermore has a door. This door is arranged on the hinge and is thus pivotable relative to the housing. The hinge has a bearing bracket which is fastened to an end face of the front with at least one fastening element. The bearing bracket is constructed symmetrically when viewed from the front of the household appliance.

[0010] A symmetrical design means, in particular, that functionally essential features of the bearing bracket are arranged symmetrically to one another. The symmetry is to be seen, in particular, in relation to a vertical axis of the bearing bracket. In particular, the vertical axis extends in the vertical direction of the household appliance. Functional features of the bearing bracket are, in particular, those which relate to a supporting function and / or holding function for attachments to the bearing bracket that are separate from the bearing bracket and / or those which relate to a connection function of the bearing bracket to another component of the household appliance. Such features are, for example, a bearing bolt or a bearing pin for a door and / or at least one hole through which a fastening element, in particular a screw, can be passed so that the bearing bracket can be fastened to a component, in particular a housing, of the household appliance.In one embodiment, the bearing angle is symmetrical only with respect to these features. It is then only symmetrical with respect to the components. With respect to other features, such as the shape of a support plate or a coupling plate and / or a support plate, etc., the bearing angle can also be asymmetrical.

[0011] However, in one embodiment, the bearing angle can also be symmetrical in this respect, making it completely symmetrical. It is then not only symmetrical with respect to the components.

[0012] The hinge bracket is designed for installation on either the left-hand side of the front panel (when viewed from the front) or the right-hand side of the front panel. In both installation situations, the door is positioned on the hinge bracket in the closed position in the vertical direction of the appliance and in the width direction of the appliance.

[0013] Such a symmetrical bearing bracket can be used for both right-hand and left-hand installation on one end face of the front of the housing. This means that only one type of bearing bracket is required to produce different types of household appliances with regard to the opening side of the door. This single bearing bracket can therefore be used for household appliances in which the door can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation on the left when viewed from the front. However, this bearing bracket can also be used for household appliances in which a door is to be pivoted about a vertical axis of rotation on the right when viewed from the front. When viewed from the front of the household appliance, the bearing bracket is symmetrical in the width direction.Due to this width symmetry, the installation position of the bearing bracket can be configured on the left-hand end face, particularly with the same distance from the left end of the housing, as well as a corresponding right-hand installation, in which this bearing bracket is then at the same distance from the right end of the housing. This ensures that the door, whether it is to be installed as a left-hinged or right-hinged door according to the invention, is always arranged at the same height and width on the housing.

[0014] In particular, this applies to the fact that receptacles on the front of the housing, which are provided for receiving fastening elements, are designed to be equidistant from their respective adjacent left-hand and right-hand ends or walls of the housing. This means that, for example, in the case of receptacles designed as left-hand screw holes for screws as fastening elements, a widthwise distance to a left-hand end of the housing is equal to the distance from correspondingly right-hand fastening elements that are arranged or formed adjacent to a right-hand edge of the housing.If such fastening element receptacles on the front of the housing are also designed symmetrically to a center of the front of the housing, a symmetrical installation position of the bearing angle to this center of the housing or the center of the front of the housing can also be achieved by means of such a bearing angle that is symmetrical in the width direction.

[0015] This makes it particularly easy to position the door symmetrically on the front of the enclosure. This identical component, in the form of a symmetrical hinge bracket, also simplifies assembly. There's no longer any need to worry about how the door is to be hinged and which specific hinge bracket is required for this purpose; the same hinge bracket can be used every time.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bearing angle is symmetrical to an axis of symmetry oriented in the vertical direction of the household appliance.

[0017] In one embodiment, the bearing bracket has a support plate that directly rests against the front face of the front. In particular, the support plate is fully abutting this front face. This means that this support plate provides maximum support against the front face. This enables a particularly stable attachment of the bearing bracket.

[0018] In particular, the bearing bracket is positioned so that it protrudes forward from the front end of the appliance, viewed in the depth direction. The bearing bracket therefore does not extend backwards beyond this front end, but only forwards. In particular, the support plate is the component of the bearing bracket located furthest back in the depth direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bearing bracket includes, in addition to the support plate, a support plate that protrudes forward at an angle. This support plate is designed to support a bearing pin that extends vertically. The bearing pin is also a component of the bearing bracket.

[0020] In particular, the contact plate and this support plate form an L-shape.

[0021] In one embodiment, the support plate has at least two holes, spaced apart from one another as viewed in the width direction of the household appliance, for the passage of fastening elements. These fastening elements are, in particular, screws. In one embodiment, these two holes are formed at the same height on the support plate as viewed in the vertical direction of the household appliance. However, a height offset in this regard can also be formed.

[0022] In particular, these holes are formed symmetrically to a vertical axis of the bearing angle, whereby this vertical axis is formed centrally in the bearing angle when viewed from the front.

[0023] In particular, these holes are thus formed symmetrically to a center of the contact plate.

[0024] In this respect, the middle is to be understood in the width direction.

[0025] In one embodiment, the bearing bracket has a bearing pin. The bearing pin is, in particular, formed integrally with the bearing bracket. "Integral" here and below is to be understood in particular as formed from a single piece, e.g., by casting, injection molding, or forming. The bearing pin preferably extends in the vertical direction. The bearing pin is arranged offset forward relative to the support plate, viewed in the depth direction of the household appliance. The bearing pin is, in particular, integrated into the aforementioned support plate. In particular, the bearing pin extends with its longitudinal axis, which is oriented, in particular, in the vertical direction of the household appliance, perpendicular to the plane in which the support plate extends.When viewed in the width direction of the household appliance, when projected or projected onto the support plate from the front, the bearing pin is arranged so that it is centrally located in relation to the support plate, in particular in relation to the entire bearing bracket. If holes are provided in the support plate (e.g. for fastening the bearing bracket), it can be provided in particular that the bearing pin is arranged in the width direction of the household appliance, when viewed in a projection view or when projected onto the support plate from the front, so that it is centrally located between the holes in the support plate. When viewed from the front of the household appliance and therefore also when viewing the bearing bracket from the front, these holes in the support plate are therefore symmetrical to the bearing pin when viewed in the width direction.In particular, an axis of symmetry can be seen in this regard, which extends in the vertical direction. This means that, when viewed from the front in this way, a distance measured in the width direction between the axis of symmetry of the bearing pin and one hole is equal to the corresponding distance between the axis of symmetry and the other hole. In this context, the bearing pin is arranged symmetrically to this axis of symmetry. This design is particularly advantageous. This is because this symmetry between the bearing pin and the holes arranged laterally to it when viewed from the front makes the above-mentioned installation particularly easy. Firstly, the bearing bracket is simple and symmetrical in itself. Secondly, it is particularly easy to install, and the door can be supported accordingly.However, it is precisely this symmetry between the centrally positioned bearing pin and the symmetrically designed holes across the width that makes this symmetrical installation of the bearing bracket on the front of the enclosure very easy. Especially with the aforementioned design of the mounting brackets on the front of the front, this enables a highly symmetrical installation concept for a door.

[0026] In one embodiment, the bearing pin is smaller, viewed in the width direction of the household appliance, than the smallest distance between the two holes measured in the width direction. This is another very advantageous embodiment. It allows for easy insertion and installation of fastening elements into these holes without the bearing pin getting in the way, viewed in the depth direction. This allows an assembly tool to simply reach past the bearing pin and insert and secure the fastening element into the holes located behind it. This is particularly advantageous for screws, which then need to be tightened accordingly.

[0027] When viewed from a projection, it is thus achieved that a bearing bolt does not completely overlap with the holes in the width direction, in particular there is no overlap at all.

[0028] In one embodiment, the bearing bracket, in particular the bearing pin, defines a rotation axis of the door arranged thereon. When viewed from the front of the household appliance in the width direction and projected into the support plate, the rotation axis is arranged centrally between the holes. This is also a further advantageous embodiment, as the angle is always formed such that a provided rotation axis for the door is symmetrical to the holes. This also enables the corresponding reversibly symmetrical installation of the bearing bracket on the left or right side of the front of the door, and thus also enables the door to be positioned the same relative to the housing for both positions.

[0029] In one embodiment, the bearing bracket has at least one, in particular integrated, positioning element. This positioning element projects further rearward in the depth direction of the household appliance than the contact plate. In one embodiment, this positioning element projects into a receptacle or an introduction in the front face of the housing. This achieves a further mechanical coupling of the bearing bracket to the housing, in particular a positive coupling (e.g. a backlash-free positive coupling). In particular, this also improves or enables the bearing bracket to be twisted about an axis oriented in the depth direction. The positional fixation of the bearing bracket on the front face of the housing is thereby further improved. Viewed in the height direction, in one embodiment, this positioning element is at a different height than the holes in the contact plate.This also supports the fixed position of the bearing bracket on the front face. The insertion can be formed by a receptacle or a hole, e.g., a blind hole.

[0030] According to the invention, the hinge has a cable routing device. This cable routing device allows at least one cable of the household appliance to be laid or is laid between the door and the housing as intended. This is a further advantageous embodiment. This is because it also allows components arranged in the door to be supplied with power and / or data signals and / or a control signal, including an analog one. This ensures that the electronic components in the door can exchange signals with components in the housing and, in particular, can also communicate in this regard. The proposed concept is particularly advantageous for such designs of household appliances. This is because the cable routing device is thus built into the hinge and is arranged therein in a space-saving and compact manner.An already existing interface between the door and the housing, which is formed by the hinge, is thus used multifunctionally.

[0031] According to the invention, the bearing bracket has an integrated bearing pin. "Integrated" is understood here and below to mean that the two elements are integral, i.e., formed as one piece. The hinge has a bushing separate from the bearing bracket. In particular, the bushing has at least one plug-in channel. This is intended for inserting the bearing pin into the bushing. The bearing pin thus engages in this plug-in channel when installed. This also achieves a corresponding mechanical coupling.

[0032] In one embodiment, the plug-in channel has an inner contour with a clamping structure. The clamping structure is intended for clamping with the bearing pin. This allows a highly effective mechanical coupling between the bushing and the bearing pin to be achieved. In particular, a rotationally fixed coupling between the bushing and the bearing pin is also achieved. Relative rotational movement between the bushing and the bearing pin, particularly around the door's axis of rotation, is thus prevented.

[0033] In one embodiment, the clamping structure has at least one clamping pin, in particular two clamping pins, which cooperate in a clamping manner with the outer side of the bearing pin.

[0034] According to the invention, the bushing is a component of the cable routing device. According to the invention, the bushing has a cable duct. This cable duct can, in particular, be a cable duct. This cable duct is thus designed for routing a cable. The cable is thus arranged and guided in a particularly protected manner. Undesirable mechanical influences on the cable can thus be avoided even when the door pivots relative to the bearing bracket. Kinks or chafing on the cable during such a door movement can thus be prevented.

[0035] According to the invention, the plug-in channel of the socket is separated from the cable feedthrough of the socket. This means that, according to the invention, the channels provided for this purpose are separate from one another. The cable is thus mounted in a different channel than the bearing pin that engages in the socket. This also prevents undesirable impairment of the cable. On the other hand, it also enables the socket to be mechanically stably connected to the bearing pin. The coupling forces required for this can be generated independently of the cable, which is preferably laid in the different channel, namely the cable duct.

[0036] In one embodiment, the bushing is non-rotatably attached to the separate bearing bolt.

[0037] In one embodiment, the bearing bracket is formed in one piece, particularly from metal. It preferably comprises the support plate, the aforementioned support plate, and the bearing pin.

[0038] In one embodiment, the bearing pin has a cuboid shape.

[0039] In one embodiment, the hinge has an adapter part separate from the bearing bracket. This adapter part is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on a bearing pin of the bearing bracket. A bushing, preferably present in the hinge, is arranged so as to rest on the separate adapter part, viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the separate parts in the form of the bushing and the adapter part are stacked on the separate bearing bracket, in particular, they are placed on the bearing pin and arranged in a stacked manner.

[0040] In one embodiment, the adapter part cooperates with a spring, in particular a plastic spring of the household refrigeration appliance. The plastic spring is attached to the door and, when the door is closed, slides over the adapter part, which is attached to the hinge. This generates a torque on the door, which closes or keeps the door closed from a certain opening angle. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a stopper is mounted on the door together with a plastic spring, which strikes the adapter part and stops the door at a certain opening angle. This also gives the household refrigeration appliance a partially automatic closing function.

[0041] In an embodiment of the hinge without this adapter part, a bearing bracket without a locking function is implemented. If the hinge has this additional adapter part, a bearing bracket with a locking function is implemented.

[0042] In a further exemplary embodiment, the bearing bracket has the already mentioned and horizontally oriented support plate or coupling plate. In one exemplary embodiment, a stand of the household appliance, which is separate from the bearing bracket, is directly arranged, in particular fastened, to this coupling plate. In particular, this stand is screwed to the coupling plate. For this purpose, the coupling plate has a threaded hole into which the stand can be screwed with a threaded screw. This configuration not only enables the stand to be attached to the bearing bracket, but also enables the height of the stand to be adjusted, which can be adjusted depending on the screw-in position of the stand into the thread of the threaded hole.

[0043] In particular, it can be provided that the coupling plate has a first section at a first height level (H1) and a second section at a second height level (H2) which is different from the first height level (H1). The height levels are dimensioned in the height direction (y-direction) of the household appliance. The first section and / or the second section is preferably substantially or completely flat (irrespective of, for example, additional embossing to increase rigidity) and / or preferably horizontally aligned. This configuration not only increases the stability of the bearing bracket. Rather, the two sections which are offset in the height direction create regions of the bearing bracket which advantageously enable various functions. In particular, it can be provided that the first height level (H1) is greater than the second height level (H2) and the bearing bolt is formed on the first section oris formed adjacent to the first section and a threaded hole receiving the stand is formed in the second section. This makes it possible for the threaded hole to be arranged lower than the bearing bolt (or the first section). In particular, it can be provided that the threaded hole lies completely below the first height level (H1). In this way, even when the stand is fully screwed in, a sufficient distance can be made possible between an upper end of the threaded screw on the one hand and a lower end of the door on the other. The threaded screw can therefore not collide with the door. On the other hand, however, a sufficient adjustment of the device height can still be achieved by the stand. In one embodiment, the bearing bracket is made of metal. In particular, it can be a sheet metal bracket.

[0044] In one embodiment, the separate adapter part is mounted on the bearing pin in a rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, the adapter part has a through-hole through which the bearing pin extends. Additionally, the adapter part can also be screwed to the bearing bracket, in particular the coupling plate or the support plate. In one embodiment, the bushing, which can also be referred to here as a closer bushing, is then attached to this adapter part. It, too, is then attached to the bearing pin.

[0045] In one embodiment, the holes in the support plate are arranged in such a way that access to these holes is possible even when the bushing is already mounted on the bearing pin, and screws can be inserted into the holes in the support plate using a tool, such as a screwdriver. In particular, this can also be done in the depth direction of the household appliance, allowing the screws to be installed in the depth direction past the bushing.

[0046] Especially in the version without the adapter, the hinge is designed in such a way that the holes in the support plate are accessible even when the door is already attached to the hinge. Even then, these holes can be accessed and fitted with screws, which can then be tightened using a tool.

[0047] The above-mentioned embodiments with at least one positioning element on the bearing bracket can also be implemented with multiple positioning elements. Since such a bearing bracket is produced by forming and / or punching, these positioning elements can also be produced cost-neutrally. They can simply be produced during this forming and / or punching process. In particular, no additional material is required.

[0048] In another embodiment, however, the positioning elements can also be formed by separate pins that are permanently attached to the bearing bracket. For example, they can be pressed into receiving holes in the support plate.

[0049] In one embodiment, the coupling plate can have embossing. This increases the torsional rigidity.

[0050] In one embodiment, the adapter part has an open recess at the edge. This makes it easy to route the cable past the adapter part. In this embodiment, the cable does not have to be routed through a closed hole around the perimeter.

[0051] In one embodiment, the cable feedthrough in the socket is not circular in cross-section, but oval.

[0052] Viewed vertically, the upper and / or lower ends of this cable entry can be rounded. This avoids sharp edges or corners, preventing cable damage. In one embodiment, the adapter part is designed for symmetrical installation on the support bracket. If the door hinge changes, it can be removed from the support bracket, rotated 180°, and reinstalled on the support bracket.

[0053] In one embodiment, the support plate protrudes in the same direction from the coupling plate or the support plate as the bearing pin, viewed in the vertical direction. In this respect, a U-shaped bearing bracket is formed. Because the bearing pin protrudes in the same direction from the coupling plate or the support plate around the support plate, the height of the bearing bracket is also reduced compared to embodiments in which the bearing pin protrudes from the coupling plate in a positive vertical direction and the support plate protrudes from the coupling plate in a negative vertical direction.

[0054] The design of the hinge also improves the automatic fastening, e.g. gluing, of the base, in particular of the cardboard base of the household appliance casing. This is because there is no longer any space required on the base of the appliance for the hinge to be screwed on from below. The mounting bracket is only fastened and screwed in from the front, or rather the screwing is only provided on the front face. Furthermore, because the base of the household appliance is no longer installed directly on the casing, but on this mounting bracket, it is no longer necessary to reach under the casing during installation. The installation position of the base is therefore shifted forward in the depth direction. This also prevents damage to the base of the casing, especially if it is made of cardboard.This also provides better protection for the door against damage caused by the adjustable foot or stand during installation. The risk of the appliance tipping over during installation of the stand is also reduced.

[0055] The advantageous embodiment with the cable routing in the hinge now also makes it easy to install electronic components, an operating and / or display unit, and / or a camera, or the like, in the door. In the aforementioned advantageous embodiments, this cable only needs to be threaded through the advantageously designed socket, but no longer needs to be routed circumferentially through other components of the hinge.

[0056] Furthermore, the aforementioned embodiments also create a standard hinge system that can be used for household appliances both with and without such a cable. This is also possible for appliances both with and without a closer in the hinge area.

[0057] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a household appliance, in which the following steps are carried out: Providing a housing of the household appliance, wherein at least one receiving space for food is formed in the housing, Providing at least one symmetrical bearing bracket of a hinge of the household appliance, wherein the hinge is designed as intended to receive a door of the household appliance, so that the door can be pivoted relative to the housing in the assembled state, Optionally creating a variant of the household appliance with regard to the side of a stop of the door by installing the symmetrical bearing bracket optionally on a left-hand end face of a front of the housing or on a right-hand end face of the front of the housing and, in particular due to the symmetrical structure of the bearing bracket, in both possible installation situations the door arranged on the symmetrical bearing bracket is automatically arranged in the same position relative to the housing in the height direction and in the width direction of the household appliance when closed.

[0058] This method allows for installation on two different sides of the front using the same hinge bracket, while still allowing the door to be positioned in the same position relative to the cabinet. This allows for easy variation of household appliances depending on how the door is positioned.

[0059] Advantageous embodiments of the household appliance are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method. The specific elements and / or specified positions of elements enable the specific method steps, either alone or in conjunction with one another.

[0060] The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction", etc., indicate the positions and orientations that occur when the door or device is used and arranged as intended.

[0061] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced by separate combinations of features from the explained embodiments. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed that therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features are to be regarded as disclosed, in particular by the embodiments set out above, which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the references to the claims.

[0062] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention with the door open; Fig. 2 is a perspective schematic representation of household appliance variants with regard to a left-hinged door and a right-hinged door, as can be realized by symmetrical bearing angles of the household appliance; Fig. 3 is a perspective representation of a portion of a household appliance with a mounted hinge; Fig. 4 is the representation according to Fig. 3 with the hinge removed; Fig. 5 an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge for an embodiment of a household appliance; Fig. 6 a perspective view of an embodiment of a bearing angle of the hinge according to Fig. 5 ; Fig. 7 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a bearing bracket for a hinge according to Fig. 5 ; Fig. 8 a schematic view from the front of an embodiment of a bearing angle which is symmetrically formed; Fig. 9 a front view of the representation according to Fig. 3 ; Fig. 10 shows an illustration of an embodiment of a bushing of the hinge; Fig. 11 shows a side view of a partial section of the embodiment of a household appliance in the region of the assembled hinge; Fig. 12 shows a perspective illustration of an embodiment of an assembled hinge; Fig. 13 shows an exploded illustration of a further embodiment of a hinge of a household appliance according to the invention; Fig. 14 shows a perspective sectional illustration of an embodiment of a bushing of the hinge according to Fig. 13 ; and Fig. 15 a perspective view of an adapter part of the hinge according to Fig. 13 .

[0063] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0064] In Fig. 1 A household appliance 1 is shown in a schematic representation. The household appliance 1 can be, for example, a cooking appliance, such as a microwave oven, a steamer, or an oven. However, the household appliance 1 can also be, for example, a bottle storage cabinet, such as a wine storage cabinet.

[0065] In particular, in one embodiment, the household appliance 1 is a household refrigeration appliance. It is then designed for storing and preserving food. In this context, it can be, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, or a refrigerator-freezer combination appliance.

[0066] The household appliance 1 has a housing 2. At least one receiving space 3 for food is formed in the housing 2. The food can be edible or drinkable food.

[0067] The receiving room 3 is intended for the storage of food.

[0068] The household appliance 1 further comprises a door 4. The door 4 is movably mounted on the housing 2. The door 4 is provided for closing the receiving space 3.

[0069] The household appliance 1 has at least one hinge 5. The hinge 5 is arranged on a front 6 of the housing 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the door 4 is arranged in the housing 2 by means of a further hinge 7. The hinges 5 and 7 enable the door 4 to be pivoted relative to the housing 2 about a vertical axis A, which is oriented in the height direction (y-direction) of the household appliance 1. The door 4 is arranged directly on the hinges 5 and 7.

[0070] The front 6 has a front side 8. The hinges 5 and 7 are directly attached to this front side 8. The hinges 5 and 7 are thus attached exclusively to the front of the housing 2.

[0071] Viewed in the width direction (x-direction), the housing 2 has two opposite ends 9 and 10, here in the form of side walls. These opposite ends 9 and 10 are formed by vertical side walls in one embodiment. These opposite ends 9 and 10 are, in particular, the lateral boundaries of the housing 2.

[0072] The hinges 5 and 7 are detachably attached to this front 6 of the housing 2. In particular, they are screwed thereto.

[0073] Generally speaking, at least one hinge 5, 7 is designed for symmetrical installation on the front 6. This means that such a hinge 5, when viewed from the front and thus looking at the loading opening of the receiving space 3 with the door 4 open and at the door 4 with the door closed, can be mounted on the left side and thus adjacent to the first end 9 of the housing 2 or on the right side and thus adjacent to the opposite end 10 of the housing 2 on the front 6. Fig. 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the door 4 is hinged on the left when viewed from the front. This means that the hinges 5 and 7 are arranged on the left and thus adjacent to the first end 9 on the front 6. This hinge 5, 7 can thus be installed, as intended, either on a left-hand end face 8a or on a right-hand end face 8b of the front 6. In both installation situations, the door 4 then attached to it is arranged in the same position on the housing 2 in the vertical and width directions of the household appliance 1 when closed.

[0074] In Fig. 1 A first receptacle 11 and a second receptacle 12 are shown in a schematic representation. The receptacles 11 and 12 are in particular screw receptacles for screws, which represent fastening elements. These receptacles 11 and 12 are formed here on the right-hand end face 8b. Accordingly, in a further embodiment, two such receptacles can also be formed on the right-hand side. These can be Fig. 1 cannot be recognized because the hinge 5 is attached to it.

[0075] As in Fig. 1 As can also be seen, a corresponding design with receptacles 13 and 14 is also realized in the upper area. The same applies to the arrangement shown in the area of hinge 7.

[0076] In one embodiment, it is provided that a distance a1, measured in the width direction (x-direction), between the receptacle 11 and the adjacent end 10 is in particular exactly as large as a corresponding distance of a receptacle in the hinge 5. This means that in one embodiment, two such receptacles 11, 12 are also provided on the left-hand end face 8a, to which the hinge 5 is fastened. There, too, a distance, measured in this width direction, between the outer receptacle 11 and the adjacent first end 9 corresponds to the distance a1.

[0077] In one embodiment, this also applies to such a horizontal distance between the further inner receptacle 12 and the adjacent second end 10 and in comparison to a further inner receptacle 12 formed at the corresponding distance for the hinge 5 in Fig. 1 in relation to the end 9.

[0078] It can be provided that a first variant of the household appliance 1 is provided, in which the door 4 is hinged and mounted on the left side when viewed from the front, as shown in Fig. 1 with the door 4 has already been shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the receptacles 11, 12, 13, and 14 shown on the right-hand end face 8b may not be present. However, it is also possible that in an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance 1, both the receptacles 11 to 14 are formed on the right-hand end face 8b and the further receptacles 11 to 14, which are formed mirror-symmetrically to a central axis M, are formed on the left-hand end face 8a.

[0079] In a further embodiment of a variant of a household appliance 1, it can be provided that only the Fig. 1 The receptacles 11 to 14 shown on the right side are present on the right-hand end face 8b, and the corresponding left-hand receptacles 11 to 14 are not present on the left-hand end face 8a. In such an embodiment, the door 4 can then only be hinged on the right side and then pivoted about a rotation axis A formed on the right side.

[0080] In all three possible embodiments of a household appliance 1 with regard to the individual design of the receptacles 11 to 14, an identical hinge 5, 7 explained below can be used as an identical component.

[0081] In Fig. 2 1 shows a perspective view of the household appliance 1 with a closed door 4. Examples of possible installation variants for the door 4 are indicated here. The door 4 can be pivoted about a left-hand, vertical axis of rotation A when viewed from the front, or about a right-hand, vertical axis of rotation A when the hinges 5, 7, in particular the bearing brackets, are mounted symmetrically. The respective pivotability is also indicated by the symbolic arrows.

[0082] For the sake of clarity, Fig. 2 the respective position of the exemplary lower hinge 5 of this envelope-symmetrical installation option is shown. Regardless of whether this hinge 5 is installed on the left or right side, in one embodiment the distance to the first end 9 or to the second end 10, viewed in the width direction, is the same. Thus, as shown in Fig. 2 As shown, the door 4, when closed, has the same position on the housing 2 in both installation variants.

[0083] The center M also represents a symmetry axis oriented in the height direction, which is formed centrally and on which the hinges 5 can be mounted in a symmetrical manner, depending on whether a left-hand hinged door 4 or a right-hand hinged door 4 is to be realized.

[0084] In Fig. 3 A perspective view of a partial section of the household appliance 1 is shown. This shows the lower right-hand portion of the housing 2 when viewed from the front. In the example shown here, the hinge 5 is installed on the right-hand end face 8b at the front.

[0085] It is shown here in the assembled state. The hinge 5 has a bearing bracket 15. The bearing bracket 15 is formed in one piece. It is made, in particular, of metal. For example, it can be a sheet metal bracket. In addition, the hinge has a bushing 16. The bushing 16 is a separate component of the hinge 5 from the bearing bracket 15. The bushing 16 is plugged onto a bearing pin of the bearing bracket 15, not yet visible here. A cable 17 is also shown. The cable 17 of the household appliance 1 is laid on this hinge 5 in the area of the hinge 5. The cable 17 ends on the one hand in the door 4 and on the other hand in the housing 2.

[0086] In Fig. 4 the arrangement is in accordance with Fig. 3 shown, but the hinge 5 is shown in the disassembled state. This allows the mounts 11 and 12 to be seen on the right-hand end face 8b.

[0087] In addition, an opening 18 is shown through which the cable 17 is routed into the housing.

[0088] As in Fig. 5 As can be seen, the hinge in its exploded view shown has several separate parts. On the one hand, this is the bearing bracket 15. This bearing bracket 15 is U-shaped in the exemplary embodiment. It has a contact plate 19. This is intended to lie directly against the end face 8a, 8b. The contact plate 19 has a first hole 20, viewed in the width direction, and at least one opposite second hole 21. The two holes 20 and 21 are provided for the passage of fastening elements, in particular screws. This allows the bearing bracket 15 and thus the entire hinge 5 to be screwed to the front 6. In the exemplary embodiment, the two holes 20 and 21 are formed at the same height when viewed in the height direction.

[0089] The bearing bracket 15 further comprises a support plate or coupling plate 22. This extends horizontally. It is arranged at an angle, in particular 90°, to the support plate 19. Furthermore, the bearing bracket 15 comprises a bearing pin 23. The bearing pin 23 is spaced forward from the support plate 19 in the depth direction (z-direction). It extends away from the coupling plate 22 in the same direction as the support plate 19.

[0090] In addition, Fig. 5 a stand 24 is shown. The stand 24 is designed separately from the support bracket 15. With the stand 24, the household appliance 1 is placed directly on the floor. The stand 24 is intended for direct attachment to the support bracket 15. In particular, the coupling plate 22 has a screw receptacle 25. The stand 24 can be screwed into this with a threaded pin 26 and its height can be adjusted.

[0091] In Fig. 6 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a bearing bracket 15. It can be seen that the bearing pin 23 in one embodiment has an angular cross-section, in particular a rectangular one. The coupling plate 22 has embossings 27. This makes it more rigid. The coupling plate 22 can also have screw holes 28 and / or 29. An adapter part (not shown here), which can be part of an embodiment of a hinge 5, 7, can be screwed to the bearing bracket 15 at the screw hole 28 or at the screw hole 29, depending on its installation position.

[0092] As furthermore in Fig. 6 As can be seen, the bearing bracket 15 in the illustrated embodiment has a positioning element 30. The positioning element 30 extends further back in the depth direction (z-direction) than the support plate 19. With this positioning element 30, which can engage in a receptacle in the front side 8a or 8b, the secure mounting of the bearing bracket 15 on the front 6 can be improved. In particular, this can increase resistance to rotation. For this purpose, the positioning element 30 is simply inserted into the receptacle.

[0093] There may also be more than one positioning element 30. In this regard, reference may be made to the embodiment in Fig. 7 be referred to.

[0094] Two positioning elements 30 and 31 are provided here.

[0095] In the embodiment in Fig. 6 the positioning element 30 can be produced by punching and bending from the sheet material of the bearing angle 15 itself.

[0096] In the embodiment in Fig. 7 the positioning elements 30 and 31 there are separate pins which are pressed into the bearing angle 15, in particular the contact plate 19.

[0097] In the embodiments shown, the positioning elements 30 or 30 and 31 are formed below the holes 20 and 21 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0098] In Fig. 8 A schematic representation of a bearing bracket 15 is shown, viewed from the front (viewed in the negative z-direction). When viewed from the projection, in which the projection plane is the yx-plane, the bearing pin 23 is formed centrally between the holes 20 and 21. In this context, the bearing bracket 15 has an axis of symmetry M1 oriented in the height direction. The holes 20 and 21 are, in particular, mirror-symmetrical to this axis of symmetry M1. The bearing pin 23 lies on this axis of symmetry M1 and is also formed symmetrically to this axis M1. This also means that in this projection plane, center axes M2 and M3 of the holes 20 and 21, viewed in the width direction, have the same distance from the axis of symmetry M1. Furthermore, it is provided that in this projection plane a distance a2 is equal to a distance a3.The distance a2 in this projection plane designates a distance measured in the width direction between a left-hand boundary edge 23a of the bearing pin 23 and the center axis M2. The distance a3 in this projection plane designates a distance, also measured horizontally, between a right-hand side edge 23b of the bearing pin 23 and this center axis M3 of the hole 21. Due to this symmetry of the bearing angle 15, the reversibly symmetrical installation on the receptacles 11 and 12 can take place either on the left-hand end face 8a or on the right-hand end face 8b. In particular, this reversibly symmetrical installation, which is to be understood with reference to the center axis M of the household appliance 1, is also achieved when the receptacles 11, 12 are arranged as already described. Fig. 1 were explained. The same applies in particular to images 13 and 14.

[0099] As furthermore in Fig. 8 As can also be seen, the bearing pin 23, viewed in the width direction, is smaller than the distance measured in this width direction between the holes 20 and 21. This means that, when viewed from the front and in particular also when viewed in projection, the holes 20 and 21 in one exemplary embodiment are arranged completely next to the bearing pin 23. This makes it easy to guide screws 32 and 33 past the bearing pin 23, viewed in the depth direction (z-direction), and then to insert them into the holes 20 and 21. Furthermore, this geometric design also makes it possible to use a tool, for example a screwdriver, to easily assemble past this bearing pin 23 in the depth direction in order to then screw in the screws.

[0100] Thus, a width dimension of the bearing pin 23 measured in the width direction is smaller than a distance measured in the width direction between the hole axes M2 and M3, in particular smaller than the distance between the holes 20 and 21, which is measured between the mutually facing hole edges.

[0101] In Fig. 9 is a front view of the section according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 , wherein the installed state of the hinge 5 on the housing 2, in particular on the front 6, is shown here. The symmetrical position can be seen here. In particular, it is generally also provided that the bearing angle 15 defines the axis of rotation A of the door 4, wherein this axis of rotation A viewed in the width direction in a projection view, as shown in Fig. 8 explained, is arranged centrally between the holes 20 and 21. The projection plane can thus lie in the contact plate 19, particularly in the embodiments already explained.

[0102] Screws 32 and 33 are shown. These screws 32 and 33 are passed through holes 20 and 21 and screwed directly into the receptacles 12 and 11.

[0103] As already indicated above, the hinge 5 has a cable guide device 34. The cable guide device 34 is designed to guide at least one cable 17 between the door 4 and the housing 2 in the hinge 5.

[0104] In particular, the cable guide device 34 has a cable feedthrough 35 in the socket 16, as shown in Fig. 10 is shown. In Fig. 10 In this context, the socket 16 is shown looking in the direction of the socket axis, which, in the assembled state, runs parallel to the rotation axis A. The socket 16 thus has this cable feedthrough 35. This cable feedthrough 35 is, in particular, a cable duct.

[0105] In addition, the socket 16 has a plug-in channel 36. The plug-in channel 36 is separated from the cable feedthrough 35. The plug-in channel 36 is designed to be plugged onto the bearing pin 23. The bearing pin 23 is thus intended for insertion into the plug-in channel 36.

[0106] The plug-in channel 36 has an inner contour 37. The inner contour 37 has a clamping structure 38. In the exemplary embodiment, the clamping structure 38 has two clamping pins. The clamping structure 38 is intended to hold the bearing pin 23 in a clamping manner in this plug-in channel 36. The bushing 16 is mechanically coupled to the bearing pin 23 in a rotationally fixed manner, as viewed in the direction of rotation about the rotation axis A. As shown in Fig. 10 As can be seen, the cable feedthrough 35 and the plug-in channel 36 are two separate channels.

[0107] In Fig. 11 is a side view of a lower portion of the household appliance 1. In particular, it is a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 3 As can be seen here, the entire hinge 5, in particular the entire bearing bracket 15, extends in front of the front 6 and thus also in front of the end face 8b, as shown here. The bearing bracket 15 is only attached, in particular screwed, to this end face 8b. It extends forward from this end face 8b in the depth direction.

[0108] Furthermore, it can also be seen that the base 24 is not arranged directly on the housing 2, but exclusively and only on the hinge 5, in particular the bearing angle 15.

[0109] The base 24 can be supported on a shelf 44, e.g. kitchen floor.

[0110] The coupling plate 22 has a first section 22a and a second section 22b offset in the height direction y. The first section 22a lies at a first height level H1. The second section 22b lies at a second height level H2. The height level H1 is greater than the height level H2. The height levels H1, H2 are each dimensioned by the upper surface of the essentially flat sections 22a, 22b. The bearing pin 23 is formed adjacent to the first section 22a. The threaded bore for receiving the adjustable foot 24 is formed in the second section 22b. In the illustration according to Fig. 11 the base 24 is not screwed into the bearing bracket 15 until it stops. However, if the base 24 is screwed in further until it stops against the bearing bracket 15, the lower second section 22b can prevent the base 24 from colliding with a lower edge (of the door, not shown).

[0111] In Fig. 12 a perspective view of the hinge 5 with the base 24 is shown again, as explained so far.

[0112] In Fig. 13 An exploded view of a further embodiment of a hinge 5 is shown. In contrast to the previously explained embodiments, in this hinge 5 the bushing 16 is smaller in height. Furthermore, in this embodiment of the hinge 5 an additional adapter part 39 is provided. The adapter part 39 is separate from the bushing 16 and separate from the bearing bracket 5. This embodiment of the hinge 5 is designed with a closing function. In contrast, the embodiment according to Fig. 3 , 4 , 5 , 9 , 11 and 12 without such a locking function.

[0113] The adapter part 39 has, as shown in the perspective view in Fig. 15 shown, has a plug-in channel 40. This plug-in channel 40 is intended for the bearing pin 23 to engage or extend through. In particular, the plug-in channel 40 is also designed here such that a clamping hold is realized between the adapter part 39 and the bearing pin 23. The adapter part 39 is also arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the bearing bracket 15. In particular, it is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the bearing pin 23.

[0114] As already mentioned in the Fig. 6 and 7 As explained, the bearing bracket 15 can have the screw holes 28 and 29. Depending on the installation position of the adapter part 39 on the bearing bracket 15, this adapter part 39 can be attached to it with a screw 41 ( Fig. 13 ). This screw 41 is passed through a hole 42 in the adapter part 39.

[0115] In this exemplary embodiment, it can also be provided that the adapter part 23 has an open-edged recess 43. This recess is intended to accommodate the cable 17. However, in this exemplary embodiment, it is not necessary for the cable 17 to be guided or inserted through an explicit hole that is bordered or closed on the circumference.

[0116] The adapter part 39 can also be installed upside down on the bearing bracket 15. Starting from the Fig. 15 In the position shown, it can be placed on the bearing pin 23 and the hole 42 aligned with the hole 29 and then a corresponding screw connection can be formed. However, the adapter part 39 can be mounted starting from the illustration in Fig. 15 be turned by 180°, so that the bearing pin 23 is then inserted through the plug-in channel 40 and the hole 42 is aligned with the hole 29. In this case, a corresponding screw connection can then also be made.

[0117] In Fig. 14 A perspective sectional view of the socket 16 is shown. It can be seen that an upper edge and / or a lower edge of the cable feedthrough 35 are rounded. This prevents damage to the cable being passed through. List of reference symbols

[0118] 1Household appliance 2Housing 3Receiving space 4Door 5Hinge 6Front 7Hinge 8End 8aLeft-side end 8bRight-side end 9End 10End 11Receptacle 12Receptacle 13Receptacle 14Receptacle 15Bearing bracket 16Socket 17Cable 18Opening 19Support plate 20Hole 21Hole 22Coupling plate 23Bearing bolt 23aLimiting edge 24Stand 25Screw receptacle 26Threaded pin 27Embossing 28Screw hole 29Screw hole 30Positioning element 31Positioning element 32Screw 33Screw 34Cable routing device 35Cable feedthrough 36Plug-in channel 37Inner contour 38Clamping structure 39Adapter part 40Plug-in channel 41Screw 42Hole 43Recess 44Shelf A Axis MCenter axis M1Symmetry axis M2Center axis M3Center axis a1Distance a2Distance a3Distance H1First height level H2Second height level xWidth direction yHeight direction zDepth direction

Claims

1. Household appliance (1) with a housing (2), in which at least one receiving compartment (3) for food is embodied, with at least one hinge (5, 7), which is arranged on a front (6) of the housing (2), and with a door (4), which is arranged on the hinge (5, 7) and is thus arranged pivotably relative to the housing (2), wherein the hinge (5, 7) has a bearing bracket (15), which is fastened to an end face (8, 8a, 8b) of the front (6) with at least one fastening element (32, 33), wherein the bearing bracket (15) is constructed symmetrically when viewed from the front side of the household appliance (1), wherein the hinge (5, 7) has a cable guiding apparatus (34), with which at least one cable (17) can be or is laid between the door (4) and the housing (2) in accordance with the intended purpose, wherein the bearing bracket (15) has an integrated bearing pin (23), and the hinge (5, 7) has a separate bushing (16) with an insertion channel (36), into which the bearing pin (23) engages and wherein the bushing (16) is a component of the cable guiding apparatus (34) and also has a cable passage (35), in particular a cable channel, for at least one cable (17), characterised in that the insertion channel (36) of the bushing (16) for the bearing pin (23) is separated from the cable passage (35) in the bushing (16), so that the insertion channel (36) and the cable passage (35) are separate from one another and the cable (17) is thus mounted in a different channel from the bearing pin (23).

2. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the bearing bracket (15) is embodied symmetrically relative to an axis of symmetry (M1) oriented in a height direction (y) of the household appliance (1).

3. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the bearing bracket (15) has a contact plate (19), which rests directly on the end face (8, 8a, 8b), wherein in particular the contact plate (19) has at least two holes (20, 21) embodied at a distance from one another in the width direction (x), through which screws (32, 33) can be guided as fastening elements.

4. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bearing bracket (15) has a bearing pin (23), which is arranged offset forward relative to the contact plate (19) when viewed in the depth direction (z) of the household appliance (1), wherein the bearing pin (23) is arranged centrally in a projection into the plane of the contact plate (19) when viewed in the width direction (x).

5. Household appliance (1) according to claim 3 and claim 4, characterised in that the bearing pin (23) is arranged centrally between the holes (20, 21) in a projection into the plane of the contact plate (19) when viewed in the width direction (x), in particular the bearing pin (23) is smaller when viewed in the width direction (x) than a smallest distance measured in the width direction (x) between the holes (20, 21).

6. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bearing bracket (15) defines an axis of rotation (A) of the door (4), wherein the axis of rotation (A) is arranged centrally in a projection into the plane of the contact plate (19) when viewed in the width direction (x), in particular centrally between two holes (10, 21) embodied at a distance from one another in the contact plate (19) in the width direction (x).

7. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hinge (5, 7) has a separate adapter part (39), which is arranged in a torsion-resistant manner on a bearing pin (23) of the bearing bracket (15), wherein the bushing (16) sits on top of the adapter part (39) which is separate therefrom.

8. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bearing bracket (15) has a horizontally oriented coupling plate (22), on which a freestanding foot (24) of the household appliance (1) is directly arranged.

9. Household appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the coupling plate (22) has a first section (22a) at a first height level (H1) and a second section (22b) at a second height level (H2) which is different from the first height level (H1).

10. Household appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the first height level (H1) is greater than the second height level (H2) and the bearing pin (23) is embodied adjacent to the first section (22a) and a threaded hole receiving the freestanding foot (24) is embodied in the second section (22b).

11. Method for producing a household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the following steps are carried out: - providing a housing (2) of the household appliance (1), in which at least one receiving space (3) for food is embodied, - providing at least one symmetrical bearing bracket (15) of a hinge (5, 7) of the household appliance (1), wherein the hinge (5, 7) is embodied to receive a door (4) of the household appliance (1) so that the door (4) can be pivoted relative to the housing (2) in the assembled state, - optionally producing a variant of the household appliance (1) with regard to the hinging of the door (4), by the symmetrical bearing bracket (15) being installed optionally on a left-side end face (8a) of a front (6) of the housing (2) or on a right-side end face (8b) of the front (6) of the housing (2) and the door (4) arranged on the symmetrical bearing bracket (15) being arranged in the same position relative to the housing (2) in both possible installation situations in the closed state in the height direction (y) and in the width direction (x) of the household appliance (1).

Images