[0001] The following patent application for industrial invention relates to a closing system
for door panels, in particular for folding doors, windows, cabinet door panels and
the like.
[0002] Folding doors are largely known on the market, which comprise one or more door panels
that are hinged mutually in order to open or close an opening obtained in a wall.
When the door panels are in open position, they are stacked along an orthogonal plane
relative to the wall. When the door panels are in close position, they are disposed
on a parallel plane relative to the wall in order to close the opening.
[0003] Two versions of folding doors are known:
- 1) a version of folding doors wherein the door panels are centered relative to the
opening defined on the wall; and
- 2) a version of folding doors wherein the door panels are external relative to the
plane defined by the wall.
[0004] However, in both versions the volume of the door panels stacked in open position
partially reduces the width of the passage through the opening of the door. Otherwise
said, the passage is not completely free. Moreover, the door panels project both in
the front and in the back, or only in the front relative to the wall, with a cumbersome
volume caused by the width of the door panel.
[0005] Such a drawback is at least partially solved in
EP2839099, wherein a special mechanism moves the two folded stacked wings to the closure position,
substantially flush with the wall where the opening is obtained.
[0006] EP2839099 discloses a closure system that comprises two wings and one single mechanism composed
of an articulated quadrilateral mechanism connected to the fixed structure, to the
first wing and to the second wing.
[0007] The fact that such a closure system comprises one single mechanism involves several
drawbacks in terms of construction and reliability because the articulated quadrilateral
mechanism is formed of multiple parts that are joined together.
[0008] Moreover, such a closure system is not versatile; in fact, it must provide for a
different right-hand mechanism or a different left-hand mechanism according to the
position of the opening on the right-hand side or on the left-hand side. Such a type
of mechanism is designed for operating with a given measurement (the width of the
door opening) and cannot be adapted to different measurements.
[0009] Moreover, such an articulated quadrilateral mechanism needs to be provided with a
connective rod that is hinged on two plates that are respectively fixed to the second
door panel and to an upper crosspiece of the fixed structure. The hinging points of
the connective rod are imposed by the dimensions of the articulated quadrilateral
mechanism.
[0010] DE202015003214 discloses a hinge mechanism used to open and close two door panels. The hinge mechanism
comprises a first hinge that connects a first door panel to the fixed frame, a second
hinge that connects a second door panel to the first door panel, and an articulated
unit that connects the second door panel to the fixed frame. The articulated unit
comprises a shelf that projects from one side of the second door panel in such a way
to face the opening defined by the fixed frame when the door panels are in open position.
Moreover, the articulated unit comprises a lever that is hinged to the fixed frame
and to the shelf.
[0011] The first hinge, the second hinge and the articulated unit are disconnected. However,
the door panels of the door disclosed in
DE202015003214 are not completely closed one on top of the other. Such a drawback is caused by the
provision of the shelf that projects from one side of the second door panel in such
a way as to face the opening defined by the fixed frame when the door panels are in
open position. Moreover, the width of the second door panel is larger than the width
of the first door panel to permit a connection between the shelf and the fixed frame.
Therefore, when in open position, the second door panel partially closes the opening
defined by the fixed frame.
[0012] FR2448615 discloses an articulated mechanism for moving a folding door, comprising a first
hinge that connects a first door panel to a fixed frame, a second hinge that connects
a second door panel to the first door panel, and an articulated unit that connects
the second door panel to the fixed frame. The first hinge, the second hinge and the
articulated unit are not connected. The articulated unit comprises a shelf that projects
from one side of the second door panel in such a way to face the opening defined by
the fixed frame when the door panels are in open position, a first lever connected
to the fixed frame and a second lever hinged to the first lever and to the shelf.
The first lever and the second lever are disposed in such a way as to protrude from
the opposite side relative to the door panels when the door panels are closed one
on top of the other.
[0013] Just like
DE202015003214, also
FR2448615 is impaired by the fact that the door panels do not close completely one on top of
the other because of the provision of the shelf. Moreover, because of the fact that
the levers project from the opposite side compared to the door panels when the door
panels are closed one on top of the other, the mechanism is cumbersome and aesthetically
unpleasant.
[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art
by disclosing a closing system for door panels that is characterized by a reduced
volume when the door panels are closed, being at the same time reliable, versatile,
easy to make and install.
[0015] These purposes are achieved according to the invention with the characteristics of
the independent claim 1.
[0016] Advantageous embodiments of the invention appear from the dependent claims.
[0017] The closing system for door panels according to the invention is defined by claim
1.
[0018] Because of the provision of such a mechanism, when the door panels are in close position,
they are stacked and flush to the wall where the fixed frame that defines the opening
is mounted, thereby having a reduced volume, being aesthetically pleasant and leaving
the opening free.
[0019] In particular, the first hinge unit, the second hinge unit and the articulated unit
are not connected.
[0020] Such a mechanism can operate also for different widths of the opening defined by
the fixed frame. The parts of the mechanism (first hinge unit, second hinge unit and
articulated unit) do not have a predefined direction and can be indifferently used
for door panels that open towards the right-hand side or the left-hand side.
[0021] Additional features of the invention will appear manifest from the detailed description
below, which refers to merely illustrative, not limiting embodiments, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the closing system of the invention, wherein the door
panels are open and the parts of the mechanism are shown in an exploded view;
Fig. 2 is the same view as Fig. 1, with the parts of the mechanism in assembled condition;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the upper parts of the mechanism;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the lower parts of the mechanism;
Fig. 5 is a top view of the closing system of Fig. 2;
Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the closing system of Fig. 2;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the closing system with the door panels in close position;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the closing system with the door
panels in close position; and
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the closing system with the door
panels in close position.
[0022] With reference to the Figures, the closing system of the invention is described,
which is generally indicated with reference numeral (100).
[0023] The closing system (100) comprises:
- a fixed frame (1),
- a first door panel (2) connected to the fixed frame, and
- a second door panel (3) connected to the first door panel.
[0024] The fixed frame (1) is intended to be fixed to a wall wherein a rectangular opening
is obtained. The fixed frame (1) generally comprises a crosspiece (10) and an upright
(11) and defines the perimeter of the opening of the wall.
[0025] Generally, the door panels (2, 3) are rectangular and identical, with an area that
is equal to half of the area of the opening defined by the fixed frame (1).
[0026] A mechanism connects the first door panel (2) to the fixed frame and the second door
panel (3) to the first door panel, in such a way that the door panels (2, 3) can go
from an open position (Fig. 2), wherein the door panels leave the opening defined
by the fixed frame (1) open, to a close position (Fig. 7), wherein the door panels
close the opening defined by the fixed frame (1).
[0027] The mechanism comprises:
- a first hinge unit (C1) connecting the first door panel (2) to the fixed frame (1),
- a second hinge unit (C2) that connects the second door panel (3) to the first door
panel, and
- an articulated unit (6) that connects the second door panel (3) to the fixed frame
(1).
[0028] The first hinge unit (C1), the second hinge unit (C2) and the articulated unit (6)
are not connected.
[0029] The first hinge unit (C1) comprises an upper hinge (4) disposed above an upper edge
of the first door panel (2) and a lower hinge (7) disposed under a lower edge of the
first door panel.
[0030] With reference to Figs. 1, 3 and 5, the upper hinge (4) of the first hinge unit comprises
a first plate (40) and a second plate (41). Each plate (40, 41) has an "L" shape and
comprises a long arm and a short arm. The short arms of the two plates (40, 41) are
mutually hinged by means of a pin (P1).
[0031] The first plate (40) is fixed under the crosspiece (10) of the fixed frame near the
upright (11). The second plate (41) is fixed on an upper edge of the first door panel
(2) near a lateral end of the first door panel (2) in such a way that the pin (P1)
is disposed near the lateral end of the first door panel. In view of the above, the
upper hinge (4) permits the rotation of the first door panel (2) relative to the fixed
frame (1) around the pin (P1).
[0032] With reference to Figs. 1, 4 and 6, the lower hinge (7) of the first hinge unit comprises
a first plate (70) and a second plate (71). The first plate (70) has an "L"-shaped
section with a wing (72) disposed on an orthogonal plane relative to the first plate
(70). The second plate (71) has an "L"-shape in plan view and comprises a long arm
and a short arm. The short arm of the second plate (71) is hinged to the wing (72)
of the first plate by means of a pin (P5).
[0033] The first plate (70) is fixed to the upright (11) of the fixed frame near a lower
end of the upright. The second plate (71) is fixed under a lower edge of the first
door panel (2) near a lateral end of the first door panel (2), in such a way that
the pin (P5) of the lower hinge is disposed near the lateral end of the first door
panel and is vertically aligned with the axis of the pin (P1) of the upper hinge of
the first hinge unit. In view of the above, the first door panel (2) can rotate in
a balanced manner relative to the fixed frame (1) around the axis of the pins (P1
and P5) of the lower hinge and of the upper hinge.
[0034] The second hinge unit (C2) comprises an upper hinge (5) disposed above an upper edge
of the first door panel (2) and of the second door panel (3), and a lower hinge (8)
disposed under a lower edge of the first door panel and the second door panel.
[0035] With reference to Figs. 1, 3 and 5, the upper hinge (5) of the second hinge unit
comprises a first plate (50) and a second plate (51). Each plate (50, 51) has an "L"
shape in plan view and comprises a long arm and a short arm. The short arms of the
two plates (50, 51) are rounded and mutually hinged by means of a pin (P2).
[0036] The first plate (50) of the upper hinge of the second hinge unit is fixed on the
upper edge of the first door panel (2) near a lateral end of the first door panel
(2) in distal position relative to the upper hinge (4) of the first hinge unit. In
view of the above, the upper hinge (5) of the second hinge unit permits a rotation
of the second door panel (3) relative to the first door panel (2) around the pin (P2).
[0037] With reference to Figs. 1, 4 and 6, the lower hinge (8) of the second hinge unit
is substantially identical to the upper hinge (5) of the second hinge unit.
[0038] The lower hinge (8) of the second hinge unit comprises a first plate (80) and a second
plate (81). Each plate (80, 81) has an "L" shape and comprises a long arm and a short
arm. The short arms of the two plates (80, 81) are rounded and mutually hinged by
means of a pin (P6).
[0039] The first plate (80) of the lower hinge is fixed under the lower edge of the first
door panel (2) near a lateral end of the first door panel (2) in distal position relative
to the lower hinge (7) of the first hinge unit, in such a way that the axis of the
pin (P6) of the lower hinge coincides with the axis of the pin (P2) of the upper hinge
of the second hinge unit. In view of the above, the second door panel (3) can rotate
in a balanced manner relative to the first door panel (2) around the axis of the pins
(P2 and P6) of the upper hinge and of the lower hinge of the second hinge unit.
[0040] With reference to Figs. 1, 3 and 5, the articulated unit (6) of the mechanism comprises:
- a first plate (60) intended to be fixed to the crosspiece (10) of the fixed frame;
- a second plate (61) intended to be fixed to the second door panel (3); and
- a connective rod (62) pivoted to the first plate (60) by means of a first pin (P3)
and to the second plate (63) by means of a second pin (P4).
[0041] In view of the above, the articulated unit (6) of the upper mechanism is provided
with two hinges, in the first pin (P3) and in the second pin (P4), in such a way as
to follow the movement of the second door panel (3) from the open position of the
door panels (Fig. 2) to the close position of the door panels (Fig. 7).
[0042] The second plate (61) of the articulated unit is fixed on the upper edge of the second
door panel (3) near a lateral end of the second door panel (3) in distal position
relative to the upper hinge (5) of the second hinge unit, in such a way that the second
door panel is stopped against the first door panel when the door panels are in open
position.
[0043] In fact, such a position of the second plate (61) of the articulated unit avoids
the use of shelves for connecting the connective rod (62) with the second door panel,
as it occurs with the opening mechanisms of the prior art. Because of such a position
of the second plate (61) on the upper edge of the second door panel (3), the second
door panel can be completely closed on the first door panel. Moreover, two door panels
with the same width can be used in such a way that the door panels do not close the
opening defined by the fixed frame when they are closed one on top of the other.
[0044] It must be noted that when the door panels (2, 3) are in open position, the door
panels (2, 3) are stacked one behind the other, and the two plates of the upper and
lower hinges of the second hinge unit are in parallel position. In such a situation,
the two door panels (2, 3) have a reduced volume and are substantially flush with
the wall whereon the fixed frame (1) is mounted, without hindering the opening defined
by the fixed frame (1).
[0045] On the contrary, with reference to Figs. 8 and 9, when the door panels (2, 3) are
in close position, the door panels (2, 3) are aligned on a plane and the two plates
of the upper and lower hinges of the second hinge unit are aligned.
[0046] The length of the connective rod (62) is chosen in such a way that the first plate
(60) is fixed to the crosspiece (10) in an intermediate position of the crosspiece.
[0047] In view of the above, the design and the mounting of the mechanism is easy and fast
because no complicated calculations are needed to design the first plate (60), with
reference to the hinging point of said first plate (60) relative to the crosspiece
(10).
[0048] Numerous variations and modifications can be made to the present embodiment of the
invention, which are within the reach of an expert of the field, falling in any case
within the scope of the invention.
1. Closing system (100) for door panels comprising:
- a fixed frame (1) that defines an opening,
- a first door panel (2) connected to the fixed frame, - a second door panel (3) connected
to the first door panel, and
- a mechanism connecting the first door panel (2) to the fixed frame (1) and the second
door panel (3) to the first door panel, in such manner that the door panels (2, 3)
can go from an open position, wherein the door panels leave the opening defined by
the fixed frame (1) open, to a close position, wherein the door panels close the opening
defined by the fixed frame (1);
said mechanism comprising:
- a first hinge unit (C1) that connects the first door panel (2) to the fixed frame,
- a second hinge unit (C2) that connects the second door panel (3) to the first door
panel, and
- an articulated unit (6) that connects the second door panel (3) to the fixed frame
(1);
said articulated unit (6) comprising:
- a first plate (60) intended to be fixed to the fixed frame (1),
- a second plate (61) intended to be fixed to the second door panel (3), and
- a connective rod (62) pivoted to the first plate (60) by means of a first pin (P3)
and to the second plate (63) by means of a second pin (P4);
wherein the second plate (61) of the articulated unit is fixed to an upper edge of
the second door panel (3) in such a way as to stop the second door panel against said
first door, when the door panels are in open position;
characterized in that
said first hinge unit (C1), second hinge unit (C2) and articulated unit (6) are mutually
not connected;
said second plate (61) of the articulated unit is fixed to an upper edge of the second
door panel (3) near a lateral end of the second door panel and the first plate (60)
of the articulated unit is fixed to a crosspiece (10) of the fixed frame in an intermediate
position of said crosspiece.
2. The closing system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hinge
unit (C1) comprises an upper hinge (4) disposed above an upper edge of the first door
panel (2) and a lower hinge (7) disposed under a lower edge of the first door panel.
3. The closing system (100) of claim 2, wherein said upper hinge (4) comprises a first
plate (40) intended to be fixed to a crosspiece (10) of the fixed frame and a second
plate (41) intended to be fixed to the upper edge of the first door panel, said plates
(40, 41) of the upper hinge having an "L"-shape with a long arm and a short arm, wherein
the short arms are pivoted by means of a pin (P1).
4. The closing system (100) of claim 2 or 3, wherein said lower hinge (7) comprises a
first plate (70) intended to be fixed to an upright (11) of the fixed frame and a
second plate (71) intended to be fixed to the lower edge of the first door panel;
the first plate (70) having an "L"-shaped section with a wing (72) that is orthogonal
to the first plate and the second plate (71) of the lower hinge having an "L"-shape
in plan view with a long arm and a short arm, wherein the short arm of the second
plate is pivoted to the wing (72) of the first plate by means of a pin (P5).
5. The closing system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second hinge
unit (C2) comprises an upper hinge (5) disposed above an upper edge of the first and
the second door panel (2,3) and a lower hinge (8) disposed under a lower edge of the
first and second door panel (2,3).
6. The closing system (100) of claim 5, wherein said upper hinge (5) of the second hinge
unit comprises a first plate (50) intended to be fixed to the upper edge of the first
door panel and a second plate (51) intended to be fixed to the upper edge of the second
door panel, said plates (50, 51) of the upper hinge having an "L"-shape with a long
arm and a short rounded arm, wherein the short rounded arms are pivoted by means of
a pin (P2).
7. The closing system (100) of claim 5 or 6, wherein said lower hinge (8) of the second
hinge unit comprises a first plate (80) intended to be fixed to the lower edge of
the first door panel and a second plate (81) intended to be fixed to the lower edge
of the second door panel, said plates (80, 81) of the lower hinge having an "L"-shape
with a long arm and a short rounded arm, wherein the short rounded arms are pivoted
by means of a pin (P6).