Automatically interlockable hinge

A lockable hinge adapted for being selectively locked in several predetermined angular positions, comprising :

• two hinge parts having ends adapted for connection to structural components of a hinged assembly, said hinge parts being mounted for relative rotation around a common hinge axis with sliding contact between two plates formed in said hinge parts and having a partially circular contour, a first of said plates being formed with a plurality of first angularly spaced openings for receiving a locking member which is slidably mounted in the second of said plates;
• actuable and lockable mechanical control means comprising a return resilient member being provided for controlling the displacement of said locking member between a first locking position for the hinge and a second unlocking position allowing said two hinge parts to relatively rotate, wherein said second plate is formed with a cylindrical protruding portion journaled within a bore formed in said second plate, said locking member being mounted for sliding motion within a radially directed second opening which is formed within said protruding portion of said second plate, said first openings formed within said first plate extending radially so as to open within said bore, said mechanical control means comprising an actuating lever pivotedly mounted on said protruding portion of said second plate for cooperation with a locking link having two ends and which is also pivotedly mounted on said protruding portion of said second plate and which is hingedly connected by one of said ends to said locking member so as to control the sliding movement thereof between said two positions, said actuating lever comprising a protruding portion adapted for cooperation with a stop member formed at the other of said ends of said link opposite to said first end with respect to the pivoting axis of said link on one hand for controlling said displacement of said link against the biasing force of a return spring tensioned between said first end of said link and said protruding portion of said second plate, and on the other hand for latching said lever and said link in a latched position of relative positive engagement corresponding to said unlocked position of said locking member, means being provided for automatically releasing said lever and said link from said latched position.