WO2024099555A1 - Appareil électrique avec ensemble douille - Google Patents

Appareil électrique avec ensemble douille Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024099555A1
WO2024099555A1 PCT/EP2022/081301 EP2022081301W WO2024099555A1 WO 2024099555 A1 WO2024099555 A1 WO 2024099555A1 EP 2022081301 W EP2022081301 W EP 2022081301W WO 2024099555 A1 WO2024099555 A1 WO 2024099555A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
door
fully
stop
electric appliance
rod
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/081301
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Luca Marzorati
Original Assignee
Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag filed Critical Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
Priority to PCT/EP2022/081301 priority Critical patent/WO2024099555A1/fr
Publication of WO2024099555A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024099555A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4251—Details of the casing
    • A47L15/4257—Details of the loading door
    • A47L15/4261—Connections of the door to the casing, e.g. door hinges
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F24C15/00—Details
    • F24C15/02—Doors specially adapted for stoves or ranges
    • F24C15/023—Mounting of doors, e.g. hinges, counterbalancing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4251—Details of the casing
    • A47L15/4257—Details of the loading door
    • A47L15/4259—Arrangements of locking or security/safety devices for doors, e.g. door latches, switch to stop operation when door is open

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of electric appliances. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electric appliance capable of stably stopping an appliance door in a partially-opened position.
  • a conventional dishwasher comprises a (e.g., parallelepiped shaped) body or frame, which defines a (e.g., hollow) treatment chamber for items to be washed (the items to be washed comprising for example tableware, including one or more among dishes, cutlery, glasses, pots and pans), and a door movable between fully-closed and fully- opened positions for selectively accessing the treatment chamber.
  • a (e.g., parallelepiped shaped) body or frame which defines a (e.g., hollow) treatment chamber for items to be washed (the items to be washed comprising for example tableware, including one or more among dishes, cutlery, glasses, pots and pans), and a door movable between fully-closed and fully- opened positions for selectively accessing the treatment chamber.
  • the door is typically pivoted to a base of the dishwasher (by means one or more door hinges); in this way, the door may rotate (while moving between the fully-closed and fully-opened positions) about a horizontal rotation axis raised from the floor.
  • a dishwasher may be either freestanding or integrated with other pieces of furniture.
  • a decorative front panel (normally with the same appearance of the other pieces of furniture) may be installed on the door of the dishwasher.
  • the user At an end of a dishwashing cycle, it is usually requested that the user opens, or at least partially opens, the door. If the opening of the door is omitted (for example, in that the user forgets to do it), or it is not performed in due time, the steam remains inside the treatment chamber and, as a result of the cooling, the steam condenses and wets again the tableware arranged within the treatment chamber.
  • Some of modern dishwashers provide for a functionality that allows, at an end of a dishwashing cycle, an autonomous (z.e., without user intervention) movement of the door from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position, and an automatic stop of the door in a partially-opened position allowing the outflow of steam (hereinafter, breather position), so as to promote a drying of tableware arranged inside the treatment chamber.
  • the inclination angle of the door in the partially-opened position may for example depend on safety requirements (for example, it should be low enough to avoid injuries) and/or on operating requirements (for example, it should be high enough to allow outflow of steam within prescribed times).
  • the movement of the door from the fully-closed position towards the fully- opened position may be allowed or prevented by a locking arrangement.
  • the locking arrangement may be configured to selectively take a locking state or an unlocking state preventing or allowing, respectively, the door to be moved from the fully-closed position (z.e., with the locking arrangement that, when in the locking state, locks the door in the fully-closed position).
  • the autonomous movement of the door from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position may be allowed by a pushing arrangement (for example, the pushing arrangement may be configured to exert, upon or after switching of the locking arrangement from the locking state to the unlocking state, a push action on the door to move the door towards the fully-opened position), or by a weight-induced force exerted by the door (e.g., upon switching of the locking arrangement from the locking state to the unlocking state).
  • a pushing arrangement for example, the pushing arrangement may be configured to exert, upon or after switching of the locking arrangement from the locking state to the unlocking state, a push action on the door to move the door towards the fully-opened position
  • a weight-induced force exerted by the door e.g., upon switching of the locking arrangement from the locking state to the unlocking state.
  • the automatic stop of the door in the partially-opened position is typically achieved by means of a braking arrangement, such as a door weight compensation system door weight compensation system (particularly, a spring member thereof) and/or a friction device.
  • a braking arrangement such as a door weight compensation system door weight compensation system (particularly, a spring member thereof) and/or a friction device.
  • the Applicant has ascertained that, for a given calibration of the braking arrangement and/or of the pushing arrangement (when provided), which calibration is designed for a specific door weight range, a dishwasher having a door whose weight is outside the specific door weight range is not stopped in the breather position: indeed, if the door weight is too high, the door fall down to the fully-opened position instead of being stopped in the breather position, and if the door weight is too low, the door is returned back to the fully-closed position instead of being stopped in the breather position.
  • the Applicant has faced the above-mentioned issues, and has devised a dishwasher (or other electric appliance) comprising a bush assembly configured to automatically stop the door movement by exploiting the compression of the spring member.
  • an aspect of the present invention relates to an electric appliance.
  • the electric appliance comprises a treatment chamber for performing a treatment on items housed therein.
  • the electric appliance comprises a horizontal axis door movable between a fully-closed position and a fully-opened position for selectively accessing the treatment chamber.
  • an axis of rotation of the door is arranged behind the center of gravity of the door in a depth wise direction of the electric appliance.
  • the dishwasher comprises a door weight compensation system for damping an opening movement and/or for assisting a closing movement of the door.
  • the door weight compensation system is configured to allow, without additional components, an autonomous movement of the door from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position by a weight- induced force exerted by the door.
  • the electric appliance comprises a bush assembly.
  • the electric appliance comprises a rod member configured to slide within the bush assembly in a first direction corresponding to a longitudinal development axis of the rod member, when the door is moved towards the fully-opened position.
  • the rod member comprises a first rod portion and a second rod portion being enlarged with respect to the first rod portion along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
  • the electric appliance comprises a spring member provided around the rod member and coupled to the bush assembly.
  • the bush assembly comprises a stop system configured to slidably receive the rod member within it.
  • the stop system is configured to intercept the first rod portion when the door is in the fully-closed position.
  • the stop system is configured to intercept the second rod portion and to engage the second rod portion in response to the compression force acting on the bush assembly, thereby preventing the further sliding of the rod member and keep the door in a partially-opened position between the fully-closed and fully-opened positions.
  • the stop system is configured to generate, from said compression force, a stop force acting on the second rod portion, said stop force causing the stop system to press on the second rod portion.
  • the stop force has a component orthogonal to the compression force.
  • the bush assembly comprises a support member comprising at least one inclined plane.
  • the stop system comprises at least one stop member slidable on said at least one inclined plane.
  • the at least one stop member comprises at least one wedge-shaped stop member each one slideable on a respective one of said at least one inclined plane.
  • the at least one wedge-shaped stop member comprises a slope angle corresponding to an inclination angle of the at least one inclined plane.
  • the at least one stop member in absence of the compression force acting on the bush assembly, is configured to slide on the at least one inclined plane by gravity in a first sliding direction down to the first rod portion.
  • the at least one stop member when the door is moved from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position, the at least one stop member is configured to engage the second rod portion by constraint reaction of the at least one inclined plane on the at least one stop member in response to the compression force acting on the at least one stop member.
  • a push action is exerted by the second rod portion in the second direction that causes the at least one stop member to slide on the at least one inclined plane in a second sliding direction opposite the first sliding direction, thereby allowing the second rod portion to slide within the bush assembly and the door to be moved from the partially-opened position towards the fully-opened position.
  • the bush assembly comprises a cap member mechanically coupled to the stop system and movable in the first direction in response to said compression force acting thereon.
  • the cap member is configured to uniformly distribute the compression force on the stop system.
  • the cap member and the at least one inclined plane delimit a seat of the bush assembly, the stop system being movable within said seat of the bush assembly.
  • the second rod portion has a slanted profile having an inclination angle corresponding to an inclination angle of the door in the partially-opened position.
  • the electric appliance further comprises a support member having at least one inclined plane defining a seat for the bush assembly.
  • the bush assembly comprises a single piece construction member for contacting both the second rod portion and the seat of the support member.
  • the single piece construction member comprises at least one stop portion adapted to rest on the at least one inclined plane, the stop system comprising said at least one stop portion.
  • said single piece construction member comprises a base portion adapted to be mechanically coupled to the spring member for allowing the compression force to be applied thereon.
  • the at least one stop portion comprises a plurality of projections projecting from the base portion in the first direction.
  • said at least one stop portion comprises a slope angle corresponding to an inclination angle of the at least one inclined plane of the support member.
  • the single piece construction member comprises a cavity for receiving the rod member, the rod member being movable within the cavity of the single piece construction member.
  • the at least one stop portion when the door is moved from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position, the at least one stop portion is configured to intercept the second rod portion and to frictionally engage it by constraint reaction of the at least one inclined plane on the at least one stop portion in response to the compression force acting on the at least one stop portion.
  • the rod member comprises, between the first and second rod portions, a third rod portion having a slanted profile.
  • the at least one stop portion intercepts the third rod portion.
  • the electric appliance comprises a dishwasher.
  • the partially-opened position comprises a breather position allowing an outflow of steam at the end of a dishwashing cycle to dry tableware arranged inside the treatment chamber.
  • the electric appliance further comprises a locking arrangement configured to selectively take a locking state or an unlocking stare preventing or allowing, respectively, the door to be moved from the fully-closed position, and a pushing arrangement configured to exert, upon switching of the locking arrangement from the locking state to the unlocking state, a push action on the door to move the door towards the fully-opened position.
  • the electric appliance further comprises a locking arrangement configured to selectively take a locking state or an unlocking stare preventing or allowing, respectively, the door to be moved from the fully-closed position, upon switching of the locking arrangement from the locking state to the unlocking state the door being moved towards the partially-opened position substantially as a result of a weight-induced force exerted by the door.
  • the electric appliance further comprises a locking arrangement configured to selectively take a locking state or an unlocking stare preventing or allowing, respectively, the door to be moved from the fully-closed position, upon switching of the locking arrangement from the locking state to the unlocking state the door being allowed to be moved towards the partially-opened position in response to a pulling force exerted by a user on the door.
  • a locking arrangement configured to selectively take a locking state or an unlocking stare preventing or allowing, respectively, the door to be moved from the fully-closed position, upon switching of the locking arrangement from the locking state to the unlocking state the door being allowed to be moved towards the partially-opened position in response to a pulling force exerted by a user on the door.
  • the electric appliance comprises a door hinge for rotationally coupling the door to a base of the electric appliance.
  • the door hinge comprises the bush assembly.
  • the door hinge comprises a support bracket fixed to a frame of the electric appliance, the bush assembly being mounted on the support bracket.
  • the door hinge comprises a rotating bracket for rotationally connecting the door and the support bracket to each other.
  • the door hinge comprises a kinematic mechanism for connecting the rod member and the rotating bracket to each other, so as to allow the rod member to slide within the bush assembly when the door is moved between the fully-closed position and the fully-opened position.
  • the support member is part of the support bracket, the support member being for example formed in a single piece with the support bracket.
  • Figures 1A-1E show a dishwasher in different operative positions, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a door hinge of the dishwasher of Figures 1A-1E, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3A shows a door weight compensation system of the door hinge of Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3B shows an exploded view of a bush assembly of the door weight compensation system of Figure 3A, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3C shows top and sectional views of a support member of the bush assembly of Figure 3B, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3D shows top and sectional views of a cap member of the bush assembly of Figure 3B, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figures 4A-4E show the door weight compensation system of Figure 3A in the operative positions of Figures 1A-1E, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 5 shows a door hinge of the dishwasher of Figures 1A-1E, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6A shows a door weight compensation system of the door hinge of Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6B shows a bush assembly of the door weight compensation system of Figure 6A, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6C shows a support member of the bush assembly of Figure 6B, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figures 7A-7D show the door weight compensation system of Figure 6A in different operative positions, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 1A-1D show an electric appliance, such as a dishwasher, 100 in different operative positions, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • directional terminology such as top, bottom, front, rear, central, side, upper and lower
  • directional terminology is only used for describing the dishwasher (as well as components thereof) according to an intended orientation use thereof; therefore, directional terminology should be under no circumstances construed in absolute terms.
  • the directional terminology is referred to mutually orthogonal reference axis X, Y, and Z.
  • the dishwasher 100 comprises a (e.g., hollow) treatment chamber 105 for performing a treatment on items, such as tableware, arranged or housed therein.
  • tableware comprise, but are not limited to, one or more among dishes, cutlery, glasses, pots and pans.
  • the dishwasher 100 comprises, within the treatment chamber 105, one or more pullout racks (not shown in the figures) for allowing the items to be washed to be tidily arranged or housed within the treatment chamber 105.
  • the dishwasher 100 comprises a base 110 for resting the dishwasher 100 on a support surface (not shown in the figures), e.g. parallel to the plane defined by the X axis and the Z axis (hereinafter, X-Z plane), such as a floor or a support surface of a suitable niche of a piece of furniture wherein the dishwasher 100 can be installed.
  • a support surface e.g. parallel to the plane defined by the X axis and the Z axis (hereinafter, X-Z plane), such as a floor or a support surface of a suitable niche of a piece of furniture wherein the dishwasher 100 can be installed.
  • the dishwasher 100 comprises a (e.g., parallelepiped shaped) body or frame 115.
  • the frame 115 defines (e.g., encloses) the treatment chamber 105.
  • the frame 115 comprises top 115T and bottom 115B walls parallel to the X-Z plane, a rear wall 115R parallel to the plane defined by the X axis and the Y axis (hereinafter, X-Y plane), and two side walls 115SI,115S2 orthogonal to the top 115T, bottom 115B and rear 115R walls (i.e., parallel to the plane defined by the Y axis and the Z axis, hereinafter Y-Z plane).
  • External faces of the side walls 115SI,115S2, i.e. the faces of the side walls 115SI,115S2 that do not face the treatment chamber 105 are usually covered by external side panels (not shown in the figures), typically part of the piece of furniture wherein the dishwasher 100 is installed.
  • the frame 115 defines a front load opening 120.
  • the front load opening 120 is parallel to the X-Y plane, and opposite to the rear wall 115R along the Z axis.
  • the dishwasher 100 comprises a door 125.
  • the door 125 is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation.
  • the door 125 comprises a horizontal axis door (i.e., a door configured to rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation).
  • the axis of rotation of the door 125 is arranged behind a center of gravity of the door 125 in depth- wise direction of the dishwasher 100 (i.e., along the Z axis).
  • the door 125 is movable (e.g., rotatable) between a fully-closed position (shown in Figure 1A) and a fully-opened position (shown in Figure IE) for selectively accessing the treatment chamber 105.
  • the door 125 in the fully-closed position takes a vertical or substantially vertical position with respect to the support surface, the vertical or substantially vertical position being for example orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the X-Z plane (and, hence, orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the support surface). According to an embodiment, in the fully-closed position the door 125 closes the front load opening 120, which prevents a user from accessing the treatment chamber 105.
  • the door 125 in the fully-opened position the door 125 takes a horizontal or substantially horizontal position with respect to the support surface, the horizontal or substantially horizontal position being for example parallel or substantially parallel to the X-Z plane (and, hence, parallel or substantially parallel to the support surface). According to an embodiment, in the fully-opened position the door 125 opens the front load opening 120, which allows a user to access the treatment chamber 105.
  • the dishwasher 100 is configured to keep the door 125 in a partially-opened position (shown in Figure 1C), or more thereof, between the fully-closed and fully-opened positions. According to an embodiment, the dishwasher 100 is configured to keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position in a stable manner, with the partially-opened position that corresponds to an equilibrium position that may be stably taken by the door (theoretically indefinitely) until an external force is exerted by the user.
  • the partially-opened position may comprise a breather position allowing an outflow of steam at the end of a dishwashing cycle to dry the tableware arranged inside the treatment chamber 105.
  • the partially-opened position of the door 125 corresponds to an inclination angle of the door 125.
  • the inclination angle of the door 125 in the partially-opened position may depend on safety requirements (for example, it should be low enough to avoid injuries) and/or on operating requirements (for example, it should be high enough to allow outflow of steam within prescribed times).
  • the inclination angle of the door 125 in the partially-opened position may range from 10° to 30° with respect to the Y axis.
  • the dishwasher 100 is configured to keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position during (manual or autonomous) movement of the door 125 between the fully-closed and fully-opened positions.
  • the dishwasher 100 is configured to stop and keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position during a manual (z.e., with user intervention) movement of the door 125 from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position.
  • the dishwasher 100 upon reaching the partially-opened position, is configured to exert a force opposing to a pulling force exerted by the user while exerting a drop-down movement to open the door 125, which indicates to the user that the desired (equilibrium) partially-opened position (for example, the breather position) has been reached and no user intervention is required any longer.
  • the dishwasher 100 is configured to stop and keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position during an autonomous (z.e., without user intervention) movement of the door 125 from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position.
  • the (manual or autonomous) movement of the door 125 from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position may be allowed or prevented by a locking arrangement (not shown).
  • the locking arrangement may be configured to selectively take a locking state or an unlocking state preventing or allowing, respectively, the door 125 to be moved from the fully-closed position (z.e., with the locking arrangement that, when in the locking state, locks the door 125 in the fully-closed position).
  • the autonomous movement of the door 125 from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position may be allowed by a pushing arrangement (not shown).
  • the pushing arrangement may be configured to exert, upon or after switching of the locking arrangement from the locking state to the unlocking state (e.g., at the end of the dishwashing cycle), a push action on the door 125 to move the door 125 towards the fully-opened position.
  • the locking arrangement and the pushing arrangement may form, or be part of, a door control system.
  • the autonomous movement of the door 125 from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position may be allowed by a weight- induced force exerted by the door 125.
  • the door 125 upon switching of the locking arrangement from the locking state to the unlocking state (e.g., at the end of the dishwashing cycle), the door 125 is moved or “falls” towards the partially- opened position substantially as a result of the weight-induced force exerted by the door 125.
  • a door weight compensation system (discussed here below) is designed and set up in such a manner that, in the unlocking state, the autonomous movement of the door 125 from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position is allowed without additional components.
  • the autonomous movement of the door 125 from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position by the weight-induced force exerted by the door 125 is allowed by arrangement of an axis of rotation of the door 125 behind a centre of gravity of the door 125 in depth- wise direction of the dishwasher 100 (z.e., along the Z axis).
  • the dishwasher 100 comprises a door hinge (partially visible in Figures 1A-1E) for rotationally coupling the door 125 to the base 110, so that the door 125 can rotate with respect to the frame 115 about a horizontal rotation axis (raised from the floor), e.g., parallel to the X axis.
  • the door hinge is labeled by number references 130 and 530 to denote respective embodiments of the door hinge (which will be discussed in the following).
  • the door 125 can be moved from the fully-closed position to the fully-opened position by a drop-down movement, and from the fully- opened position to the fully-closed position by a pull-up movement.
  • the dishwasher 100 may be a fully-integrated dishwasher or a semi-integrated dishwasher.
  • fully integrated dishwasher it is herein meant that, when the door 125 is in the fully-closed position, the dishwasher 100 may be totally indistinguishable from the other pieces of the furniture where it is installed.
  • semi-integrated dishwasher it is herein meant that, when the door 125 is in the fully-closed position, the dishwasher 100 may be partially indistinguishable from the other pieces of the furniture where it is installed.
  • the door 125 upon dishwasher installation, the door 125 may be coupled to a decorative front panel 135 so as to be completely or almost completely covered by it.
  • the decorative front panel 135, which is not part of the dishwasher 100 has same appearance as, or it is at least coordinated with, the other pieces of the furniture, the decorative front panel being for example made of wood.
  • Figure 2 shows the door hinge 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the door hinge 130 comprises a support bracket 205 adapted to be fixed or fastened to the frame 115 of the dishwasher 100.
  • the support bracket 205 may be fixed or fastened to the frame 115 of the dishwasher 100 by means of corresponding screws (not shown).
  • the door hinge 130 comprises a rotating bracket 210 for rotationally connecting the door 125 and the support bracket 205 to each other.
  • the rotating bracket 210 is rotationally connected to the support bracket 205 by means of a fulcrum pin P (only visible in Figures 4B-4E); in this way, the door 125 (connected to the rotating bracket 210) can rotate with respect to the frame 115 (connected to the support bracket 205) about the fulcrum pin P, which then defines a rotation axis of the door 125.
  • the rotating bracket 210 comprises an elongated guide structure 210G, which extends essentially orthogonally relative to the rotation axis of the door 125.
  • the elongated guide structure 210G extends parallel or substantially parallel to the Y axis when the door 125 is in the fully- closed position, and parallel or substantially parallel to the Z axis when the door 125 is in the fully-opened position.
  • the elongated guide structure 210G comprises an elongated access window provided along the rotating bracket 210, e.g. essentially in the middle of the rotating bracket 210.
  • the door hinge 130 comprises a driving mechanism 215.
  • the driving mechanism 215 is arranged to interact both with the support bracket 205 and the rotating bracket 210.
  • the driving mechanism 215 is operated when the rotating bracket 210 is rotating.
  • the driving mechanism 215 is of a lever type.
  • the driving mechanism 215 is analogous to the driving mechanism disclosed in EP2407723 (the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference).
  • the door hinge 130 comprises a sliding system 220 for allowing the decorative front panel 135 (not show in this figure) to slide with respect to the door 125 (not shown in this figure) during door movement (z.e., when the door 125 is moved between the fully-closed and fully-opened positions).
  • the sliding system 220 is configured to slide orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the rotation axis of the door 125. According to an embodiment, the sliding system 220 is configured to slide parallel or substantially parallel to the Y axis when the door 125 is in the fully-closed position, and parallel or substantially parallel to the Z axis when the door 125 is in the fully- opened position.
  • the sliding system 220 comprises a sliding member 220s, which is slidably guided along the elongated guide structure 210G of the rotating bracket 210.
  • the decorative front panel 135 is coupleable to the sliding system 220. According to an embodiment, the decorative front panel 135 is coupleable to the sliding system 220 through a fastening bracket (not shown) mounted on the sliding member 220s.
  • the sliding system 220 comprises a crank mechanism 220c connected between the driving mechanism 215 and the sliding member 220s, so as to convert a rocking movement of the driving mechanism 215 into a translation of the sliding member 220s.
  • This allows achieving the sliding of the sliding member 220s (and of the fastening bracket mounted thereon) along the elongated guide structure 210G, and hence the sliding of the decorative front panel 135 with respect to the door 125.
  • a sliding of the sliding system 220 during door movement causes the decorative front panel 135 to slide with respect to the door 125, thus avoiding interferences of the decorative front panel 135 with any furniture baseboard (not shown).
  • the door hinge 130 comprises a door weight compensation system 225 configured to counter-balance a weight of the door 125 (and of the decorative front panel, when provided) during door movement.
  • the door weight compensation system is configured to damp an opening movement of the door 125 and/or to assist a closing movement of the door 125.
  • the door weight compensation system 225 comprises a bush assembly 225B.
  • the bush assembly 225B is mounted on the support bracket 205.
  • the door weight compensation system 225 comprises a rod member 225R.
  • rod member is herein meant a slender bar, i.e. , a bar or stem mainly developing along a longitudinal development axis AL thereof (hereinafter, concisely, longitudinal axis AL).
  • the longitudinal axis A of the rod member 225R is parallel to the Y axis.
  • the rod member 225R is configured to slide within the bush assembly 225B.
  • the coupling mechanism 230 couples the rod member 225R and the driving mechanism 215 to each other, so as to allow the rod member 225R to slide within the bush assembly 225B when the door 125 is moved between the fully-closed position and the fully- opened position.
  • the rod member 225R is configured (or it is constrained) to slide within the bush assembly 225B in directions corresponding to the longitudinal axis AL of the rod member 225R, when the door is moved between the fully-closed position and the fully-opened position.
  • the rod member 225R in use (z.e., when the door weight compensation system 225 is mounted on the support bracket 205), the rod member 225R is configured (or it is constrained) to slide within the bush assembly 225B in a first direction (or downward direction) DD when the door 125 is moved towards the fully-opened position, and in a second direction (or upward direction) Du when the door 125 is moved towards the fully-closed position.
  • the door weight compensation system 225 comprises a spring member 225s.
  • the spring member 225s is provided around the rod member 225R (z.e., with the rod member 225R, or a relevant part thereof, that is placed inside the spring member 225s).
  • the spring member 225s is coupled to the bush assembly 225B. According to an embodiment, as better discussed in the following, when the door 125 is moved towards the fully-opened position, a compression of the spring member 225s takes place and a corresponding compression force is applied by the spring member 225s on the bush assembly 225B in the downward direction DD.
  • the spring member 225s may be coupled (e.g., fixed or fastened or engaged) to the bush assembly 225B, the spring member 225s being for example coupled to a cap member of the bush assembly 225B (discussed in the following).
  • the door hinge 130 comprises a coupling mechanism 230 for coupling the door weight compensation system 225 (particularly, the rod member 225R) and the driving mechanism 215 to each other.
  • the coupling mechanism 230 is analogous to the coupling mechanism disclosed in EP2407723 (the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference).
  • the coupling mechanism 230 comprises one or more rail structures formed in the support bracket 205.
  • the coupling mechanism 230 comprises two rail structures 230R formed at opposite sides of the support bracket 205.
  • the rail structures 230R extend essentially orthogonally to the rotation axis of the door 125 (the rail structures 230R extending substantially vertically, along the Y axis, when the door hinge 130 is mounted in the dishwasher 100).
  • the coupling mechanism 230 comprises a friction device for braking the door movement.
  • the friction device comprises a friction lever 230FL.
  • the friction lever 230FL is provided (e.g., at an upper region thereof) with a hook configured to engage the rod member (e.g., a lower end thereof) of the door weight compensation system 225.
  • the friction device comprises one or more friction blocks.
  • the friction device comprises two friction blocks 230FB formed at opposite sides of the friction device.
  • each friction block 230FB is slidably guided along a corresponding rail structure 230R, so as to generate a friction (between each friction block 230FB and the corresponding rail structure 230R) that is variable according to a torque induced by the weight of the door 125 (and its decorative front panel, when provided) during the door movement.
  • the friction lever 230FL is rotationally coupled to the friction blocks 230FB.
  • the coupling mechanism 230 comprises a coupling rod 230D.
  • the coupling rod 230D is rotationally coupled, e.g., at an upper end thereof, to the friction lever 230FL, and is rotationally coupled, e.g., at a lower end thereof, to the driving mechanism 215.
  • the rocking movement of the driving mechanism 215 causes the rod member 225R to slide within the bush assembly 225B in the downward DD and upward Du directions.
  • the coupling mechanism 230 when the door 125 is moved towards the fully- opened position the coupling mechanism 230 causes the rod member 225R to slide within the bush assembly 225B in the downward direction DD (and, hence, the compression of the spring member 225s in the downward direction DD), and when the door 125 is moved towards the fully-closed position the coupling mechanism 230 causes the rod member 225R to slide within the bush assembly 225B in the upward direction Du.
  • the coupling mechanism 230 and the driving mechanism 215 act, as a whole, as a kinematic mechanism for connecting the rod member 225R and the rotating bracket to each other, so as to allow the rod member 225R to slide within the bush assembly 225 when the door 125 is moved between the fully-closed position and the fully-opened position.
  • the coupling rod 230D is rotationally coupled to the friction lever 230FL by means of a coupling pin 230FP fitted into a slot of the friction lever 230FL.
  • the coupling pin 230FP and the slot of the friction lever 230FL are shaped and/or sized such that, when the coupling pin 230FP is fitted into the slot of the friction lever 230FL, a mechanical play arises therebetween.
  • FIG. 3A shows the door weight compensation system 225 (left drawing) and a partially exploded view thereof (right drawing), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the rod member 225R comprises a lower rod portion 305 and an upper rod portion 310.
  • directional terminology “upper” and “lower” relates to the intended orientation use of the rod member 225R (which corresponds to the orientation of the rod member 225R illustrated in Figure 3A), and should be under no circumstances construed in absolute terms.
  • the lower rod portion 305 is configured to be coupled to the driving mechanism 215 (e.g., by means of the coupling mechanism 230), so as to allow the sliding of the rod member 225R within the bush assembly 225B in the downward DD and upward Du directions according to door movement.
  • the lower rod portion 305 is configured to be coupled to the driving mechanism 215 (e.g., by means of the coupling mechanism 230), in correspondence of a free end of the lower rod portion 305.
  • the upper rod portion 310 is enlarged (or generally enlarged) with respect to the lower rod portion 305 along a transversal axis AT of the rod member 225R orthogonal to the longitudinal axis AL of the rod member 225R.
  • the upper rod portion 310 comprises, e.g. at a free end thereof, a retaining element 310T configured to retain the spring member 225s around the rod member 225R during sliding of the rod member 225R in the downward DD and upward Du directions.
  • the retaining element 310T is configured to retain the spring member 225s at an upper end thereof.
  • the retaining element 310T also allows compression of the spring member 225s during sliding of the rod member 225R in the downward direction DD (z.e., when the door is moved towards the fully - opened position).
  • the rod member 225R comprises a rod portion 315 between the lower rod portion 305 and the upper rod portion 310 (hereinafter, junction rod portion).
  • the junction rod portion 315 is configured to intercept a stop system of the bush assembly 225B, whereby in response to a stop force acting on the junction rod portion 315 by the stop system, the door 125 is kept in the partially-opened position.
  • the junction rod portion 315 is enlarged with respect to the lower rod portion 305 along the transversal axis AT.
  • the junction rod portion 315 has a slanted profile.
  • the slanted profile of the junction rod portion enlarges (e.g., progressively enlarges) from the lower rod portion 305 to the upper rod portion 310.
  • the slanted profile of the junction rod portion 315 has or defines an inclination angle corresponding to the inclination angle of the door 125 in the partially-opened position: indeed, as better discussed in the following, the stop system of the bush assembly 225B intercepts the junction rod portion 315 at a point or region of the junction rod portion 315 that, for a given weight of the door 125 and for a given calibration of the friction device and/or of the spring member 225s, depends on the inclination angle of the junction rod portion 315.
  • the rod member 225R comprises a bottleneck or narrowing 320.
  • the narrowing 320 of the rod member 225R may allow facilitating the movement of the door 125 towards the fully- opened position.
  • FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of the bush assembly 225B according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the bush assembly 225B comprises a stop system 325.
  • the stop system 325 is configured to slidably receive the rod member 225R within it when the door is moved between the fully-closed and fully-opened positions, and to keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position when, during the sliding of the rod member 225R while the door 125 is being moved from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position, the stop system 325 intercepts a predefined portion of the rod member 225R (e.g., the junction rod portion 315).
  • the stop system 325 is configured to intercept the lower rod portion 305 when the door is in the fully-closed position, and, during sliding of the rod member 225R due to the door 125 being moved towards the fully-opened position, to intercept the junction rod portion 315 and to engage it in response to the compression force acting on the bush assembly, thereby preventing the further sliding of the rod member 225R and keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position.
  • the door 125 is kept in the partially-opened position under the action of a stop force exerted by the stop system 325 on the junction rod portion 315 (e.g., on a point or region thereof).
  • the stop system 325 in response to the compression force acting on the bush assembly 225B as a result of the sliding of the rod member 225R in the downward direction DD and in response to the interception of the junction rod portion 315 by the stop system 325, the stop system 325 is configured to engage the junction rod portion 315 (e.g., at a point or region thereof) so as to stop or prevent the sliding (z.e., the further sliding) of the rod member 225R and keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position (as better discussed in the following).
  • the stop system 325 may be configured to engage the junction rod portion 315 at any region thereof (e.g., at an intermediate region thereof, as visible in the following figures).
  • the bush assembly 225B comprises a support member 330.
  • Top and sectional views of the support member 330 according to an embodiment of the present invention are also illustrated in Figure 3C.
  • the support member 330 is configured to couple the bush assembly 225B to the support bracket 205.
  • the support member 330 comprises a through hole 330H adapted to allow passage of the rod member 225R through the support member 330.
  • the through hole 330H is provided essentially centrally to the support member 330.
  • the support member 330 is configured to support the stop system 325.
  • the support member 330 comprises one or more inclined planes.
  • the inclined planes delimit, from below, a seat of the bush assembly 225B.
  • the seat of the bush assembly 225B is configured to house or receive the stop system 325 therein.
  • the stop system 325 is movable within the seat.
  • the stop system 325 is slideable on the inclined plane(s).
  • the stop system 325 comprises one or more stop members each one slidable on a respective inclined plane.
  • the support member 330 comprises a plurality of (z.e., two or more) inclined planes, and the stop system 325 comprises a plurality of (z.e., two or more) stop members each one slidable on a respective inclined plane.
  • the support member 330 comprises two inclined planes 330n,330i2
  • the stop system 325 comprises two stop members 325TI,325T2 each one slidable on a respective inclined plane 330n,330i2.
  • the inclined planes such as the inclined planes 330n,330i2 have a same inclination angle and are convergent with respect to the through hole 330H, and hence with respect to the rod member 225R passing therethrough.
  • the stop members 325TI,325T2 are allowed to slide on the respective inclined planes 330n,330i2 in a direction approaching the rod member 225R (hereinafter, inward direction), or in a direction away from the rod member 225R (hereinafter, outward direction).
  • the stop members such as the stop members 325TI,325T2 in absence of the compression force acting on the bush assembly 225B, may slide on the respective inclined planes by gravity down to the rod member 225R (z.e., in the inward direction) and exert, from or in response to the compression force acting on the bush assembly 225B, a stop force on the rod member 225R which prevents or stops the (further) sliding of the rod member 225R through the bush assembly 225B: this prevents further door movement (and hence allows keeping the door 125 in the partially-opened position) in absence of an external force overcoming the stop force (for example, an external force exerted or applied by a user).
  • each stop member 325TI,325T2 comprises a wedge-shaped stop member 325TI,325T2.
  • each wedge-shaped stop member 325TI,325T2 comprises a slope angle a corresponding to or matching the inclination angle of the inclined planes 330n,330i2.
  • the slope angle a of the wedge-shaped stop member is the non-right angle opposed to the opening angle of the wedge-shaped stop member (z.e., the angle identified by the apex of the wedge-shaped stop member).
  • each wedge-shaped stop member 325TI,325T2 comprises a contact region adapted, in use, to be in contact with the spring member 225s or with a cap member (as better discussed here below).
  • the contact region of each wedge-shaped stop member 325TI,325T2 corresponds to a wedge base of the wedge-shaped stop member 325TI,325T2.
  • the bush assembly 225B comprises a cap member 335.
  • the cap member is adapted to be mounted on the support member 330.
  • the cap member 335 delimits the seat of the bush assembly 225B from above. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the cap member 335 and the inclined planes 330n,330i2 delimit the seat of the bush assembly 225B (as mentioned above, the stop system being movable within the seat of the bush assembly 225B).
  • the cap member 335 comprises a through hole 335H adapted to allow passage of the rod member 225R through the cap member 335.
  • the through hole 335H of the cap member 335 is aligned (along the Y axis) to the through hole 330H of the support member 330, the through hole 335H of the cap member 335 being for example provided essentially centrally to the cap member 335.
  • the through hole 335H of the cap member 335 and the through hole 330H of the support member 330 allow passage of the rod member 225R through the bush assembly 225B.
  • the cap member 335 comprises, e.g. at an upper part thereof, a housing 335s for receiving a lower end of the spring member 225s.
  • the spring member 225s (z.e., the lower end thereof) is mechanically coupled (e.g., fixed, for example by gluing) to the housing 335s of the cap member 335.
  • the housing 335s of the cap member 335 comprises an annular housing around the through hole 335H of the cap member 335.
  • the cap member 335 comprises, e.g., at a lower part thereof, a contact region 335c adapted to mechanically couple or contact the stop system 325 (/'. ⁇ ?., a contact region thereof) when the cap member 335 is coupled to the support member 330.
  • the contact region 335c of the cap member 335 comprises an annular contact region around the through hole 335H of the cap member 335.
  • the contact region 335c of the cap member 335 has a profile corresponding to or matching the profile of the contact region of the stop system 325.
  • the contact region of the stop system 325 comprises the wedge bases of the wedge-shaped stop members 325TI,325T2
  • the contact region 335c of the cap member 335 has a flat or substantially flat profile.
  • the compression force acting on the cap member 335 may be uniformly transmitted or distributed on the stop system 325. Moreover, thanks to the matching profiles of the contact region 335c of the cap member 335 and of the contact region of the stop system 325, the compression force acting on the cap member 335 may be efficiently transmitted or distributed on the stop system 325.
  • the cap member 335 when the cap member 335 is coupled to the support member 330 (with the contact region 335c of the cap member 335 in contact with the contact region of the stop system 325), the cap member 335 is movable in the downward direction DD in response to the compression force acting thereon (and in the upward direction Du when no compression force acts thereon).
  • the cap member 335 comprises one or more coupling regions for slidably coupling the cap member 335 to the support member 330.
  • the cap member 335 comprises two coupling regions 335GI,335G2 for slidably coupling the cap member 335 to the support member 330.
  • the coupling regions 335GI,335G2 of the cap member 335 are provided at opposite sides of the cap member 335.
  • the coupling regions 335GI,335G2 of the cap member 335 comprise downwardly projecting guides adapted to slidably receive corresponding side coupling edges 330EI,330E2 of the support member 330.
  • the door hinge 130 is in the configuration illustrated in Figure 4A.
  • no compression force of the spring member 225s acts on the bush assembly 225B, and the stop members 325TI,325T2 slide on the respective inclined planes 330n,330i2 by gravity down to the rod member 225R (particularly, down to the lower rod portion 305).
  • the stop members 325TI,325T2 abut the lower rod portion 305 (e.g., at opposite sides thereof).
  • the stop members 325TI,325T2 abut the lower rod portion 305 at a base or narrowest region thereof.
  • a manual movement of the door 125 from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position is induced (e.g., as a result of a pulling force exerted by the user, as discussed above), or an autonomous movement of the door 125 from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position is induced (e.g., as a result of an unlocking state of a locking arrangement and/or by a pushing arrangement, as discussed above).
  • the rocking movement of the driving mechanism 215 is also converted into a translation of the coupling rod 230D: due to the mechanical play between the coupling pin 230FP and the slot of the friction lever 230FL, the translation of the coupling rod 230D does not result in (/'. ⁇ ?., it does not enable) the sliding of the rod member 225R in the downward direction DD and the friction action of the friction device (so that, at least in this initial phase, no braking to the door movement takes place, and hence the door movement may be correctly initiated without any braking and/or return force acting on the door).
  • door movement from rotation angle 0 ( Figure 4A) to rotation angle yi ( Figure 4B) corresponds to an extent of the door movement (from the fully-closed position) during which no intervention of the friction device and of the door weight compensation system 225 takes place, and the system is idle.
  • the rotation angle yi may be equal to 10°.
  • intervention of the door weight compensation system 225 causes the door 125 to be kept in the partially- opened position (e.g., rotated by rotation angle 72, higher than rotation angle 77), and the door hinge 130 is in the configuration illustrated in Figure 4C.
  • the rotating bracket 210 is rotated by rotation angle 72, and a corresponding rocking movement is induced in the driving mechanism 215.
  • the rocking movement of the driving mechanism 215 is converted into a translation of the sliding member 220s, and into a translation of the coupling rod 230D.
  • the translation of the coupling rod 230D results in (z.e., it enables) the sliding of the rod member 225R in the downward direction DD.
  • the sliding of the rod member 225R in the downward direction DD causes the junction rod portion 315 to slide between the stop members 325TI,325T2; due to the enlargement of the junction rod portion 315, the sliding of the rod member 225R in the downward direction DD causes the stop members 325TI,325T2 to slide on the respective inclined planes 330n,330i2 in the outward direction. Meanwhile, the sliding of the rod member 225R in the downward direction DD causes the spring member 225s to compress, and hence to exert a compression force (along the downward direction DD) on the bush assembly 225B, particularly on the cap member 335 and on the stop members 325TI,325T2.
  • the stop force (exerted by the stop members 325TI,325T2) acting on the rod member 225R (particularly, on the junction rod portion 315).
  • the stop force causes the stop members 325TI,325T2 to press on the rod member 225R (particularly, on the junction rod portion 315).
  • the stop force has a component orthogonal to the compression force.
  • the stop force acts orthogonally or essentially orthogonally to the junction rod portion 315.
  • the stop members 325TI,325T2 are configured to engage the junction rod portion 315 by constraint reaction of the inclined planes 330n,330i2 on the stop members 325TI,325T2 in response to the compression force acting thereon.
  • the equilibrium condition is achieved when the stop members 325TI,325T2 are at a central or substantially central or intermediate point or region of the junction rod portion 315.
  • the point or region of the junction rod portion 315 that intercepts the stop members 325TI,325T2 in the equilibrium condition may depend on one or more among calibration of the friction device and/or of the spring member 225s, inclination angle of the junction rod portion 315, and weight of the door 125.
  • calibration of the friction device and/or of the spring member 225s, and inclination angle of the junction rod portion 315 are designed such that the partially-opened position of the door may be achieved for a wide range of door weights (so that, for the same calibration of the friction device and/or of the spring member 225s, and for the same inclination angle of the junction rod portion 315, different door weights result in different points or regions of the junction rod portion 315 that intercept the stop members 325TI,325T2 in the equilibrium condition).
  • the rod member 225R keeps on sliding (between the stop members 325TI,325T2) in the downward direction DD, until the door 125 reaches the fully-opened configuration.
  • the door 125 is rotated by rotation angle 90°, and the door hinge 130 is in the configuration illustrated in Figure 4E.
  • the rod member 225R comprises a bottleneck or narrowing 320 for facilitating the movement of the door 125 towards the fully-opened position
  • the stop members are located in correspondence of the bottleneck or narrowing 320 of the rod member 225R.
  • Figure 5 shows the door hinge 530 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the door hinge 530 is analogous to the door hinge 130, reason why same elements discussed in connection with the door hinge 130 are denoted by same references in the door hinge 530 and their explanation will not be repeated for the sake of conciseness.
  • the door hinge 530 comprises a door weight compensation system 525 configured to counter-balance the weight of the door 125 (and of the decorative front panel, when provided) during door movement.
  • the door weight compensation system 525 comprises a bush assembly 525B.
  • the bush assembly 525B is mounted on the support bracket 205.
  • the door weight compensation system 525 comprises a rod member 525R.
  • the rod member 525R is configured to slide within the bush assembly 525B.
  • the coupling mechanism 230 couples the rod member 525R and the driving mechanism 215 to each other, so as to allow the rod member 525R to slide within the bush assembly 525B when the door 125 is moved between the fully-closed position and the fully- opened position.
  • the rod member 525R when the door is moved between the fully-closed position and the fully-opened position, the rod member 525R is configured (or it is constrained) to slide within the bush assembly 525B in directions corresponding to the longitudinal axis AL of the rod member 525R, e.g. in the downward direction DD when the door 125 is moved towards the fully- opened position and in the upward direction Du when the door 125 is moved towards the fully-closed position.
  • the door weight compensation system 525 comprises a spring member.
  • the door weight compensation system 525 comprises the spring member 225s.
  • the spring member 225s is provided around the rod member 525R with the rod member 525R, or a relevant part thereof, that is placed inside the spring member 225s).
  • the spring member 225s is coupled to the bush assembly 525B. According to an embodiment, as discussed above, when the door 125 is moved towards the fully-opened position, a compression of the spring member 225s takes place and a corresponding compression force is applied by the spring member 225s on the bush assembly 525B in the downward direction DD.
  • FIG. 6A shows the door weight compensation system 525 (left drawing) and a partially exploded view thereof (right drawing), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the rod member 525R comprises a lower rod portion 605 and an upper rod portion 610.
  • directional terminology “upper” and “lower” relates to the intended orientation use of the rod member 525R (which corresponds to the orientation of the rod member 525R illustrated in Figure 6A), and should be under no circumstances construed in absolute terms.
  • the lower rod portion 605 is configured to be coupled to the driving mechanism 215 (e.g., by means of the coupling mechanism 230), so as to allow the sliding of the rod member 525R within the bush assembly 525B in the downward DD and upward Du directions according to door movement.
  • the lower rod portion 605 is configured to be coupled to the driving mechanism 215 (e.g., by means of the coupling mechanism 230), in correspondence of a free end of the lower rod portion 605.
  • the upper rod portion 610 is enlarged (or generally enlarged) with respect to the lower rod portion 605 along the transversal axis AT.
  • the upper rod portion 610 comprises, e.g., at a free end thereof, a retaining element 610T configured to retain the spring member 225s around the rod member 525R during sliding of the rod member 525R in the downward DD and upward Du directions.
  • the retaining element 610T is configured to retain the spring member 225s at an upper end thereof.
  • the retaining element 610T also allows compression of the spring member 225s during sliding of the rod member 525R in the downward direction DD (z.e., when the door is moved towards the fully-opened position).
  • the rod member 525R comprises a junction rod portion 615 between the lower rod portion 605 and the upper rod portion 610.
  • the junction rod portion 615 is configured to intercept a stop system of the bush assembly 525B (discussed in the following) when the door is in the fully-closed position.
  • the junction rod portion 615 is enlarged with respect to the lower rod portion 605 along the transversal axis AT.
  • the junction rod portion 615 has a slanted profile.
  • the slanted profile of the junction rod portion enlarges (e.g., progressively enlarges) from the lower rod portion 605 to the upper rod portion 610.
  • the bush assembly 525B comprises a body member 625 (visible in Figure 6B) and a support member 630 (visible in Figure 6C) for supporting it.
  • FIG. 6B shows a side view (top drawing), a perspective side view (middle drawing), and a perspective view from below (bottom drawing) of the body member 625, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the body member 625 comprises a generally frustoconical member 625.
  • the generally frustoconical member 625 comprises a base portion 625p adapted to be mechanically coupled to the spring member 225s for allowing the compression force to be applied thereon.
  • the spring member 225s (z.e., the lower end thereof) is mechanically coupled (e.g., fixed, for example by gluing) to the base portion 625p of the generally frustoconical member 625.
  • the generally frustoconical member 625 comprises a stop system.
  • the stop system is configured to keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position during movement of the door 125 between the fully-closed and fully-opened positions.
  • the door 125 is kept in the partially-opened position under the action of a stop force exerted by the stop system on the upper rod portion 610 (e.g., on a point or region thereof).
  • the stop system in response to the compression force acting on the bush assembly 525B as a result of the sliding of the rod member 525R in the downward direction DD, the stop system is configured to engage the upper rod portion 610 (e.g. , at a point or region thereof) so as to stop or prevent the (further) sliding of the rod member 525R and keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position (as better discussed in the following).
  • the stop system may be configured to engage the upper rod portion 610 at any region thereof (e.g., at a region thereof which is close, or relatively close, to the junction rod portion 615).
  • the generally frustoconical member 625 is configured to slidably receive the rod member 525R within it when the door is moved between the fully-closed and fully-opened positions, and to keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position when, during the sliding of the rod member 525R while the door 125 is being moved from the fully-closed position towards the fully-opened position, the generally frustoconical member 625 intercepts a predefined portion of the rod member 525R (e.g., the upper rod portion 610).
  • the generally frustoconical member 625 is configured to intercept the junction rod portion 615 when the door is in the fully-closed position, and, during sliding of the rod member 525R due to the door 125 being moved towards the fully- opened position, to intercept the upper rod portion 610 and to engage it in response to the compression force acting on the bush assembly, thereby preventing the further sliding of the rod member 525R and keep the door 125 in the partially-opened position.
  • the stop system of the generally frustoconical member 625 comprises one or more stop portions.
  • the stop system of the generally frustoconical member 625 comprises two stop portions 625TI,625T2.
  • each stop portion 625TI,625T2 projects from the base portion 625p in the downward direction DD (hence, each stop portion 625TI,625T2 downwardly projecting from the base portion 625p along the Y axis).
  • stop portions 625TI,625T2 are adapted to be housed in the support member 630 by resting on one or more inclined planes thereof.
  • the generally frustoconical member 625 comprises a hollow 625H for receiving the rod member 525R, the rod member 525R being movable within the hollow 625H of the generally frustoconical member 625.
  • the hollow 625H of the generally frustoconical member 625 is delimited, or is substantially delimited, by the stop portions 625TI,625T2.
  • FIG. 6C shows a side view (left drawing), and a perspective view (right drawing) of the support member 630, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the support member 630 is configured to couple the bush assembly 525B to the support bracket 205.
  • the support member 630 is mechanically coupled (e.g., fixed, for example by gluing or screwing) to the support bracket 205.
  • the support member 630 is made in a single piece with the support bracket 205.
  • the support member 630 has a generally parallelepiped shape.
  • the support member 630 comprises a hollow 630H adapted to allow passage of the rod member 525R through the support member 630.
  • the hollow 630H is provided essentially centrally to the support member 630.
  • the support member 630 comprises one or more inclined planes.
  • the support member 630 comprises a plurality of (z.e., two or more) inclined planes.
  • the support member 630 comprises two inclined planes 630n,630i2.
  • the inclined planes 630n,630i2 delimit the hollow 630H of the bush assembly 525B.
  • the inclined planes 630n,630i2 delimit (e.g., laterally) a seat of the bush assembly 525B.
  • the seat of the bush assembly 525B is configured to house or receive the stop portions 625TI,625T2 therein.
  • each stop portion 625TI,625T2 is adapted to be housed in the support member 630 by resting on the inclined planes 630n,630i2, respectively.
  • each stop portion 625TI,625T2 (or, at least a face thereof that, in use, faces the respective inclined plane) comprises a slope angle corresponding to an inclination angle of the respective inclined plane 630n,630i2.
  • each stop portion 625TI,625T2 corresponds to or matches the inclination angle of the respective inclined plane 630n,630i2
  • the sloping side of each stop portion 625TI,625T2 has the same profile as the respective inclined plane 630n,630i2: this makes the housing or fitting of each stop portion 625TI,625T2 on the respective inclined plane 630n,630i2 highly efficiency.
  • the stop portions 625TI,625T2 allow the rod member 525R to slide through the hollow 625H (of the generally frustoconical member 625) delimited, or substantially delimited, by the stop portions 625TI,625T2.
  • the stop portions 625TI,625T2 exert a stop force on the rod member 525R (particularly, on the upper rod portion 610) which prevents or stops the (further) sliding of the rod member 525R through the bush assembly 225B: this prevents further door movement (and hence allows keeping the door 125 in the partially-opened position) in absence of an external force overcoming the stop force (for example, an external force exerted or applied by a user).
  • the door hinge 530 When the door 125 is in the fully-closed position ( Figure 1A), the door hinge 530 is in the configuration illustrated in Figure 7A. In this configuration, no compression force of the spring member 225s acts on the bush assembly 525B. In this configuration, the stop portions 625TI,625T2 intercept and abut (or mainly abut) the junction rod portion 615 (e.g., at opposite sides thereof).
  • the door 125 in an initial phase of the door movement (not shown), the door 125 is rotated by rotation angle yi, and the door hinge 530 is in a configuration (not illustrated) in which the rocking movement of the driving mechanism 215 is converted into a translation of the sliding member 220s and of the coupling rod 230D: due to the mechanical play between the coupling pin 230FP and the slot of the friction lever 230FL, the translation of the coupling rod 230D does not result in (z.e., it does not enable) the sliding of the rod member 525R in the downward direction DD and the friction action of the friction device (so that, at least in this initial phase, no braking to the door movement takes place, and hence the door movement may be correctly initiated without any braking and/or return force acting on the door).
  • intervention of the door weight compensation system 525 causes the door 125 to be kept in the partially- opened position (e.g., rotated by rotation angle 72, higher than rotation angle 77), and the door hinge 530 is in the configuration illustrated in Figure 7B.
  • the rotating bracket 210 is rotated by rotation angle 72, and a corresponding rocking movement is induced in the driving mechanism 215.
  • the rocking movement of the driving mechanism 215 is converted into a translation of the sliding member 220s, and into a translation of the coupling rod 230D.
  • the translation of the coupling rod 230D results in (z.e., it enables) the sliding of the rod member 525R in the downward direction DD.
  • the sliding of the rod member 525R in the downward direction DD causes the junction rod portion 615 to slide between the stop portions 625TI,625T2; due to the enlargement of the junction rod portion 615, the sliding of the rod member 525R in the downward direction DD causes the stop portion 625TI,625T2 to frictionally engage the rod member 525R.
  • the sliding of the rod member 525R in the downward direction DD causes the spring member 225s to compress, and hence to exert a compression force (along the downward direction DD) on the bush assembly 525B.
  • a stop force exerted by the stop portions 625TI,625T2 acting on the rod member 525R.
  • the stop force causes the stop portions 625TI,625T2 to press on the rod member 525R.
  • the stop force has a component orthogonal to the compression force.
  • the stop portions 625TI,625T2 are configured to intercept the upper rod portion 610 and to frictionally engage it by constraint reaction of the inclined planes 630n,630i2 on the stop portions 625TI,625T2 in response to the compression force acting on the stop portions 625TI,625T2.
  • the equilibrium condition is achieved when the stop portions 625TI,625T2 are at a lower region of the upper rod portion 610 (e.g. , just above the junction rod portion 615).
  • the point or region of the upper rod portion 610 that intercepts or is intercepted by the stop portions 625TI,625T2 in the equilibrium condition may depend on one or more among calibration of the friction device and/or of the spring member 225s, inclination angle of the junction rod portion 615, sloping angle stop portions 625TI,625T2, size of the hollow 625H, and weight of the door 125.
  • the rod member 525R keeps on sliding (with friction) in the downward direction DD between the stop portions 625TI,625T2, until the door 125 reaches the fully-opened configuration.
  • the door 125 is rotated by rotation angle 90°, and the door hinge 530 is in the configuration illustrated in Figure 7D.

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  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil électrique (100). L'appareil électrique (100) comprend : un compartiment de traitement (105) pour effectuer un traitement sur les articles qu'il contient ; une porte à axe horizontal (125) mobile entre une position complètement fermée et une position complètement ouverte pour accéder sélectivement au compartiment de traitement ; un ensemble douille (225B ; 525B) ; un élément de tige (225R ; 525R) configuré pour glisser à l'intérieur de l'ensemble douille dans une première direction correspondant à un axe à développement longitudinal de l'élément de tige, lorsque la porte est déplacée vers la position complètement ouverte, l'élément de tige comprenant une première partie de tige (305 ; 605) et une seconde partie de tige (315 ; 610) élargie par rapport à la première partie de tige le long d'une seconde direction orthogonale à la première direction, et un élément de ressort (225s) placé autour de l'élément de tige et accouplé à l'ensemble douille, lorsque la porte est déplacée vers la position complètement ouverte, une compression de l'élément de ressort étant provoquée et une force de compression correspondante étant appliquée par l'élément de ressort sur l'ensemble douille dans la première direction, l'ensemble douille comprenant un système de butée (325 ; 625TI,625T2) configuré pour recevoir de manière coulissante l'élément de tige et pour intercepter la première partie de tige lorsque la porte se trouve en position complètement fermée, pendant le glissement de l'élément de tige dû au déplacement de la porte vers la position complètement ouverte, le système de butée étant configuré pour intercepter la seconde partie de tige et pour la mettre en prise en réponse à la force de compression agissant sur l'ensemble douille, empêchant ainsi la poursuite du glissement de l'élément de tige et maintenant la porte dans une position partiellement ouverte entre la position complètement fermée et la position complètement ouverte.
PCT/EP2022/081301 2022-11-09 2022-11-09 Appareil électrique avec ensemble douille WO2024099555A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2022/081301 WO2024099555A1 (fr) 2022-11-09 2022-11-09 Appareil électrique avec ensemble douille

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2022/081301 WO2024099555A1 (fr) 2022-11-09 2022-11-09 Appareil électrique avec ensemble douille

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024099555A1 true WO2024099555A1 (fr) 2024-05-16

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2022/081301 WO2024099555A1 (fr) 2022-11-09 2022-11-09 Appareil électrique avec ensemble douille

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WO (1) WO2024099555A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2407723A1 (fr) 2010-07-14 2012-01-18 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Charnière coulissante pour un appareil domestique
WO2013171261A1 (fr) * 2012-05-17 2013-11-21 C.M.I. Cerniere Meccaniche Industriali S.R.L. Dispositif de charnière équilibré à frein programmable
US20220186537A1 (en) * 2020-12-16 2022-06-16 Nuova Star S.P.A. Hinge for doors
CN114704171A (zh) * 2022-04-09 2022-07-05 江苏星徽精密科技有限公司 一种铰链用的摩擦保持机构

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2407723A1 (fr) 2010-07-14 2012-01-18 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Charnière coulissante pour un appareil domestique
WO2013171261A1 (fr) * 2012-05-17 2013-11-21 C.M.I. Cerniere Meccaniche Industriali S.R.L. Dispositif de charnière équilibré à frein programmable
US20220186537A1 (en) * 2020-12-16 2022-06-16 Nuova Star S.P.A. Hinge for doors
CN114704171A (zh) * 2022-04-09 2022-07-05 江苏星徽精密科技有限公司 一种铰链用的摩擦保持机构

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