A hinge assembly and a method of making a hinge assembly

Abstract

A hinge assembly (10) comprising at least one hinge body (20) and at least one cover plate (30) is provided. The hinge assembly (10) further comprises at least one mounting plate (40) respectively mounted to a corresponding cover plate (30) and comprising two or more clamping projections (42) configured to clamp the mounting plate (40) to the hinge body (20) upon attachment of the respective cover plate (30) to the hinge body (20). The tensile strength of the material of at least the clamping protrusions (42) of the mounting plate (40) is higher than the tensile strength of the material of the cover plate (30) and / or the thickness of the material of at least the clamping protrusions (42) of the mounting plate (40) is lower than the thickness of the material of the cover plate (30).

Description

[0001] A hinge assembly and a method of making a hinge assembly.

[0002] Domain

[0003] The technical domain concerns a hinge assembly. In particular, a hinge assembly comprising cover plates is a method for manufacturing such hinge assemblies.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] EP3173560 describes a hinge assembly whereby cover plates are used that are mounted on a hinge body. The cover plates are made of a flexible material and contain two elastic projections which are inserted into corresponding openings for attaching the cover plates to the hinge body.

[0006] The disadvantage of this known solution is that the elastic protrusions require the cover plate to be made from a material that is elastic enough. This material differs from the material from which the hinge body is made and it is difficult to match the visual impression of these finishing materials well with the other materials of the hinge assembly, which often consist of other materials such as cast metal. Due to the flexibility of the finishing plates, they are also subject to greater deformations, which increases the risk of damage, deformation and / or discoloration of the finishing layer during use, attachment and / or manufacture of the hinge assembly.

[0007] There is therefore a need for a hinge assembly that overcomes these disadvantages, the cover plate can be made from a suitable material and where there is no risk of deformation, discoloration and / or any other deviation due to the application of clamping protrusions on the cover plate. Furthermore, a fast, efficient and reliable attachment of the cover plate is also required.

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a hinge assembly comprising at least one hinge body and at least one cover plate, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT the hinge assembly further comprises at least one mounting plate respectively mounted to a corresponding cover plate and comprising two or more clamping projections configured to clamp the mounting plate to the hinge body upon attachment of the respective cover plate to the hinge body, and whereby: - the tensile strength of the material of at least the clamping projections of the mounting plate is higher than the tensile strength of the material of the cover plate; and / or

[0010] - the thickness of the material of at least the clamping projections (42) of the mounting plate (40) is less than the thickness of the material of the cover plate (30).

[0011] In this way, a hinge assembly is created whereby the cover plate can be made from a suitable material and whereby there is no risk of deformation, discoloration and / or any other deviation, for example due to the application of clamping protrusions on the cover plate itself. The thicker cover plate is also more robust and more resistant to deformation. Furthermore, all this also allows for quick, efficient and reliable attachment of the cover plate.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided, whereby:

[0013] - the tensile strength of at least the clamping projections of the mounting plate is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, for example at least 20% greater than the tensile strength of the cover plate;

[0014] - the tensile strength of at least the clamping projections of the mounting plate is greater than or equal to 400 MPa, preferably greater than or equal to 500 MPa, for example greater than or equal to 600 MPa; and / or

[0015] - the tensile strength of the cover plate is less than 380 MPa;

[0016] - the thickness of the material of at least the clamping projections of the mounting plate is at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, for example at least 50% lower than the thickness of the material of the cover plate;

[0017] - the thickness of the material of at least the clamping projections of the mounting plate is less than or equal to 0.8 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.6 mm, for example less than or equal to 0.5 mm; and / or

[0018] - the thickness of the cover plate material is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.2 mm, for example greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0019] In this way, the clamping projections have sufficient flexibility to allow reliable fastening, while the cover plate can be made of a suitable material for finishing the hinge assembly. According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided, whereby:

[0020] - at least the clamping projections of the mounting plate contain or consist of one or more of the following materials:

[0021] - steel;

[0022] - sheet steel;

[0023] - spring steel;

[0024] - plastic;

[0025] - POM or Polyoxymethylene;

[0026] - PVC or Polyvinylchloride;

[0027] - PA or Polyamide;

[0028] - PBT or Polybutylene terephthalate; and / or

[0029] - the cover plate contains or consists of one or more of the following materials:

[0030] - a cast metal;

[0031] - a metal alloy having a base metal of zinc and alloying elements of aluminum, magnesium and copper;

[0032] - Zamak;

[0033] - plastic;

[0034] - a plastic material coated with a coating.

[0035] In this way, the cover plates can be manufactured from a material with an appearance and finish that better matches the hinge body, while still allowing for reliable and efficient fastening.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided, whereby:

[0037] - the one or more cover plates are one-piece elements respectively;

[0038] - the one or more mounting plates are one-piece elements respectively; and / or

[0039] - the one or more mounting plates or one-piece elements are made of a sheet-shaped material with a constant or almost constant thickness.

[0040] In this way, a simple whole is created with a limited number of parts that can be manufactured and applied efficiently. According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided, whereby the cover plate is connected to a corresponding mounting plate by means of:

[0041] - a permanent connection;

[0042] - a glued connection;

[0043] - a detachable connection;

[0044] - a clamping connection; and / or

[0045] - one or more connecting elements.

[0046] In this way the hinge assembly can be easily manufactured.

[0047] According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided whereby the distance between the two or more clamping projections of the mounting plate is smaller in the unattached state than in an attached state whereby the mounting plate is attached to the hinge body by means of a clamping force generated by an elastic deformation of the clamping projections.

[0048] In this way an efficient, simple, reliable, removable fastening is achieved. This can be useful if, for example, fasteners that are covered by the cover plate need to be made accessible again. For example, during maintenance and / or adjustment of the hinge.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided, whereby:

[0050] - at least one hinge body contains two or more fixing openings; and

[0051] - the two or more clamping projections of the respective mounting plate are configured to be inserted into the two or more corresponding mounting openings of the hinge body when attaching the cover plate mounted on the mounting plate to the hinge body.

[0052] In this way, an efficient mounting is achieved, whereby the mounting plate is correctly aligned with respect to the hinge body.

[0053] According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided, wherein the respective cover plate comprises two or more cover projections configured to be cooperatively inserted with the two or more clamping projections of the mounting plate mounted on the cover plate into the two or more corresponding mounting openings of the hinge body upon mounting of the cover plate mounted on the mounting plate to the hinge body. In this way, the positioning and alignment of the cover plate in relation to the mounting plate and subsequently also the hinge body is efficiently achieved.

[0054] According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided, whereby the mounting plate and the cover plate are configured such that the covering projections at least partially rest against the clamping projections in the mounted position.

[0055] In this way, the alignment and positioning of the mounting plate and the cover plate is supported. The clamping effect of the clamping projections is also promoted by the adjacent covering projections, which also cover the clamping projections made of the other material and hide them from view. Finally, this optionally also allows clamping of the cover plate to the mounting plate.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided, whereby the mounting plate comprises a respective guide opening at the two or more clamping projections, configured to position the covering projections adjacent to the clamping projections when the cover plate is applied to the mounting plate.

[0057] In this way, the alignment and positioning of the clamping protrusions in relation to the cover plate is achieved in a simple and efficient manner.

[0058] According to one embodiment, a hinge assembly is provided whereby the guide openings are made as the openings formed when the clamping projections are folded from a flat metal sheet for forming the mounting plate so that they protrude with respect to a side of the mounting plate facing the hinge body.

[0059] In this way the guide openings are made in a simple manner

[0060] According to a second aspect, there is provided a hinge comprising at least one hinge assembly according to the first aspect, whereby the hinge will be of the following type:

[0061] - a concealed hinge;

[0062] - an invisible hinge.

[0063] This allows such a type of hinge to be given a uniform appearance by finishing it with cover plates in a similar material to the materials of the hinge body. According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a hinge assembly according to the first aspect, whereby the method comprises the following steps:

[0064] - providing at least one hinge body, at least one cover plate, and at least one mounting plate; and

[0065] - attaching the mounting plate to a corresponding cover plate.

[0066] In this way, the hinge assembly can be manufactured in a simple manner, with the visible materials of the hinge having a higher degree of uniformity. Manufactured also comprises attaching the hinge assembly.

[0067] According to an embodiment, a method is provided, whereby the method comprises the following step:

[0068] - clamping the mounting plate to the hinge body by two or more clamping projections when attaching the respective cover plate to the hinge body.

[0069] This allows the mounting plates and the cover plates attached to them to be attached efficiently and easily.

[0070] According to an embodiment, a method is provided, whereby the method comprises the following steps:

[0071] - providing the respective cover plate with two or more covering projections, whereby the mounting plate and the cover plate will be configured such that the covering projections rest at least partially against the clamping projections in the mounted position;

[0072] - providing the mounting plate with a respective guide opening at the height of the two or more clamping projections; and

[0073] - positioning the covering projections near the clamping projections by means of the guide openings when fitting the cover plate to the mounting plate.

[0074] This allows the elements of the hinge assembly to be reliably positioned and fixed correctly.

[0075] According to one embodiment, a method is provided whereby the guide openings are made as the openings formed when the clamping projections are folded from a flat metal sheet for forming the mounting plate so that they protrude with respect to a side of the mounting plate facing the hinge body.

[0076] This allows the guide openings to be produced in a simple and efficient manner.

[0077] It is understood that further variations and combinations of the aspects and / or embodiments described herein are possible without departing from the scope of protection as determined by the claims. In particular, embodiments of one aspect having similar features to the embodiments of another aspect.

[0078] Short Figure Description

[0079] By way of example, some embodiments will be shown in the Figures, in which:

[0080] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly with cover plates;

[0081] - Figure 2 shows schematically a fragment of a cross-section according to line II-II in Figure 1;

[0082] - Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a perspective view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly similar to that in Figure 1;

[0083] - Figure 4 shows a view according to arrow IV in Figure 3;

[0084] - Figure 5 shows a view according to arrow V in Figure 3;

[0085] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting plate similar to that in Figures 1 to 5;

[0086] - Figure 7 shows a view according to arrow VII in Figure 6;

[0087] - Figure 8 shows a cross-section according to line VIII- VIII in Figure 7;

[0088] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting plate similar to that in Figures 1 to 5;

[0089] - Figure 10 shows a view according to arrow X in Figure 9; and

[0090] - Figure 11 shows a view according to arrow XI in Figure 9.

[0091] Disclosure

[0092] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a hinge assembly 10. The embodiment of the hinge assembly 10 shown comprises a so-called hidden or invisible hinge 1, or in other words a hinge 1 which is no longer visible when the element, such as a door, window, hatch, lid, ... to which it is mounted is in a closed position. However, it is clear that alternative embodiments are possible whereby the hinge assembly 10 comprises any other suitable type of hinge, which is rotatable about one or more axes for rotatably mounting parts such as a door, window, hatch, lid, etc.

[0093] As can be seen, the embodiment of the hinge assembly 10 comprises two hinge bodies 20. According to an example, one hinge body 20 may be inserted into one side of a door, for example. The other hinge body 20 can be inserted, for example, into the opposite door fitting or wall to which the door is to be rotatably attached. As further shown, the hinge assembly 10 is shown in an unfolded position, whereby the components of the hinge assembly 10 are the best visible. This state can be reached, for example, when the door is open. The parts shown which are responsible for the attachment and the hinge action of the hinge assembly 10 are generally known to those skilled in the art, and concern a plurality of hinge arms which are attached to each other and to the hinge bodies 20 by means of a plurality of hinge pins. As known to a person skilled in the art, for example from EP3173560 or DE202014102793U, the hinge arms and the hinge pins are configured such that in the folded state of the hinge assembly 10 they are at least partially located inside the hinge bodies 20. As a result, no visible parts of the hinge assembly are visible from the outside in this condition, which is why this type of hinge assembly 10 is referred to as an invisible or concealed hinge. However, it is clear that alternative embodiments are possible of the hinge assembly as for example known from DEI 9728641, whereby for example the hinge bodies 20 are shaped as two hinge blades that are hingably attached to each other by means of a hinging axis, for example in the shape of a hinge pin. However, it is clear that many further embodiments are possible.

[0094] As further seen, the embodiment of the hinge assembly 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises two hinge bodies 20, each provided with two cover plates. In other words, the illustrated embodiment of the hinge assembly 10 comprises two hinge bodies 20 and four cover plates 30. However, it is understood that variant embodiments are possible with any suitable number of hinge bodies 20 and any suitable number of cover plates 30. In other words, embodiments of a hinge assembly 10 are possible that comprise at least one hinge body 20 and at least one cover plate 30. As further visible in Figure 2, which shows a partial cross-section according to line II-II in Figure 1, the hinge assembly 10 further comprises a mounting plate 40 which is respectively attached to a corresponding cover plate 30. According to the embodiment shown, each cover plate 30 comprises such a mounting plate 40. According to this embodiment, a similar section through the other mounting plates 40 shown in Figure 1 would therefore produce a similar view to Figure 2. However, it is clear that variant embodiments are possible whereby the hinge assembly 10 comprises any suitable number of mounting plates 40, and whereby not necessarily all cover plates 30 have such a mounting plate 40 attached, as long as the hinge assembly 10 comprises at least one mounting plate 40 which is attached to a corresponding cover plate 30 respectively.

[0095] As further seen in Figure 2, as well as in Figures 3 through Figure 6, the mounting plate 40 comprises two clamping projections 32. These two clamping projections 42 are configured to clamp the mounting plate 40 to the hinge body 20, as shown in Figure 2. In this way, the cover plate 30 attached to the mounting plate 40 is attached to the hinge body 20. Figure 2 shows the cover plate in the attached state, and it is thus clear that according to this embodiment, the two clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 are configured to clamp the mounting plate 40 to the hinge body 20 when attaching the respective cover plate 30 to the hinge body 20.

[0096] To support the clamping action of the two clamping projections 42, the tensile strength of at least these two projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 is higher than the tensile strength of the cover plate 30.

[0097] This also allows the cover plate 30 to be made from a material that better matches the material of the hinge body 20, which is often a cast metal. Examples of a suitable cast metal for the cover plate 30 are, for example, Zamak or another suitable metal alloy having a base metal of zinc and alloying elements of aluminum, magnesium and copper. This allows the appearance of the cover plate 30 to better match the appearance of the visible parts of the hinge body 20 and / or other parts of the hinge assembly 10 and also allows the cover plates 30 to be produced in a similar manner, so that the finishing treatment determining the appearance of the cover plates 30 can be identical to that for the hinge body 20 and / or other parts of the hinge assembly 10. However, it is clear that alternative embodiments are possible using another suitable metal and / or plastic as material for the cover plates 30, preferably with a tensile strength of the cover plate 30 being less than 380 MPa. Examples of such alternative materials are, for example, a suitable plastic, a plastic coated with a suitable coating, etc.

[0098] Preferably, at least the clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 comprise or consist of spring steel. However, it is clear that alternative embodiments are possible whereby another suitable metal, such as steel, sheet steel, etc., or plastic, such as POM or Polyoxymethylene, PVC or Polyvinylchloride, PA or Polyamide, PBT or Polybutylene terephthalate, etc., is used for at least the clamping protrusions 42 of the mounting plate 40, whereby preferably the tensile strength of at least the clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 is greater than or equal to 400 MPa. It is understood that alternative embodiments are possible, in which the tensile strength of at least the clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 is preferably greater than or equal to 500 MPa, for example greater than or equal to 600 MPa.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown, the mounting plates 40 are designed as one-piece elements. In other words, the other parts of the cover plates 30 than the clamping projections 42 also contain or consist of the same material, such as for example spring steel, or another suitable spring material with preferably a tensile strength greater than or equal to 400 MPa, preferably greater than or equal to 500 MPa, for example greater than or equal to 600 MPa. However, it is clear that alternative embodiments are possible in which the mounting plates 40 comprise multiple parts and / or a combination of different materials. Thereby it is clear that according to the embodiment shown, the mounting plates 40 and one-piece elements are made of a plate-shaped material with a constant or almost constant thickness.

[0100] It is also clear that numerous alternative embodiments are possible whereby the tensile strength of at least the projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 is higher than the tensile strength of the cover plate 30. Preferably the tensile strength of at least the clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, for example at least 20% greater than the tensile strength of the cover plate 30. According to the embodiment shown, the cover plates 30 are also one-piece elements that contain or consist of the same material. However, it is clear that alternative embodiments are possible in which the mounting plates 30 comprise multiple parts and / or a combination of different materials.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown, the cover plates 30 are connected to their corresponding mounting plate 40 by means of an adhesive connection. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible using any other suitable connection between the mounting plate 40 and the cover plate 30. This could be a permanent connection such as a glued connection, a welded connection, etc. or a releasable connection such as a clamping connection or a connection with one or more connecting elements such as a screw connection, a bolt connection, etc.

[0102] According to the embodiment shown, the mounting plate 40 is made of a plate-shaped material such as spring steel, the thickness of which is less than or equal to 0.5 mm, for example 0.4 mm. This allows good flexibility and sufficient clamping capacity of the clamping protrusions 42. The thickness of the cover plate 30 is higher and is for example higher than 1.5 mm, for example 1.6 mm. This allows for a sturdy and robust cover plate 30, which can also be attached efficiently and easily. However, it is clear that alternative embodiments are possible, whereby the thickness of the material of at least the clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 is less than or equal to 0.8 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.6 mm; and / or whereby the thickness of the material of the cover plate 30 is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.2 mm.

[0103] It is clear that for alternative embodiments other suitable values for the thicknesses are possible, whereby preferably the thickness of the material of at least the clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 is at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, for example at least 50% lower than the thickness of the material of the cover plate 30. Further alternative embodiments are also possible, in which the thickness of the material of at least the clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 is preferably lower than the thickness of the material of the cover plate 30. However, it is clear that further embodiments whereby the thickness of the material of at least the clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 is equal to or almost equal to, or higher than, the thickness of the material of the cover plate 30 are also possible.

[0104] As shown in Figure 3, the hinge body 10 according to the embodiment shown comprises two mounting openings 22. In other words, according to this embodiment, for the first mounting plate 40 there are two mounting openings 22 and for the second mounting plate 40 there are also two mounting openings 22. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible utilizing any other suitable number of mounting openings 22. According to the embodiment shown, it is clear that, as shown in Figure 2, the two clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 are configured to be inserted into the two mounting openings 22 of the hinge body 20 when attaching the cover plate 20 mounted on the mounting plate 40 to the hinge body 20. In other words, when the mounting plate 40 is moved from the state shown in Figure 3 towards the hinge body 20 along the height direction H, the two clamping projections 42 can penetrate into these openings 22. It is also further understood that when the mounting plate 40 has reached the secured state as shown in Figure 2, the clamping projections 42 clamp the mounting plate 40, as well as the cover plate 30 secured to this mounting plate 40, to the hinge body 10.

[0105] As can be seen in the Figures, the hinge body 20 of the hinge assembly 10 extends along a longitudinal direction L, which often, in the mounted state, for example in a wall or a door, etc., corresponds to the vertical direction or nearly the vertical direction. Perpendicular to this longitudinal direction L is the so-called width direction B of the hinge body. As can be seen, the upper surface 36 of the cover plates 30, when attached, extends or almost extends along the plane defined by the length direction L and the width direction B(W). Transverse to this plane, as can be seen, there is also a depth direction D which corresponds to the direction in which the hinge body 20 at least partially penetrates a corresponding opening or slot in the element 2 to which the hinge is attached, such as the wall, door, etc. This is schematically shown in Figure 2, which shows a cross-section of a fragment of the hinge body 20 in a fixed position in such an element 2.

[0106] It is thus clear that, as shown in Figure 3, the embodiment of the hinge body 20 comprises two mounting openings 22 for the first mounting plate 40 on a first side along the longitudinal direction L and also comprises two mounting openings 22 for a second mounting plate 40 on the opposite side along the longitudinal direction L. As can be seen, in the embodiment shown the hinge body 20 optionally comprises further openings, such as for example the screw mounting openings 24, also on either side of the hinge body 20. These screw mounting openings 24 are configured to cooperate with, for example, screw means (not shown) for attaching the hinge body 20 to the element 2, such as a wall, door, etc. As shown in Figure 1, the cover plates 30 ensure that these screw means, such as a screw, a bolt, etc., are covered and no longer visible. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible having any other suitable number of mounting holes 22 and / or any other suitable number of screw mounting holes 24.

[0107] Figure 3, Figure 6 and Figure 8 show the clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 in the unfastened state. As can be seen, the distance 42D between the two opposing clamping projections 42 is, in this relaxed state, smaller than in the tensioned, secured state shown in Figure 2. It is understood that this will exert a clamping action on the clamping projections 42, causing the mounting plate 40 to be clamped to the hinge body 20 at least at the height of the mounting openings 22. It is understood that this also clamps the cover plate 30 attached to the mounting plate 40 to the hinge body. It is understood that, as shown, such a clamping attachment allows the cover plate 30 to be attached in a simple, quick and reliable manner in a removable manner.

[0108] It is clear that alternative embodiments are possible in which the mounting plate 40, also known as the mounting plate, is also attached to the hinge body by means of a clamping force generated by an elastic deformation of the clamping projections 42. For example, embodiments are possible in which the clamping projections 42 clamp the outer wall of the hinge body 20, instead of being inserted into openings 22. It is understood that the distance 42D between the two or more clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 in an unattached state is smaller than in an attached state whereby the mounting plate 40 is attached to the hinge body 20 by means of a clamping force generated by an elastic deformation of the clamping projections 42.

[0109] It is further clear that the clamping projections 42 extend in the depth direction beyond the bottom 44 of the mounting plate 40, or in other words, the end of the mounting plate 40 facing the hinge body 20 and which is opposite the top 46 of the mounting plate 40. It is further understood that in the attached condition as shown in Figure 2, the top 46 of the mounting plate 40 is attached to the bottom 34 of the cover plate 30 and that the mounting plate 40 comprises, on the opposite side, a top or upper surface 36. It is further understood that according to the embodiment shown, in the attached state as shown in Figure 2, the underside 44 of the mounting plate 40 rests at least partially against an upper surface 26 of the hinge body 20.

[0110] It is understood that the reference to top or bottom in the context of this description refers to the orientation as shown, for example, in Figure 2 and is in no way limiting when the hinge assembly 10 is in a different orientation. In this context, above means less deep along the depth direction D than below.

[0111] As seen in Figure 2, Figure 4 and Figure 5, as well as in more detail in the views of the cover plate 30 in Figure 9, Figure 10 and Figure 11, the illustrated embodiment of the cover plate 30 comprises two covering projections 32. As shown in Figure 2, the covering projections 32 together with the two clamping projections 42 of the mounting plate 40 mounted on the cover plate 30 are inserted into the two corresponding mounting openings 22 of the hinge body 20 when mounting the cover plate 30 mounted on the mounting plate 40 to the hinge body 20. It is understood that alternative embodiments are also possible here with another suitable number of covering projections 32, preferably corresponding to the corresponding number of clamping projections 42 and / or mounting openings 22, such as for example one, three, four, five, etc . It is also clear that alternative embodiments of the cover plate 30 without covering projections 32 are possible.

[0112] As shown for example, the covering projections 32 at least partially abut against the clamping projections 42 in the attached state. This can support the clamping action of the clamping projections 42 in the attached state. Furthermore, it also allows the mounting plate 40 and the cover plate 30 to be neatly aligned with each other when fitted together. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, it also allows a clamping connection between the mounting plate 40 and the cover plate 30, which can independently and / or in combination with other connecting means connect the mounting plate 40 to the cover plate 30. As further seen in Figure 6, for example, guide openings 48 were made as the openings created when folding the clamping projections 42 from a flat metal sheet to form the mounting plate 40 so that they protrude with respect to a side 44 of the mounting plate 40 facing the hinge body 20. It is understood that alternative embodiments are possible, whereby such guide openings 48 are provided in the mounting plate 40 in any other suitable manner. It is understood that alternative embodiments are also possible in which any other suitable number of guide openings 48 is provided, such as three, four, five, etc. In such embodiments, the mounting plate 40, as shown in Figure 6, comprises a respective guide opening 48 at the level of the two clamping projections 42. It is understood, as seen for example in Figure 2, that the guide openings 48 position the cover projections 32 adjacent the clamping projections 42 when mounting the cover plate 30 onto the mounting plate 40. It is understood that these guide openings 48 cooperate with the covering projections 32 to align the cover plate 30 with respect to the mounting plate 40, both along the width direction B(W) and along the length direction L. The size and positioning of the guide openings 48 is namely such that the distance between the guide openings 48 corresponds or nearly corresponds to the distance between the covering projections 32. Furthermore, the length of the guide openings 48 along the longitudinal direction L preferably corresponds or nearly corresponds to the length of the covering projections 32. It is understood that in this manner, in the mounted condition as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the cover plate 30 is aligned with the mounting plate 40. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible in which the guide openings 48 and the cover projections 32 have any suitable shape and / or positioning that promotes alignment of the cover plate 30 with the mounting plate 40.

[0113] It is clear that according to the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, the guide openings 48 are made like the openings that are created when folding the clamping projections 42 from a flat metal plate. In this manner, the mounting plate 40 is formed with the clamping projections 42 projecting relative to a side 44 of the mounting plate 40 facing the hinge body 20, or in other words the underside 44 of the mounting plate 40. It is clear that in the embodiment shown, before folding the clamping projections 42 on either side along the longitudinal direction L relative to the clamping projections 42, a cut is provided to form the edges of the clamping projection 42. According to the embodiment shown, the positioning of the covering projections 32 near the clamping projections 42 is therefore achieved by means of the guide openings 48 when fitting the cover plate 30 onto the mounting plate 40. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible in which the clamping projections 42 are formed and / or arranged on the mounting plate 40 in any suitable manner.

[0114] It is clear that according to such an embodiment the clamping projections 42 are folded so that after plastic deformation they remain in a position where they protrude from the metal plate forming the fixing plate. In addition, as shown for example in Figure 8, the illustrated embodiment of the clamping projections 42 is formed in such a way that at the extreme end of the clamping projections 42 a widening part is present, whereby the distance between the clamping projections 42 increases according to the depth direction D, so that when the clamping projections 42 are inserted into the mounting openings 22, the clamping projections move outwards. As can be seen further, the clamping projections 42 adjacent thereto, closer to the plate-shaped body of the mounting plate 40, also contain a narrowing part, whereby the distance between the clamping projections 42 decreases according to the depth direction D in order to support the clamping action of the clamping projections 42 after insertion into the mounting openings 22. However, it is apparent that alternative embodiments having other suitable shapes for the clamping projections 42 are possible.

[0115] It is further understood, as described above, that as shown the mounting plate 40 is clamped to the hinge body 20 by the two clamping projections 42 upon attachment of the cover plate 30 to the hinge body 20. However, it is clear that such a clamping connection for the removable fixing of the mounting plate can also be realized with another suitable number of clamping projections 42, such as three, four, five or more.

[0116] Still further alternative embodiments for manufacturing a hinge assembly 10 similar to that described above are possible, in which at least one hinge body 20, at least one cover plate 30, and at least one mounting plate 40 are provided, and in which the mounting plate 40 is attached to a corresponding cover plate 30.

[0117] It is understood that this specification is not limited to the specific systems and methods or combinations described, as such systems and methods and combinations may of course vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, as the scope of protection will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0118] As used in this document, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0119] The terms “contains”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “comprises”, “comprising” as used herein are synonyms of “including”, and are inclusive or undefined and do not exclude additional, unnamed parts, elements or steps in the methods.

[0120] As used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” or “essentially,” when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a time period, or the like, is intended to include variations of + / - 10% or less, preferably + / - 5% or less, more preferably + / - 1% or less, and even more preferably + / - 0.1% or less of and from the specified value, to the extent that the variations are suitable for working in the disclosed invention. It should be clear that the value to which the modifier “nearly”, “about”, “approximately”, or “substantially” refers is itself also specifically, and preferably, disclosed.

[0121] While the terms “one or more” or “at least one”, such as one or more or at least one element(s) of a group of elements, are clear per se, it is clarified by way of further explanation that the term includes, inter alia, a reference to any one of the listed elements, or to any two or more of the listed elements, such as, e.g., any > 3, > 4, > 5, > 6 or > 7, etc. of the listed elements, and up to and including all of the listed members.

[0122] When reference is made in this description to the material Zamak, this refers to the zinc alloy known to those skilled in the art, such as that known from the following European standards: EN1774 or EN12844, US standards: ASTM B240 or ASTM B86, or international standard: ISO 301. For example, Zamak can refer to any of the following materials referenced in the table below:

[0123] Zamak 4 is only used in Asia and contains the following alloying elements and / or impurities according to the standard below:

[0124] When reference is made in the description to spring steel, this refers to the types of steel known to those skilled in the art that are used in the manufacture of various products, including springs and the like. These steels are generally so-called low-alloy steels with nickel or manganese and a relatively high carbon content, e.g. 0.80-0.95% carbon, with a so-called high tensile strength, e.g. greater than or equal to 400 MPa, preferably greater than or equal to 500 MPa, e.g. greater than or equal to 600MPa . As a result, as is known, objects made of spring steel or coiled steel can return to their original shape despite significant deflection or twisting, in other words without or with limited permanent deformation.

[0125] For example, spring steel can refer to any of the following materials referenced in the table below:

[0126] The SAE steel grade system is a standard alloy numbering system (SAE JI 086 - Numbering of Metals and Alloys) for steel grades, maintained by SAE International.

[0127] The ASTM steel grade system is a standard maintained by ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials. This is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary technical consensus standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems and services.

[0128] In the context of this description, the tensile strength of a material is referred to as a measure known to those skilled in the art to classify the mechanical properties of a material. In practice, this often refers to the yield strength of the material, also known as the 0.2% yield point or Rp 0.2 of the material. This yield point, also known as the 0.2% yield point or simply the yield point, is a material constant determined by the mechanical stress at the point when, in addition to the elastic strain determined by the modulus of elasticity, an additional strain of 0.2% occurs.

[0129] It is understood that further variations and combinations of the aspects and / or embodiments described herein are possible without departing from the scope of protection as determined by the claims.

[0130] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant technical field.

[0131] This document defines several aspects in more detail. Any aspect thus defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects, unless the contrary is clearly indicated. In particular, each feature may be combined with any other possible feature or features, in particular also with features of other aspects.

[0132] Reference in this document to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, references to the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places in this document do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but they may. Furthermore, the specific features, structures or properties may be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant technical field, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein contain some but not other features included in other embodiments, it is understood that combinations of features from different embodiments fall within the scope of the claims and constitute different embodiments as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any possible combination.

[0133] In this document, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which, for illustrative purposes only, are shown illustrations of specific embodiments which may be put into practice. Reference numerals in brackets cited in the claims with reference to respective elements illustrate the elements by way of example only and are not intended to limit the respective elements. Unless otherwise noted, all figures and drawings in this document are not to scale and have been chosen for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments. In particular, the dimensions of the various parts are given by way of illustration only and no relationship between the dimensions of the various parts should be inferred from the drawings unless otherwise indicated.

[0134] It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and that structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the claims. The following detailed description is therefore not to be construed in a limiting sense and the scope of protection is defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hinge assembly (10) comprising at least one hinge body (20) and at least one cover plate (30), CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT the hinge assembly (10) further comprises at least one mounting plate (40) respectively mounted to a corresponding cover plate (30) and comprising two or more clamping projections (42) configured to clamp the mounting plate (40) to the hinge body (20) upon attachment of the respective cover plate (30) to the hinge body (20), and whereby:- the tensile strength of the material of at least the clamping projections (42) of the mounting plate (40) is higher than the tensile strength of the material of the cover plate (30); and / or- the thickness of the material of at least the clamping projections (42) of the mounting plate (40) is less than the thickness of the material of the cover plate (30).

2. A hinge assembly according to claim 1, whereby:- Preferably the tensile strength of at least the clamping projections (42) of the mounting plate (40) is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, for example at least 20% greater than the tensile strength of the cover plate (30);- the tensile strength of at least the clamping projections (42) of the mounting plate (40) is greater than or equal to 400 MPa, preferably greater than or equal to 500 MPa, for example greater than or equal to 600 MPa;- the tensile strength of the cover plate (30) is less than 380 MPa;- the thickness of the material of at least the clamping projections (42) of the mounting plate (40) is at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, for example at least 50% lower than the thickness of the material of the cover plate (30);- the thickness of the material of at least the clamping projections (42) of the mounting plate (40) is less than or equal to 0.8 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.6 mm, for example less than or equal to 0.5 mm; and / or- the thickness of the cover plate (30) material is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.2 mm, for example greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

3. A hinge assembly according to claim 1 or 2, whereby:- at least the clamping projections (42) of the mounting plate (40) contain or consist of one or more of the following materials:- steel;- sheet steel;- spring steel;- plastic;- POM or Polyoxymethylene;- PVC or Polyvinylchloride;- PA or Polyamide;- PBT or Polybutylene terephthalate; and / or- the cover plate (30) contains or consists of one or more of the following materials:- a cast metal;- a metal alloy having a base metal of zinc and alloying elements of aluminum, magnesium and copper;- Zamak;- plastic;- a plastic material coated with a coating.

4. A hinge assembly according to one or more of the foregoing claims, whereby:- the one or more cover plates (30) are one-piece elements respectively;- the one or more mounting plates (40) are one-piece elements respectively; and / or- the one or more mounting plates (40) or one-piece elements are made of a sheet-shaped material with a constant or almost constant thickness.

5. A hinge assembly according to any one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the cover plate (30) is connected to a corresponding mounting plate (40) by means of:- a permanent connection;- a glued connection;- a detachable connection;- a clamping connection; and / or- one or more connecting elements.

6. A hinge assembly according to one or more of the foregoing claims, whereby the distance (42D) between the two or more clamping projections (42) of the mounting plate (40) in an unattached state is smaller than in an attached state whereby the mounting plate (40) is attached to the hinge body (20) by means of a clamping force generated by an elastic deformation of the clamping projections (42).

7. A hinge assembly according to one or more of the foregoing claims, whereby:- at least one hinge body (20) contains two or more fixing openings (22); and- the two or more clamping projections (42) of the respective mounting plate (40) are configured to be inserted into the two or more corresponding mounting openings (22) of the hinge body (20) when attaching the cover plate (30) mounted on the mounting plate (40) to the hinge body (20).

8. A hinge assembly according to claim 7, whereby the respective cover plate (30) comprises two or more cover projections (32) configured to be cooperatively inserted with the two or more clamping projections (42) of the mounting plate (40) mounted on the cover plate (30) into the two or more corresponding mounting openings (22) of the hinge body (20) upon mounting of the cover plate (30) mounted on the mounting plate (40) to the hinge body (20).

9. A hinge assembly according to claim 8, whereby the mounting plate (40) and the cover plate (30) are configured such that the covering projections (32) at least partially abut the clamping projections (42) in the secured position.

10. A hinge assembly according to claim 8 or 9, whereby the mounting plate (40) comprises a respective guide opening (48) at the two or more clamping projections (42), configured for positioning the covering projections (32) adjacent to the clamping projections (42) when fitting the cover plate (30) to the mounting plate (40).

11. A hinge assembly according to claim 10, whereby the guide openings (48) were made as the openings created when folding the clamping projections (42) from a flat metal sheet to form the mounting plate (40) so that they protrude with respect to a side (44) of the mounting plate (40) facing the hinge body (20).

12. A hinge (1) comprising at least one hinge assembly (10) according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the hinge (1) is of the following type:- a concealed hinge;- an invisible hinge.

13. A method of manufacturing a hinge assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, whereby the method comprises the steps of:- providing at least one hinge body (20), at least one cover plate (30), and at least one mounting plate (40); and- attaching the mounting plate (40) to a corresponding cover plate (30).

14. A method according to claim 13, whereby the method further comprises the step of:- clamping the mounting plate (40) to the hinge body (20) by two or more clamping projections (42) when attaching the respective cover plate (30) to the hinge body (20).

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, whereby the method further comprises the following steps:- providing the respective cover plate (30) with two or more covering projections (32), whereby the mounting plate (40) and the cover plate (30) are being configured such that the covering projections (32) rest at least partially against the clamping projections (32) in the mounted position;- providing the mounting plate (40) with a respective guide opening (48) at the height of the two or more clamping projections (42); and- positioning the covering projections (32) near the clamping projections (42) by means of the guide openings (48) when fitting the cover plate (30) to the mounting plate (40).

16. A method according to claim 15, whereby the guide openings (48) are made as the openings created when folding the clamping projections (42) from a flat metal sheet to form the mountingplate (40) so that they protrude with respect to a side (44) of the mounting plate (40) facing the hinge body (20).

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