Endcap for household appliances and household appliance with it

Abstract

The present invention refers to an endcap (10, 20) for household appliances (100), and a household appliance (100). The endcap (10, 20) comprises: a housing (14) formed within the endcap (10, 20); the housing (14) comprises a first internal step, closer to the endcap (10, 20) surface, and a second internal step, farther from the endcap (10, 20) surface, the first internal step having a lip region (15); and the second internal step having a keyway region (16, 17).

Description

[0001] ENDCAP FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an endcap for household appliances and to a household appliance having at least one door that incorporates the endcap. More specifically, the endcap is designed to accommodate various autocloser configurations.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Household appliances, particularly those within the white goods segment and designed for the high-end market, must prioritize practicality and ease of use. These products are expected to offer seamless user experience, combining intuitive functionality with advanced features that enhance convenience, efficiency, and overall performance. Thoughtful design and engineering ensure that everyday tasks become simpler and more effortless, aligning with the premium expectations of high-end consumers.

[0005] In this regard, high-end refrigerators often incorporate specially engineered auto-closer mechanisms designed to ensure that one or more doors close securely, preventing them from being unintentionally left ajar due to incomplete or inadvertent closing by the user. These mechanisms not only enhance convenience but also contribute to maintaining optimal internal temperatures, improving energy efficiency, and preserving food freshness.

[0006] These auto-closers typically operate using one of two types of mechanisms: hook-and-latch mechanisms or spring-actuated mechanisms. Hook-and-latch mechanisms, known for their simplicity and low manufacturing cost, are commonly employed in less premium appliances.

[0007] In contrast, spring-actuated mechanisms, known for their more complex design and higher manufacturing cost, are favored for high-end, premium models, as they provide smoother, more controlled closing action.

[0008] These auto-closers are commonly integrated within the doors' endcaps, positioned near the pivoting axis to optimize the closing mechanism’s effectiveness. Endcaps serve a dual purpose in household appliances as they function as structural components, providing stability and support to the door assembly, while also acting as a finishing piece which further houses functional elements such as the auto-closers.

[0009] Hook-and-latch mechanisms are typically compact and must sit flush with the endcap’s surface to ensure proper operation, minimizing interference with thedoor’s movement. In contrast, spring-actuated mechanisms are larger, requiring a deeper, more integrated placement within the endcap.

[0010] However, these known conventional endcaps are not designed to interchangeably accommodate both hook-and-latch mechanisms and spring-actuated mechanisms. Instead, manufacturers must produce two distinct endcap designs — each specifically tailored to house one type of mechanism or the other. This approach leads to increased production complexity, higher manufacturing costs, and reduced operational efficiency, as separate tooling, assembly processes, and inventory management are required for each variant.

[0011] Another drawback of conventional endcaps is that they are not designed to facilitate seamless assembly with the walls of the appliance’s doors. This often results in complex installation processes, requiring additional time, specialized tools, or extra components to ensure proper alignment and secure fitting. Such inefficiencies can lead to higher production costs, inconsistent assembly quality, and potential durability issues over time, especially in high-volume manufacturing environments In light of the above, it becomes evident that the prior art lacks technological advancements in endcap design, particularly for interchangeably accommodating different auto-closer mechanisms while simplifying the assembly process with the appliance door walls.

[0012] It is also evident that both the industry and consumers would benefit from an optimized endcap design that addresses these challenges as such endcap would not only enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce production costs but also improve its versatility.

[0013] PURPOSES AND DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Thus, a first general objective of the present invention is to provide an endcap capable of eliminating or at least reducing the limitations of currently known techniques.

[0015] A particular objective of the present invention is to provide the endcap having a housing specifically designed to allow interchangeably accommodating both hook-and-latch mechanisms and spring-actuated mechanisms.

[0016] Another particular objective of the present invention is to provide the endcap having clip-on elements that allow for an easy assembly process of the endcap and the appliance door walls.

[0017] One or more purposes of the present invention mentioned above, amongothers, is(are) reached by means of an endcap for household appliances, comprising: a housing formed within the endcap; the housing comprising:

[0018] - a first internal step, closer to the endcap surface, and;

[0019] - a second internal step, farther from the endcap surface, the first internal step having a lip region; and

[0020] the second internal step having a keyway region.

[0021] One or more purposes of the present invention mentioned above, among others, is(are) reached by means of a household appliance, having at least one door comprising the endcap.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The purposes, technical effects and advantages of the present invention will be clear to the skilled in the art from the following detailed description which refers to the attached figures, which illustrate exemplary embodiments, but not limiting, of the claimed objects:

[0024] - Figure 1 A illustrates an elevational top perspective view of a household appliance 100 having doors 1 , 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] - Figure 1 B illustrates a front view of the household appliance 100, wherein each door 1 , 2 comprises a respective endcap 10, 20, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] - Figure 2A is a bottom view of the endcaps 10, 20, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] - Figure 2B is a top view of the endcaps 10, 20, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] - Figure 2C is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcaps 10, 20, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] - Figure 2D is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcaps 10, 20, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] - Figure 3A is a zoomed in view of a housing 14 formed within the endcap 20;

[0031] - Figure 3B illustrates a sectional view of the housing 14, along the longitudinal cutting plane A-A;

[0032] - Figure 4A is a left side zoomed in view of the detail A in figure 2D, illustrating clip-on elements 40a, 41a, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Figure 4B is a right side zoomed in view of the detail A in figure 2D, illustrating the clip-on elements 40a, 41a according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] - Figure 4C is a right side zoomed in view of the detail B in figure 2D, illustrating clip-on elements 40b, 41b according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] - Figure 4D is a left side zoomed in view of the detail B in figure 2D, illustrating the clip-on elements 40b, 41b according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] - Figure 5A is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 20, illustrating the clip-on elements 40a, 41a interacting with a wall 50 of the household appliance 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] - Figure 5B is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 20, illustrating the clip-on elements 40b, 41b interacting with the wall 50 of the household appliance 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] - Figure 5C is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 20, illustrating a groove 31 with protruding pins 32a, 32b,32c...32n, interacting with the wall 50 of the household appliance 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] - Figure 6A is a front perspective exploded view of a known hook-and-latch 62 auto-closer mechanism intended to be fitted within the housing 14 of the endcap 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] - Figure 6B is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a first assembly step of the hook-and-latch 62 auto-closer mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] - Figure 6C is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a second assembly step of the hook-and-latch 62 auto-closer mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] - Figure 6D is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a third assembly step of the hook-and-latch 62 auto-closer mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 6E is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a fourth assembly step of the hook-and-latch 62 auto-closer mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Figure 6F is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a fifth assembly step of the hook-and-latch 62 auto-closer mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] - Figure 6G is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a sixth assembly step of the hook-and-latch 62 auto-closer mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] - Figure 6H is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a seventh assembly step of the hook-and-latch 62 auto-closer mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] - Figure 6I is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 having the hook-and-latch 62 auto-closer mechanism fully assembled within the housing 14, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] - Figure 6J is a front view of the endcap 10 in a translucent configuration, allowing to see the hook-and-latch 62 auto-closer mechanism fully assembled within the housing 14, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] - Figure 7A is a front perspective exploded view of a known spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 intended to be fitted within the housing 14 of the endcap 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] - Figure 7B is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a first assembly step of the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] - Figure 7C is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a second assembly step of the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] - Figure 7D is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a third assembly step of the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] - Figure 7E is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a fourth assembly step of the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] - Figure 7F is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a fifth assembly step of the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] - Figure 7G is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10in a sixth assembly step of the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] - Figure 7H is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 in a seventh assembly step of the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] - Figure 7I is an elevational bottom perspective view of the endcap 10 having the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 fully assembled within the housing 14, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0056] - Figure 7J is a front view of the endcap 10 in a translucent configuration, allowing to see the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 fully assembled within the housing 14, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0058] Initially, it must be highlighted that the objects of the present invention, namely, an endcap 10, 20 for household appliances 100 and a household appliance 100 comprising said endcap 10, 20 will be described in accordance with particular, but non-limiting embodiments, since the embodiments thereof can be carried out in different manners and variations according to the desired application.

[0059] In one embodiment, the present invention discloses an endcap 10, 20 for household appliances 100. In this regard, although the objects of the present invention in their preferred embodiments are carried out in a refrigerator 100 (such as illustrated in figures 1A and 1 B), specifically adapted to a door 1 , 2 of the refrigerator 100, the term “household appliance 100” must be understood as encompassing any appliance 100 which relies on door closures, such as refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, minibars, compact fridges among others.

[0060] Likewise, the term “keyway region 16, 17” must be read as encompassing any shape or configuration that is capable of securely housing a corresponding piece of auto-closer mechanism 70 to prevent relative movement, and to allow it to sit deep within the endcap housing 14. This includes, but is not limited to, polygon, circular, or open shapes.

[0061] Furthermore, the term “lip region 15” must be read as an extension of a rim that forms a surface in which a corresponding piece of auto-closer mechanism 60 is adapted to abut against, such that a corresponding piece of auto-closer mechanism 62 can sit flush with the endcap’s surface.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, where the household appliance 100 is adouble-door refrigerator, as illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B, the right-side door 1 and the left-side door 2 are respectively configured to receive a right-side door endcap 10 and a left-side door endcap 20 at their outermost edge regions. These endcaps 10, 20 are designed not only to provide structural reinforcement to the doors 1 , 2 but also to house auto-closer mechanisms, ensuring reliable, smooth, and secure door closure. Additionally, the endcaps contribute to the aesthetic finish of the appliance 100, seamlessly integrating with the overall design.

[0063] In order to facilitate a deeper understanding of the endcaps 10, 20 features, said endcaps 10, 20 are shown isolated from their respective doors 1 , 20 in Figures 2A to 2D, 3A, 3B, 4A to 4D, 6A to 6J and 7A to 7J.

[0064] As illustrated at least in Figure 2A, the right-side door endcap 10 and the left-side door endcap 20 are quasi symmetrical to each other, except that the left-side door endcap 20 is slightly longer than the right-side door endcap 10. However, both endcaps 10, 20 comprise the same features, relatively in the same position, and are thus, relatively equal to each other. For this reason, in some Figures, reference is made to a single endcap 10 or 20 for the sake of simplicity.

[0065] As illustrated at least in Figure 2A, each endcap 10, 20 comprises a housing 14 specifically designed to allow interchangeably accommodating both autocloser mechanisms (hook-and-latch auto-closer mechanisms 62 and spring-actuated auto-closer mechanisms 70). To ensure that the housing 14 is able to accommodate different auto-closer mechanisms, the housing 14 comprises, as shown in Figure 3A, and 3B, a first internal step, which is closer to the endcap surface and a second internal step, which is farther from the endcap surface.

[0066] The first internal step comprises a lip region 15, in which a corresponding piece of auto-closer mechanism 60 is adapted to abut against, such that a hook-and-latch auto-closer mechanisms 62 can sit flush with the endcap’s surface. The second internal step comprises a keyway region 16, 17, capable of securely housing a spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 to prevent relative movement, and to allow it to sit deep within the endcap housing 14.

[0067] As better shown in Figure 3A, the first internal step, specifically the lip region 15 comprises a protruding pin 11 and / or at least one threaded bore 12a, 12b in its surface. Similarly, as better shown in Figure 2A and 3A, the second internal step comprises at least one threaded bore 12c, 12d in its surface. Both the protruding pin 11 and the threaded bores 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are intended to secure a correspondingpiece of auto-closer mechanism, which will be further clearer in this Specification. In a preferred embodiment as shown in figure 3A, the keyway region 16, 17 is comprised of a substantially rectangular cavity 16 carved into the floor of the second internal step and recessed relative to the level of the second internal step, and a substantially circular cavity 17 carved into the floor of the second internal step and recessed relative to the level of the rectangular cavity 16.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 2D, and better shown in Figures 4A to 4D and 5A and 5B, the backside of the endcaps 10, 20 comprise clip-on elements 40a, 41a, 40b, 41b configured for clipping onto a respective cutout region 51a, 51b on a wall 50 of the household appliance 100. Specifically, a first clip-on element 40a, 41 a is comprised of at least a first vertical wall 40a and a second vertical wall 41 a, wherein at least one of the first vertical wall 40a and second vertical wall 41 a, comprises a protruding pin 42a that shortens a gap between the first vertical wall 40a and the second vertical wall 41 a, ensuring a tight grip between the first clip-on element and the cutout region 51a on the wall, as illustrated in Figure 5A.

[0069] Likewise, a second clip-on element 40b, 42b is comprised of at least a first vertical wall 40b and a second vertical wall 41 b, wherein at least one of the first vertical wall 40b and second vertical wall 41 b, comprises a protruding pin 42b that shortens a gap between the first vertical wall 40b and the second vertical wall 41 b, ensuring a tight grip between the second clip-on element and the cutout region 51 b on the wall, as illustrated in Figure 5B.

[0070] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, as illustrated at least in Figures 2C, 2D, 5A, 5B and 5C, the front and lateral sides of the endcaps 10, 20 comprise a third clip-on element, configured for clipping onto a flap region 52 of the wall 50 of the household appliance 100. Specifically, the third clip-on element is comprised of a groove 31 that extends along the perimeter of the endcaps 10, 20. This groove 31 comprises on its lower or upper region, a plurality of protruding pins 32a, 32a, 32c...32n, evenly spaced along the groove 31, shortening a gap between the protruding pins 32a, 32a, 32c...32n, and one of the upper or lower region of the groove 31 , ensuring a tight grip between the third clip-on element and the flap region 52 on the wall 50, as illustrated in Figure 5C.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present invention, the endcap 10, 20 may be built as a single piece, through injection molding or stamping process.

[0072] HOOK-AND-LATCH AUTO-CLOSER MECHANISM ASSEMBLYIn an embodiment of the present invention, the endcaps 10, 20 are intended to receive in their respective housings 14, respective known hook-and-latch auto-closer mechanisms, as explained earlier.

[0073] As illustrated in Figure 6A, the known hook-and-latch auto-closer mechanism comprises a filler piece 60, fixing screws 61a, 61b, a hook-and-latch mechanism 62, a fixing pin 63, a hinge 64, a retaining cap 65, and a retaining sleeve 66.

[0074] According to Figure 6B, the endcap 10, receives the filler piece 60 within the housing 14, specifically within the first internal step, such that the filler piece 60 abuts against the lip region 15. The interaction between the filler piece 60 and the lip region 15 allows the hook-and-latch auto-closer mechanism 62 to sit flush with the endcap’s surface in order to function properly.

[0075] The protruding pin 11 of the lip region 15 is received within a cavity of the filler piece 60 in order to securely attach the filler piece to the lip region 15. For this purpose, the protruding pin 11 and the cavity may form a tight clearance so as to form an interference fit therebetween.

[0076] According to Figure 6C, the filler piece 60 also comprises at least one through hole aligned with the at least one threaded bore 12a, 12b, such that at least one screw 61 a, 61 b passes through the at least one through hole and is fixed in the at least one threaded bore 12a, 12b, to firmly secure the filler piece 60 to the lip region 15.

[0077] According to Figure 6D, the filler piece 60 has a cavity which receives an axis of the hook-and-latch auto-closer mechanism 62. Likewise, the cavity and the axis may form a tight clearance so as to form an interference fit therebetween.

[0078] According to Figure 6E, a fixing pin 63 is fixed within a hollow portion of the axis. Similarly, the hollow portion of the axis and the fixing pin 63 may form a tight clearance so as to form an interference fit therebetween.

[0079] According to Figure 6F, a hinge 64 is attached to the fixing pin 63. The hinge 64 comprises a built-in latch which aligns with the hook of the hook-and-latch auto-closer mechanism 62, forming said mechanism. Another portion of the hinge 64 is configured to be secured to a wall of the appliance 100.

[0080] According to Figure 6G, the fixing pin 63 receives a retaining cap 65, which retains all previous parts. Likewise, the fixing pin 63 and the retaining cap 65 may form a tight clearance so as to form an interference fit therebetween.According to Figures 6A and 6H, the fixing pin 63 is covered by a retaining sleeve 66, which is thus fixed to a connecting bore 67, formed in a pivoting axis of the appliance’s door 1.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6J, the lip region 15 allows the hook-and-latch autocloser mechanism 62 to sit flush with the endcap’s surface in order to function properly.

[0082] SPRING-ACTUATED AUTO-CLOSER MECHANISM ASSEMBLY As illustrated in Figure 7A, the known spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 comprises fixing screws 71 , 73a, 73b, a retaining plate 72, a retaining cap 74, and a hinge 75.

[0083] According to Figure 7B, the endcap 10, receives the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 within the housing 14, specifically within the second internal step, such that the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 sits deep within the endcap housing 14 in order to function properly and in contact with the keyway region 16,17 to better accommodate and prevent relative movement of the mechanism.

[0084] The spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 comprises at least one slit aligned with the at least one threaded bore 12c, 12d positioned on the surface of the second internal step, such that at least one screw 71 passes through the at least one slit and is fixed in the at least one threaded bore 12c, 12d, to firmly secure the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 to the second internal step, as shown in Figure 7C.

[0085] According to Figure 7D, the retaining plate 72 comprises through holes aligned with the protruding pin 11 and the at least one threaded bore 12a, 12b of the lip region 15, and is configured to abut against the lip region 15.

[0086] According to Figure 7E, at least one fixing screw 73a, 73b passes through the through holes aligned with the at least one threaded bore 12a, 12b, and is fixed in the at least one threaded bore 12a, 12b, to firmly secure the retaining plate 72 to the lip region 15. The through hole aligned with the protruding pin 11 may form a tight clearance so as to form an interference fit therebetween.

[0087] According to Figure 7F, the retaining plate 72 has another through hole that receives a retaining cap 74. Likewise, the through hole and the retaining cap 74 may form a tight clearance so as to form an interference fit therebetween.

[0088] According to Figure 7G, an axis of the spring-actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 is projected through the retaining cap 74, and a hinge 75 is attached to the projecting axis. Another portion of the hinge 75 is configured to be secured to awall of the appliance 100.

[0089] According to Figure 7H, an axis of the hinge 75 is covered by a retaining sleeve 66, which is thus fixed to a connecting bore 67, formed in a pivoting axis of the appliance’s door 1.

[0090] As shown in Figure 7J, the second internal step allows the spring- actuated auto-closer mechanism 70 to sits deep within the endcap housing 14 in order to function properly and in contact with the keyway region 16,17 to better accommodate and prevent relative movement of the mechanism.

[0091] Although the description of the particular embodiments above relates to certain embodiments, the present invention can present modifications in the manner of implementation thereof so the scope of protection of the invention is limited only by the contents of the attached claims, including therein the possible equivalent variations.

[0092] List of Reference Signs

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Claims

SET OF CLAIMS1. ENDCAP (10, 20) FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES (100), comprising:- a housing (14) formed within the endcap (10, 20); the endcap (10, 20) being characterized by the housing (14) comprising:- a first internal step, closer to the endcap (10, 20) surface, and;- a second internal step, farther from the endcap (10, 20) surface, the first internal step having a lip region (15); andthe second internal step having a keyway region (16, 17).

2. ENDCAP (10, 20), according to claim 1 , characterized by the lip region (15) of the first internal step having at least one protruding pin (11) and / or at least one threaded bore (12a, 12b) positioned on the surface thereof.

3. ENDCAP (10, 20), according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by the second internal step having at least one threaded bore (12c, 12d) positioned on the surface thereof.

4. ENDCAP (10, 20), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by comprising first and second clip-on elements (40a, 41a, 40b, 41b) configured for clipping onto a wall (50) of the household appliance (100).

5. ENDCAP (10, 20), according to claim 4, characterized by the first and second clip-on elements comprising at least a first vertical wall (40a, 40b) and a second vertical wall (41 a, 41 b), substantially parallel to the first vertical wall (40a, 40b), at least one of the first vertical wall (40a, 40b) and the second vertical wall (41a, 41b) comprising a protruding pins (42a, 42b) that shorten a gap between the first vertical wall (40a, 40b) and the second vertical wall (41 a, 41 b).

6. ENDCAP (10, 20), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by comprising a third clip-on element, configured for clipping onto the wall (50) of the household appliance (100).

7. ENDCAP (10, 20), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the third clip-on element comprising a groove (31) and a plurality of protruding pins (32a, 32a, 32c...32n) along the upper or lower region of the groove (15), the plurality of protruding pins (32a, 32a, 32c...32n) shortening a gap between the protruding pins (32a, 32a, 32c...32n) and one of the upper or lower region of the groove (31).

8. ENDCAP (10, 20), according to any one of claims 1 to 7,characterized by the keyway region (16, 17) being comprised of a substantially rectangular cavity (16) carved into the floor of the second internal step and recessed relative to the level of the second internal step, and a substantially circular cavity (17) carved into the floor of the second internal step and recessed relative to the level of the rectangular cavity 16.

9. HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE (100), having at least one door (1 , 2), characterized by the at least one door (1 , 2) comprising an endcap (10, 20) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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