AU654126B2

AU654126B2 - Hinge

Info

Publication number: AU654126B2
Application number: AU75574/91A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Igor Ivanovich Esman; Anatoly Konstantinovich Gleb
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-03-27
Filing date: 1991-03-27
Publication date: 1994-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 2011-03-27
Also published as: JPH08505191A; FI924298A; EP0528032A4; WO1991015646A1; BR9106286A; EP0528032A1; CA2079232A1; BG60482B1; AU7557491A; FI924298A0

Description

PCT OPI DATE 30/10/91 ME AOJP DATE 05/12/91.

APPLN. ID 75574 91 PCT NUMBER PCI/SU91/00049 i (51) Meai ysapo~iias xa~acCnH)Eucaxua (11) Hohtep meaIvyHapoAlioi ny6nuucaic WO 91/15646 Hao6peTeHnA 5 Al (43) AIaTa meiic~yHaPO)AHoR 3/08, E05F 1/12 uy6azi~aIgli: 17 oxTj16psi 1991 (17.10.91) (21) Homep mea~npAO 3 aaBx: PCT/SU91/00049 (81) Ycaaamuie rocy~apcTBa: AT (eaponericicHii naTeH'r), AU, BE (eaponefticHi naTeHT), BG, BR, CA, CH (22) ABa meM' yHapoA~tofi HO~AHq: (esponeficidl~ namirr), DE (eaponeiciuHA na~reHT), DK map~ra 1991 (27.03.91) (eaponeficiii nareirr), ES (enponeficxHr1 naTeHT), FI, FR (enponeflcKudt naTeHT), GB (eBpone~cmA i areHT), A,Iaii -o anp~ojpHmeTe: GR (eaponeficKHi namsrr), IT (enponeflcxnAi naTeHT), 4806073/12 27 map~a 1990 (27.03.90) SU JP, KR, LU (enponeficmdii nareHT), NL (eaponefickmi 4811898/12 20 anpejul 1990 (20.04.90) SU na~rer), NO, PL, RO, SE (eaponeicx~i naTe'RT), US.

(71)(72) 3a~ffBHTem K Bao6peraTej=H ECbMAH Hropb O16HCB~ H~aHoBHn [SU/SU]; MHHecI 220004, yjn. Pecny6- OyA~~~ jnnca~cxaa, A. 26, im. 151 (SU) [ESMAN, Igor Iva- C omqemom o~e meqyuapoa8Ron~ noucKe.

novich, Minsk I'JIEB AHaTOA1Hft KOHcTaH- THsoBHq [SU/SU]; MKmx 220015, yai. q.Maapa, g. 31, kcs. 108 (SU) [GLEB, AnatolY Konstantinovich, Minsk 654 12 (54) Thie: HINGE (54) Halaime Ma3o6peTeua: IIETJTH1 (57) Abstract A hinge for hinged elements (2 and 3) has a hinged mechanism including a pair of connecting elements 5) intended for their fastening to the corresponding hinged elements (2 and 3) and interconnected by levers (6 and The levers (6 and 7) are mounted with the possibility of mutual displacement in parallel planes on rotation8 axes 9' and 9) mounted on the connecting elements The levers 7) have the same length between their rotation axes 9' and and the locus of which during the mutal rotation of the connecting elements (4 and 5) is obtained by the intersection of the longitudinal axes (F1F2 and F3F4) of the levers (6 and 7) on a plane parallel to the plane of movement of the levers, forms an elliptic curve.

4 p z 1 i IN G E Field of the Invention The invention relates to the appliances for hinged joints of suspension members and, more specifically, to the hinges, used to connect such structural components as door wings and window panes, parts of sliding partions and various moving and transformable structures, including those used in construction, stage sceneries, arrangement of easy compartment replanning, technical and household articles and the like.

Prior Art Known in the art is a hinge comprising stationary and moving parts, connected by means of flexible joints. A joining component represents a spring-loaded rod free to move in the axial directionjoined with the moving part by means of a flexible joint (the USSR Author's Certificate No. 462922). This hinge does not project beyond the suspension members, but it ensures only a turn through 180 0 .Thereto such a hinge is complicated to produce and has a limited strength.

Known are flexible joints for connecting two suspension members, described, for instance, in the US patents 2135280, 2178271, 2694216. The design of said appliances involves the use of hinge-and-lever mechanisms for connecting with each other joining components,attached to the suspension members. Herein in all the known appliances of the type there is only one axis of symmetry, located between two parts of the mechanism and running through the central axle of rotation, connecting two levers which are provided with additional levers of another length(the US patents 2133528, 2694216) or additional sliding axles (the L 0 .scribed .v .s 2.

US patent 2178271), connecting levers with joining components.

With a turn of suspension members through any angle,the levers protrude beyond the limits of the suspension members.

In the known hinges joining components are linked with each other by four levers,mounted for movement in the plane of joining component turn and connected by means of five axles of rotation normal to the indicated plane of turn. In this case a complicated hinge-and-lever system is derived which requires to produce the connecting levers of at least two sizes. The reliability of such a system is also not high. This is a result of a great number of hinge joints in the system (five axles connecting levers with each other and with joining components).

Thereto,since levers project beyond the suspension members at their turn, they are subject to bending strain under the effect of suspension member weight, which is extremely undesirable as it requires to raise the rigidity of levers either by increasing the cross-section area or by using more rigorous materials for production.

The main drawback of the described above hinges is the possibility of only a limited reciprocal turn of suspension members and only to one side through 1800 (the US patents 2178271, 2694216)or through 900 (the US patent 2135280).

The fact that levers show beyond the suspension members during their turn reduces aesthetic impression of the hinge and makes it unsafe, especially when it is necessary to mount extra levers in the middle portion of the suspension members for heavy door wings, for instance. Since,as a result of carelessnes,people may get injured by protruding parts of the levers.

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.4 Disclosure of the Invention It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantages.

There is disclosed herein a hinge for suspension members comnprising a flexible mechanism consisting of a pair of joining components, adapted for being attached to respective suspension members and connected to each other by means of levers, said levers being mounted with a freedom for reciprocal movement in parallel planes around axles of rotation disposed on the joining compor :nts, wherein: the lengths between the rotation axles of each lever are equal; and the locus of points, formed, at a turn of the joining components relative to each other, by the intersection of the longitudinal axes of the levers on a plane, parallel to a plane of lever movement, is an elliptical curve.

With a preferred design of the hinge, owing to the employment of two levers with an equal length, there is ensured a turn of each joining component to both sides or a reciprocal turn of the joining components through 180° as well as a turn of one the suspension members relative to the other through 360° with no projec- *l t h 6,U-h A~ 'S I [G:\WPUSER\LIBT01 146:TCW I 1. -1 I f fl 1 -i" .1 ~i I"~:f:i ;ir.I 7 tion of the levers beyond the limits of the joining components.

oreferreed Thereto it is evident that the a'pp4li hinge has only two lovers and four axles of rotation for their connection with the joining components, all the axles of rotation being mounted within the joining components, whereas the levers being also within the limits of the joining components. This promotes an improvement of reliability and an increase in strength of the/t lid hinge due to elimination of a bending strain. The fact that the levers do not protrude beyond the limits of the joining components in the course of their turn, ensures an improvement of, ao-thontio impression and the safety of said hinge.

The intersection points of the lever rotation geometric axes with a plane parallel to the plane of lever movement can be located at the vertexes of a guadrangle with the joining componets disposed coaxially, or these intersection points can be located at the vertexes of the quandrangle with the joining components being parallel.

There is a good reason to have a distance between intersec-.

tion points of the geometrical axes of the lever rotation axles with a plane that is parallel to that of lever movement not less than the greatest size of a joining component in a plane which passes through the geometrical axes with the axles of rotation being located in this plane.

Thereto a freedom for reciprocal movements of joining components is ensured.

There is a good reason to have convex curved end surfaces of the joining components,facing each other, with their generating lines being parallel to the geometrical axes of the rotas.

Stion axles.

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7 Such a design provides for minimizing clearances between the joining components in a position they keepsbeing in one and same plane (with the door wings closed, for instance).

The intersection of a convex curved surface by a plane parallel to that of lever movement is preferentially a semi-ellipse being a locus of points, formed by the intersection of the above indicated lever longitudinal axes on a plane parallel to that of lever movement, Such a design practically ensures a complete absence of a clearance between the suspension members in any position owing to the feasibly ideal mutual geometrical running-in of the joining component conjugated surfaces.

In the variant of Lhe hinge design in accordance with the invention, each joining component has two slots to house levers, and each of the slots are provided with rest surfaces in opposition to each other and a pair of spring-loaded rods with a freedom to move, the vacant ends of which interact with the rest sur.

faces of the levers.

The hinge of such a design is provided with forced self-return of one or the both joining components to the initial position as well as with a definite force to hold the suspension members in the closed position. This considerably improves operating features of the applied hinge and extends the range of its application.

The rods are preferentially provided with flanges and the joining components with rests, between the rest of the joining components and the flanges of the rods there are mounted springs, Each joining component is preferentially provided with a locking mechanism for spring-loaded rods against motion.

In such a design the suspension members are provided with selective stopping against a spontaneous turn as well as with i L- -5 J 6.

adjustment of the effort, required for their turn.

The spring-loaded rods are preferentially provided with pushers, flexibly attached to the vacant ends of the rods for interaction with the lever rest surfaces.

Such a design increases reliability and makes the production and assembly of the applied hinge simpler.

Brief Description of the Drawings Herein after various variants of the invention embodiment are described in details with references to the following appended drawings.

Fig. 1 presents a general view of the hinge, persuant to the present invention (front view); Fig. 2 is a sectional view on the line 11-11 in Pig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional view on the line 111-11 in Pig. 1; Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the line 1V-1V in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a view similar to Pig- 1 (shown is the position of one of the suspensiom members, connected by the hinge persuant to the invention, "closed", "open to one side through 18001 and "op3n to the other side through 1800"); Fig. 6 is a schematic showing of the locus-of-intersection points construction of the lever longitudinal axes at a reciprocal turn of the suspension members, connected by the hinge, persuant to the invention, for the top view; Figs 7 to 12 are schematic showings of the relative locations of the hinge lever rotattion axles, persuant to the invention; Fig. 13 is a schematic showing of the hinge, persuant to the invention, for the top vfew in the variant with the end surfaces of the hinge joining components being parts of elliptical surfaces; I- I' Pig. 14 is a schematic showing of the-hinge, persuant to the invention, for the top view in the variant with the end sur.

faces of the hinge joining components, having concaved portions Fig. 15 illustrates a variant of the hinge design, persuan to the invention, for the front view with a partial cross-section of the suspension member self-return mechanism to the initial position; Fig. 16 is a sectional view on the line XV1-XV1 (left part of the drawing) and a view along arrow"A"(right part of the dra wing) in Pig. Fig. 17 is a sectional view on the line XV11-XV11 in Fig.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view on the line XVlll-XVl1 in Fig. Fig. 19 is a sectional view on the line X1X-X1X in Fig. Fig. 20 is a view of the hinge, persuant to the invention, for the front view, which shows the hinge joining components in the open positions II and II-2; Fig. 21 is a view of the hinge, persuant to the invention, for the top view showing intermediate phases of the hinge joining component turn from the position II-1 of the hinge joinini components to the position II-2 "open to the other side"; F Pig. 22 is a diagrammatical showing of the hinge sring-l ded rod movements, persuant to the invention, for the top view depending on the motions of a hinge joining component; Pig. 23 is a schematic showing of the hinge design varian' in the exploded view, persuant to the invention, for the front view with a partial cross-section of the joining component sel: return mechanism to the initial position; M6

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Fig. 24 is a view along arrow in Fig. 23; Fig. 25 is a sectional view on the line XXV-XXV in Fig. 24; Fig. 26 is a sectional view on the line XXVI-XXVI in Fig.24; Fig. 27 is a sectional view on the line XXVll-XXVil in Pig. 24; Fig. 28 is a sectional view on the line XXV111-XXV111 in Pig. 24; SFig. 29 is a sectional view on the line X1X-X1X in Fig. 24; Fig. 30 illustrates another variant of the hinge design, persuant to the invention,for the front view with a partial section of the suspension member self-return mechanism to the initial position; Fig.

Pig. Fig.

Fig. Fig.

31 is a sectional view on the line XXX1- XXXI in 32 is a sectional view on the line XXX11-XXX11 in 33 is a sectional view on the line XXX1-XXXlll in 34 is a sectional view on the line XXX1V-XXX1V in 35 is a sectional view on the line XXXV-XXXV in Fig.

36 is a sectional view on the line XXXV1-XXXV1 in Vig.

Fig. 32.

The preferable variant of the invention embodiment.

The applied hinge 1 (Fig. 1) is designed mainly for connecting suspension members 2 and 3,comprising a pair of joining components 4,5 intended to be joined with the suspension members 2 and 3, respectively, for their turn relative to each other in a plane normal to the plane in Fig. 1. To this end,the hinge 9 t is provided with a pair of levers 6, 7 (Figs 1 to mounted with a freedom for reciprocal movements in parallel planes aroun the rotation axles 8,9' and 8',9,fixed respectively on the joining components 4 and 5. The planes, in which the levers 6 and 7 move, are parallel to that of turn of the suspension members 2 and 3. The lengthsof the levers 6 and 7 between their rotation axles(or, what is the same, the distance between the geometric centers of the rotation axles 8,9' and 8 9 in the projection on the plane of turn(the drawing plane)) are equal.

Fig. 5 illustrates two positions of the suspension members 3: 3' and The longitudinal axes Fl F2 and F3 P4 of the levers 6 and 7 (Fig. 6) with the suspension members moved relative to each other, for instance,from the position indicated by solid lines, to the position, shown by dotted lines, by intersecting each pther in the projection on the plane of turn (the drawing plane), form a locus of points that constitutes an elliptical curve.

This is self-evident from the geometrical construction, shown in Fig. 6,where the successive positionsof the suspension member 3 are defined by the positions 3 -3 Such a specific feature of the applied hinge ensures a reciprocal turn of the suspension members through an angle of 1800 without any projection of the levers 6 and 7 beyond the limits of the suspension members. Pig.

6 is a schematic showing of the applied hinge without joining components in the form of longitudinal axes Fl F2 and F3 P4 of the levers, connecting the suspension members 2 and 3 by means of rotation axles 8,8' and the geometrical axes of which are defined respectively bypoints PI, F2 and F3, F4.

As indicated by thin lines in Fig. 7, the points Fl, F2 j and F3, F4, obtained due to intersection of the geometrical axes of rotation of the levers 6 and 7 by a plane perallel to that of the lever movement, are located at the vertexes of a quadrangle with the longitudinal axes Fl F4 and F2 F3 of the levers, passing through points PF, F2 and '3,'P4,originated at intersection of .e geometrical axes of the rotation axles 8,9' and 8'9 of the levers 6 and 7 by a plane parallel to that of the lever movement, are on the diagonals of the quadrangle. Although Fig.

3 indicates that the points Fl, F2 and P3, F4 of intersection of the geometrical axes of the levers 6 and 7 rotation axles 8,9' and 8',9 by 'a plane parallel to that of the lever movement, are located on the diagonals of the quadrangle with the joining components being disposed coaxially, it' is evident that possible are various relative positions of the rotation axles with the suspension members being disposed coaxially and parallel, as it is schematically shown in Figs 7 to 12,which depict only the longitudinal axes F1 F4 and F2 F3 of the levers 6 and 7 without joining components 4, As is indicated in Figs 1 to 5, the.levers 6, 7 are disposed atdifferent sides relative to the surfaces of joining components 4 5, which is most advisable from the point of view of load distribution. But this is not obligatory, and the levers can be mounted, if required,at one and the same side of the above indicated surfaces. To do this, it is possible to use various technical methods to ensure lever movement in parallel planes, which are well known to specialists and have nothing to do with the idea of the present invention.

The distance Fl-F4 or F2-F3 between the intersection points Fl, F2 and F3, F4 of the geometrical axes of the rotation f' L

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I4axles 8,9' and 8',9 of the levers 6, 7 with a plane parallel to that of the lever movement, is at least equal to, the greatest size of the joining component 4 or 5. in a plane, passing through the geometrical axes of the rotation axles, respectively,8,9' and located in this component (Fig.6). Fig. 6 shows herein that with the size of the joining component being Bl> B, the joining component 4 (not shown in Fig. 6) along with the suspension member 2 will not be able to take the position 3 indicated by the dotted line in the upper part of Fig. 6.

It is quite permissible to have a reverse position with a distance: F1-F4 or F2-F3 between inter section points P1,:F2 and F3, P4 of the geometrical axes of the levers 6, 7 rotation axles by a plane parallel to that of lever movement, being greater than the greatest size B 2 of the joining component 4 or 5 in the planepassing through the geometri-,. axes of the rotation axles,respectively,8,9' and loLuted in this component. Such a variant can be used, when it is required to have a gap between the suspension members after their turn to the parallel position. In this case small parts of the levers 6 and 7 will project only insignificantly beyond the limits of the joining components 4, 5 or suspension members 2, 3, as is shown 8 in the lower part of Fig. 6 in the position 3 of the suspension member.

The joining components 4, 5 are attached to the suspension members 2, 3, they connect to each other,by any known means, for instance, by screws, glue, welding and the like, but prefe+ rentially in combination with cutting-in to obtain the best decorative effect. With this aim, as Figs 1 to 4 show, the joining components 4,.5 are provided with &,2les 10 for screws.

4 _I Delete if not applicable. IRN: INSTR CODE: 23 Jly 1991 S I 0 *AN ON

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To employ the applied hinge, the joining components 4 and connected to each other by the levers 6 and 7, are attached, as indicated above, to the suspension members 2 and 3, respectively. It is possible not to connect the joining components 4 and 5 to each other by the levers 6 and 7 before they are attached to the s:spension members 2 and 3. The levers can be mounted after the joining components 4 and 5 are attached to the suspension members 2 and 3, respectively.

If required, one of the suspension members 2 (a door wing, for instance) is turned from the position 2 to the position 2 as shown in Fig. 6, until it is fully open through 1800. In this case a reciprocal motion of the levers 6 and 7 takes place, as illustrated by a change in the relative positions of their longitudinal axes Fl F4 and P2 F3 from F1 F4 and F2 F3 to P18 F48 and F2 8 F3 8 (Fig. 6).

As illustrated in Figs 7 to 12, the facing each other end surfaces of the joining components (not shown) are convex curved surfaces 11-13, whose generating lines are parallel to the geometrical axes of the rotation axles 8,9' and 8',9 of the levers 6, 7. This being the case, it is advisable to have the section of the convex curved surfaces 11-13 by a plane, parallel to; the plane of the levers 6, 7 movement,as a semi-ellipse, being a locus of points, formed at a joining component turn relative to each other by the intersection of the longitudinal axes Pl F4 and F2 F3 of the levers 6, 7 by a plane, parallel to that of the lever movement, as shown in Fig. 6. In this figure the semi-ellipse with focusses ,l1 and F2, formed as aforeindicated,is a cross-section of the convex curved end surface of the joining component 4 (not shown) and the end surface of the s'uspension member 2. In this case the 'clearance between end sur- I,6 s I- i ti 13.

faces of the suspension members 2, 3 is at minimum and in the ideal case is equal to zero.

It should be evident to specialists that various modifications are possible concerning the making of the joining compo- S nent (suspension member) end surfaces, which can be parts of elliptical surfaces (Fig. 13) or have concave portions (Fig.16) Such surfaces can be used to obtain more reliable tightening or to' achieve other objects, depending on the purpose of the hinge The employment of these variants in the hinge design is evident from Figs 13, 14.

In the design variant, presented in Figs 15 to 21, in whicl the described above elements are defined by the same Ref.Nos, each joining component 4, 5 has two slots 14, 15 or 14', (Fig. 15), intended to accomodate the levers 6, 7 and provided with rest surfaces 16, 17 and 16', 17' in opposition to each other and with a pair of the spring-loaded rods 18 having a freedom to move, the vacant ends of which are intended to interact with the rest surfaces 16, 17 and 16', 17' of the levers 6, 7. The rods 18 are mounted with a freedom for axial motion and provided with flanges 19, while the joining components 4, 5 have rests 20, 20'. Between the restb20 and 20' of the joining components 4, 5 and the flanges 19 of the rods 18 there are mounted springs 21, 21', insid of which there are additional springs 22, 22' (not obligatory). In this construction under standard conditions the rods 18 are pressed to the rest surfaces 16, 17 and 16', 17' of the levers 6, 7 by the springs 21, 21' and the additional springs 22, 22' to hold the suspension members 2 and in a coaxial (closed) position and to ensure their self-return to this position after their turn to the parallel position (Fig., 21).

ii i- i The joining component 4, 5 has a separation web 23, 23', disposed between the slots 14, 15 and 14', 15' to accomodate the levers 6 and 7 and provided with a hole 24, 24' (Fig. 20) with an axis located in the symmetry plane of the slots 14, and 14', The body of the joining component 4, 5 is furnished with guiding holes 25, 26 and 25', 26' (Figs 18 to 20), intersecting the hole 24, 24' in the separation web 23, 23' of the joining component 4, 5 and disposed in the direction of the spring-loaded rod 18 movement. The ends of the rods 18 having flats 27 (Figs 18 to 20) are arranged in the guiding holes 25, 26 and 251 26'.

The hinge is provided with a spring-loaded rod 18 locking mechanism against motion, made in the form of a stopping element 28, 28', the separation web 23, 23' of the joining component 4, The stopping element 28, 28' has a shape of a cylindrical stem, furnished with diametrically opposite .grooves 29, 29', spaced along the side surface of the stem (Fig. 19). The rods 18 (Figs 18 to 20) enter the grooves 29, 29' of the stopping element 28, 28' with the width of the flats 27 being smaller than that of the grooves 29, 29'.

A variant of the design, presented in Figs 23 to 29, in which the described above elements are designated by the same i Ref. Nos, is similar to the previous one, except for the.only difference: the spring-loaded rods 18 are furnished with pushers 18a, flexibly attached by means of pins 30 to the vacant ends of the rods to interact with the rest surfaces 16, 17 and 16', 17' of the levers 6, 7. The pushers 18a have a shape of plates while the cross-section of the rods is cylindrical. The rods 18 are I (r which are provided with additional levers of another length(the US patents 2133528, 2694216) or additional sliding axles (the i

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fitted with tail pieces 18b of a smaller diameter with the formation of rest surfaces. The tail pieces 18b enter blind holes 31 of the flange of a movable rest 33, fixed on the guiding element 34, rigidly connected to the joining component. 4 and hPvinj a stationary rest 35. The stopping element 28 is made up in the shape of a cylindrical stem that is furnished with diametricallz opposite grooves 29 of a semi-circular cross-section along the whole length of the stopping element, which receive the rods 18.

The width of the pusher plates is smaller than that of the grooves 29 of the stopping element 28. The stopping element 28 is furnished with a 1lit 36 to turn the former.

In the variant of the applied hinge design, presented in Figs 30 to 36, in which the described above elements are designated .by the same Ref. Nos, each joining component 4, 5 is made with a guiding slot 37, 37' in a plane parallel to that of movement o.f the levers 6 and 7, while the slots 14, 15 and 14', accomodating the levers, are formed by the separation web 38, 38', disposedpara.llel to the levers 6 and 7 and arranged in a part of the guiding slot 37, 37' from the side of the eaid surface 39, 39' (Fig. 32) of the joining component 4, 5 and connected with the guiding slot 37, 37' by means of a through slot 40, 40' (Pig. 36), disposed parallel to the plane of the separation web 38, 38'. The levers; 6 7 are mounted in the guiding slot 37, 37' on both sides of the separation web 38, 38' (Figs 30 to 33). In the cross-section by a plane normal to those of the lever 6, 7 movements, the guiding slot 37, 37' has two skew-symmetric recesses 41, 42, 41', 42'. In this variant the pushera, are made as a pair of double-arm levers 43, 44, 43', 44, flexibly attached ;to each joining component 4,5,with one set of arms 45,46,45',46' ,flexibly attached to the spring-loaded rodsl

B

U, Pi-U ruaing parts of the levers, i ing hole 37, 37' and having a cross-section, corresponding to the guiding slot 37, 37' from the side opposite to the side of the end plane of the pressing element 49, 49' end.

The spring-loaded rod 18 locking mechanism against motion is made up in a form of a closing accentric cam 51, 51', mounted on the rotation axle 52, 52' in the through slot 40, 40' and having a projecting control boss 53, 53' (Pigs 31 to 33 and 36).

The end of the pressing element 49, 49' opposite to the forenoted end plane features a recess 50, 50', which makes a step in the cross-section by a. plane parallel to the plane of the separation web 38, 38' (Figs 31 to 33 and The description of the design variant operations, illustrabed in Figs 15 to 21.

in the initial position the uspension members 2, 3 (Figs 16) are disposed coaxially so that their end surfaces, which ace each other are joined. This position corresponds, for instance, to the position of closed doors. In the said position the rods 18 (Figs 18, 19) enter the grooves 29, 29' of the stopping elements 28, 28', and since the width of the flats 27 is smaller than the width of the grooves 29,29',the rods can easily move. At a turn of one of the suspension members 3 relative to the other suspension member 2 (Fig. 21) the springs 21, 22 and 21', 22' get compressed by the pressure exerted by the flanges 19 of the rods 18, that move under the action of the rest surfaces 16, 17 and 16', 17' which turn the levers 6, 7 (Figs 15 to 17 and 21). There

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loaded rods, mounted in the guiding holes (not designated) of the joining component normal to the separation web 38, 38', while the other set of the lever arms 47, 48, 47', 48' bear against th( end plane of the pressing element 49, 49', arranged in the guid'ing hole 37, 37' and having a cross-section, corresponding to the guiding slot 37, 37' from the side opposite to the side of the end plane of the pressing element 49, 49' end.

The spring-loaded rod 18 locking mechanism against motion is made up in a form of a closing accentric cam 51, 51', mounted on the rotation axle 52, 52' in the through slot 40, 40' and having a projecting control boss 53, 53' (Figs 31 to 33 and 36).

The end of the pressing element 49, 49' opposite to the forenoted end plane features a recess 50, 50', which makes a step in the cross-section by a plane parallel to the plane of the separation web 38, 38' (Figs 31 to 33 and The description of the design variant operations, illustrated in Figs 15 to 21.

In the initial position the ,uspension members 2, 3 (Figs 16) are disposed coaxially so that their end surfaces, which 2 face each other are joined. This position corresponds, for instance, to the position of closed doors. In the said position the rods 18 (Figs 18, 19) enter the grooves 29, 29' of the stopping elements 28, 28', and since the width of the flats 27 is smaller than the width of the grooves 29,29 ,the rods can easily move. At a turn of one of the suspension members 3 relative to the other suspension member 2 (Fig. 21) the springs 21, 22 and 21', 22' get compressed by the pressure exerted by the flanges 19 of the rods 18, that move under the action of the rest surfaces 16, 17 and 16', 17' which turn the levers 6, 7 (Figs 15 to 17 and 21). There In te iitia poitin th aupenson embrs 2 3 Pig c11g iine a oeing parallel tuo Tne gumujau,.L-j.Lua cs o^ tion axles.

17.

upon the suspension members take positions parallel to each othe: In case a held suspension member, for instance, the suspension member 3 is released, the springs 21, 22 and 21', 22' get loose, exerting pressure on the rods 18 by means of the flanges 19. The ends of the rods 18 act upon the rest surfaces 16, 17 and 16',17 of the levers 6, 7 (Figs 15 to 17 and 21). Whereupon the levers 6, 7 turn in the opposite direction, which causes a turn of the suspension members 2 and 3 relative to each other and the suspen sion members return to the initial position (Figs 15 to 17).

Such an operation of the applied hinge can be used, for instance when self-closing doors or panes of various mechanisms are employed.

Fig. 22 presents a. diagram of the spring-loaded rod 18 move ments versus the movements of a suspension member, where oingle movements of a suspension member, designated by letter are indicated equally and in conformity with the movements of the rod 18, designated by letter from HI to H8. The diagram makes it evident that the spring-loaded rod movement values decrease with a turn of the suspension member towards opening.

Owing to this, the effort exerted to the suspension member to op open it drops quicker than the resistance of the springs which rises during the compression of the springs. T.herewith, owing to an instant drop to zero of a force in the suspension member mechanism of self-return to the initial position as soon as the rods 18 get stopped by the joining components 4, 5 in the closed (coaxial) position of the suspension members, which do not swing in this position.

In case it is required to abandon the use of the suspension members 2 and 3 mechanism of self-return to the initial position i locking mechanism for spring-loaded rods against motion.

In such a design the suspension members are provided with selective stopping against a spontaneous tun as well as with 18.

a quater .turn of the stopping element 28 is effected by means oj the slit 36 with the suspension members 2 and 3 being parallel to each other (in the door open position, for instance) and the springs 21, 22 and 21', 22' compressed (Fig. 21). Thereupon, S parts of the rods, located behind the flats 27, bear against the side surfaces of the stopping elements 28, 28' and exert no pre.

ssure to the levers 6 and In the course of a forced turn of the suspension members 2 and 3,the rods 18 remain motionless and have no influence the hinge operation. In this case the hinge operation is similar in everything to the design variants heretofore described.

In case it is required to reduce the effort needed to open the suspension members 2 and 3, it is possible to turn the sto ping element 28 only of one of the suspension members, which re suits in disengagement of the pair of spring-loaded rods 18. Th other pair of the rods continue to act on both the levers 6 7 In the case of the springs failure, the applied hinge continues to operate under the conditions of a reduced effort, required for opening and self-return of the suspension members 2.ahd 3.

In case all the springs are broken, the hinge proceeds operatin, but with no self-return of the suspension members to the initia position.

Since the rods 18 bear freely against the rest surfaces o the levers 6 and 7, the moment of weight is fully absorbed by the levers 6 and 7 and it does not act on the springs. This im proves the reliability of the hinge, A variant of the applied hinge design, presented in Pigs 23 to 29, operates in a similar way with an only exception: the rods 18 interact with the rest surfaces 16, 17 and 16', 17' of faces of the hinge joining components being parts of elliptical surfaces;

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19.

the levers 6 and 7 by means of the pushers 18a, flexibly attached to the vacant ends of the rods 18 by pins 30. Such a desigi improves reliability and makes the assembly procedures simpler.

The description of the design variant operation, illustrated in Figs 30 to 36.

In the initial position the suspension members 2, 3 (Figs.

to 34) are disposed coaxially so that their end surfaces, which face each other, are joined. This corresponds to the position, for instance, of closed doors. In this position the doublE arm levers 43, 44, 43', 44' exert pressure to the pressing element 49, 49' under the force of springs. The eccentric cam 51, 51' does not retard the longitudinal movement of the pressing element 49, 49' (Figs 31,32 and 36). In this position the double arm levers 43, 44, 43', 44' and the rods 18 can move with t'-9 movement of the pressing element 49, 49'. In case of a turn of one of the suspension members 3 relative to the other suspension member 2 (not shown), the springs 21 get compressed due to the motion of the pressing element 49, 49' in the slot 37, 37', due to a turn of the double-arm levers 43, 44, effected by the rest surfaces 16, 17 and 16', 17' of the levers 6, 7 being turned, an due to the movement of the rods 18, the flanges 19 of which act on the springs 21.Thereupon the suspension members 2, 3 take positions parallel to each other. In case the held suspension member is released in this position, for instance, the suspensio member 3, the springs 21 come loose, exerting pressure to the rods 18 via the flanges 19. The rods act upon the end plane of the pressing element 49, 49' by means of the double-arm levers 43, 44, 43', 44'. Whereafter the opposite end of the pressing element 49, 49' acts on the rest surfaces 16, 17 and 16',17' of the levers 6 and 7 (Figs 30 to 33). Owing to this action, the return mechanism to the initial position; levers 6, 7 turn into the opposite direction, which results in a turn of the suspension members 2 and 3 relative to each other and the suspension members return to the initial position.

In case it is required to abandon the self-return to the initial position of the suspension members 2 and 3, a quarter turn of the closing accentric cam 51, 51' is effected to the position with the suspension members 2 and 3 being parc.llel to each other (in the door open position, for instance) and the springs 21 compressed. A s a result, the steps formed by the recesses 50, 50' of the pressing elements 49, 49' bear against th( closing accentric cams 51,51' and do not press the levers 6 and 7. With a turn of the suspension members 2 and 3, carried out b3 force, the pressing elements 49, 49' and the double-arm levers 4 43, 44, 43', 44' do not move, the rods 18 remain motionless and have no influence on the hinge operation. This being the case, the self-return to the initial position of the suspension member does not take place and the operation of the hinge remains similar in everything to the operation of the design variants descri bed above with references to Figs 1 to 12.

Everyting said above with references to Figs 15 to 21 concerning a change in the effort of springs and displacement of th :"ods with the suspension members being open and closed, holds good for the given variant of the design. The difference lies in the employment of the double-arm levers 43, 14, 43', 44', which makes it possible to reduce the rigidity of springs and to increase the effort required to open the suspension members. There.

to, the said variant of the design ensures a simpler and more reliable method of attaching the hinges to suspension members and an access to the mechanism of self-return to the initial po sitior bers 2 and 3,respectively, for their turn relative to each other in a plane normal to the plane in Fig. 1. To this end,the hinge i I I I 1 21.

of the suspension members in case of repairs or servicing.

As Fig. 25 shows, the hinge is provided with a cover 54 to protect the mechanism against dust and foreign objects. Such a cover can be used for all variants of the hinge design furnished with the self-return mechanism.

Industrial Applicability.

In accordance with the invention the hinge can be most suc cessfully employed for joining door wings when required to ensui their full turn to both sides through 1800 or-relatively to each other through 3600 to allow a passage through the: door opening, for instance, of an intensive stream of people or ani.nals.

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Claims

1. A hinge for connecting a pair of suspension members, comprising: a pair of joining components adapted for being attached to respective suspension members; and levers connecting said joining components to each other, each lever being rotatably attached to each joining component by an axle, each axle having an axis about which each lever is rotatable, the planes defined by the rotational movement of the levers being parallel to one another, wherein: the distances along the length of each lever between the axle axes are equal; and the longitudinal axis of each lever defines a plane normal to the respective plane of lever movement, the normal planes intersecting one another along a line, and when the joining components are moved relative to each other the locus formed by the lines of intersection is elliptical.

2. The hinge according to claim 1, wherein: the points of intersection of the axle axes with a plane parallel to said planes of lever movement are located at the vertices of a quadrangle, when the joining components are disposed coaxially.

3. The hinge according to claim 1, wherein: the intersection points of the axle axes with a plane parallel to said planes of lever rotation are located at the vertices of a quadrangle when the joining components are disposed paidllel.

4. The hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the distance between the axle axes of each lever is at least equal to the greatest joining component cross dimension in a plane parallel to said planes of lever movement 25 and which passes through the axes of the axles located in that joining component. The hinge according to claim 4, wherein: the joining components have end surfaces that face each other, the end surfaces being convex surfaces, the generating lines of which are parallel to the axes of the 3 respective axles. o30 6. The hinge according to claim 5, wherein: the cross-section of each convex curved surface in a plane parallel to said planes of lever movement is a semi-ellipse that represents said locus of lines,

7. The hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: each joining component is provided with two slots accommodating a pair of levers, each lever being furnished with rest surfaces in opposition, each joining component also being provided with a pair of spring-loaded rods having a freedom to move, the vacant ends of which are intended for intersection with the rest surfaces of the levers.

8. The hinge according to claim 7, wherein: e ln:\libtt00195:IAD w

71- WOW- -I points Fl, F2 and F3, F4 of the geometrical axes of the rotation Ji I *1 .^i C. i the rods are furnished with flanges and the joining components with rests and between the rests of the joining components and the flanges of the rods there are moi-nted springs. 9. The hinge according to claim 8, wherein: each joining component is provided with a spring-loaded rod for stopping motion of hi The hinge according to claim 9, wherein: each joining component has a body and a separation web disposed between the slots to accommodate the levers, each joining component further having a hole, the axis of o which hole is located in the plane of symmetry between the slots; in the bodies of the joining components there are made guiding holes crossing the hole in the separation web of the joining component and serving as guides for the movements of the spring-loaded rods; and the spring-loaded rod for stopping motion of theA-Fe ~aism- is made up as a. stopping element, mounted to freely rotate in the hole of the separation web of the joining component, having diametrically opposite grooves spaced along the joining component length, the grooves being entered by the rods, and the rods having flats on ends of the rods, disposed in the guiding holes with the width of the flats being smaller than that of the grooves of the stopping elements. 11. The hinge according to claim 10, wherein: the spring-loaded rods are provided with pushers flexibly attached to the vacant ends of the rods to interact with the rest surfaces of the levers. 12. The hinge according to claim 11, wherein: the pushers are in the form of plates, whereas the rods are of a cylindrical cross- 25 section, with the stopping element having a shape of a cylindrical stem with grooves of a semi-circular cross-section provided along its side surface with diametrically opposite and spaced along its length, which are entered by the rods, the width of the pusher's plates being smaller that the width of the grooves of the stopping elements. :13. The hinge according to claim 9, wherein: each joining component has a guiding slot in a plane parallel to a plane of lever movement, whereas the slots, accommodating the levers, are formed by a separation web disposed parallel to the levers and located in a part of the guiding slot and extending from sides of the end. surface of the joining component; each joining component has a through slot, connected with the guiding slot and disposed parallel to the plane of the separation web with the levers disposed in the guiding slot on both sides of the said separation web; the guiding slot, in a cross-section in a plane normal to a plane of lever movement, has two skew-symmetric recesses, and the pushers are made as a pair of double-arm levers, pivotably attached to each joining component, with one set of arms pivotably ,4o0 connected to the spring-loaded rods mounted in the guiding holes of the joining t 7' [G:\WPUSER\LIBT101146:TCW 1' I i'e r -g ning components 4, 5 are provided with ,.Os 10 for screws. I, component normal to the separation web, whereas the other set of arms bear against an end of a pressing element which is arranged in the guiding slot, and a recess, that makes a step in a cross-section by a plane parallel to the plane of the separation web from the side opposite to the pressing element end, while the spring-loaded rod for stopping motion of theA4meenaie m is made up in the form of a closing eccentric cam, adapted to interact with said step formed by the recess at the end of the pressing element, mounted on a rotation axle in the through slot and having a projecting control boss. 14. A hinge substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 12 or Fig. 13 or Fig. 14 or Figs. 15 to 29 or Figs. 30 to 32. o Dated 8 June, 1994 Igor Ivanovich Esman Anatoly Konstantinovich Gleb Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON 1 i i"^ i. 1 J 46:TCW p the joining component 4 (not shown) and the end surface of the suspension member 2. In this case the 'clearance between end sur- HINGE Summary The hinge designed for suspension members (2 and 3), is provided with a flexible mechanism comprising a pair of joi- ning components intended to be attached to correspondin suspension members (2 and 3) and connected to each other by megns of the levers (6 and The levers (6 and 7) are mounted with a freedom for reciprocal motions in parallel planes around rotation axles and disposed on the joining compo- nents The levers 7) have an equal length between their rotation axles and whereas the locus of points, formed at a turn of the joining components (4 and 5) re- lat:ive to each other by the intersection of the longitudinal axes (F1 F2 and F3 F4) of the levers (6 and 7) on a plane paral- lel to the plane of the lever movements, is an elliptical curve. I (a