Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention 5.relates to an innovative door deceleration mechanism which
prevents the doors from closing too fast in built-in fridges and similar household
appliances, and which elongates their operating life.
Background of the Invention
[0002] The doors placed on the volume to be used especially in built-in household appliances
and similar devices differ according to their opening directions. The doors in built-in
household appliances (fridge, oven, etc.) perform upward or horizontal opening movement.
The door completes the closing movement by performing rotary movement centered around
its edge on which it is connected with the pushing force applied by the user or the
weight force of the door. The door hits on the body rapidly in closing movements realized
with weight force of the door or the force of the user. The door can be deformed upon
the door hitting harshly on the body, and there can be serious injuries if the limb
of the user is left under the door. Furthermore, heat transfer may increase between
the outer environment and inside the inner volume of the appliance as a result of
opening the door after it is closed, and this situation negatively affects the operation
of the appliance. A force should be applied on the appliance body for keeping the
door closed after it is closed.
[0003] In the background art, there are various spring mechanisms in order to prevent the
door from hitting hardly on the body on which it is to be closed and enable the door
to remain closed on the appliance body. The moment occurring due to the weight of
the door or the user applying force in closing direction of the door is enabled to
be absorbed on the spring, and thus the door is enabled to be closed slowly. However,
its desired absorbing ratio with desired angular position could not be determined;
a solution for protecting with an additional elastic member against excess loads could
not be provided. Furthermore, in systems wherein the door is enabled to be closed
slowly with a spring, the compression spring used for force generation is installed
in all angular positions during closing and opening of the door, and it is continuously
subjected to internal tension. In open positions of the door wherein force-moment
generation for closing the door is not required, the installed position of the spring,
its internal tension continues. This situation causes an unnecessary fatigue on the
spring, and then it negatively affects the life of the spring; and this creates the
risk of the mechanism losing its function completely as a result of the deformation
that can occur in the spring. Furthermore, in spring door mechanism used in the current
technique, a plurality of intermediate members (the parts on which two ends of the
compression spring abuts, structural members preventing the compression spring from
shifting left and right, transmission components to which the compression spring transfers
force, cam forms, etc.) are required so that the position of the compression spring
is maintained stably and it generates the necessary forces in the required ratio and
transfers in the desired direction. The presence of the said intermediate members
takes up space in limited volume inside the mechanism, and this creates a negative
situation in terms of cost.
[0004] The United States patent document no.
US2010101052, an application in the state of the art, discloses a hinge mechanism with multiple
connections. The inventive multiple connection hinge comprises a fixing member, and
a rotatable door shaft bearing is attached movably relative to the fixing member.
A spring placed between the fixing member and the door shaft bearing applies pre-tension
to the door shaft bearing while the door is in closed position. The inventive multiple
connection hinge mechanism can especially be applied to the fridge doors in order
to prevent hitting.
The Problems Solved with the Invention
[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide an innovative and long-lasting
door deceleration mechanism which enables the doors of the household appliances such
as built-in fridge and like to be closed by decelerating.
[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide an innovative door deceleration
mechanism which enables the doors of the household appliances such as built-in fridge
and like to be closed by decelerating without using spring member.
The objective of the present invention is to provide an innovative door deceleration
mechanism wherein damping mechanism is used for closing doors of the household appliances
such as built-in fridge and like by decelerating.
[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an innovative door deceleration
mechanism which comprises several precautions against damages that can occur due to
internal and external forces and which provides long operating time.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0008] An innovative door deceleration mechanism developed to fulfill the objective of the
present invention is illustrated in the accompanying figures wherein:
Figure 1 is the front perspective view of the inventive innovative door deceleration
mechanism.
Figure 2 is the front perspective view of the inventive innovative door deceleration
mechanism when the door is in open position.
Figure 3 is the front view of the inventive innovative door deceleration mechanism.
Figure 4 is the front view of the inventive innovative door deceleration mechanism
in the closing position of the door.
Figure 5 is the front detailed view of the damping arm and pin in the inventive innovative
door deceleration mechanism.
Figure 6 is the front detailed view of the inventive innovative door deceleration
mechanism in the closing position of the door.
Figure 7 is the front view of the inventive innovative door deceleration mechanism
in closed position of the door.
Figure 8 is the front perspective view of the guide arm present in the inventive innovative
door deceleration mechanism.
Figure 9 is the front perspective view of the damping arm present in the inventive
innovative door deceleration mechanism.
Figure 10 is the front perspective view of another version of the damping arm present
in the inventive innovative door deceleration mechanism.
Figure 11 is the front perspective view of another version of the damping arm present
in the inventive innovative door deceleration mechanism.
Figure 12 is the front perspective view of the piston mechanism present in the inventive
innovative door deceleration mechanism.
Figure 13 is the front perspective view of the piston mechanism mounted on the fixed
bracket present in the inventive innovative door deceleration mechanism.
[0009] The components given in the figures are individually numbered where the numbers refer
to the following.
- 1. Door deceleration mechanism
- 2. Fixed bracket
- 3. Upper bracket
- 4. First arm
- 5. Second arm
51. Pin
- 6. Third arm
- 7. Guide arm
71. Bump
- 8. Damping arm
81. Slot
82. Spring
83. Fold
- 9. Cam system
91. Connection piece
911. First extension
912. Second extension
92. Force damper
[0010] A door deceleration mechanism (1), which prevents the doors especially in built-in
fridges and the like from closing too fast, essentially comprises
- at least one fixed bracket (2) which is fixed on the volume on which the door is closed,
- at least one upper bracket (3) which is fixed on the door and moves together with
the door,
- at least one first arm (4) which is connected on the fixed bracket (2) from one side,
and which can freely rotate centered around the connection point,
- at least one second arm (5) which is connected on the upper bracket (3) from one side
and on the first arm (4) from the other side, which can freely rotate from the connection
points of the first arm (4) and the upper bracket (3), and which has a fixed pin (51)
thereon,
- at least one third arm (6) which is connected on the upper bracket (3) from one side
and on the part of the first arm (4) that is closer to the fixed bracket (2), which
can freely rotate from the connection points of the first arm (4) and the upper bracket
(3),
- at least one guide arm (7) which is connected to the fixed bracket (2) from one side
and to the third arm (6) from the other side, which can freely rotate through the
connection points, and which guides the third arm (6) during the opening and closing
movement of the door,
- at least one damping arm (8) which is connected on the third arm (3) from one side
such that it can rotate freely and to the second arm (5) by the pin (51) passing inside
a linear channel shaped slot (81) provided thereon from the other side, which makes
rotary motion centered around the third arm (6) during the closing movement of the
door, and which decelerates the closing movement of the cover with a flexing motion
after the movement of the slot (81) towards the pin (51) ends.
[0011] The inventive door deceleration mechanism (1) is in form of five arms which enable
the loads originating from door weight and the internal parts of the hinge to be distributed
and a slow closing movement to be realized. The distribution of the loads increases
the static and dynamic strength of the mechanism and also increases its operating
life. The door deceleration mechanism (1) is comprised of an upper bracket (3) fixed
on the door, a fixed bracket (2) fixed on the body on which the door will be closed,
a first arm (4), a second arm (5) and a third arm (6) enabling the door to realize
opening and closing movements by making folding movement, a guide arm (7) preventing
the door from closing too fast, and a damping arm (8).
[0012] In the inventive door deceleration mechanism (1), the fixed bracket (2) is provided
fixed on the body on which the door will be closed. There is an upper bracket (3)
which is fixed on the door. The five arm mechanisms are provided between the fixed
bracket (2) and the upper bracket (3). The first arm (4) provided on the fixed bracket
(2) makes rotary movement centered around the connection point of the fixed bracket
(2). The second arm (5) and the third arm (6) provided between the first arm (4) and
the upper bracket (3) realize a folding movement together with the first arm (4) in
opening and closing movement of the door. There is a guide arm (7) which enables the
first arm (4), second arm (5) and the third arm (6) to move in desired closing and
opening directions in opening and closing movements of the door. The guide arm (7)
makes rotary movement on the fixed bracket (2) to which it is connected in opening
movement of the door, and enables the third arm (6) to which it is connected and thus
the first arm (4) and the second arm (5) to move in a certain direction. There is
a damping arm (8), guide arm (7) and damping system (9) for preventing the door from
closing too fast. The damping arm (8) is attached on the third arm (6) from one side
such that it can rotate freely, and it is attached on the second arm (5) from the
other side. The damping arm (8) has a slot (81) in form of a channel the connection
of which to the second arm (5) passes onto a pin (51) and which can move on the fixed
pin (51). It transfers the loads that come during closing of the door on to the body
on which the door closes through the fixed bracket (2).
[0013] In the inventive door deceleration mechanism (1) upon the door starting to pass from
open position (Figure 3) to closed position (Figure 6), the damping arm (8) makes
rotary motion on the third arm (6) to which it is connected, and the slot (81) provided
on its other end moves on the fixed pin (51). The movement of the fixed pin (51) inside
the slot (81) continues until closing movement comes to the position where it is wanted
to be slowed down. The pin (51) contacts around the slot (81) when the closing movement
comes to the level where it is desired to be slowed down, and the slot (81) is prevented
from moving in direction of the fixed pin (51). In case the closing movement continues,
the slot (81) cannot move on the pin (51), and the damping arm (8) realizes a flexing
movement. As a result of the flexing movement that is realized, the damping arm (8)
provided between the second arm (5) and the third arm (6) slows down the movement
of the second arm (5) and the third arm (6), and enables the door to complete its
closing movement slowly.
[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the guide arm (7) and the damping arm (8) are
manufactured from a flexible material. The guide arm (7) and the damping arm (8) become
more suitable for absorbing the loads coming thereon thanks to being manufactured
from a flexible material, they return to initial positions and forms upon lifting
the loads. In one embodiment of the invention, the guide arm (7) and the damping arm
(8) are manufactured from a plastic material.
[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, there is at least one bump (71) on the guide
arm (7), extending towards the fixed bracket (2) and in form of a height.
[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, there is a cam system (9) which is activated
during closing movement of the door. The said cam system (9) essentially comprises
- at least one connection piece (91) which is fixed on the fixed bracket (2) such that
it can freely rotate around its own axis, and which comprises
- at least one first extension (911) in form of a protrusion on which the bump (71)
on the guide arm (7) contacts during closing movement of the door, and
- at least one second extension (912) in form of a protrusion preferably on the opposite
side of the first extension (911), and which makes rotary motion around its own axis
upon a force coming on the first extension (911),
- at least one force damper (92) which is attached on the first arm (4) from one side
such that it can rotate freely and which is fixed on the second extension (912) from
its other side, and which enables the door to slow down by damping the rotary force
coming from the second extension (912) as a result of the connection piece (91) making
its rotary motion.
[0017] The cam system (9) essentially transfers the force it receives from the guide arm
(7) on the force damper (92) with a rotary movement depending on the cam form of the
bump (71), and thus decelerates the door. Upon the door starts its closing movement,
the guide arm (7) starts to make rotary motion centered around the fixed bracket (2).
When the door reaches a certain open position, the bump (71) provided on the guide
arm (7) contacts the first extension (911) provided on the connection piece (91),
and transfers the closing force of the door to the first extension (911). The force
coming on the first extension drives the connection piece (91) for rotating around
its own axis, and it is transferred to the force damper (92) through the second extension
(912) provided on the connection piece (91).
[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, during closing movement of the door, the loads
generated due to inertial moment of the door are enabled to be transferred to the
damping system (9) first by the guide arm (7) in a certain angular position and depending
on the cam form provided on top of the bump (71), and then to the fixed bracket (2)
by the damping system (9).
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the guide arm (7) transfers the loads coming
during closing of the door to the fixed bracket (2) through the damping system (9)
depending on the cam form (71). These loads are transferred on the body on which the
door is closed by means of the fixed bracket (2). The excessive loads that can occur
due to closing the door faster than required are absorbed by the guide arm (7) flexing
in opposite direction relative to the cam form (71), and the piston (92) provided
on the damping system (9) is prevented from being deformed due to excessive loads.
[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the force damper (92) is a piston. In this way,
the forces coming on the connection piece (91) are absorbed with a piston, and the
door is enabled to close slowly.
[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the force damper (92) is a spring. In this way,
the forces coming on the connection piece (91) are absorbed with a spring, and the
door is enabled to close slowly.
[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the guide arm (7) is flexible. In excessive loads
that can occur in case the door is closed too fast, the guide arm makes flexing movement
in opposite direction of the incoming force and absorbs the force, and thus the force
damping (92) piece is prevented from being deformed under excessive loads.
[0023] In case the cam system (9) is used together with slowing down of the damping arm
(8), it is activated in case an excessive load comes on the door in closing direction.
In another embodiment of the invention, the cam system (9) is used instead of spring,
and it realizes the slow closing movement of the door all by itself.
[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the guide arm (7) and the damping arm (8) are
connected on the third arm (6) such that they will rotate freely on the same shaft.
In this way, both guide arm (7) and the damping arm (8) can realize rotary motion
centered around a single shaft by means of using a single shaft.
[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, there is at least one spring (82) which is provided
on the damping arm (8) and helps the damping arm to make flexing movement.
[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, there is a fold (83) provided on the damping
arm (8) body, enabling the damping arm (8) to show better flexing feature, and formed
by twisting the damping arm (8).
[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, there is at least one damping arm (8) which is
connected on the third arm (6) from one side such that it will freely rotate, and
which is connected on the second arm (5) from its other end upon the pin (51) passing
inside a linear channel shaped slot (81) provided thereon, which slows down the closing
movement of the door by means of a rotary movement centered around the third arm (6)
during closing movement of the door and a flexing movement after the movement of the
slot (81) towards the pin (51) ends, the flexing movement of which continues up to
a certain angular position, which transfers force to the second arm (5) and the third
arm (6) to which it is connected due to the flexing movement it performs in closed
position of the door, and which helps the door to remain in closed position by means
of the force it transfers.
[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, there is at least one damping arm (8) which is
connected on the third arm (3) from one side such that it can rotate freely and to
the second arm (5) by the pin (51) passing inside a linear channel shaped slot (81)
provided thereon from the other side, which makes rotary motion centered around the
third arm (6) during the opening movement of the door, and which preserves its current
form due to the movement of the slot (81) towards the pin (51), and therefore which
is not subjected to any elastic-plastic deformation, fatigue during opening movement
of the door.
1. A door deceleration mechanism (1), which prevents the doors especially in built-in
fridges and the like from closing too fast, essentially
comprising
- at least one fixed bracket (2) which is fixed on the volume on which the door is
closed,
- at least one upper bracket (3) which is fixed on the door and moves together with
the door,
- at least one first arm (4) which is connected on the fixed bracket (2) from one
side, and which can freely rotate centered around the connection point,
- at least one second arm (5) which is connected on the upper bracket (3) from one
side and on the first arm (4) from the other side, which can freely rotate from the
connection points of the first arm (4) and the upper bracket (3), and characterized by
- at least one third arm (6) which is connected on the upper bracket (3) from one
side and on the part of the first arm (4) that is closer to the fixed bracket (2),
which can freely rotate from the connection points of the first arm (4) and the upper
bracket (3),
- at least one guide arm (7) which is connected to the fixed bracket (2) from one
side and to the third arm (6) from the other side, which can freely rotate through
the connection points, and which guides the third arm (6) during the opening and closing
movement of the door,
2. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one pin (51) which is fixed on the second arm (5).
3. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one damping arm (8) which is connected on the third arm (3) from one side
such that it can rotate freely and to the second arm (5) by the pin (51) passing inside
a linear channel shaped slot (81) provided thereon from the other side, which makes
rotary motion centered around the third arm (6) during the closing movement of the
door, and which decelerates the closing movement of the cover with a flexing motion
after the movement of the slot (81) towards the pin (51) ends.
4. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one damping arm (8) which is connected on the third arm (3) from one side
such that it can rotate freely and to the second arm (5) by the pin (51) passing inside
a linear channel shaped slot (81) provided thereon from the other side, which makes
rotary motion centered around the third arm (6) during the closing movement of the
door, and which makes flexing movement upon the movement of the slot (81) towards
the pin (51) ends and the door comes to closed position, which transfers force to
the second arm (5) and the third arm (6) due to the flexing movement it performs in
closed position of the door, and which helps the door to remain in closed position
with the force it transfers.
5. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising at least one damping arm (8) which is connected on the third arm (3) from one side
such that it can rotate freely and to the second arm (5) by the pin (51) passing inside
a linear channel shaped slot (81) provided thereon from the other side, which makes
rotary motion centered around the third arm (6) during the opening movement of the
door, and which preserves its current form due to the movement of the slot (81) towards
the pin (51), and therefore which is not subjected to any elastic-plastic deformation,
fatigue during opening movement of the door.
6. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 3, 4 or 5, comprising at least one spring (82) which is provided on the damping arm (8) and helps the damping
arm (8) to make flexing movement.
7. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 3, 4 or 5, comprising a fold (83) which is provided on the damping arm (8), which enables the damping arm
(8) to show better flexing feature, and which is formed by twisting the damping arm
body.
8. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one cam formed bump (71) which is provided on the guide arm (7) and extends
in direction of the fixed bracket (2).
9. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, activated during closing
movement of the door and
comprising
- at least one connection piece (91) which is fixed on the fixed bracket (2) such
that it can freely rotate around its own axis, and which comprises
• at least one first extension (911) in form of a protrusion on which the bump (71)
on the guide arm (7) contacts during closing movement of the door, and
• at least one second extension (912) in form of a protrusion preferably on the opposite
side of the first extension (911), and which makes rotary motion around its own axis
upon a force coming on the first extension (911),
- at least one force damper (92) which is attached on the first arm (4) from one side
such that it can rotate freely and which is fixed on the second extension (912) from
its other side, and which enables the door to slow down by damping the rotary force
coming from the second extension (912) as a result of the connection piece (91) making
its rotary motion.
10. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 8, comprising force damper (92) which is a piston formed of a body and arm.
11. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 8, comprising force damper (92) which is a spring with flexing feature.
12. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising guide arm (7) and damping arm (8) which are connected on the third arm (6) such that
they will freely rotate.
13. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 3, 4 or 5, comprising damping arm (8) which is manufactured from plastic material.
14. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 8, comprising guide arm (7) which absorbs the excessive loads that can reach damping system by
means of its flexing feature and prevents the piston (92) from being damaged.
15. A door deceleration mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 8, comprising guide arm (7) which transfers the forces occurring during closing to the damping
system (9) by means of the cam form (71), and thus enables the door to move slowly.