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(11) | EP 3 318 706 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | HINGE FOR DOORS OF VEHICLES |
| (57) A hinge for doors (A) of vehicles (B), of the type of vans, trucks, lorries, semi-trailer
trucks, trailers and the like, which comprises at least one first member (2), which
can be rigidly anchored to a containment structure (C) of the vehicle (B), of the
type of a closed body and the like, delimiting at least one compartment (D), and at
least one second member (3), which can be rigidly anchored to a door (A) that is normally
arranged so as to close an opening (E) provided in the structure (C), for access to
the compartment (D). The second member (3) is rotatably coupled to the first member
(2), for the rotation thereof between a first angular configuration, in which the
door (A) is arranged so as to close the opening (E), and at least one second angular
configuration, for the corresponding rotation of the door (A) up until at least one
arrangement of free access to the compartment (D). One of the members (2, 3) has a projection (4) which is automatically and stably accommodatable in a recess (5) provided on the other one of the members (2, 3), in the second angular configuration, in order to lock the door (A) in the arrangement of free access to the compartment (D). |
[0002] Vehicles for professional use, of the type for example of vans, trucks, lorries, semi-trailer trucks, trailers etc, are often fitted with a closed body, integral with the chassis of the vehicle proper, which defines a cargo compartment for goods of various types.
[0003] Access to the compartment is made possible by one or more doors, which are arranged so as to close at least one opening in the body, usually provided on the rear (or side) wall of the latter.
[0004] In more detail, each door is rotatably coupled to the body, so as to be rotatable between a first limit angular configuration, in which it obstructs at least partially the opening in order to prevent access, to a second limit angular configuration, in which conversely it allows the entry of the user and the transit of goods (for loading/unloading).
[0005] According to methods that are known per se, the rotatable coupling is obtained using one or more hinges, which comprise a first member fixed to the body, at an edge of the opening, and a second member which is made to adhere to a side of the door, adjacent to the aforementioned edge, and which can rotate with respect to the first member, about a vertical axis.
[0006] In order to prevent accidental openings and/or unwanted accesses, numerous devices and contrivances are known which make it possible to keep the door locked in the first angular configuration, and which can be temporarily deactivated by the designated user.
[0007] In various applicative contexts however, the need has been shown to provide for the locking in place of the door in the second angular configuration as well, or in any case in a position that allows a practical access to the compartment.
[0008] This evidently facilitates the operations of loading and unloading, or in any case the interaction with the internal compartment, since it guards against the danger of accidental closures or in any case of unexpected movements of the (usually very heavy) door, which could otherwise occur as a result of impacts or violent gusts of wind, with unpleasant, even serious, consequences.
[0009] The aim of the present invention is to meet the aforementioned need, by providing a hinge that makes it possible to block the door of the vehicle, in a configuration for free access to the compartment.
[0010] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a hinge that makes it possible to block the door in a configuration for free access, in a simple and practical manner.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge that is low cost and safely applied, which ensures a high reliability of operation and which can be easily implemented using elements and materials that are readily available on the market.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge that adopts an alternative technical and structural architecture to those of conventional hinges.
[0013] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a hinge for doors of vehicles, of the type of vans, trucks, lorries, semi-trailer trucks, trailers and the like, which comprises at least one first member, which can be rigidly anchored to a containment structure of the vehicle, of the type of a closed body and the like, delimiting at least one compartment, and at least one second member, which can be rigidly anchored to a door that is normally arranged so as to close an opening provided in the structure, for access to the compartment, said second member being rotatably coupled to said first member, for the rotation thereof between a first angular configuration, in which the door is arranged so as to close the opening, and at least one second angular configuration, for the corresponding rotation of the door up until at least one arrangement of free access to the compartment, characterized in that one of said members has a projection which is automatically and stably accommodatable in a recess provided on the other one of said members, in said second angular configuration, in order to lock the door in the arrangement of free access to the compartment.
[0014] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the hinge according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the hinge according to the invention, installed on the body of a vehicle and on the corresponding door;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle on which four hinges according to the invention are mounted;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge of Figure 1, taken along a line perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second member with respect to the first member, shown with continuous lines in the first angular configuration and with dotted lines in an intermediate configuration;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view as in Figure 3 of the hinge of Figure 1, in the second angular configuration.
[0015] With reference to the figures, a hinge for doors A of vehicles B is generally designated by the reference numeral 1. Typically, but not exclusively, such vehicles B are for professional use and are therefore of the type of vans, trucks, lorries, semi-trailer trucks, trailers and the like, in any case comprising a containment structure C, of the type of a closed body and the like, which delimits at least one compartment D, for the accommodation and transport of goods of various types.
[0016] According to methods that are well known, access to the compartment D is controlled by the door A (or by multiple doors A), usually arranged so as to close an opening E provided in the structure C proper (usually, on the rear wall).
[0017] The accompanying figures therefore show a possible application of the invention, falling under the context described above, in which the opening E is closed by two doors A arranged side-by-side, each one of which is associated with two respective hinges 1. In any case one or more hinges 1 will also be adopted for doors A that operate individually for the closure of an opening E, just as further configurations or combinations, which in any case remain within the scope of protection claimed herein, are not ruled out.
[0018] Use of the hinge 1 on doors A and vehicles B of the type indicated above thus constitutes the preferred application of the invention, and constant reference shall be made to it in the present discussion. At the same time, and while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein, it should likewise be noted that the possibility is not ruled out of using the hinge 1 according to the invention in various different environments and/or for different types of vehicles B, according to the specific requirements.
[0019] The hinge 1 comprises at least one first member 2, which can be rigidly anchored to the containment structure C, and at least one second member 3, which can be rigidly anchored to the door A.
[0020] More precisely, and as can be seen also from the accompanying figures, according to a now-established practice (which in any case does not limit the application of the invention) the first member 2 can be made to adhere to the wall of the body that contains the opening E, along a lateral edge of the latter. Likewise, the second member 3 is preferably applied on a side of the door A, adjacent to the aforementioned edge of the opening E.
[0021] The second member 3 is coupled rotatably to the first member 2, in order to allow the rotation thereof between a first angular configuration, in which the door A is arranged so as to close the opening E (Figures 1, 2 and 3) and at least one second angular configuration (Figure 4).
[0022] When the second member 3 rotates toward the second angular configuration, correspondingly the door A rotates up until at least one arrangement of free access to the compartment D (reached in the second angular configuration of the second member 3).
[0023] According to the invention, one of the members 2, 3 has a projection 4 which can be accommodated automatically and stably in a recess 5 provided on the other one of the members 2, 3, when the second member 3 is rotated until it reaches the second angular configuration (in which, as can clearly be seen also from Figure 4, the two members 2, 3 are close together and almost overlapping). The stable coupling between the projection 4 and the recess 5 prevents further movements of the second member 3 with respect to the first member 2 and thus determines the desired locking in place of the door A in the arrangement of free access to the compartment D, thus achieving the set aim.
[0024] The stability of the coupling is such as to guard against further movements of the door A as a consequence of impacts, gusts of wind or other accidental stresses, but obviously the coupling is disengaged by the user, when he/she wants to close the door A, by exerting a push of sufficiently high intensity.
[0025] In this regard, it should be noted that by conveniently dimensioning the projection 4, the recess 5 and the other components involved, it is possible to confer a greater or lesser resistance to stresses on the coupling obtained, therefore choosing freely (and in any case remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein) the intensity necessary in order to ensure the disengagement of the projection 4 from the recess 5, and therefore in order to return the second member 3 to the first angular configuration.
[0026] It should likewise be noted that typically (and in the accompanying figures) the second angular configuration is obtained following a rotation of the second member 3 (and of the door A) with respect to the first member 2 (and to the structure C) of (about) 180°, but the possibility is not ruled out of providing hinges 1 intended for applications in which the second angular configuration (and the locking in place) is obtained following a rotation of greater (270° for example) or lesser extent.
[0027] In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures for the purposes of non-limiting example of application of the invention, the first member 2 comprises a plate 6 (typically, but not exclusively, made of metal).
[0028] The plate 6 can be rigidly anchored to the containment structure C, for example to the side of the opening E (but it must be noted once again that the possibility is not ruled out of arranging it differently); it is from the plate 6 that the projection 4 extends, preferably in a single piece.
[0029] It should be noted that the expression "in a single piece" is used to include first of all the possibility that the projection 4 is provided in conjunction with the plate 6 starting from a single piece, for example by molding or by way of other processing, or that in any case the hinge 1 is provided and sold with the projection 4 already rendered integral with the plate 6 (by molding, adhesive bonding or otherwise).
[0030] In particular, in the solution shown for the purposes of example in the accompanying figures, the projection 4 comprises a shank 7, which extends from the plate 6 (as noted, preferably in a single piece) and an enlarged head 8, supported by the shank 7 at the opposite end from the plate 6.
[0031] In such embodiment, in the second angular configuration the head 8 can be stably accommodated in the recess 5, by elastic forcing.
[0032] Even more specifically, the head 8 has a maximum transverse cross-section that exceeds that of the recess 5, in order to obtain the automatic insertion thereof into the recess 5 by elastic forcing, upon reaching the second angular configuration, and in order to ensure the subsequent retention by interference of the projection 4, in order to lock the door A in the arrangement of free access to the compartment D.
[0033] With further reference to the solution illustrated in the accompanying figures, the second member 3 comprises a leaf 9 (typically, but not exclusively, made of metal).
[0034] The leaf 9 can be anchored rigidly to a side of the door A (although the possibility is not ruled out of arranging it differently); the leaf 9 is provided with an opening 10 (Figures 3 and 4) that hosts the recess 5.
[0035] It should be noted that it is possible that the opening 10 can effectively constitute the recess 5 (or in any case its mouth): in such case, in the second configuration the retaining of the projection 4 is entrusted directly to the leaf 9 (to the inner surfaces of the opening 10).
[0036] As can also be seen from the accompanying figures, in the preferred embodiment the recess 5 is actually provided in an insert 11 made of elastically deformable material, which in turn is accommodated stably in the opening 10.
[0037] Such solution is found to be particularly effective, since the insertion of the projection 4 (typically made of metallic material) into the recess 5 does not result in friction on other metallic surfaces, but on an elastomeric or in any case otherwise elastically deformable material (with greater practicality of operation, and minor risk of wear or damage).
[0038] Furthermore, the insert 11 can be easily removed and replaced, in the event of damage, allowing a rapid restoring of the optimal conditions of operation, without requiring the disassembly of the entire hinge 1 or in any case of other components.
[0039] It should be noted that the leaf 9 can be substantially flat, or composed of multiple portions which are inclined differently, as in the example in the accompanying figures. Furthermore, the leaf 9 preferably (but not exclusively) has one or more longitudinal ribs 9a, which increase the rigidity thereof.
[0040] Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, with the rotation toward the second angular configuration, by virtue of an adapted mutual arrangement, the recess 5 and the insert 11 approach the projection 4, until the head 8 of the latter, with a transverse cross-section that exceeds that of the recess 5, is inserted by elastic forcing into the latter, becoming subsequently retained therein, in order to lock the door A in the arrangement of free access to the compartment D.
[0041] In an embodiment of significant practical interest, an end flap 9b of the leaf 9 is partially rolled onto itself, so as to define a first accommodation seat for at least one articulation pin 12. The articulation pin 12 is also inserted coaxially into a second accommodation seat, which in turn is defined by an end lip 6a of the plate 6, which is also partially rolled onto itself. More specifically, and as can be seen from the accompanying figures, in the preferred embodiment the plate 6 has two aligned end lips 6a, between which the end flap 9b of the leaf 9 is coaxially interposed.
[0042] In this manner, the pin 12 rotatably couples the second member 3 to the first member 2 (about an axis F, typically but not exclusively vertical).
[0043] Conveniently, the plate 6 and the leaf 9 have a plurality of holes 13, for the insertion of corresponding units 14 (nails, screws, etc) for fixing respectively the first member 2 to the containment structure C and the second member 3 to the door A.
[0044] Operation of the hinge according to the invention is thus evident from the foregoing discussion.
[0045] Firstly in fact, it has already been seen that one or more hinges 1 enable the rotation (about the axis F) of the door A with respect to the containment structure C (a closed body or otherwise). In fact, while the first member 2 is integral with the structure C, the second member 3 is applied to the door A, and by virtue of the pin 12 inserted coaxially in respective seats defined by the members 2, 3 (by the plate 6 and by the leaf 9), the door A is rotatable about the axis F (defined by the pin 12). It should be noted that in the accompanying figures (and in the practice in the sector) the axis F is vertical, but the possibility is not ruled out of providing and using hinges 1 for rotations about axes F that are inclined differently, according to the specific requirements.
[0046] In more detail, the rotation of the second member 3 with respect to the first member 2 (and therefore of the door A with respect to the structure C) occurs between a first angular configuration and at least one second angular configuration. At the first angular configuration, the door A is arranged to close the opening E, which otherwise offers access to the compartment D inside the body C: such first configuration (which can be maintained by way of conventional contrivances) is therefore the one assumed by the second member 3 when the vehicle B is in motion, or (for example) when it is left unsupervised while parked, in order to prevent accesses by ill-intentioned individuals.
[0047] Conversely, when the designated user needs to access to the compartment D, it is sufficient to cause the rotation of the second member 3 and of the door A with respect to the first member 2 and to the structure C, up until the second angular configuration (corresponding for example to a rotation of 180°) is reached or in any case until the door A is spaced apart from the opening E, in order to allow access.
[0048] In the second angular configuration, the second member 3 is arranged close to the first member 2 and this allows the automatic insertion of the projection 4 (which protrudes from the plate 6 formed by the first member 2) into the recess 5 (provided in the insert 11, in turn inserted into the opening 10 of the second member 3). Obviously, in order to achieve such end, the projection 4 and the recess 5 must be conveniently positioned, so that they are symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis F.
[0049] Therefore, by completely opening the door A, or in any case bringing it to the second angular configuration, not only can the user freely enter and exit from the compartment D, but the danger is guarded against of accidental closing of the door A or in any case an unexpected movement thereof.
[0050] In fact, even in the event of impacts, gusts of wind or other stresses directly or indirectly transmitted to the door A, the projection 4 is stably retained, by interference, in the recess 5, and the coupling thus achieved opposes movements of the door A (which are possible only when the user exerts a push of intensity higher than a preset threshold, configurable at will by conveniently dimensioning the components in play, and thus by controlling the forces and reactions in play).
[0051] The invention therefore achieves the set aim, since the hinge 1 makes it possible to block the door A of the vehicle B, in a configuration for free access to the compartment D.
[0052] It should be noted that such result is made possible simply by virtue of the interaction of the projection 4 and of the recess 5, with the former engaging automatically in the latter when the second member 3 is rotated into the second angular configuration, and therefore in a practical and easy manner.
[0053] Furthermore, it must be emphasized that after having installed the plate 6 on the body C and the leaf 9 on the door A (by virtue of the fixing units 14), the projection 4 and the recess 5 are already correctly in the condition of obtaining the desired blocking in the second angular configuration, without requiring further interventions by installation technicians or by the user.
[0054] That is to say, effectively, achievement of the desired objective is achieved with an activity of installing and mounting of the whole which is similar to that required for conventional hinges, since, conveniently, the elements responsible for the blocking in the arrangement of free access to the compartment D (the projection 4 and the recess 5) are provided together (and integral) with the plate 6 and with the leaf 9.
[0055] The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.
[0056] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be substituted with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.
[0057] For example, reference has been repeatedly made to the possibility that the projection 4 is provided on the first member 2 (integral with the body or in any case with the structure C) and that the recess 5 is provided on the second member 3 (integral with the door A); likewise, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein, it is possible to provide hinges 1 wherein the projection 4 is provided on the second member 3 (or in any case rendered integral with the door A) and the recess 5 is provided on the first member 2. In such case, the other specifications described herein in relation to one of the two members 2, 3, can be associated with the other one of the two members 2, 3.
[0058] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.
[0059] Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and/or signs, those reference numerals and/or signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numerals and/or signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numerals and/or signs.
1. A hinge for doors (A) of vehicles (B), of the type of vans, trucks, lorries, semi-trailer
trucks, trailers and the like, which comprises at least one first member (2), which
can be rigidly anchored to a containment structure (C) of the vehicle (B), of the
type of a closed body and the like, delimiting at least one compartment (D), and at
least one second member (3), which can be rigidly anchored to a door (A) that is normally
arranged so as to close an opening (E) provided in the structure (C), for access to
the compartment (D), said second member (3) being rotatably coupled to said first
member (2), for the rotation thereof between a first angular configuration, in which
the door (A) is arranged so as to close the opening (E), and at least one second angular
configuration, for the corresponding rotation of the door (A) up until at least one
arrangement of free access to the compartment (D), characterized in that one of said members (2, 3) has a projection (4) which is automatically and stably
accommodatable in a recess (5) provided on the other one of said members (2, 3), in
said second angular configuration, in order to lock the door (A) in the arrangement
of free access to the compartment (D).
2. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that said first member (2) comprises a plate (6) that can be rigidly anchored to the containment
structure (C), said projection (4) preferably extending in a single piece from said
plate (6).
3. The hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that said projection (4) comprises a shank (7), which extends preferably in a single piece
from said plate (6), and an enlarged head (8), supported by said shank (7) at the
opposite end with respect to said plate (6), in said second angular configuration
said head (8) being stably accommodatable, by elastic forcing, in said recess (5).
4. The hinge according to claim 3, characterized in that said head (8) has a maximum transverse cross-section that exceeds that of said recess
(5), for the automatic insertion by elastic forcing of said head (8) into said recess
(5), upon reaching said second angular configuration, and the subsequent retention
of said projection (4) by interference, in order to lock the door (A) in the arrangement
of free access to the compartment (D).
5. The hinge according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second member (3) comprises a leaf (9), which can be rigidly anchored to a side
of the door (A) and has an opening (10), which hosts said recess (5).
6. The hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that said recess (5) is provided in an insert (11) made of elastically deformable material,
accommodated stably in said opening (10).
7. The hinge according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end flap (9b) of said leaf (9) is partially rolled onto itself, for the definition
of a first accommodation seat for at least one articulation pin (12), coaxially inserted
into a second accommodation seat defined by an end lip (6a) of said plate (6), partially
rolled onto itself, for the rotatable coupling of said second member (3) to said first
member (2).
8. The hinge according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plate (6) and said leaf (9) have a distribution of holes (13), for the insertion
of corresponding units (14) for fixing respectively said first member (2) to the containment
structure (C) and said second member (3) to the door (A).