EP3878343A1

EP3878343A1 - Device for fixing a plinth to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher

Info

Publication number: EP3878343A1
Application number: EP20163202.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dhiraj Gotekar; Krishna Chaitanya Kusupudi; Amit Mandal; Michal Rychlinski
Original assignee: Whirlpool Corp
Current assignee: Whirlpool Corp
Priority date: 2020-03-13
Filing date: 2020-03-13
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Also published as: CN113384213A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a device (1) for fixing a plinth (21) to a built-in dishwasher (100). The device comprises a holder (2) configured for being fixed to a surface (21a) of the plinth (21) facing, in use conditions of the device (1), the front portion (100a) of the dishwasher (100). The device (1) comprises also a positioner (3) configured for being coupled to the dishwasher (100) and connectable to the holder (2). The positioner (3) extends along a main development direction (MD) and comprises a plurality of modular elements (4) connected or connectable to each other. The connection between the modular elements (4) allows the adjustment of a length (L) of the positioner (3) so as to allow, in use conditions, the device (1) to cover a distance (D) defined between the plinth (21) and the dishwasher (100).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for fixing a plinth to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher.
The present invention relates also to a method for fixing a plinth to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher.

PRIOR ART

A built-in dishwasher is typically intended to be integrated in the furniture of a kitchen, more specifically in a dedicated space bordered above by the countertop of the integrated kitchen. The kitchen furniture generally has a front portion provided with a recessed lower part, at which a plinth is typically arranged to cover a respective recessed lower part of the dishwasher arranged therein.
The recessed lower part of the kitchen furniture has a predefined depth, which may be different with respect to the recessed lower part of the dishwasher.
It is therefore necessary to adjust the relative position of the plinth and of the recessed lower part of the dishwasher, e.g. by means of fastening means. Known fastening means are complicated to use and to install at the recessed lower part of the kitchen furniture, which typically has a reduced space. A device for fastening a plinth to a built-in dishwasher is disclosed by European patent EP2786692B1 .

AIMS OF THE INVENTION

A main aim of the present invention is to supply a device which is able to fix a plinth to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher in an easy and efficient way.
A further aim of the present invention is to propose a device able to fix a plinth to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher in a secure and stable way.
An additional aim of the present invention is to disclose a method for fixing a plinth to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher safely and firmly, the method allowing a particularly fine regulation of the distance between the plinth and the household appliance, so that the plinth fixed to the household appliance can be easily maintained flush with the plinths fixed to the pieces of furniture adjacent to the household appliance.
A further aim of the present invention is to disclose a device and a method which are able to fix a plinth to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher in a plurality of different available space conditions.
Additionally, it is an aim of the invention to provide an almost universal device and method for fixing a plinth to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher in an easy and efficient way.

SUMMARY SECTION

Aspects of the invention are below described. Any aspect may be combined according to the dependencies between aspects specified below and/or with any of the attached claims.
A 1st aspect relates to a device for fixing a plinth to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher comprising:

a holder configured for being fixed to a surface of the plinth facing, in use conditions of the device, the front portion of the dishwasher,
a positioner configured for being coupled to the dishwasher, and connectable to the holder, the positioner extending along a main development direction and comprising a plurality of modular elements connected or connectable to each other, the connection between the modular elements allowing the adjustment of a length of the positioner so as to allow, in use conditions, the device to cover a distance defined between the plinth and the dishwasher.

In a 2nd aspect according to the 1st aspect, the positioner is monolithic and the modular elements are connected to each other, the positioner being configured for being cut to allow the adjustment of its length.
In a 3rd aspect according to the 1st or 2nd aspect, the positioner is configured for being cut at discrete locations thereby defining a plurality of discrete lengths.
In a 4th aspect according to the 1st or 2nd or 3rd aspect, the positioner comprises a plurality of consecutive reference elements, such as ridges, each reference element defining a discrete location at or near which the positioner is configured for being cut at a predefined discrete length.
In a 5th aspect according to the 1st or 2nd or 3rd aspect, the positioner comprises an external thread extending continuously along the main development direction, the positioner being configured for being cut at any location along the external thread.
In a 6th aspect according to the 5th aspect, the holder is configured for being continuously moved along the external thread.
In a 7th aspect according to the 5th or 6th aspect, the holder is configured for acting as cutting reference, in cutting conditions of the positioner the holder being positioned at a cutting location defined along the external thread, the portion of the positioner defined between an end of the positioner and a reference surface of the holder being the one to be cut away, the reference surface of the holder being destined to be fixed to the surface of the plinth facing, in use conditions of the device, the front portion of the dishwasher.
In a 8th aspect according to the 5th or 6th or 7th aspect, the holder has an internal thread configured for interacting with the external thread of the positioner so as to continuously move the holder along the main development direction of the positioner.
In a 9th aspect according to any of the aspects form the 5th to the 8th, the holder has a rounded shape.
In a 10th aspect according to the 9th aspect, the holder has a through-hole, at which the positioner is arranged in use conditions of the device, and a ring portion surrounding the through-hole, the ring portion being configured for being engaged to the surface of the plinth facing, in use conditions of the device, the front portion of the dishwasher.
In a 11th aspect according to the 9th or 10th aspect, the holder comprises a neck portion extending transversally to the ring portion and having an axial extension which is greater than an axial extension of the ring portion, the neck portion being configured to be engaged to the positioner so as to move the holder along the main development direction.
In a 12th aspect according to the 11th aspect, the neck portion is concentric to the ring portion.
In a 13th aspect according to the 1st aspect, the modular elements are separate elements connectable to each other.
In a 14th aspect according to the 13th aspect, each modular element comprises a seat and an engagement element defined on opposite sides of the modular element, the seat being configured for housing an engagement element of a first adjacent modular element and the engagement element being configured for engaging at a seat of a second adjacent modular element, the first adjacent modular element and the second adjacent modular element being opposite with respect to said modular element.
In a 15th aspect according to the 13th or 14th aspect, the modular elements are configured to be interlocked so as to define a desired length of the positioner.
In a 16th aspect according to the 15th aspect, the modular elements are configured to be detachably interlocked.
In a 17th aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the positioner comprises a first end and a second end opposite with respect to the main development direction, the holder comprising a housing configured for housing the first end of the positioner in use conditions of the device.
In a 18th aspect according to the 17th aspect, the housing comprises a groove, in use conditions of the holder the groove being arranged vertically, the first end of the positioner being configured to slide along the groove.
In a 19th aspect according to the 18th aspect, the first end of the positioner is at least partially countershaped to the groove.
In a 20th aspect according to the 17th or 18th or 19th aspect, the holder comprises a plate configured for being engaged to said surface of the plinth by means of one or more screws.
In a 21st aspect according to the 20th aspect, the plate comprises at least a through-hole or a plurality of through-holes, each through-hole being configured for housing a respective screw.
In a 22nd aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the positioner comprises a first end and a second end opposite with respect to the main development direction, the device further comprising a constraint element configured for being engaged to a front portion of the dishwasher and for constraining the positioner to the front portion of the dishwasher, the constraint element being arranged or engaged at or near the second end of the positioner.
In a 23rd aspect according to the 22nd aspect, the constraint element is configured for being engaged via snap-coupling to an engagement member arranged at the front portion of the dishwasher.
In a 24th aspect according to the 22nd or 23rd aspect, the constraint element is configured for embracing an engagement member arranged at the front portion of the dishwasher.
In a 25th aspect according to the 22nd or 23rd or 24th aspect, the constraint element is shaped as a collar.
A 26th aspect relates to a method for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher comprising the steps of:

providing a plinth,
providing at least one device for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher, optionally according to any one of the preceding aspects and/or to any one of the attached device claims, the positioner comprising a first end and a second end opposite with respect to the main development direction,
adjusting a length of the positioner by connecting a plurality of modular elements or cutting away one or more modular elements or portions thereof,
engaging the device, optionally at or near the first end of the positioner, to the plinth,
engaging the device, optionally at or near the second end of the positioner, to the front portion of the dishwasher.

In a 27th aspect according to the 26th aspect, the step of adjusting a length of the positioner by connecting a plurality of modular elements comprises connecting, optionally interlocking, a plurality of separate modular elements.
In a 28th aspect according to the 26th aspect, the positioner comprises an external thread extending continuously along the main development direction, the positioner being configured for being cut at any location along the external thread and the step of adjusting a length of the positioner by cutting away one or more modular elements or portions thereof comprising:

positioning the holder at a cutting location defined along the external thread,
cutting away the portion of the positioner defined between an end of the positioner and a reference surface of the holder, the reference surface of the holder being destined to be fixed to the surface of the plinth facing, in use conditions of the device, the front portion of the dishwasher.

In a 29th aspect according to the 28th aspect, positioning the holder at a cutting location defined along the external thread comprises rotating the holder along the external thread of the positioner.
In a 30th aspect according to any of the aspects from the 26th to the 29th, the step of engaging the device, at or near the first end of the positioner, to the plinth comprises the steps of:

arranging the holder at a the first end of the positioner at or close to the plinth, optionally abutting a surface of the holder to a surface of the plinth facing, in use conditions of the device, the front portion of the dishwasher,
engaging the holder to the plinth.

In a 31st aspect according to any of the aspects from the 26th to the 30th, the holder comprising a housing configured for housing the first end of the positioner, the method comprising housing the first end of the positioner at the housing.
In a 32nd aspect according to the 31st aspect, the housing comprises a groove, for example a vertically arranged groove, the method comprising the step of vertically sliding the first end of the positioner along the groove.
In a 33rd aspect according to any of the aspects from the 26th to the 32nd, the holder comprises a plate, the step of engaging the holder to the plinth comprises screwing the plate to said surface of the plinth.
In a 34th aspect according to any of the aspects from the 26th to the 32nd, the holder comprises a ring portion, the step of engaging the holder to the plinth comprises screwing the ring portion to said surface of the plinth.
In a 35th aspect according to any of the aspects from the 26th to the 34th, the method further comprises the steps of:

providing a constraint element configured for being engaged to a front portion of the dishwasher,
engaging or arranging the constraint element at or near the second end of the positioner,
constraining the positioner to the front portion of the dishwasher by means of the constraint element.

In a 36th aspect according to the 35th aspect, the step of constraining the positioner to the front portion of the dishwasher by means of the constraint element comprises snap-coupling the constraint element to an engagement member arranged at the front portion of the dishwasher.
In a 37th aspect according to the 35th or 36th aspect, the step of constraining the positioner to the front portion of the dishwasher by means of the constraint element comprises embracing, by means of the constraint element, an engagement member arranged at the front portion of the dishwasher.
In a 38th aspect according to any of the aspects from the 26th to the 37th, the step of adjusting the length of the positioner is performed before the step of engaging the device, optionally at or near the first end of the positioner, to the plinth.
In a 39th aspect according to any of the aspects from the 26th to the 38th, the step of engaging the device, optionally at or near the first end of the positioner, to the plinth, is performed before the step of engaging the device, optionally at or near the second end of the positioner, to the front portion of the dishwasher.
In a 40h aspect according to any of the aspects from the 26th to the 39th, the step of engaging the device, optionally at or near the second end of the positioner, to the front portion of the dishwasher comprises approaching the plinth to the front portion of the dishwasher after having engaged the device to the plinth.
In a 41st aspect according to any of the aspects from the 26th to the 40th, the step of providing at least one device for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher according to any one of the preceding aspects and/or to any one of the attached device claims comprises providing a first device and a second device.
In a 42nd aspect according to the 41st aspect, the step of engaging the device, at or near the first end of the positioner, to the plinth comprises engaging the first end of the positioner of the first device, for example by means of the holder of the first device, and the first end of the positioner of the second device, for example by means of the holder of the second device, at or near respective ends of the plinth, the ends of the plinth being opposite with respect to a longitudinal extension of the plinth.
In a 43rd aspect according to the 41st or 42nd aspect, the step of engaging the device, at or near the second end of the positioner, to the front portion of the dishwasher comprises engaging the second end of the positioner of the first device, for example by means of a constraint element of the first device, and the second end of the positioner of the second device, for example by means of a constraint element of the second device, to a respective engagement member arranged at a front portion of the dishwasher.
A 44th aspect relates to the use of a device according to any of the aspects from the 1st to the 25th and/or to any of the attached device claims for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher.
In a 45th aspect according to the 44th aspect, the use of the device comprises implementing the method according to any of the aspects from the 26th to the 43rd and/or to any of the attached method claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in relation to the attached drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 shows a positioner (on the left side) and a holder (on the right side) of a device for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention,
fig. 2 shows an engagement member of the dishwasher arranged at a front portion thereof to which the device of fig. 1 is configured to be engaged (on the left side) and a cutting step of the method according to the present invention (on the right side),
fig. 3 shows a step of the method according to the present invention wherein two holders of the type shown in fig. 1 are being engaged to a plinth by means of screws,
fig. 4 shows a method step which is subsequent to the method step shown in fig. 3, wherein a couple of positioners according to fig. 1 are represented, the one on the left side being in exploded view with respect to the holder and the one on the right side being engaged to the plinth by means of the respective holder, a respective constraint element being engaged to each positioner,
fig. 5 shows a method step in which, after engaging the positioners to the plinth by means of the respective holders according to the method step of fig. 4, the plinth holding the devices according to the first embodiment of the invention approaches the front portion of the dishwasher,
fig. 6 shows a device for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
fig. 7 shows a method step involving the device of fig. 6, wherein the holder has been arranged at a cutting location with respect to the external thread of the positioner - the portion of the positioner extending on the left of the holder is the one to be cut away,
fig. 8 shows a method step subsequent to the method step of fig. 7, wherein the positioner has been cut and the holder of the device of fig. 6 is abutted with respect to a surface of the plinth before it is attached to it by means of a plurality of screws,
fig. 9 shows a plinth, to which the device of fig. 8 is engaged, approaching the front portion of the dishwasher,
fig. 10 shows the positioner of a device for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the positioner comprises a plurality of separate modular elements connectable to each other.

DEFINITIONS AND CONVENTIONS

Even though in the following disclosure reference will be made to a built-in dishwasher, it shall be remarked that the present invention is not limited to such a type of household appliance, but applies to any type of built-in household appliances, i.e. to any type of household appliances intended to be inserted in an integrated kitchen. The implementation of the invention on a built-in dishwasher hence represents only a preferred implementation. Merely for the sake of providing further examples, the invention in fact may be implemented on a built-in laundry washing machine, on a built-in laundry drying machine, on a built-in stove, on a built-in refrigerator, on a built-in freezer, and so on.
Please note that in the following detailed description corresponding parts illustrated in the various figures are indicated with the same reference numbers. The figures may illustrate the object of the invention, i.e. a device for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher and a relative method for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher, by means of representations not in scale; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures relating to the object of the invention may only concern schematic representations. In the context of this description, the use of terms such as 'above', 'below', 'alongside', 'side', 'laterally', 'horizontally', 'vertically', 'front', 'frontally', 'rear', 'behind' and the like refers, unless otherwise specifically indicated, to at least one spatial orientation that the device according to the invention can normally assume under operating conditions or use conditions. In this respect, see the attached figures illustrating at least one possible spatial orientation of the device according to the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "condition" or "configuration" may be herein used interchangeably.
The following definitions can be applied in the context of the present text:

the wording "device for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher" means any device configured to fix a plinth to a built-in dishwasher,
the wording "positioner" means an element of the device configured for positioning the device according to the present invention with respect to the plinth and/or to the front portion of the dishwasher. The positioner may comprise a single component or a plurality of components,
the wording "holder" means an element configured for engaging and holding the positioner to the plinth,
the wording "modular element" means an element of the positioner which has an iterative occurrence along the positioner itself,
"use conditions of the device": in use conditions of the device, the holder, the positioner and, where provided, the constraint element are assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Device for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher

The present invention relates to a device 1 for fixing a plinth 21 to a built-in dishwasher 100. The device 1 comprises a holder 2 and a positioner 3. The holder 2 and the positioner 3 are both preferably made of plastic material. The holder 2 is configured for being fixed to a surface 21a of the plinth 21 facing a front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. The positioner 3 is connectable to the dishwasher 100 and to the holder 2 and is configured for being coupled to the plinth 21 by means of the holder 2. The positioner 3 has a certain length L. The positioner 3 is configured for being engaged, at respective portions thereof, to a surface 21a of the plinth 21 facing the dishwasher 100 and to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. As will be described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, the positioner 3 comprises a plurality of modular elements 4 which are connected or connectable to each other. The length of the positioner 3 is configured to be adjusted by managing the connection between the modular elements. The length L of the positioner 3 is adjusted, according to the invention, so as to allow the device 1 to cover, in use conditions, a distance D, which is the distance intended to be established between the plinth 21 and an engagement member 101 of the dishwasher 100 arranged at the front portion 100a thereof (see left side of figure 2). By covering that distance D, the device 1 allows the desired positioning of the plinth with respect to the dishwasher 100. The positioner 3, in its basic configuration (see figure 1 and figure 6) or in its assembled configuration (see figure 10, wherein a positioner 3 is being assembled), extends along a main development direction MD between a first end 3a and a second end 3b. The first end 3a and the second end 3b of the positioner 3 are opposite with respect to the main development direction MD. The device 1 further comprises a constraint element 5, which is arranged at the second end 3b of the positioner 3 and is opposite to the holder 2. The constraint element 5 is configured for being engaged to the engagement member 101 arranged at the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. As shown in figure 1, the distance D may be defined between the surface 21a of the plinth 21 arranged at the desired fixing location and a front surface of the engagement member 101. The engagement member 101 can be a leg of the dishwasher 100 having a substantially cylindrical portion embraceable by the constraint element 5.
Figures from 1 to 5 show a device 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention, which is described in the following paragraphs. The positioner 3 is monolithic and, hence, modular elements 4 of the positioner are firmly connected to each other. The succession of modular elements 4 is clearly shown in the side view of the device 1 as illustrated on the right side of figure 2. The positioner 3 of the device 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention is configured to be cut at a discrete location, defined along the length L of the positioner 3, in order to adjust its length L to the distance D between the plinth 21 and the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. In that regard, see figure 2 which, on its right side, schematically shows a cutting operation of the positioner 3. The cutting operation of the positioner 3 makes it possible to reach the desired distance D of the device 1. Each modular element 4 comprises a reference element 4a which is aimed at allowing the positioner to be cut at discrete locations. In the first embodiment, each reference element comprises a ridge 4a and a recessed portion 4b, which is defined between each couple of consecutive ridges 4a. The cutting operation of the positioner 3 may be performed at a determined recessed portion 4b, which defines a discrete location corresponding to the desired positioner distance D to be covered.
In order to allow a fine regulation of the distance D (and hence a precise positioning of the plinth 21), the pitch between the ridges 4a is as thin as possible compatibly with the need of ensuring a proper stiffness to the positioner 3. Preferably, the pitch between the ridges 4a is equal to or lower than 4 mm. More preferably, the pitch between the ridges 4a is equal to or lower than 2,5 mm.
As described above, the constraint element 5 is arranged at the second end 3b of the positioner 3. The constraint element 5 is configured for being engaged to the engagement member 101 arranged at the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 and hence for constraining the positioner 3 to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 (see figure 5 and its detail). The constraint element 5 may be configured for being engaged via snap-coupling to the engagement member 101. According to possible variants of the present embodiment, the constraint element 5 may be engaged to the engagement member 101 in alternative ways. As shown in figure 1, the constraint element 5 may have a collar shape configured for allowing it to embrace the engagement member 101, thereby allowing an engagement between them which is at the same time stable (so ensuring a firm support of the plinth) and comfortable to be released (so allowing an easy and quick removal of the plinth, e.g. for cleaning and maintenance operations). The constraint element 5 advantageously comprises two elastic flaps for a snap engagement on the engagement member 101.
In the first embodiment of the invention, as shown in figures 1, 3 and 4, the holder is basically a plate 2. The plate 2 comprises a housing configured for housing the first end 3a of the positioner 3 in use conditions of the device 1. In the first embodiment, the housing is basically a groove 2a along which the first end 3a of the positioner 3 is configured to slide to reach a desired vertical position and hence a desired height at which the positioner 3 is to be installed. In use conditions of the holder, the groove 2a is arranged vertically (see the right side of figure 1) and hence the first end 3a of the positioner 3 may slide vertically along the groove 2a. In order to slide along the groove 2a, the first end 3a of the positioner 3 may be at least partially countershaped to the groove 2a.
The holder 2 comprises anchoring means allowing the holder 2 to be fastened to the plinth 1. In a configuration of the holder 2, such anchoring means comprise a plurality of bores 2b configured for housing a respective screw 6 allowing the holder to be engaged to the plinth 21 (see figure 3). Such a configuration of the holder is particularly recommended when the plinth is a wooden element.
The first embodiment is particularly advantageous in that, by cutting the positioner 3 at discrete cutting locations along the main development direction MD, the cutting operation is easy and fast to perform as there are reference elements 4a indicating the possible cutting locations.
Figures from 6 to 9 show a device according to a second embodiment of the invention. Likewise the device of the first embodiment of the invention, the positioner 3 of the device 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention is monolithic and is configured for being cut in order to adjust its length L according to the distance D intended to be established between the plinth 21 and the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. Differently from the first embodiment described above (whose positioner 3 may be cut only at discrete locations), the positioner 3 of the device 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention may be cut at any location along its length L. That way, the device 1 according to the second embodiment may be basically of a universal type, allowing the device 1 to be fixed to any distance D defined between the plinth 21 and the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 and comprised between a fraction of the length L of the positioner 3 (fraction of length L obtainable by cutting the positioner 3) and the entire length L of the positioner 3 (no need to cut the positioner 3). As shown in figures from 6 to 9, the positioner 3 comprises an external thread 7 extending continuously along the main development direction MD and has, at least partially, a rotational symmetry. The main development direction MD of the positioner may be defined by a main development axis MA. The modular element 4 of the device 1 according to the second embodiment may be represented by a complete rotation (twist) of the external thread 7 about the main development axis. The positioner 3 is configured for being cut at any location along the external thread 7. The cutting operation of the positioner 3 will be described in greater detail in the following paragraphs.
The constraint element 5 of the device 1 is arranged at the second end 3b of the positioner. As shown in figures from 6 to 9, the constraint element 5 of the device 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention may have the same features as the constraint element 5 of the device 1 according to the first embodiment.
Regarding the holder 2, it is to be noted that it is configured for being continuously moved along the external thread 7 - in that regard, see figure 6 and 7. The continuous movement of the holder 2 along the positioner 3 is possible as the holder 2 has an internal thread configured for interacting with the external thread 7 of the positioner 3. The holder 2 has a through-hole and a ring portion 2c surrounding the through-hole. The through-hole basically coincides with the housing 2a. The ring portion 2c has a determined axial extension and is configured for being abutted and engaged to the surface 21a of the plinth 21 facing, in use conditions of the device 1, the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 (see figure 8). As shown in figures from 6 to 9, in use conditions of the device 1 the positioner 3 is arranged at the through-hole. As anchoring means, the ring portion 2c has advantageously a plurality of bores 2b aimed at allowing the engagement of the holder 2 to the plinth 21 by means of respective screws 6. The holder 2 may comprise also a neck portion 2d concentric to the ring portion 2c and extending transversally to the ring portion 2c. The neck portion 2d has an axial extension which is greater than the axial extension of the ring portion 2c. The neck portion 2d is configured to be engaged to the positioner 3 so as to move the holder 2 along the main development axis MA. In order to allow the continuous movement of the holder 2 along the external thread 7 of the positioner 3, the internal thread of the holder 2 may be defined at least at an internal surface of the neck portion 2d. The holder 2 is configured for acting as cutting reference able to allow cutting the positioner 3 at any desired length defined along the external thread 7 of the positioner 3. In cutting conditions of the positioner, the holder 2 is positioned at a cutting location defined along the external thread 7 (see figure 7). The portion of the positioner 3 defined between the first end 3a of the positioner 3 and a reference surface 2e of the holder 2 is the one to be cut away - in that regard, see figure 7, where the reference surface 2e of the holder 2 is the left one and the portion to be cut away is the one defined on the left side of figure 7 beyond the reference surface 2e of the holder 2. As shown in figure 8, the reference surface 2e of the holder 2 is destined to be abutted and fixed to the surface 21a of the plinth 21 facing, in use conditions of the device 1, the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. Due to the neck portion 2d which creates an extended zone of contact between the positioner 3 and the holder 2, possible irregular cuts of the positioner 3 do not prejudice at all the reliability of the coupling between the positioner 3 and the holder 2, and consequently the reliability of the fixing of the plinth 21 to the dishwasher 100.
The second embodiment is particularly advantageous in that, by cutting the positioner 3 at any position along the main development axis MA, it is possible to reach any desired length L of the positioner 3 and hence any desired distance D to be covered by the device 1. Compared with the previous embodiment (which allow only discrete regulations of the length of the positioner depending on the pitch of the ridges 4a), the second embodiment allows a continuous regulation of the length of the positioner 3 and consequently a finer adjustment of the distance between the plinth 21 and the dishwasher 100.
Because of above continuous regulation, there is no need of contemplating a thin pitch for the external thread 7 of the positioner 3 and for the internal thread of the holder 2. Therefore, also robust threads having a thick pitch such as 1,5 mm may be adopted.
Figure 10 shows the positioner 3 of a device 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention. According to the third embodiment, the modular elements 4 are separate elements of the positioner 3 connectable to each other. The modular elements 4 are advantageously made of plastic material. In use conditions of the device 1, the modular elements 4 are in assembled configuration. Regarding the assembled configuration of the modular elements 4, see figure 10 showing a final operation of an assembling step of the positioner 3. As shown in figure 10, each modular element 4 comprises a seat 4c and an engagement element 4d defined on opposite sides of the modular element 4. The seat 4c of a modular element 4 (as the one shown in exploded configuration in figure 10) is configured for housing an engagement element 4d of a first adjacent modular element 4 (as the one on the left of the one shown in exploded configuration in figure 10) and the engagement element 4d of the same modular element 4 is configured for engaging at a seat 4c of a second adjacent modular element 4 (as the one on the right of the one shown in exploded configuration in figure 10). The first adjacent modular element 4 and the second adjacent modular element 4 are opposite with respect to said modular element 4. The seat 4c is defined by a recessed portion of the modular element 4 while the engagement element 4d is a projecting portion of the modular element 4. The recessed portion and the projecting portion are defined and are opposite with respect to a central body 4e of the modular element 4. Seats 4c and engagement elements 4d configured to be engaged are countershaped. In greater detail, in the embodiment shown in figure 10 each seat 4c is basically defined by a T-shaped recessed volume and each engagement element 4d is basically defined by a T-shaped projection. In possible variants of the present embodiment, the seats 4c and the engagement elements 4d may have a different shapes with respect to the ones depicted in figure 10.
The modular elements 4 may be substantially equal in length. Alternatively, the modular elements 4 may have at least two distinct lengths: in such a situation, the longer modular elements may be used for a faster assembling of the positioner 3 at the side adjacent to the dishwasher base 100a and the shorter modular elements may be used instead for a fine regulation of the distance D at the side adjacent to the plinth 21.
The constraint element 5 of the device 1 according to the third embodiment has a configuration analogous to the configuration of the constraint element 5 according to the first embodiment and is associated to a modular element positioned at one end of the positioner 3, such modular end comprising an engagement element 4d configured to be housed in the seat 4c of the adjacent modular element 4. The holder 2 of the device 1 according to the third embodiment of the invention may have the same features of the holder 2 of the device 1 according to the first embodiment.
The third embodiment is particularly advantageous in that, by assembling the exact number of modular elements 4 needed to reach the desired length of the positioner 3 and hence the desired distance D to be covered by the device, there is no wastage of material.
Regardless of the specific embodiment, in order to engage the plinth 21 to the dishwasher 100, two devices 1 according to the invention may be needed. In that regard, see figures 3-5 showing two holders 2, each of which may be engaged at or near a respective portion 21b, 21c of the plinth 21 defined along a longitudinal extension of the plinth 21 (see figure 3) and each of which is configured to engage a respective positioner 3 at its first end (see figure 4). The distance between the positioners 3 is equal or corresponds to the distance between the respective engagement members 101 to which the constraint element 5 of each device 1 is configured to be engaged. That way, a stable and symmetric engagement between the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 and the plinth 21 is possible.

Method for fixing a plinth to a built-in dishwasher

The invention also relates to a method for fixing a plinth 21 to a built-in dishwasher 100. The method makes use of at least one device 1 of the above described type and of a plinth 21.
In order to make the device 1 fit for its fixing purpose, the method provides for adjusting a length L of the positioner 3. The step of adjusting the length L of the positioner 3 is performed by connecting one or more modular elements 4 or by cutting away one or more modular elements 4 or portions thereof.
The step of cutting away one or more modular elements 4 or portions thereof is preferably performed on a device 1 according to the above described first embodiment or second embodiment. According to the first embodiment, the step of cutting away one or more modular elements 4 or portions thereof is performed as described above, i.e. by cutting the positioner 3 at a discrete location at or near reference elements such as ridges, in particular at a recessed portion defined between consecutive ridges. Cutting the positioner 3 at a discrete location allows to reach a discrete length of the positioner 3, corresponding to a specific distance D to be covered (see right side of figure 2). According to the second embodiment, in which the positioner 3 is configured for being cut at any location along the external thread 7, the cutting step is performed by continuously moving the holder 2 along the external thread 7 of the positioner 3 as described above. Once the holder 2 has been positioned at the cutting location defined along the external thread 7, the cutting step is performed by cutting away the portion of the positioner 3 defined between the first end 3a of the positioner 3 and the reference surface 2e of the holder 2 (see figure 7).
In any possible embodiment involving a cutting step such as the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the cutting step may be performed by any cutting means or cutting tool suitable for cutting the material which the positioner is made of.
When performed on a device 1 according to the third embodiment, the step of adjusting a length L of the positioner 3 is performed by connecting a plurality of modular elements 4. In that regard, see figure 10 showing a modular element 4 which is in exploded configuration with respect to consecutive modular elements 4 (the one on the right and the one on the left with respect to it) to which it is to be connected.
The method includes engaging the device 1 to the plinth 21. The engagement of the device 1 to the plinth 21 is performed by engaging the first end 3a of the positioner 3 to the holder 2 (see figure 4), which has been previously engaged to the plinth 21, thereby allowing fixing of the device 1 to the plinth 21. The engagement of the holder 2 to the plinth 21 is schematically shown in figure 3 - as described above, the engagement of the holder 2 to the plinth 21 may be performed by means of a plurality of screws 6. The step of adjusting the length L of the positioner 3 is performed before engaging the device 1 to the plinth 21.
The method includes also engaging the device 1 to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. As shown by the succession of figures 3, 4 and 5, the step of engaging the device 1 to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 is performed after having engaged the device 1 to the plinth 21. The engagement of the device 1 to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 is performed by engaging the constraint element 5, which is arranged near the second end 3b of the positioner 3, to the engagement member 101 arranged at the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. In other words, the step of engaging the device 1 to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 is performed by constraining the positioner 3 to the engagement member 101 by means of the constraint element 5. Constraining the positioner 3 to the engagement member 101 may be performed by snap-coupling the constraint element 5 to the engagement member 101. Constraining the positioner 3 to the engagement member 101 is performed by embracing, by means of the constraint element 5 (intentionally shaped like a collar), the engagement member 101. The result of that step is that the positioner 3 is constrained and hence engaged near its second end 3b to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100.
That way, i.e. by engaging the device 1 to the plinth 21 and to the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100, the device 1 is arranged, with respect to the built-in dishwasher 100 and to the plinth 21, so that the first end 3a of the positioner 3 is near and faces the plinth 21 and the second end 3b of the positioner is near and faces the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100 (see the detail of figure 5 and figure 9).
The method may provide fixing two devices 1 to a single plinth 21 and to a respective part of the front portion 100a of the dishwasher 100. Fixing two devices 1 to a single plinth 21 may be performed according to what has been described above, taking into account that each holder 2 of each of the two devices 1 may be engaged at or near a respective end 21b, 21c of the plinth 21 defined along a longitudinal extension of the plinth 21 (see figure 3).

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The invention is capable to provide a device for fixing a plinth to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher, wherein the configuration of the positioner allows the plinth to be installed at the proper distance from the dishwasher, since the positioner is in essence a body whose length may be adapted depending on the desired position of the plinth relatively to the dishwasher. Moreover, the removable connection between the holder and the positioner allows a precise installation of the plinth and furthermore allows the plinth to be easily detached from the dishwasher, e.g. for cleaning and maintenance operations.
The invention is able to obtain at least the further following relevant advantages.
First of all, the device 1 and the method according to the invention allow fixing a plinth 21 to a built-in dishwasher 100 in a fast and efficient way. This is possible by cutting one or more modular elements 4 or portions thereof of a monolithic positioner 3 (first and second embodiments) or connecting separate modular elements 4 of a positioner 3 (third embodiment).
Furthermore, by using the device 1 and by implementing the method according to the invention it is possible to simply and firmly fix a plinth 21 to a built-in dishwasher 100.
Also, the device 1 and the method according to the invention make it possible an easy regulation of the horizontal and vertical position of the device 1 and a continuous vertical positioning of the plinth 21.

Claims

A device (1) for fixing a plinth (21) to a built-in household appliance, in particular to a built-in dishwasher (100), comprising:
- a holder (2) configured for being fixed to a surface (21a) of the plinth (21) facing, in use conditions of the device (1), the front portion (100a) of the dishwasher (100),

- a positioner (3) configured for being coupled to the household appliance and connectable to the holder (2), the positioner (3) extending along a main development direction (MD) and comprising a plurality of modular elements (4) connected or connectable to each other, the connection between the modular elements (4) allowing the adjustment of a length (L) of the positioner (3) so as to allow, in use conditions, the device (1) to cover a distance (D) defined between the plinth (21) and the household appliance.
Device according to claim 1, wherein the positioner (3) is monolithic and the modular elements (4) are connected to each other, the positioner (3) being configured for being cut to allow the adjustment of its length (L).
Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioner (3) comprises a plurality of consecutive reference elements (4a), such as ridges, each reference element (4a) defining a discrete location at or near which the positioner (3) is configured for being cut at a predefined discrete length.
Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioner (3) comprises an external thread (7) extending continuously along the main development direction (MD), the positioner (3) being configured for being cut at any location along the external thread (7).
Device according to claim 4, wherein the holder (2) is configured for being continuously moved along the external thread (7).
Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the holder (7) is configured for acting as cutting reference, in cutting conditions of the positioner (3) the holder (2) being positioned at a cutting location defined along the external thread (7), the portion of the positioner (3) defined between an end (3a) of the positioner (3) and a reference surface (2e) of the holder (2) being the one to be cut away, the reference surface (2e) of the holder (2) being destined to be fixed to the surface (21a) of the plinth (21) facing, in use conditions of the device (1), the front portion (100a) of the household appliance.
Device according to claim 1 or 2 or 4 or 5 or 6, wherein the holder (2) has a through-hole (2a), at which the positioner (3) is arranged in use conditions of the device (1), and a ring portion (2c) surrounding the through-hole (2a), the ring portion (2c) being configured for being engaged to the surface (21a) of the plinth (21) facing, in use conditions of the device (1), the front portion (100a) of the household appliance.
Device according to claim 1, wherein the modular elements (4) are separate elements connectable to each other.
Device according to claim 1 or 8, wherein each modular element (4) comprises a seat (4c) and an engagement element (4d) defined on opposite sides of the modular element (4), the seat (4c) being configured for housing an engagement element (4d) of a first adjacent modular element and the engagement element (4d) being configured for engaging at a seat (4c) of a second adjacent modular element, the first adjacent modular element and the second adjacent modular element being on opposite sides of said modular element (4), the seat (4c) and the engagement element (4d) being in particular counter-shaped.
Device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the modular elements (4) are configured to be interlocked so as to define a desired length of the positioner (3).
Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioner (3) comprises a first end (3a), the holder (2) comprising a housing (2a) configured for housing the first end (3a) of the positioner (3) in use conditions of the device (1).
Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioner (3) further comprises a second end (3b), in particular opposite to said first end (3a) with respect to the main development direction (MD) of the positioner (3), the device (1) further comprising a constraint element (5) configured for being engaged to a front portion (100a) of the household appliance and for constraining the positioner (3) to the front portion (100a) of the household appliance, the constraint element (5) being arranged or engaged at or near the second end (3b) of the positioner (3).
Method for fixing a plinth (21) to a built-in household appliance, in particular a built-in dishwasher (100), comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one device (1) for fixing a plinth (21) to a built-in household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, the positioner (3) comprising a first end (3a) and a second end (3b) opposite with respect to the main development direction (MD),

- adjusting a length (L) of the positioner (1) by connecting a plurality of modular elements (4) or by cutting away one or more modular elements (4) or portions thereof,

- engaging the device (1), optionally at or near the first end (3a) of the positioner (3), to the plinth (21),

- engaging the device (1), optionally at or near the second end (3b) of the positioner (3), to the front portion (100a) of the household appliance.
Method according to claim 13, wherein the positioner (3) comprises an external thread (7) extending continuously along the main development direction (MD), the positioner (3) being configured for being cut at any location along the external thread (7) and wherein the step of adjusting a length (L) of the positioner (3) by cutting away one or more modular elements (4) or portions thereof comprises:
- positioning the holder (2) at a cutting location defined along the external thread (7),

- cutting away the portion of the positioner (3) defined between an end (3a) of the positioner (3) and a reference surface (2e) of the holder (2), the reference surface (2e) of the holder (2) being destined to be fixed to the surface (21a) of the plinth (21) facing, in use conditions of the device (1), the front portion (100a) of the household appliance.
Method according to claim 13, wherein the step of adjusting a length (L) of the positioner (3) by connecting a plurality of modular elements (4) comprises interlocking a plurality of separate modular elements (4), each modular element (4) comprising in particular a seat (4c) and an engagement element (4d) defined on opposite sides and the interlocking of the modular elements (4) comprising the step of inserting the engagement element (4d) of a first modular element into the seat (4c) of a second modular element.