Multi-joint hinge for movably connecting two bodies

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-joint hinge 100 for movably connecting a first body 10 to a second body 20, wherein a first connection element 110 for connecting to the first body 10, a second connection element 120 for connecting to the second body 20, at least three lever arms 140-143, and a plurality of film joints 150-156 are provided, wherein all film joints 150-156, lever arms 140-143; 240, and connection elements 110; 120 form a continuous, one-piece component. At least one of the connection elements 110; 120 has at least one adjustment device 121 for the position-variable alignment of the multi-joint hinge 100 on one of the two bodies 10; 20.

Description

[0001] Multi-joint hinge for movably connecting two bodies

[0002] The present invention relates to a multi-joint hinge for movably connecting two bodies according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Technological background

[0004] Hidden symbiotic relationships within our economic cycles can lead to significant environmental burdens. The symbiosis of concealed hinges and 19 mm particleboard is one such example. Both products are manufactured very cost-effectively and profitably on large-scale production lines that are often decades old. Although lightweight materials that are more easily recyclable than particleboard have long been available, there are hardly any furniture pieces on the market today with thin doors and wall thicknesses between 1 and 8 mm. The main reason for this is that flat-mounted, concealed multi-joint hinges, as required for thin materials, have a more complex design than concealed hinges. Metal multi-joint hinges with more than four pivot points are therefore significantly more expensive than concealed hinges with four pivot points, thus negating the cost advantages of the former (easier processing, reduced storage volume, transport, etc.).), which are inherent in thin and lightweight furniture doors. On the other hand, efforts to replace the hinge pins commonly used in metal hinges with more cost-effective plastic film hinges and to develop a multi-joint hinge with film hinges have not yet resulted in any successful products on the market. Significant potential savings from an environmental and sustainability perspective, estimated at approximately 2 million tons of particleboard per year, therefore currently remain untapped.

[0005] The prior art patent US 4236274 A discloses a 7-point hinge made of plastic, wherein film joints are used for individual pivot points, but at least one pivot point is designed as a hinge pin.

[0006] A disadvantage of this known solution is that the pivot point, designed as a hinge pin, is subject to mechanical wear, which reduces the stability and fatigue strength of the multi-joint hinge.

[0007] German patent application DE 4023467 A1 discloses a furniture hinge with a hinge cup recessed into the furniture door, wherein the hinge has one or four pivot points. To avoid pivot pins, the joints are designed as film hinges. Further hinges are disclosed in DE 102005059411 A1 and DE 10105996 A1.

[0008] A disadvantage of this well-known solution is that a hinge cup must be installed in the cabinet door. Such hinges are limited to use on cabinet doors with a thickness of at least 12 mm.

[0009] German patent application DE 202020101147 U1 discloses a one-piece or single-part seven-point hinge for mounting on furniture, wherein all pivot points are designed as film joints. The multi-joint hinge consists of several lever arms, with two lever arms having exactly three articulated film joints. The design of the seven-point hinge suggests manufacturing by continuous casting or an additive manufacturing process. The multi-joint hinge is attached directly to the furniture door and the furniture body by means of fasteners, for example, in the form of screws.

[0010] A disadvantage of this known solution is that the film hinges adjacent to the furniture carcass are a considerable distance from the front edge, and the multi-joint hinge resembles an acute triangle when closed. The resulting comparatively long lever arms and their mechanically unfavorable orientation relative to the furniture door lead to an unfavorable ratio of size / volume to load-bearing capacity. The multi-joint hinge described there is therefore unsuitable for a wide range of furniture flaps and doors.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of avoiding at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. It aims to create an improved multi-joint hinge with several film joints for the movable connection of two bodies, in particular for the movable connection of a furniture door to a furniture carcass, which is cost-effective to manufacture and allows for simple attachment of the multi-joint hinge to the two bodies.

[0013] This problem of the invention is solved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are set out in the figures and in the dependent claims.

[0014] A multi-joint hinge according to the invention for the movable connection of a first body to a second body comprises a first connecting element for connecting to the first body, a second connecting element for connecting to the second body, at least three lever arms, and a plurality of film joints. All film joints, lever arms, and connecting elements form a single, continuous component. At least one of the connecting elements has at least one adjustment device for positionally aligning the multi-joint hinge to one of the two bodies.

[0015] The multi-joint hinge presented here is cost-effective to manufacture and allows for easy connection of the hinge to the two components. This simple connection eliminates work steps, such as the currently common practice of drilling a cup hole in the cabinet door, resulting in secondary cost savings. In particular, the low manufacturing costs of the multi-joint hinge, along with these secondary savings, should lead to a calculated cost advantage when using thinner materials, paving the way for more sustainable, material- and weight-reduced furniture construction. As is common with metal hinges currently used in furniture construction, this improved multi-joint hinge allows for convenient installation and subsequent adjustment of the position of the two connected components within a range of a few millimeters.Finally, the multi-joint hinge meets regulatory requirements regarding safety and ensures that the two movably connected bodies remain connected even in the event of improper loading, which could lead to the breakage of components of the multi-joint hinge due to overloading. In particular, the hinge includes at least one adjustment mechanism, at least one guide mechanism, and at least one fixing mechanism. Such a multi-joint hinge simplifies the installation and alignment of the hinge on the components. For example, the multi-joint hinge connects a movable furniture part, such as a cabinet door, to a furniture carcass. It is also conceivable that the multi-joint hinge connects a device display to an interior wall of a vehicle, for example, in a spacecraft.Particularly for applications in furniture construction, at least one connecting element of the multi-joint hinge is preferably designed to be flat on the side facing the corresponding component to allow for easy connection of the multi-joint hinge to the component, e.g., by gluing, hooking, sliding, screwing, pressing, clamping, and / or clipping. This allows machining steps on the components, such as the currently common practice in the furniture industry of creating a cup bore in the furniture door or drilling screw holes, to be partially or completely eliminated.

[0016] The multi-joint hinge is preferably designed to control the movement of the interconnected bodies from a closed to an open state relative to each other. For example, at least one angle between the first and second connecting elements can be varied between 50° and 260°. Preferably, the film hinges of the multi-joint hinge are spaced apart from each other and have a joint axis. The joint axes of all film hinges are preferably aligned in one direction and parallel to each other.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the multi-joint hinge is designed as a 7-point hinge with exactly four lever arms and seven film joints. This improves the movement of the moving body when the multi-joint hinge is mounted and allows for concealed installation of the multi-joint hinge, which is particularly advantageous for furniture applications.

[0018] The connecting elements, film joints, and lever arms are advantageously integrated as a single piece. Preferably, the multi-joint hinge can be produced in just a few process steps, for example, by extruding a plastic through a die, using an injection molding process, or by an additive manufacturing process, such as 3D printing. Since the investment costs for tooling and production equipment are comparatively reduced, and the assembly of individual components is partially or completely eliminated, the multi-joint hinge can be manufactured relatively cost-effectively. Advantageously, the two movably connected bodies can be aligned relative to each other in at least one spatial direction, and especially in all three spatial directions, by means of at least one adjustment device on one or both of the connecting elements.Preferably, both connecting elements have adjustment devices, with at least one adjustment device enabling alignment in at least two or three spatial directions. For example, both connecting elements have an adjustment device that each allows alignment in two spatial directions. It is also advantageous if one or more adjustment devices allow alignment within a range of a few millimeters in each spatial direction. Alignment in three spatial directions is particularly advantageous for furniture manufacturing applications, as it significantly simplifies, for example, the adjustment of the relative position of a furniture door to the furniture carcass.

[0019] The at least one adjustment device comprises, in particular, at least one guide device and at least one fixing device, and, in conjunction with at least one further adjustment device, improves the positionally variable alignment of the multi-joint hinge. A guide device directs the multi-joint hinge, thus facilitating its alignment relative to the body. The fixing device is designed to detachably secure the position and orientation of the multi-joint hinge by means of a positive and / or force-fit connection with at least one further fixing device. Advantageously, a fixing device is designed in the form of grooves, slots, or notches. It is also conceivable that a fixing device is designed as a contact surface, which, to increase adhesion, may, for example, have a nub-like structure or barbs based on the principle of a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one adjustment device comprises a first guide device, which is configured, for example, as a flat surface, and at least one first fixing device, which is configured in the form of notches or grooves. In a modified embodiment, the at least one adjustment device further comprises a second guide device in the form of grooves parallel to and perpendicular to the flat surface. It is also conceivable that the at least one adjustment device has two guide devices in the form of elongated holes and that the first fixing device is configured as a roughened surface.

[0021] Preferably, at least one connecting element is detachably connectable to at least one mounting device, wherein the at least one mounting device is formed on or attached to one of the two bodies. The at least one mounting device is attached to one of the bodies, for example, by means of fasteners such as gluing, screwing, pressing, clamping, and / or clipping. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the at least one mounting device is an integral part of a body, particularly in the case of bodies obtained by injection molding. Advantageously, at least one connecting element is connectable to another mounting device without further fasteners, for example, by hooking, sliding, clamping, and / or clipping. It is also conceivable that at least one connecting element is connectable to at least one of the mounting devices by means of fasteners such as screws, pins, or rivets.

[0022] In particular, the at least one mounting device comprises at least one further adjustment device, which advantageously includes one or more further guide devices and at least one further fixing device. For the interaction of the adjustment devices located on the connecting element and the mounting device, it is advantageous that the guide and fixing devices are each paired together with regard to function, dimensions, and shape. In an advantageous embodiment, the further adjustment device comprises a further guide device, which is designed, for example, as a flat surface, and at least one further fixing device in the form of notches or grooves. In a modified variant, the further adjustment device additionally comprises a further guide device in the form of parallel grooves.It is also conceivable that the further adjustment device has a further fixing device in the form of a screw and that the shaft of the screw serves as a guide device.

[0023] Preferably, a first locking device is provided to allow the position and orientation of the connecting elements relative to each other to be detachably arranged in at least one position. For example, this enables a detachable arrangement of the multi-joint hinge in a semi-closed or closed state, which is particularly advantageous for applications in furniture construction, e.g., to achieve a gap-free closing of the furniture door to a furniture carcass. In particular, the first locking device is at least partially formed on a lever arm or between two lever arms.

[0024] Preferably, the first locking device comprises two spaced-apart supports and, in particular, at least one spring element, wherein the spaced-apart supports are either connected to the at least one spring element or in which the at least one spring element is movably mounted. The at least one spring element can, for example, be designed as a compression, arc, coil, or torsion spring, or as a curved beam. In general, the spring element has a lower stiffness than the lever arms of the multi-link hinge. However, it is also conceivable that the spring element has a higher stiffness than at least one lever arm. In particular, the first locking device is provided to allow the position and orientation of the connecting elements relative to each other to be releasably arranged in end positions.

[0025] Preferably, the distance between the two supports in the respective end positions of the multi-joint hinge is greater than in at least one intermediate position. This allows for a detachable arrangement of the multi-joint hinge in at least one position, particularly in the end positions. This enables locking in both a closed and an open state, which is advantageous, for example, for furniture in mobile living spaces such as caravans or yachts. Furthermore, the first locking mechanism serves to overcome any restoring forces caused by the shape memory of the film joints, which are particularly present during the first movement cycles after manufacturing, in order to ensure proper opening and closing of the multi-joint hinge.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking device comprises a spring element and two supports that, together with the multi-link hinge, form a single, e.g., integral component. The spring element is positioned between two lever arms and connected to both supports. In another advantageous embodiment, the spring element is connected to one support and movably mounted in the other. In both cases, the first locking device is comparatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture due to the elimination of additional components.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, the spring element is designed as a separate component and is detachably arranged in the supports. The spring element is attached, for example, by inserting the spring element, compressed or extended by an external force, into the supports. It is also conceivable that the spring element is attached by sliding it into the supports. Another attachment option is to first slide or insert the spring element into one of the supports and then snap it into the second support by applying an external force.

[0028] As a separate component, the spring element can be made of the same material as the multi-joint hinge or of a different material. The choice of material allows the spring element's behavior, in terms of maximum spring force and spring stiffness, to be precisely tailored to the application. Furthermore, the detachable design allows for subsequent replacement of the spring element. This is advantageous, for example, in furniture with varying door weights, enabling the response of the multi-joint hinge to be adjusted by selecting a softer or stiffer spring element. It is also conceivable that a spring element designed as a separate component could enable the multi-joint hinge to dampen particularly sudden opening or closing movements. This can be achieved, for example, through additional components on the spring element, utilizing standard motion damping mechanisms.

[0029] Preferably, a further locking device is provided. For example, a further locking device is designed in the form of a detent mechanism, consisting of a detent body and at least one detent notch. In particular, the first locking device and the further locking device can be combined. This allows, for example, a releasable fixation of the position and orientation of the two bodies relative to each other at defined angular intervals, e.g., in 10° increments.

[0030] Preferably, the multi-joint hinge has seven film hinges and four lever arms, wherein a first film hinge connects the first connecting element to a first lever arm, a second film hinge connects the first connecting element to a second lever arm, a third film hinge connects the first lever arm to a third lever arm, a fourth film hinge connects the second lever arm to the third lever arm, a fifth film hinge connects the third lever arm to the second connecting element, a sixth film hinge connects the second connecting element to a fourth lever arm, and a seventh film hinge connects the second lever arm to the fourth lever arm. Such a multi-joint hinge is characterized by a comparatively simple design without crossing lever arms and can be implemented entirely using film hinges, without hinge pins.In particular, a support is formed on the second and third lever arms, in which a spring element is attached or movably mounted.

[0031] Preferably, at least one lever arm with three articulated film joints is provided, wherein the film joints articulated to the lever arm form an obtuse triangle. This allows for a more compact design of the multi-link hinge compared to a linear arrangement of the three film joints articulated to the lever arm. Furthermore, this allows, for example, for a favorable orientation of the third lever arm relative to the second connecting element with regard to stability and load-bearing capacity.

[0032] Preferably, at least one of the lever arms and at least one of the connecting elements have at least an acute angle to each other, wherein the orientation of the at least one lever arm is determined by the imaginary auxiliary line between one of the film joints and another film joint. In an advantageous embodiment, the third lever arm and the second connecting element have at least an acute angle to each other, wherein the orientation of the third lever arm is determined by the imaginary auxiliary line between the third film joint and the fifth film joint. In the case of a multi-joint hinge with seven pivot points, which has neither a first nor a further locking device, this prevents, for example, the dead weight of the attached body from causing the hinge to shift.the furniture door, and / or an external, vertically downward force leads to an unwanted and disadvantageous opening movement away from a closed state, thus rendering the closed state mechanically unstable. The multi-joint hinge therefore exhibits comparatively increased stability and load-bearing capacity relative to its size and weight.

[0033] Preferably, the multi-joint hinge extends along a pivot axis of a film hinge over at least half the length of one of the lever arms. A greater extension is generally advantageous for the stability of the multi-joint hinge. For example, the length of the multi-joint hinge along a pivot axis of a film hinge is the length of the second lever arm or a multiple thereof. Very long extensions of the multi-joint hinge can be achieved, for example, using an extrusion process. Typical values ​​for the length of the second lever arm can vary between 3 mm and 200 mm, depending on the application, and range from 8 mm to 25 mm for furniture applications.

[0034] Preferably, the multi-joint hinge is made at least partially of plastic. This reduces the weight of the multi-joint hinge compared to typical metal hinges. In particular, the multi-joint hinge is made entirely of plastic. The single-material construction and the associated elimination of disassembly and sorting steps during recycling make the reuse of the raw materials comparatively easier. Preferably, the multi-joint hinge has at least a first and second plastic component. For example, the film joints are made of a first, soft and flexible plastic component (Shore hardness between 60 and 75), in particular polypropylene, and the lever arms are made of a second, hard and significantly stronger plastic component (Shore hardness typically greater than 70), for example, ABS or POM.The second plastic component contains a fiber content, for example, consisting of short, disordered glass or carbon fibers. This allows for the creation of a multi-joint hinge with torsionally rigid lever arms and elastic film joints, making it suitable for supporting comparatively high door weights and torques. For example, the multi-joint hinge, together with a first and a second locking mechanism, forms a single, integrated component.

[0035] Preferably, at least one lever arm is formed from at least two segments and has three articulated film joints. In particular, the multi-joint hinge comprises two lever arms formed from several segments with three articulated film joints. This allows the multi-joint hinge to be designed in such a way that it can be easily and repeatedly produced from a strip that connects at least the lever arms and lever arm segments by means of film joints. In an advantageous embodiment, the multi-joint hinge is formed by folding a strip whose ends are joined to themselves at defined positions. In particular, the strip comprises all lever arms and lever arm segments. For example, in addition to the lever arms and lever arm segments, the strip also partially or completely comprises the components of a first and / or second locking device.

[0036] Preferably, the multi-joint hinge is available via injection molding. In particular, a strip as described above is available via injection molding. This makes the production of a multi-joint hinge relatively inexpensive, even in small quantities. A further advantage is that such multi-joint hinges can be produced in different colors and / or customized materials relatively quickly and at low cost.

[0037] Preferably, such a strip has a flat surface, at least in sections. For example, several lever arms, film joints, and parts of a first and / or second locking device form a continuous, flat surface. Advantageously, the multi-joint hinge can thus be produced using a comparatively inexpensive injection mold with simple parting line. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the continuous, flat surface serves as a support surface for manufacturing in an additive, bed-based process, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), and that support structures are partially or completely eliminated. This makes the multi-joint hinge comparatively inexpensive to produce using additive manufacturing processes.

[0038] Preferably, at least one film hinge is reinforced with continuous fibers. In particular, all film hinges are reinforced with continuous fibers. For example, one or more film hinges are reinforced with continuous fibers made of glass, carbon, aramid, bamboo, or silk. In an advantageous embodiment, a continuous fiber-reinforced tape, which is, for example, self-adhesive, is applied across several film hinges to a strip obtained by injection molding or an additive manufacturing process, as described above. It is also conceivable that a continuous fiber tape, similar to an in-mold label, is inserted into the parting line of an injection mold and overmolded with plastic during the injection molding process.Advantageously, the continuous fiber tape reinforces the film joints and ensures that the movably connected bodies remain connected even in the event of improper loading, which can lead to the breakage of components of the multi-joint hinge due to overloading.

[0039] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] The list of reference numerals, like the technical content of the patent claims and figures, forms part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. Identical reference numerals denote identical components; reference numerals with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

[0041] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in the following figures.

[0042] Positional references, such as "top", "bottom", "right" or "left", refer to the corresponding representations and are not to be understood as restrictive.

[0043] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the accompanying description, this illustration and detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. It is understood that those skilled in the art may make modifications and adaptations without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the invention also includes embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above with regard to various aspects and / or embodiments. The invention also includes individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and / or are not mentioned above. Furthermore, the term "comprises" and derivatives thereof do not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and derivatives thereof do not exclude a plurality.The functions of several features listed in the claims can be fulfilled by a single unit. The terms "essentially," "approximately," "about," and the like, in conjunction with a property or value, define precisely that property or value. All reference numerals in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0044] Character description

[0045] The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. Identical reference symbols indicate identical components. They show

[0046] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of multi-joint hinges and mounting devices according to the invention, which movably connect a first body to a second body, in a perspective view.

[0047] Figure 2a shows the multi-joint hinge and the mounting device according to Fig. 1, in a further perspective view, wherein the mounting device is in the released state and adjustment devices for changing the position of the multi-joint hinge relative to the mounting device are visible.

[0048] Figure 2b shows the mounting device according to Fig. 2a, in a further detailed perspective view,

[0049] Figure 3a shows the multi-joint hinge according to Fig. 1, wherein the multi-joint hinge is in a closed position stabilized by the locking device, in a side view.

[0050] Figure 3b shows the multi-joint hinge according to Fig. 1, wherein the multi-joint hinge is in an open, unstable position, in a side view.

[0051] Figure 3c shows the multi-joint hinge according to Fig. 1, wherein the multi-joint hinge is in an open position stabilized by the locking device, in a side view,

[0052] Figure 4a shows a further embodiment of a multi-joint hinge according to the invention, in a perspective view.

[0053] Figure 4b shows the multi-joint hinge according to Fig. 4a in a sectional view along the section line shown in Fig. 4a.

[0054] Figure 4c shows the multi-joint hinge according to Fig. 4a as a strip obtained, for example, in an additive manufacturing process in a perspective view; Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a multi-joint hinge according to the invention and horizontally adjustable mounting devices on both bodies, in a perspective view.

[0055] Figure 6a shows a further embodiment of a multi-joint hinge according to the invention for the movable connection of two bodies with horizontally and vertically adjustable mounting devices on both bodies in a temporary intermediate position when inserting a second connecting element into a mounting device, in a perspective view.

[0056] Figure 6b shows the multi-joint hinge according to Fig. 6a as a strip obtained, for example, by injection molding, with a subsequently applied continuous fiber band in a perspective view.

[0057] Implementation of the invention

[0058] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first body 10, for example a 16 mm thick side panel of a furniture carcass, and a second body 20, for example a 3 mm thick furniture door, which are movably connected to each other by a set consisting of two multi-joint hinges 100 of a first embodiment of the invention. Mounting devices 700 are attached to the second body 20 by means of connecting elements, for example in the form of an adhesive layer (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the multi-joint hinges 100 and the mounting devices 700 are identical. The multi-joint hinges 100 are also attached to the first body 10 by means of connecting elements, for example in the form of an adhesive layer (not shown), and connected to the second body 20 by the mounting devices 700.The mounting devices 700 serve to detachably connect the multi-joint hinge 100 to the second body 20 and thus greatly simplify assembly.

[0059] Compared to metal hinges, which are often narrow and long, the multi-joint hinge 100 has a reciprocal form factor with an extended vertical dimension of, for example, 100 mm, while maintaining relatively compact dimensions. This results in an increased bending moment and thus comparatively higher stability and load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, it offers a slim appearance and reduces the loss of storage space due to the area occupied by the multi-joint hinge 100 when closed, which is particularly advantageous for connecting narrow furniture doors with widths between 200 and 400 mm.

[0060] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the multi-joint hinge 100 according to the invention and the mounting device 700 according to Figure 1 in a perspective view (a) and the mounting device 700 according to Figure 2a in a further detailed perspective view (b). The multi-link hinge 100 forms a profile body with a constant cross-section along the extension of a pivot axis 80. The multi-link hinge 100 comprises a first connecting element 110, a second connecting element 120, a first lever arm 140, a second lever arm 141, a third lever arm 142, a fourth lever arm 143, and a locking device 160. A first film joint 150 connects the first connecting element 110 to the first lever arm 140. A second film joint 151 connects the first connecting element to the second lever arm 141. A third film joint 152 connects the first lever arm 140 to the third lever arm 142.A fourth film joint 153 connects the second lever arm 141 to the third lever arm 142. A fifth film joint 154 connects the third lever arm 142 to the second connecting element 120. A sixth film joint 155 connects the second connecting element 120 to the fourth lever arm 143. A seventh film joint 156 connects the second lever arm 141 to the fourth lever arm 143.

[0061] The second connecting element 120 has a first adjusting device 121 for changing the horizontal and vertical position of the multi-joint hinge 100 relative to the mounting device 700. This adjusting device comprises a first guide device 122 designed as a flat surface for horizontal adjustment, a second guide device 123 designed in the form of vertical grooves for vertical adjustment, and a fixing device 124 also designed in the form of vertical grooves. The second guide device 123 is located behind the fixing device 124, as can be seen in Figure 3.

[0062] The mounting device 700 is shown in the detached state and reveals a mounting plate 701, which is movably connected to a fixing plate 702 by a film hinge 703, two locking cams 704, and a suspension device 710. A further adjustment device 720 is formed on the mounting device 700, comprising further guide elements 721, 722, and a further fixing device 723. The suspension device 710 at least partially encloses the second connecting element 120 in its upper part and enables the mounting device 700 to be suspended on the multi-joint hinge 100.

[0063] The suspension device 710 can be moved a few millimeters relative to the mounting plate 701 along the further guide device 721, which is designed as an inclined plane, thus enabling the vertical adjustment of the position of the multi-joint hinge 100 relative to the mounting device 700. Furthermore, the suspension device, together with the mounting plate 701, can be moved a few millimeters along and relative to the guide device 122, thus enabling the horizontal adjustment of the position of the multi-joint hinge 100 relative to the mounting device 700. The grooves of the second guide device 123 facilitate the separate execution of horizontal and vertical adjustments of the position.

[0064] In the closed state of the mounting device 700, as shown in Figure 1, the fixing devices 124, 723 interlock and fix the relative positions of the adjusting devices 121, 720. This also fixes the position of the multi-joint hinge 100 relative to the mounting device 700. Interacting grooves in the closed state are coordinated with each other in terms of shape and dimensions and advantageously result in a positive and non-positive locking action. In the closed state of the mounting device 700, the locking cams 704 engage in grooves formed on the side of the mounting plate 701 facing the second body 20 and releasably hold the fixing plate 702 in the closed state.

[0065] The mounting device 700 allows the position of the multi-joint hinge 100 relative to the mounting device 700 to be subsequently changed by loosening the fixing plate 702. This allows the position and orientation of the second body 20 relative to the first body 10 to be changed in two spatial directions, particularly without tools. In the case of a furniture application, as exemplified in Figure 1, the joint pattern, i.e., the alignment of the furniture door relative to the furniture carcass, can thus be adjusted. For assembly, the multi-joint hinge 100 is advantageously attached to the first body 10 and the mounting device 700 to the second body 20 in a first step. The mounting device 700 can then be connected to the multi-joint hinge 100 relatively easily by hooking the mounting device 710 onto the connecting element 120, its position can be adjusted, and it can be fixed in place by closing the fixing plate 702.

[0066] Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the multi-link hinge 100 according to Figures 1 and 2, in which the multi-link hinge 100 is in a closed position (a), in an open, unstable position (b), and in a wide open position (c). The position of the multi-link hinge 100 is indicated in each case by the angle 40° between the first connecting element 110 and the second connecting element 120. The adjusting device 121 with the guide elements 122, 123, and the fixing device 124 is visible on the second connecting element 120.

[0067] The multi-joint hinge 100 has a locking device 160, which comprises a spring element 161 and two spaced-apart supports 162, 163. The multi-joint hinge 100 and the locking device 160 form a single, integral component. The distance between the two supports 162, 163 is smaller in the open, unstable position (b) than in the closed (a) and wide-open positions (c). The spring element 161, designed as a curved beam, bends more as the distance between the two supports 162, 163 decreases, causing the multi-joint hinge 100 to have two stable positions. This results in a releasable locking of the multi-joint hinge 100 in two end positions. The third lever arm 142 is designed in such a way as not to impede the bending movement of the spring element 161 and to connect the three articulated film joints 152, 153, 154 in the form of an obtuse triangle 60.It is important that the third lever arm 142, whose orientation is indicated by the line 30, forms an acute angle 50 with the second connecting element 120 in every angular position 40 of the multi-link hinge 100. The arrangement of the film hinges 152, 153, 154 in the triangular shape 60 shown results in a compact design for the multi-link hinge 100, which, due to the acute angle 50, also exhibits high stability and load-bearing capacity, particularly against forces acting vertically downwards. The acute angle 50, for example, prevents the weight of the second body 20 from inducing an opening movement of the multi-link hinge 100 away from a closed state, thus preventing the closed state from being mechanically unstable.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a multi-joint hinge 200 according to the invention in a perspective view (a), in a sectional view along the indicated section line 70 (b), and in a perspective view of the multi-joint hinge 200 as a prefabricated strip 201, obtained, for example, by an additive manufacturing process (c). The multi-joint hinge 200 is formed by folding the strip 201 and connecting its ends to itself at defined positions. The multi-joint hinge 200 comprises a first and a second connecting element 210, 220 and four lever arms 240-243, which are connected by seven film joints 250-256 similar to the multi-joint hinge 100 according to Figure 2, as well as a locking device 260.

[0069] The connecting elements 210, 220 have adjustment devices 211, 221, in particular for subsequently changing the position of the multi-joint hinge 200 relative to a mounting device. The adjustment devices 211, 221 each comprise

[0070] Guide elements 213, 223 in the form of flat surfaces and fixing elements 214, 224, which are designed in the form of notches. The film joints 252, 253, 254, which are articulated to the lever arm 242, form an obtuse triangle, and the orientation of the lever arm 242 forms an acute angle with the connecting element 220, similar to the multi-link hinge 100. The locking device 260 comprises a spring element 261 and two supports 262, 263 and forms a continuous, integral component with the multi-link hinge 200. The spring element 261 is directly connected to the support 262 at one end, while the other end is movably mounted in the support 263. The operating principle of the locking device 260 corresponds in principle to that of the locking device 160 according to Figure 3. It is important to note that the lever arm 241 consists of the sections 246, 247 and the lever arm 242 of the sections 248, 249. The two sections 247, 248 form, as it were, the ends of the strip 201.The sections 246, 247 and 248, 249 can each be connected to one another by snap connections, each comprising a fixing groove 271, 273 and a fixing notch 272, 274. Optionally, the connection of the sections 246–249 at the joints can be further reinforced by individual adhesive points or an adhesive layer. The strip 201 has a smooth and continuous underside and can be produced relatively cost-effectively, particularly using additive manufacturing processes, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), or injection molding.

[0071] The snap connections allow the strip 201 to be folded and connected to itself into a functional multi-joint hinge 200 immediately before being attached to a body 10, 20, even by untrained persons, such as end consumers, without the aid of tools or fasteners. This eliminates the need for structures and devices for the automated assembly of the multi-joint hinge 200 during manufacturing.

[0072] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a multi-joint hinge 300 according to the invention for the movable connection of two bodies 10, 20 with identical, horizontally adjustable mounting devices 800 on both bodies 10, 20 in a perspective view. The multi-joint hinge 300 corresponds in principle to the multi-joint hinge 200 according to Figure 4 and comprises essentially the same structural and functional features. However, it differs in that it extends further along a joint axis 90 and in that it has a locking device 360, which has two spring elements 361, 362.

[0073] The mounting devices 800 are shown once in a fixed and once in a semi-fixed state and are attached to the bodies 10, 20 by means of connecting elements, for example in the form of an adhesive layer (not shown). The mounting device 800 attached to body 10 is in a fixed state, characterized by two fixing devices 850 inserted into the mounting device 800. In contrast, the mounting device 800 attached to body 20 is in a semi-fixed state with a fixing device 850 separate from the mounting device 800 at the upper right edge of the image.

[0074] Each mounting device 800 comprises a mounting plate 801 and a further adjustment device 810, which includes a further guide device 811 and a further fixing device 813. The guide device 811 is designed as a V-shaped groove into which the connecting elements 310, 320 can be inserted laterally and subsequently moved, thus enabling the horizontal, and in particular tool-free, adjustment of the position of the multi-joint hinge 300 relative to the mounting device 800. The fixing device 813 is designed in the form of a recess into which the fixing device 850 is inserted to fix the position of the multi-joint hinge 300. The fixing device 850 has teeth that are matched in shape and dimensions to the fixing devices 314, 324 in order to create a positive fit when inserted into the fixing device 813.

[0075] The mounting device 800 has a simple design and can be produced relatively inexpensively, for example, using injection molding. In the illustrated embodiment with two mounting devices 800, the two bodies 10 and 20 can be oriented in a positionally variable manner in the plane perpendicular to the joint axis 90, each within a range of a few millimeters. Modern, computer-aided manufacturing processes generally exhibit very tight manufacturing and assembly tolerances, which means that subsequent adjustments, for example parallel to the joint axis 90, are not necessary, particularly in the case of automated, machine-made furniture.

[0076] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a multi-joint hinge 400 according to the invention for the movable connection of two bodies 10, 20 with horizontally and vertically adjustable mounting devices 900 on both bodies 10, 20 in an intermediate position when the multi-joint hinge 400 is inserted into the mounting device 900 attached to the first body 10 (a), and a perspective view of the multi-joint hinge 400 as a prefabricated strip 401, obtained, for example, by injection molding, with a subsequently applied continuous fiber band 490 (b). The multi-joint hinge 400 is formed by folding the strip 401 and joining its ends to itself at defined points. It corresponds in principle to the multi-joint hinge 200 according to Figure 4 and comprises essentially the same structural and functional features.However, it differs in particular with regard to the locking device 460, the endless fiber tape 490 for reinforcing the film joints and by fixing pins 472, which have barbs and are inserted into fixing holes 471, 473 in the assembled state.

[0077] The locking device 460 comprises a spring element (not shown) and two supports 462, 463. The supports 462, 463 form a continuous, integral component with the multi-link hinge 400, while the spring element is a separate component. The spring element is designed, in particular, as a tension spring, for example, in the form of an elastic strip with thickened ends, and is tensioned between the two supports 462, 463. The position of the supports 462, 463 is selected such that the multi-link hinge 400, similar to the multi-link hinges 100, 200, 300, has two stable positions, and the spring element provides a locking action in the end positions.

[0078] The strip 401 has a smooth and continuous underside and can be produced relatively inexpensively using additive manufacturing processes, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), or injection molding. In particular, the smooth, continuous underside of the strip 401 allows for the relatively simple and cost-effective reinforcement of all film joints 250-256 by applying a continuous fiber tape 490 in the form of a fiber-reinforced adhesive tape. This ensures that the movably connected bodies 10, 20 remain connected even in the event of improper loading, which can lead to the breakage of components of the multi-joint hinge 400 due to overloading.

[0079] The mounting device 900 is shown in the released state in conjunction with the first body 10 and in the fixed state in conjunction with the second body 20, and is fastened to the bodies 10 and 20 by means of screws 902. A mounting device 900 comprises a mounting plate 901, an insertion plate 903 into which the multi-joint hinge 400 can be inserted, further adjustment devices 920 and 930, and a fixing device 950, which also serves as a cover. The adjustment device 930 for vertically aligning the multi-joint hinge 400 comprises a further guide device 931 designed as an elongated hole and a further fixing device 933 in the form of a screw, which connects the mounting plate 901 to the insertion plate 903 in a force-fit and releasable manner.The adjusting device 920 for horizontally aligning the multi-joint hinge 400 comprises a further guide device 921 designed as a flat surface and a further fixing device 923 in the form of grooves, which are formed on a flexible locking lever 924 and are matched in shape and dimension to the first fixing device 414 designed as notches. When the multi-joint hinge 400 is inserted into the insertion plate 903, the notches and grooves of the fixing devices 414 and 921 slide past each other, causing a slight bending of the locking lever 924. In the closed state of the mounting device 900, as shown in conjunction with the second body 20, pins formed on the fixing device 950 engage in the recess 925 located laterally to the locking lever 924, preventing the locking lever 922 from bending and thereby fixing the position of the multi-joint hinge 400 relative to the mounting device 900.

[0080] The mounting device 900 enables easy attachment of the multi-joint hinge 400 by insertion and variable positional alignment in two spatial directions, each within a range of a few millimeters. In the illustrated embodiment with two mounting devices

[0081] The relative position of the two movably connected bodies 10 and 20 can be adjusted in all three spatial directions using the 900. Due to the existing screw holes, the mounting devices 900 are particularly suitable for fastening to the connected bodies 10 and 20 using screws.

[0082] Reference symbol list

[0083] 10 bodies, 201 strips, 300 multi-joint hinges

[0084] 20 bodies 210 connecting element 310 connecting element

[0085] 30 Line 211 Adjustment device 311 Adjustment device

[0086] 40 angle 213 guide device 313 guide device

[0087] 50 angle 214 fixing device 314 fixing device

[0088] 60 Triangle 220 Connecting element 320 Connecting element

[0089] 70 Section line 221 Adjustment device 321 Adjustment device

[0090] 80 Articulated axle 223 Guide device 323 Guide device

[0091] 90 Joint axle 224 Fixing device 324 Fixing device

[0092] 100 multi-joint hinge 240 lever arm 360 locking device

[0093] 110 Connecting element 241 Lever arm 361 Spring element

[0094] 120 Connecting element 242 Lever arm 362 Spring element

[0095] 121 Adjustment device 243 Lever arm 400 Multi-joint hinge

[0096] 122 Guide device 246 Section of 241 401 strip

[0097] 123 Guide device 247 Section of 241 410 Connection element

[0098] 124 Fixing device 248 Section of 242 411 Adjustment device

[0099] 140 Lever arm 249 Section of 242 413 Guide device

[0100] 141 Lever arm 250 Film joint 414 Fixing device

[0101] 142 Lever arm 251 Film joint 460 Locking device

[0102] 143 Lever arm 252 Film joint 462 Support

[0103] 150 film joint 253 film joint 463 support

[0104] 151 Film joint 254 Film joint 471 Fixing hole

[0105] 152 Film joint 255 Film joint 472 Fixing pin

[0106] 153 Film joint 256 Film joint 473 Fixing hole

[0107] 154 Film joint 260 Locking device 490 Endless fiber tape

[0108] 155 Film joint 261 Spring element 700 Mounting device

[0109] 156 Film joint 262 Support 701 Mounting plate

[0110] 160 Locking device 263 Support 702 Fixing plate

[0111] 161 Spring element 271 Fixing groove 703 Film hinge

[0112] 162 Support 272 Fixing detent 704 Detent cam

[0113] 163 Support 273 Fixing groove 710 Suspension device

[0114] 200 Multi-joint hinge 274 Locking detent 720 Adjustment device Guide device 850 Locking device 924 Locking lever Guide device 900 Mounting device 925 Recess Locking device 901 Mounting plate 930 Adjustment device Mounting device 902 Screw 931 Guide device Mounting plate 903 Slide-in plate 933 Locking device Adjustment device 920 Adjustment device 950 Locking device Guide device 921 Guide device Locking device 923 Locking device

Claims

Patent claims 1. Multi-joint hinge (100; 200; 300; 400) for movably connecting a first body (10) to a second body (20), wherein a first connecting element (110; 210; 310; 410) for connecting to the first body (10), a second connecting element (120; 220; 320; 420) for connecting to the second body (20), at least three lever arms (140 - 143; 240 - 243) and a plurality of film hinges (150 - 156; 250 - 256) are present, wherein all film hinges (150 - 156; 250 - 256), lever arms (140 - 143; 240 - 243) and connecting elements (110; 120; 210; 220; 310; 320; 410; 420) form a connected, one-piece component, characterized in that at least one of the connecting elements (110; 120; 210; 220; 310; 320; 410; 420) has at least one adjusting device (121; 211; 221; 311; 321; 411) for positionally variable alignment of the multi-link hinge (100; 200; 300; 400) on one of the two bodies (10; 20), which in particular has at least one guide device (122;123; 213; 223; 313; 323; 413) and includes at least one fixing device (124; 214; 224; 314; 324; 414); 2. Multi-joint hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one connecting element (110; 120; 210; 220; 310; 320; 410; 420) is detachably connectable to at least one mounting device (700; 800; 900), wherein the at least one mounting device (700; 800; 900) is formed or attached to one of the two bodies (10; 20), which in particular comprises at least one further adjustment device (720; 810; 920; 930).

3. Multi-joint hinge according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a first locking device (160; 260; 360; 460) is provided to allow the position and orientation of the connecting elements (110; 120; 210; 220; 310; 320; 410; 420) to be releasably arranged relative to each other in at least one position and in particular in end positions.

4. Multi-joint hinge according to claim 3, characterized in that the first locking device is at least partially formed on a lever arm (140 - 143; 240 - 243) or between two lever arms (140 - 143; 240 - 243).

5. Multi-joint hinge according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first locking device (160; 260; 360; 460) has two spaced-apart supports (162; 163; 262; 263; 462; 463) and in particular comprises at least one spring element (161 ; 261 ; 361 ; 362) wherein the spaced-apart supports (162; 163; 262; 263; 462; 463) are in particular either connected to the at least one spring element (161 ; 261 ; 361 ; 362) or in which the at least one spring element (161 ; 261; 361 ; 362) is movably mounted.

6. Multi-joint hinge according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the first locking device (160; 260; 360; 460) has at least one spring element (161 ; 261 ; 361 ; 362).

7. Multi-joint hinge according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the distance between the two spaced-apart supports (162; 163; 262; 263; 462; 463) in the respective end positions is greater than in at least one intermediate position.

8. Multi-joint hinge according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at least one spring element (161 ; 261 ; 361 ; 362) is designed as an independent component and is detachably arranged in the supports (162; 163; 262; 263; 462; 463), wherein the at least one spring element (161 ; 261 ; 361 ; 362) is in particular slidable into the supports (162; 163; 262; 263; 462; 463).

9. Multi-joint hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that seven film joints (150-156; 250-256) and four lever arms (140-143; 240-243) are provided, wherein a first film joint (150; 250) connects the first connecting element (110; 210) to a first lever arm (140; 240), a second film joint (151; 251) connects the first connecting element (110; 210) to a second lever arm (141; 241), a third film joint (152; 252) connects the first lever arm (140; 240) to a third lever arm (142; 242), a fourth film joint (153; 253) connects the second lever arm (141; 241) connects to the third lever arm, a fifth film joint (154; 254) connects the third lever arm (142; 242) to the second connecting element (120; 220), a sixth film joint (155; 255) connects the second connecting element (120; 220) to a fourth lever arm (143; 243) and a seventh film joint (156; 256) connects the second lever arm (141;241) connects with the fourth lever arm (143; 243).

10. Multi-joint hinge according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that a support (162; 163; 262; 263; 462; 463) is formed on the second lever arm (141 ; 241 ) and a support on the third lever arm (142; 242 ).

11. Multi-joint hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one lever arm (140 - 143; 240 - 243) with three articulated film joints (150 - 156; 250 - 256) is provided, wherein the film joints (150 - 156; 250 - 256) articulated to the lever arm (140 - 143; 240 - 243) form an obtuse triangle (60).

12. Multi-joint hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the lever arms (140 - 143; 240 - 243) and at least one of the connecting elements (110; 120; 210; 220; 310; 320; 410; 420) have at least an acute angle (50) to each other, wherein the orientation of the at least one lever arm (140 - 143; 240 - 243) is given by the imaginary auxiliary line (30) between one of the film joints (150 - 156; 250 - 256) and another film joint (150 - 156; 250 - 256).

13. Multi-joint hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that along an extension of a joint axis (80; 90) of a film joint (150 - 156; 250 - 256) the multi-joint hinge (100; 200; 300; 400) extends at least over half the length of one of the lever arms (140 - 143; 240 - 243).

14. Multi-joint hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-joint hinge (100; 200; 300; 400) consists at least partially, in particular completely, of plastic.

15. Multi-joint hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-joint hinge (100; 200; 300; 400) has at least a first and a second plastic component.

16. Multi-joint hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one lever arm (140 - 143; 240 - 243) is formed from at least two sections and has three articulated film joints (150 - 156; 250 - 256) and in particular two lever arms (140 - 143; 240 - 243) formed from several sections with three articulated film joints (150 - 156; 250 - 256) are present.

17. Multi-joint hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one film joint (150 - 156; 250 - 256) is reinforced by means of continuous fibers and in particular all film joints (150 - 156; 250 - 256) are reinforced by means of continuous fibers.

Images