EP1338741A2 - Hinge connection and container with such a hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

The hinge assembly is for the swing link between two units (1;2,3) and especially a housing flap (2,3) of a butter compartment (1). The facing plate sections (6,7) of the units are aligned together by a lateral swing axis through them. A keyed body (12) with an elastic section is in the gap between the plate sections and the compartment (1), which is distorted on a swing action.

Description

The present invention relates to a hinge connection and one with such Connection between the housing and flap equipped container, in particular a Butter compartment for a household refrigerator or other cooling device.

With the refrigerators currently in use, the flap of the butter compartment is loose pivotally connected to the associated housing so that when in open Position is released, falls spontaneously and produces a clattering sound. The same noise occurs when the refrigerator door to which the butter drawer is mounted is struck. This noise is perceived as disturbing.

The fact that the flap closes immediately when you release it is also annoying if several objects are to be loaded one after the other into the butter compartment and the Flap must be opened again each time. If a user in both Hands holding objects to be loaded into the compartment, it is difficult for him to open the hatch. It is therefore desirable to construct a butter compartment like this can that the flap can remain open if necessary or in one partially open state is stable, in which it is not a user even with full hands it is difficult to open the compartment completely and load objects into it.

DE 43 04 483 discloses a hinge connection and a butter compartment equipped with it known for a refrigerator, in the case and flap via a flexibly deformable Bodies are interconnected. This known body is intended to a flexible deflection of parts of the hinge connection and thus damage to avoid if the flap of the container on which the hinge connection is inserted is moved beyond its intended swivel range. A Damping the free movement of the flap or fixing the flap in others Positions as the closed using the flexible body is not provided.

The object of the present invention is to provide a hinge connection which a minimum of parts a braking of the closing movement and thus one Noise reduction when the flap closes and / or at least partially remains open the released flap allows.

The object is achieved by a hinge connection with the features of the claim 1. By the amount of deformation as a function of the pivot position of the two components is chosen suitably to each other, can in principle any braking or also cause an acceleration effect on the closing movement. Deformation minima can correspondingly desired stable intermediate positions of the swivel movement be arranged.

The second component preferably has a pin which engages in the gap in which the flexible body is arranged, and the one elastic deformable part of the Body deformed in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the pivoting movement. This makes it possible to keep the gap narrow and unobtrusive and still Realize deformation movements with a large amplitude.

The body is preferably substantially plate-shaped with a plate thickness that the Corresponds to the width of the gap. This prevents the body from being deformed by the Diverts in the axial direction.

In order to improve the deformability of the elastic body, it is preferably in provide a recess in its section to be deformed. Another Improvement of the deformability can be achieved if the clearance is open to the edge is.

Preferably, the elastic deformable portion of the body is one with respect to one Plane containing pivot axis symmetrical. This allows at least two elastically deformable parts in the form of resilient tongues of the same type in mirror-symmetrical Install configurations in at least two places on the swivel axis.

The first component of the hinge connection and the body preferably each have at least one connector element, the two connector elements have complementary non-circular cross-section. By joining together this connector is a non-rotatable connection between the body and created the first component and thus prevents the body from one The second component swivels without being deformed.

Such a non-rotatable connection can also be created in that the first Component and the body each have at least two complementary connector elements in pairs exhibit.

A bearing journal that is in engagement with the second component and thus the location of the Defines pivot axis is preferably not on the first component, but on one Side of the body. So it is possible in case of damage to the Only replace the trunnion body. This is particularly beneficial if it is the first component is the housing of a butter compartment, in particular when this is formed in one piece with the inner wall of a refrigerator door and is therefore difficult to replace.

When the trunnion is formed on the body, the trunnion is on one opposite side of the body preferably a connector element in Form a recess arranged on the pivot axis. This recess can be deeper than the thickness of the body, since they engage into the bearing journal can; this enables the use of a comparatively long and accordingly, fixed plug connection even with a small width of the gap.

A free end of the journal is preferably with at least one inclined surface provided that an assembly of the hinge connection by sliding the Plate section of the second component on the journal from one direction across relieved to the swivel axis.

The plate section can also be used as a further measure to facilitate assembly of the second component with an inclined surface for sliding onto the bearing journal be equipped. This inclined surface is preferably on two sides of two protruding webs limited, which guide the bearing journal when pushed so that it into the hole provided for this purpose in the plate section of the second component locks.

The invention also relates to a container, in particular a butter compartment, with a Housing and a flap through a hinge connection as described above are connected.

As a noise-damping measure, one of the components of such a container can be used In addition, a buffer element can be attached with one of the hinge connection opposite edge of the other component can be brought into contact, so a Intercepting each other.

Figur 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Butterfaches für einen Kühlschrank, mit zwei Klappen, von denen eine offen, die andere geschlossen gezeigt ist;

Figur 2 die Teile des Butterfaches in einer auseinandergezogenen Darstellung;

Figur 3A, 3B vergrößerte Ansichten des flexiblen Körpers;

Figuren 4A, B, C Detailansichten des flexiblen Körpers und der Klappe in drei verschiedenen Stellungen; und

Figuren 5A, B, C Schritte des Zusammenbaus des Butterfaches gemäß der Erfindung.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached figures. Show it:

1 shows a perspective view of a butter compartment for a refrigerator, with two flaps, one of which is shown open, the other closed;

Figure 2 shows the parts of the butter compartment in an exploded view;

Figures 3A, 3B are enlarged views of the flexible body;

Figures 4A, B, C detailed views of the flexible body and the flap in three different positions; and

Figures 5A, B, C steps of assembling the butter compartment according to the invention.

The perspective view of Figure 1 shows a butter compartment for a refrigerator a housing 1 and two flaps 2, 3, each connected to the housing by a hinge connection are connected according to the invention. The flaps 2, 3 have one in the closed State vertical front panel 4, which at its upper edge by a horizontal Bridge 5 is stiffened. Two each at right angles to the front plate 4 and the web 5 oriented plate sections or tabs 6 are in the area of the upper corners of the Flap 2 or 3 in the interior of the housing 1 in front. The top of the housing 1 has for each tab 6 a slot through which the tab in the raised State of the flap 2 or 3 extends.

The tabs 6 each have a section of a side wall 7 or an intermediate wall 8 opposite, which divides the housing 1 into two compartments. As especially in the to see the exploded view of Figure 2, the wall sections 7 and 8 each have a square pin 9 and a round hole 10, which are provided to engage in a complementary square hole 11 of a body 12 which in one limited by one of the wall sections 7, 8 on the one hand and the tab on the other Gap is housed without play in the axial direction, or a round pin 13 of this Record body 12. The body 12 consists of an elastically deformable Plastic material with good sliding properties such as POM. He can also between the wall section 7 or 8 and the tab 6 may be slightly pressurized to to reliably prevent any axial displacement of the flap.

The body 12 on the side wall 7 and that on the intermediate wall 8 are identical Shape and have a horizontal plane of symmetry.

Figures 3A, 3B are enlarged views of body 12, with Figure 3A showing one Wall section 7 or 8 facing surface of the body 12 and Figure 3B which one Tab 6 facing the main surface shows. From the tab 6 facing A short cylindrical bearing journal 14 protrudes from the main surface. It is intended to engage in a bore 15 of one of the tabs 6 of the flap 2, 3 and so the Define the pivot axis of the flap.

The flap 2 or 3 is attached to the bearing journal 14 as in FIGS. 5A to 5C shown by the bore 15 of a tab 6, the right in Figure 5A to C, the corresponding bearing pin 14 is slipped on, and the other, left tab 6 the corresponding journal is pushed in the longitudinal direction of the tab 6. Around To simplify this sliding, the bearing pin 14 is at its free end three inclined surfaces 16, 17, 18 provided, which are similar to the sides of a flat tetrahedron are arranged and abut at an apex 19 which the tip of the Bearing pin 14 forms. FIGS. 5A to C show the flap 3 being pushed open from above in their orientation shown in Figure 1, with their tabs 6 through the slots be inserted at the top of the housing 1; a push from the front onto the Bearing pin 14, starting from the orientation of the flap 3 shown in Figure 2, is also possible.

The first inclined surface 16 is the front plate 4 of the flap 2, 3 in the closed position facing; a leading edge of them meets when the tab 6 is pushed on from the front this. The second inclined surface 17 faces the top of the housing 1; on them strikes tab 6 from above when it is shown in FIGS. 5A to C. is postponed.

In the course of being pushed on, the tab 6 will increase in flexibility, as in FIG Figure 5B shown.

In order to facilitate the pushing on, the leading edge of the tab 6 is also with a Inclined surface 20 provided. As can be seen in FIG. 2, this is the top and bottom of two Ridges 21 bordered when sliding a centering of the inclined surface 20 on Effect journal 14 and thus ensure that the apex 19 of the journal, when the facet 20 has slid over it, meets the bore 15 of the tab 6 and intervenes in it. The tetrahedron shape of the free end of the journal causes then an automatic centering of the bore 15, that shown in Figure 5C Final state of assembly encompasses the circumference of the journal 14.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B, the body 12 has an elastically deformable Section, which in the present case is formed by two resilient tongues 22 which encompass a recess 23 symmetrically. The free ends of the tongues 22 are facing each other but not touching each other. The tongues 22 are provided to a pin 24 which protrudes from the tab 6 into the gap in which the Body is housed, depending on the position of the flap 2 or 3 more or less strong to be elastically deformed.

In a not shown, wide open state of the flap 2, 3 touches the pin 24 not the body 12, and the flap 2, 3 is freely pivotable in this state. When the flap 2, 3 is closed from this state, the pin 24 hits grazing on an end face 25 of the overhead tongue 22 and slides on this along. Friction occurring and possibly also a slight deformation of the Tongue 22 brakes the movement of the flap.

Finally, the pin 24 meets a detent bump 26, which is near the free end of the arm 22 is arranged. This state is shown in Figure 4A. The elasticity of the Armes 22 and the weight of the flap are dimensioned so that the flap when in is released in a wide open state, comes to rest in this position. In this Partially closed position of the flap allows a user to put one in the butter drawer holds the object to be accommodated in the hand, with this object or him Holding the hand, gently push the flap up to place the object in the butter compartment accommodate. On the other hand, the opening angle of the flap is chosen small enough, so that when the refrigerator door is closed in the partially open state, it does not go with it collides with the frame of the refrigerator cabinet or, if in contact with it comes into the closed position without being damaged.

In order to completely close the flap from the position shown in FIG. 4A, it must be pressed down, the pin 24 the detent bump 26 in the Cavity 23 displaced into it, as shown in Figure 4B.

In the closed state of the flap, shown in FIG. 4C, the pin 24 is in Contact with the tips of both tongues 22. Preferably both are in this state Tongues 22 slightly bent by the pin 24. By bending the lower tongue 22 which immediately before reaching the closed position of the Flap is inserted, it is braked again, and a noisy hard Hitting the lower edge of the flap on the edge of the bottom plate 27 of the Housing 1 is avoided. This measure also prevents the flap from falling slamming of a refrigerator door on which it is mounted generates noise.

To keep the rattling sound shut even when the flap is closed very abruptly can avoid or limit as much as possible, at the edge of the base plate 27 in addition, a damping element 28, for example in the form of a rubber buffer, as shown in Figure 1.

Claims (18)

Hinge connection for pivotably connecting two components (1; 2, 3) to one another, in particular a housing flap (2, 3) to a housing (1), characterized in that both components (1; 2, 3) have two mutually facing plate sections (6, 7), which are oriented transversely to the pivot axis running through the plate sections (6, 7), and that a body (12) arranged in a gap between the plate sections and non-rotatably connected to the first component (1) with at least one elastically deformable Section that is deformable by a pivoting movement of the components (1; 2, 3). Hinge connection according to claim 1, characterized in that the second component (2, 3) has a pin (24) engaging in the gap for deforming the body (12) having at least one elastic section in the radial direction. Hinge connection according to claim 2, characterized in that the body (12) is plate-shaped with a plate thickness corresponding to the width of the gap. Hinge connection according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the elastically deformable section of the body (12) has a recess (23), whereby the elastic section is produced. Hinge connection according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the body (12) is formed from elastically deformable material. Hinge connection according to claim 4, characterized in that the cutout (23) is designed to be open at the edge. Hinge connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutout (23) is symmetrical with respect to a plane containing the swivel axis, as a result of which two resilient tongues which are opposite one another and serve as elastic sections are formed. Hinge connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component (1) and the body (12) each have at least one plug connection element (9, 11), the two plug connection elements (9, 11) having complementary non-circular cross sections. Hinge connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component (1) and the body (12) each have at least two complementary connector elements (9, 10; 11, 13) in pairs. Hinge connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bearing pin (14) which is in engagement with the second component (2, 3) is formed on one side of the body (12). Hinge connection according to claim 7 or 8 and claim 9, characterized in that on the side of the body (12) opposite the bearing journal (14) a plug connection element (11), which is a recess, is arranged on the pivot axis. Hinge connection according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the bearing pin (14) has a free end with at least one inclined surface (16, 17, 18). Hinge connection according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the plate section (6) of the second component (2, 3) has an inclined surface (20) for pushing onto the bearing journal (14). Hinge connection according to claim 12, characterized in that the inclined surface (20) is delimited on two sides by projecting webs (21). Container, characterized in that it has a housing (1) and a flap (2, 3) which are connected by a hinge connection according to one of the preceding claims. A container according to claim 14, characterized in that the first component (1) is the housing and the second component (2, 3) is the flap. Container according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that a buffer element (28) is attached to one of the components and can be brought into contact with an edge of the other component (2, 3) facing away from the hinge connection. Container according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that it is a butter compartment for a refrigerator.

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