ES1323268U - Locking device for canapé hinge (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Locking device for a sofa bed hinge, hinges of the type constituted from a metal structure forming an articulated quadrilateral, in which participates an upper profile (5) that is linked to the lid of the sofa bed, a lower profile (6) that is linked to the drawer of the sofa bed, a smaller connecting rod (7) and a larger connecting rod (8), establishing between the latter and one of the ends of the upper profile a gas spring (9), characterized in that the locking device is constituted by an elongated metal plate (1), in which an end hole (2) is defined through which it is articulated to the lower profile (6), plate (1) that terminates in an end notch (4) arranged at its end opposite to the tilting end so that in the position of deployment of the hinge, the plate (1) is susceptible of being fitted into an upper stud (10') provided in the upper connecting rod (8) of the hinge.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Locking device for sofa hinge

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention relates to a locking device for a sofa hinge that offers a manual locking mechanism integrated into the locking device itself, defined by an elongated metal plate that acts when the sofa is in the access position to its interior.

The object of the invention is therefore to offer a safety or locking mechanism that prevents the unexpected descent of the sofa lid without the need to incorporate elements that can be attached and detached from said mechanism, offering an integrated, simple, compact, robust and reliable solution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the current state of the art, various opening and closing mechanisms exist for storage beds with a lift-up base, including springs or hinge systems that allow access to the storage compartment under the bed. These systems, however, generally do not incorporate additional safety measures to prevent the lid from closing accidentally or abruptly when in the open position.

In this regard, some sofa hinge mechanisms use springs to hold the lid in its open position, but these springs can lose pressure over time or may not be designed to prevent the lid from accidentally falling off.

While external solutions exist, these are locking elements that must be added to the device, meaning they must be attached at the specific time of use, they interfere with the aesthetics or functionality of the system, and they are susceptible to being lost.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The locking device of the present invention fully and satisfactorily solves the problem described above based on a simple but highly effective solution applied quickly to the hinge of a sofa bed.

For this purpose, the locking device of the invention is defined by an elongated plate made of metallic material, essentially materialized in a rectangular shape provided at one of its ends with a hole functioning as a hinge element, an intermediate notch as a stabilizing element in an inoperative situation, and an extreme notch, opposite the hinge hole, as a locking element.

This plate is structurally housed at the bottom of a hinge of known configuration, without the need to incorporate additional external elements.

In the closed position of the sofa hinge, the plate remains inactive on a lower stop on which it rests through the intermediate notch.

In the open position of the sofa bed, by means of manual operation, the extreme notch of the plate fits into a stud established on one of the hinge connecting rods, preventing the sofa bed from closing and ensuring its stability.

Thanks to its integration into the hinge itself, the locking plate or device provides an efficient, compact and reliable technical solution, improving user safety without affecting the design or overall operation of the opening mechanism.

From this structure, the following advantages are derived:

• Increased safety: Prevents the uncontrolled closing of the sofa lid, reducing the risk of entrapment or injury.

• Structural integration: The plate is part of the hinge itself, without the need to install additional devices.

• Mechanical simplicity: Its operation is manual and direct, without complex systems or additional maintenance.

• Material compatibility: Made from the same metal as the hinge, ensuring strength, durability, and aesthetic consistency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that follows and to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation view of the locking device implemented in a sofa hinge made according to the object of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of the locking device and a sofa hinge, where the locking device is in an inoperative state.

Figure 3 shows, finally, the locking device of the invention in the locked position with respect to the hinge.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the figures described, and especially figures 1 and 2, it can be observed how the invention is defined by a locking device or plate (1) implemented in the conventional structuring of a sofa hinge, so that in figure 2, in addition to the plate (1), the representation of the hinge formed by an upper profile (5), which is linked to the lid of the sofa, a lower profile (6) which is linked to the drawer of the sofa, profiles that form a quadrilateral articulated by means of two intermediate connecting rods, a smaller connecting rod (7) and a larger connecting rod (8), establishing between the latter and one of the ends of the upper profile a gas spring (9).

Now, in accordance with the essence of the invention, the locking device for the sofa hinge is defined by the elongated metal plate (1), shown in detail in Figure 1, which is preferably made of the same material as the profiles and connecting rods of the hinge. The plate (1) has an elongated metal configuration, in which an end hole (2) is defined, allowing its articulation with respect to the lower profile (6) by means of a pivot axis (11). In the inoperative state, the plate (1) remains parallel to the lower profile (6), resting on a stud (10) provided in said profile, into which it fits through an intermediate notch (3).

The plate (1) is terminated at its opposite end to the tilting end in an extreme notch (4) arranged at its opposite end to the tilting end, and that, in the position of the hinge deployment, the plate (1) is susceptible to fitting into an upper stud (10’), provided in the upper connecting rod (8) of the hinge, as shown in figure 3.

The locking device thus described provides a passive safety measure to prevent accidental closure while handling the inside of the sofa.

This design ensures that the locking is completely mechanical and manual, eliminating the need for auxiliary systems or additional components.

Meanwhile, in an inoperative state, both the hinge and the locking device are retracted and in their inactive position.

More specifically, the locking device operates with respect to the sofa hinge as follows:

- Closed sofa (resting position) (Figure 2).

• The locking device for the sofa hinge is fully folded.

• The locking device rests on a lower stop, located at the base of the hinge.

• In this position, the locking device does not interfere with the normal operation of the system and remains integrated into the structure.

- Opening of the sofa.

• The user activates the sofa in its opening movement, with the assistance of the hinge spring.

• As the system is deployed, the locking device remains passively housed in its lower position, without automatically activating.

- Manual activation of the locking device.

• Once the sofa has reached its fully open position, the user manually turns or moves the locking device to its locked position.

• The locking device fits into a transverse stud, specially designed in the hinge structure for this purpose.

• This fitting mechanically blocks the downward movement of the hinge, preventing the sofa bed from closing accidentally or uncontrollably.

- Maintenance in open position

• The locking device remains fixed to the peg while tasks are performed inside the sofa (such as storage or cleaning).

• Thanks to the robust metal design, the locking device ensures the structural stability of the system during this time.

- System unlock.

• To close the sofa, the user must manually activate the locking device again, removing it from the peg.

• Once released, the locking device returns to its resting position, supported on the lower stop.

• The sofa can then be closed normally, with the help of the hinge and the spring.

This method of use is simple, intuitive, and safe, as it does not depend on electrical systems or sensors. Manual operation gives the user complete control, preventing the risk of entrapment or mechanical failure during the opening or closing of the bed frame.

Claims (1)

1.- Locking device for a sofa hinge, hinges of the type constituted from a metal structure forming an articulated quadrilateral, in which participates an upper profile (5) that is linked to the lid of the sofa, a lower profile (6) that is linked to the drawer of the sofa, a smaller connecting rod (7) and a larger connecting rod (8), establishing between the latter and one of the ends of the upper profile a gas spring (9), characterized in that the locking device is constituted by an elongated metal plate (1), in which an end hole (2) is defined through which it is articulated to the lower profile (6), plate (1) that terminates in an end notch (4) arranged at its end opposite to the tilting end so that in the position of deployment of the hinge, the plate (1) is susceptible of fitting into an upper stud (10’) provided in the upper connecting rod (8) of the hinge. 2§.- Locking device for sofa hinge, according to claim 1§, characterized in that the elongated metal plate (1) includes an intermediate notch (3) for stabilizing said plate (1) in an inoperative state parallel to the lower profile (6) on a stud (10) provided in said profile and in which the intermediate notch (3) fits.