EP1518980B1 - Closing device for door - Google Patents

Abstract

The locking device has a lock (4) mounted pivotally and slidingly on a hinge (1) facing a door frame and cooperating with a stopper (5) integrated to the door frame. The lock moves between a locking and unlocking position of the hinge on the door frame. An elastic spring is mounted inside the lock and is stressed by traction exerted by user on the lock, when the lock is in locked position. An independent claim is also included for a trolley comprising a locking compartment of a door.

Description

The present invention relates to the general technical field of door closing and locking devices. Such a device is known for example from the document DE 297 18 649 U .

The present invention more particularly but not exclusively trolley doors for the distribution of meal trays or doors of various compartments for example refrigeration or keeping warm, storage of hazardous products in the medical field or other.

More generally any door for closing or access to a compartment may be equipped with a closure or locking device.

Known for example carts for the distribution of meal trays having at the interface of the frame and the door leaf, a latch locking and unlocking. Such latches are often difficult to access and present a risk of injury to the user during handling. Indeed, the use of angular parts that should be operated in a very small space is not easy and without risk for the user.

The object of the present invention is to provide a door lock, not presenting any risk of injury to the user, easy to access and whose realization requires a very limited number of parts.

The object of the present invention is a closure device according to claim 1.

• un moyen de rappel élastique, sollicité par un déplacement du verrou lors de sa position de verrouillage, et
• une extrémité d'appui du verrou dépassant du plan d'extension de la face intérieure du battant lorsque ledit verrou est dans sa position de déverrouillage, l'appui contre le dormant ramenant le verrou dans sa position de verrouillage.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the automatic locking means comprise:

• an elastic return means biased by a movement of the latch during its locking position, and
• a support end of the latch protruding from the plane of extension of the inner face of the leaf when said latch is in its unlocking position, the bearing against the frame returning the latch to its locking position.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lock is mounted on the leaf, and extends in the free space defined by the upper face of the leaf and an upper part of the frame overhanging the upper face.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lock has an oblong opening traversed by a first mounting screw on the leaf, and a bent opening traversed by a second mounting screw, the bent opening comprising a first branch aligned with the oblong opening and a second branch substantially perpendicular to the first, to allow a movement respectively by sliding and by pivoting said latch.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sliding movement of the lock is done by biasing the elastic return means.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the pivoting following the sliding of the latch allows to position the latter bearing on the second mounting screw, by biasing the resilient biasing means, this positioning corresponding to the unlocking of the leaf.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the leaf is provided with a handle.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the elastic return means is housed in the lock.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lock has a chamfer on its end coming into contact with the stopper when closing the leaf.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the displacement of the lock is in an extension plane orthogonal to the plane of extension of the leaf.

The present invention also relates to a compartment closable by a door having a closure device as described above.

The present invention also relates to a tray-carrying trolley comprising at least one such compartment.

According to one embodiment, each compartment is associated with heating and / or refrigeration means.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the carriage according to the invention, the latter comprises two compartments, one for refrigeration and the other for heating;

• la figure 1 est une vue partielle d'un chariot comportant un dispositif de fermeture pour porte conforme à un mode de réalisation préféré l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente le dispositif de fermeture conforme à un mode de réalisation préféré l'invention de la figure 1 dans une première position,
• la figure 3 représente le dispositif de fermeture conforme à un mode de réalisation préféré l'invention dans une autre position,
• la figure 4 représente un détail du dispositif de fermeture conforme à un mode de réalisation préféré l'invention,
• la figure 5 représente une vue complémentaire d'un détail du dispositif de fermeture conforme à un mode de réalisation préféré l'invention,
• la figure 6 représente une autre fonctionnalité du dispositif de fermeture conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 7 représente un exemple de réalisation d'un verrou d'un dispositif de fermeture conforme à un mode de réalisation préféré l'invention.

Other features and advantages will also emerge from the detailed description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

• the figure 1 is a partial view of a carriage comprising a door closure device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 represents the closure device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention of the figure 1 in a first position,
• the figure 3 represents the closure device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in another position,
• the figure 4 represents a detail of the closure device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 5 represents a complementary view of a detail of the closure device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 6 represents another feature of the closure device according to the invention,
• the figure 7 represents an embodiment of a lock of a closure device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a carriage comprising a double door, each leaf 1 is equipped with a closure device according to a preferred embodiment the invention. The figure 1 represents the carriage with the leaves 1 in the locked position.

The door comprises at least one leaf 1 hinged to a frame 2. The hinge is made via hinges 3 known as such.

The closure device also comprises a latch 4 mounted on the flap 1, facing the frame 2. The latch 4 cooperates with a stop 5 secured to the frame 2. The cooperation of the latch and the stopper 5 makes it possible to lock the flapper 1 on the frame 2 in the closed position.

The latch 4 is thus movable between two stable positions, represented for example in the figures 2 and 3 , namely a locking position ( figure 2 ) and an unlock position ( figure 3 ) of the wing 1 on the frame 2. The latch 4 can be positioned in its locking position or in its unlocked position when the leaf 1 is open.

The closure device also comprises means for automatically locking the wing 1 on the frame 2 when closing the door and regardless of the positioning of the latch 4 before said closure. A lock of the wing 1 is thus obtained regardless of the initial positioning of the lock 4 and it is the very closing of the door which confirms the locking of said wing 1.

The automatic locking means comprise the latch 4 slidably mounted and pivoted on the wing 1 and an elastic return means 6 biased by a movement of the latch 4 out of its locking position.

The automatic locking means also comprise a support end 7 of the latch 4 protruding from the plane of extension of the inner face 1a of the wing 1 when the latch 4 is in its unlocking position. The contact of the bearing end 7 on the frame 2 makes it possible to return the latch 4 to its locking position when the leaf 1 is moved into its closed position. The wing 1 is for example provided with a seal 1c intended to come into contact with the frame 2.

It is thus the closure of the compartment by the leaf 1 which allows the latch 4 to come into engagement with the stop 5. To this effect the latch 4, has a groove 8 coming to engage the abutment 5.

The end of the lock 4 has a chamfer 9 coming into contact with an inclined face 5a of the abutment 5 so as to cause sliding movement and erasure of the latch 4 when closing the wing 1 and this when the latch 4 is in its locking position before said closure of the leaf 1. The latch 4 returns to its initial locking position corresponding to the engagement of the groove 8 on the stop 5, thus preventing any non-voluntary opening of the wing 1 The end 9a of the latch 4 is thus folded back behind the stop 5 and prevents any reopening of the wing 1.

The latch 4 is mounted on the flap 1 and extends in a free space 10 delimited by an upper face 11 of the flap 1 and an upper part 2a of the frame 2 overhanging the upper face 11.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown in more detail in the figure 4 , the latch 4 has an oblong opening 12 traversed by a first mounting screw 13 secured to the wing 1 and a bent opening 14 traversed by a second mounting screw 15 secured to the wing 1. The bent opening 14 comprises a first 14a branch, oblong, aligned with the oblong opening 12 and a second branch 14b substantially perpendicular to the first branch 14a, thus allowing a movement respectively by sliding and by pivoting of the latch 4. The sliding movement of the latch 4 is soliciting the elastic return means 6. The latter is for example fixed on the latch 4 and on the first mounting screw 12. The resilient return means 6 is preferably housed in the internal volume of the latch 4.

The pivoting of the latch 4 is effected by rotation around an axis represented by the first mounting screw 13 and by the positioning of the second branch 14b on the second mounting screw 15, as represented for example in FIG. figure 3 .

The elastic return means 6 is biased in tension when the latch 4 is in its unlocking position. The pivoting subsequent to the sliding of the latch 4 and allows to position the latter bearing on the second mounting screw 15, the resilient biasing means 6, remaining biased. This positioning corresponds to the unlocking of the wing 1.

The latch 4 has a handling end 16 positioned in the vicinity of an outer face 1b of the wing 1 and the displacement of the latch 4 is in an orthogonal extension plane to the plane of extension of the wing 1. Such a movement, in a single plane facilitates handling on the one hand and significantly reduces the size of the closure device. The latch 4 is almost entirely housed in the free space 10.

According to one embodiment, a compartment closable by a door has a closure device. Such compartment 17 is for example intended to contain meal trays 18. In an embodiment of the compartment, the leaf 1 can be rotated up to 270 ° with respect to its closed position, in an open position in which the latch 4 is clipped on a retaining stud 19. We can refer for example to the figure 6 .

The end of the latch 4 to define the groove 8 and has an inclined edge 20 may slightly move the latch 4 by sliding so as to allow its clipping on the pad 19. The sliding of the latch 4 is by solicitation of the means of elastic return 6, which brings the groove 8 into engagement on the stud 19 when the open flap is rotated 270 °. The dimensions of the inclined edge 20 delimiting in part the groove 8 are chosen to allow disengagement of the latch 4 of the stud 19 by a simple traction exerted on the leaf 1. The stiffness of the elastic return means 6, as well as the dimensions and forms of cooperating parts for locking the leaf 1 in its open position at 270 °, are chosen to optimize the retention of the leaf 1 and the force necessary to clear the groove 8 of the stud 19.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each leaf 1 is provided with a handle 21. When the user wishes to open the door, he exerts a pull on the latch 4, via the handling end 16 and moves said latch 4 in its position unlocking. A pull on the handle 21 then suffices to pivot the door 1. To close the door simply push the door 1 in its closed position. The locking is ensured, and therefore confirmed by this simple and unique operation.

The lock 4 advantageously has a hatch 22 for access to its interior volume. The hatch 22 is for example fixed on the lock 4 by means of a screw 23. A tapping 23a can be provided for the screwing of the screw 23 in the lock 4.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown in figure 7 , the latch 4 has an access opening 24 opening on a bore 25, which allows to introduce and position the elastic return means 6, in this case a spring, in said latch 4. In this embodiment, the elastic return means 6 is biased in compression when the latch 4 is moved to its unlocking position. The spring is then supported on the second mounting screw 15 and bears on a stop 26, constituted by the bottom 26 of the bore 25.

The spring is in contact with the second mounting screw 15 through a tubular member 27, which extends through the bent opening 14 and promotes movement of the latch 4 relative to said second mounting screw 15 Another tubular piece 27, mounted on the first mounting screw 13, passes through the oblong opening 12.

The spring is mounted with its other end on a guide piece 28. The latter comprises a first tubular portion 28a, engaged on or in the spring, and a second tubular portion 28b substantially orthogonal to the first. The second tubular portion 28b is intended to slide in the access opening 24 and thus provide a guide of the return spring. The tubular portions 28a and 28b are fixed to each other by any known means, and have for example an L-shape or a T-shape.

The tubular piece 27 extending in the bent opening 14 thus remains in constant contact with the guide piece 28.

When the latch 4 is in its unlocked position, the elastic return means 6 may be in a prestressed state or not.

This produces a closure device whose assembly, assembly and use are easy to implement.

The present invention finds its application in particular in trolleys comprising compartments according to the invention and associated with heating and / or refrigeration means. Advantageously, the carriage has two compartments, one for refrigeration and the other for heating. Heating means direct initial heating, reheating, or keeping warm.

Claims (15)

1. Closure device for a door, comprising at least one leaf which is articulated on a frame (2), the said device comprising:

   a lock (4) which can be fitted on the leaf (1) and cooperates with a stop (52) which can be integral with the frame (2),

   the lock (4) being able to be displaced between two stable positions, i.e. a position for locking and a position for unlocking of the leaf (1) on the frame (2),

   and means for automatic locking of the leaf (1) on the frame (2) when the door is closed, irrespective of the positioning of the lock (4) before the said closure, such that the lock (4) which is fitted so as to slide and pivot on the leaf (1) opposite the frame (2), has a handling end (16), which is positioned in the vicinity of the outer surface (1b) of the leaf (1).
2. Closure device according to claim 1, characterised in that the automatic locking means comprise:

   a resilient return means (6) which is thrust by displacement of the lock (4) out of its locking position,

   and a support end (7) for the lock (4), which extends from the extension plane of the inner surface (1a) of the leaf (1) when the lock (4) is in its unlocking position, the support against the frame (2) returning the lock (4) to its unlocking position.
3. Closure device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the lock (4) can be fitted on the leaf (1) and can extend in the free space (10) which is delimited by the upper surface (11) of the leaf (1) and an upper part (2a) of the frame (2) overhanging the upper surface (11).
4. Closure device according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the lock (4) is displaced on an extension plane at right-angles to the extension plane of the leaf (1).
5. Closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the lock (4) has an oblong opening (12) through which there passes a first fitting screw (13) on the leaf (1), and a bent opening (14) through which there passes a second fitting screw (15), the bent opening (14) comprising a first oblong branch (14a) which is aligned with the oblong opening (12), and a second branch (14b) substantially perpendicular to the first, in order to permit clearance respectively by sliding and pivoting of the said lock (4).
6. Closure device according to claim 5, characterised in that the clearance by sliding of the lock (4) takes place by thrusting the resilient return means (6).
7. Closure device according to claim 6, characterised in that the resilient return means (6) is secured to the lock (4) and to the first fitting screw (13).
8. Closure device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the pivoting after the sliding of the lock (4) makes it possible to position the latter supported on the second fitting screw (15), by thrusting the resilient return means (6), this positioning corresponding to unlocking of the leaf (1).
9. Closure device according to claim 7, characterised in that the resilient return means (6) is accommodated in the inner volume of the lock (4).
10. Closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the lock (4) has a chamfer (9a) on its end which comes into contact with the stop (5) during the closure of the leaf (1).
11. Compartment (17) which can be closed by a door, comprising a closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. Compartment (17) according to claim 11, characterised in that, in the opening position, the leaf (1) can be pivoted by 270° relative to its position of closure, the lock (4) being clipped onto a retention lug (19).
13. Trolley, comprising at least one compartment (17) according to claim 12.
14. Tray-holder trolley (18) according to claim 13, characterised in that the compartment(s) is (are) associated with means for heating and/or cooling.
15. Trolley according to claim 14, characterised in that it comprises two compartments (17) according to claim 11, one designed for cooling and the other for heating.

Images