EP1586729A1 - Hinge system - Google Patents

Abstract

The hinge has two units that remain constantly in contact with each other. One unit is maintained to be suspended at the other unit. One unit has a body with an end terminated by a hook (10) having a bend (18) which cooperates with a free end (31) of a hook (26) of the other unit for forming a unique rotational axle between the two units. The free end of the hook (26) rests on the bend. An independent claim is also included for a construction including a roof and a vertical wall articulated between them by a hinge.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a hinge including a first and second elongated element along an axis cooperating with each other, the section of the first element including a first body and a first free end in the form of a curved hook, the section of the second element including a second body and a second free end in the shape of a crooked hook.

State of the art

There are many types of hinges, swivel generally around a cylindrical axis, which are used for various applications. To avoid the location of the solicitations at the opening and the closure, a type of hinge commonly used is the hinge called "piano hinge". However this type of hinge does not withstand the demands of its weak anchorage. Finally the use of an axis or pin poses problems of deformation and seizure especially when these hinges are intended to support loads important and are exposed to the weather and dirt.

To overcome these disadvantages, hinges continuous studies have been developed.

US 5,329,667 discloses a hinge which do not use a stud. The operation of the device is based on the principle of the articulation of two profiles cylindrical around several common axes of rotation.

However this kind of device does not remove totally the wear and tear of the parts because both hinge elements have a contact surface important, resulting in high wear, which can lead to seizure and ovalisation phenomena. Due to the existence of several axes of rotation developing on different points of the hinge, the hinge of the prior art is therefore particularly subject to frictional abrasion of the elements. The ovalization of hinge elements can then create play between these. These phenomena of wear are further aggravated when these hinges are used to rotate pieces of heavy construction.

Summary of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide a hinge which can work even in case of significant wear of cooperating elements.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge in which the elements cooperate without play.

The subject of the invention is a hinge including a first and second elongated members along an axis cooperating with each other, the section of the first element including a first body and a first free end in the form of a curved hook, the section of the second element including a second body and a second free end in the form of a curved hook, characterized in that the hook of the first end has a fold capable of cooperating with a free end of the hook the second element to form a single pivot axis between the first and the second element.

The presence of the fold in the first hook, which is able to receive one end of the second hook, allows the two hinge elements to stay always in contact with each other and therefore avoid that there is play between the elements, even when said elements undergo wear.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge easy to assemble and disassemble, implementing a number of rooms as small as possible and whose elements are easy to manufacture. In a form of particular realization, the hook of the first element has the shape of a first C, able to surround the hook of the second element. The first C includes a first and a second branch, the first branch being connected to the body of the first element while the distal end free of the second branch is extended by a branch to form the fold. The hook of the second element has also the shape of a C, comprising a first and a second branch, the first branch being connected to the body of the second element.

This embodiment is advantageous because the elements hinge can be obtained by folding a metal sheet. In addition, cooperation between the two hinge elements can be obtained by suspending or inserting the hook of the second element in the channel set the hook of the first element.

In a particular embodiment, the branches of the first and second C are substantially parallel and the angle formed by the fold is substantially equal to 90 °.

In an advantageous embodiment, the branches of the first and second C are substantially convergent and the angle formed by the fold is substantially equal to 135 °.

Preferably, the hinge elements are made of a material resistant to corrosion such as stainless steel or aluminum or composite material strengthened.

Hinge elements according to the invention can be used to build very quickly, using only one reduced number of elements and parts.

Brief description of the figures

La figure 1 est une vue en coupe, suivant un plan vertical perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement, d'une forme de réalisation de la charnière selon l'invention dans laquelle deux éléments sont emboítés de façon à former charnière.

Les figure 2, 3, 4 sont des vues en coupe avec interruption, illustrant le mouvement relatif du deuxième élément par rapport au premier élément, lors du mouvement de pivotement.

La figure 5 est une vue en coupe d'une autre forme de réalisation des éléments faisant charnière, permettant d'obtenir un angle de pivotement sensiblement égal à 135°.

La figure 6 est une vue en coupe d'une autre forme de réalisation des éléments faisant charnière.

La figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'un bâtiment construit au moyen des éléments faisant charnière.

La figure 8 est une vue en élévation d'un angle du bâtiment de la figure 7 lorsque les parois verticales sont en position de fermeture.

La figure 9 est une vue en élévation d'un angle du bâtiment de la figure 7, dans le cas où la paroi verticale vient s'appuyer contre un poteau d'angle de section circulaire.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the appended figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional view, along a vertical plane perpendicular to the pivot axis, of an embodiment of the hinge according to the invention in which two elements are interlocked so as to form hinge.

Figures 2, 3, 4 are interrupted sectional views showing the relative movement of the second member with respect to the first member during pivoting movement.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the hinge elements, to obtain a pivot angle substantially equal to 135 °.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the hinge elements.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a building constructed by means of hinge elements.

Figure 8 is an elevational view of an angle of the building of Figure 7 when the vertical walls are in the closed position.

Figure 9 is an elevational view of an angle of the building of Figure 7, in the case where the vertical wall abuts against a corner post of circular section.

Detailed description of the figures

In Figure 1 is shown in section, a hinge according to the invention, comprising a first element (4) cooperating with a second element (6) by interlocking the second element in the first element.

The section of the first element (4) comprises a first body (8) one end of which ends with a hook (10). The hook (10) has the shape of a first C, comprising a first branch (12) and a second branch (14). The free end of the second branch (14) is curved towards the interior of the first C by a straight part (16) in forming a fold (18) at an angle substantially equal to 90 °. The first body (8) has the shape of a first L, whose the base (20) connects with the first limb (12) of the first hook (10) and whose shaft (22) is curved towards inside the L forming a C (23). The angle formed by the base (20) of the L and the first leg (12) of the hook (10) is substantially equal to 135 °.

The section of the second element (6) comprises a body (24) one end of which ends with a hook (26). The hook (26) has the shape of a C, comprising a first branch (28), by which it connects to the body (24), and a second branch (30). The body (24) of the second element (6) has the shape of an L, the shaft (32) of which is connected to the first leg (28) of the hook (26) in making an angle of about 135 °. The base (34) of the L is curl inward of the L by defining a C (35).

Note that the right part (16) does not close the first hook (10) of the first element (4) than on a part of its width to allow pivoting and the assembly of the second element (6). The assembly is obtained by inserting the second hook (26) of the second element (6) inside the groove defined by the first hook (10) of the first element (4). The second branch (30) of the second hook (26) is then supported on the second branch (14) of the first hook (10) while the ridge (31) of the second leg (30) of the second hook (26) rests in the fold (18).

In order to allow the hinge of the first and second elements (4, 6) and their pivoting one by compared to the other, the separation of the branches (28, 30) of the second hook (26) is substantially less than branches (12, 14) of the first hook (10).

Thanks to this particular geometry of the hooks, it it is not necessary to use a connecting rod or any other intermediate part, fixed or movable, to rotate the second element (6) relative to the first element (4).

Construction parts (36), such as for example panels, can be attached to the first and second the backs of the Cs (23, 35) by fastening means known to those skilled in the art.

The sequence of Figures 2, 3 and 4 illustrates the relative positions of elements (4, 6) during movement pivoting.

In the initial position (Figure 2), the second branch (30) of the second hook (26) rests, over its entire length, on the second branch (14) of the first hook (10).

The second element (6) is then brought into a intermediate position (Figure 3) by a movement of pivoting counterclockwise. The only point of contact between the two elements (4, 6) made along the unique pivot axis, defined as being the intersection between the ridge (31) and the fold (18).

In the final position (Figure 4), after a pivoting by 90 °, the second branch (30) of the second hook (26) comes to bear against the right part (16) extending the second branch (14) of the first hook (10), while the ridge (31) rests in the fold (18).

It is observed that the two elements (4, 6) remain constantly in contact with each other, since the second element (6) is "suspended" at the first element (4). So the action of gravity makes it possible to automatically compensate the wear of the edge (31) and therefore to avoid that there is clearance between the elements (4, 6).

Another advantage lies in the fact that the edge (31) will not affect the operation of the hinge because of the small contact area between elements (4, 6).

We also note that the articulation is continuous on the entire length of the two elements (4, 6), allowing to better distribute the weight and forces exerted by heavy construction parts that would be attached to elements (4, 6).

Although the corrosion phenomena have little influence on the operation of the hinge according to the invention, for maintenance purposes, it is advantageous that the hinge elements are made of a material resistant to corrosion, by example in stainless steel or aluminum, or in one composite material reinforced with glass fibers, carbon or any other suitable material.

It should be emphasized that the geometry of the elements (4, 6), described in Figure 1 is advantageous from a point of economic view because it can be obtained by folding a sheet metal, for example stainless steel. So, he it is not necessary to implement a sector, costly in the case of large parts or small series, to give the required form to the elements (4, 6).

It is possible to obtain a pivot angle greater than 90 ° and up to substantially 135 °, in modifying the angle of folding of the branches of the hooks (10, 26) and that of the fold (18).

In the first embodiment of the hinge, represented in FIG. 1, the branches (12, 14) of the first hook (10) and the branches (28, 30) of the second hook (26) are substantially parallel and the angle of the fold (18) is about 90 °.

In a second embodiment of the profiles, represented in FIG. 5, the branches (12, 14) of the first hook (10) and the branches (28, 30) of the second hook (26) converge substantially towards each other, while the angle of the fold (18) is substantially equal to 135 °.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of another form of realization, advantageous in the case where the elements hinges are obtained by extrusion by means of a Faculty.

The first element (4) comprises a hook (10) such that already described above and a body (8) comprising two branches (38, 40) extending substantially perpendicular to a base (42). Both branches (38, 40) thus define a groove suitable for receiving a construction element such as a panel (44). The base (42) is connected to the first branch (12) of the hook (10) at a corner. To strengthen the flexural strength of the first element (4), a branch reinforcement (46) extends between the first limb (12) hook (10) and the base (42).

The second element (6) comprises a hook (26), as described above, and a body (24) defined by two branches (48, 50) extending perpendicularly to a base (52). The two branches (48, 50) thus define a groove. The base (52) is connected to the first branch (28) of the hook (26). A branch of reinforcement (54) also extends between the first leg (28) of the hook (26) and the base (52) of the body (24) to stiffen the second element (6).

This embodiment is particularly interesting because it is possible to fix in a simple way prefabricated panels by simple insertion into the grooves.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a construction (56), in this case a cover of pool, whose vertical walls (58) can be fold up at the right season. This construction (56) is erected using only elements profiles (4, 6) described above, except for the corner posts (60) which are simple hollow sections of any section, for example square.

Construction (56) includes a fixed roof (62) whose bearing frame consists of the assembly of four elements (4). A cover element, for example a polycarbonate panel (64) or any other material, is attached to the carrying frame.

An advantage resulting from the use of the elements (4) to form the bearing frame is that the channel, defined between the shaft (22) of the L and the first branch (12) of the hook (10), plays the role of a gutter to collect rainwater (see Figure 1). A descent, which can possibly be fitted inside the poles angle (60) makes it possible to evacuate the water harvested in said gutter.

The frame carrying the vertical wall (58) is to him obtained by the association of four elements (6) as described in Figure 1; this frame supports a panel (64), for example polycarbonate, fixed by means of appropriate fixation. The assembly of elements to form the bearing frame can be made by a miter cut, to using brackets, riveting or welding.

The frame carrying the vertical wall (58), once assembled, is put in cooperation with the the fixed roof by interlocking or embedding the hook (26) inside the hook (10).

Optionally, to avoid tipping involuntary of the vertical wall (58) when in open position and also to facilitate his pivoting, a jack system (65), actuated in a manner pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical can be used to connect the corner posts (60) with each element (6) constituting the vertical side of the frame of the vertical wall (58).

The advantage of a building thus constructed lies in the simplicity of design, robustness and cost modest, since only two types of elements (4, 6) are used for all frames.

Another advantage of using the elements (4, 6) according to the invention is apparent from Figure 8, which is a representation in section of one of the corners of the construction when the vertical walls were folded towards the low.

The shaft (32) of the L of the elements (6) constituting the vertical sides of the frame carrying the vertical wall (58), comes to rest along the faces of the corner post (60), thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the construction (56) while ensuring a better hermeticity vis-à-vis outside. In addition, the first branch (28) of the hook (26) of the second element (6) provides a better resistance to gusts of wind by accentuating the rigidity of the corner post (60) in the diagonal direction.

In a particular embodiment, a material sealing ring (66) is applied to the outer surface of the shaft (32) of the L and on the first branch (28) of the hook (26). This sealing material (66) on the one hand, to improve the hermetic integrity of the building when the vertical wall (58) is closed and, on the other hand, to cushion the shocks between the elements (6) and the corner posts (60) when closing, while reducing the coefficient of friction between elements (6) and the corner posts (60).

Fig. 9 is another embodiment of body (24) of the second element (4) in which the shaft (22) of the L has a curvature in the shape of a corner post (60) of circular section.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific achievements that are an illustration of invention and which should not be considered as limiting.

Claims (11)

Hinge including a first (4) and second (6) elongated member along an axis, cooperating with each other, the section of the first member (4) including a first body (8) and a first free end in the form of a hook (10), the section of the second element (6) including a second body (24) and a second hook-shaped free end (26) curved, characterized in that the hook (10) of the first end comprises a fold (18) adapted to cooperate with a free end (31) of the hook (26) of the second element (6) to form a single pivot axis between the first (4) and the second element (6). Hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that the hook section (10) of the first element (4) is in the form of a first C, able to surround the hook (26) of the second element (6), the first C comprising a first (12) and a second branch (14), the first branch (12) being connected to the body (8) of the first element (4), the free distal end of the second branch (14) being extended by a limb (16) for forming the fold (18), and in that the hook section (26) of the second member (6) is in the form of a C comprising a first (28) and a second limb (30), the first leg (28) being connected to the body (24) of the second element (6). Hinge according to Claim 2, characterized in that the first (12, 28) and second limbs (14, 30) of the first (10) and second hooks (26) are substantially parallel and that the angle of the fold ( 18) is substantially equal to 90 °. Hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that the first (12, 28) and second limbs (14, 30) of the first (10) and second hooks (26) are substantially convergent and that the angle of the fold ( 18) is substantially equal to 135 °. Hinge according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that
the first body section (8) includes a first L-shaped member comprising a base (20) and a shaft (22), the base (20) of the first L being connected to the first leg (12) of the first first hook (10) at an angle substantially equal to 135 °, the shank (22) of the first L being bent inwardly of the first L by defining a C (23), and in that the section of the second body (24) ) includes a second L-shaped member comprising a base (34) and a shank (32), the shank (32) of the second L being connected to the first leg (28) of the second hook (26) in a manner an angle substantially equal to 135 °, the base (34) of the second L being bent by defining a C (35). Hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that the shaft (32) of the second L of the second body (24) is curved. Hinge according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the shaft (32) of the second L and the first branch (28) of the second hook (26) include an insulating material applied to their outer surface. Hinge according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that
the section of the first body (8) includes an element comprising a base (42) and a pair of legs (38, 40) defining a groove, the first body (8) being connected to the hook (10) by its base (42) , and in that the section of the second body (24) includes an element comprising a base (52) and a pair of legs (48, 50) defining a groove, the second body (24) being connected to the second hook (26). by its base (52). Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of a corrosion resistant metal. Hinge according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is made of a reinforced composite material. Construction (56) comprising a roof (62) and at least one vertical wall (58) hinged together by a hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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