The present invention relates to a hinge assembly for kitchen covers, wings and doors in general.
Hinge assemblies allowing a partial and balanced rotary or turning movement of the kitchen cover are already known.
The document
The aim of the present invention is to provide such an improved hinge assembly which has a size and weight much smaller than those of prior like hinge assemblies.
Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the invention is to provide such a hinge assembly including a very small number of component parts, and which can be made at a smaller cost than conventional prior hinge assemblies.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a hinge assembly, for kitchen appliances covers, wings or doors in general, according to claim 1.
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of the invention which is illustrated, by way of an indicative, but not limitative, example in the accompanying drawings, where:
With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the hinge assembly according to the present invention, which has been generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises an attachment head 2, having any required configuration, provided for being pressure engaged in a section member 3, including a contoured cavity 4, thereby allowing a kitchen cover 5 or wings and doors in general to be partially rotated.
The cover 5 is applied to said section member 3 which, in turn, is supported by an upright 20 through the hinge assembly 1.
The attachment head 2, in turn, comprises a collar 6 having a projection 7 adapted to turn in a groove 8 through an angle defined by limit tooth elements 9.
Said attachment head 2 comprises, moreover, a central pin or shaft 10, thereon a coil spring 11 is coaxially assembled.
Said coil spring 11, in particular, comprises a first axial end portion 12, engaged in a hole 13 formed in said collar 6 of said attachment head 2.
The coil spring 11 comprises moreover a second axial end portion 14, engaging in a hole 15 formed in a pawl 16 which also operate as a cam element.
More specifically, said pawl 16 comprises a projecting end tooth element 17 and two further peripheral tooth elements 18.
Said peripheral tooth elements 18 engage in said hollow section member 3 therein the hinge assembly 1 is engaged, thereby allowing a rotary movement through an angle defined by said limit tooth elements 9 to be performed.
As shown, the projecting end tooth element 17 engages with a contoured washer 19, which is axially locked on the central shaft 10 by a mechanical deformation thereof.
The central shaft 10 has a polygonal or uneven cross-section, thereby preventing the restraining washer 19 from turning.
The pawl 16 is mounted on said shaft 10 and has such a diameter as to turn about said shaft.
The washer 19 allows the pawl 16 to perform a limited turning movement, while preventing the coil 11 from axially exiting the shaft 10, while further preventing a counter-turning movement of said spring, which is preloaded based on a geometrical position of the limit element 9, which is achieved in making the hinge assembly.
It has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.
In fact, the invention provides a hinge assembly which is much more compact than prior like hinge assemblies and which, moreover, comprises a very small number of hinge component parts.
In particular, the hinge assembly according to the present invention comprises spring restraining means, including a lightened central pawl and a simple restraining washer element, contrarily to prior systems requiring a central pawl of a larger size and a second restraining further pawl cooperating with a locking washing.
In practicing the invention, the used materials, as well as the contingent size and shapes, can be any, depending on requirements.
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.