Patent Description:
Furniture hinge types comprising two hinge bodies are known, a first hinge body of which is integral with a shoulder of the piece of furniture, and a second hinge body of which is integral with a door of the piece of furniture. The hinge allows the relative movement, and therefore the opening and closing, of the door with respect to the piece of furniture.

A problem encountered in known hinges, and mainly concerning high end furniture, is to ensure a correct alignment and positioning of the door with respect to the shoulder of the piece of furniture, so as to ensure a precise and stable movement of the door.

Furniture hinges of the adjustable type are known, i.e., adapted to adjust the relative position of the door with respect to the shoulder of the piece of furniture. Such adjustable hinges generally comprise a first hinge body connected to the shoulder of the piece of furniture and a second hinge body connected to the door of the piece of furniture, and the adjustment of the relative positioning between the first and second hinge bodies is performed by a plurality of adjustment screws, as shown by document <CIT>, for example. <CIT> discloses an adjustable hinge for pivotally mounting a door on a frame having a first leaf mounted and an adjustable mounting assembly to be mounted on the frame or the door. <CIT> discloses a fitting plate for fitting a hinge arm to a body part. <CIT> discloses a hinge for a glass shower door having a mounting plate carrying a pivot section for the hinge joint. <CIT> discloses a base comprising a first plate type element to be secured to a piece of furniture and a second element shaped to fit onto a hinge wing. <CIT> discloses a hinge for the pivotable articulation of a door leaf. <CIT> discloses a mounting plate for fastening a furniture hinge arm on a furniture part.

However, solutions of this type have proved to be unsatisfactory for achieving a precise and reliable adjustment of the positioning of the door with respect to the shoulder of the piece of furniture.

The need is thus felt to provide a hinge for connecting a door to a shoulder of a piece of furniture, which allows precisely adjusting the positioning of the door with respect to the piece of furniture.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a furniture hinge such as to obviate at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a furniture hinge which allows more precisely adjusting the relative positioning between the door and the shoulder of the piece of furniture.

These and other objects are achieved by a furniture hinge according to independent claim <NUM>.

The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages thereof, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

With reference to the drawings, a hinge is generally indicated by reference numeral <NUM>.

The hinge <NUM> is for a piece of furniture <NUM> of the type comprising at least one shoulder <NUM> and at least one door <NUM>.

The hinge <NUM> comprises a first hinge body <NUM> and a second hinge body <NUM>.

The first hinge body <NUM> is connectable to the at least one shoulder <NUM> of the piece of furniture <NUM>, whereas the second hinge body <NUM> is connectable to the at least one door <NUM> of the piece of furniture <NUM>.

The first hinge body <NUM> and the second hinge body <NUM> are operatively connected to each other and relatively movable by means of adjustment means <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the invention, one of the first hinge body <NUM> and the second hinge body <NUM> comprises a cross element <NUM>.

The other of the first hinge body <NUM> and the second hinge body <NUM> defines a cross guide <NUM>.

The cross element <NUM> is housed in the cross guide <NUM>.

Moreover, the cross element <NUM> is slidable in the cross guide <NUM> by means of the adjustment means <NUM>.

Advantageously, a thus-configured hinge <NUM> allows precisely and reliably adjusting the positioning of the at least one door <NUM> with respect to the at least one shoulder <NUM> of the piece of furniture <NUM>.

In fact, the cross guide <NUM> guides the sliding of the cross element <NUM>, avoiding misalignments during the adjustment of the positioning of the at least one door <NUM> with respect to the at least one shoulder <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first hinge body <NUM> defines the cross guide <NUM>, and the second hinge body <NUM> comprises the cross element <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cross element <NUM> is made in one piece with the second hinge body <NUM>.

Advantageously, the one-piece construction of the cross element <NUM> with the second hinge body <NUM> reduces the clearances between the first hinge body <NUM> and the second hinge body <NUM>, and further increases the adjustment precision of the positioning of the second hinge body <NUM> with respect to the first hinge body <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first hinge body <NUM> is substantially symmetrical with respect to a first axis of symmetry <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second hinge body <NUM> defines a second axis of symmetry <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the hinge <NUM> is in the assembled configuration, the first axis of symmetry <NUM> is parallel to the second axis of symmetry <NUM>.

The cross element <NUM> forms two cross arms <NUM> extending in a transverse direction with respect to the second axis of symmetry <NUM>, and opposite to each other with respect to the second axis of symmetry <NUM>.

Moreover, the cross element <NUM> forms a cross head <NUM> extending in the direction of the second axis of symmetry <NUM> and facing the first hinge body <NUM>.

Moreover, the cross element <NUM> forms a cross foot <NUM> extending in the direction of the second axis of symmetry <NUM> and opposite to the cross head <NUM>.

The first hinge body <NUM> defines a cross guide <NUM> shaped so as to provide a geometric coupling with the cross element <NUM> and for accommodating the adjustment stroke of the cross element <NUM>, in a direction transverse to the first axis of symmetry <NUM>.

In particular, the cross guide <NUM> defines a head guide <NUM> shaped to house the cross head <NUM> and accommodate the stroke of the cross head <NUM> in a direction transverse to the first axis of symmetry <NUM>.

Moreover, the cross guide <NUM> defines two arm guides <NUM> shaped to house the respective cross arms <NUM> and accommodate the stroke of the cross arms <NUM> in a direction transverse to the first axis of symmetry <NUM>.

Moreover, the cross guide <NUM> defines a foot guide <NUM> shaped to house the cross foot <NUM> and accommodate the stroke of the cross foot <NUM> in a direction transverse to the first axis of symmetry <NUM>.

According to the invention, each cross arm <NUM> forms two foils <NUM> divided from each other by a slit <NUM> extending from an end of the cross arm <NUM> in the direction of the second axis of symmetry <NUM>.

The adjustment means <NUM> comprise a calibration member <NUM> positioned at each slit <NUM> and configured to adjust the spacing between the two foils <NUM> of each cross arm <NUM>.

Advantageously, the adjustment of the distance between the two foils <NUM> allows further reducing the clearances between the cross element <NUM> and the cross guide <NUM> during the adjustment of the mutual relative position thereof.

According to an embodiment, the calibration member <NUM> comprises a conical dowel <NUM> being screwable in a dowel seat <NUM> defined at each slit <NUM>.

The conical dowel <NUM> is configured so that, when screwed into the dowel seat <NUM>, it counters the two foils <NUM> so as to diverge the foils <NUM> in a direction parallel to the second axis of symmetry <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when assembling the hinge <NUM>, the conical dowels <NUM> are screwed into the respective dowel seats <NUM> according to a predefined screwing torque.

Advantageously, the predefined screwing torque ensures an optimal clearance reduction between the cross arms <NUM> and the arm guides <NUM>, while ensuring a fluid and easy movement of the cross arms <NUM> within the arm guides <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first hinge body <NUM> defines two dowel slots <NUM> facing a respective dowel seat <NUM>.

The dowel slots <NUM> are configured so as to be crossed by the conical dowels <NUM> when the conical dowels <NUM> are screwed into the respective dowel seats <NUM>.

The dowel slots <NUM> extend in a direction transverse to the first axis of symmetry <NUM>, so as to accommodate a movement of the conical dowels <NUM> connected to the second hinge body <NUM> when the second hinge body <NUM> is moved in a direction transverse to the first axis of symmetry <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the adjustment means <NUM> comprise a movement member <NUM>, configured to cause a movement of the second hinge body <NUM> with respect to the first hinge body <NUM>, along a direction transverse to the first axis of symmetry <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the movement member <NUM> comprises an eccentric screw <NUM>.

The eccentric screw <NUM> is screwable into a threaded seat <NUM> defined on the first hinge body <NUM>, and is accommodated in a contrast slot <NUM> defined in the second hinge body <NUM> and facing the threaded seat <NUM>.

The contrast slot <NUM> is defined by two opposite slot walls <NUM> interposed between two slot arcs <NUM>.

The eccentric screw <NUM> is configured so that, when screwed into the threaded seat <NUM>, it selectively counters one or the other of the two opposite slot walls <NUM>, so as to move the second hinge body <NUM> selectively with respect to the first hinge body <NUM>, along a direction transverse to the first axis of symmetry <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the threaded seat <NUM> is defined on the head guide <NUM>, and the contrast slot <NUM> is defined on the cross head <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the adjustment means <NUM> comprise inclination means <NUM> configured to adjust the inclination of the second hinge body <NUM> relative to the first hinge body <NUM>.

In particular, the inclination means <NUM> determine the angle defined by the intersection between a plane interpolating the second hinge body <NUM> and containing the second axis of symmetry <NUM>, and a plane interpolating the first hinge body <NUM> and containing the first axis of symmetry <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the inclination means <NUM> comprise a maneuvering screw <NUM> rotatably connected to the first hinge body <NUM>.

Thereby, the maneuvering screw <NUM> is axially constrained to the first hinge body <NUM>, but freely rotatable with respect to the first hinge body <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the maneuvering screw <NUM> is rotatably connected to the first hinge body <NUM> by means of a geometrical connection provided between a coupling groove <NUM> defined by the maneuvering screw <NUM> and a keyhole <NUM>, also known as "Euro profile", defined in the first hinge body <NUM> at the maneuvering screw <NUM>.

Advantageously, the keyhole <NUM> and the sizing of the cross element <NUM> and the cross guide <NUM> prevent accidental disconnection between the second cross body <NUM> and the maneuvering screw <NUM> inserted through the keyhole <NUM>.

The inclination means <NUM> further comprise a maneuvering nut <NUM> defined in the second hinge body <NUM>.

The maneuvering nut <NUM> is configured to mesh with the maneuvering screw <NUM>.

Moreover, the inclination means <NUM> comprise a hinging pin <NUM>.

The hinging pin <NUM> extends to pass through the first hinge body <NUM> and the second hinge body <NUM>, in a direction transverse to both the first axis of symmetry <NUM> and the second axis of symmetry <NUM>, and in a direction transverse to the maneuvering screw <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the hinging pin <NUM> is configured so as to hinge the cross head <NUM> of the second hinge body <NUM> at the head guide <NUM> of the first hinge body <NUM>.

Advantageously, by means of the thus-configured inclination means <NUM>, a screwing or unscrewing of the maneuvering screw <NUM> with the maneuvering nut <NUM> results in a rotation of the second hinge body <NUM> with respect to the first hinge body <NUM>, about the hinging pin <NUM>.

Advantageously, the thus-configured inclination means <NUM> allow achieving the angular adjustment of the first hinge body <NUM> with respect to the second hinge body <NUM>, and thus of the door <NUM> with respect to the shoulder <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second hinge body <NUM> comprises a connection pin <NUM>.

The second hinge body <NUM> can be hinged to the door <NUM> of the piece of furniture <NUM> by means of the connection pin <NUM>.

Moreover, the second hinge body <NUM> defines a cylindrical seat <NUM> configured to house the connection pin <NUM>.

The cylindrical seat <NUM> is defined at an end of the second hinge body <NUM> opposite to the first hinge body <NUM> and extends transversely to the second hinge body <NUM> between two cylindrical seat ends <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, two bushings <NUM> are housed in the cylindrical seat <NUM> at a respective cylindrical seat end <NUM>.

The bushings <NUM> are interposed between the cylindrical seat <NUM> and the connection pin <NUM>.

Advantageously, the bushings <NUM> considerably reduce the noise being generable by the rotation of the connection pin <NUM> inside the cylindrical seat <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first hinge body <NUM> comprises snap connection means <NUM> for the connection of the first hinge body <NUM> to the shoulder <NUM> of the piece of furniture <NUM>.

The snap connection means <NUM> are provided at an end of the first hinge body <NUM> opposite to the second hinge body <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the snap connection means <NUM> comprise a button <NUM>.

The button <NUM> is housed in a button seat <NUM> defined in the first hinge body <NUM>.

The button <NUM> is elastically biased to exit from the button seat <NUM> by means of an elastic element <NUM>.

The button <NUM> is thus retractable into the button seat <NUM> by acting against the action of the elastic element <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, an upper wall of the button <NUM> opposite to the button seat <NUM> forms an inclined plane <NUM>.

The inclined plane <NUM> is configured so that a movement of the first hinge body <NUM> inside the shoulder <NUM> of the piece of furniture <NUM> moves the button <NUM> towards the interior of the button seat <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first hinge body <NUM> and the second hinge body <NUM> are made of steel or brass.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a piece of furniture <NUM> comprises at least one shoulder <NUM> and one door <NUM>.

The at least one door <NUM> is connected to the at least one shoulder <NUM> by means of at least one hinge <NUM> as previously described. The door <NUM> is movable with respect to the shoulder <NUM> from an opening position to a closing position, and vice versa.

According to an embodiment, the at least one shoulder <NUM> defines a pocket <NUM> configured to house the first hinge body <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> in a concealed manner.

According to an embodiment, the shoulder <NUM> defines an opening hole <NUM> opening into the pocket <NUM>.

The opening hole <NUM> is configured to provide a geometric coupling with the button <NUM> of hinge <NUM> elastically biased to exit from the hinge <NUM>.

Therefore, the hinge <NUM> can be coupled to the shoulder <NUM> of the piece of furniture <NUM> by inserting the first hinge body <NUM> into the pocket <NUM>. The insertion of the first hinge body <NUM> into the pocket <NUM> biases the button <NUM> against the elastic element <NUM>, thus retracting the button <NUM> inside the button seat <NUM>.

The first hinge body <NUM> is advanceable into the pocket <NUM> so that the button <NUM> is positioned opposite to the opening hole <NUM>, so that the button <NUM>, biased by the elastic element <NUM>, is inserted into the opening hole <NUM>, thus providing the geometric coupling between the hinge <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the at least one door <NUM> is hinged to the hinge <NUM> by means of the connection pin <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the piece of furniture <NUM> comprises at least a first magnet <NUM> positioned at the shoulder <NUM> and at least a second magnet <NUM> positioned at the door <NUM>.

The first and second magnets <NUM> are positioned so as to face each other when the door <NUM> is in a closing position.

The first and second magnets <NUM> are configured so as to ensure a correct closing of the door <NUM> when the door <NUM> is close to the closing position thereof.

In particular, the first and second magnets <NUM> are configured so as to apply a force of attraction which biases the door <NUM> to the closing position.

Claim 1:
A hinge (<NUM>) for a piece of furniture (<NUM>) comprising at least one shoulder (<NUM>) and at least one door (<NUM>), said hinge (<NUM>) comprising a first hinge body (<NUM>) and a second hinge body (<NUM>), wherein the first hinge body (<NUM>) is connectable to the at least one shoulder (<NUM>) of the piece of furniture (<NUM>) and the second hinge body (<NUM>) is connectable to the at least one door (<NUM>) of the piece of furniture (<NUM>),
wherein the first hinge body (<NUM>) and the second hinge body (<NUM>) are operatively connected to each other and relatively movable by means of adjustment means (<NUM>),
wherein one of the first hinge body (<NUM>) and the second hinge body (<NUM>) comprises a cross element (<NUM>) and the other of the first hinge body (<NUM>) or the second hinge body (<NUM>) defines a cross guide (<NUM>),
wherein the cross element (<NUM>) is housed in the cross guide (<NUM>),
and wherein the cross element (<NUM>) is slidable in the cross guide (<NUM>) by means of the adjustment means (<NUM>),
wherein the second hinge body (<NUM>) defines a second axis of symmetry (<NUM>),
wherein the cross element (<NUM>) forms two cross arms (<NUM>) extending in transverse direction with respect to the second axis of symmetry (<NUM>) and opposite to each other with respect to the second axis of symmetry (<NUM>),
characterised in that
each cross arm (<NUM>) forms two foils (<NUM>) divided from each other by a slit (<NUM>) extending from an end of the cross arm (<NUM>) in direction of the second axis of symmetry (<NUM>),
and wherein the adjustment means (<NUM>) comprise a calibration member (<NUM>) positioned at each slit (<NUM>) and configured to adjust the spacing between the two foils (<NUM>) of each cross arm (<NUM>).