EP4717862A1

EP4717862A1 - Mechanism for downward-opening flap doors

Info

Publication number: EP4717862A1
Application number: EP25199405.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roberto Corbetta
Original assignee: Danco SpA
Current assignee: Danco SpA
Priority date: 2024-09-26
Filing date: 2025-09-01
Publication date: 2026-04-01
Also published as: CN121738439A

Abstract

A mechanism for moving a door (2) of a furniture item with downward flap opening, of the type comprising a hinge (10) for moving the door, consisting of a fixed part (11) that can be fixed to a side (5) of the furniture item and a movable part (12) articulated to the fixed part (11) and fixed to the door, and a separate piston (30) for the support of the door, acting between said side (5) and said door (2) and exerting a braking action in the phase of opening of the door, wherein said mechanism (100) comprises a fixed body (101) attached to the side (5) of the furniture item and a movable body (102) articulated to the fixed body (101) and attached to the door (2), wherein said fixed body (101) of the mechanism comprises a container (20), consisting of two half-shells (21, 22) between which are housed completely said fixed part (11) of the hinge (10) and said piston (30) in the condition of door closed, the rod (31) of the piston (30) being hinged to said movable body (102) of the mechanism.

Description

The present invention relates to a mechanism for moving a door of an item of furniture, in particular a door with a downward flap opening.

Background of the invention

The mechanisms for operating doors with downward flap opening, whereto the present invention specifically refers, comprise a hinge for moving the door in opening and closing, normally a pair of hinges arranged between each of two opposite sides of the furniture item and the door, and at least one separate piston arranged between a sidewall of the furniture item and the door to support the door and slow descent thereof during opening.
These mechanisms are somewhat bulky, above all due to the presence of the door support piston, which has to have such a length that, oscillating around a fulcrum point on the side of the furniture item, its extension ensures complete opening of the door.
These dimensions of known mechanisms of the abovementioned type, in addition to making them unsightly, do not allow their possible concealment inside the side of the furniture item, whose thickness is normally 19-20 mm, which, among other things, would be extremely problematic for the clear separation between the hinge and the piston.
WO2020/039035A1 describes a particular furniture item structure comprising a plurality of adjacent modules, with mechanisms for lifting a shared door, arranged in the spaces formed between vertical walls of adjacent modules, suitably shaped for this purpose. The mechanisms are specifically designed for moving a door with upward flap opening, in which it is not possible to provide a piston that exerts a braking action during opening of the door, which has to be lifted. In fact, an energy storage device is provided, in particular a spring that exerts a thrust on the door during opening.
EP2443970A2 describes a "display counter" for food products, in which a front glass pane can be moved from a position inclined towards the body of the counter by an angle β of approximately 10° to a position inclined outwards from the counter by an angle α of approximately 30°. A somewhat heavy-duty mechanism is provided for the movement of the front pane, which comprises a cylinder that acts on a plate fixed to the pane support structure to rotate it around a horizontal axis. The cylinder is hinged to a U-shaped bracket fixed to the counter body and also carries a plate on which the aforementioned axis of rotation is arranged. The U-shaped bracket cannot take on the form of a container capable of housing the support piston in the condition of door closed, and a hinge for moving the door, which is not provided in this document, where only a rotation axis is present.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the mechanisms for flap doors of the prior art described above.
In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for moving a door with a downward flap opening that is compact in structure and therefore has a lower visual impact, or in any case is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a mechanism that can optionally be inserted in the thickness of a side of a furniture item, remaining practically invisible to the eye.
A further object of the invention is to provide such a mechanism that exerts an improved braking action during the descent of the door during opening.
Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and, at the same time, highly reliable.
These and other objects are achieved by the mechanism for flap doors according to the invention, which has the features listed in the attached independent claim 1.
Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed by the dependent claims.
Substantially, the mechanism for moving a door of a furniture item with downward flap opening according to the invention, is of the type comprising a hinge for moving the door, consisting of a fixed part comprising a casing that can be fixed to a side of the furniture item and a movable part articulated to the fixed part and fixed to the door, and a separate piston for the support of the door, acting between said side and said door and exerting a braking action in the phase of opening of the door, wherein said mechanism comprises a fixed body attached to the side of the furniture item and a movable body articulated to the fixed body and attached to the door, and wherein said fixed body of the mechanism comprises a container, consisting of two half-shells between which are housed completely said casing of the fixed part of the hinge and said piston in the condition of door closed, said piston comprising a piston body hinged to said container and a piston rod hinged to said movable body of the mechanism.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features of the invention will be made clearer by the detailed description given here below, referring to one of its embodiments purely by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an axonometric view showing a mechanism according to the invention and a standard hinge to be mounted, respectively, between opposite sides of a furniture item and a door, to allow downward flap opening thereof;
Fig. 2 is an axonometric view of the mechanism according to the invention in assembled condition;
Fig. 3 is a blown-up view of the mechanism of Fig. 1, showing the various components of the same and an assembled standard hinge incorporated therein;
Fig. 4 is a median section of the mechanism mounted in the side of the furniture item, with the door in closed position;
Fig. 5 is a median sectioned view of the mechanism mounted in the side of the furniture item, with the door in a partially open position, according to a first mode of operation;
Fig. 5a is a sectioned view like that of Fig. 5, with the door in partially open position, showing a second mode of operation of the mechanism;
Fig. 6 is a sectioned view like that of the preceding drawings, with the door in fully open position;
Fig. 7 is a section taken along line A-A in Fig. 6.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 shows a furniture item, for example a kitchen unit, comprising a fixed frame consisting of a lower shelf or base 3, an upper shelf or top 4, two side walls or sides 5, a possible back wall, and a front door 2, shown separately in the drawing, of the type with downward flap opening which, in raised position, closes an internal compartment 6 of the furniture item.
The movement mechanism according to the invention is denoted overall by reference numeral 100 and comprises a fixed body 101 attached to a side 5 of the furniture item and a movable body 102 articulated to the fixed body and attached to the door. In the example shown in Figure 1, the fixed body 101, which will be described in detail here below, is inserted in a seat 7 formed in the thickness of the side 5, so as to be practically invisible, and the movable body 102 is inserted in a corresponding seat 8 formed in the door 2.
Naturally, the fixed body 101 of the mechanism can be attached on the inner face of the corresponding side 5, maintaining a reduced visual impact, due to how it is shaped.
Figure 1 also shows a hinge 10, which is normally used independently, similar to a hinge forming part of the mechanism 100, having a fixed part 11 inserted in a seat 7' formed in the thickness of the other side 5 of the furniture item, and a movable part 12 housed in a corresponding seat 8' formed in the door.
The fixed part 11, to which the movable part 12 is articulated by means of a pair of connecting rods 13, 14, comprises a casing 11', in which components can be contained that are in themselves known and therefore not further described, for improved functionality of the hinge.
The providing of this pair of hinges serves to keep the door balanced during movement.
The accompanying drawings show a door 2 with downward flap opening and therefore hinged to the base 3 of the furniture item. However, the mechanism of the invention could also be attached to doors with upward flap opening, in which the door 2 is hinged to the top 4 of the furniture item, reversing the braking means that will be described here below.
In the following description, if used, the terms vertical, horizontal, upper, lower, right, left, front, rear, etc., refer to the graphic representations of the drawings and/or to the conditions of assembly of the mechanism.
Referring now to Figures 2 to 7, the structure and functioning will be illustrated of mechanism 100, which is shown in assembled condition in Fig. 2 and in blown-up view in Fig. 3.
With particular reference to these Figures 2 and 3, the mechanism 100 according to the invention, or more specifically the fixed body 101, comprises a flattened container 20 developing vertically and having a limited depth, consisting of two half-shells 21, 22, between which the various components of the mechanism are arranged, including the casing 11' of the fixed part 11 of a hinge 10 (similar to the hinge 10 provided on the other side of the furniture item), housed in the lower part of the container 20, to which the fixed body 102 is articulated by means of the pair of connecting rods 13, 14 of the hinge 10.
The movable body 102 of the mechanism, which will also be referred to as arm here below, corresponds to the movable part 12 of the hinge 10, suitably extended to be able to allow the hinging of the end of the rod 31 of a piston 30 designed to support the door during movement, as will be described here below.
In fact, one of the essential features of the invention is that it has incorporated in the container 20 the hinge 10 and the piston 30, maintaining the depth and thickness of the container 20 substantially corresponding to, or only slightly greater than, those of the casing 11' of the fixed part 11 of the hinge 10, and containing the vertical development of the container 20, thanks to the measures adopted for the movement of the piston 30, as will be explained here below.
It should be noted that the hinge 10 shown in the drawings is purely an example and that any other type of hinge suitable for articulating the door to the furniture item is suitable for the purpose.
Between the two half-shells 21, 22 of the container 20 a block 40 is arranged, substantially trapezoidal in shape and with a U-shaped section, so as to have two opposing side walls 41 joined by an upper base wall 42.
One end of block 40 is hinged between the half-shells on an axis X1, for example by means of round bosses or holes 43 provided therein.
Around the axis of rotation X1 of block 40, and integral therewith, a toothed sector S1 is provided, meshing with a toothed sector S2 of a pinion P, hinged between the half-shells along an axis X2, for example again by means of round bosses or holes 44 provided therein.
Opposite the toothed sector S2, the pinion P has a second toothed sector S3, meshing with a rack C provided above the body of a slider 50 mounted so as to be able to slide horizontally in a guided manner between the two half-shells, abutting on one side against a rear wall 23 of the half-shells 21, 22 and, on the other, against a front stop block 24 integral for example with the half-shell 22 (see in particular Fig. 3).
In the accompanying drawings, the two toothed sectors S2, S3 of the pinion P are provided at different distances from the axis X2 and, peripherally to the pinion, undercuts are provided to facilitate the movement of the various members during operation, considering the limited spaces in which they must operate.
However, it is clear that the pinion P could have continuous teeth on its periphery.
At the end of block 40, opposite that where the toothed sector S1 is provided, the end of the body 32 of the piston 30 is hinged, in order to be able to oscillate around the axis of hinging X4 and simultaneously slide along a curved track 25, substantially round in profile (with radius corresponding to the distance between axes X1 and X4) and provided in the two half-shells, developing from the front side to the rear side of the same.
The end of the rod 31 of the piston 30 is instead hinged along an axis X5 to the movable body or arm 102 of the mechanism, which is fixed to the door 2.
In the example shown in the drawings, the body 32 of the piston 30 is hinged to the block 40 by means of a pin 33 which is inserted in corresponding holes provided on the opposite side walls 41 of the block 40, externally to which respective curved projections 45 are also provided, designed to slide in the corresponding curved tracks 25 provided in the half-shells.
The purpose of the track 45 for sliding of the end of the piston 30 during operation of the mechanism is to maintain the overall length of the piston within acceptable limits, so that it can fit completely into the container 20 in the condition of door closed, containing the dimensions of height and depth of the same.
The linear travel of rack C, imparted by gears S1, S2, and S3, determines the angle of opening of the door.
To allow a regulation of the travel, for example to ensure that the door is perfectly level in the position of complete opening, an adjustment screw 51 is provided, screwed into a hole 53 provided in the body of the slider 50 carrying the rack C, the head 52 of which abuts against the stop block 24, and is accessible through a hole 26 provided in the latter.
In the slider 50 of the rack C a hole 54 is likewise provided for the housing of a linear damper 60, whose stem 61 abuts against the stop block 24.
In particular, the stem 61 of the damper 60 abuts against an adjustment set screw 28 that is screwed in a hole 27 provided in the block 24, by means of which it is possible to carry out a regulation of the action of the damper.
Both the damper 60 and the piston 30 selectively or simultaneously exert a braking action during the descent of the door in the opening phase and remain substantially inactive during the ascent of the door, as will be explained here below.
To complete the description of the components of the mechanism, it should be noted that in the block 40 a ball screw 46 is provided that can engage in a seat 47 provided in the half-shell 22 (Fig. 7) for the purposes that are to be disclosed.
The accompanying drawings, in particular the blown-up view of Fig. 3, show some of the screws used to assemble and secure the device, for example a screw 70 for fixing the container 20 in the seat 7 of the side of the furniture item, with relative cover cap 75, screws 71 for fixing the two half-shells and a screw 72 for fixing the fixed part 11 of the hinge 40 inside the container 20, screws 73 for fixing the movable body or arm 102 to the door 2.
Naturally, in the case wherein the container 20 is mounted on the inner face of the side 5 of the furniture item, fixing screws would be provided, inserted transversely to the container instead of frontally.
Having described the structure of the mechanism in its basic components, a description is now given of its functioning, with reference to Figures 4 to 6.
Fig. 4 shows the mechanism in the position of door closed, with the rod 31 of the piston 30 in fully retracted position in the body 32, whose end hinged to the block 40 is arranged in the upper part of the container 20, substantially at the upper end of the curved track 25.
In this condition, the slider 50 of the rack C is in the end of travel position, abutting against the rear wall 23 of the container 20, and the stem 61 of the damper 60 is in the position of maximum extension.
Fig. 5 shows the configuration of the mechanism with the door partially open, in the case wherein it is designed to initially activate only the braking action of the piston 30, whose rod 31 moves into its position of maximum extension.
In this condition, the gears S1, S2, and S3 remain stationary, so that the rack C and the relative slider 50 do not undergo any movement, maintaining the damper 60 in the rest position.
Starting from the position of door partially open in Fig. 5, continuing the descent of the door causes the rotation of the block 40 around axis X1, with consequent rotation of pinion P around axis X2 and linear translation of rack C, whose slider 50 moves to the end of travel, abutting against stop block 24, bringing the door 2 into the position of maximum opening shown in Fig. 6.
During this second travel of opening of the door, the piston 30 remains inactive, oscillating around the axis X4, while the damper 60 exerts the braking action, with the re-entering of the stem 61 in the body of the damper.
In the position of door completely open, the ball screw 46 carried by block 40 engages in the corresponding seat 47 provided in the half-shell 22, offering a certain resistance in the initial phase of the subsequent closing of the door, so as to initially make rod 31 of piston 30 retract.
Fig. 5a shows an alternative mode of operation of the mechanism during opening.
According to this mode, the mechanism is designed in such a way as to activate initially the braking action of the damper 60, followed by that of the piston 30.
In fact, in this case, in the passage from Fig. 4 to Fig. 5a, the train of gears S1, S2, S3 comes into action first, which makes the rack C translate, and then the damper 60, maintaining the piston 30 at rest, which oscillates only around the axis X4.
Subsequently, in the passage from Fig. 5a to Fig. 6, there is only the extension of piston 30, which exerts its braking action in the second phase of opening of the door.
In addition to those described, other modes of operation of the mechanism during the phase of opening of the door can be provided, based on how the actions of piston 30 and of the damper 60 are regulated.
In particular, it can be provided that they operate together, so that the braking actions of both start simultaneously, i.e. with piston 30 sliding in track 25 and simultaneous extension of its rod 31.
During the phase of closure of the door, piston 30 and damper 60 do not exert any action contrary to the lifting of the door.
Therefore, starting from the position of door completely open of Fig. 6, in the initial phase of closure the resistance opposed by the aforementioned engagement of the ball screw 46 in seat 47 (Fig. 7) maintains the block 40 stationary, and with it the train of gears, ensuring that the rod 31 of the piston 30 retracts initially, bringing the mechanism to the position of Fig. 5a. Further lifting of the door causes the ball screw 46 to disengage from seat 47, allowing the block 40, and therefore the train of gears, to move, bringing the door to the condition of closure shown in Fig. 4.
In this position, the door is held closed in a manner in itself known, for example by a spring provided in the hinge 10, which keeps it closed, so that in the subsequent phase of opening, the force of the spring must be overcome.
From what is disclosed above, the advantages of the mechanism for downward flap doors according to the invention are clear, which has a compact structure, incorporating the door movement hinge and the piston supporting the same in a single container of limited dimensions, which can be optionally inserted in the thickness of a side of the furniture item.
Naturally the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment previously described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but numerous detailed changes may be made thereto within the reach of a person skilled in the art without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Mechanism (100) for moving a door (2) of a furniture item with downward flap opening, of the type comprising a hinge (10) for moving the door, consisting of a fixed part (11) comprising a casing (11') that can be fixed to a side (5) of the furniture item and a movable part (12) articulated to the fixed part (11) and fixed to the door, and a separate piston (30) for the support of the door, acting between said side (5) and said door (2) and exerting a braking action in the phase of opening of the door, wherein said mechanism (100) comprises a fixed body (101) attached to the side (5) of the furniture item and a movable body (102) articulated to the fixed body (101) and attached to the door (2),
characterised in that said fixed body (101) of the mechanism comprises a container (20), consisting of two half-shells (21, 22) between which are housed completely said casing (11') of the fixed part (11) of the hinge (10) and said piston (30) in the condition of door closed, said piston (30) comprising a piston body (32) hinged to said container (20) and a piston rod (31) to said movable body (102) of the mechanism.
Mechanism according to claim 1, characterised in that said movable part (12) of the hinge (10) is articulated to the fixed part (11) by means of a pair of connecting rods (13, 14).
Mechanism according to claim 2, characterised in that said movable body (102) of the mechanism comprises the movable part (12) of the hinge (10) and is articulated to the fixed body (101) by means of said pair of connecting rods (13, 14) of the hinge (10).
Mechanism according to claim 3, characterised in that said movable part (12) of the hinge (10) has an extension whereto the end of the rod (31) of the piston (30) is hinged.
Mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the end of the body (32) of the piston (30) is hinged along an axis (X4) to a block (40), rotatable around an axis (X1) so as to be able to slide in a curved track (25) with substantially round profile, whose radius corresponds to the distance between said axes (X1) and (X4), formed in at least one of said half-shells (21, 22).
Mechanism according to claim 5, characterised in that a damper (60) is provided in said container (20), exerting a braking action in the phase of opening of the door (2) simultaneously or separately from that of the piston (30), said damper (60) being actuated by a kinematic chain originating from the rotation of said block (40) around said axis (X1).
Mechanism according to claim 6, characterised in that a toothed sector (S1) meshing with a toothed sector (S2) of a pinion (P) is provided around said axis (X1) of the block (40), rotatable around an axis (X2) and carrying a second toothed sector (S3) meshing with a rack (C) of a linear slider (50) in which said damper (60) is housed.
Mechanism according to claim 7, characterised in that said linear slider (50) is mounted so as to be able to slide horizontally in a guided manner in the container (20), abutting on one side against a rear wall (23) of the container and on the other side against a front stop block (24) integral with the container, the travel of the slider (50) determining the angle of opening of the door.
Mechanism according to claim 8, characterised in that a hole (53) is provided in said slider (50), in which an adjustment screw (51) for adjusting the travel of the slider (50) is screwed, the head (52) of which abuts against said stop block (24) and is accessible through a hole (26) provided in the latter.
Mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the stem (61) of the damper (60) abuts against an adjustment set screw (28) which is screwed into a hole (27) provided in said stop block (24), by means of which the action of the damper can be regulated.
Mechanism according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterised in that a ball screw (46) is provided in said block (40) and can engage in a seat (47) provided in one of said half-shells (21, 22), offering a certain resistance in the initial phase of closing of the door, so as to initially make the rod (31) of the piston (30) retract.
Mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said container (20) of the fixed body (101) of the mechanism is fixed in a seat (7) provided in the thickness of said side (5) of the furniture item, or to the inner surface of the side (5).
Mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said movable body (102) of the mechanism is fixed in a seat (8) formed in the door (2).
Furniture item comprising a fixed frame consisting of a lower shelf or base (3), an upper shelf or top (4), two side walls or sides (5), an optional back wall, and a front door (2), which can be opened downwards by means of a pair of hinges (10) arranged between each of said sides (5) of the furniture item and the door (2), characterised in that one of said hinges is incorporated in a mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.