A household appliance having improved height adjustable feet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a body (2); a processing chamber (3) which is disposed in the body (2); a casing (4) which is disposed under the processing chamber (3) and whereon the components are grouped; at least one foot (5) which is disposed on the casing (4) and having a gear thereon for providing height adjustment as needed; a horizontal gear (6) which is connected to the gear on the foot (5); and at least one adjustment shaft (7) which enables the horizontal gear (6) to be rotated so as to ensure the adjustment of the foot (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a household appliance wherein the height is adjusted by adjusting the feet thereof supporting the body thereof.

[0002] In household appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines or refrigerators, the height of the feet which carry and support the body of the appliance may require to be adjusted. The household appliance is balanced by adjusting the height of the feet. Particularly, built-in household appliances may require height adjustment after being placed in a cabin.

[0003] The height adjustment of the feet can be made by rotating the foot around its axis by means of a wrench. In most cases, the height adjustment of the rear feet is enough to adjust the height of the appliance. For example, when the height of the appliance needs to be adjusted due to relocation, repair, or maintenance, removing multiple bearings and working on the housing may take more time than necessary for the service personnel.

[0004] Therefore a practical, quick and effective process of height adjustment is required for avoiding longer maintenance times. Therefore, adjustment mechanisms are provided in the state of the art, where the rear feet can be adjusted from the front of the household appliance. The rear feet are enabled to be adjusted by means of the adjustment shaft extending from the front of the household appliance toward the rear foot. However, in the case of feet located in the middle, the shaft extending from front to rear narrows the space allocated for components mounted on the casing or restricts the movement of the shaft. This creates arrangement problems.

[0005] In the state of the art Patent Document No. WO2011080230 A1, a household appliance is disclosed, comprising a height adjustment mechanism providing the height of the feet at the rear to be adjusted from a point at the front side of the body and having an adapter shaft that provides the foot to move by being rotated.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a household appliance wherein the adjustment of the feet is performed without narrowing the casing volume.

[0007] The household appliance realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention and explicated in the first and the respective claims thereof comprises a body; a processing chamber which is disposed in the body; a casing which is disposed under the processing chamber; at least one foot which is disposed on the casing; a horizontal gear which enables the foot to move; and an adjustment shaft which is connected to the horizontal gear. The adjustment shaft rotates the horizontal gear, and the horizontal gear enables the foot to move in the vertical direction.

[0008] The household appliance of the present invention comprises a housing which is provided on the casing; a first mounting member which is attached to the housing; a second mounting member which is attached to the first mounting member and which enables the adjustment shaft to be rotated from the opposite edge of the casing; and a movement mechanism which enables the adjustment shaft to be rotated at an angle by means of the first mounting member and the second mounting member moving within one another. The first mounting member and the second mounting member move by rotating within one another such that the adjustment shaft can be positioned at an angle.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance comprises at least two channels which are arranged oppositely on the first mounting member and a protrusion which is provided on the second mounting member and which has two ends fitted into the opposing channels. When the first mounting member rotates, the rotational motion is transmitted to the second mounting member, and while one end of the protrusion moves downward in the channel, the other moves upward. At each half turn, the ends of the protrusion switch positions within the channel. Thus, by means of the rotational motion, the adjustment shaft is enabled to be positioned at an angle.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance comprises an annular opening which is arranged on the second mounting member and which enables the protrusions to pass therethrough to be seated into the channels. The ends of the protrusion pass through the annular opening and are seated into the channels as a result of the rotational motion.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance comprises a mounting chamber and a connection chamber which are provided on the housing. The first mounting member and the second mounting member are connected to each other on the mounting chamber. The first mounting member is attached to the connection chamber and extends toward the mounting chamber.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance comprises a stepped opening which is provided on the mounting chamber as the first mounting member passes from the connection chamber into the mounting chamber and a circular channel which is provided on the first mounting member and which operates in conjunction with the stepped opening. The circular channel and the stepped opening form a screw mechanism which enables the first mounting member to be seated into the housing.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance comprises a plurality of claws which are provided on the first mounting member and a plurality of cut-outs which enable the claws to pass through the housing. While entering the housing, the claws narrow down and stretch outward after passing through the cut-outs. Thus, the first mounting member is enabled to be attached to the housing.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance comprises a seating surface which is provided on the housing and which enables the second mounting member to be seated. After passing through the seating surface, the second mounting member enters the mounting chamber to be connected to the first mounting member.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance comprises a connection member which is connected to the horizontal gear and a gap provided between the connection member and the adjustment shaft. The adjustment shaft is pushed toward the connection member before being rotated. Thus, uncontrolled rotation is prevented.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance comprises a rotation knob which is disposed on the first mounting member, extending out of the casing. Thus, the adjustment of the foot is easily performed.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance comprises the movement mechanism which ensures that the first mounting member makes rotational movement upon the rotation of the rotation knob and that by means of the protrusions on the second mounting member moving in opposite directions in the channel, the adjustment shaft rotates on the casing whereon the adjustment shaft is located at an angle to transmit the motion to the foot.

[0018] By means of the present invention, a household appliance is realized, comprising a movement mechanism which ensures more efficient use of the casing volume thanks to the adjustment shaft positioned at an angle on the casing.

[0019] The household appliance realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where: Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the household appliance. Figure 2 - is the top view of the casing and the movement mechanism. Figure 3 - is the perspective view of the adjustment shaft, the first mounting member and the second mounting member. Figure 4 - is the perspective view of the first mounting member and the second mounting member. Figure 5 - is the perspective view of the housing. Figure 6 - is the perspective view of the housing, the first mounting member and the second mounting member. Figure 7 - is the cross-sectional view of the horizontal gear, the foot and the adjustment shaft.

[0020] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows: 1- Household appliance 2- Body 3- Processing chamber 4- Casing 5- Foot 6- Horizontal gear 7- Adjustment shaft 8- Housing 9- First mounting member 10- Second mounting member 11-Movement mechanism 12- Channel 13- Protrusion 14- Annular opening 15-Mounting chamber 16- Connection chamber 17- Stepped opening 18- Circular channel 19- Claw 20- Cut-out 21- Seating surface 22- Connection member 23- Gap 24- Rotation knob

[0021] The household appliance (1) comprises a body (2); a processing chamber (3) which is disposed in the body (2); a casing (4) which is disposed under the processing chamber (3) and whereon the components are grouped; at least one foot (5) which is disposed on the casing (4) and having a gear thereon for providing height adjustment as needed; a horizontal gear (6) which is connected to the gear on the foot (5); and at least one adjustment shaft (7) which enables the horizontal gear (6) to be rotated so as to ensure the adjustment of the foot (5). The adjustment shaft (7) extends from one edge of the casing (4) to the opposite edge. Thus, the foot (5) is enabled to be adjusted by being rotated.

[0022] The household appliance (1) of the present invention comprises a housing (8) which is provided on the casing (4); a first mounting member (9) which is attached to the housing (8); a second mounting member (10) which enables the adjustment shaft (7) to be rotated from the opposite edge of the casing (4), and a movement mechanism (11) which enables the adjustment shaft (7) to be rotated at an angle by angularly connecting the first mounting member (9) and the second mounting member (10) to each other. The adjustment shaft (7) extends at an angle from one wall of the casing (4) to the opposite wall. Thus, the adjustment shaft (7) is enabled to reach the opposite edge without passing over the components. In order to ensure that the adjustment shaft (7) provides rotary motion while positioned at an angle, the first mounting member (9) and the second mounting member (10) are connected to each other with angular freedom. By means of the angular freedom, an inclination is provided during the transmission of rotational motion.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) comprises at least two channels (12) which are provided oppositely on the first mounting member (9), a protrusion (13) which is provided on the second mounting member (10) and the two ends of which engage with the channels (12); and the movement mechanism (11) which enables the protrusions (13) to move in opposite directions along the channels (12) when the second mounting member (10) is rotated by means of the first mounting member (9). While rotating, the first mounting member (9) transmits the rotational movement to the second mounting member (10). The second mounting member (10) is connected to the angled adjustment shaft (7). The protrusion (13) is provided on the second mounting member (10) while the opposing channels (12) are provided on the first mounting member (9). During the rotation, the protrusions (13) move in opposite directions along the channels (12). The protrusion (13) moves downward along one channel (12) and moves upward along the other channel (12). Thus, angular freedom is provided for the adjustment shaft (7).

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) comprises the movement mechanism (11) having a nearly annular opening which is provided on the second mounting member (10) and which enables the protrusions (13) to be seated in the channels (12). The ends of the protrusion (13) pass through the annular opening to be seated in the channels (12) as a result of the rotational motion.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) comprises the housing (8) having a mounting chamber (15) wherein the first mounting member (9) and the second mounting member (10) are attached to each other, and a connection chamber (16) wherein the first mounting member (9) is attached to the housing (8). The housing (8) is composed of two parts. In the mounting chamber (15), the first mounting member (9) and the second mounting member (10) are connected to each other. In the connection chamber (16), the first mounting member (9) is fixed in place.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) comprises the movement mechanism (11) having a stepped opening (17) which is provided on the wall through which the first mounting member (9) enters the mounting chamber (15) and a circular channel (18) which is provided on the first mounting member (9) and which, when mounted onto the housing (8), forms a screw mechanism together with the stepped opening (17) so as to provide locking. The stepped opening (17) is provided on the wall between the mounting chamber (15) and the connection chamber (16). The stepped opening (17) has a structure similar to the threads of a screw mechanism. The circular channel (18) provided on the first mounting member (9) works together with the stepped opening (17) and enables the first mounting member (9) to pass from the connection chamber (16) to the mounting chamber (15) and to be fixed.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) comprises the movement mechanism (11) having a plurality of claws (19) which are provided on the first mounting member (9) and which can stretch sideways and a plurality of cut-outs (20) which are provided on the walls of the connection chamber (16) so as to receive the claws (19). By means of the flexible claws (19) provided on the first mounting member (9), locking is provided after passing through the cut-outs (20) provided on the connection chamber (16). Thus, the first mounting member (9) is fixed so as to rotate on the housing (8).

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) comprises the movement mechanism (11) having a seating surface (21) which is provided on the housing (8) and which enables the second mounting member (10) to be attached to the housing (8). By means of the seating surface (21) provided on the housing (8), the second mounting member (10) is enabled to be fixed so as to rotate. Thus, the second mounting member (10) is prevented from moving in an uncontrolled manner.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) comprises the movement mechanism (11) having a connection member (22) which enables the adjustment shaft (7) to be connected to the horizontal gear (6) and a gap (23) provided between the connection member (22) and the adjustment shaft (7). The gap (23) between the connection member (22) and the adjustment shaft (7) enables the adjustment shaft (7) to be moved in a linear plane before being rotated. Thus, uncontrolled rotational movement is prevented.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) comprises the movement mechanism (11) having a rotation knob (24) provided on the first mounting member (9). The rotation knob (24) is located at an accessible part of the household appliance (1). Thus, the foot (5) provided on the opposite edge of the casing (4) is enabled to be adjusted by means of the adjustment shaft (7).

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) comprises the movement mechanism (11) wherein the first mounting member (9) moves by rotating when the rotation knob (24) is rotated, the protrusions (13) move linearly along the channels (12) while the rotating first mounting member (9) rotates the second mounting member (10) whereto the first mounting member (9) is connected, hence, the adjustment shaft (7), which is positioned at an angle on the casing (4), rotates thereon so as to rotate the horizontal gear (6) provided at the opposite edge and the foot (5) is enabled to move in the vertical plane. When the rotation knob (24) is rotated, the first mounting member (9) performs a rotational movement. The rotating first mounting member (9) transmits the rotational movement to the second mounting member (10). Thus, the adjustment shaft (7) and the foot (5) connected to the second mounting member (10) are enabled to be rotated.

[0032] By means of the present invention, a household appliance (1) is realized, comprising a movement mechanism (11) having an adjustment shaft (7) which can be positioned at an angle by means of the first mounting member (9) and the second mounting member (10) being connected to each other with angular freedom.

Claims

1. A household appliance (1) comprising a body (2); a processing chamber (3) which is disposed in the body (2); a casing (4) which is disposed under the processing chamber (3) and whereon the components are grouped; at least one foot (5) which is disposed on the casing (4) and having a gear thereon for providing height adjustment as needed; a horizontal gear (6) which is connected to the gear on the foot (5); and at least one adjustment shaft (7) which enables the horizontal gear (6) to be rotated so as to ensure the adjustment of the foot (5), characterized by a housing (8) which is provided on the casing (4); a first mounting member (9) which is attached to the housing (8); a second mounting member (10) which enables the adjustment shaft (7) to be rotated from the opposite edge of the casing (4), and a movement mechanism (11) which enables the adjustment shaft (7) to be rotated at an angle by angularly connecting the first mounting member (9) and the second mounting member (10) to each other.

2. A household appliance (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by at least two channels (12) which are provided oppositely on the first mounting member (9), a protrusion (13) which is provided on the second mounting member (10) and the two ends of which engage with the channels (12); and the movement mechanism (11) which enables the protrusions (13) to move in opposite directions along the channels (12) when the second mounting member (10) is rotated by means of the first mounting member (9).

3. A household appliance (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the movement mechanism (11) having a nearly annular opening which is provided on the second mounting member (10) and which enables the protrusions (13) to be seated in the channels (12).

4. A household appliance (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the housing (8) having a mounting chamber (15) wherein the first mounting member (9) and the second mounting member (10) are attached to each other, and a connection chamber (16) wherein the first mounting member (9) is attached to the housing (8).

5. A household appliance (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by the movement mechanism (11) having a stepped opening (17) which is provided on the wall through which the first mounting member (9) enters the mounting chamber (15) and a circular channel (18) which is provided on the first mounting member (9) and which, when mounted onto the housing (8), forms a screw mechanism together with the stepped opening (17) so as to provide locking.

6. A household appliance (1) as in Claim 4 or Claim 5, characterized by the movement mechanism (11) having a plurality of claws (19) which are provided on the first mounting member (9) and which can stretch sideways and a plurality of cut-outs (20) which are provided on the walls of the connection chamber (16) so as to receive the claws (19).

7. A household appliance (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the movement mechanism (11) having a seating surface (21) which is provided on the housing (8) and which enables the second mounting member (10) to be attached to the housing (8).

8. A household appliance (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the movement mechanism (11) having a connection member (22) which enables the adjustment shaft (7) to be connected to the horizontal gear (6) and a gap (23) provided between the connection member (22) and the adjustment shaft (7).

9. A household appliance (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the movement mechanism (11) having a rotation knob (24) provided on the first mounting member (9).

10. A household appliance (1) as in Claim 9, characterized by the movement mechanism (11) wherein the first mounting member (9) moves by rotating when the rotation knob (24) is rotated, the protrusions (13) move linearly along the channels (12) while the rotating first mounting member (9) rotates the second mounting member (10) whereto the first mounting member (9) is connected, hence, the adjustment shaft (7), which is positioned at an angle on the casing (4), rotates thereon so as to rotate the horizontal gear (6) provided at the opposite edge and the foot (5) is enabled to move in the vertical plane.

11. A household appliance (1) as in any one of the above claims, which is a dishwasher.

12. A household appliance (1) as in any one of Claim 1 to 10, which is a washing machine.

13. A household appliance (1) as in any one of Claim 1 to 10, which is a refrigerator.

14. A household appliance (1) as in any one of the Claims 1 to 10, which is a cooking device.

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