Folding door hinge and functional unit with one folding door

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a folding door hinge and a functional unit, in particular a piece of furniture or a room segment, with a folding door, in particular a folding sliding door, which is provided with at least one folding door hinge.

[0002] Folding doors, or possibly folding sliding doors, are often used to close off functional units such as openings of room segments or pieces of furniture. After the opening has been released, these doors are preferably moved into a door compartment or a parking space so as not to be obtrusive.

[0003] A functional unit with a folding sliding door is known, for example, from US8336972B2.

[0004] US9284761B2 discloses a piece of furniture with a sliding device by means of which a mounting profile connected to a folding sliding door can be moved within a door compartment. The folding sliding door comprises two door elements, the first of which is connected at the rear by stop hinges to a mounting profile and at the front by folding door hinges to the rear of a second door element. The second door element is connected at the front to a track that is movable along a running track. The running track has two perpendicular sections connected by a curved section, the first of which extends into the door compartment and the second of which extends along the front of the furniture. The mounting profile is held vertically by a support device and is provided on its top and bottom with guide carriages that are slidably mounted in guide rails.

[0005] To close the piece of furniture, the folding door is extended from the door compartment and unfolded. In the closed position, the door elements are aligned planarly to each other. To open the piece of furniture, the folding door is folded again, with the door elements preferably retracting into the door compartment in an open position, parallel to each other.

[0006] In the closed position, the folding door must be held in a planar orientation to prevent it from folding automatically. After opening the folding door from the closed position, it would be desirable for the folding process to occur automatically.

[0007] DE202018100262U1 discloses a pressure-actuated holding device that supports both holding the folding door in the closed position and the folding process after the folding door has been released from the closed position. This device comprises a first fitting part connected to the first door element of the folding door and a second fitting part connected to the second door element of the folding door. Between the first fitting part and a coupling device arranged on the second fitting part is an ejection element, which is movably connected to the first fitting part and the coupling device. Adjustment of the first fitting part relative to the coupling device is achieved via a force storage device, which is manually charged by the user and acts against the ejection element. A release device is connected to the second door leaf via a connecting cable.The locking device is unlocked by applying pressure to the planarly aligned door elements, which further pushes them out of their planar alignment in the closing direction.

[0008] This device has a complex design and requires numerous components, one group of which must be connected to the first door element and another group to the second. Furthermore, components are provided that connect the two fittings and thus the two door elements. The first set of these components is mechanically guided with considerable effort, while the second set is held loosely, which is generally undesirable. The door elements of the folding door are held in the closed position solely by the retaining device, necessitating measures to prevent accidental unlocking. Due to the use of two fittings, it is also essential to ensure that these are connected to the first and second door elements at the correct distance from each other and in the correct relative alignment and height.It should also be noted that this device takes up a lot of space, which is disadvantageous given the limited space available inside the piece of furniture and especially within a door compartment.

[0009] US patent 3846868A discloses a spring-loaded folding door hinge by means of which articulated door panels are rotated into either the open or closed position after passing a central position. The folding door hinge is elaborately designed and requires hardware components that are to be mounted on the upper edges of the door panels.

[0010] German patent DE 3104275A1 discloses folding door hinges equipped with a drive spring, by means of which articulated door elements can be automatically rotated relative to one another. The document shows folding door hinges with hinge levers connected by coil springs or leaf springs, which require a considerable amount of space. When the folding door hinge is opened and / or closed, the coil spring is stretched, but an advantageous force profile cannot be achieved. In particular, hinges equipped with such a drive spring only develop the desired rotational force over a very small range of motion.

[0011] If the coil spring is to exert high forces, a correspondingly high spring constant is required. Coil springs with high spring constants typically require more space, which is why folding door hinges have larger dimensions.

[0012] Furthermore, coil springs with high spring constants are more difficult to install. If the coil spring with a high spring constant is pre-installed, mounting the folding door hinge to two door panels of the folding door is extremely difficult. Retrofitting the spring with a high spring constant at the installation site is either nearly impossible or requires specialized tools.

[0013] KR102137007B1 discloses a folding door hinge with two drive springs, each held in a cup and pierced by a hinge shaft that has a reduced diameter in the area of ​​the springs. This folding door hinge requires more effort to manufacture. The effect of the two springs, each with only a few turns, is limited.

[0014] US721A discloses a folding door hinge with a first and a second plate-shaped hinge lever and with a drive spring comprising two spring assemblies connected by a spring center section, each with a spring end piece on its opposite side. The spring end pieces rest against the first hinge lever, and the spring center section rests against the second hinge lever. Once assembled, this folding door hinge is ready for use. As described above, mounting the assembled folding door hinge to the door panels of a folding door presents difficulties. Mounting the folding door hinge becomes particularly challenging when a particularly strong drive spring is used.

[0015] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of creating an improved folding door hinge equipped with a drive spring. Furthermore, a functional unit, in particular a piece of furniture, with a folding door equipped with at least one such folding door hinge is to be created.

[0016] Folding door hinges according to the invention should be easy to mount on the door elements of a folding door.

[0017] The folding door hinge, which features two hinge levers connected by a drive spring, is designed to take up minimal space, resulting in virtually no additional space requirement compared to conventional hinges. Therefore, the folding door hinge should be visually unobtrusive and integrate seamlessly into a door system.

[0018] Despite its small size, the drive spring should be able to transmit high forces to the hinge levers. In particular, it should be able to transmit high forces over a large rotation range of the hinge levers.

[0019] The folding door hinge equipped with the drive spring should have a simple design and preferably differ only slightly in its construction from conventional hinges, which have two hinge levers connected by a hinge axis. In particular, no or only very simple structural components should be required to accommodate the drive spring.

[0020] The folding door hinge should ideally operate without friction, so that it produces no noise and shows no signs of wear even after prolonged use. Maintenance requirements should be kept to a minimum.

[0021] The use of the drive spring should not impair the design freedom of the other parts of the hinge as much as possible, so that the folding door hinge equipped with the drive spring can still be designed as desired and is hardly limited to structural features that could impair the design of the other hinge parts.

[0022] The drive spring should be easy to install and connect to the hinge levers. In particular, even a drive spring with a very high spring constant should be easy to install. The drive spring should be installable without tools. Specifically, the drive spring should be installable with minimal manual effort, preferably automatically.

[0023] By means of a folding door hinge according to the invention or by means of several folding door hinges according to the invention, a foldable door, which is held in a closed position for example by means of a holding device and released from the closed position by manual action, should preferably be able to be folded automatically and completely.

[0024] A gap between the door elements of the folding door, which are connected to each other by hinges, should preferably be covered with a panel that is correctly aligned after the door elements have been folded and prevents manual intervention between the door elements and also provides privacy, giving the partially or fully folded folding door an aesthetically advantageous appearance.

[0025] This problem is solved by a folding door hinge according to claim 1 and a functional unit, optionally a piece of furniture or a room segment, with a folding door according to claim 11, which is equipped with at least one such folding door hinge. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in further claims.

[0026] The folding door hinge includes a first hinge lever comprising a first lever end piece with at least one bearing opening and a second lever end piece which is connected or connectable to a first mounting part; a second hinge lever comprising a first lever end piece with at least one bearing opening and a second lever end piece which is connected or connectable to a second mounting part; a hinge axis which is held in the bearing openings of the hinge levers and pivotally connects the two hinge levers to each other; and a drive spring which bears against the first hinge lever on one side and against the second hinge lever on the other.

[0027] The first lever end piece of the first hinge lever comprises two first and second inner bearing arms, which are spaced apart from each other and provided with associated bearing openings, and between which the first lever end piece of the second hinge lever is held.

[0028] Furthermore, the first lever end piece of the first hinge lever comprises two first and second outer bearing arms spaced apart from the inner bearing arms.

[0029] The drive spring comprises two spring assemblies that enclose the hinge axis and are connected to each other by a spring center piece that rests against the second hinge lever.

[0030] The first spring assembly, which is arranged between the first inner bearing arm and the first outer bearing arm, comprises at one end facing away from the spring center piece a first spring end piece which rests against the first outer bearing arm.

[0031] The second spring assembly, which is arranged between the second inner bearing arm and the second outer bearing arm, includes at one end facing away from the spring center piece a second spring end piece which rests against the second outer bearing arm.

[0032] According to the invention, it is provided that that the first hinge lever has a retaining element for each of the spring end pieces, into which the corresponding spring end piece is or can be hooked, or that the second hinge lever has a retaining part into which the spring center piece is or can be hooked, or that the first hinge lever has a retaining element for each of the spring end pieces, into which the corresponding spring end piece can be hooked, and that the second hinge lever has a retaining part into which the spring center piece is or can be hooked.

[0033] The folding door hinge according to the invention, which is equipped with a drive spring, can therefore be easily mounted on the door elements of a folding door or folding sliding door.

[0034] Preferably, the drive spring is activated only after the folding door hinges have been mounted on the door elements of the folding door or folding sliding door, and the spring end pieces are hooked into the retaining elements and / or the spring middle piece into the retaining part.

[0035] According to the invention, it is provided that that the retaining elements are designed as detent elements into which the spring end pieces can engage, or that the retaining part is designed as detent elements into which the spring center piece can engage, or that the retaining elements are designed as detent elements into which the spring end pieces can engage, and that the retaining part is designed as detent elements into which the spring center piece can engage.

[0036] By designing the retaining elements and / or the retaining part as detent elements, the spring ends can advantageously be connected to the retaining elements and / or the spring center section can advantageously be connected to the retaining part. It is described below that, in a preferred embodiment, the activation of the drive spring can also advantageously be achieved by actuating the folding door.

[0037] According to the invention, a strong drive spring with two spring assemblies can thus be advantageously integrated into the folding door hinge without any assembly difficulties. The two spring assemblies are able to exert high forces on the hinge levers, so that the folding door folds automatically after being released from a closed position.

[0038] The spring assemblies of the drive spring preferably have helical or thread-like windings that are adjacent to each other or at least partially spaced apart from each other from winding to winding, so that the spring assemblies are axially compressible.

[0039] Due to its helical design, the drive spring can exert a high spring force on the hinge levers within a large rotation range of approximately 180°. The drive spring can also be pre-tensioned if desired.

[0040] The helical design of the drive spring allows for a virtually coaxial alignment of the spring assemblies with respect to the hinge axis and thus the pivot axis of the hinge, resulting in a very compact design. Even with larger diameter coils in the spring assemblies, the folding door hinge still retains a very slim profile.

[0041] The compressibility of the spring assemblies facilitates their connection to the first hinge lever. Compressing the spring assemblies axially displaces the spring ends, allowing them to be guided more easily over a retaining element located on the first and second outer bearing arms, either with a tool or automatically when the folding door hinge is operated. This prevents blockages.

[0042] In preferred embodiments of the folding door hinge, the drive spring coupled to the second hinge lever can be easily coupled to the first hinge lever by rotating the second hinge lever relative to the first hinge lever. Therefore, a tool for coupling the drive spring to the hinge levers is not required.

[0043] Preferably, the first and the second outer bearing arm each comprise a retaining element having a ramp or an inclined flank, preferably facing the second hinge lever, and via which the associated first or second spring end piece can be inserted into a retaining channel located behind the retaining element, in which the associated first or second spring end piece is held after commissioning of the folding door hinge.

[0044] The drive spring can therefore be easily coupled to the first hinge lever by rotating the second hinge lever with the drive spring against the first hinge lever. The spring ends, located at the level of the retaining elements, then contact the ramp of the retaining elements and are guided along it over the retaining elements until they can fall into a retaining channel behind them. This process can be easily carried out by mounting the hinges on the door panels and then folding the door panels until the spring ends are guided over the retaining elements and engage in the corresponding retaining channel.

[0045] The spring center section is preferably held on the second hinge lever by a retaining element when the second hinge lever is rotated away from the first hinge lever and the drive spring is tensioned. For example, the retaining element is hook-shaped or nose-shaped so that the spring center section is reliably held.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the spring center section is held on the second hinge lever between the retaining element and a driver, which holds the spring center section when the second hinge lever is rotated against the first hinge lever and the spring ends are coupled to the retaining elements. A detent is thus formed between the retaining element and the driver, in which the spring center section is always securely held, regardless of the direction of rotation of the second hinge lever.

[0047] The hinge axis is held frictionlessly in the bearing openings of the hinge levers, preferably by means of bearing elements made of plastic, for example, a low-friction thermoplastic such as POM. By preventing contact between the metal hinge axis and the metal hinge levers, unwanted friction, wear, and noise are avoided. The bearing elements preferably also fulfill other functions. To secure the hinge axis against axial displacement, it is preferably pressed into one of the hinge arms. Alternatively, axial displacement of the hinge axis can also be prevented by means of at least one retaining ring.

[0048] Preferably, a bearing roller is held within each spring assembly of the drive spring by the hinge axis. The outer diameter of the bearing roller is at least smaller than the inner diameter of the spring assemblies. The bearing rollers preferably have an axial bore whose inner diameter corresponds approximately to the outer diameter of the hinge axis. The bearing rollers are therefore held by the hinge axis with minimal play, preferably allowing rotation, and are able to follow the movements of the spring assemblies and maintain their axial alignment. If, on the other hand, the bearing rollers are fixed, their sliding properties still keep the spring assemblies in the correct alignment. The spring assemblies are therefore always optimally aligned and cannot deform or jam. The movements of the spring assemblies are frictionless or largely frictionless, without causing noise or wear.

[0049] The bearing openings of the first and second outer bearing arms preferably have an inner diameter that allows one of the bearing rollers to be inserted through each opening and into the corresponding spring assembly. This allows the folding door hinge to be easily assembled.

[0050] Preferably, the bearing openings of the first and second outer bearing arms have an inner diameter that allows one of the bearing rollers to be inserted through each of them, into the associated spring assembly, and further into a bearing opening portion of the facing first or second inner bearing arm. In this embodiment, the bearing rollers are held on both sides and form bearing elements for the hinge axis. The hinge axis can therefore hold the bearing rollers, or the bearing rollers can optimally support the hinge axis and the spring assemblies.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the hinge axis projects beyond the first hinge lever on one or both sides, so that one or both ends of the hinge axis can be easily connected to a cover plate. If no cover plate is provided, extending the hinge axis beyond the hinge levers is preferably omitted.

[0052] The fascia device preferably comprises a fascia profile having two side profiles connected to each other by a profile center section. Within the fascia profile, at least one retaining module is held in a form-fitting, slidable, and lockable manner. This retaining module has a connecting element that is fixedly or detachably connected to the hinge axis. The connecting element is preferably a retaining clip that can be placed onto the associated end piece of the hinge axis and snaps into place. After the folding door has been installed, the fascia profile can therefore be easily mounted by connecting the retaining modules to the folding door hinges.

[0053] The hinge arms of the folding door hinge are preferably designed such that the cover plate is held behind the folding door when the door panels are closed and between the door panels at the front after the door panels have folded. The door panels can thus be guided end-to-end against each other without leaving an obtrusive gap. After the folding door is opened, the cover plate ensures that the gap is concealed, providing an aesthetically pleasing privacy screen and preventing manual access to the door gap.

[0054] Preferably, the first lever end of the first hinge lever is provided with at least one first stop element, and the first lever end of the second hinge lever is provided with at least one second stop element. The first and second stop elements are arranged on the first and second hinge levers such that, after the two hinge levers are rotated relative to each other, they are aligned in opposite directions and form stop surfaces for the cover profile. Thus, after the folding door is opened by means of the folding door hinge or the stop elements, the cover profile is always held in the desired orientation, ensuring that the door gap is correctly covered.

[0055] A functional unit according to the invention, for example a piece of furniture such as a cabinet, or a room segment, is provided with at least one folding door with two door elements which are connected to each other with a folding door hinge according to the invention or with several folding door hinges according to the invention.

[0056] Preferably, a cover device with a cover profile is held by the folding door hinges, by means of which the door gap between the door elements is closed when they are folded against each other.

[0057] Preferably, the folding door can be locked in a closed position by means of a holding device and released from the closed position, after which the folding door can be automatically moved into a folded state by the folding door hinge or hinges.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the functional unit, it is provided that the first door element is connected at an edge remote from the folding door hinges to a mounting profile by means of stop hinges, which is slidable within a door compartment of the functional unit.

[0059] It is further preferred that the second door element is connected at an edge away from the folding door hinges to a guide carriage which is guided in a guide rail which runs along the front of the functional unit.

[0060] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows a functional unit 1 according to the invention in the embodiment of a piece of furniture with a folding door 11 having two door elements 111, 112, which are connected to each other by a folding door hinge 3 according to the invention or by several folding door hinges 3 according to the invention and can be folded and inserted into a first door compartment 10, and with a door 11' having only one door element 111, which can be inserted into a second door compartment 10; Fig. 2 shows the back of the folding door 11 of the piece of furniture 1. Fig. 1 with the first door element 111, which is connected at the trailing edge to a mounting profile 12 by stop hinges 13 and at the leading edge to a second door element 112 by one or more folding door hinges 3 according to the invention, and on which, in this preferred embodiment, a holding device 2 is mounted which has a holding magnet 28 which, in the closed position of the folding door 11, interacts with a magnetic or ferromagnetic locking element 20 which is held stationary by a part of the piece of furniture 1; Fig. 3 a part of the folding door 11 of Fig. 2 shortly before reaching the closed position or shortly after releasing from the closed position, with the folding door hinge 3, which has two hinge levers 31, 32, which are connected on the one hand to the associated door element 111, 112 by mounting parts 39 and on the other hand to each other by a hinge axis 33 and interact with parts of a drive spring 34, from which opposing torques are exerted on the hinge levers 31, 32; Fig. 4 the folding door 11 of Fig. 3 with the first door element 111 in sectional view and the second door element 112 in a parallel orientation, in which the folding door 11 can be inserted into a door compartment 10 and in which the hinge levers 31, 32 of the folding door hinge 3 are rotated against each other and the drive spring 34 is fully or partially unloaded; Fig. 5 shows the folding door hinge 3 connected with two mounting parts in the form of hinge cups 39. Fig. 2 with the drive spring 34, which has two helical spring assemblies 341, 342 that enclose the hinge axis 33 and which bear against the first hinge lever 31 with spring end pieces 3411, 3421 and which are connected to each other by a spring center piece 343, which is hooked into a retaining part 324 of the second hinge lever 32; Fig. 5b the folding door hinge 3 of Fig. 5a without the hinge cups 39 in exploded view; Fig. 6 shows the folding door hinge 3 of Fig. 2 in a preferred embodiment with the drive spring 34 of Fig. 5b , whose spring center piece 343 is hooked into the retaining part 324 of the second hinge lever 32, whose spring end pieces 3411, 3421 are not yet coupled to the first hinge lever 31, and with a cover device 4, which is held by the hinge axis 33; Fig. 6b the folding door hinge 3 of Fig. 6a in a preferred embodiment with the drive spring 34, whose spring end pieces 3411, 3421 are coupled to the first hinge lever 31, but whose spring middle piece 343 is not yet engaged in the retaining part 324 of the second hinge lever 32; Fig. 7 shows the folding door hinge 3 of Fig. 6a the drive spring 34 during the process of coupling the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 to the first hinge lever 31, in which the second hinge lever 32 is turned against the first hinge lever 31 or the first and the second hinge levers 31, 32 are turned against each other; Fig. 7b the folding door hinge 3 of Fig. 7a after completion of the process of coupling the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 to the first hinge lever 31; Fig. 7c the folding door hinge 3 of Fig. 7b with the drive spring 34, which is coupled to the first and second hinge levers 31, 32 and is partially tensioned after a counterclockwise rotation of the second hinge lever 32; Fig. 8a a section along line A--A through the folding door hinge 3 of Fig. 7a with the first spring end piece 3411 of the drive spring 34, which, when the second hinge lever 32 is rotated clockwise, is guided over a ramp 3141 of a retaining element 314 on the first lever end piece 311 of the first hinge lever 31, until it engages behind the retaining element 314 in a retaining channel 3140; Fig. 8b the first lever end piece 311 of the first hinge lever 31 of Fig. 8a with the retaining element 314, which has an inclined flank or ramp 3141 and which connects to the retaining channel 3140, which is bounded on one side by the retaining element 314 and on the other side by a preferably provided retaining cam 315 and in which the spring end piece 3411 is held; Fig. 9 the folding door hinge 3 and the cover device 4 of Fig. 6a or Fig. 6b in exploded view; Fig. 10 the folding door hinge 3 and the cover device 4 of Fig. 6a or Fig. 6b in the closed position of the folding door 11; Fig. 11 the folding door hinge 3 and the cover device 4 of Fig. 10 with the door elements 111, 112 folded against each other, between which the cover device 4 is held precisely aligned by the folding door hinge 3; and Fig. 12 the folding door hinge 3 and the cover device 4 of Fig. 11 View from above.

[0061] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a functional unit 1 according to the invention in the embodiment of a piece of furniture 1 with a folding door 11 that can be inserted into a first door compartment 10, and with a one-piece door 11' that can be inserted into a second door compartment 10. The folding door 11 and the one-piece door 11' are preferably each provided with a retaining device 2 by means of which they can be held in the closed position. Any retaining devices 2 can be used. A retaining device 2 as described below is particularly advantageous.

[0062] The piece of furniture 1 preferably has side walls 1A, a top panel 1B, a bottom panel 1C, an intermediate panel 1E and partition walls 1D on both sides, which together with the side walls 1A define the door compartments 10.

[0063] The folding door 11 has a first door element 111, which is connected on one side to a mounting profile 12 by stop hinges 13, and on the other side to a second door element 112 by folding door hinges 3 according to the invention, the dimensions of which preferably correspond to the dimensions of the first door element 111. The folding door 11 is slightly unfolded and can either be fully folded and inserted into the door opening 10 with the door elements 111, 112 aligned parallel to each other, or fully unfolded and moved into a closed position in which the two door elements 111, 112 are aligned at least approximately in one plane.To ensure that the folding door 11 remains in the closed position and can be easily released from it, one of the two door elements 111, 112, preferably the first door element 111, is provided with a retaining device 2 which, in the closed position, is opposite a locking element 20. An arrow symbolizes that the retaining device 2 of the folding door 11, which is equipped with a magnetic element, is guided against the locking element 20 when the first door element 111 is rotated and is held magnetically by the locking element 20 in the closed position.

[0064] In the Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, the doors 11, 11' are each connected to a mounting profile 12 by stop hinges 13. The mounting profile 12 is held in a vertical orientation by a sliding device 9 and is slidable within the corresponding door compartment 10. The doors 11 are aligned parallel to the side wall 1A in front of the corresponding door compartment 10 and can then be slid into the door compartment 10. The mounting profile 12 can also be equipped with drive devices for sliding within the door compartment 10. Preferably, the mounting profile 12 is connected at its upper side to a support track 5A, which is slidable into the door compartment 10 along a corresponding support rail 15A. The mounting profile 12 can also be connected at its lower side to a track that is guided in a support rail.

[0065] In this preferred embodiment, the leading edge of the second door element 112 of the folding door 11 is connected to a guide track 5B, which is guided in a guide rail 15B that runs along the front of the furniture piece 1 and along a curve into the door compartment 10. The folding door 11 is therefore held at the front by means of the guide track 5B, which, when the folding door 11 is unfolded, is slidable along the front of the furniture piece 1 and, when the folding door 11 is folded, is slidable into the door compartment 10. The guide track 5B always precedes the second door element 112 in the direction of movement. The use of the guide track 5B allows the folding door 11 to be opened and closed with minimal effort.

[0066] Fig. 2 shows the back of the folding door 11 of the piece of furniture 1 of Fig. 1 The first door element 111 is connected at its trailing edge to the mounting profile 12 by stop hinges 13 and at its leading edge to the second door element 112 by folding door hinges 3 according to the invention. The guide mechanism 5B is mounted on the front of the second door element 112. The guide mechanism 5B comprises support rollers 51, which can roll on a support element 151 of the guide rail 15B, and guide rollers 52, which are guided in a guide channel 152 of the guide rail 15B. The guide rail 15B runs along the front of the furniture piece 1 and curves into the door compartment 10 of the furniture piece 1. To enable the guide mechanism 5B to follow this curve, it is connected to the second door element 112 by parts 53 and 54 of a drive unit, which are pivotally connected to each other.

[0067] The mounting profile 12 is connected at its upper end to a support track 5A, which can be slid along a support rail 15A into the door compartment 10. Fig. 2 The support track 5A is guided up to a stop device 7 on the front of the door compartment 10. In this position, which is also in Fig. 1 As shown, the folding door 11 is fully extended from the door compartment 10 and can be unfolded to create the furniture opening 100 (see Fig. 1 ) to conclude. In Fig. 2 The folding door 11 has almost reached the closing position and can be brought into the closing position by manual pressure on the folding door 11, preferably on the leading edge 111, in which the holding device 2 mounted on the rear of the separating element 111 can magnetically interact with the locking element 20, which is connected to the front of the guide rail 15B.

[0068] The holding device 2 comprises a mounting part 21, which is preferably connected to the first door element 111 by means of screws and pivotally connected to a holding lever 22 by means of a lever shaft 23. At its front end piece, the holding lever 22 is provided with a holding magnet 28 and preferably with one or more spacer rollers 29.

[0069] The spacer rollers 29 can roll along the locking element 20 and / or the guide rail 15B during the closing process without the retaining lever 22 touching the locking element 20 or the guide rail 15B. In this process, the retaining lever 22 is rotated and the retaining magnet 28 is aligned almost frontally against the locking element 20, so that it can magnetically couple to the magnetic or ferromagnetic locking element 20 in the closed position of the folding door 11.

[0070] After being released from the closed position, the two door elements 111, 112 are preferably folded automatically. This folding process is carried out automatically or at least supported by folding door hinges 3 according to the invention, which connect the two door elements 111, 112.

[0071] The folding door hinge 3 comprises two hinge levers 31, 32, which are connected at their opposite ends to the corresponding door element 111, 112 by mounting parts, preferably hinge cups 39, and which are connected to each other at their facing lever ends by a hinge axis 33. Furthermore, a drive spring 34 is provided, which acts on the first hinge lever 31 with spring ends and on the second hinge lever 32 with a spring center section, as described below. The drive spring 34 thus acts on the two hinge levers 31, 32 and attempts to rotate them against each other and fold the door elements 111, 112.

[0072] Fig. 2 Figure 1 further shows a spacer plate 200, which serves no function in the closed position of the folding door 11. In the folded position of the folding door 11, with the door elements 111, 112 aligned parallel to each other, the front part of the retaining lever 22 with the spacer rollers 29 rests against the spacer plate 200 and is pressed against the mounting part 21 and preferably aligned parallel to it, so that it takes up as little space as possible when inserted into the door compartment 10 (see Figure 1). Fig. 4 ).

[0073] Fig. 3 shows part of the folding door 11 of Fig. 2 Shortly before reaching the closed position or shortly after releasing from the closed position. The door elements 111, 112 of the folding door 11 are not yet aligned in one plane and the holding magnet 28 is not yet in contact with the locking element 20. The holding lever 22 is inclined relative to the mounting part 21 and faces the locking element 20, and will first contact it with the spacer rollers 29. The spacer rollers 29, preferably made of plastic, will hardly cause any noise.

[0074] The holding magnet 28 is recessed into a magnetic chamber and is partially enclosed by a magnetic cup and extends beyond it at the front, for example by 0.2 mm - 2 mm, so that the holding magnet 28 cannot strike the locking element 20.

[0075] The hand symbolizes that the retaining device 2 can be locked in the closed position of the folding door 11 by a first manual pressure application and can be released again by a second manual pressure application.

[0076] To lock the holding device 2, the holding device 2 comprises a locking unit 24 with a force transmitter 241, which is cyclically displaceable in the locking unit 24 by means of pressure between a locking position, in which the holding device 2 reaches a holding position, and a release position, in which the holding device 2 reaches a release position.

[0077] The locking unit 24 with the force transmitter 241 is shown schematically. The force transmitter 241, supported by an actuating spring 243, is axially displaceable and actuates a switching mechanism 242 in which a detent element is cyclically moved between a detent position and a release position.

[0078] The folding door hinge 3 includes a drive spring 34, which is tensioned in this position of the folding door 11 and attempts to fold the door elements 111, 112 against each other, counteracting the force applied by the user. The holding device 2 must therefore be magnetically coupled to the locking element 20 in the closed position and locked by means of the locking unit 24 so that the folding door 11 is held in the closed position. The drive spring 34 is thus charged by manual force and subsequently serves to automatically fold the folding door 11 as soon as it is released from the closed position.

[0079] Fig. 4 The folding door 11 shows Fig. 3 with the first door element 111 in sectional view and the second door element 112 in parallel alignment therewith, in which the folding door 11 can be inserted into the corresponding door compartment 10. The front part of the retaining lever 22 rests against the spacer plate 200 with the spacer rollers 229 and holds the retaining lever 22 at least approximately in parallel alignment with the mounting part 21.

[0080] The hinge levers 31, 32 of the folding door hinge 3, which are connected to each other by the hinge axis 33, were rotated against each other, which is why the hinge spring 34 is relaxed or largely relaxed.

[0081] Fig. 5a The folding door hinge 3 shows Fig. 2 The folding door hinge 3 comprises a first hinge lever 31 and a second hinge lever 32, which are connected to each other by a hinge axis 33. Furthermore, the folding door hinge 3 includes a drive spring 34 with two spring assemblies 341, 342, which are connected to each other by a spring center piece 343 and on which spring end pieces 3411, 3421 are provided. In this position of the hinge 3, the drive spring 34 is tensioned and, together with the spring assemblies 341, 342, surrounds the hinge axis 33. The drive spring 34 also bears against the first hinge lever 31 with its spring end pieces 3411, 3421 and against the second hinge lever 32 with its spring center piece 343.

[0082] The first hinge lever 31 comprises a first lever end piece 311 with four bearing arms 3111, 3112, 3113, 3114 (see Fig. 5b ), two outer bearing arms 3111, 3114 and two inner bearing arms 3112, 3113, which are pierced by the hinge axis 33, and a second lever end piece 312, which is connected to an associated mounting element or hinge cup 39.

[0083] The second hinge lever 32 comprises a first lever end piece 321, which is held between the two inner bearing arms 3112, 3113 of the first hinge lever 31 and is pierced by the bearing shaft 33, and a second lever end piece 322, which is connected to an associated mounting element or hinge cup 39.

[0084] Retaining elements 314 are provided on the outer bearing arms 3111, 3114, in which the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 of the spring assemblies 341, 342 are hooked and held. The second bearing arm 32 has a retaining element 324 in which the spring center piece 343 is hooked and held. The spring assemblies 341, 342 attempt to rotate the first hinge lever 31, which is held by the spring end pieces 3411, 3421, clockwise around the hinge axis 33 and the second hinge lever 32, into which the spring center piece 343 is hooked, counterclockwise around the hinge axis, which defines a rotation axis x.

[0085] Within each of the spring assemblies 341, 342, a preferably sleeve-shaped bearing roller 35 with an axial bore 350, through which the hinge axis 33 is pierced, is also held. Movements of the spring assemblies 341, 342 are therefore absorbed by the bearing rollers 35, which is why the spring assemblies 341, 342 are always held in axial alignment and undesirable deformations of the spring assemblies 341, 342 and friction of the spring assemblies 341, 342, for example at the hinge axis 33, are avoided.

[0086] The diameter of the bearing rollers 35 is preferably selected such that there is always a clearance between the bearing rollers 35 and the spring assemblies 341, 342, even if their inner diameter changes when the folding door hinge 3 is actuated.

[0087] Mounting elements, for example hinge cups 39, can be connected to the facing lever end pieces 312, 322 in any desired manner, either force-fit or form-fit. As shown, the mounting elements 39 are preferably displaceable or adjustable relative to the lever end pieces 312, 322 and can be fixed at a suitable location.

[0088] Fig. 5b Shows the folding door hinge 3 in an exploded view. Fig. 5a In a preferred embodiment, it is shown that in this embodiment the inner bearing arms 3112 and 3113 have smaller bearing openings 31120, 31130, which can only accommodate the hinge axis 33, but not the bearing rollers 35. The bearing rollers 35 each have an axial bore 350 in which the hinge axis 33 is preferably rotatably but largely without play. The outer bearing arms 3111 and 3114, on the other hand, have larger bearing openings 31110, 31140, into which the bearing rollers 35 can be inserted. The first end piece 321 of the second hinge lever 32 is also provided with a bearing opening 3210, into which the hinge axis 33 is already inserted.

[0089] The folding door hinge 3 can therefore be easily assembled by inserting the first lever end piece 321 of the second hinge lever 32 between the two inner bearing arms 3112, 3113 of the first hinge lever 31 and inserting the spring assemblies 341, 342 of the drive spring 34 between one outer and one inner bearing arm 3111, 3112 or 3114, 3113, respectively. The bearing rollers 35 are then inserted through the bearing openings 31110, 31140 of the outer bearing arms 3111, 3114 and into the corresponding spring assembly 341 or 342. Finally, the hinge axis 33 is guided through the lever end pieces 311, 321, the bearing rollers 35, and the spring assemblies 341, 342. Preferably, in one of these steps, the spring center piece 343 is connected to the retaining element 324 of the second hinge lever 32. Furthermore, the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 are to be hooked into the retaining elements 314 on the outer bearing arms 3111, 3114.Optionally, the hinge levers 31, 32 are connected with mounting elements 39.

[0090] Consequently, the folding door hinge 3 is configured as follows: Fig. 5a before, in which the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 are hooked into the retaining elements 314 on the outer bearing arms 3111, 3114. In Fig. 5a The retaining elements 314 are cuboid in shape, which is why the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 must be lifted over the retaining elements 314 using a tool. In the preferred embodiments of the folding door hinge 3 described below, this process is significantly simplified by a preferred design of the retaining elements 314, so that the coupling process can be carried out practically automatically.

[0091] In all embodiments of the folding door hinge 3, the drive spring 34 occupies very little space and yet develops a very high spring force, so that the door elements 111, 112 can be powerfully rotated from the closed position, in which they are aligned in one plane, preferably to the folded position, in which they are aligned parallel to each other. In the folded position, the force exerted by the drive spring 34 is reduced to a minimum. In addition, the movement of the door elements 111, 112 in this area is preferably damped by means of a damping element or a damping device, so that no impact noise is generated.

[0092] The spring assemblies 341, 342, supported by the bearing rollers 35, remain coaxially aligned with the hinge axis 33 during this rotation process and can operate without friction. A particular advantage is that the spring assemblies 341, 342 do not need to be arranged and held within a hinge housing, but can be virtually exposed, resulting in a simple design with minimal space requirements. The drive spring 34 is therefore almost completely integrated into the folding door hinge 3, resulting in an optimal solution both visually and functionally.

[0093] The drive spring 34, together with the two spring assemblies 341, 342, which exert high forces on the hinge arms 31, 32, can follow the movements of the hinge arms 31, 32 without friction. A particular advantage is that a powerful drive spring 34 can be integrated into the folding door hinge 3 without requiring significantly more space.

[0094] Fig. 6a The folding door hinge 3 shows Fig. 2 in a preferred embodiment with the drive spring 34 of Fig. 5b , whose spring center piece 343 is hooked into the retaining part 324 of the second hinge lever 32, but whose spring end pieces 3411, 3421 are not yet coupled to the first hinge lever 31. In this configuration of the folding door hinge 3, in which the drive spring 34 is not yet coupled to the first hinge lever 31, the folding door hinge 3 only has a hinge function, but not a drive function. In this state, the folding door hinge 3 can therefore be conveniently mounted on the door elements 111, 112.

[0095] No tools are required to attach the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 to the retaining elements 314. Instead, the door elements 111, 112 are moved against each other with minimal force, as symbolized by two arrows. When the first door element 111, and thus the second hinge lever 32, is rotated clockwise, the spring center piece 343 is carried along and the drive spring 34 is rotated clockwise around the hinge axis 33. In doing so, the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 are guided against the retaining elements 314, which are now no longer cuboid in shape, but have a ramp or an inclined flank 3141 on the side facing the spring end pieces 3411, 3421. The spring end piece 3411 is positioned in Fig. 6a even before the ramp 3141, which is continuously adjustable so that the spring end piece 3411 can slide over it during rotation. With a further rotation of the drive spring 34, the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 are guided over the ramp or the inclined flank 3141 until they have overcome the retaining elements 314 and can each enter a retaining channel 3140, in which they are held firmly.

[0096] Preferably, the coils of the spring assemblies 341, 342 are spaced apart from each other, so that the spring assemblies 341, 342 can be compressed during the process of coupling the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 and the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 can thus more easily overcome the ramps 3141 of the retaining elements 314.

[0097] To enable the second hinge lever 32 to guide the spring center piece 343 during a clockwise rotation, the hinge lever 32 is preferably provided with a driver 325, which is located opposite the retaining part 324. The spring center piece 343 is therefore held in a detent recess 328 (see Fig. 9 ) between the retaining part 324 and the preferably provided driver 325. When the second hinge lever 32 is rotated clockwise, during which the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 are coupled to the first hinge lever, the spring center piece 343 rests against the driver 325, and during a subsequent counterclockwise rotation of the second hinge lever 32, during which the drive spring 34 is tensioned, the spring center piece 343 rests against the retaining part 324.

[0098] Fig. 6a Figure 4 further shows a cover device 4 with a cover profile 41 in which a retaining module 42 is held in a form-fitting manner, but axially displaceable and fixable. For fixing the retaining modules 42, these have a threaded bore 420 into which a threaded bolt can be screwed up to the cover profile 41 and clamped to it. For connection with the folding door hinge 3, the retaining modules 42 have a connecting element, preferably in the form of a retaining clip 423, which can be coupled to the hinge axis 33. The hinge axis 33 projects beyond the first hinge lever 31 on both sides and thus extends out of the folding door hinge 3 on both sides. The cover device 4 can therefore be easily coupled to the folding door 11 or to the folding door hinges 3 in order to cover or close the opening between the two door elements 111, 112 when they are folded against each other. On the one hand, this covers the aesthetically disturbing gap under the door.On the other hand, it prevents manual intervention in the door gap and avoids injuries that could occur when operating the folding door.

[0099] Fig. 6a Figure 1 further shows an optional function of the two hinge levers 31, 32, which holds the cover device 4 or the cover profile 41 within the open door gap between the first and second door elements 111, 112 in a desired orientation. For this purpose, the first lever end piece 311 of the first hinge lever 31, facing the hinge axis 33, has a first stop element 316 on at least one of the outer lever arms 3111, 3114, and the first lever end piece 321 of the second hinge lever 32, facing the hinge axis 33, has a second stop element 326. When the two hinge levers 31, 32 rotate relative to each other, the first stop elements 316 of the first hinge lever 31 and the second stop element 326 of the second hinge lever 32 are guided forward to one side of the cover profile 41, which is thereby automatically aligned parallel to the front of the functional unit 1. This ensures that the aperture device 4 orthe cover profile 41 can actually perform its intended function and cover the door gap between the folded door elements 111, 112.

[0100] The process of coupling the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 to the first hinge lever 31 is described in the Figuren 7a, 7b und 7c The first spring end piece 3411 is illustrated. The coupling of the second spring end piece 3421 takes place simultaneously in the same manner.

[0101] Fig. 6b The folding door hinge 3 shows Fig. 6a In a preferred embodiment, the drive spring 34 has its spring ends 3411 and 3421 coupled to the first hinge lever 31, but its spring center section 343 is not yet engaged in the retaining element 324 of the second hinge lever 32. In this embodiment, the spring ends 3411 and 3421 are therefore preferably already engaged on a retaining element 314 of the first hinge lever 31, while the second hinge lever 32 is not yet coupled to the drive spring 34 or to the spring center section 343 before the folding door hinge 3 is first put into operation. Therefore, the folding door hinge 3 can be conveniently mounted on the door elements 111 and 112 in this state.

[0102] The retaining element 324 is designed as a detent element, allowing the spring center piece 343 to slide over the retaining element 324 and engage behind it when the hinge arms 31, 32 are rotated together. For example, the retaining element 324 may be shaped like a nose, a hook, or a sawtooth. To couple the drive spring 34 or spring center piece 343 to the second hinge lever 32, the two hinge levers 31, 32 or the door elements 111, 112 are rotated against each other. During this process, the spring center piece 343 is guided over the retaining element 324 and, due to its elasticity, may be slightly bent until it engages behind the retaining element 324.

[0103] Preferably, the designs of the folding door hinge 3 are made by Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b combined so that the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 can be automatically coupled with the preferably ramp-shaped retaining elements 314 and the spring center piece 343 of the drive spring 34 can be automatically coupled with the retaining part 324 when the two hinge levers 31, 32 are first rotated against each other.

[0104] In Fig. 7a The second hinge lever 32 was compared to the position of Fig. 6a slightly rotated clockwise. During this process, in which the driver 325 rotates the spring center piece 343 clockwise, the spring end piece 3411 or the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 were guided onto the ramp 3141 of the associated retaining element 314 and, if necessary, slightly bent and / or lifted by compression of the spring assembly 341.

[0105] In Fig. 7b The spring end piece 3411 or the spring end pieces 3411, 3421 have overcome the ramp 3141 and have engaged behind the retaining elements 314.

[0106] In Fig. 7c The spring end pieces 3411, 3421 are held by the retaining elements 314 while the second hinge lever 32 is rotated counterclockwise. During this process, the spring center piece 343 is moved counterclockwise by the retaining part 324 of the second hinge lever 32, and the drive spring 34 is partially tensioned.

[0107] Fig. 8a shows a section along line A--A through the folding door hinge 3 of Fig. 7a with the first spring end piece 3411 of the drive spring 34, which, when the second hinge lever 32 is rotated clockwise, is guided over the ramp 3141 of a retaining element 314 on the first lever end piece 311 of the first hinge lever 31, until it engages behind the retaining element 314 in a retaining channel 3140.

[0108] Fig. 8b shows the first lever end piece 311 of the first hinge lever 31 of Fig. 8a with the retaining element 314, which has an inclined flank or ramp 3141, and which connects to the retaining channel 3140, which is bounded on one side by the retaining element 314 and on the other side by a preferably provided retaining cam 315. It is illustrated that the schematically shown spring end piece 3411 is securely held within the retaining channel 3140 between the retaining element 314 and the preferably provided retaining cam 315.

[0109] Fig. 9 shows the folding door hinge 3 and the cover device 4 of Fig. 6a in exploded view. Essential elements of the folding door hinge 3 have already been described with reference to Fig. 5b from Fig. 6a explained. In Fig. 9 The outer bearing arms 3111, 3114 of the first lever end piece 311 of the first hinge lever 31 are provided with the preferably designed retaining elements 314 which have a ramp.

[0110] The inner bearing arms 3112, 3113 preferably have bearing openings 31120, 31130, with an inwardly directed first bearing opening part 31120A, 31130A, the diameter of which corresponds to the diameter of the hinge axis 33, and an outwardly directed second bearing opening part 31120B, 31130B, the diameter of which corresponds to the diameter of the bearing rollers 35. In this preferred embodiment, the bearing rollers 35 are therefore rotatably held on both sides by an outer and an inner bearing arm 3111, 3112 or 3114, 3113, and are always aligned coaxially with the axis of rotation x. The bearing journals 36 can be located in the first or second bearing opening part 31120A, 31130A; 31120B, 31130B or in an intermediate transition part or receiving bore that is partially led into the first bearing opening part 31120A, 31130A.

[0111] Furthermore, opposing bearing pins 36 are mounted on the hinge axis 33, which can engage in the bearing openings 3210 of the first lever end piece 321 of the second hinge lever.

[0112] The bearing rollers 35 and / or the bearing pins 36 are preferably made of metal, for example high-quality steel, or of a plastic, in particular a resistant and low-friction plastic, for example a thermoplastic such as POM / polyoxymethylene, which ensures optimal long-term support of the hinge axis 33 and / or the spring assemblies 341, 342.

[0113] To prevent the hinge axis 33 from displacing axially on its own, it is preferably held pressed within one of the bearing arms 3111, 3112, 3113, 3114 of the first hinge lever 31 or within the first lever end piece 321 of the second hinge lever 32. However, other means, such as retaining rings, in particular snap rings, can also be provided to secure the hinge axis 33. For example, a slot is provided in the first lever end piece 321 of the second hinge lever 32, into which a retaining ring 331 is inserted. This retaining ring can engage in a circumferential groove 330 in the hinge axis 33 to hold the hinge axis 33 preferably loosely, but not axially displaceably. In this case, the hinge axis 33 can be inserted into both hinge levers 31, 32 and secured by means of only one retaining ring.

[0114] Furthermore, the aperture device 4 is shown with the aperture profile 41, which comprises two profile side pieces 412 connected to each other by a profile center piece 411. The aperture profile 41 has an approximately C-shaped cross-section and an inner cross-section that corresponds at least approximately to the cross-section of the retaining modules 42. As illustrated, the retaining modules 42 can be inserted into the aperture profile 41 so that they are held therein in a form-fitting but axially displaceable manner and can be fixed by means of a threaded element 424, optionally a threaded bolt, which is screwed into the threaded bore 420.

[0115] The holding module 42 has a module body 421 with the threaded bore 420 and anchor elements 422 provided on both sides and running parallel to each other. The anchor elements 422 can engage in the profile side pieces 412 of the aperture profile 41, which are preferably claw-shaped.

[0116] Fig. 10 shows the folding door hinge 3 and the cover device 4 of Fig. 6a or Fig. 6b In the closed position of the folding door 11, the door elements 111 and 112 lie end-to-end against each other, closing the gap between them. The cover plate 4 has been guided back behind the folding door 11 by the hinge levers 31 and 32 and is therefore no longer visible. Advantageously, the viewer of the functional unit or piece of furniture 1 sees only the folding door 11 with the planarly aligned door elements 111 and 112 in the closed position. The functional unit 1 is therefore reliably closed, and access between the door elements 111 and 112 is no longer possible.

[0117] If an unsightly gap remains in the door, the mounting screws 391, which connect the hinge levers 31, 32 to the mounting elements 39, can be loosened and the mounting elements 39 moved relative to the hinge levers 31, 32 until the door gap reaches the desired size. It is illustrated that a screwdriver can be used to insert into the left hinge cup 39 to achieve the desired adjustment. The mounting screws 391 are then tightened again.

[0118] Fig. 11 shows the folding door hinge 3 and the cover device 4 of Fig. 10 with the door elements 111, 112 folded against each other, between which the cover device 4, which covers the door gap, is held by the folding door hinge 3.

[0119] Fig. 12 shows the folding door hinge 3 and the cover device 4 of Fig. 11View from above. The stop elements 316, 326 hold the aperture profile 41 in the desired position. It is also evident that the inner cross-section of the aperture profile 41 corresponds at least approximately to the cross-section of the inserted retaining module 42, which is connected to the hinge axis 33 by the retaining clip 423. Furthermore, it is shown that the spring center section 343 of the drive spring 34 is held between the retaining part 324 and the driver 325 of the second hinge lever 32. Reference symbol list:

[0120] 1 Functional unit, piece of furniture, in particular cabinet 1A Side panels 1B Top panel 1C Bottom panel 1D Partition 10 First or second door compartment 10 or parking space 100 Interior of the functional unit 1 11 Folding door 111 First door element 112 Second door element 11' One-piece door 12 Mounting profile 13 Stop hinges 15A Support rail for the support track 5A 15B Guide rail for the guide track 5B 151 Support element 152 Guide channel 2 Holding device 20 Magnetic or ferromagnetic locking element 200 Spacer plate 21 Mounting part 22 Holding lever 23 Lever shaft 24 Locking unit 241 Power transmitter 242 Switching mechanism 243 Return spring 25 Coupling unit 28 Holding magnet 29 Spacer rollers 3 Folding door hinge 31 First hinge lever 311 First lever end of the first hinge lever 31 3111 First bearing arm 3110 First bearing opening 3112 Second bearing arm 31120 Second bearing opening 31120A, 31120B Second bearing opening parts 3113 Third bearing arm 31310 Third bearing opening parts 31310A,31310B Third bearing opening 3114 Fourth bearing arm 31140 Fourth bearing opening 312 Second lever end of the first hinge lever 31 314 Retaining elements 3140 Retaining channel 3141 Ramp, inclined flank 315 Retaining cam 316 First stop elements, stop lugs 32 Second hinge lever 321 First lever end of the second hinge lever 32 3210 Bearing opening in the first lever end 321 322 Second lever end of the second hinge lever 32 324 Retaining part 325 Driver 326 Second stop element, stop lug 328 Detent recess 33 Hinge axis 330 Circumferential groove in the hinge axis (optional) 331 Retaining ring, in particular snap ring (optional) 34 Drive spring 341 First spring assembly 3411 First Spring end piece 342, second spring assembly 3421, second spring end piece 343, spring center piece 35, bearing rollers 350, axial bore 36, bearing pin 39, mounting partHinge cup 4 Cover device 41 Cover profile 410 Inner cross-section of the cover profile 41 411 Profile center piece 412 Profile side pieces 42 Holding module 420 Threaded bore 421 Module body 422 Anchor elements 423 Connecting element, preferably retaining clip 424 Threaded element, threaded bolt 5A Support drive 5B Guide drive 51 Support rollers 52 Guide rollers 53 First drive body part 54 Second drive body part 9 Sliding device x Pivot axis of the hinge,

Claims

1. Foldable-door hinge (3) with a first hinge lever (31), which comprises a first lever end piece (311) with at least one bearing opening (31110, 31120, 31130, 31140) and a second lever end piece (312), which is connected or connectable to a first mounting part (39); with a second hinge lever (32), which comprises a first lever end piece (321) with at least one bearing opening (3210) and a second lever end piece (322), which is connected or connectable to a second mounting part (39); with a hinge shaft (33) which is held in the bearing openings (31110, 31120, 31130, 31140; 3210) of the hinge levers (31, 32) and which pivotably connects the two hinge levers (31, 32) to one another; and with a drive spring (34), which on the one hand abuts the first hinge lever (31) and on the other hand the second hinge lever (32), wherein the first lever end piece (311) of the first hinge lever (31) comprises two first and second inner bearing arms (3112, 3113), which are spaced apart and comprise associated bearing openings (31120, 31130) and between which the first lever end piece (321) of the second hinge lever (32) is held, wherein the first lever end piece (311) of the first hinge lever (31) comprises two first and second outer bearing arms (3111, 3114) spaced apart from the inner bearing arms (3112, 3113), and wherein the drive spring (34) comprises two spring packets (341, 342) which enclose the hinge axis (33) and which are interconnected by a spring centrepiece (343), which abuts the second hinge lever (32), and of which the first spring packet (341), which is arranged between the first inner bearing arm (3112) and the first outer bearing arm (3111) comprises, at an end remote from the spring centrepiece (343), a first spring end piece (3411), and of which the second spring packet (342), which is arranged between the second inner bearing arm (3113) and the second outer bearing arm (3114), comprises, at an end remote from the spring centrepiece (343), a second spring end piece (3421), characterised in, that the first spring end piece (3411) abuts the first outer bearing arm (3111), and of which the second spring packet (342), and that the second spring end piece (3421) abuts the second outer bearing arm (3114) that the first hinge lever (31) comprises for each of the spring end pieces (3411, 3421) a holding element (314) in which the associated spring end piece (3411, 3421) is engaged or can be engaged, or that the second hinge lever (32) comprises a holding member (324) in which the spring centrepiece (343) is engaged or can be engaged, or that the first hinge lever (31) comprises for each of the spring end pieces (3411, 3421) a holding element (314) in which the associated spring end piece (3411, 3421) can be engaged, and that the second hinge lever (32) comprises a holding member (324) in which the spring centrepiece (343) is engaged or can be engaged, and that the holding elements (314) are designed as latching elements into which the spring end pieces (3411, 3421) can engage, or that the holding member (324) is formed as a latching element into which the spring centrepiece (343) can engage, or that the holding elements (314) are formed as latching elements into which the spring end pieces (3411, 3421) can engage, and that the holding member (324) is formed as latching elements into which the spring centrepiece (343) can engage.

2. Foldable-door hinge (3) according to claim 1, characterised in, that the spring centrepiece (343) is or can be held on the second hinge lever (32) between the holding element (324) and a catch (325).

3. Foldable-door hinge (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in, that the drive spring (34) is coupled to the first hinge lever (31) and is couplable to the second hinge lever (31) by rotation of the hinge levers (31, 32) against one another; or that the drive spring (34) is coupled to the second hinge lever (32) and is couplable to the first hinge lever (31) by rotation of the hinge levers (31, 32) against each other; or that the drive spring (34) is couplable to the first hinge lever (31) on the one hand and to the second hinge lever (32) on the other hand by rotation of the hinge levers (31, 32).

4. Foldable-door hinge (3) according to claim 3, characterised in, that the first and the second outer bearing arm (3111, 3114) each comprise one of the holding elements (314), which comprises a ramp (3141) via which the associated first or second spring end piece (3411, 3421) is insertable into a holding channel (3140) located behind the holding element (314), in which holding channel (3140) the associated first or second spring end piece (3411, 3421) is held after the foldable-door hinge (3) has been put into operation; or wherein the first lever end piece (321) of the second hinge lever (32) comprises a retaining part (324) designed as a latching element, over which the spring middle piece (343) is guidable and latchable behind the retaining part (324); or that the first and the second outer bearing arm (3111, 3114) each comprise one of the holding elements (314), which comprises a ramp (3141) via which the associated first or second spring end piece (3411, 3421) is insertable into a holding channel (3140) located behind the holding element (314), in which holding channel (3140) the associated first or second spring end piece (3411, 3421) is held after the foldable-door hinge (3) has been put into operation, and that the first lever end piece (321) of the second hinge lever (32) comprises the holding member (324) in the form of a latching element, over which the spring centrepiece (343) is guidable and latchable behind the holding member (324).

5. Foldable-door hinge (3) according to one of the claims 1 - 4, characterised in, that within each of the spring packets (341, 342) of the drive spring (34) a bearing roller (35) is held rotatably and substantially free of play by the hinge shaft (33), wherein the outer diameter of the bearing rollers (35) is smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the spring packets (341, 342).

6. Foldable-door hinge (3) according to claim 5, characterised in, that the bearing openings (31110, 31140) of the first and second outer bearing arms (3111, 3114) comprise an inner diameter that allows one of the bearing rollers (35) to pass through and into the associated spring packet (341, 342), or that the bearing openings (31110, 31140) of the first and second outer bearing arms (3111, 3114) comprise an inner diameter which allows one of the bearing rollers (35) to pass through and into the associated spring packet (341, 342) and further into a bearing opening part (31120B, 31130B) of the adjacent first or second inner bearing arm (3112, 3113).

7. Foldable-door hinge (3) according to one of the claims 1 - 6, characterised in, in that the spring packets (341, 342) of the drive spring (34) comprise helical or thread-like turns which bear against one another or are at least partially spaced apart from one another from turn to turn, so that the spring packets (341, 342) are axially compressible.

8. Foldable-door hinge (3) according to one of the claims 1 - 7, characterised in, that the hinge shaft (33) projects beyond the first hinge lever (31) on one or both sides with an end piece, which end piece of the hinge shaft (33) is connected to a bezel device (4).

9. Foldable-door hinge (3) according to claim 8, characterised in, that the bezel device (4) comprises a bezel profile (41) having two profile side pieces (412) interconnected by a profile centrepiece (411), that at least one holding module (42) is held within the bezel profile (41) in a form-fittingly, displaceable and fixable manner, which holding module (42) comprises a connection element (423) which is fixedly or detachably connected to the hinge shaft (33).

10. Foldable-door hinge (3) according to claim 9, characterised in, that the first lever end piece (311) of the first hinge lever (31) is provided with at least one first stop element (316), and that the first lever end piece (321) of the second hinge lever (32) is provided with at least one second stop element (326), the first and second stop elements (316, 326) being arranged on the first and second hinge lever (31, 32) in such a way that they are aligned in opposite directions after rotation of the two hinge levers (31, 32) and form abutment surfaces for the bezel profile (41).

11. Functional entity (1), piece of furniture or room segment, with a foldable door (11) with two door elements (111, 112) which are connected to one another by at least one foldable-door hinge (3) according to one of the claims 1 - 10.

12. Functional entity (1) according to claim 11, characterised in, that a bezel device (4) is held by the foldable-door hinge (3), which is provided for covering a door gap between the door elements (111, 112).

13. Functional entity (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in, that the foldable door (11) is lockable in a closed position by means of a holding device (2) and is releasable again from the closed position, whereupon the foldable door (11) is at least partially transferable into the folded state by the action of force exerted by the foldable-door hinge (3) or the foldable-door hinges (3).

14. Functional entity (1) according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterised in, that the first door element (111) is connected at an edge remote from the foldable-door hinges (3) by mounting hinges (13) to a mounting profile (12) which is displaceable within a door compartment (10) of the functional entity (1) and that the second door element (112) is connected at an edge remote from the foldable-door hinges (3) to a guide carriage (5B) which is guided in a guide rail (5B) extending along the front side of the functional entity (1).