Hinge for heavy doors, windows or the like

Abstract

 A hinge (100) for heavy doors, windows or the like comprises: three separate hinge members (1, 2, 3), namely bottom, top and middle, of which two (1, 2) are associated with a fixed frame (4), and the middle one (3) is associated with a mobile wing (5); a pin (6) for the articulation of the three hinge members (1, 2, 3), defining an axis of rotation (Z) for the middle hinge member (3) and designed to be housed in three cylindrical portions (1b, 2b, 3b), that is to say, in three respective bushes (1c, 2c, 3c); adjustment means (7) acting on the middle hinge member (3) in such a way as to allow a lateral adjustment, in (X), of the axis of rotation (Z) of the mobile wing (5); the articulation pin (6) is composed of two separate pin parts (6a, 6b) which can be housed, respectively: the first pin part (6a) in the bottom hinge member (1) and, with an inside end of it (6c), in a blind housing (11) in a third bush (3c) of the middle hinge member (3), and the second pin part (6b) in the top hinge member (2) and, with an inside end of it (6d), in a blind housing (12) in the third bush (3c) of the middle hinge member (3); means (13) for fastening each inside end (6c, 6d) of the two pin parts (6a, 6b) to the third bush (3c) are positioned and operative on the ends (6c, 6d) from the outside of the middle hinge member (3). [Figure 2]

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a hinge for heavy doors, windows or the like, that is to say, sturdy door, window or like units that are heavier than standard interior units.

[0002] At present, in the technical field of doors, windows and the like, some hinges are known which are used especially for heavy units (that is, exterior doors, gates, etc.).

[0003] Heavy-duty hinges, of whatever kind, must satisfy special security requirements and, in this aspect too, differ from the hinges usually used on traditional door and window units (such as, for example, interior door units).

[0004] In structural terms, these differences translate as larger hinge size, not only because the hinges have to support heavy weights but also because the screws used to fasten the hinges have to be covered by special tamper-proof plates and also because each hinge has a larger number of components.

[0005] A first type of heavy-duty hinge has two hinge members joined to each other by a pin but this invention addresses a second type of heavy-duty hinge composed of three hinge members and designed for use on very heavy doors, windows or the like.

[0006] A hinge of this kind is known from document DE 3504921 where the hinge comprises two members (top and bottom), whose flaps can be associated to the fixed frame of a door, and a third, middle hinge member, interposed between the other two, whose flap is associated with the door wing. Association of the hinge flaps is accomplished using screw means that pass through respective holes in the hinge flaps and in the corresponding frames.

[0007] Each of the three hinge members is provided with a respective cylindrical portion provided with a through hole which, in use, is occupied by a pin constituting an articulation member designed to permit rotation of the middle hinge member joined to the mobile frame or wing.

[0008] To allow rotation of the pin (which is housed in all three of the hinge members), bushes interposed between the pin and the cylindrical portion of each hinge member are provided.

[0009] In this solution, the position of the door wing relative to the fixed frame can be adjusted along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin and in the plane defined by the mobile wing (the adjustment being, usually, along an axis denoted by X and being referred to as "lateral adjustment"). The adjustment is performed using an eccentric bush which is inserted into the middle hinge member (the one associated with the mobile frame) and which can be stably joined to the pin using a threaded element acting radially along the bush and the part of the pin housed in the bush.

[0010] With this type of hinge, if the mobile frame has to be removed, the pin must be pulled out (from above or from below) along all the hinge bodies.

[0011] In this prior art solution, however, (and in all joint hinges where the pin can be pulled out) it is not possible to make an adjustment in a vertical axis Z coinciding with the axis of rotation, and this is added to the fact that in this solution, too, the possibility of movement in X with eccentric bushes does not permit very high adjustment ranges or high precision.

[0012] A solution for obtaining a more precise and reliable lateral adjustment in the X-axis, combined with a vertical adjustment (Z-axis), is known from document EP 992.647 by the same Applicant as this invention and can also be applied to three-membered hinges like the one described in this specification.

[0013] This type of adjustment comprises the bush present on the middle hinge member and provided with an outer radial protrusion engageable with a matching notch in the inside surface of the respective hole in the corresponding hinge member; the engagement defines a pivot point on the bush, allowing the bushing and the portion of the pin housed in it to perform a pendular movement thanks to respective screw means which can be operated from the outside and acting between the pin and the hole in such a way as to allow the position of the pin to be adjusted.

[0014] When this type of lateral adjustment is used, however, the part of the pin passing through the middle hinge member must then be secured using a transversal adjustment grub screw passing through the pin.

[0015] To this must be added that in this case, too, in order to obtain this possibility of vertical adjustment in Z, the pin must be provided with a protruding ring designed to be interposed, in use, between the middle bush and the lower hinge member in order to permit an adjusting action (by pushing or releasing).

[0016] Thus, although double adjustment of the hinge is possible, removal and fitting of the hinge is not easy: in effect, one of the hinge members (usually the top one) must be completely removed from the fixed frame in order to be able to lift and release the mobile frame (after also releasing the transversal adjustment grub screw) from the bottom hinge member and from the pin.

[0017] In view of the heavy weight of the doors involved, lifting the frame to remove and then to refit it is an extremely slow and difficult task.

[0018] This invention therefore has for an aim to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages by providing a three-membered hinge for heavy doors, windows or the like structured in such a way as to allow precise adjustments in at least two perpendicular axes and which allows the mobile frame to be removed and re-installed quickly and easily without having to remove the hinge members associated with the fixed frame.

[0019] These aims are fully achieved by a hinge applicable to heavy doors, windows or the like and having three members, of which two can be associated with the fixed frame and one with the mobile frame of the door, window or like unit.

[0020] More specifically, each of the three hinge members comprises a flap for fastening it to the respective fixed frame or mobile frame, a tubular portion which houses a respective interposed bush for the hinge articulation element which allows rotation of the hinge member associated with the mobile wing. One of the bushes, namely the one housed in the mobile, rotating middle hinge member, also forms part of means for laterally adjusting the axis of rotation, that is, adjusting the position of the mobile wing, in an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation and lying in the plane defined by the mobile wing.

[0021] According to the invention, the articulation pin is composed of two separate parts, each housed in a blind housing in the middle bush forming part of the lateral adjustment means. In other terms, therefore, each pin part engages only two hinge members at any one time, leaving free the middle part, which is engaged by lateral adjustment screw means. This feature makes it possible to release the articulation axis, that is, the pin, from the adjustment means while continuing to allow it to be adjusted by the same means.

[0022] This architecture also makes it possible, in the event of removal and reinstallation of the mobile wing, to free the middle hinge member without touching the other two hinge members. This can be done quickly and, at the same time, without upsetting the lateral adjustment inside the middle hinge body.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the bottom hinge member is fitted with means of adjustment in a vertical axis acting on the respective part of the pin housed in it.

[0024] This structure thus offers the possibility of a second axial adjustment of the hinge without affecting the ease of removing and reinstalling the hinge.

[0025] According to this invention, the above aim is achieved by a hinge, in particular a hinge for heavy doors, windows and the like, comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0026] The technical features of the invention, with reference to the above aims, are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred non-limiting example embodiment of the invention, and in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge according to the invention for heavy doors, windows and the like, applied to the frames of the door, window or the like;
• Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross section of the hinge of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the hinge illustrated in the drawings listed above. With reference to the accompanying drawings, the hinge according to the invention, labelled 100 in its entirety, is used in particular for heavy doors, windows and the like, such as security doors, gates or like exterior entrance units.

[0027] The hinge 100 comprises three hinge members 1, 2 and 3.

[0028] A bottom hinge member 1 is composed of a first flap 1a, which can be fastened to a fixed frame 4, and a first tubular portion 1b which houses a first bush 1c.

[0029] A top hinge member 2 is composed of a second flap 2a, which can be fastened to a fixed frame 4, and a second tubular portion 2b which houses a second bush 2c.

[0030] A middle hinge member 3 is composed of a third flap 3a, which can be fastened to a mobile wing 5, and a third tubular portion 3b interposed between the tubular portions 1b, 2b of the bottom and top hinge members 1 and 2.

[0031] The third tubular portion 3b, too, houses a respective third bush 3c.

[0032] The flaps 1a, 2a, 3a can be associated with the respective frames with screws that pass through respective holes in the flaps and in the fixed and mobile frames 4, 5.

[0033] In addition to the above components, the hinge 100 comprises at least one pin 6 for the articulation of the three hinge members 1, 2, 3 and defining an axis of rotation Z for the middle hinge member 3. The pin 6 can be housed in the three cylindrical portions 1b, 2b, 3b, that is to say, in the three bushes 1c, 2c, 3c.

[0034] The middle hinge member 3 is operated on by adjustment means 7 comprising the third bush 3c provided with an outer radial protrusion 8 engageable with a matching notch 9 in the inside surface of the third tubular portion 3b and adapted to define a pivot point on the third bushing 3c allowing the third bushing 3c itself to perform a pendular movement in both directions thanks to respective screw means 10 which can be operated from the outside in such a way as to allow a lateral adjustment, in an axis X, of the axis of rotation Z of the mobile wing 5.

[0035] This adjustment structure will not be described in detail since it is known from document EP 992.647 by the same Applicant as this invention.

[0036] According to this invention, the articulation pin 6 is composed of two separate parts 6a, 6b, each one designed to be housed in only two of the hinge members of the hinge 100.

[0037] This makes it possible to release the articulation axis Z, that is, the pin 6a, 6b, from the adjustment means 7, while continuing to allow it to be adjusted by the same means 7.

[0038] More specifically - see Figures 2 and 3 - the first pin part 6a can be housed in the bottom hinge member 2 and, with an inside end of it 6c, in a blind housing 11 in the third bush 3c of the middle hinge member 3.

[0039] The second pin part 6b can be housed in the top hinge member 2 and, with an inside end of it 6d, in a blind housing 12 in the third bush 3c of the middle hinge member 3.

[0040] Thus, the two inside ends 6c, 6d of the two pin parts 6a, 6b are operatively positioned on both sides of the screw adjustment means 10.

[0041] The two pin parts 6a and 6b are attached to the third bush 3c by screw fastening means 13 acting on the inside end 6c and 6d of each.

[0042] The means 13 are positioned and operative on the ends 6c, 6d from the outside of the third tubular portion 3b of the middle hinge member 3.

[0043] That way, during the adjusting movement of the means 7, the two pin 6a, 6b follow the motion of the third bush 3c.

[0044] In light of this, each end 6c, 6d of each pin part 6a and 6b has an annular narrowing forming a kink 15 for radially coupling to respective fastening means 13 in the form of a grub screw for each pin part 6a and 6b.

[0045] Each grub screw 13 passes transversally through housings 16, 17 made in the third tubular portion 3b and in the third bush 3c of the middle hinge member 3.

[0046] Preferably, the hinge 100 also comprises means 14 for adjustment in a vertical axis, coinciding with the articulation axis Z, positioned and operative on the first pin part 6a housed in the first bush 1c of the bottom hinge member 1.

[0047] That way, the hinge 100 may be provided with two different types of axial adjustment, to which may be added a third adjustment, termed compression adjustment, in an axis Y perpendicular to the axis Z and lying in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the mobile wing 5. This adjustment, of known type, is performed by turning the first and second bushes 1b and 2b (made eccentric) during door installation.

[0048] Preferably, each pin part 6a and 6b comprises:

• the end 6c, 6d for housing in the third bush 3c; and
• a cylindrical body 6e and 6f larger in diameter than the end 6c, 6d, designed to be housed in the first and second bushes 1c, 2c, and forming, at the zone where it joins its end 6c, 6d, an annular surface 18.

[0049] As clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the embodiment illustrated, the means 14 for adjustment in the vertical axis Z comprise a threaded cylindrical element 19 screwably coupled to the bottom end of the first bush 1b of the bottom hinge member 1 which is, in turn, internally threaded. The cylindrical element 19 operates on the free end of the cylindrical body 6e of the first pin part 6a, in such a way as to apply a pushing or releasing action on the third bush 3c of the middle hinge member 3.

[0050] In light of this, the means 14 for adjustment in the vertical axis Z also comprise an anti-loosening element 20 interposed between the free end of the cylindrical body 6e of the first pin part 6a and the threaded cylindrical element 19: the element 20 prevents the cylindrical element 19 from turning when the pin part 6a turns as one with the third bush 3c during opening and closing of the wing 5. For this purpose, the anti-loosening element consists of a cylindrical plug 20 provided with two radial tabs 20a and 20b, opposite each other and designed to engage respective longitudinal grooves 23 made in the first bush 1c of the bottom hinge member 1: that way, the plug 20 can move up or down according to the adjustment in Z.

[0051] Also according to the adjustment in Z, the third bush 3c of the middle hinge member 3 has an annular end edge 21, protruding from the third tubular portion 3b of the middle hinge member 3 and designed to be interposed between the third tubular portion 3b of the middle hinge member 3 and the first tubular portion 1b of the bottom hinge member 1: this configuration provides a supporting zone against which the middle hinge member 3 can be pushed when an adjustment in Z is performed.

[0052] In light of this, to increase both the support and the pushing surface during adjustment in Z, the blind housing 11 in the third bush 3c of the middle hinge member 3, for receiving the end 6c of the first pin part 6a, is provided with an outer annular undercut 22 that is larger in diameter than the inside zone of the housing 11 itself: that forms an annular contact and abutment zone for the corresponding annular surface 18 of the body 6e of the first pin part 6a.

[0053] Figure 2 shows, although not labelled, antifriction cartridges interposed between the cylindrical body 6e, 6f of each pin part 6a, 6b and the respective first and second bush 1c, 2c: these cartridges are designed to reduce wear on the contact zones of the first and second bushes 1c, 2c.

[0054] Lastly, although not illustrated, the first and second tubular portions 1b and 2b, once installation has been completed, are sealed by respective security plugs.

[0055] A hinge made in this way can be rapidly fitted and removed in the manner described below.

[0056] After positioning and fastening the two hinge members 1 and 2 on the fixed frame 4 and, if necessary, adjusting in Y the axis of rotation by positioning the first and second bushes 1c and 2c relative to each other, the middle hinge member 3 fastened to the wing 5 can be interposed between them.

[0057] The first pin part 6a can then be inserted from below into the first bush 1c.

[0058] Next, the second pin part 6b can be inserted from above into the second bush 2c.

[0059] After positioning in this way, the fastening grub screws 13 can be inserted from the outside of the third bush 3c in order to secure the two pin parts 6a and 6b to the third bush 3c.

[0060] Next, the anti-loosening element 20 can be applied and the cylindrical element 19 for adjustment in Z can be fitted in order to perform that adjustment.

[0061] Then, if necessary, adjustment in the axis X can be carried out thanks to the pendular movement of the third bush 3c allowing the two pin parts 6a and 6b to be adapted.

[0062] Once the wing 5 has been adjusted correctly, the plugs for sealing the tubular portions 1b and 2b can be fitted.

[0063] The wing 5 is quick and easy to remove: by removing the sealing plugs, removing the means for adjustment in the vertical axis and screwing suitable extractors (not illustrated) to the ends of the cylindrical bodies 6e, 6f, which are provided with suitable threaded housings 30.

[0064] At this point, the two pin parts 6a and 6b can be removed from their housings 11 and 12 by slackening the grub screws 13.

[0065] The wing can then be removed while keeping the other two hinge members attached to the fixed frame and without changing the adjustment in X.

[0066] The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application and may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A hinge for heavy doors, windows and the like, the hinge (100) comprising:

- a bottom hinge member (1) comprising a first flap (1a), which can be fastened to a fixed frame (4), and a first tubular portion (1b) which houses a first bush (1c);

- a top hinge member (2) comprising a second flap (2a), which can be fastened to a fixed frame (4), and a second tubular portion (2b) which houses a second bush (2c);

- a middle hinge member (3) comprising a third flap (3a), which can be fastened to a mobile wing (5), and a third tubular portion (3b) interposed between the tubular portions (1b, 2b) of the bottom and top hinge members (1, 2); the third tubular portion (3b) housing a respective third bush (3c);

- at least one pin (6) for the articulation of the three hinge members (1, 2, 3), defining an axis of rotation (Z) for the middle hinge member (3) and designed to be housed in the three cylindrical portions (1b, 2b, 3b), that is to say, in the three bushes (1c, 2c, 3c);

- adjustment means (7) acting on the third hinge member (3), comprising the third bush (3c) provided with an outer radial protrusion (8) engageable with a matching notch (9) in the inside surface of the third tubular portion (3b) and adapted to define a pivot point on the third bushing (3c) allowing the third bushing (3c) itself to perform a pendular movement in both directions thanks to respective screw means (10) which can be operated from the outside in such a way as to allow a lateral adjustment, in X, of the axis of rotation (Z) of the mobile wing (5);

the hinge being characterized in that the articulation pin (6) comprises two separate pin parts (6a, 6b) which can be housed, respectively:

- the first pin part (6a) in the bottom hinge member (1) and with an inside end of it (6c), in a blind housing (11) in the third bush (3c) of the middle hinge member (3), and

- the second pin part (6b) in the top hinge member (2) and with an inside end of it (6d), in a blind housing (12) in the third bush (3c) of the middle hinge member (3); the two inside ends (6c, 6d) of the two pin parts (6a, 6b) being operatively positioned on both sides of the screw adjustment means (10); means (13) for fastening each inside end (6c, 6d) of the two pin parts (6a, 6b) to the third bush (3c) being positioned and operative on the ends (6c, 6d) from the outside of the third tubular portion (3b) of the middle hinge member (3).

2. The hinge according to claim 1, comprising means (14) for adjustment in a vertical axis, coinciding with the articulation axis (Z), and positioned and operative on the first pin part (6a), which is housed in the first bush (1c) of the bottom hinge member (1) .

3. The hinge according to claim 1, wherein each end (6c, 6d) of each pin part (6a, 6b) has an annular narrowing forming a kink (15) for radially coupling to respective fastening means (13) passing transversally through housings (16, 17) made in the third tubular portion (3b) and in the third bush (3c) of the middle hinge member (3).

4. The hinge according to claim 3, wherein each pin part (6a, 6b) comprises:

- the end (6c, 6d) for housing in the third bush (3c); and

- a cylindrical body (6e, 6f) larger in diameter than the end (6c, 6d), designed to be housed in the first and second bushes (1c, 2c), and forming, at the zone where it joins its end (6c, 6d), an annular surface (18) .

5. The hinge according to claim 2, wherein the means (14) of adjustment in the vertical axis (Z) comprise a threaded cylindrical element (19) screwably coupled to the bottom end of the first bush (1b) of the bottom hinge member (1), which is, in turn, internally threaded, and operating on the free end of a cylindrical body (6e) of the first pin part (6a), in such a way as to apply a pushing or releasing action on the third bush (3c) of the middle hinge member (3).

6. The hinge according to claim 5, wherein the means (14) for adjustment in the vertical axis (Z) comprise an anti-loosening element (20) interposed between the free end of the cylindrical body (6e) of the first pin part (6a) and the threaded cylindrical element (19).

7. The hinge according to claim 5, wherein the third bush (3c) of the middle hinge member (3) has an annular end edge (21), protruding from the third tubular portion (3b) of the middle hinge member (3) and designed to be interposed between said third tubular portion (3b) of the middle hinge member (3) and the first tubular portion (1b) of the bottom hinge member (1).

8. The hinge according to claim 4, wherein the blind housing (11) in the third bush 3c of the middle hinge member (3), for receiving the end (6c) of the first pin part (6a) is provided with an outer annular undercut (22) that is larger in diameter than the inside zone of the housing (11) itself, so as to form an annular contact zone for the corresponding annular surface (18) of the body (6e) of the first pin part (6a).

9. The hinge according to claim 6, wherein the anti-loosening element consists of a cylindrical plug (20) provided with two radial tabs (20a, 20b), opposite each other and designed to engage respective longitudinal grooves (23) made in the first bush (1c) of the bottom hinge member (1).

Drawing