COVER ELEMENT FOR A JOINT LINK AND CORRESPONDING JOINT LINK

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cover element for a hinge band, which has at least one hinge band area to be covered in which blind-hole-like recesses are formed, wherein the cover element has a flat base body for the outer covering of the hinge band area.

[0002] The invention further relates to a hinge, in particular for a door, comprising (i) at least one hinge axis element, (ii) a first hinge part and a second hinge part which are connected to each other in a hinge-like manner via the at least one hinge axis element, and (iii) at least one cover element with a flat base body for the outer covering of a respective hinge area, wherein blind-hole-like recesses are formed in the hinge area of ​​the respective hinge part to be covered.

[0003] Hinged hinges, such as those used for shower doors, typically consist of an arrangement of functional components. These include hinge parts that, for example, ensure the connection to a fixed element (wall, glass partition), hinge parts that hold the door leaf in place, pivot elements that enable rotation, and parts that provide a zero-position return. At least some of these functional components are covered / clad after installation with decorative (e.g., chrome-plated) cover elements, also known as covers.

[0004] A common way to attach the respective cover element is to incorporate a locking lug and an undercut into the cover element, as well as to implement a ball detent on the belt body.

[0005] However, decorative cover elements alone are not decisive for an attractive appearance. The precise visual positioning of the cover elements in relation to each other and to the visible surfaces of the functional components is crucial. Achieving minimal gaps is particularly desirable. Furthermore, the positioning of the cover elements of the respective fixed and moving parts relative to each other is important.

[0006] With standard ball detent solutions, sufficiently precise positioning of the cover elements cannot be achieved. It is particularly important to ensure that the covers on the moving belt section maintain a sufficiently large distance from the fixed belt body sections to prevent component collisions and shearing of the cover elements when the belt moves.

[0007] While adhesive pads allow for fairly precise positioning of the cover elements / covers, depending on the skill of the installer, the installation of the cover elements / covers is comparatively complex, and the long-term durability of the adhesive bond under the influence of the "shower" application, i.e., the influence of water, steam, soap, cleaning agents, etc., is at least questionable.

[0008] DE 20 2012 001745 U1 relates to a connecting device for a partition wall, in particular a shower partition wall, which has at least one pane, comprising a connecting body and a plate connected to the pane, wherein an adhesive adapter is provided which has on one side the plate and on the other side a coupling body, wherein the plate is connected to the pane by means of an adhesive, the connecting body has a recess and the coupling body arranged on the other side of the plate engages in the recess of the connecting body and is fixed in it.

[0009] The publication EP 2 722 472 A2 discloses a hinge for a pivot door, more precisely a shower pivot door, comprising (i) at least one pivot axis element, (ii) a first hinge part and a second hinge part, which are connected to each other in a hinge-like manner via the at least one pivot axis element, and (iii) cover elements with a respective flat base body for the outer covering of a respective hinge area, wherein access holes are formed in the hinge areas to be covered of the respective hinge part, through which adjusting screws can be actuated. The cover elements are connected to the respective hinge parts via small pins. The cover elements are clipped onto these small pins, which are spring-loaded.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a cover element for a hinge and a corresponding hinge in which precise alignment of the respective cover element on the hinge can be achieved simply and permanently.

[0011] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, each of which, individually or in combination, can represent an aspect of the invention.

[0012] In the cover element according to the invention for a hinge band with at least one hinge band area to be covered, in which blind-like recesses are formed, and which has a flat base body for the outer covering of the hinge band area, dome-shaped projecting structures are provided for insertion into the blind-like recesses and elastic O-rings attached to the dome-shaped projecting structures, via which a circumferential contact is made between the respective blind-like recess (of the hinge band section) and the projecting structure (of the cover element) inserted therein. In other words, the precise alignment of the hinge band component to be covered relative to the cover element is achieved via these elastic O-rings.

[0013] The solution according to the invention also allows existing blind-hole-like recesses in the joint band area to be covered (for example, the access holes for the adjusting screws in the joint band shown in the aforementioned document EP 2 722 472 A2) to be used for fastening the cover element.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the cover element according to the invention, at least one, and in particular each, of the dome-shaped projecting structures has an annular groove in which a portion of the respective elastic O-ring is located. The elastic O-ring is thus arranged on the projecting structures of the annular groove of the cover element and is generally replaced along with the cover element when it is replaced.

[0015] It is advantageous that the dome-shaped, projecting structures are formed integrally with the flat base body. These dome-shaped, projecting structures are created, in particular, by machining a corresponding blank of the cover element.

[0016] In the hinge according to the invention, which is in particular a hinge for a door and which comprises (i) at least one hinge axis element, (ii) a first hinge part and a second hinge part which are connected to each other in a hinge-like manner via the at least one hinge axis element, and (iii) at least one cover element with a flat base body for the outer covering of a respective hinge area, wherein blind-hole-like recesses are formed in the hinge area to be covered of the respective hinge part and / or hinge axis element, it is provided that the corresponding cover element has dome-shaped projecting structures for insertion into the blind-hole-like recesses, wherein the circumferential contact between the respective recess and the projecting structure inserted therein is effected via an elastic O-ring.In other words, the precise alignment of the joint band component to be covered relative to the cover element is achieved via these elastic O-rings. The joint band area to be covered can be a section of one of the band parts or a section of the joint axis element.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the hinge according to the invention, the cover element or at least one of the cover elements is a cover element as described above.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment of the hinge band according to the invention, the blind-hole-like recesses and the corresponding dome-shaped projecting structures are designed such that they connect the respective band part or hinge axis element on the one hand and the corresponding cover element on the other hand via the respective elastic O-rings in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner with respect to the insertion direction. In other words, the firm connection between the band part and the cover element is also achieved via the respective elastic O-ring.

[0019] In principle, it is conceivable that the O-rings are attached in the blind-hole-like recesses. However, according to a further preferred embodiment of the hinge according to the invention, at least one, and in particular each, of the dome-shaped projecting structures has an annular groove in which a portion of the respective elastic O-ring is seated. The elastic O-ring is arranged on the projecting structures of the cover element and is replaced along with the cover element when it is replaced.

[0020] Furthermore, with regard to the joint band, it is preferably provided that at least one, and in particular each, of the blind-hole-like recesses has at least one nose structure of the corresponding band part or joint axis element projecting into it, which is designed such that, when the dome-shaped, protruding structure is inserted, it engages behind the O-ring. In this way, a defined positive fit is achieved during the connection.

[0021] Finally, with regard to the joint ligament, it is advantageously provided that the cover element, or at least one of the cover elements, overlaps the corresponding ligament section or joint axis element laterally. For this purpose, the cover element has, for example, a projecting edge.

[0022] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, wherein the features shown below can represent an aspect of the invention, either individually or in combination. The drawings show: Fig. 1 the parts of a cover element for a hinge according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a section of the cover element for a hinge according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 the parts of a joint ligament according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4the connection between the cover element and the corresponding band part of the hinge in a sectional view and Fig. 5 a complete joint ligament according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0023] In the Fig. 1 is a cover element 10 for one in the Figures 3 and 5 The joint ligament 12 shown is shown. The cover element 10 shown here has a flat base body 14, which is roughly C- or U-shaped due to a recess 16. In general, however, the cover element 10 can also have a different shape. On the one shown here in Fig. 1On the side 18 (inside) of the cover element 10, or rather its base body 14, shown, several (in this example four) dome-shaped, projecting structures 20 (hereinafter referred to as domes) are formed. The dome-shaped, projecting structures 20 are spaced apart from one another and distributed across the surface of the base body 14. Each of these projecting structures 20 roughly has the shape of a cylinder. The dome-shaped, projecting structures 20 are formed integrally with the planar base body 14. The cover element 10 also includes a number of elastic O-rings 22 corresponding to the number of dome-shaped, projecting structures 20, which are shown here in Fig. 1are shown separately. Each of the dome-shaped projecting structures 20 has an annular groove 24 in which a portion of the respective elastic O-ring 22 can be inserted. The respective annular groove 24 is formed in the cylindrical surface of the corresponding dome-shaped projecting structure 20 and completely encircles it.

[0024] The cover element 10 also has a projecting edge 26 on one side of the flat base body 14. This projecting edge 26 is present almost entirely; only in the area of ​​the recess 16 is there no such edge 26.

[0025] The Fig. 2 Figure 1 now shows a section of the complete cover element 10, in which the elastic O-rings 22 are inserted into the ring grooves 24, thereby holding or attaching them to the dome-shaped protruding structures 20.

[0026] The Fig. 3 shows the parts of the related to the Fig. 1 the aforementioned hinge 12 and a door leaf 28 designed as a glass door leaf, to which the hinge 12 is attached by clamping.

[0027] The hinge 12 shown here is a hinge 12 for a pivot door, more precisely for a shower pivot door. The hinge 12 comprises the following assemblies of functional components: a hinge axis element 30, a first hinge part 32 and a second hinge part 34, which are connected to each other via the hinge axis element 30 in a hinge-like manner, as well as cover elements 10 with flat base bodies 14 for the outer covering of the respective hinge areas 36 of the individual hinge parts 32, 34 and / or also of the hinge axis element 30. The hinge parts 32, 34 shown here each serve a clamping function, and the hinge axis element 30 serves a hinge function.

[0028] One of the cover elements 10 is not yet installed and will be examined in more detail below as an example. This cover element 10 is the one in the Figures 1 and 2 The cover elements 10 shown are intended to cover / clad a joint ligament area 36 of the first ligament section 32. The joint ligament area 36 to be covered has blind-hole-like recesses 38. The number and arrangement of these blind-hole-like recesses 38 correspond to the number and arrangement of the dome-shaped projecting structures 20 of the cover element 10.

[0029] The dome-shaped, projecting structures 20 of the cover element 10 are designed to be inserted into the blind-like recesses 38 in the hinge area 36 of the corresponding hinge section 32, 34 to be covered, in this case, the first hinge section 32. After assembly, the cover elements 10 conceal some areas of the functional components, so that only the decorative (e.g., bright chrome-plated) other side 40, i.e., the outer side visible after assembly, of the respective cover element is visible.

[0030] The full contact between the respective blind-hole-like recess 38 and the dome-shaped, projecting structure 20 inserted therein is achieved via the corresponding elastic O-ring 22. This situation is described in the Figures 4 and 5 depicted.

[0031] The Fig. 4The diagram shows the connection between the cover element 10 and the corresponding band section 32, 34 of the hinge band 12 in a sectional view. Only a section of the band section 32 is shown, with a blind-hole-like recess 38 and a dome-shaped, projecting structure 20 of the cover element 10 inserted therein. As already mentioned, the elastic O-ring 22 lies in the annular groove 24 of the corresponding dome-shaped, projecting structure 20. The blind-hole-like recess 38 and the corresponding dome-shaped, projecting structure 20 are designed to be compatible with each other, such that they connect the respective band section 32, 34 and the corresponding cover element 10 via the corresponding elastic O-ring 22 in a force-fit and form-fit manner with respect to the insertion direction.For the positive locking, the corresponding band part 32, 34 has one or more nose structures 42 which project into the blind-hole-like recess 38 in such a way that, when the dome-shaped protruding structure 20 is inserted, it engages behind the O-ring 22 and thus ensures the corresponding positive locking.

[0032] The Fig. 5 Finally, the complete joint ligament 12 is shown, in which all joint ligament areas 36 to be covered or clad are covered by cover elements 10 or clad by means of these cover elements 10.

[0033] The solution according to the invention and its advantages are described again in other words below. This solution enables very precise positioning of the cover elements 10 relative to each other and in relation to the functional components of the hinge 12, while simultaneously making the cover elements 10 very easy to assemble.

[0034] First, we need to discuss the standard manufacturing process for shower door hinges. Typically, the components of shower door hinges are initially produced using a primary forming process (e.g., hot pressing, casting) and then further refined through machining to achieve additional functional contours or more precise dimensions in specific areas. This method is also used, for example, to attach the cover using a pressure piece.

[0035] In the present solution, the dome-shaped, projecting structures 20 (hereinafter referred to as "domes") with the groove 24 are produced during machining on the inside (page 18) of the respective cover elements 10. These structures are already present in the blank of the cover element 10 with an excess dimension. An O-ring 22 is then fitted onto each of these domes 20. Suitable O-rings 22 are readily available in these dimensions as mass-produced items with more than sufficient chemical resistance.

[0036] The blind-hole-like recesses 38 are machined into the respective counterparts of the band parts 32 and 34 as bores, which are provided with the small undercut (nose structure 42). These bores are also precisely machined in conjunction with the machining process. Furthermore, the functional components of the band parts 32 and 34 and / or the joint axis element 30 have sufficiently precise geometries that allow for accurate alignment of the components with each other, including with those opposite each other across the glass pane.

[0037] The cover elements 10 are now placed onto the respective functional components of the respective band section 32, 34 or joint axis element 30. The O-ring 22 deforms elastically and snaps into the undercut 42 of the bore 38 on the functional component.

[0038] In principle, the cover elements 10 can also be removed again if necessary, e.g. for cleaning or maintenance purposes, or to replace them with cover elements 10 with a different decorative surface. Reference sign

[0039] 10 Cover element 12 Hinge 14 Flat base body 16 Recess 18 Side 20 Dome-shaped projecting structure 22 O-ring 24 Ring groove 26 Projecting edge 28 Door leaf 30 Hinge axis element 32 First hinge part 34 Second hinge part 36 Hinge area 38 Blind-hole-like recess 40 Other side 42 Nose structure

Claims

1. Cover element (10) for a hinge (12) which comprises at least one hinge area (36) to be covered and in which blind-hole-like recesses (38) are formed, comprising a flat base body (14) for covering the outside of the hinge area (36); and dome-shaped projecting structures (20) for insertion into the blind-hole-like recesses (38), characterized in that the respective recess (38) and the dome-shaped projecting structure (20) insertable therein can each be circumferentially contacted via elastic O-rings (22) attached to the dome-shaped projecting structures (20).

2. Cover element according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one, in particular each, of the dome-shaped projecting structures (20) comprises an annular groove (24) in which a part of the respective elastic O-ring (22) is placed.

3. Cover element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dome-shaped projecting structures (20) are formed integrally with the flat base body (14).

4. Cover element according to claim 3, characterized in that the dome-shaped projecting structures (20) are produced by chip removing post-processing a blank of the cover element (10).

5. Hinge (12), in particular for a door, comprising: at least one joint axis element (30); a first hinge part (32) and a second hinge part (34), which are connected to one another in a hinge-like manner via the at least one joint axis element (30); at least one cover element (10) comprising a flat base body (14) for covering the outside of a respective hinge area (36), wherein blind-hole-like recesses (38) are formed in the hinge area (36) of the respective hinge part (32, 34) and / or joint axis element (30) to be covered and the corresponding cover element (10) comprises dome-shaped, projecting structures (20) for insertion into the blind-hole-like recesses (38), characterized in that the respective recess (38) and the projecting structure (20) inserted therein are circumferentially contacted via an elastic O-ring (22).

6. Hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that the cover element (10) or at least one of the cover elements (10) is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. Hinge according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the blind-hole-like recesses (38) and the corresponding dome-shaped projecting structures (20) are configured in such a way that they connect the respective hinge part (32, 34) or joint axis element (30), on the one hand, and the corresponding cover element (10), on the other hand, via the respective elastic O-rings (22) with respect to the insertion direction in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

8. Hinge according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at least one, in particular each, of the dome-shaped projecting structures (20) comprises an annular groove (24), in which a part of the respective elastic O-ring (22) is placed.

9. Hinge according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one lug structure (42) of the corresponding hinge part (32, 34) or joint axis element (30) projects into at least one, in particular each, of the blind-hole-like recesses (38), which lug structure (42) is configured in such a way that, when the dome-shaped projecting structure (20) is inserted, it engages behind the O-ring (22).

10. Hinge according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the cover element (10) or at least one of the cover elements (10) overlaps laterally the corresponding hinge part (32, 34) or joint axis element (30).