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(11) | EP 1 662 082 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Safety hinge for cupboard folding doors |
| (57) Hinge for a vertical opening device of two doors hinged to each other, with a first
cupboard door hinged to the fitting, comprising a support body fixed to the wall of
the fitting, which hinges a first end of a simultaneous, shaped lifting arm of the
gull wing type of the cupboard doors, whose second end is hinged along the edge of
the second cupboard door, said support body being capable of hinging one end of an
actuator means that with the opposite end is hinged along said shaped lifting arm,
and in which a hinge is provided along the edge of the first cupboard door facing
the edge of the second cupboard door, said hinge joining by means of hinging said
first and second door, since the hinge consists of a first element fixed in an overhanging
way with respect to the edge of the first door, which hinges a second element oppositely
engaged along the edge of the second door, said second element being extendable and
controlled.
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Domain of the Invention
[0001] The object of this invention is a safety hinge for a vertical opening device of two cupboard doors that are hinged to each other, in which one door is hinged to the fitting.
[0002] The invention finds particular although not exclusive application in the field of accessories and hardware for the movement of closing cupboard doors in fittings and in particular for kitchen fittings.
[0003] Kitchen furniture is certainly well known. It concerns fittings that are conventionally structured in such a way as to provide a bottom, two side walls, possibly shelves, a back and a top. In certain cases, the bottom of said fitting is not provided, for example in the hypothesis of a dish-rack, since one or more support grids for crockery and cutlery are provided on the interior of the fitting itself, said grids being placed above the sink to allow the water to flow down and drip and possibly to be collected by an underlying drip tray. In any case, given that said fittings are designed to contain objects, for the most part they are closed by a convenient door, which obviously must be hinged to the fitting in question.
[0004] Traditionally, said doors are hinged in such a way as to be opened along a horizontal arc section. In order to ensure that this occurs, hinges are provided, conventionally two per door, which are mounted parallel along the vertical edge of the door on one side, while on the other side they are mounted along the facing edge on the internal side of the wall of the fitting thus allowing the door to be rotated along a horizontal arc of at least 90° and allowing free access to the interior of the fitting. By way of example, known hinges are those described in DE3624479 (Rohde). Said hinges comprise a compass like metallic body that is housed on the interior of a corresponding seat provided along the edge of the door. Said compass like body supports an articulated arm with cantilevered hinge, with retum spring and door stop. At one end said arm provides an engagement slide to a corresponding and opposite anchorage body of the slide that is steadily engaged along the wall of the fitting. Said hinges can obviously be used to hinge cupboard doors that carry out a movement according to a vertical arc section, however their constructional features are ill adapted to this type of use.
Prior Art
[0005] US4756054 (Mitts) introduces a device for the hinging of a single cupboard door that carries out an arched opening movement along the vertical axis. In this case, it is a tilting door that allows access to a fitting or kitchen cupboard below the sink. More particularly, two holed metallic plates are projecting and parallel to the sides of the tilting door, in correspondence to which the ends of two levers are engaged, both in correspondence to the opposite end that is hinged to an adjustable support stirrup that is fixed along the corresponding wall of the fitting. Of the two levers that hinge the plate of the door, the second that is shorter than the first is not parallel to the first when the cupboard door is tilted, but rather is directed in such a way as to be arranged in a rotated position with respect to the first of approximately 45°. Finally, a return spring is engaged with one end between the first of the two levers and with the opposite end in correspondence to the anchorage stirrup of the kitchen fitting. In this way, when the cupboard door is open it tends to move away with the lower edge with respect to the kitchen fitting, and then retum once said door is closed.
[0006] In DE2853971 (Schmid) there is the description of a door hinged to a fitting, which when open tends to move away and open itself like a wing. The door in question provides at least one device designed to support and move said door and consists of a stirrup anchored in correspondence to the internal facade of the cupboard door to be opened. Hinged on its two ends said stirrup provides the ends of two shaped levers, each of which is anchored with the respective and opposite end at the back of a fixing plate to the interior wall of the fitting to be closed again. Of the two levers, the second, or rather the lower lever has a perpendicular section which is hinged to a sliding block that on one side is hinged to a slide rail. On the opposite side, the guide block engages a helicoidal spring that is positioned opposite to the sliding movement of the block along the vertical guide rod.
[0007] EP258766 (Hauf et al.) suggests a hinge for the opening of a cupboard door that uses a parallelogram articulation.
[0008] EP1308592 (Neukotter) proposes a hinge for cupboard doors that includes at least two substantially curved interconnected elements positioned adjacent to each other and reciprocally hinged in an intermediate position. The hinge composed in this way is arranged astride the two edges of the sections to be hinged, in such a way that alternated, each of the two elements on one side and with one end will be hinged to the door or the fitting, while the opposite end of each is introduced into the interior of a guide that slides freely along the latter, said guide being provided in correspondence to a housing obtained along the edge of the cupboard door or fitting.
[0009] All this considered, it can reasonably be affirmed that,
- the hinges for opening cupboard doors of kitchen fitting are known;
- hinges that allow the opening of the cupboard door hinged along the horizontal edge are known, in such a way as to carry out on said door an arched rotation along a vertical axis;
- the hinges for the opening of doors are known that cooperate with elastic push means that allow the maintenance of the cupboard door in a raised position and possibly its return;
- hinges are known that cooperate with articulation levers for the movement of the door in such a way as to separate the latter from the edge of the fitting to be closed again.
[0010] Proposals are also known that use two doors hinged to each other in order to provide the closure of the fitting with a combination of hinges and articulations of the type described previously. In this case, therefore, only one of the two cupboard doors is hinged to the fitting, while the second is hinged to the first of the two cupboard doors, so that in the closed position the two doors will be aligned in a coplanar way, however during the opening stage the two doors, once lifted, may be closed one on top of the other.
Drawbacks
[0011] In principle, it is noted that the well known devices can offer good hinging solutions. However, above all in the field of kitchen fittings, there exists a definite need to improve at least considerably the safety function, particularly when the cupboard door is being closed.
[0012] This is the case, for example, with the types of fittings that recently and as previously observed use two cupboard doors hinged to each other, in which one is hinged to the fitting. The opening of said cupboard doors, ideally of the gull wing type, produces safety problems particularly in the position in which the approximation between the horizontal and parallel edges of the two doors approaching each other is noted. In more detail, an intermediate space tends to remain between said cupboard doors that gradually tends to close as the latter are closed thus originating what can be defined as a snare effect that can be particularly insidious if an obstacle comes between the two doors, such as accidentally placing a finger in this space.
[0013] Another significant effect relates to the fact that sometimes the closure can prove difficult, not particularly smooth, above all after a certain usage period that involves the components suffering a certain stress.
[0014] Therefore, the need for companies, particularly of the sector, to identify alternative and more effective solutions with respect to the solutions in existence up to now is evident.
Brief Description of the Invention
[0016] This and other aims are achieved with this invention according to the characteristics as in the included claims resolving the disclosed problems by means of a safety hinge for a device for the vertical opening of two cupboard doors hinged to each other, in which one first door is hinged to the fitting, comprising a support body fixed behind the wall of the fitting. Said support body hinges a first end of a simultaneous, shaped lifting arm of the gull wing type of the cupboard doors, whose second end is hinged along the edge of the second cupboard door. Said support body is capable of hinging one end of an actuator means that with the opposite end is hinged along said shaped lifting arm, and in which a hinge is provided along the edge of the first cupboard door facing the edge of the second cupboard door, said hinge joining by means of hinging said first and second door, since the hinge consists of a first element fixed in an overhanging way with respect to the edge of the first door, which hinges a second engagement element oppositely along the edge of the second door, said second element being extendable in a controlled way.
Aims
[0017] In this way, certain aims and advantages are achieved by means of the considerable creative contribution whose effects allowed considerable technical progress to be achieved.
[0018] A first aim intends to obtain a hinge suitable for allowing one run of one of the two main elements constituting said hinge and hinged to each other, at the point in which something is interposed in their normal movement passage in order to reduce the consequences.
[0019] A second aim is to allow the particularly smooth vertical opening of the two cupboard doors hinged to each other and in turn, the upper door hinged to the fitting.
[0020] A third aim is to prearrange an accessory device that would not require the modification of the fitting or parts of the fitting.
[0021] A fourth aim consists of obtaining an accessory device that is not particularly complex, that is easily developed and that can be manufactured at low costs.
[0022] In conclusion, it was possible to obtain a more integrated and compact device at least provided with greater comfort and effectiveness of use with good technological content and low costs.
[0023] These and other advantages will appear from the following detailed description of a preferred solution with the aid of the enclosed schematic drawings, whose details of execution are not to be considered limitative but only as illustrative.
Content of the Drawings
[0024]
□ Figure 1 is a lateral frontal view of the hinge that is the object of this invention, shown in a position that corresponds to the doors closed;
□ Figure 2 is a side view of the hinge in Figure 1;
□ Figure 3 is a view from above of the hinge as in the previous Figures;
□ Figure 4 is a lateral frontal view of the hinge as in previous Figures but shown in a position where the doors are hindered in a stage approaching closure;
□ Figure 5 is a view from above of the hinge in Figure 4;
□ Figure 6 is a side view of the hinge in Figure 5;
□ Figure 7 is a view of the fitted unit, with the opening device of the doors represented in a static position corresponding to the doors closed;
□ Figure 8 is a view of the fitted unit of Figure 7, with the opening device of the doors represented in a dynamic position corresponding to the doors raised;
□ Figure 9 is an axonometric view of the fitted unit in Figure 7 and 8, with the opening device of the doors represented in the position of Figure 8;
□ Figure 10 is an additional axonometric view of the fitted unit in Figure 7 and 8, with the opening device of the doors represented in the raised position.
□ Figure 11 is a side view of the fitted unit in Figure 10.
□ Finally, Figures 12 and 13, represent the views of the hinge in a position as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.
Description of an Embodiment of the Invention
[0025] The object of this invention, (Figure 1), comprises a vertical opening device of two cupboard doors, respectively a first upper door 1 and a second door 2 that is lower with respect to said first door 1, joined together by means of two identical end hinges 3, respectively right and left.
[0026] More particularly, each hinge 3 (see Figures from 1 to 6) is composed of at least two main elements 30, 31 that are hinged together. In the case in point, the element 30 consists of a metallic half-shell projected along a rectilinear axis and shaped in such a way as to obtain, at one end 301 and along the sides, two perpendicular opposing wings 302, 303, each provided with a fixing hole 304 for the corresponding section of the door. In one possible solution, the first door 1 disposes peripherically of a substantially rectangular frame 100 that contains the buffering panel. Along the lower and horizontal profile 101 of the frame 100, for each of the two ends right and left of the first door 1, the end 301 of the first main element 30 of the hinge 3 is fixed and in such a way that the opposing perpendicular wings 302, 303 rest in a coplanar way along said lower profile 101. The orientation of said main element 30 is such that a part of the latter, in particular the end 305, projects with respect to the lower and horizontal profile 101 in such a way as to be at least partially superimposed to the section of the second lower door 2. In this way the end 305 of the first element 30 of the hinge 3 hinges by means of pins 4 the part 310 of the second element 31 of the hinge 3. Even more particularly, the second element 31 is also that constituted by a metallic half-shell subdivided into two parts 310, 311, of which the latter part 311 is extendable and can slide longitudinally with respect to the part 310 that is hinged to the first element 30 of the hinge 3. In the case in point, the part 311 of the element 31 of the hinge 3 that is mobile as it slides linearly with respect to the part 310 to which moreover it is connected by a guide, is of the type provided on one end of the opposing fixing wings 312, 313 that are perpendicular to the sides of said element 31 of the hinge 3, and also those provided with fixing holes 314, in order to allow the engagement of said part 311 of the hinge 3, along the horizontal profile 102 of the perimetrical frame 103 of the second door 2 underlying said first door 1. The element 31 that is hinged to the element 30 is of the type to be received in a longitudinal direction and partially received on the interior of the metallic half-shell of the element 30, disposing of, in a closed door position 1 and 2 or in a position blocking the opening of the fitted unit 5, the part 311, that is extendable with respect to the part 310, comprised between the pins 4 and the end 301.
[0027] The hinges 3 (see Figs. 7, 8 and 9) that join and hinge said first 1 and second door 2 cooperate with an articulation that allows the gull wing lifting with respect to a fitted unit 5. In the case in point, the fitting 5, that is made up of two walls 50, provides in correspondence with at least one wall 50 in the part underlying the top 51, a support body 6 that hinges the end 70 of a shaped lifting arm 7 whose opposite end 71 is hinged to a plate 8 that is fixed and projects perpendicularly with respect to the sides of the frame 103 of the second door 2. At least one actuator means 9 is also present, that with one end 90 is hinged to the support body 6, while with the opposite end 91 is hinged to the shaped lifting arm 7, in a position between the ends 70 and 71. In a preferred solution, said actuator means 9 are hinged and placed below the shaped lifting arm 7.
1. Safety hinge for a vertical opening device of two doors hinged to each other, in which
one first cupboard door 1 hinged to the fitting 5 is of the type consisting of two
elements 30, 31 hinged to each other 4, each element being fixed at one end to the
corresponding section of the door 1, 2 to be hinged, characterized in that it is made up of a first element 30 fixed in an overhanging way with respect to the
profile 101 of the first door which hinges a second element 31 engaged oppositely
along the profile 102 of the second door, said second element 31 being extendable
in a controlled way.
2. Safety hinge for a vertical opening device of two cupboard doors hinged to each other
according to claim 1, characterized in that the second element 31 consists of a metallic half-shell subdivided into two parts
310, 311 of which the extendable part 311 can slide longitudinally with respect to
the part 310 that is hinged by at least one pin 4 to the first element 30 of the hinge
3.
3. Safety hinge for vertical opening device of two cupboard doors hinged to each other
according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the part 311 of the element 31 of the hinge 3 that is movable, as it slides linearly
with respect to the part 310 to which it is connected by a guide, is of the type provided
on one end with opposite fixing wings end 312, 313 perpendicular to the sides of said
element 31 of the hinge 3, and also provided with fixing holes 314, in order to allow
the engagement of said part 311 of the hinge 3, along the horizontal profile 102 of
the perimetrical frame 103 of the second door 2 underlying said first 1.
4. Safety hinge for vertical opening device of two cupboard doors hinged to each other
according to the previous claims, characterized in that the element 31 that is hinged by at least one pin 4 to the element 30 is such as
to be longitudinally directed and partially received into the interior of the metallic
half-shell of the element 30 and that in a closed door position 1 and 2 or rather
a position that blocks the opening of the fitted unit 5 disposes of the part 31 that
is extendable with respect to the part 310, between the pins 4 and the end 301.
5. Safety hinge for a vertical opening device of two cupboard doors hinged to each other
according to the previous claims, characterized in that the element 30 consists of a metallic half-shell projected along a rectilinear axis
and shaped in such a way as to obtain, at one end 301 and along the sides, two opposing
perpendicular wings 302, 303, each provided with a fixing hole 304 to the corresponding
section of the first door 1 and in which the orientation of said main element 30 is
such that a part of the latter, in particular the end 305 projects with respect to
the first door 1 in such a way as to be at least partially, superimposed over the
section of the second lower door 2, so that the end 305 of the first element 30 of
the hinge 3 hinges by means of pins 4 the part 310 of the second element 31 of the
hinge 3.
6. Vertical opening device of two cupboard doors that comprises a hinge 3 as in the previous
claims for a fitted unit 5 that consists of two walls 50, characterized in that in correspondence to at least one wall 50 in the part underlying the top 51, a support
body 6 is provided that hinges the end 70 of a shaped lifting arm 7 whose opposite
end 71 is hinged to a plate 8 that is fixed and projects perpendicularly with respect
to the sides of the frame 103 of the second door 2, and in which moreover at least
one actuator means 9 is present, that with one end 90 is hinged to the support body
6, while with the opposite end 91 is hinged to the shaped lifting arm 7, in a position
between the ends 70 and 71.