EP4636207A1

EP4636207A1 - Coplanar door mechanism and coplanar door comprising such a mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP4636207A1
Application number: EP25169834.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniela Archiutti
Original assignee: Veneta Cucine SpA
Current assignee: Veneta Cucine SpA
Priority date: 2024-04-16
Filing date: 2025-04-10
Publication date: 2025-10-22

Abstract

A coplanar door mechanism (12) comprises a first mechanism element (14) and a second mechanism element (16). The first mechanism element (14) and the second mechanism element (16) are adapted to be arranged on a door (18) at opposite edges (20,22). The first mechanism element (14) and the second mechanism element (16) define a hinge axis (x). The first mechanism element (14) is adapted to couple with a furnishing element (24) according to a direction parallel to the axis (x) above said door (18). The second mechanism element (16) is adapted to couple with a furnishing element (23) according to a direction perpendicular to the axis (x) laterally to the door (18).

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a coplanar door mechanism and to a coplanar door comprising such a mechanism. In particular, the present invention relates to a mechanism and a coplanar door adapted to be arranged between two furnishing elements or by the side of a furnishing element.

BACKGROUND ART

As known, many examples of doors arranged between two furnishing elements or by the side of a furnishing element exist in the prior art.
In this type of applications, the door divides a room, such as a kitchen, for example, from a second room which can have a different destination, such as a pantry, for example.
Since the door is located very close to a furnishing element, one of the possible architectural trends is to integrate the door into the furnishing element itself.
Many integration attempts have been made over the years, such as positioning doors very close to the furnishing element but fixed to existing or purpose-built masonry walls, for example.
These solutions, although widely used and appreciated, are not free from drawbacks.
In particular, the solutions of the prior art fail to be fully integrated into the furnishing element. This lack of integration is due, for example, to the fact that the door hinges are arranged on the masonry wall, and thus in a position far removed from the plane to which the doors of the furnishing element belong.

OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the need is felt to solve the drawbacks and limitations mentioned with reference to the prior art.
Thus, the need is felt to provide a coplanar door mechanism which allows having a door coplanar with respect to the plane defined by the doors of the furnishing element, which are close to the door itself.
Furthermore, a need is felt for a coplanar door which does not need to be fixed to masonry walls so that the hinge axis thereof can be positioned closer to the plane defined by the doors of the furnishing element.
Such a need is met by a coplanar door mechanism according to claim 1 and a coplanar door according to claim 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more comprehensible from the following description of preferred, non-limiting embodiments thereof, in which:

figure 1 diagrammatically depicts an exploded perspective view of a first component of the coplanar door mechanism according to a possible embodiment;
figure 2 diagrammatically depicts an exploded perspective view of a second component of the coplanar door mechanism according to a possible embodiment;
figure 3 diagrammatically depicts a perspective view of a coplanar door according to a possible embodiment, in which the door is in the closed position;
figures 4 and 5 diagrammatically depict perspective views of the components of the mechanism according to a possible embodiment, in a particular operating configuration in which the door is closed;
figures 6 and 7 diagrammatically depict top plan views of the components in figures 4 and 5 in the same operating configuration;
figure 8 diagrammatically depicts a perspective view of a coplanar door according to a possible embodiment, in which the door is partially open;
figures 9 and 10 diagrammatically depict a perspective view and a top plan view, respectively, of a first component of the mechanism according to a possible embodiment, in a particular operating configuration in which the door is partially open;
figure 11 diagrammatically depicts a perspective view of a coplanar door according to a possible embodiment, in which the door is fully open;
figures 12 and 13 diagrammatically depict perspective views of the components of the mechanism according to a possible embodiment, in a particular operating configuration in which the door is fully open; and
figure 14 diagrammatically depicts a top plan view of a first component of the mechanism according to a possible embodiment, in a particular operating configuration in which the door is fully open.

The elements or parts of elements common to the embodiments described below will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A coplanar door mechanism indicated by reference numeral 12 is shown in figure 3.
The mechanism 12 comprises a first mechanism element 14 and a second mechanism element 16, adapted to be arranged on a door 18 at opposite edges 20, 22.
The first mechanism element 14 and the second mechanism element 16 define a hinge axis (x) about which the door 18 rotates in use.
Furthermore, the first mechanism element 14 is adapted to couple with a furnishing element 23 according to a direction parallel to the axis (x) above the door 18. The second mechanism element 16 is adapted to couple with a furnishing element 23 according to a direction perpendicular to the axis (x) laterally to said door 18.
According to a possible embodiment, the first mechanism element 14 can comprise an axial support 24 adapted to be fixed to a surface substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis (X), and a bracket 26 adapted to be fixed at the upper edge 20 of a coplanar door 18. The axial support 24 and bracket 26 are rotatably coupled together about the axis (X).
As shown in figure 2, the axial support 24 can be provided with a cylindrical seat 28 for a corresponding pin 30 provided on the bracket 26. The coupling between the cylindrical seat 28 and the pin 30 is adapted to allow relative rotation between the bracket 26 and the axial support 24 about the axis (X).
The first element 14 can comprise a spacer 32 provided with a through hole 34, intended to be arranged on the pin 30. The height of the pin 30 is higher than the spacer 32.
Advantageously, the spacer 32 can be made of polymer material.
As shown in figure 2, the bracket 26 and the axial support 24 can comprise fixing holes 34, 36. For example, the fixing holes of the axial support can be suitable for fixing to an upper element 82 of a furnishing element 23. Advantageously, the fixing can be done by screws (not shown) .
According to a possible embodiment, the bracket 26 can have a T-shaped cross section comprising a stem 38 and two branches 40, 42, where the pin 30 protrudes from the branches 40, 42 in the opposite direction with respect to said stem 38.
In this respect, the upper edge 20 of the door 18 can comprise a slot in which the stem 38 can be inserted. Through the fixing holes 34 it can be fixed to the upper edge 20 of the door 18, e.g., by means of screws (not shown) .
According to a possible embodiment, the axial support 24 and the bracket 26 can be made of metal.
With reference to figure 1, the second element 16 can comprise a side support 44, an intermediate arm and a fixing bracket 62.
The side support 44 can have a connection portion 46 adapted to be connected to a furnishing element 23, and a shelf 48 provided with a first pin 50 and a second pin 52 mutually spaced apart.
Advantageously, the shelf 48 can be substantially perpendicular to the connection portion 46. Furthermore, said pins 50, 52 can be substantially parallel to the lying plane of the connection portion 46.
As shown in figure 1, the first pin 50 can be longer than the second pin 52.
The intermediate arm 54 can be provided with a sliding seat 56 for the second pin 52, and a third pin 58 arranged at an end 60 of the intermediate arm 54.
In use, the first pin 50, the second pin 52 and the third pin 58 can be substantially parallel to one another.
The fixing bracket 62 can be provided with a first cylindrical seat 64 for the first pin 50 and with a second cylindrical seat 66 for the third pin 58.
The coupling between the first cylindrical seat 64 and the first pin 50 defines the hinge axis (x).
In essence, the side support 44 can relatively rotate with respect to the fixing bracket 62, about the hinge axis (X), while the intermediate arm 54 can rotate with respect to the fixing bracket 62, about the axis defined by the coupling between third pin 58 and second cylindrical seat 66. Furthermore, during such relative rotations, the second pin 52 moves along the sliding seat 56.
As shown in figure 1, the side support 44 can have a substantially L-shaped section.
According to a possible embodiment, the connection portion 46 of the side support 44 can be provided with at least one hole 68 for fixing said door 12 to a side post 82. The fixing can be done by screws (not shown).
The fixing bracket 62 can have a T-shaped cross section, comprising a stem 70 and two branches 72, 74. The first and second cylindrical seats 64, 66 can be arranged at the branches 72, 74. Advantageously, the lower edge 22 of the door 18 can be provided with a slot (not shown) in which the stem 70 of the fixing bracket 62 can be arranged. The fixing of the fixing bracket to the door 18 can be done by means of screws (not shown), which engage at least one hole 86 on said branches 74, 72.
According to a possible embodiment, the sliding seat 56 of the intermediate arm 54 can be provided with an adjusting screw 76 arranged at the opposite end of the third pin 58 at an end of said sliding seat.
The adjusting screw 76 is adapted to increase or decrease the length of the sliding seat 56 so as to adjust the amplitude of movement of said fixing bracket 62 with respect to the side support 44.
The second element 16 can comprise a spacer 78 provided with a through hole 80, intended to be arranged on the first pin 50. The height of the first pin 50 is greater than the height of the spacer (78).
According to a possible embodiment, the spacer 70 can be made of a polymer material.
Figures 3, 8 and 11 show a coplanar door 18 comprising an upper edge 20 and a lower edge 22 comprising a coplanar door mechanism 12 as just described.
In the same figures, the coplanar door 18 is shown integrated into a furnishing element 23.
In particular, in figure 3, the door 18 is depicted in the closed position. As shown, by virtue of the particular shape of the mechanism 12, the door can be positioned coplanar with respect to the front surface of the furnishing element.
Figures 4, 5 ,6 and 7 depict the elements 14, 16 of the mechanism in the configuration in figure 3. As shown in figures 5 and 6, the second pin 52 is located at a limit stop defined by said sliding seat 56 and said adjusting screw 76.
In figure 8, the door is depicted in a partially open configuration. In particular, figures 9 and 10 depict the second element in a possible partially open door configuration.
In figure 11, the door is depicted in a fully open position. Advantageously, in such a configuration, the door 18 can be positioned substantially parallel to the side post 84 of the furnishing element 23.
Figures 12 and 14 depict the second element 16 in the particular operating configuration of a fully open door. Advantageously, in such a configuration, the first pin 50, the second pin 52, and the third pin 58 can be aligned.
Furthermore, as shown in figure 12, the intermediate arm 54 is positioned between the bracket 48 of the side support 44 and the fixing bracket 62.
Therefore, the advantages which can be achieved by the present invention are now apparent.
In particular, a coplanar door mechanism allowing a door to be substantially coplanar with respect to the front surface of a furnishing element has been provided.
Furthermore, the mechanism is particularly compact and thus does not aesthetically burden the furnishing element.
Again, the mechanism allows the door in fully open condition to be substantially parallel and very close to the side post of the furnishing element.
In order to meet specific needs, those skilled in the art may make changes to the embodiments described above and/or replace the elements described with equivalent elements without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Coplanar door mechanism (12) comprising a first mechanism element (14) and a second mechanism element (16), said first mechanism element (14) and said second mechanism element (16) being adapted to be arranged on a door (18) at opposite edges (20,22);
said first mechanism element (14) and said second mechanism element (16) defining a hinge axis (x); wherein said first mechanism element (14) is adapted to couple with a furnishing element (24) according to a direction parallel to the axis (x) above said door (18); and

wherein said second mechanism element (16) is adapted to couple with a furnishing element (23) according to a direction perpendicular to the axis (x) laterally to said door (18).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said first mechanism element (14) comprises an axial support (24) adapted to be fixed to a surface substantially perpendicular to the direction of said axis (X), and a bracket (26) adapted to be fixed at the upper edge (20) of a coplanar door (18); said axial support (24) and said bracket (26) being rotatably coupled to each other about said axis (X).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said axial support (24) is arranged with a cylindrical seat (28) for a corresponding pin (30) arranged on said bracket (26), the coupling between said cylindrical seat (28) and said pin (30) being adapted to allow a relative rotation between bracket (26) and axial support (24) about the axis (X).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said first element (14) comprises a spacer (32) arranged with a through hole (34), intended to be arranged on said pin (30), the height of said pin (30) being greater than the height of said spacer (32).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said spacer (32) is made of polymeric material.
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to any one of claims 2-5, characterised in that said bracket (26) and said axial support (24) comprise fixing holes (34, 36).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to any one of claims 2-6, characterised in that said bracket (26) has a T-shaped transverse section comprising a stem (38) and two branches (40, 42), wherein said pin (30) protrudes from said branches (40, 42) in the opposite direction with respect to said stem (38).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said second element (16) comprises a side support (44), an intermediate arm and a fixing bracket (62); said side support (44) having a connection portion (46) adapted to be connected to said furnishing element (23), and a shelf (48) arranged with a first pin (50) and a second pin (52) spaced apart from each other; said intermediate arm being arranged with a sliding seat (56) for said second pin (52), and a third pin (58) arranged at an end (60) of said intermediate arm (54); in use said first pin (50), said second pin (52) and said third pin (58) being substantially parallel to each other; said fixing bracket (62) being arranged with a first cylindrical seat (64) for said first pin (50) and with a second cylindrical seat (66) for said third pin (58); the coupling between first cylindrical seat (64) and said first pin (50) defining the hinge axis (x).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said side support (44) has a substantially L-shaped section.
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to any one of claims 8-9, characterised in that said connection portion (46) of said side support (44) is arranged with at least one hole (68) for fixing to a side post (84) of a furnishing element (23).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to any one of claims 8-10, characterised in that said fixing bracket has a T-shaped transverse section, comprising a stem (70) and two branches (72, 74), said first and second cylindrical seat (64, 66) being arranged at said branches (72, 74).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to any one of claims 8-11, characterised in that said sliding seat (56) of said intermediate arm (54) is arranged with an adjusting screw (76) arranged at the opposite end of said third pin (58), adapted to increase or decrease the length of said sliding seat (56), so as to adjust the amplitude of movement of said fixing bracket (62) with respect to said side support (44).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to any one of claims 8-12, characterised in that said second element (16) comprises a spacer (78) arranged with a through hole (80), intended to be arranged on said first pin (50), the height of said first pin (50) being greater than the height of said spacer (78).
Coplanar door mechanism (12) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said spacer (70) is made of polymeric material.
Coplanar door (18) comprising an upper edge (20) and a lower edge (22) comprising a coplanar door mechanism (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.
Furnishing element (23) comprising a coplanar door according to the preceding claim.