DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to the technical field of closing hinges, and in particular it relates to a concealed lever hinge for closing doors, in particular reinforced swinging doors, for example armoured doors, as well as a door system comprising such hinge.

State of the Art

Various types of hinges used for doors are known.

In particular, exposed Anuba hinges are generally used for armoured swinging doors.

Such hinges have various disadvantages, such as the aesthetic impact due how they are made above all.

A further disadvantage of the Anuba hinges lies in the fact that the door to which they are connected has a maximum opening angle of 180°. Thus, if the door is pushed by an incautious user, it is free to strongly hit against the wall or any obstacle found between the door and the latter.

Furthermore, concealed hinges comprising a fixed hinge body which can be concealedly inserted into a wall and a movable hinge body anchorable to a door are known. The movable hinge body will rotate with respect to the fixed one around a single vertical axis, typically off-centred as much as possible in favour of the movable hinge body, between a door open position and a door closed position.

Typically, such known hinges allow a limited opening of the door due to the very limited detachment between the two hinge bodies.

Furthermore, such hinges must bear high loads at elements, for example anchoring plates, which are subject to rapid wear and limited bearing force.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to at least partly overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, by providing a hinge that is highly functional and inexpensive.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge that allows an appropriate opening of the door to which it is anchored. Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge that is capable of supporting even very heavy doors, limiting the wear thereof in the short-term period.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge with high aesthetic value.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge that is safe.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge with small overall dimensions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge that has a minimum number of components.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge that is easy to install.

Another object of the invention is to provide a door system comprising a similar hinge.

These and other objects that will be more apparent hereinafter, are attained by a hinge and a door system according to what is described and/or claimed and/or illustrated herein.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined according to the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent in light of the detailed description of some preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of a hinge 1, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is an exploded axonometric view of a first embodiment of the hinge 1;

FIGS. IB and 1C are enlargements of a detail of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a top view of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 1A in an open position, regarding which FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view along a plane Ill-Ill;

FIG. 3A is a front view of the hinge 1 regarding which FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view along a plane IV-IV;

FIG. 4 is an axonometric exploded view of the connecting means 30 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an axonometric view of some components of the connecting means 30 according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D are cross-sectional views according to the sectional plane IV-IV of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 3A, wherein the fixed body 10 and the movable body 20 or the seats 11 and 21 respectively define an angle a having a value equal to 0°, 40°, 80°, 115°;

FIGS. 6E, 6F are axonometric views of the sliders 73;

FIG. 6G is a plan view of the sliders 73;

FIG. 6H is a cross-sectional view of the sliders 73;

FIG. 7 is an exploded axonometric view of a second embodiment of the hinge 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlargement of a detail of FIG. 7, highlighting the connecting assemblies

31 and 32;

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are respectively front, top and cross-sectional views according to a plane /-/ of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 9A in closed position;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a door system 2 comprising a swinging door P hinged to a frame 60 by means of a pair of hinges 1;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view according to a plane //-// of the embodiment of the hinge 1 used in the door system 2 of FIG. 10 in closed position;

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view according to a plane //-// of the embodiment of the hinge 1 used in the door system 2 of FIG. 10 in the door open position by an angle a having a value equal to 30°;

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are respectively front, top and cross-sectional views according to a plane /-/ of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 12A in the open position by an angle a having a value equal to 80°;

FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view according to a plane //-// of the embodiment of the hinge 1 used in the door system 2 of FIG. 10 in the door open position by an angle a having a value equal to 80°;

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are respectively front, top and cross-sectional views according to a plane /-/ of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 13A in maximum opening position corresponding to an angle a having a value equal to 115°.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

With reference to the aforementioned figures, herein described is a hinge 1 for closing doors, in particular swinging doors. More in particular, the hinge 1 may be a concealed lever hinge for closing swinging doors, in particular reinforced doors.

The present invention can include various parts and/or similar or identical elements. Unless otherwise specified, similar or identical parts and/or elements will be indicated using a single reference number, it being clear that the described technical features are common to all similar or identical parts and/or elements.

Substantially, the hinge 1 may include a fixed hinge body 10, a movable hinge body 20 and connecting means 30 for the mutual connection thereof.

Suitably, the fixed hinge body 10 can be concealedly anchorable to the wall which can act as a stationary support for the door. On the other hand, the movable hinge body 20 can be concealedly anchorable to the door.

The latter can be moved between a door closed position and at least one door open position.

Preferably, the hinge bodies 10, 20 may have a substantially longitudinal extension, with a box-like shape, to respectively define the longitudinal axes W, W'.

As particularly illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 9B, the median planes p and p' of the hinge bodies 10, 20 may be parallel and staggered and have a distance d' between them when the door is in the door closed position.

Preferably, the fixed hinge body 10 and the movable hinge body 20 may rotate around a longitudinal rotation axis C.

Preferably, when the door is moved, the axis C may be movable in the space, for example it may translate.

In this manner, the fixed body 10 and the movable body 20 may rotate mutually around a movable axis C, or around a plurality of axes.

In addition, the fixed hinge body 10 and the movable hinge body 20 may comprise respectively the seats 11 and 21 from which / into which the connecting means 30 may protrude / retract to move the door, as can be seen for example in FIG. 2A.

Such seats 11 and 21 may comprise, respectively, a bottom wall 111 and 221, defining respectively the planes p" and n"'perpendicular to the median planes p and p'.

As particularly illustrated in FIG. 6A, when the door is in the door closed position, such seats 11 and 21 will be in a proximal position, i.e. they will be facing and staggered.

Vice versa, when the door is in one of the door open positions, the seats 11 and 21 will be in a distal position.

According to a particular preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, a detachment means 40 may be provided for at the door or frame of the wall.

In particular, the latter may comprise the spacers 41, 42 suitable to prevent the incidence of the planes p and p' in the door closed position.

In this manner, it will be possible to prevent the forcing of the connecting assemblies 31, 32 when closing the door.

Furthermore, it is clear that, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 3B, such hinge 1 may be of the hydraulic type without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

For example, the hinge 1, in particular the movable hinge body 20 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3B, may include a tubular element I made according to the disclosures of patent EP3274533B1.

However, it is clear that the fixed hinge body 10 may include a tubular element I without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the hinge 1, as described so far, may be an integral part of a door system 2 that can be inserted into a wall.

As particularly illustrated in FIG. 10, this door system 2 may comprise a swinging door P, a frame 60 inserted or insertable into the wall to support the door P and at least one hinge 1.

In particular, the swinging door P can be hinged to the frame 60, which will act as a stationary support for the door P, for example by means of a pair of hinges 1.

However, it is clear that several hinges or pairs of hinges 1 may be provided for without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

The fixed hinge body 10 of such hinges 1 may be concealedly anchored into the frame 60, while the movable hinge body 20 may be concealedly anchored to the door P.

Preferably, the connecting means 30 may comprise the connecting assemblies 31, 32.

However, it is clear that the connecting means 30 may comprise three or more connecting assemblies without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

The connecting assemblies 31 and 32 may comprise end portions 33', 34' and 33", 34" for connection with the hinge bodies 10 and 20.

For example, the end portions 33', 34' can allow connection with the fixed hinge body 10, while the end portions 33", 34" may allow connection with the movable hinge body 20.

Suitably, the connecting assembly 31 may comprise the levers 3 , 31" mutually coupled at a joining area 36.

According to a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the lever 31" may be substantially longer with respect to the lever 31'.

In addition, the lever 31" may comprise a curved portion 35 susceptible to protrude from the fixed hinge body 10 during the movement of the door.

In a first embodiment of the hinge 1, particularly illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 6H, the lever 3 may be coupled to the fixed hinge body 10 at the end portion 33' thereof.

Likewise, the lever 31" may be coupled to the movable hinge body 20 at the end portion 33" thereof.

Advantageously, the axes X, Y, Z passing respectively through the end portions 33", 33'and the joining area 36, parallel with respect to the axis C, can rotate and/or translate with respect to the latter, as will be described in detail below.

In a first embodiment of the hinge 1, particularly illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 6H, the connecting assembly 32 may comprise a lever 32' coupled to the fixed hinge body 10 at the end portion 34' thereof and to the movable hinge body 20 at the end portion 34" thereof.

The lever 32' may comprise a curved portion 35' susceptible to protrude from the fixed hinge body 10 during the movement of the door to promote the detachment of the fixed 10 and the movable 20 hinge bodies.

Advantageously, the axes X', Y' respectively passing through the end portions 34" and 34' and parallel to the axis C may rotate and/or translate with respect to the latter, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

According to a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the lever 32' may comprise two facing half-levers 32 , 321" so that the lever 3 is interposed between them.

The half-levers 321', 321" may be mutually superimposed and may extend between the end portions 34' and 34".

In particular, one of the end portions 34' and 34" may comprise the through openings 76', 76".

Even more particularly, the end portions 34' and 34" may comprise the ends 34 , 341" and 342', 342", respectively. Thus, the half-levers 32 , 321" may be coupled to the fixed hinge body 10 at the ends 34 , 341" of the end portion 34'.

In addition, the half-levers 32 , 321" may be coupled to the movable hinge body 20 at the ends 342', 342" of the end portion 34".

Therefore, the end portions 34 , 341" or 342', 342" may comprise the same openings 76', 76" respectively.

Preferably, a coupling pin 72 may be provided for comprising the opposite ends 72',

72".

The latter may be inserted into the openings 76', 76" which may comprise suitable bushings 77 to facilitate the rotation of the pin 72 hence minimising friction.

In this manner, the half-levers 32 , 321" may be coupled to the fixed 10 or movable 20 hinge body by means of the aforementioned pin 72.

Suitably, a spacer 71 inserted coaxially with the pin 72 may be provided for.

According to the example illustrated in FIGS. 1A - 6H, the end portions 342', 342" may respectively comprise the openings 76', 76", so that the half-levers 321', 321" may be coupled to the movable hinge body 20 by means of the aforementioned pin 72.

Thus, the spacer 71 may pass through the end portions 342', 342" of the end portion

34".

Preferably, the pin 72 may be inserted into a special housing area 71' inside the spacer 71.

In particular, the spacer 71 and the pin 72 inserted thereinto may be interposed between the half-levers 32 and 321" cooperating with the latter to bear the load of the door during the movement between the door open and door closed position.

Even more preferably, the spacer 71 and the half-levers 32 and 321" may define a support column so as to bear any loads to which the connecting means 30 are subjected when the door is moved, preventing them from bending under the weight of the latter.

For example, such spacer 71 can prevent the bending of the connecting assemblies 31, 32, as well as of the relative levers, caused by the weight of the door to be moved.

Preferably, the seat 21 may comprise a pair of side walls 222', 222" perpendicular to the bottom wall 221.

Such side walls 222', 222" may each comprise a hollow guide 74 preferably inclined with respect to the plane n"'defined by the wall 221.

However, it is clear that the seat 11 of the fixed hinge body 10 may comprise a pair of side walls each comprising a hollow guide without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

In other words, the guides 74 may each define an axis K incident with respect to the plane p'.

Suitably, the fixed element 10 or the movable element 20 may comprise a pair of sliders 73 coupled to the ends 72', 72" of the pin 72, so that the half-levers 32 , 321" remain interposed between them.

According to the example illustrated in FIGS. 1A - 6H, the movable element 20 may comprise the pair of sliders 73 coupled to the aforementioned ends 72', 72" of the pin 72.

The sliders 73 may slide inside the guides 74 in such a way that the axis X' translates and rotates with respect to the axis C during the movement of the door as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

In particular, the sliders 73 may slide along the guides 74 between a start-stroke position and an end-stroke position, corresponding to the door open and door closed positions.

Preferably, the sliders 73 may have tapered end edges 730 so as to minimise the overall dimensions of the hollow guides 74.

As a matter of fact, this shape may allow to maximise the distance travelled by the sliders 73 inside the hollow guides 74 before reaching the start and end-stroke positions.

It is clear that such a solution can further minimise the load induced on the levers 3 , 31", 32' in particular during the movement of heavy doors.

In addition, the lever 31" may have dimensions and thickness such to provide an adequate support to the connecting assembly 31 during the movement of the door.

Such solutions will allow to reduce, where necessary, possible bendings which can be generated, for example, at the joining area 36.

The outer surfaces 73' of the sliders 73 may be suitably treated, for example with suitable lubricating products, in order to minimise the friction upon the sliding thereof along the guides 74.

In addition, the guides 74 may comprise a pair of facing longitudinal edges 74" and parallel to the axis K, having a distance d between them.

Such edges 74" may define the borders of a curved inner surface 74' which may house the sliders 73.

Suitably, the sliders 73 may have a trapezoidal shape in cross-sectional view and a spherical cap in plan view.

This will allow to maximise the sliding space of the sliders 73 inside the guides 74, minimising the overall dimensions of the hinge 1.

In particular, the surface 73' of the sliders 73 may actually have a suitable camber, for example it may consist of the larger of the spherical caps of a sphere having a diameter 0'.

This spherical cap may have a base b and a diameter 0.

In particular, the diameter 0 may be substantially equivalent to the distance d between the edges 74".

This will allow to prevent the sliders 73 from slipping off during the sliding thereof along the guides 74.

Furthermore, insertion areas 79 suitable to introduce the sliders 73 into the guides 74 during assembly may be provided for.

According to a second embodiment of the hinge 1, particularly illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 13C, the lever 32 may comprise the levers 32', 32" mutually coupled at a joining area 36' through which the joining axis Z' may pass.

According to a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the lever 32' may be substantially longer with respect to the lever 32".

Furthermore, the lever 32' may comprise the curved portion 35' susceptible to protrude from the fixed hinge body 10 during the movement of the door.

Preferably, the lever 32' may be coupled to the fixed hinge body 10 at the end portion 34' or 34".

Likewise, the lever 32" may be coupled to the movable hinge body 20 at the end portion 34" or 34'.

According to the example illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 13C, the lever 32' may be coupled to the fixed hinge body 10 at the end portion 34' and the lever 32" may be coupled to the movable hinge body 20 at the end portion 34".

Advantageously, the axes X', Y', Z' respectively passing through the end portions 34", 34' and the joining area 36' may rotate around the axis C.

According to a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the lever 32' may comprise two facing half-levers 32 , 321" so that the lever 31 is interposed between them.

The half-levers 32 , 321" may be coupled to the fixed hinge body 10 by means of the ends 34 , 341" of the end portion 34' or by means of the ends 342', 342" of the end portion 34".

According to the example illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 13C, the half-levers 32 , 321" may be coupled to the fixed hinge body 10 by means of the ends 34 , 341" of the end portion

34'.

I n addition, the half-levers 321', 321" may be coupled to the lever 32" at the ends 36 , 361" of the joining area 36'.

Preferably, both in the first and in the second embodiment of the hinge 1, the end portions 33', 33" may move between a distal position, corresponding to at least one door open position and a proximal position corresponding to the door closed position.

Suitably, the connecting assemblies 31, 32 may be staggered with respect to each other, i.e. the end portion 33' may be proximal to the bottom wall 111, while the end portion 34' may be distal therefrom.

Furthermore, the end portion 33" may be distal from the bottom wall 221 while, at least in the door closed position, the end portion 34" may be proximal thereto.

I n this manner, the axes X, X', Y, Y' may be parallel to each other and may lie on staggered planes, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 5.

This solution will allow a better interaction between the connecting assemblies 31, 32 to facilitate the detachment between the fixed hinge body 10 and the movable hinge body 20 during the movement of the door.

Preferably, in the first embodiment, during the movement of the door and of the connecting assemblies 31, 32 therewith, the fixed hinge body 10 and the movable hinge body 20 or respectively the seats 11 and 21 may define an angle a having a value comprised between 0° and 80°.

This in particular will be possible due to the rotation of the axes Y, Y', the translation and rotation of the axis X' and the rotation of the axes X and Z with respect to / around the axis C. In particular, at an angle a of a value equal to about 80°, as shown in particular in FIG. 6C, the curved portion 35' will be completely protruding from the seat 11.

Furthermore, the levers 32' and 31" may impact.

In addition, the further opening of the door, will cause a simultaneous rotation of the axis Y, Y' and rotation and translation of the axes X', X and Z around / with respect to the axis C.

In particular, the translation of the axes X and Z may be due to the impact between the connecting assembly 31 and the connecting assembly 32, at the lever 31" and at the spacer 71 which can drive the lever 31".

In this manner, an angle a having a value comprised between 80° and 115° may be defined between the fixed hinge body 10 and the movable hinge body 20 or respectively between the seats 11 and 21.

In particular, the maximum door opening position may coincide with a value of a preferably equal to 115°.

In this case, the end portions 33', 33" may be in the distal position and the curved portion 35 will completely protrude from the seat 11 to promote the detachment of the hinge bodies 10 and 20.

Even in the second embodiment of the hinge 1 described previously, during the movement of the door and of the connecting assemblies 31, 32 therewith, the fixed hinge body 10 and the movable hinge body 20 or respectively the seats 11 and 21 may define an angle a having a value comprised between 0° and 80°.

This in particular will be possible due to the rotation of the axes Y, Y', X, X', Z, Z' around the axis C.

In particular, at an angle a having a value equal to about 80°, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 12C, the curved portion 35' will completely protrude from the seat 11 and the levers 32', 32" may define substantially consecutive longitudinal portions 38, 38'.

Furthermore, the levers 32" and 31" may impact and the further opening of the door, will entail a simultaneous rotation of the axes Y, Y' and a rotation and translation of the axes X', X and Z, Z' around / with respect to the axis C.

In this manner, an angle a having a value comprised between 80° and 115° may be defined between the fixed hinge body 10 and the movable hinge body 20 or respectively between the seats 11 and 21.

In this case, the levers 3 , 31" may define consecutive substantially longitudinal portions 37, 37'.

It is clear that the indicated values of angle a are provided merely by way of example and do not constitute any limitation to the scope of protection claimed.

In light of the above, it is clear that the hinge according to the invention attains the pre-set objectives.

The hinge according to the invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants all falling within the inventive concept outlined in the attached claims. All details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different depending on the technical needs, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Even though the hinge has been described with reference to the attached figures, the reference numbers utilised in the description and in the claims are meant for improving the intelligibility of the invention and thus do not limit the claimed scope of protection in any manner whatsoever.