HINGE FOR A DOOR OR WINDOW AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLY OF THE HINGE ON A DOOR OR WINDOW

Abstract

 Described is a hinge for a door or window comprising: a box-shaped body (4) housed in a cavity (5) made on a fixed frame (1) or on a mobile frame (2); a movable body (8) having a cylindrical socket or portion (9) which can be coupled with an articulation pin (7) positioned in the box-shaped body (4), and a wing (10) projecting from the box-shaped body (4) for connection to the other fixed frame (1) or mobile frame (2); a device (11) for connecting the free end of the wing (10) to the other fixed frame (1) or mobile frame (2); the wing (10) protruding from the box-shaped body (4) comprises, at its free end, a foot (12) connecting to the fixed frame (1) or to the mobile frame (2) forming the connecting device (11); the connection foot (12) has a cross section shaped to match the tubular cross section of a channel (3) formed by the fixed frame (1) or by the mobile frame (2), in such a way as to allow the wing (10) of the mobile body (8) to be connected, by coupling by sliding of the connection foot (12) along and inside of the channel (3) of the fixed frame (1) or of the mobile frame (2).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a hinge for a door or window, in particular for doors or windows made of metal, PVC or the like, aluminium - wood, etc., and a method for assembly of the hinge on the door or window.

[0002] There are various prior art types of hinge used for opening and closing the above-mentioned doors or windows, each structurally different according to the planned use of the hinge, that is to say, on windows with traditional sash opening and tilt and turn opening, for light or heavy doors or windows, etc.

[0003] A prior art hinge for a door or window with a traditional sash or transom-type opening, which is of particular relevance to the invention, comprises:

• a fixed box-shaped body housed in a cavity of a fixed or mobile frame; the box-shaped body comprises a compartment which houses an articulation pin defining an axis of rotation for the mobile frame;
• a movable body having a cylindrical socket or portion which can be coupled with the articulation pin present in the box-shaped body and a wing with an angled extension protruding from the box-shaped body for the connection with the other fixed or mobile frame.

[0004] The protruding wing has, at its free end, devices for connecting (and subsequent fixing) to the fixed frame or to the mobile frame (usually to the mobile frame).

[0005] If the profiles of the mobile frame and of the fixed frame have a perimeter channel with a partly open tubular cross-section and formed, for example, by two projecting wings with an inverted L-shaped cross-section and opposite each other, this channel is used as a zone for coupling with the devices for connecting the wing of the hinge.

[0006] In this case, the connecting devices may be counter plates which can be inserted frontally in the channel and then fixed, by screws, to the end of the wing of the movable body resting on the outside of the channel of the corresponding frame.

[0007] However, this hinge structure has drawbacks due to the relative reliability of the system for fixing the wing to the fixed frame.

[0008] The counter-plate for fixing to the frame tends, over time, to loosen both due to the continuous use and the weight of the mobile frame and constantly need checks and relative fixings.

[0009] Moreover, the hinge structured in this way is complex and lengthy to assembly since the wing is necessarily pre-assembled (with a temporary pre-fixing) with the counter plate to the mobile frame to subsequently allow the fixing of the box-shaped body.

[0010] After the box-shaped body has been fixed, the fixed frame and the mobile frame are joined but the connecting hinges or hinges are still partly loosened and it is therefore necessary to perform a final fixing by keeping the mobile frame in position engaging at least two operators in order to guarantee a correct precision positioning for the hinge(s) present on the door or window.

[0011] A different solution is illustrated in patent document DE10009630 wherein a concealed hinge comprises a box-shaped body for association with a first frame and a rigid arm provided with an end shaped in such a way as to rest in front of a reference surface of a second frame. The second frame has an inner chamber in which a contact plug must be positioned for fixing the shaped end using screw means to stabilise the hinge to the second frame.

[0012] However, the assembly of this solution is complex and it must be mounted on frames with dedicated profiles.

[0013] The aim of the invention is to provide a hinge for doors or windows which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0014] The aim of the invention is to provide a method for assembly of the hinge for doors or windows which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] In particular, the aim of the invention is to provide a hinge for a door or window which is able to use the architecture present in the profiles of the fixed or mobile frame in such a way as to reduce the components of the hinge, whilst maintaining a high level of operational safety over time.

[0016] A further aim of the invention is to provide a hinge for a door or window which can be mounted quickly, precisely and safely.

[0017] Said aims are fully achieved by a hinge for a door and a window and a method for assembling the hinge on a door or window according to the invention as characterised in the appended claims.

[0018] The main features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, illustrated purely by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hinge according to the invention, applied to a fixed frame and mobile frame defining a door or window;
• Figure 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the hinge of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 illustrates a view from above with some parts in cross-section of the hinge of Figure 1;
• Figures 4 to 6 illustrate a series of steps relative to the assembly of the hinge on the door or window of the preceding drawings;
• Figure 7 illustrates a perspective exploded view of a variant embodiment of the hinge of Figure 2;

[0019] With reference to the accompanying drawings, and in particular with reference to Figure 1, the hinge according to the invention, labelled 100 in its entirety, is used on doors or windows, in particular doors or windows with a sash or transom-type opening.

[0020] This hinge 100 is used for the connection, in use, in particular, on a door or window having a fixed frame 1 and a frame 2 movable about an axis Z of rotation (in particular a vertical axis in Figure 2 or horizontal axis in Figure 7).

[0021] The fixed frame 1 or the mobile frame 2 has a perimeter channel 3 with a partly open tubular cross-section.

[0022] The fixed frame 1 or the mobile frame 2 has a cavity 5 made on its surface.

[0023] As illustrated also in Figures 2 and 3 and 7, the hinge 100 comprises a box-shaped body 4 housed, in use, inside the cavity 5 made on the fixed frame 1 or on the mobile frame 2.

[0024] This hinge 100 is mounted, in particular, on a door or window having a fixed frame 1 and a frame 2 movable about an axis Z of rotation (vertical in Figure 2 or horizontal in Figure 7).

[0025] The fixed frame 1 or the mobile frame 2 has a perimeter channel 3 with a tubular cross-section.

[0026] As illustrated also in Figures 2 and 3 and 7, the hinge 100 comprises a box-shaped body 4 housed inside a cavity 5 made on the fixed frame 1 or on the mobile frame 2.

[0027] The box-shaped body 4 comprises a compartment 6 in which is housed an articulation pin 7 defining the axis Z of rotation.

[0028] The hinge 100 also comprises a movable body 8 having a cylindrical socket or portion 9 which can be coupled with the articulation pin 7 positioned in the box-shaped body 4, and a wing 10 projecting from the box-shaped body 4 for connection to the other fixed frame 1 or mobile frame 2.

[0029] The hinge 100 also comprises a device 11 for connecting the free end of the wing 10 to the other fixed frame 1 or mobile frame 2.

[0030] Again as illustrated, the wing 10 protruding from the box-shaped body 4 comprises, at its free end, a foot 12 connecting to the fixed frame 1 or to the mobile frame 2 forming the connecting device 11.

[0031] The connection foot 12 has a cross section shaped to match the cross section of the perimeter channel 3 formed by the fixed frame 1 and by the mobile frame 2, in such a way as to allow the wing 10 of the mobile body 8 to be connected, by coupling by sliding of the connection foot 12 to the inside of the channel 3 of the fixed frame 1 or of the mobile frame 2.

[0032] In other words, the wing 10 is connected to the fixed or mobile frame with a component which is able to couple directly inside the channel without the need for other components for its connection.

[0033] This foot-channel coupling allows a rapid connection and a greater simplicity in the positioning of the hinge for the subsequent joining between the two frames.

[0034] In order to simplify and clarify the description of the components, reference will be made below to the channel of the mobile frame as the recipient of the coupling with the foot of the wing of the movable body, without thereby limiting the scope of protection of the invention.

[0035] Again as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the hinge 100 comprises a reference and opposing element 13 for the connection foot 12 of the wing 10 of the movable body 8 slidably coupled, in use, in the tubular channel 3.

[0036] This opposing element 13 is preferably used when the axis Z of rotation of the hinge is vertical.

[0037] The element 13 is equipped with a locking plate 14 which can be stably coupled in the tubular channel 3 of the mobile frame 2 in such a way as to lock in contact with and stably at least one end of the foot 12 for connecting the wing 10 of the movable body 8 in a predetermined position inside the tubular channel 3.

[0038] With this contact element, as described also in more detail below, the hinge 100 has a stop point for its position and for its subsequent association with the fixed frame 1 (by means of the box-shaped body 4). The mobile frame 2 is, therefore, connected to the fixed frame 1 and is kept in position by gravity, that is to say, its weight determines the pushing action on the reference and opposing element 13, which in turn is opposed by the foot 12 of the hinge 100 thereby keeping the mobile frame 2 in the correct and desired position, in connected suspension about the vertical axis Z.

[0039] It should be noted that the reference and opposing element 13 comprises a plate 14 having a base portion 14a designed for coupling, by sliding or with front coupling, in the channel 3 of the mobile frame 2 in which the foot 12 for connecting the wing 10 is inserted.

[0040] The reference and opposing element 13 also comprises fastening means 14b (for example, coach screws) for stabilising its position along the channel 3 in such a way as to form a supporting point, by gravity of the mobile frame 2, through the stable contact with the end of the connection foot 12 of the wing 10 of the mobile body 8.

[0041] The hinge 100 also comprises an element 15 for temporary contact of the connection foot 12.

[0042] The temporary contact element 15 can be stably coupled to the channel 3 in a position close to an end of the connection foot 12, opposite to that in contact with the reference and opposing element 13, in such a way as to lock (at least temporarily) the connection foot 12 at a second point along the channel 3.

[0043] Preferably, but not necessarily, the movable body 8 has the wing 10 having an arc-shaped extension starting from the joining zone with the cylindrical portion 9 until reaching the end provided with the connection foot 12 in such a way as to allow rotation of the mobile frame 2.

[0044] The extension of the wing 10 can have different angles depending on the angle of opening of the mobile frame 2 and can also have an extension with two segments at right angles to each other without thereby limiting the scope of protection of the hinge.

[0045] It should be noted that the connection foot 12 is rigid and in a single piece with the remaining part of the wing 10 of the movable body 8 in such a way as to form a complete rigid support of the hinge without separate zones, that is, a single-piece wing with foot.

[0046] As illustrated and again by way of non-limiting example, the fixed frame 1 and the mobile frame 2 have a corresponding channel 3 with a tubular cross-section open towards the outside formed by two protruding wings 3a, 3b with an inverted L-shaped cross-section and opposite one another to define the open tubular cross-section of the channel 3.

[0047] In light of this, the connection foot 12 has a cross-section shaped to match the cross-section formed by the tubular channel 3 comprising a lower runner 12a for sliding inside the tubular channel 3 and a connecting portion with the remaining wing 10 protruding, in use, from a central opening of the tubular channel 3.

[0048] It should be noted that the above-mentioned reference and opposing plate 14 has a portion outside the tubular channel 3 equipped with means 16 for adjusting the position adopted by the hinge 100 configured for modifying the position of the hinge 100 along the tubular channel 3 by pushing or releasing at least one point of contact with the wing 3.

[0049] These adjustment means 16 comprise a screw housed longitudinally along the plate 14 (in a relative open seat). The screw has a first end with an operating head (to allow its rotation) and a second flat end for contact with a surface of the connecting portion of the foot 12 with the wing 10.

[0050] The weight of the mobile frame 2 makes it possible to keep, once the hinge 100 is assembled, the flat end of the screw in contact with the portion of the wing and to push it away from the plate 14 or release it in order to move it close to the plate 14.

[0051] This allows a fast and precise adjustment of the position of the hinge both during assembly and for a micro-adjustment with the door or window in use.

[0052] Preferably, the temporary contact element 15 comprises a locking body 15a, having a pair of rigid wings 15b, which can be inserted frontally in the tubular channel 3 and a cylindrical gripping body 15c configured to allow the rotation of the body 15a, from the outside of the tubular channel 3, and achieve a locking of the body 15a by interference inside the channel 3. According to an alternative embodiment, the temporary contact element 15 comprises a locking body 15a having a pair of elastically yieldable tabs 15b which can be inserted frontally in the tubular channel 3 and a gripping body 15c configured to allow the pushing or pulling of the body 15a, from the outside of the channel, and obtain a snap-on locking/unlocking of the body 15a by interference in the channel 3.

[0053] This contact element may be used only temporarily to obtain a more secure positioning of the foot during the assembly step. After final assembly of the hinge, the element can be removed from the channel. Figure 7 shows the hinge 100 according to the invention which can be used on windows with a transom-type opening wherein the reference and opposing element 13 and the temporary opposing element 15 are not necessary for the purposes of assembly and use of the window. Figures 4 to 6 illustrate a method for assembling the hinge 100 for doors or windows.

[0054] The method comprises the following steps:

• preparing a fixed frame 1 and a mobile frame 2, where at least the mobile frame 2 has a perimeter channel 3 with an open tubular cross-section (see Figure 1);
• preparing at least one cavity 5 on the fixed frame 1 in a predetermined zone along one side of the fixed frame 1 (see also Figure 6);
• preparing a hinge 100 as described above;
• inserting the connection foot (12) of the wing (10) of the mobile body (8) of the hinge (100) from an open end of the channel (3) of the mobile frame (2) with subsequent sliding of the hinge (100) along the channel (3) of the mobile frame (2) up to a predetermined point along one side of the mobile frame (2) coinciding with the zone of the fixed frame (1) wherein the cavity (5) is made (see Figure 5);
• fixing the box-shaped body (4) inside the cavity (5) made in the fixed frame (1) (see Figure 6).

[0055] As illustrated in Figure 4, before (or even simultaneously) the step of inserting the foot 12 of the wing 10 in the channel 3 of the mobile frame 2, there is a step of inserting in the channel 3 of the mobile frame 2 a reference and opposing element 13 of the connection foot 12 with subsequent fixing of the reference and opposing element 13 at a point on the side of the mobile frame 2 corresponding to the zone of the fixed frame 1 in which the cavity 5 is made to form a point of stable contact and positioning of the connection foot 12 of wing 10 on the mobile frame 2 (see Figure 4).

[0056] Preferably, after the step of fixing the box-shaped body 4 to the fixed frame 1, there is a step of adjusting the position of the mobile frame 2 in height, supported by gravity, relative to the fixed frame 1, by the adjustment means 16 acting between the reference and opposing element 13 and the wing 10 of the movable body 8.

[0057] After the step of positioning the hinge 100 along the channel 3 of the mobile frame 2 (in contact with the reference and opposing element 13) there is a step of coupling to the channel 3 of the temporary contact element 15 close to the free end of the foot 12 of the wing 10 to prevent sliding along the channel 3 before fixing the box-shaped body 4 in the fixed frame 1.

[0058] After completing the step of fixing the box-shaped body 4, the temporary contact element 15 can be removed from the channel 3 of the mobile frame 2.

[0059] A hinge structured in this way achieves the preset aims thanks to a single-piece wing with a connection foot directed to the channel of the frame to be connected.

[0060] This structure allows quick and easy coupling to the mobile frame removed with the possibility of positioning the hinge precisely.

[0061] The single-piece structure of the wing with the foot guarantees reliability over time of the mobile structure and, if necessary, convenient adjustment and without the need for loosening the components, thus making the entire structure very safe.

Claims

1. A hinge for connecting, in use, a fixed frame (1) equipped with a cavity (5) or a channel (3) with a tubular cross-section partly open to a mobile frame (2) provided with a channel (3) with a partly open tubular cross-section or a cavity (5) and forming, in use, a door or window; the hinge (100) comprising:

- a box-shaped body (4) housed, in use, inside the cavity (5) of the fixed frame (1) or of the mobile frame (2); the box-shaped body (4) comprising a compartment (6) in which is housed an articulation pin (7) forming an axis (Z) of rotation;

- a movable body (8) having a cylindrical socket or portion (9) which can be coupled with the articulation pin (7) positioned in the box-shaped body (4), and a wing (10) projecting from the box-shaped body (4) for connection to the other fixed frame (1) or mobile frame (2);

- a device (11) for connecting the free end of the wing (10) to the other fixed frame (1) or mobile frame (2), characterised in that the wing (10) protruding from the box-shaped body (4) comprises, at its free end, a foot (12) connecting to the fixed frame (1) or to the mobile frame (2) having the channel (3) and forming the connecting device (11); the connection foot (12) having a cross-section shaped to match the tubular cross-section of the channel (3) formed by the fixed frame (1) or by the mobile frame (2), in such a way as to allow, in use, the wing (10) of the movable body (8) to be connected by means of a coupling by sliding of the connection foot (12) along and inside the tubular channel (3) of the fixed frame (1) or of the mobile frame (2).

2. The hinge according to claim 1, comprising a reference and opposing element (13) for the foot (12) for connecting the wing (10) of the movable body (8) which is slidably coupled, in use, in the tubular channel (3); the element (13) being equipped with a locking plate (14) which can be stably coupled in the tubular channel (3) of the fixed frame (1) or of the mobile frame (2) in such a way as to lock in contact with and stably at least one end of the foot (12) for connecting the wing (10) of the movable body (8) in a predetermined position inside the tubular channel (3).

3. The hinge according to claim 2, wherein the reference and opposing element (13) comprises the plate (14) having a base portion (14a) designed for coupling, by sliding or by front snap fitting, in the channel (3) of the fixed frame (1) or of the mobile frame (2) wherein the foot (12) for connecting the wing (10) is inserted, and fastening means (14b) for stabilising its position in the channel (3) in such a way as to form a supporting point, by gravity of the mobile frame (2), through the stable contact with the end of the connection foot (12) of the wing (10) of the movable body (8).

4. The hinge according to claim 2 or 3, comprising an element (15) for temporary contact of the connection foot (12); the contact element (15) being stably connectable to the channel (3) in a position close to an end of the connection foot (12), opposite the one in contact with the reference and opposing element (13), in such a way as to lock the connection foot (12) in a second point along the channel (3).

5. The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable body (8) has the wing (10) having an arc-shaped extension starting from the joining zone with the cylindrical portion (9) until reaching the end provided with the connection foot (12) in such a way as to allow rotation of the mobile frame (2).

6. The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection foot (12) is rigid and in a single piece with the remaining part of the wing (10) of the movable body (8).

7. The hinge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed frame (1) or the mobile frame (2) has a corresponding channel (3) with a tubular cross-section open towards the outside formed by two wings (3a, 3b) protruding with an inverted L-shaped cross-section and opposite one another, and wherein the connection foot (12) has a cross-section shaped to match the cross-section formed by the tubular channel (3) comprising a lower runner (12a) for sliding inside the tubular channel (3) and a connecting portion with the remaining wing (10) protruding, in use, from a central opening of the tubular channel (3).

8. The hinge according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the temporary contact element (15) comprises a locking body (15a), having a pair of rigid wings (15b), insertable frontally in the tubular channel (3) and a cylindrical gripping body (15c) configured to allow rotation of the locking body (15a), from the outside of the tubular channel (3), and locking the body (15a) by interference inside the channel (3).

9. The hinge according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the temporary contact element (15) comprises a locking body (15a) having a pair of elastically yieldable wings (15b) which can be inserted frontally in the tubular channel (3) and a gripping body (15c) configured to allow the pushing or pulling of the locking body (15a), from the outside of the channel, and obtain a snap-on locking/unlocking of the body (15a) by interference in the channel (3).

10. The hinge according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the reference and opposing plate (14) has a portion outside the tubular channel (3) equipped with means (16) for adjusting the position adopted by the hinge (100) configured for modifying the position of the hinge (100) along the tubular channel (3) by pushing or releasing at least one point of contact with the wing (3).

11. A method for assembling a hinge (100) for doors or windows, comprising the steps of:

- preparing a fixed frame (1) and a mobile frame (2) having, the mobile frame (2), a perimeter channel (3) with an open tubular cross-section;

- preparing at least one cavity (5) on the fixed frame (1) in a predetermined zone along one side of the fixed frame (1);

characterized in that it further comprises at least the steps of:

- preparing a hinge (100) according to any of the claims from 1 to 10;

- inserting the connection foot (12) of the wing (10) of the mobile body (8) of the hinge (100) from an open end of the channel (3) of the mobile frame (2) with subsequent sliding of the hinge (100) along the channel (3) of the mobile frame (2) up to a predetermined point along one side of the mobile frame (2) coinciding with the zone of the fixed frame (1) wherein the cavity (5) is made;

- fixing the box-shaped body (4) inside the cavity (5) made in the fixed frame (1).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, before the step of inserting the foot (12) of the wing (10) in the channel (3) of the mobile frame (2), there is a step of positioning in the channel (3) of the mobile frame (2) a reference and opposing element (13) of the connection foot (12) with subsequent fixing of the reference and opposing element (13) at a point on the side of the mobile frame (2) corresponding to the zone of the fixed frame (1) wherein the cavity (5) is made to form a point of stable contact and positioning of the connection foot (12) of the wing (10) on the mobile frame (2).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, after the step of fixing the box-shaped body (4) to the fixed frame (1), there is a step of adjusting the position of the mobile frame (2) in height, supported by gravity, relative to the fixed frame (1), by adjustment means (16) acting between the reference and opposing element (13) and the wing (10) of the movable body (8).

Drawing