EP0178504B1 - Hinge joint - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A hinge joint (1) for at least two plate elements (2) which are variable relative to one another in their angularity, are detachable from one another and at the edges (3) thereof facing and abutting one another have in each case at least one hinge part (4; 5), at least one of which is of convex curvature in cross section, the two said hinge parts (4; 5) being adapted to be rolled one upon another as they are swivelled relative to one another, characterized in that the two hinge parts (4; 5) are magnetically connected in the region of the convex surface.

Description

The invention relates to a hinge connection for at least two mutually variable in their angular position and releasable from each other, each having at least one hinge part on their mutually facing and abutting edges, at least one of which is convex in cross section, these two hinge parts pivoting towards each other can be passed on.

From FR-A-2 214 058 a hinge connection is known, in which the two hinge parts that can be rolled onto one another are connected by a Velcro fastener, so that when rolling, the point just connected must always be released in order to connect a neighboring point. This makes precise setting in a desired angular position more difficult, since the detachment movement in each case provides resistance that suddenly ends, so that under certain circumstances the pivoting is too extensive. In addition, such a surface provided with a Velcro fastener is sensitive to damage during transport or during use. Furthermore, a relatively large amount of force would be required for a possible separation of the two disc elements due to the positive locking of the Velcro fastener.

From OE-A-2 508 524 a door or wall with attachable connection profiles is known which can be connected by means of magnetic elements. A mutual pivoting of the points and parts to be connected is not provided, so that one cannot speak of a hinge connection in this previously published door or wall. In the area of the connecting magnets, the parts to be connected are rather designed as tongue and groove connections. This document therefore appears to be an object of another type.

The present invention has for its object to provide a hinge connection with which two disc-shaped elements or plates can be changed in their angular position to each other, but these should also be very easy to separate. The pivotability should be possible without great effort, while the hinge connection still generates sufficient holding forces.

The solution to this apparently contradictory task is that the two hinge parts are magnetically connected in the region of the convex surface.

This measure on the one hand allows the hinge parts to be easily rolled onto one another without great expenditure of force, but a secure connection is nevertheless achieved if the magnet or magnets is adequately dimensioned. Thus, the two parts connected by the hinges can also be separated very easily if, for example, they are required in a different constellation or application. In this way, sound-absorbing or view-limiting disk-shaped elements can be arranged very simply as desired, but can also be securely attached to one another in the use position.

At the same time, a connection can be created with the aid of magnets, in which the parts which apply these connecting forces are protected and secured against damage, so that they can maintain their holding force and have a long service life even under unfavorable mechanical influences.

A particularly favorable hinge connection for such pane elements results if the pane elements, which can preferably be connected to one another over the entire length, have a plurality of hinges distributed over the height, each with at least one magnet. Thus, such disc elements can support each other well, especially if they also have stands with feet or the like.

A preferred embodiment of the hinge connection can consist in that there is at least one magnet on one hinge part and a magnetic material on the associated counter-hinge part at least at the level of the magnet (s). Such a solution is particularly inexpensive because the hinge connection then only requires real magnets in one hinge part.

The two hinge parts can be formed by metal profiles with a convexly rounded cross section on the sides facing one another, preferably made of non-magnetic material, in particular aluminum or the like, into which a magnet is inserted or embedded in regions on at least one of the hinge parts, the magnet being at the same height the other hinge part has an oppositely polarized magnet or a part made of magnetic material. This results in a smooth and insensitive surface of the hinge parts in their contact and rolling area.

The magnet can expediently be designed as a plate and have pole shoes on both sides, which are arranged in cross-sectional planes of the edge profile. This results in a favorable magnetic flux from the magnetic plate to the pole pieces and from these to one another, so that large magnetic forces can be generated or transmitted in a small space.

It is advantageous if the pole pieces protrude from the actual magnets on the surface of the hinge parts and if at least the top of the hinge parts is preferably coated with the magnetic pole pieces with plastic or foam, which is flush with the above pole pieces completes. This protects the magnet itself, while the magnetic forces are concentrated on the pole pieces. The plastic surface on the hinge parts facilitates the mutual rolling, but also the detachment of the two hinge parts from each other.

For a simple adjustment of the hinge parts by rolling them onto one another, it is particularly favorable if the convex curvature of the hinge parts is circular in cross-section and preferably extends approximately over a semicircle. Correspondingly large angles can be set, but sufficiently large magnetic holding forces which hold the two hinge parts to one another are always transmitted in all these angular positions by the correspondingly shaped magnets or pole shoes and the corresponding magnetization direction. However, the rolling on each other is in no way made difficult by any mechanical holding means. Also, by sinking the magnets into the edge profiles, it is excluded that forces acting on these holding elements during rolling or loosening could destroy them or detach them from their holder.

For good power transmission and mounting with easy roll-off, but also releasability of the hinge connection, it is advantageous if two or more magnets are distributed over the height of the hinge parts that can be rolled onto one another and at least one ferromagnetic counterpart at the same height on the counter-hinge part how the magnets are embedded. The magnets embedded in a hinge part, which are preferably semicircular in cross section, are expediently magnetized through, so that the field lines run to the pole pieces. Such magnet arrangements are particularly advantageous when the magnets interact with ferromagnetic counterparts.

The hinge connection according to the invention not only allows the connection of two pane elements, but even three or more pane elements can be mutually adjustable in their angular position and collide with their edges at a common location. In this case it is expedient if magnets are embedded in the curved hinge part of a disk element and counterparts made of ferromagnetic material are embedded in those of the other disk elements. In the case of four or even six pane elements starting from a common location, hinge parts with magnets and with ferromagnetic materials can also be arranged alternately side by side.

For the formation of a chain of disc elements or the arbitrary assignment of several disc elements to one another, it is expedient if a disc element has at least one hinge part with magnets on a vertical edge and at least one counter-hinge part on the opposite parallel edge. This means that several disc elements can also be installed in a row, but their angular positions can also change. Nevertheless, all the disk elements can be designed identically to one another, which facilitates their assignment to one another.

Especially when combining one or more of the features and measures described above, there is a hinge connection for plate-shaped parts which can be firmly connected in any angular position, but are nevertheless easily detachable from one another, and which can preferably be used as sight and / or sound protection, without changing the Angular positions of the parts to each other large holding forces must be overcome and the connection of these parts is detachable, but still takes place with relatively large forces. Couplings with the help of magnets are already known, whereby these are either designed to be dynamic when a rotating magnet also rotates a counter magnet, or which is intended for an always identical connection between two parts which then occupy a fixed and predetermined always constant position relative to one another , as is the case, for example, when locking a cupboard door. However, the present invention now creates a connection in which two parts which can be pivoted in relation to one another in their angular position and in which the adhesion point moves when these parts are pivoted and rolled off, then allow a sufficiently firm connection of these parts in the respective position. The infinitely variable adjustability is an advantage.

• Fig. 1 eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Scharnierverbindung, wobei die beiden Scharnierteile voneinander gelöst sind,
• Fig. 2 je eine Stirnansicht eines Scharnierteiles und eines Gegen-Scharnierteiles der erfindungsgemäßen Scharnierverbindung,
• Fig. 3 eine Draufsicht bzw. einen Querschnitt einer erfindungsgemäßen Scharnierverbindung, wobei die eigentlichen zu verbindenden Scheibenelemente weggelassen sind und die bei der dargestellten Position miteinander einen Winkel von etwa 180° bilden,
• Fig. 4 eine Ausführungsform einer Scharnierverbindung, bei welcher insgesamt vier Scharnierteile zusammenwirken,
• Fig. 5 eine Ausführungsform einer Scharnierverbindung, bei welcher insgesamt sechs Scharnierteile für ebenso viele Scheibenelemente zusammenwirken,
• Fig. 6 einen Querschnitt eines zu einem Scharnierteil gehörenden Magneten mit einem ihm gegenüber vorstehenden Polschuh,
• Fig. 7 eine Ansicht des Magneten gemäß Fig. 6 mit den beiden Polschuhen, wobei durch Pfeile angedeutet ist, daß der Magnet durchmagnetisiert ist, sowie
• Fig. 8 in schaubildlicher und schematisierter Darstellung zwei in einem Winkel zueinander stehende, von der erfindungsgemäßen Scharnierverbindung verbundene, nur teilweise dargestellte Scheibenelemente.

The invention is described in more detail below with its details that are essential to it, using the drawing. It shows in a partially schematic representation:

• 1 is a side view of a hinge connection according to the invention, the two hinge parts being detached from one another,
• 2 each an end view of a hinge part and a counter-hinge part of the hinge connection according to the invention,
• 3 shows a plan view or a cross section of a hinge connection according to the invention, the actual pane elements to be connected being omitted and which form an angle of approximately 180 ° with one another in the position shown,
• 4 shows an embodiment of a hinge connection in which a total of four hinge parts cooperate,
• 5 shows an embodiment of a hinge connection in which a total of six hinge parts work together for the same number of pane elements,
• Fig. 6 shows a cross section of one to one Magnet belonging to the hinge part with a pole shoe protruding opposite it,
• Fig. 7 is a view of the magnet of FIG. 6 with the two pole pieces, with arrows indicating that the magnet is magnetized, and
• Fig. 8 in a diagrammatic and schematic representation two disc elements which are at an angle to one another and are only partially shown and are connected by the hinge connection according to the invention.

A hinge connection, designated as a whole by 1, shown primarily in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 8 in the position of use, serves to connect two disc elements 2 on the one hand so that their angular position can be changed, but on the other hand they should also be detachable from one another without screws, Bolts or the like would have to be loosened.

For this purpose, the pane elements 2, which can be plates made of several layers, sound-absorbing material or the like, each have at least one hinge part 4 or 5 on their mutually facing and abutting edges 3, both hinge parts 4 and 5 being convex in cross section in the exemplary embodiment are, so that they can be passed on each other when pivoting.

It is made clear in FIGS. 1 to 5 that the two hinge parts 4 and 5 are magnetically connected in the convex area. In Fig. 8 it can be seen that the interconnectable and mutually pivotable disc elements 2 can be connected to each other over the entire length or height and have several hinges 1 distributed over the height, each with at least one magnet 6. There may be at least one magnet 6 on a hinge part 4, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2 two magnets 6 and on the associated counter-hinge part 5 at the height of the magnets 6 a magnetic material 7 which according to FIGS. 2 and 3 can be a correspondingly curved steel sheet located on the surface of the edge 3. In particular, Fig. 3 also shows that the two hinge parts 4 and 5 of metal profiles 8 with a convexly rounded cross-section on the facing sides, preferably made of non-magnetic material such as. B. Aluminum or the like. Can be formed, in which one or more magnets 6 are inserted or let in on the one hinge part 4 in the corresponding hinge areas, the one or those at the same height on the other hinge part 5, the part 7 made of magnetic material, preferably iron or steel. An oppositely polarized magnet could also be arranged at this point. In FIGS. 6 and 7 it can be seen that the magnet 6 is in each case designed as a plate and has pole shoes 9 on both sides, which are arranged according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in cross-sectional planes of the edge profile 8 and the edge 3, respectively. The pole shoes 9 protrude from the actual magnets 6 on the surface of the hinge parts 4. It is indicated in Fig. 1, 2 and 8 that the top of the hinge parts 4 and 5 may have a coating 10 made of plastic or foam, which is flush with the protruding pole pieces 9. Thus, the pole pieces 9 can exert the magnetic forces well on the counter-hinge part 5 and the magnetic part 7 provided there. Magnetic holding forces can be generated particularly cheaply despite the fact that the hinge parts 4 and 5 can be rolled on one another and act practically in any angular position of the disk elements 2 if the magnets 6 embedded in a hinge part 4, semicircular in cross section according to FIG. 6 according to FIG. 7 and the Arrows Pf shown there are magnetized so that the field lines run to the pole pieces 9. The convex curvature of the hinge parts 4 and 5 is circular in cross-section and extends approximately over a semicircle.

Thus, very large angular ranges of the two disc elements 2 which can be releasably attached to one another can be set as desired.

In FIGS. 3 to 5 it can be seen that the edge profiles 8, which are convexly or convexly or arcuately curved in cross section, have latching webs 11 on their rear sides facing the disc elements 2 for connection to the disc elements 2. This enables a solid connection of these edge profiles 8 to be produced, so that they have a double function. On the one hand, they allow the edges 3 of the pane elements 2 to be rolled onto one another, so that corresponding hinge parts can be arranged there, on the other hand, however, they reinforce the entire pane element 2 in a frame-like manner. The surface in the edge region is also shapely and is practically not disturbed by the hinge parts 4 and 5 , because the magnets 6 are designed as a plate and the pole pieces 9 lie in the sectional plane of the edge profile 8, so that only narrow strips of the end face of the pole pieces 9 become visible on the surface through the aforementioned coating 10.

As an additional holder for the disc elements 2, stands with feet can be provided on them in a manner not shown, so that there is a particularly advantageous application of this hinge connection for erectable plates as a visual and / or soundproofing. The hinge connection advantageously allows an individual and arbitrary assignment of such disc elements, without the need for complex assemblies with appropriate supports, holding profiles and. Like. Requires. The disc elements can therefore be brought into any other position by the user at any time. 1 and 2 illustrates that over the height of a hinge part 4, two magnets 6, possibly more such magnets 6, and on the counter-hinge part 5, a ferromagnetic counterpart 7 can be embedded at the same height as the magnets 6. This gives these hinge parts 4 and 5 greater stability than if only one magnet were provided.

In FIGS. 4 and 5 it is indicated that the hinge connection 1 according to the invention also makes it possible to connect more than two disc elements 2 to one another in a hinge-like manner. For example, three disc elements 2 could each collide with an edge 3, it being expedient if magnets 6 were embedded in the curved hinge part 4 of a disc element and counterparts 7 made of ferromagnetic material were embedded in those of the other disc elements. 4, four edges 3 of disk elements are shown colliding, hinge parts 4 with magnets 6 and hinge parts 5 with ferromagnetic counterparts 7 being provided alternately. However, the hinge connection according to FIG. 3 could also be supplemented by two pane elements arranged at right angles, which would then only require ferromagnetic counterparts 7 and the magnets 6 of the one pane element would hold all the other pane elements in the hinge area.

Fig. 5 shows an arrangement with six disc elements 2 starting from one point, wherein in turn hinge parts 4 with magnets 6 and hinge parts 5 with counterparts 7 are releasably attached to each other.

The hinge connection according to the invention therefore not only allows the detachable and easily adjustable connection of two, but also several, pane elements, as a result of which the applicability and versatility are considerably increased. Nevertheless, with simple adjustability of the angular positions and simple releasability of the hinge parts, large holding forces result from one another. The top sides of the hinge parts 4 and 5, which are important for the rolling on one another, are insensitive to possible impacts or bumps, since they can be largely covered with plastic and for the holding connection projecting pole shoe end faces are only important at a few narrow places, which are also improper Treatment can hardly be damaged or injured. Sensitive protruding parts that must interlock when connected are avoided.

Claims (15)

1. A hinge joint (1) for at least two plate elements (2) which are variable relative to one another in their angularity, are detachable from one another and at the edges (3) thereof facing and abutting one another have in each case at least one hinge part (4; 5), at least one of which is of convex curvature in cross section, the two said hinge parts (4; 5) being adapted to be rolled one upon another as they are swivelled relative to one another, characterized in that the two hinge parts (4; 5) are magnetically connected in the region of the convex surface.

2. The hinge joint as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the plate elements (2) preferably interconnectable over the entire length or height have a plurality of hinges (1) which are distributed over the height and include in each case at least one magnet (6).

3. The hinge joint as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that there is on the one hinge part (4) at least one magnet (6) and on the associated counter-hinge part (5) there is a counterpart (7) which is at least at the level of the magnet(s) (6) and is made of magnetic or ferromagnetic material.

4. The hinge joint as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two hinge parts (4, 5) are formed by metal profiles (8) which at the sides facing one another have a cross section rounded in a convex manner and are preferably made of non-magnetic material, in particular aluminium or the like, on at least one of the hinge parts (4) a magnet (6) being set in or inserted in areas of said profiles and being opposed at the same level on the other hinge part (5) by a magnet of opposite polarity or a part (7) of magnetic material.

5. The hinge joint as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the magnet (6) takes the form of a plate and has on both sides pole pieces (9) disposed in cross sectional planes of the edge profile (3).

6. The hinge joint as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the pole pieces protrude relative to the magnets (6) proper on the surface of the hinge parts (4) and that at least the top side of the hinge parts with the magnetic pole pieces is preferably coated with plastic or foam material flush with the protruding pole pieces (9).

7. The hinge joint as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in cross section the convex curvature of the hinge parts (4, 5) has the shape of an arc of a circle and preferably extends over about a semicircle.

8. The hinge joint as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the edge profiles (8) which in cross section are curved outwardly, convex relative to one another or in the shape of an arc of a circle have on their sides facing the plate elements (2) latches (11) or the like for connection to the plate elements (2).

9. The hinge joint as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that stands with feet are provided on and as an additional support for the plate elements (2) variable relative to one another in angularity by the hinge joint.

10. The hinge joint as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there are inserted in at least one of the hinge parts two or more magnets (6) so as to be distributed over the height of the hinge parts (4) adapted to be rolled one upon another and in the counter-hinge part (5) a ferromagnetic counterpart (7) is inserted at the same level as the magnets (6).

11. The hinge joint as claimed in any one of the

preceding claims, characterized in that the magnets (6) which are inserted in one hinge part (4) and are preferably semicircular in cross section are magnetized through.

12. The hinge joint including at least three plate elements (2) adjustable relative to one another in their angularity and abutting with an edge (3), as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that magnets (6) are inserted in the curved hinge part (4) of one plate element (2) and counterparts (7) of ferromagnetic material are inserted in those of the other plate elements.

13. The hinge joint including at least four plate elements (2) adjustable relative to one another in their angularity, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that hinge parts (4) having magnets (6) and hinge parts (5) having ferromagnetic counterparts (7) are detachably connected side by side alternately.

14. The hinge joint as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plate element (2) has on its one vertical edge (3) at least one hinge part (4) with magnets (6) and on its opposite parallel edge has at least one counter-hinge part (5).

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