WO2010109376A2

WO2010109376A2 - Hinge for doors, windows and the like

Info

Publication number: WO2010109376A2
Application number: PCT/IB2010/051159
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianmarco Gennari
Original assignee: Evi Srl Unipersonale
Priority date: 2009-03-27
Filing date: 2010-03-17
Publication date: 2010-09-30
Also published as: RU2011142623A; IT1393499B1; WO2010109376A3; ITBS20090063A1; SMAP201100053A; SMP201100053T2

Abstract

A hinge for doors or the like comprises a support element (2) for connection to a frame (F) and a bracket (3) that is designed to rotate relative to the support element (2) about an axis of rotation (X). The bracket (3) comprises first (5) and second (7) plates which are in mutually sliding relation on an adjustment plane (π) substantially parallel to their respective planes of extension, means (8) for mutual adjustment of the plates (5, 7) and means (9) for mutual fixation of the plates (5, 7), different from the adjustment means (8). The adjustment means consist of a first adjustment passageway (10) formed in the first plate (5) and a second adjustment passageway (11) formed in the second plate (7). The first (10) and second (11) passageways have at least partially overlapping ports, for engagement of both by a common adjustment tool and for mutual sliding of the plates (5, 7) on an adjustment plane (π).

Description

HINGE FOR DOORS, WINDOWS AND THE LIKE

Field of the invention

The present invention finds application in the field of door and window frames and particularly relates to a hinge for doors, windows and the like.

Background art

Door and window moving systems are known to use concealed hinges, which are hidden to the view when the door is closed, and are visible when it is open or half-closed.

Particularly, such hinges usually have a first hinge portion connected to a door or window frame and a bracket formed in at least first and second elements, the latter being in mutually sliding relation, with the second element being adapted to be connected, e.g. to a door or window leaf, for adjustment thereof relative to the frame.

These prior art hinges still suffer from a plurality of drawbacks.

Particularly, during assembly, the first hinge portion is initially connected to the frame, whereas the bracket is fastened to the door leaf by a first element.

Later, the second sliding element of the bracket, which is mounted to the door leaf, is connected to the first sliding element.

This procedure is usually difficult, as it requires alignment of the fastener means, e.g. screws, on the sliding elements.

One of the main drawbacks of these prior art solutions consists in that the fastener means at least partially coincide with the adjustment means. Typically, each of the two sliding elements of the bracket has a pair of holes that can be mutually aligned for the passage of a corresponding fastening screw and for position adjustment.

A first example of these hinges is disclosed in FR2829792, which describes a hinge having all the features of the preamble of claim 1 of the present application.

This prior art hinge has a bracket composed of two mutually sliding elements, each having means for mutual attachment and means for mutual alignment adjustment.

The fastening means essentially consist of a pair of through holes which are adapted to be engaged by corresponding screws for pre-assembly of the two bracket elements.

The adjustment means consist of a pair of slots extending in mutually orthogonal directions, formed on each of the elements and a pair of pins on the other element.

The latter engage their respective slots for translation of the first bracket element relative to the second in two separate directions of extension of the slots.

The two pins are also movably held in circular seats, to allow further movements of the first element on a plane parallel to its plane of extension, generally coincident with the plane of extension of the door leaf.

Therefore, proper alignment of the two components requires each pin and slot pair to be individually acted upon, with the two elements pre-assembled. Once proper alignment has been achieved, the two elements may be stably fastened by tightening the screws.

Therefore, a large number of individual alignments of each pin and slot pair will be likely to be required before obtaining proper alignment of the elements.

If shall be further understood that the connection of the sliding elements will be further complicated by the weight of the door or window, therefore armored or safety doors will require the work of more than one operator to complete the assembly, thereby increasing the required man-hours.

EP1132559 discloses a further hinge, also having all the features of the preamble of claim 1 hereof.

Here, mutual adjustment of the two mutually sliding elements is obtained by first adjusting the vertical position of one of the elements relative to the first hinge portion.

Then, the two bracket elements are aligned in a transverse direction by the external action of a common tool upon a threaded wedge interposed between the two elements, which operates on a grooved guide associated with one of the elements.

The other elements will have a central hole for receiving the tool and accessing the wedge.

Therefore, this solution also does not solve the prior art drawbacks as set forth above.

A further drawback of prior art solutions is that the two sliding portions of the bracket are held in the preassembled condition by third connection elements, such as a pair of plates, which restrict their mutual movements.

Therefore, these solutions are composed of a relatively large number of parts and consequently involve higher costs for both manufacture and maintenance. Disclosure of the invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks, by providing a hinge for doors, windows or the like that is particularly efficient and relatively cost-effective.

A particular object is to provide a hinge for doors, windows or the like that affords very simple position adjustment.

Another particular object is to provide a hinge for doors, windows or the like that has a simple construction and allows easy maintenance.

These objects are fulfilled by a hinge as defined in claim 1.

The dependent claims define preferred variant embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent upon reading of the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a hinge for doors and windows according to the present invention, which is described as a non-limiting example with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a hinge of the invention, when used with a frame-door assembly, in which the portions defined by full lines show the bracket in a closed state, whereas those defined by broken lines show it in an open state;

FIGS. 2 to 4 are perspective views of a hinge of the invention, taken at different angles, in which the bracket is in the closed state; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hinge of Fig. 2, in which the bracket is in the open state;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a detail of a bracket that is part of a hinge of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a partially sectional view of the bracket of Figure 6, as taken along the plane VII-VII;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a further detail of the bracket of Fig. 6.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

Referring to the above drawings, numeral 1 generally designates a hinge for doors, windows or the like, adapted to be associated with a door or window having a fixed or movable frame F and a door, window or the like leaf L, which is rotatable relative to the frame F about a predetermined axis of rotation R from an open position to a closed position and vice versa.

According to the embodiment of Figure 1 , the frame F has a compartment V defined therein in which the hinge 1 is at least partially contained.

Preferably, the hinge 1 of the invention is of the concealed type, i.e. it will be at least partially hidden to the view when the leaf L is in the closed state.

According to a further variant, the frame F has an opening A, at least partially facing towards a threshold, through which the compartment V will communicate with the threshold.

According to the invention, the hinge comprises at least one support element 2 for connection to the frame F and at least one bracket 3 for connection to the leaf and designed to rotate relative to the support element 2 about an axis of rotation.

The axis of rotation of the bracket 3 will substantially define the axis of rotation R of the leaf L relative to the frame F.

Thus, the bracket 3 may rotate from a first state, corresponding to the closed door position, in which the bracket 3 will be preferably hidden to the view, to a second state, corresponding to the open state of the leaf L.

In other words, during assembly, the support element 2 will be connected to the frame F to be integral therewith, whereas the bracket 3 will be connected to the leaf L to allow the latter to pivot relative to the frame F about the axis of rotation R.

Thus, the bracket 3 will be hidden to the view in the closed state, whereas it will be visible and accessible, e.g. for maintenance, in the open state.

This will advantageously allow the hinge 1 of the invention to have a considerably reduced aesthetic impact.

In a preferred embodiment, when the bracket 3 is in the closed state, it is at least partially contained in the frame compartment V.

In a further embodiment, when the bracket 3 is in the closed state, it is at least partially contained in a compartment of the leaf L, not shown, which is defined in the leaf thickness.

In other words, in the closed state, the bracket 3 may be contained in the frame compartment V, in the compartment of the leaf L or it may be partially contained in each of these compartments.

The bracket 3 is composed of a first portion 4 comprising a first plate 5 and a second portion 6 comprising a second plate 7.

The latter may preferably lie above the first plate 5 in substantially parallel arrangement.

The two bracket portions 4, 6 are designed to slide relative to each other, to cause a mutual sliding motion of the two plates 5, 7, and allow position adjustment of the second plate 7 relative to the first plate 5 on an adjustment plane D parallel to their respective planes of extension and, with the hinge fully assembled, substantially parallel to the exposed surface of the leaf L.

Therefore, in operation, since the first bracket portion 4 is integral with the frame F on a plane parallel to the exposed surface of the leaf L, and the second bracket portion 6 is integral with the leaf L, by adjusting the second bracket portion 6 relative to the first 4 will allow adjustment of the leaf L relative to the frame F on a plane parallel to the surface of the leaf L, for instance, to prevent the leaf L from slipping on the ground, or from inadequately adhering to a seal, not shown, for stopping drafts or undesired airstreams in the environment.

Advantageously, the bracket 3 will have means 8 for mutual position adjustment of the two plates 5, 7, which will be designed to allow mutual sliding of the plates 5, 7 on the sliding plane π and move them to a predetermined adjusted position.

Furthermore, the bracket will have fastening means 9 for fixing the mutual position of the plates 5, 7, which are designed to stably lock them in the adjusted position.

According to the invention, the adjustment means 8 and the fastening means 9 are different from each other, so that stable fixation can be only obtained once the mutual positions of the two portions 4, 6 of the bracket 3 have been adjusted.

Furthermore, the adjustment means 8 consist of a first adjustment passageway 10 formed in the first plate 5 and a second adjustment passageway 11 formed in the second plate 7.

Conveniently, the first and second passageways 10, 11 will have at least partially overlapping ports, for engagement of both by a common adjustment tool, not shown, and for mutual sliding of the plates 5, 7 on an adjustment plane π . Particularly, the adjustment means 8 will allow the two plates 5, 7 to slide relative to each other on the plane π in at least two distinct and incident directions of the plane, for instance but without limitation orthogonal to each other, as shown.

The adjustment passageways 10, 11 may be circular holes or elongate slots.

In short, during adjustment, the first and second adjustment passageways 10, 11 will at least partially overlap to be engaged by a single tool, such as a screwdriver.

For such adjustment, the end of the screwdriver handle will be used by a user as a lever for the portion of the screwdriver engaged in the adjustment passageways 10, 11.

Thus, the passageways 10, 11 will be aligned/misaligned according to the desired adjustment, which will cause the first bracket portion 4 to translate relative to the second 6.

It will be appreciated that the adjustment means 8 have a simple and reliable construction.

Preferably, the first adjustment passageway 10, will have a different shape and/or a different port section from the second adjustment passageway 11.

Furthermore, the first adjustment passageway 10 will preferably have a larger port than the second passageway 11.

For instance, in the embodiment of Figure 3, the first adjustment passageway 10 will have a circular shape with a port of larger section than the second adjustment passageway 11.

The latter may have a substantially square inner profile, as shown in the figures, particularly in Figs. 3 and 8, or a polygonal shape with radiused sides.

Preferably, the passageways 10, 11 will be formed in the corresponding plates 5, 7 substantially at the center.

Furthermore, their axes of extension may be substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to the sliding plane π

Advantageously, regardless of the shape of the second passageway 11 , as well as their positions on the plates 5, 7, the first adjustment passageway 10 may have a flared inner profile, diverging towards the second passageway 11 , i.e. in the direction of introduction of the tool, thereby defining a substantially conical guide for the latter.

Thus, advantageously, the first adjustment passageway 10 will allow the tool to be inclined at greater angles than a cylindrical hole, thereby increasing the adjustment potential of the adjustment means 8.

Furthermore, during adjustment, the adjustment tool will be substantially journalled on the flared wall 12 of the first passageway 10, thereby allowing the operator to exert a high torque to cause the plates 5, 7 to slide relative to each other.

In a preferred variant, the first bracket portion 4 will be appropriately shaped to define a seat 13 for slideably receiving the second plate 7.

Particularly, the first bracket portion 4 will have such a shape as to be able to translatably hold at least part of the second bracket portion 6, particularly the second plate 7 in the seat 13.

Such feature will afford considerable savings in terms of time and labor when mounting the leaf L to the frame F. During assembly, the second plate 7 associated with the leaf L will be stably received into the seat 13, for simpler engagement of any fastening means 9 between the first 5 and second 7 plates.

Preferably, the first bracket portion 4 will be adapted to support the second bracket portion 6.

In other words, the second bracket portion 6 will be adapted to be held in the seat 13 without requiring any further fastening means 9, i.e. be only supported by the first bracket portion 4.

Thus, the leaf L may be advantageously mounted to the frame F by a single operator even in case of very heavy leaves.

For this purpose, the fastening means 9 will include at least one retaining member 14, connected to the first bracket portion 4 at a transverse edge 15 of the first plate 5.

The retaining element 14 will be spaced from the first plate 7 in a direction orthogonal to the plane of extension thereof, so that it can define with the first plate 5, the seat 13 for receiving the second plate 7.

Preferably, the fastening means 9 will include two retaining elements 14, 14' disposed at opposite transverse edges 15, 15' of the first plate 5, in longitudinally offset positions to delimit the seat 13 for the second plate 7.

The retaining elements 14, 14' will be solidal with the first plate 5, preferably monolithic therewith, more preferably formed of one piece therewith.

Furthermore, the first plate 7 and the retaining elements 14, 14' will be joined by respective U-bent connector elements 16, 16' that are thinner than the first plate

7 and/or the retaining elements 14, 14' to define structural lightening portions. Conveniently, the connector elements 16, 16' will be also formed of one piece with the corresponding retaining elements 14, 14'.

In short, according to an advantageous embodiment, the retaining elements 14, 14' will be respective bent edge portions of the first plate 5.

In this embodiment, each of the retaining elements 14, 14' and the first plate 5, or the whole first bracket portion 4 may be molded as a single component, whereupon the retaining elements 14. 14' will be bent at the lightening portions 16, 16' to define the seat 13 with the first plate 5.

The first plate 5 and the retaining elements 14. 14' will be thus separated from the lightening portions defined by the connector elements 16, 16', whereat the thickness of the material is reduced, for easier bending after molding.

In short, the retaining elements 14, 14' will define corresponding clamps for stably holding the second plate 7 in the seat 13.

For more stable coupling of the two plates 5, 7, the fastening means 9 may also include one or more first through fastening holes or slots 17, 17', for instance a pair as shown, formed in the first plate 5 and second fastening holes or slots 18, 18' formed in one or more of the retaining elements 14, 14'. The second fastening holes 18, 18' may be blind or through holes.

Each of the first fastening holes 17, 17' will be substantially aligned with one of the second holes 18, 18', so that their respective center axes are substantially coincident.

Furthermore, the second plate 7 will have one or more third through fastening holes or slots 19, 19', formed in coincidence with respective pairs of first 17, 17' and second 18, 18' holes. The center axes of the third holes 19, 19' can be offset with respect to the center axes of the corresponding first 17, 17' and second 18, 18' holes.

Thus, each set of three holes 17, 18, 19; 17', 18', 19' may be engaged by a screw or similar fastening member, not shown, to be tightened in the holes 17, 18, 19; 17', 18', 19' for fastening the first plate 5 to the second plate 7, the latter being at least partially interposed between the first plate 5 and the retaining elements 14, 14', once the desired mutual position between the first and second bracket portions 4, 6 has been reached.

Conveniently, the third fastening holes 19, 19' will have a larger port than the corresponding first and second fastening holes 17, 17'; 18, 18'.

Therefore, the screw that extends through them will be able to translate in the free space of their section, so that the first 5 and second 7 plates may assume the desired mutual positions, as a result of the action on the adjustment means 8.

Thus, the movement of the second plate 7 relative to the first plate 6 will not be restricted by the retaining means 14, 14'.

In the embodiment as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, each fastening screw will engage a first fastening hole 17, 17' of the first plate 5, will extend through a third fastening hole 19, 19' of the second plate 7, which is engaged in the seat 13, and will then engage a second fastening hole 18, 18' of a retaining element 14, 14' after which it will engage a nut screw 20, 20'.

Thus, the screw head will be conveniently accessible to a user when the bracket 3 is in the open state.

Also, as the screw head is tightened towards the nut screw 20, 20', the latter will advantageously push the retaining element 14, 14' against the second plate 7, thereby increasing the contact surface therewith, and hence affording a more reliable fastening effect.

According to one embodiment, the above fastening means 20 will have no nut screw 20, 20'.

In this case, the second fastening holes 18, 18' will be internally threaded for stable coupling with the fastening screws.

The support element 2 may have any typical shape for this kind of hinges.

By way of example, the support element may include a pair of axial end portions 2', 2" spaced along the axis of rotation X, to axially include the bracket 3.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the axis of rotation X and namely the pivot 21 about which the bracket 3 is rotated is retained by the end portions 2, 2", at the two axial end portions of the pivot 21, as shown, for instance, in Figure 2.

Thus, the hinge 1 of the invention may be advantageously used for moving doors of any weight and material, such as armored or safety doors, without any risk that their excessive weight might affect its function.

The above disclosure clearly shows that the invention fulfils the intended objects, and particularly of providing a hinge for doors, windows and the like, that affords simple adjustment of the position of a leaf relative to a door or window frame, even in case of heavy doors or windows, such as armored doors.

The hinge of this invention is susceptible to a number of changes and variants, within the inventive concept disclosed in the appended claims. All the details thereof may be replaced by other technically equivalent parts, and the materials may vary depending on different needs, without departure from the scope of the invention. While the hinge has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.

Claims

1. A hinge for doors, windows or the like, wherein the hinge is designed to be associated with a door or window having a frame (F) and a leaf (L) movable relative to the frame (F), wherein the hinge comprises:

- at least one support element (2) for connection to the frame (F) of a door or window;

- at least one bracket (3) for connection to the leaf (L) of the door or window, said bracket (3) being designed to rotate relative to said support element (2) about a predetermined axis of rotation (R) from a closed state to an open state of the leaf (L); wherein said bracket (3) is composed of a first plate (5) and a second plate (7) in parallel, overlapped relation, mutually sliding on an adjustment plane (π) substantially parallel to their respective planes of extension, wherein said bracket (3) comprises adjustment means (8) for mutual adjustment of said plates (5, 7), which are designed to allow mutual controlled sliding thereof to a predetermined adjustment position and means (9) for mutually fastening said plates (5, 7) in said adjusted position; characterized in that said adjustment means (8) are different from said fastening means (9) and consist of a first adjustment passageway (10) formed in said first plate (5) and a second adjustment passageway (11) formed in said second plate (7), said first (10) and second (11) adjustment passageways having at least partially overlapping ports, for engagement of both by a common adjustment tool and for mutual sliding of said plates (5, 7) on said adjustment plane (TΓ) in at least two incident directions.

2. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that said first passageway (10) of said first plate (5) has a larger port than said second passageway (11).

3. A hinge as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said first passageway (10) has a flared inner profile, diverging towards said second passageway (11), to define a substantially conical guide (12) for the adjustment tool.

4. A hinge as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said second passageway (11) has a substantially square or polygonal inner profile, with radiused sides.

5. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said passageways (10, 11) are formed substantially at the center of the corresponding plates (5, 7) and their axes of extension are substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to said adjustment plane (TΓ).

6. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said first plate (5) is appropriately shaped to define a seat (13) for slideably receiving said second plate (7).

7. A hinge as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said fastening means (9) comprise at least one retaining element (14) solidal with said first plate (5) and spaced therefrom in a direction substantially orthogonal to its plane of extension to at least partially define said seat (13).

8. A hinge as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said first plate (5) and said retaining element (14) are joined by a U-bent connector element (16), which is thinner than said first plate (5) and said retaining element (14) to define a structural lightening portion.

9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said first plate (5), said retaining element (14) and said connector element (16) are formed of one piece.

10. A hinge as claimed in any claim from 6 to 9, characterized in that said fastening means (9) comprise: - at least one first fastening hole or slot (17) formed in said first plate (5);

- at least one second fastening hole or slot (18) formed in said at least one retaining element (14), said first (17) and second (18) holes having substantially coincident center axes;

- at least one third fastening hole or slot (19) formed in said second plate (7) and whose center axis can be offset with respect to said center axis of said first (17) and second (18) holes; said fastening holes (17, 18, 19) being designed to be engaged by a screw or similar fastening member, to stably fasten said first plate (5) to said second plate (7) with the latter at least partially interposed between said first plate (5) and said retaining element (14).

11. A hinge as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that said third fastening hole (19) has a larger port than said first (17) and second (18) fastening holes.

12. A hinge as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said second fastening hole (18) has a threaded inner wall for stable coupling with said fastening screw.

13. A hinge as claimed in any claim from 6 to 12, characterized in that said fastening means (9) comprise a couple of said retaining elements (14, 14') disposed at opposite transverse edges (15, 15') of said first plate (5), in longitudinally offset positions to delimit said seat (13) for said second plate (7).