Door assembly and hinge therefor

Abstract

A hinge mountable between a door jamb and an edge of a door panel has a jamb part set in the jamb, and a panel part fixed to the panel. A first link has one end pivoted at a first jamb axis in the jamb part and an opposite end pivoted at a first panel axis in the panel part, and a second link has one end pivoted at a second jamb axis in the jamb part offset from the first jamb axis and an opposite end pivoted at a second panel axis in the panel part. The axes all are substantially parallel and offset horizontally from one another. The two links are not connected directly to one another between their ends. The first and second links are U-shaped in a central section between their ends.

Claims

1. A hinge mountable between a door jamb and an edge of a door panel, the hinge comprising: a jamb part set in the jamb; a panel part fixed to the panel; a first link having one end pivoted at a first jamb axis in the jamb part and an opposite end pivoted at a first panel axis in the panel part; and a second link having one end pivoted at a second jamb axis in the jamb part offset from the first jamb axis and an opposite end pivoted at a second panel axis in the panel part, the axes all being substantially parallel and offset horizontally from one another such that the hinge can move from a closed position through an opening angle of at least 135 to a maximum open position with, during such opening from the closed position to the open position, the first and second links rotating in a first direction of rotation with respect to the jamb part and the panel part also rotating in the first direction of rotation with respect to the links, the links not being connected directly to one another between their ends, the first and second links being U-shaped in a center section between their ends, so that for the first link, starting from a first connecting line between the first panel axis and the first jamb axis, a greatest distance perpendicular to the first connecting line up to the center section, amounts to at least 0.5 times a distance between the first jamb axis and the first panel axis, and, starting from a second connecting line between the second panel axis and the second jamb axis, for the second link, a greatest distance perpendicular to the second connecting line up to the center section, amounts to at least 0.5 times the distance between the second jamb axis and the second panel axis.

2. The hinge defined in claim 1, the opening angle until reaching the maximum open position is between 170 and 185.

3. The hinge defined in claim 1, wherein in that at least one of the links abuts against a stop face of the jamb part or of the panel part in the closed position or the open position.

4. The hinge defined in claim 3, wherein the second link abuts against a second stop face of the panel part in the closed position.

5. The hinge defined in claim 1, wherein in the closed position the panel part and the jamb part are side by side in a first horizontal direction, the first jamb axis and the second jamb axis are offset from one another along the first horizontal direction, and the first panel axis and the second panel axis are offset from one another along a second horizontal direction.

6. The hinge defined in claim 1, further comprising: a clamp on the panel part for gripping the door panel.

7. The hinge defined in claim 1, wherein the door jamb has a front face aligned parallel with the door panel in the closed position of the hinge and also has an inner face at an edge to the door panel and extending perpendicular to the front face, the inner face having a first offset face starting from the front face and also has a second face connected thereto by a step.

8. The hinge defined in claim 7, wherein the door panel is of glass.

9. The hinge defined in claim 7, wherein the jamb part fits in a recess in the inner face and extends from the first offset face to the second face.

10. The hinge defined in claim 9, further comprising: a separate cover provided with a step and on the jamb part, the cover having a first end tab of the cover connected to the first offset face so as to be flush therewith and a second end tab connected to the second face so as to be flush therewith.

11. The hinge defined in claim 10, wherein the front face has a cutout extending from the inner face at the hinge.

12. The hinge defined in claim 11, wherein the cutout is partially filled by a cover link arranged on the jamb part of the hinge.

13. The hinge defined in claim 12, further comprising: a screen having an edge over the cover link and fitted to the panel part in the closed position.

14. A hinge mountable between a door jamb and an edge of a door panel, the hinge comprising: a jamb part set in the jamb; a panel part fixed to the panel; a first link having one end pivoted at a first jamb axis in the jamb part and an opposite end pivoted at a first panel axis in the panel part; and a second link having one end pivoted at a second jamb axis in the jamb part offset from the first jamb axis and an opposite end pivoted at a second panel axis in the panel part, the axes all being substantially parallel and offset horizontally from one another such that the hinge can move from a closed position through an opening angle of at least 135 to a maximum open position with, during such opening from the closed position to the open position, the first and second links rotating in a first direction of rotation with respect to the jamb part and the panel part also rotating in the first direction of rotation with respect to the links, the links not being connected directly to one another between their ends, the first and second links being U-shaped in a center section between their ends, so that for the first link, starting from a first connecting line between the first panel axis and the first jamb axis, a greatest distance perpendicular to the first connecting line up to the center section, amounts to at least 0.5 times a distance between the first jamb axis and the first panel axis, and, starting from a second connecting line between the second panel axis and the second jamb axis, for the second link, a greatest distance perpendicular to the second connecting line up to the center section, amounts to at least 0.5 times the distance between the second jamb axis and the second panel axis, the first link abutting against a first stop face of the panel part in the maximum open position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) The above and other objects, features, and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawing in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a large-scale perspective view of the door assembly and hinge according to the invention in the fully open position;

(3) FIG. 2 is a view like FIG. 1, but showing only the hinge;

(4) FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are horizontal sections along the line V-V of FIG. 1 in the closed, half open, and fully open positions, respectively;

(5) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembly in the closed position;

(6) FIG. 7 is a view like FIG. 5 but showing some variants;

(7) FIGS. 8A-8C are diagrams corresponding to respective FIGS. 3-5 and schematically illustrating the operation of the linkage of this invention; and

(8) FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate the operation of a prior-art surface-mount hinge.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) As seen in FIG. 1 a room door has a door jamb or frame 1, a door panel 2 and a hinge 3. The door panel 2 is usually supported on the door jamb 1 by at least two identical hinges 3, of which one is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 and the horizontal sections according to FIGS. 3 to 5 show that the hinge has a four-axle configuration. In concrete terms the hinge 3 has a first hinge link 4 that is between but a vertical direction Z between a second hinge link 5 and a third hinge link 6.

(10) The second hinge link 5 and the third hinge link 6 are identical and are also connected to a jamb part 7 and a panel part 8 of the hinge 3 similarly, so that they can rotate. The second hinge and third links 5 and 6 move and operate identically. An embodiment having only one first hinge link 4 and one second hinge link 5 is basically sufficient and within the scope of the invention. The use of both the second hinge link 5 and the third hinge link 6, which is symmetrical with respect to the center plane, is for reasons of uniform force distribution and is shown here merely as an example.

(11) FIG. 1 further shows that the hinge 3 has an opening angle of 180 at a maximum open position, starting from a closed position and in which the panel 2 is offset 180 from its position when fully closed.

(12) The precise arrangement of the first hinge link 4 and the second hinge link 5 as well as the kinematics of the hinge 3 in an opening movement can be seen in FIGS. 3 to 5. Thus with the four-axle hinge configuration, the first hinge link 4 is attached to the jamb part 7 so that it can rotate about a first jamb axis 9a and is attached to the panel part 8, so that it can rotate about a first panel axis 10a. Similarly, the second hinge link 5 (and 6) is attached to the jamb part 7 so that it can rotate about a second jamb axis 9b in the jamb part 7 and is attached to the panel part 8 so that it can rotate about a second panel axis 10b relative thereto. The figures also show that all the hinge links 4, 5, 6 are not connected directly to one another. The only connection and support of the links 4, 5, and is at the jamb axes 9a, 9b and the panel axes 10a, 10b that are all vertical and parallel to one another.

(13) The jamb axes 9a, 9b and the panel axes 10a, 10b are arranged in such a way that the door panel can be pivoted 180. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, this is achieved by the fact that with an opening movement from the closed position to the open position, the hinge links 4, 5, 6 rotate in a first direction of rotation with respect to the jamb part 7, and the panel part 8 also rotates in the first direction with respect to the hinge links 4, 5, 6. The hinge links 4, 5, 6 meanwhile rotate counterclockwise with respect to the jamb part 7. In addition, the panel part 8 also rotates counterclockwise with respect to the hinge links 4, 5, 6, so that ultimately the angles of rotation are added to the opening angle to be achieved.

(14) To illustrate the kinematics, FIGS. 8A through 8C show these movements in a highly schematized form in comparison with FIGS. 3-5, with only the jamb axes 9a, 9b, the panel axes 10a, 10b and the door panel 2 being illustrated.

(15) For comparison purposes, FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate the kinematics of a prior-art cup hinge for furniture in which an opening angle of about 90 can be achieved by contrarotational movements.

(16) FIGS. 3 to 5 also show that the hinge links 4, 5, 6 have a pronounced U-shape. According to FIG. 5 the U-shape allows the hinge links 4, 5, 6 to be pivotable about a front face 11 of the door jamb 1. In order to limit the depth of penetration of the jamb part 7 in a first horizontal direction X as well as a second horizontal direction Y, the front face 11 is provided with a cutout 13 explained in greater detail below, starting from an inner face 12 of the door jamb 1, the front and inner faces 11 and 12 being mutually perpendicular.

(17) To characterize the size of the U-shape, the distance a.sub.1 between the first jamb axis 9a and the second panel axis 10a can be determined by the fact that the maximum distance a.sub.2 from a center section of the first hinge link 4 is determined perpendicular to a connecting line between the first jamb axis 9a and the first panel part 10a. The ratio of the distances a.sub.2:a.sub.1 preferably amounts to at least 0.5 within the scope of the invention.

(18) Similarly, a distance b.sub.1 can be determined for the second hinge link 5 between the second jamb axis 9b and the second panel axis 10b and perpendicular to that a distance b.sub.2 can be determined, where, here again, the ratio b.sub.2:b.sub.1 is preferably greater than 0.5, that is b.sub.1 is about twice b.sub.2.

(19) To stabilize the hinge 3 and to keep stress forces away from the jamb axes 9a, 9b as well as the panel axes 10a, 10b, at least one of the hinge links 4, 5, 6 may abut against a stop face 14a of the jamb part 7 or 14b of the panel part 8 in the closed position or in the open position. In the specific embodiment in the maximum open position according to FIG. 5, the first hinge link 4 abuts against the first stop face 14a of the panel part 8, whereas in the closed position the second hinge link 5 abuts against the second stop face 14b of the panel part 8 according to FIG. 3.

(20) Due to the design of the hinge 3 according to the invention with the four-axle hinge configuration, the panel part 8 can be thin. At the side of the door panel 2 made of glass, only the first panel axis 10a and the second panel axis 10b have an offset in the second horizontal direction Y.

(21) In addition, the panel part 8 comprises a clamping arrangement 15 with which the door panel 2 made of glass can be secured in a particularly simple way by clamping screws. When the clamping screws of the clamping arrangement 15 are loosened, the door panel 2 is also adjustable in the vertical direction Z and also to a certain extent along the first horizontal direction X. Additionally or alternatively, an adjustment in at least one direction X, Y, Z may also be provided on the jamb part 7.

(22) According to FIG. 3, the first jamb axis 9a and the second jamb axis 9b are offset from one another along the first horizontal direction X.

(23) FIG. 6 shows a detail of the door assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 when closed, and additional add-on parts are present in comparison with FIG. 1. Here the door jamb 1 has on the one hand the above-described front face 11 and inner face 12 running along the second horizontal direction Y as well as the vertical direction Z.

(24) The inner face 12 is provided with a step 16 that separates a first offset face 17 connected to the front face 11 from a second face 18.

(25) The step 16 forms a stop for the door panel 2 in a known manner, an unillustrated sealing groove holding a door gasket is also provided on the step 16.

(26) A lateral gap remains above and below the hinge 3 between the door panel 2 and the first offset face 17. It can be seen in a comparison with FIG. 1 that the jamb part 7 is inserted into a recess 20 extending from the first offset face 17 into the second face 18 and thus beyond the step 16.

(27) According to FIG. 1 the jamb part 7 is recessed behind the front face 11 from the outside within the recess 20 so that it is set back with respect to the inner face 12, and the jamb part 7 is covered by a separate cover 21 that is also adapted to the shape of the step 16 and to the shape of the inner face 12. The cover 21 has a first end tab 21a that is flush with the first offset face 17 and a second end tab 21b flush with the second face 18.

(28) Basically an adaptation of the cover 21 to different frame geometries and in particular different heights of the step 16 may also be provided. In the simplest case, for different heights of the step 16, for example, different covers 21 may also be kept on hand as accessories. Furthermore, it is also possible for the cover 21 to be designed in multiple pieces in which case a front section is then adjustable with respect to a rear section. For this adjustment, for example, screws, a multistage catch connection or an adjustable oversize fit may be provided, for example.

(29) According to FIG. 6, a small lateral gap remains between the door panel 2 and the first offset face 17. However, since the panel part 8 extends in part laterally from the door panel 2 according to FIGS. 3 through 5, the panel part 8 is situated exactly in the area of the gap between the door panel 2 and the first offset face 17. To achieve a uniform high quality appearance against this background, a screen 22 is attached to the panel part 8.

(30) In order for the screen 22 to be flat and preferably without any gaps with respect to the front face 11 in the closed position of the door panel 2, the cutout 13 formed in the front face 11 is filled with a separate cover link 23 at its edge.

(31) The screen 22 and the cover link 23 are illustrated in exploded form in FIG. 7. The cover link 23 can be arranged with a journal 24 on the end on the jamb part 7, so some mobility with respect to the panel part 8 is preferably still possible. For example, if the panel part 8 is adjustable along the vertical direction Z, then it is possible to ensure by mobility of the cover link 23 that the latter it always sits in the cutout 13 without any stresses.

(32) To hold the cover link 23 securely in the cutout 13, it has a holding web 25 which can engage behind the front face 11. In addition, the cover link 23 forms a supporting surface for the screen 22. When the door panel is closed the screen 22 overlaps with the supporting surface of the holding link 23, so that a continuous gap is not visible and it gives the impression of a high quality closed surface.

(33) FIGS. 8A through 8C illustrate the kinematics of the hinge 3 according to the invention in a purely schematic diagram, wherein due to the arrangement jamb axes 9a, 9b and the panel axes 10a, 10b, an opening angle of 180 is achieved.

(34) In comparison with that, FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate the kinematics of a cup hinge for furniture according to the prior art, as described in DE 43 41 422, for example. According to the requirements of a furniture hinge, a door panel 2 is first lifted by ultimately contrarotational movements on the two ends of the hinge links 4, 5 of a furniture body (not shown) and then rotated only up to angle of about 90.