Damper hinge and functional unit comprising a damper hinge

Abstract

The invention relates to a damper hinge (2) comprising: - a first hinge lever (21) which comprises a first lever sleeve (210) at a first end and a first connecting piece (211) at a second end, said first connecting piece being connected or being connectable to a first installation part (4) or directly to a first separating element; - a second hinge lever (22) which can be rotated about a hinge axis (x) relative to the first hinge lever (21) and which comprises a second lever sleeve (220) at a first end and a second connecting piece (221) at a second end, said second connecting piece being connected or being connectable to a second installation part (4) or directly to a second separating element; - a hinge shaft (23) which is arranged in the first and second lever sleeve (210, 220) coaxially to the hinge axis (x); and - a damping device (26) comprising an actuation element (261) which can be actuated by rotating the two hinge levers (21, 22) in opposite directions. According to the invention, the second lever sleeve (220) is equipped with at least one guide element (2201) which runs in a helical manner from one end to the other end of the second lever sleeve (220); an actuation rod (24) is movably held by the hinge shaft (23), said actuation rod (24) being oriented in a parallel or coaxial manner to the hinge axis (x) and having a rod element (241) and at least one track element (242) which is connected to the rod element (241) and which interacts with the guide element (2201) such that the actuation rod (24) can be moved axially against the actuation element (261) of the damping device (26) when the two hinge levers (21, 22) are rotated in opposite directions.

Description

[0001] Damping hinge and functional unit with a damping hinge

[0002] The invention relates to a damping hinge and a functional unit, in particular a piece of furniture or a part of a building, with at least one separating element, such as a door, a folding door, or a folding sliding door, which is connected to at least one damping hinge.

[0003] To close off functional units, such as openings in rooms or pieces of furniture, partitions are used, possibly foldable partitions such as folding doors or folding sliding doors. Partitions that slide into a door compartment or storage space after the opening is released are preferred.

[0004] US9284761B2 discloses a piece of furniture with a sliding device by means of which a mounting profile connected to a folding-sliding door can be moved within a door compartment. The folding-sliding door comprises two door elements, of which the first door element is connected at the rear by stop hinges to a mounting profile and at the front by folding-door hinges to the rear of a second door element. The second door element is connected at the front to a carriage that can be moved along a running track having two rail sections aligned perpendicular to one another and connected by a curved section, of which a first rail section runs into the door compartment and a second rail section runs along the front of the piece of furniture. The mounting profile is held in a vertical orientation by a support device and is provided on the top and bottom with guide carriages that are guided in the guide rails.

[0005] To close the piece of furniture, the folding door is extended from the door compartment and unfolded. In the closed position, the door elements are aligned flush with each other. To open the piece of furniture, the folding door is folded closed again, with the door elements preferably aligned parallel to each other when retracted into the door compartment in the open position.

[0006] In the closed position, the folding door must be kept in a planar position to prevent the folding process from being triggered automatically. After opening the folding door from the closed position, it would be desirable for the folding process to be carried out automatically.

[0007] DE202018100262U1 discloses a pressure-actuated holding device that supports both holding the folding door in the closed position and the folding process after the folding door has been released from the closed position. This device comprises a first fitting part connected to the first door element of the folding door and a second fitting part connected to the second door element of the folding door. Between the first fitting part and a coupling device arranged on the second fitting part is an ejection element, which is movably connected to the first fitting part and the coupling device. Adjustment of the first fitting part relative to the coupling device is achieved via a force accumulator, which is manually loaded by the user and acts against the ejection element.When using energy storage devices, which exert high forces on the fittings, the door elements of the folding door are forcefully pushed against each other or apart, so that the door elements hit each other or against a stationary part, such as part of a cupboard, and can cause banging noises.

[0008] US484628A discloses a hinge with a damping device suitable for damping movements of a door connected to the hinge. The damping device comprises a chamber in which a fluid is provided and into which a damping piston can be displaced. The damping piston is driven by a spindle and has openings through which the fluid can flow back upon displacement of the damping piston. This hinge, which has a multitude of device parts, is complexly designed and potentially prone to repair, since the spindle can cause wear within the damping piston, and the tight closure of the chamber into which the spindle projects may no longer be guaranteed after extended periods of operation.

[0009] US20050246863A1 discloses a damping hinge with a first hinge lever, which comprises a first lever sleeve at a first end and a first connecting piece at a second end, which is connected to a door, and with a second hinge lever, which is rotatable about a hinge axis relative to the first hinge lever, and which comprises a second lever sleeve at a first end and a second connecting piece at a second end, which is connected to a door frame. Furthermore, a hinge shaft, which is arranged coaxially with the hinge axis in the first and second lever sleeves, and a damping device are provided, which can be actuated upon mutual rotation of the two hinge levers.The two lever sleeves have spiral elements directed towards each other which, when the two hinge levers are rotated, act on each other and move the two hinge levers axially against each other, thereby actuating the damping device and at the same time lifting the held door, which is normally not desired.

[0010] DE202022100493U1 discloses a damping hinge with a first hinge lever, which comprises a first lever sleeve at a first end and a first connecting piece connectable to a first separating element at a second end, and with a second hinge lever, which is rotatable about a hinge axis relative to the first hinge lever, and which comprises a second lever sleeve at a first end and a second connecting piece connectable to a second separating element at a second end. Furthermore, a hinge shaft, which is arranged in the first and second lever sleeves aligned coaxially with the hinge axis, and a damping device are provided, which can be actuated upon mutual rotation of the two hinge levers. The damping hinge further comprises a shaft core connected to the first lever sleeve, a shaft sleeve, and a gas-oil damper with an actuating rod, which are connected to the second lever sleeve.The outer peripheral surface of the shaft core is provided with a spiral groove into which a pin shaft connected to the actuating rod engages. When the shaft core and the shaft sleeve rotate relative to each other, the pin shaft is guided along the spiral groove, the actuating rod is displaced axially, and the gas-oil damper is thus actuated.

[0011] This damping hinge thus comprises numerous components, in particular the shaft core, the shaft sleeve, and the gas-oil damper, which together form the hinge shaft and are arranged within the lever sleeves. Due to the numerous components, the manufacture and assembly of the damping hinge is correspondingly complex and the manufacturing costs are correspondingly high. Due to the small dimensions of the components that form the hinge shaft, the device elements are single-piece and cannot transmit larger forces. Furthermore, wear and tear can be expected when larger forces are applied over a long period of operation. The spiral groove within the shaft core is relatively short, which is why the stroke of the actuating rod is also relatively small, and an optimal damping effect cannot be achieved over this short stroke.

[0012] The present invention is therefore based on the object of creating an improved damping hinge equipped with a damping device. Furthermore, a functional unit, in particular a piece of furniture or a building component, with at least one separating element is to be created, which is equipped with at least one such damping hinge. The damping hinge should be robust and simple in design and comprise as few device parts as possible. The device parts, which should be present in reduced numbers, should, however, be able to be dimensioned larger and therefore more solid.

[0013] The damping hinge is designed to transmit greater forces and thus reliably dampen the movements of larger separating elements and to operate without signs of wear even under greater loads over a longer period of operation.

[0014] With regard to reducing the number of device parts, the damping hinge should be able to be realized with smaller dimensions while maintaining advantageous properties with regard to damping and force transmission.

[0015] The damping hinge should therefore take up very little space, resulting in hardly any additional space requirement compared to conventional hinges. The damping hinge should therefore be visually unobtrusive and be optimally integrated into a functional unit with dividing elements, for example, in a folding door system. Conventional hinges, and possibly already installed hinges, should therefore be advantageously replaceable with the damping hinges according to the invention.

[0016] The damping hinge should have an improved damping effect, which is preferably adjustable. At least one actuating element of the damping device should be movable over a longer distance, so that advantageous damping properties can be realized.

[0017] The damping hinge should be able to dampen the movement of at least one separating element connected thereto in one direction of rotation or preferably in both directions of rotation.

[0018] In preferred embodiments, the damping hinge should also include a drive device that allows the partition element to be forcefully closed or the partition elements of a folding system or folding door to be forcefully rotated against each other or apart. Despite the additional integration of a drive device, the damping hinge should not require significantly more space.

[0019] By means of a damping hinge according to the invention or by means of several damping hinges according to the invention, separating elements of a functional unit, such as a folding door or folding sliding door, should be able to be advantageously damped and, if necessary, also driven automatically during the opening process and / or the closing process.

[0020] This object is achieved with a damping hinge according to claim 1 and a functional unit, optionally a piece of furniture or a building part, with a folding door according to claim 15, which is equipped with at least one such damping hinge. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in further claims.

[0021] The damping hinge comprises a first hinge lever, which at a first end comprises a first lever sleeve and at a second end a first connecting piece which is connected or connectable to a first mounting part or directly to a first separating element; a second hinge lever, which is rotatable about a hinge axis relative to the first hinge lever, and which at a first end comprises a second lever sleeve and at a second end a second connecting piece which is connected or connectable to a second mounting part or directly to a second separating element; a hinge shaft which is arranged in the first and second lever sleeves aligned coaxially with the hinge axis; and a damping device with an actuating element which can be actuated by a mutual rotation of the two hinge levers.

[0022] According to the invention, at least one guide element extending spirally from one end to the other end of the second lever sleeve is provided in the second lever sleeve; and that an actuating rod is displaceably held by the hinge shaft, which actuating rod is aligned parallel or coaxially to the hinge axis (x), and which actuating rod has a rod element and at least one track element connected to the rod element, which track element cooperates with the guide element in such a way that the actuating rod is displaceable axially against the actuating element of the damping device upon mutual rotation of the two hinge levers.

[0023] When the two hinge levers rotate in either direction, the actuating rod is moved back and forth parallel to the hinge axis. A damping device of a damping hinge can therefore be actuated by moving the actuating rod in one direction. In preferred embodiments, the damping hinge comprises two damping devices that are aligned against the actuating rod on opposite sides along the hinge axis and can be actuated alternately. A separating element connected to the damping hinge can therefore, depending on the design of the damping hinge, be damped during movement either during the opening or closing process or during the opening and closing process, whereby vertical displacement of the separating element is avoided.

[0024] The damping hinge according to the invention has a simple and robust design and comprises only a few components. The components, which are present in a reduced number, can be relatively large and robust.

[0025] Due to the robust construction of the reduced number of device parts, the damping hinge allows the transmission of higher forces and the damping of the movements of larger and heavier separating elements.

[0026] Due to the more robust design of the device components, signs of wear can be avoided even after prolonged operation of the damping hinge.

[0027] Since the actuating rod is moved parallel or coaxially to the hinge axis, it requires very little space. The damping hinge according to the invention can therefore be realized with relatively small dimensions.

[0028] The actuating rod can also be moved over a relatively long distance, so that a more advantageous damping effect can be achieved and larger damping devices can also be used.

[0029] The design of the damping hinge is relatively simple, as the actuating rod can be mounted and driven using simple means to activate a damping device. The damping hinge can therefore be manufactured cost-effectively in a robust design and operated wear-free over a long service life.

[0030] Various damping devices can be connected to the damping hinge or integrated into it. Preferably, a commercially available damping device is provided, thus avoiding the effort required to integrate the damping device and allowing the use of a damping device that is produced in large quantities and therefore offered cost-effectively on the market.

[0031] Preferably, a damping device is used that comprises a damping piston that is displaceably mounted within a damping cylinder, which is connected to a return element, such as a return spring, and which is coupled or can be coupled to the rod-shaped actuating element, which is aligned parallel or coaxially to the actuating rod. When the damping piston is displaced, a medium, for example a gas or a fluid, is displaced within the damping cylinder, thereby achieving a desired damping effect. The damping piston can also be guided along an oil film. The use of magnetic damping devices is also possible.

[0032] A damping device of this type can advantageously be connected to the damping hinge and aligned parallel or coaxially to the hinge axis, which is why only a small amount of space is required.

[0033] In preferred embodiments, the hinge shaft has a bearing channel within which the actuating rod is displaceably mounted and into which the rod-shaped actuating element of the damping device preferably projects. If the actuating rod does not protrude from the bearing channel, but rather the rod-shaped actuating element of the damping device is guided into the bearing channel, the actuating rod and the rod-shaped actuating element of the damping device are guided within the bearing channel.

[0034] In preferred embodiments, the actuating rod and the actuating element of the damping device are integrated into a single unit, which may have uniform dimensions or which may have a first section for the actuating rod and a second section for the actuating element, wherein the first and second sections may have different dimensions.

[0035] The actuating rod is preferably held axially displaceable but not rotatable by the hinge shaft, which is preferably connected to the first lever sleeve in a form-fitting or non-positive manner. When the second lever sleeve rotates relative to the first lever sleeve, the actuating rod is therefore not rotated but merely displaced axially. In a further preferred embodiment, the hinge shaft has a first shaft part arranged in the first lever sleeve and a second shaft part arranged in the second lever sleeve. At least one of the shaft parts is connected to a preferably sleeve-shaped receiving part, within which the damping device is held such that the actuating element faces the actuating rod. The sleeve-shaped receiving part is preferably aligned parallel or coaxial with the hinge axis and therefore takes up little space.In addition, an extension of the hinge along the hinge axis is normally uncritical, so that the movements of the door elements are not restricted.

[0036] The diameter of the sleeve-shaped receiving part preferably corresponds approximately to the diameter of the lever sleeve. The receiving part is therefore preferably designed as an extension of the lever sleeve. If two damping devices are provided, a first sleeve-shaped receiving part can be connected to the first lever sleeve or to a first end piece of the hinge shaft and a second sleeve-shaped receiving part can be connected to the second lever sleeve or to a second end piece of the hinge shaft in such a way that the two receiving parts are aligned coaxially with one another and open towards the lever sleeves. The receiving part or parts can be connected to the lever sleeve or the lever sleeves or to the hinge shaft in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner, and can be screwed if necessary. Even in the design with two damping devices, the damping hinge can therefore be realized with small dimensions.During installation, it is important to ensure that the damping hinge is mounted with sufficient distance from the top or bottom edge of the door elements.

[0037] In preferred embodiments, the second shaft part of the hinge shaft has at least one bearing gap running outwards from the bearing channel, which extends parallel to the hinge axis and from which the at least one rod-shaped or cam-shaped track element protrudes and projects into the groove-shaped guide element of the second lever sleeve. The actuating rod can therefore be displaced axially within the hinge shaft upon rotation of the second lever sleeve without being rotated. Preferably, a bearing block adjoins the track element and is axially displaceable in the bearing gap of the second shaft part of the hinge shaft, but is preferably held free of play with regard to rotation. In further preferred embodiments, the hinge shaft has a flange ring between the first shaft part and the second shaft part, which flange ring separates the first lever sleeve and the second lever sleeve from one another.

[0038] Preferably, at least one first coupling element, a recess or an extension is provided on the flange ring or a part corresponding thereto, which cooperates in a form-fitting manner with a second coupling element, an extension or a recess on the facing side of the first lever sleeve in such a way that the first lever sleeve and the hinge shaft cannot rotate relative to one another. The flange ring or the part corresponding thereto is therefore connected to the first lever sleeve in a form-fitting manner and preferably without play with regard to mutual rotation. In preferred embodiments, the first lever sleeve and the hinge shaft can also form a unit.

[0039] The damping device is preferably displaceable within the receiving part by means of an adjusting part, so that the start of the damping effect of the damping device can be adjusted at a specific degree of displacement of the actuating rod and thus at a specific degree of mutual rotation of the hinge lever and door elements. The adjusting part is, for example, a threaded bolt that is rotatably held in the receiving part, which has at least one internal thread, so that the adjusting part can be rotated against the damping device.

[0040] Preferably, an end piece of the hinge shaft extending from the first and / or second lever sleeve and adjoining the first or second shaft part is connected to one or more receiving parts. Preferably, the mutually corresponding end pieces of the hinge shaft and the receiving part(s) are provided with mutually corresponding threaded elements, so that the receiving part(s) can be screwed to the associated end piece(s) of the hinge shaft.

[0041] Alternatively, the first lever sleeve and / or the second lever sleeve can be provided with connecting elements or threaded elements, each of which can be connected to a receiving part.

[0042] Each receiving part is provided with a damping device, such as that described above or below. Preferably, each damping device is adjustable, so that one damping device can be set for the opening process or the closing process, or two damping devices can be set for the opening process and the closing process of the damping hinge.

[0043] If a damping device is only provided on one side, the exposed shaft part, typically the second shaft part, is connected to a cover. Preferably, a cover is provided which is connected to the hinge axis by a screw or which is screwed directly to the hinge axis. For example, a cover is provided which is sleeve-shaped and can be screwed onto the facing shaft part. Preferably, the cover has an insert which can be inserted into the bearing channel of the hinge shaft, preferably without play. This is particularly advantageous if the facing hinge shaft only consists fragmentarily of two or more parts (see Fig. 6). The insert is, for example, cylindrical and aligned coaxially to the hinge axis.

[0044] In the inside of the second lever sleeve, one or more guide elements are provided, which are preferably groove-shaped and run in a spiral or helical manner, offset from one another.

[0045] In preferred embodiments of the damping hinge, the two hinge levers are connected to each other by at least one drive spring. The drive spring therefore allows the damping hinge to be opened or closed automatically. It is also possible to install one or more drive springs to support the opening and closing processes.

[0046] It is preferably provided that the drive spring has at least one preferably cylindrical spring assembly with a plurality of spring coils, which encloses the receiving part adjoining the first or second lever sleeve or the cover and is coupled to the first hinge lever by a first connecting piece and to the second hinge lever by a second connecting piece. If the cover is provided to hold the spring assembly, it is dimensioned accordingly, for example to a corresponding length of the spring assembly, and is preferably firmly connected, preferably screwed, to the hinge shaft or a lever sleeve like the receiving part. The cover is preferably sleeve-shaped and provided with an internal thread which corresponds to an external thread of an end piece of the hinge shaft.

[0047] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the drive spring has a preferably cylindrical first spring assembly with a plurality of spring coils, which encloses the receiving part or the cover adjoining the first lever sleeve and is coupled to the first hinge lever by a first connecting piece and to the second hinge lever by a second connecting piece, and that the drive spring has a preferably cylindrical second spring assembly with a plurality of spring coils, which encloses a receiving part or the cover adjoining the second lever sleeve and is coupled to the first hinge lever by a first connecting piece and to the second hinge lever by a second connecting piece.

[0048] The corresponding first connecting pieces and / or second connecting pieces of the spring assemblies can each be connected to one another or separated from one another by a connecting web.

[0049] The invention thus makes it possible to advantageously integrate two spring assemblies into the damping hinge without requiring additional space. The two spring assemblies are capable of exerting high forces on the hinge levers, so that a connected separating element or elements are powerfully driven after being released from an end position.

[0050] The spring assemblies of the drive spring preferably have helical or thread-shaped windings which lie against one another or are at least partially spaced from one another from winding to another, so that the spring assemblies are axially compressible.

[0051] The helical design of the drive spring allows it to exert a high spring force on the hinge levers within a large rotation range of approximately 180°. The drive spring can also be preloaded if desired.

[0052] The helical design of the drive spring allows for a virtually coaxial alignment of the spring assemblies with respect to the hinge axis and thus the rotational axis of the damping hinge, thus requiring very little space. Even if the coils of the spring assemblies are given a larger diameter, the damping hinge still has a very slim design.

[0053] To ensure that the spring assemblies are held friction-free, bearing sleeves are preferably provided between the preferably sleeve-shaped receiving parts and the spring assemblies. For example, bearing sleeves are made of plastic, which preferably has good sliding properties. The bearing sleeves are preferably made of a thermoplastic material, such as POM.

[0054] The functional unit is provided with separating elements held by damping hinges according to the invention. Preferably, the functional unit comprises a folding door or folding sliding door with separating elements or door elements connected by damping hinges according to the invention. The movements of the door element or elements are advantageously damped when moving into one or both end positions and are preferably driven when moving out of one or both end positions. If multiple damping devices are used, these are preferably selected individually according to the desired damping properties.

[0055] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Herein:

[0056] Fig. 1 shows a functional unit 1 according to the invention in the design of a piece of furniture with a folding door 11 with two door elements 111, 112, which are connected to one another by damping hinges 2 according to the invention and can be inserted into a first door compartment 10 in a parallel alignment or folded manner, and with a door 11' with only one door element 111, which is held by hinges 2 according to the invention and can be inserted into a second door compartment 10;

[0057] Fig. 2 shows the rear side of the folding door 11 of the piece of furniture 1 of Fig. 1 with the first door element 111, which is connected to a second door element 112 at the trailing edge by stop hinges 13 with a mounting profile 12 and at the leading edge by a damping hinge 2 according to the invention and a drive hinge 3 comprising a drive spring 34;

[0058] Fig. 3 shows the damping hinge 2 according to the invention from Fig. 2, which has two

[0059] Hinge levers 21, 22 each having a lever sleeve 210, 220 which are connected to one another by a hinge shaft 23 (shown in dash-dotted lines), and having a damping device 26 which can be actuated upon mutual rotation of the two hinge levers 21, 22 by means of an actuating rod 24 which is mounted axially displaceably within the hinge shaft 23 and is driven upon actuation of the damping hinge 2;

[0060] Fig. 4a the two hinge levers 21, 22 connected to each other by the hinge shaft 23 and the one in a bearing channel 230 of the

[0061] Hinge shaft 23 displaceably mounted actuating rod 24 of the damping hinge 2 of Fig. 3 each with a quarter section through the first and second lever sleeve 210, 220;

[0062] Fig. 4b the two hinge levers 21, 22 and the operating rod 24 of the

[0063] Damping hinge 2 of Fig. 4b without the hinge shaft 23;

[0064] Fig. 5 in exploded view the two hinge levers 21, 22, the

[0065] Hinge shaft 23, and the actuating rod 24 of the damping hinge 2 of Fig. 3, with a cover 28 and with a sleeve-shaped receiving part 25, into which on the one hand a damping device 26 and on the other hand an adjusting part 27, by means of which the position of the damping device 26 in the receiving part 25 can be adjusted, are inserted;

[0066] Fig. 6 the two separate hinge levers 21, 22 of Fig.

[0067] 5, the hinge shaft 23 inserted into the first lever sleeve 210 and the actuating rod 24 of the damping hinge 2 slidably mounted in a bearing channel 230 of the hinge shaft 23;

[0068] Fig. 7 shows in a longitudinal section the hinge shaft 23 of Fig. 6 with the cylindrical receiving part 25 connected thereto, in which the damping device 26 is held by means of the adjusting part 27, and with the actuating rod 24 which is displaceably mounted in the bearing channel 230 of the hinge shaft 23;

[0069] Fig. 8a the damping hinge 2 according to the invention from Fig. 3 with a

[0070] Actuating rod 24, which alternately has one

[0071] Damping device 26A 26B can be actuated which are arranged in receiving parts 25A, 25B which are connected to the lever sleeves 210, 220 or to end pieces of the hinge shaft 23;

[0072] Fig. 8b shows the damping devices 26A, 26B and the actuating rod 24 taken from the damping hinge 2 of Fig. 8a; and

[0073] Fig. 9 shows the damping hinge 2 of Fig. 8a equipped with a drive spring 8.

[0074] Fig. 1 shows a functional unit 1 according to the invention in the design of a piece of furniture 1 with a folding door 11 which can be inserted into a first door compartment 10 and with a one-piece door 11' which can be inserted into a second door compartment 10.

[0075] The piece of furniture 1 preferably has side walls 1A, a top shelf 1B, a bottom shelf IC, an intermediate shelf IE and partition walls ID on both sides, which delimit the door compartments 10 with the side walls 1A.

[0076] The folding door 11 has a first dividing element or door element 111, which is connected on one side by stop hinges or by damping hinges 2 according to the invention to a mounting profile 12, and on the other side by damping hinges 2 according to the invention to a second dividing element or door element 112, the dimensions of which preferably correspond to the dimensions of the first door element 111. The folding door 11 is slightly unfolded and can either be fully folded and retracted into the door compartment 10 with the door elements 111, 112 aligned parallel to one another, or fully unfolded and transferred into a closed position in which the two door elements 111, 112 are at least approximately aligned in one plane.In order that the folding door 11 remains held in the closed position and can be easily released from the closed position, one of the two door elements 111, 112 is preferably provided with a holding device which, in the closed position, is opposite a stationary holding element which is fastened, for example, to the top panel 1B.

[0077] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the doors 11, 11' are each connected, preferably by damping hinges 2 according to the invention, to a mounting profile 12, which is held by a sliding device 9 and can be moved within the associated door compartment 10. The doors 11 are aligned parallel to the side wall 1A in front of the associated door compartment 10 and can subsequently be moved into the door compartment 10. For movement within the door compartment 10, each mounting profile 12 can also be provided with drive devices. Preferably, each mounting profile 12 is connected on the top side to a support carriage 5A, which can be moved along an associated guide rail 15A into the door compartment 10. Each mounting profile 12 can also be connected on the bottom side to a carriage guided in a guide rail.

[0078] In this preferred embodiment, the second dividing element 112 of the folding door 11, whose leading edge is connected to a guide track 5B, is also guided by a guide rail 15B that runs along the front of the piece of furniture 1 and along a curve into the door compartment 10. The folding door 11 is therefore held at the front by the guide track 5B, which can be moved along the front of the piece of furniture 1 when the folding door 11 is unfolded and into the door compartment 10 when the folding door 11 is folded closed. The guide track 5B always precedes the second dividing element 112 in the sliding direction. By using the guide track 5B, the folding door 11 can be opened and closed with little effort.

[0079] Fig. 2 shows the rear side of the folding door 11 of the functional unit 1 of Fig. 1 with the first door element 111, which in this embodiment is connected to the mounting profile 12 at the trailing edge by stop hinges 13 and to the trailing edge of the second door element 112 at the leading edge by a damping hinge 2 according to the invention and a drive hinge 3, on whose leading edge the guide carriage 5B is mounted.

[0080] The damping hinge 2 according to the invention comprises two hinge levers 21, 22 connected to one another by a hinge shaft 23 (shown in dash-dotted lines) and a damping device 26 which can be actuated by means of an actuating rod 24 upon mutual rotation of the two hinge levers 21, 22, which is mounted axially displaceably within the hinge shaft 23 and is driven upon actuation of the damping hinge 2.

[0081] The drive hinge 3, which is the subject of an unpublished patent application, has two hinge levers 31, 32 connected to one another by a bearing shaft 33, which are additionally connected to one another by a drive spring 34. The guide carriage 5B comprises support rollers 51 that can roll on a running plate 151 of the guide rail 15B, and guide rollers 52 that are guided in a guide channel 152 of the guide rail 15B. It is shown that the guide rail 15B runs along the front side of the piece of furniture 1 and around a curve into the door compartment 10 of the piece of furniture 1. So that the guide carriage 5B can follow this curve, it is connected to the second door element 112 by parts 53, 54 of a carriage body that are articulated to one another.

[0082] The mounting profile 12 is connected at its upper end to a support carriage 5A, which can be moved into the door compartment 10 along a guide rail 15A by means of support rollers 51 and guide rollers 52. In Fig. 2, the support carriage 5A is guided up to a stop device 7 on the front side of the door compartment 10. A stop part 59 of the support carriage 5A rests against a buffer element 71 of the stop device 7. It is also shown that the stop device 7 is provided with deflection rollers 72, which serve to guide the first door element 111.

[0083] In this position, which is also shown in Fig. 1, the folding door 11 is fully extended from the door compartment 10 and can be unfolded to close the furniture opening 100 (see Fig. 1). In Fig. 2, the folding door 11 has almost reached the closed position and can be brought into the closed position by manually applying pressure to the folding door 11, preferably to the leading edge 111.

[0084] The two door elements 111, 112 are therefore automatically moved by the drive hinge 3, for example, from a closed position to an open position or from an open position to a closed position. The functional unit 1 or the folding sliding door 11 is therefore convenient to operate. However, to prevent the door elements 111, 112 from slamming open in the end positions, the damping hinge 2 according to the invention is provided.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment (see Fig. 9), the damping hinge 2 is additionally provided with a drive spring 8, so that in this embodiment it serves as both a damping hinge and a drive hinge. Separate damping hinges and drive hinges are therefore not required.

[0086] The damping hinge 2 can therefore be implemented in various advantageous configurations. In a first simple configuration, the damping hinge 2 is provided for damping the movement of a connected separating element in the region of one end position. In a further preferred configuration, the damping hinge 2 is provided for damping the movement of a connected separating element in the region of both end positions. In preferred configurations, these damping hinges 2 are each equipped with at least one spring element 8, which has one preferably cylindrical spring assembly or two preferably cylindrical spring assemblies.

[0087] Fig. 3 shows the damping hinge 2 according to the invention from Fig. 2, which comprises two hinge levers 21, 22, each with a lever sleeve 210, 220, which are connected to one another by a hinge shaft 23 (shown in dash-dotted lines, see Fig. 5) that is axially aligned to the hinge axis x of the damping hinge 2. The two hinge levers 21, 22 each have a connecting piece 211, 221 at the end opposite the lever sleeves 210, 220, which can be connected to a separating element, for example by a mounting part 4, such as a hinge cup. The mounting part 4 is preferably connected to the respective connecting piece 211, 221 by a connecting screw 41. Alternatively, the connecting pieces 211, 221 can also be connected directly to a separating element.

[0088] Mounted on the underside of the first lever sleeve 210 is a sleeve-shaped receiving part 25, in which a damping device 26 is arranged. In this preferred embodiment, the receiving part 25 is designed as a hollow cylinder. Preferably, the receiving part 25 has an internal thread or an external thread 251 at the end facing the first lever sleeve 210, by means of which the receiving part 25 can be connected to the first lever sleeve 210 or to an end piece of the hinge shaft 23. At the other end, the receiving part 25 preferably has an internal thread 252, into which an adjusting part 27, preferably a threaded bolt, can be screwed in order to axially displace the damping device 26 and position it as desired. In preferred embodiments, a continuous internal thread can also be provided in the receiving part 25.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the damping device 26; 26A, 26B has, within the associated receiving part 25; 25A, 25B (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 8a), a device part 260 with an external thread that engages with an internal thread of the receiving part 25; 25A, 25B, so that the damping device 26; 26A, 26B is mounted rotatably and axially displaceably. The damping device 26; 26A, 26B can therefore be rotated to a desired position and subsequently fixed, for example, by means of the adjusting part 27, which is rotated against the damping device 26; 26A, 26B. The device part with the external thread is preferably the damping cylinder 260.

[0090] In all described embodiments of the damping hinge 2 according to the invention, the damping device 26; 26A, 26B can preferably be displaced to a specific location in order to be contacted by an actuating rod 24. Contacting of the damping device 26; 26A, 26B can occur only in the end region or over the entire rotational range of the hinge levers 21, 22. If two damping devices 26A, 26B are provided, as in the embodiment of Fig. 8a, the damping effect and the respective contacting of the damping devices 26A, 26B can be selectively adjusted by the actuating rod 24, so that the desired damping effect is achieved in every end position of the damping hinge 2. The damping effect can occur over the entire rotational range of the hinge levers 21, 22 or only before reaching an end position.

[0091] On the upper side of the second lever sleeve 220, a cover 28 is placed on the hinge shaft 23 and connected to it by a fastening screw 281. In preferred embodiments, the cover 28 is cylindrical and provided with an internal thread, by means of which the cover 28 can be screwed onto the upper end piece of the hinge shaft 23. Alternatively or additionally, the cover 28 has a central bolt 282, which can be inserted, if necessary, into a bore, possibly a bearing channel in the hinge shaft 23, and if necessary, screwed into it. The cover 28 can alternatively also be connectable to the second lever sleeve 220.

[0092] An actuating rod 24 is axially displaceably supported by the hinge shaft 23 and driven by the second lever sleeve 220. Preferably, the actuating rod 24 is displaceably mounted in a bearing channel 230 of the hinge shaft 23. During axial displacement, the actuating rod 24 can interact with an actuating element 261 of the damping device 26, which is held in the receiving part 25.

[0093] The damping device 26 can be configured as desired. Preferably, the damping device 26 comprises a damping cylinder 260 and a damping piston 262, which is connected to the actuating element 261 and is displaceable within the damping cylinder 260, for example, to displace a gaseous or liquid medium or to slide along an oil film. The movement of the damping piston 262 is therefore damped by the medium to be displaced or by the oil film, which is why the movement of the actuating rod 24 and thus the mutual rotation of the hinge levers 21, 22 is also damped. The damping device 26 also comprises a return element 263, such as a return spring, by means of which the damping piston 262 is returned in each case. However, if the actuating rod 24 is firmly connected to the actuating element 261 of the damping device 26, the return of the damping piston 262 can also be effected by the actuating rod 24.

[0094] In preferred embodiments, the actuating rod 24 and the actuating element 261 are designed as one piece or are loosely or firmly connected to one another, for example by at least one threaded element.

[0095] Fig. 4a shows the two hinge levers 21, 22 connected to each other by the hinge shaft 23 and the actuating rod 24 of the damping hinge 2 of Fig. 3, which is slidably mounted in a bearing channel 230 of the hinge shaft 23.

[0096] A quarter-section through each of the first and second lever sleeves 210, 220 at least partially exposes four essential parts of the hinge shaft 23. The hinge shaft 23 comprises a first shaft part 231 held in the first lever sleeve 210 and a second shaft part 232 held in the second lever sleeve 220, which second shaft part 232 projects upwards beyond the second lever sleeve 220. The second shaft part 232 is divided by an axial section into two identical shaft segments 2321, which are located opposite one another and are separated from one another centrally by the bearing channel 230 and on both sides by bearing gaps 2320. On the upper side of at least one of the shaft parts 2321, a threaded bore 2323 is provided, which serves to receive a fastening screw 281, by means of which the cover 28 (see Fig. 3) can be fastened.

[0097] Between the first and second shaft parts 231, 232, the hinge shaft 23 has a flange ring 233 that extends outward between the two lever sleeves 210, 220 and preferably has the same outer diameter as the two lever sleeves 210, 220. Facing the first lever sleeve 210, the flange ring 233 has a first coupling element 2330 that interacts positively with a second coupling part 2101 provided on the top side of the first lever sleeve 210. The first coupling element 2330 is provided as a recess in the flange ring 233, and the second coupling element 2101 is provided as an extension on the top side of the first lever sleeve 210. The two coupling elements 2330, 2101 engage with each other in a form-fitting manner and preferably without play, so that the first hinge lever 21 and the hinge shaft 23 cannot rotate relative to each other.Furthermore, the hinge shaft 23 has a connecting part 234 on its underside, which projects downwardly from the underside of the first lever sleeve 210 and can be connected, preferably screwed, to the receiving part 25 of Fig. 3. The outer diameter of the receiving part 25 and preferably also of the cover 28 preferably corresponds to the outer diameter of the lever sleeves 210, 220, which is why the lever sleeves 210, 220 and the receiving part 25 form a uniform cylinder with small dimensions. The damping hinge 2 can therefore advantageously be used as a replacement for conventional hinges.

[0098] Fig. 7 shows that the hinge shaft 23 is provided with a bearing channel 230, which extends coaxially to the hinge axis x, preferably through the entire hinge shaft 23. A rod element 241 of an actuating rod 24 is slidably mounted within the bearing channel 230. The rod element 241 has cam-shaped track elements 242 on both sides, each of which is connected to a bearing block 243.

[0099] Fig. 4a shows that each of the track elements 242 is guided in a guide element 2201 provided on the inside or inner wall of the second lever sleeve 220. The guide elements 2201 are groove-shaped and extend offset from one another in a spiral or helical manner on the inside of the second lever sleeve 220. Upon rotation of the second lever sleeve 220 relative to the first lever sleeve 210 or vice versa, the track elements 242 therefore follow the track-shaped guide elements 2201 downwards or upwards, whereby the actuating rod 24 is displaced relative to the damping device 26 and can actuate it.

[0100] The track elements 242 protrude from a bearing block 243, which is held in the associated bearing gap 2320 between the shaft segments 2321 of the second shaft part 232 of the hinge shaft 23. Therefore, upon rotation of the second lever sleeve 220, the track elements 242 can only be displaced parallel to the associated bearing gap 2320 and thus only parallel to the hinge axis x.

[0101] Fig. 4b shows the two hinge levers 21, 22 and the actuating rod 24 of the damping hinge 2 from Fig. 4a without the hinge shaft 23. In this illustration, the rod element 241, the track element 242 and the adjoining bearing block 243 of the actuating rod 24 are clearly visible. Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the two separate hinge levers 21, 22, the hinge shaft 23, and the actuating rod 24 of the damping hinge 2 from Fig. 3, with the cover 28 and the sleeve-shaped receiving part 25, into which the damping device 26 and an adjusting part 27 are inserted, by means of which the position of the damping device 26 in the receiving part 25 can be adjusted. It is shown that the connecting part 234 has a thread and can therefore be screwed to the receiving part 25.

[0102] Fig. 6 shows the two separate hinge levers 21, 22, the hinge shaft 23 inserted into the first lever sleeve 210, and the actuating rod 24 of the damping hinge 2 of Fig. 5, which is slidably mounted in a bearing channel 230 of the hinge shaft 23. This illustration shows the groove-shaped and spiral guide elements 2201 provided on the inside of the second lever sleeve 220. Furthermore, it is visible that the hinge shaft 23 is positively coupled to the first lever sleeve 210 by the coupling elements 2330, 2101, thereby preventing mutual rotation.

[0103] Fig. 7 shows a longitudinal section of the hinge shaft 23 with the associated receiving part 25, in which the damping device 26 is held by means of the adjusting part 27, and with the actuating rod 24, which is slidably mounted in the bearing channel 230 of the hinge shaft 23. The sectioned parts are shown hatched. Of the second shaft part 232 of the hinge shaft 23, only one of the shaft segments 2321 is shown, which is not affected by the longitudinal section.

[0104] It is shown that the rod element 241 of the actuating rod 24 is guided in the bearing channel 230 of the hinge shaft 23 and rests against the actuating element 261 of the damping device 26, which is also rod-shaped and also projects into the bearing channel 230 of the hinge shaft 23 in the region of the first lever sleeve 210 and is aligned coaxially with the rod element 241. The actuating element 261 with the piston 262 (see Fig. 3) is preferably supported by a spring 263 and is pressed against the rod element 241.

[0105] Fig. 8a shows the damping hinge 2 according to the invention from Fig. 3 with an actuating rod 24, which can alternately actuate a damping device 26A, 26B on each side, which are arranged in receiving parts 25A, 25B. The receiving parts 25A, 25B are connected to the lever sleeves 210, 220 or to end pieces of the hinge shaft 23. Instead of the cover 28, a second receiving part 25B is thus provided on the upper side of the second lever sleeve 220, into which the rod element 241 of the actuating rod 24 can extend. When the hinge 2 is opened, the actuating rod 24 is guided upwards, for example, against the damping device 26B, so that when the hinge 2 is closed, the actuating rod 24 is guided downwards against the damping device 26A.

[0106] Fig. 8b shows the damping devices 26A, 26B taken from the damping hinge 2 of Fig. 8a and the actuating rod 24, whose

[0107] Rod element 241 has been extended upwards so that when the actuating rod 24 is moved upwards, the upper damping device 26B can be actuated.

[0108] Fig. 9 shows the damping hinge 2 of Fig. 3 equipped with a drive spring 8 with an extended cover 28 and only one damping device 26 or the damping hinge 2 of Fig. 8a equipped with a drive spring 8 with two receiving parts 25 and two damping devices 26A, 26B.

[0109] The drive spring 8 has a first cylindrical spring assembly 81, which encloses the lower receiving part 25A, and a second cylindrical spring assembly 82, which encloses the upper receiving part 25B or the cover 28. The first connecting pieces 811, 821 of the spring assemblies 81, 82 are connected to the first hinge lever 21, and the second connecting pieces 812, 822 of the spring assemblies 81, 82 are connected to the second hinge lever 22. In this preferred embodiment, the first connecting pieces 811, 821 are connected to one another by a first connecting web 83, which is hooked into a holding element 219 on the first hinge lever 21. The second connecting pieces 812, 822 are connected to one another by a second connecting web 84, which can be hooked into a holding element 229 on the second hinge lever 22.

[0110] The drive spring 8 is preferably designed to be powerful. Nevertheless, manual operation or tensioning of the drive spring 8 can be easily performed using one of the connecting links 84. An arrow symbolizes the hand movement by which the second connecting link 84 is hooked onto the second hinge lever 22.

[0111] When the holding elements 219, 229 are configured as locking elements, the coupling of the connecting web 84 can also advantageously be achieved by counter-rotating the hinge levers 21, 22 or the separating elements 111, 112 connected thereto. In this case, the second hinge lever 22 is rotated clockwise until the second connecting web 84 is guided over the second holding element 229 and engages therewith.

[0112] In order for the spring assemblies 81, 82 to be advantageously mounted, bearing sleeves 6 made of plastic are preferably inserted between the receiving parts 25A, 25B, if necessary the cover 28 on the one hand, and the spring assemblies 81, 82 on the other hand.

[0113] The damping hinge 2 according to the invention thus allows two interconnected separating elements 111, 112 to be held rotatably relative to one another and to dampen their movements in the embodiment of Fig. 3 either during closing or opening, or in the embodiment of Fig. 8a, both during closing and opening. The damping can take place only in the end regions or across the entire rotational range of the damping hinge 2. As described, the damping device 26 or damping devices 26A, 26B can preferably be individually adjusted.

[0114] As described, the damping hinge 2 is preferably equipped with at least one drive spring 8, so that an additional drive hinge 3, as shown in Fig. 2, can be dispensed with.

[0115] List of reference symbols:

[0116] 1 functional unit, piece of furniture, especially cupboard

[0117] 1A side walls

[0118] IB Topsoil

[0119] 1C Underbody

[0120] ID partition

[0121] 10 first or second door compartment 10 or parking space

[0122] 100 Interior of functional unit 1

[0123] 11 Folding door

[0124] 111 first door element

[0125] 112 second door element

[0126] 11' one-piece door

[0127] 12 Mounting profile

[0128] 13 stop hinges

[0129] 15A Guide rail for the support carriage 5A

[0130] 15B guide rail the guide drive 5B

[0131] 151 Running plate

[0132] 152 guide channel

[0133] 2 Damping hinge

[0134] 21 first hinge lever

[0135] 210 first lever sleeve

[0136] 2101 second coupling element, extension or recess

[0137] 211 first connecting piece

[0138] 219 first holding element, preferably locking element

[0139] 22 second hinge lever

[0140] 220 second lever sleeve

[0141] 2201 Guide element, spiral grooves

[0142] 221 second connecting piece

[0143] 229 second holding element, preferably locking element

[0144] 23 Hinge shaft

[0145] 230 storage channel

[0146] 231 first shaft part

[0147] 232 second shaft part

[0148] 2320 bearing gap, bearing gap

[0149] 2321 wave segments of the second wave part

[0150] 2323 threaded hole

[0151] 233 flange ring

[0152] 2330 first coupling element, extension or recess

[0153] 234 connecting part

[0154] 24 Operating rod 241 Rod element

[0155] 242 track element

[0156] 243 bearing block

[0157] 25 Receptacle, preferably sleeve-shaped

[0158] 251 first connecting part, internal thread

[0159] 252 second connecting part, internal thread

[0160] 253 Coupling part for a tool

[0161] 26 Damping device

[0162] 260 damping cylinders

[0163] 261 Actuating element

[0164] 262 Damping piston

[0165] 263 Return element, return spring

[0166] 27 Adjusting part, threaded bolt

[0167] 28 Cover

[0168] 281 fixing screw

[0169] 282 Insert, center bolt

[0170] 3 drive hinge

[0171] 31 first hinge lever

[0172] 32 second hinge lever

[0173] 33 Bearing shaft

[0174] 34 Drive spring of the drive hinge

[0175] 4 Mounting part, hinge cup

[0176] 41 Connecting screw

[0177] 5A Supporting chassis

[0178] 5B guide drive

[0179] 51 support rollers

[0180] 52 guide rollers

[0181] 53 first drive body part

[0182] 54 second drive body part

[0183] 6 bearing sleeve

[0184] 8 Drive spring of the damping hinge

[0185] 81 first spring package

[0186] 811 first connecting piece of the first spring assembly 81

[0187] 812 second connecting piece of the first spring assembly 81

[0188] 82 second spring package

[0189] 821 first connecting piece of the second spring assembly 82

[0190] 822 second connecting piece of the second spring assembly 82

[0191] 83, 84 first and second connecting bridges

[0192] 9 Shifting device

[0193] Hinge axis

Claims

Patent claims 1. Damping hinge (2) with a first hinge lever (21) which comprises at a first end a first lever sleeve (210) and at a second end a first connecting piece (211) which is or can be connected to a first mounting part (4) or directly to a first separating element; with a second hinge lever (22) which is rotatable about a hinge axis (x) relative to the first hinge lever (21) and which comprises at a first end a second lever sleeve (220) and at a second end a second connecting piece (221) which is or can be connected to a second mounting part (4) or directly to a second separating element; with a hinge shaft (23) which is arranged in the first and second lever sleeves (210, 220) so as to be coaxial with the hinge axis (x);and with a damping device (26) with an actuating element (261) which can be actuated by a mutual rotation of the two hinge levers (21, 22), characterized in that at least one guide element (2201) extending spirally from one end to the other end of the second lever sleeve (220) is provided in the second lever sleeve (220); and that an actuating rod (24) is held displaceably by the hinge shaft (23), which actuating rod (24) is aligned parallel or coaxially to the hinge axis (x) and which actuating rod (24) has a rod element (241) and at least one track element (242) connected to the rod element (241), which cooperates with the guide element (2201) in such a way that the actuating rod (24) is displaceable axially against the actuating element (261) of the damping device (26) upon mutual rotation of the two hinge levers (21, 22); 2. Damping hinge (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the damping device (26) comprises a damping cylinder (260) and a damping piston (262), which is displaceably mounted within the damping cylinder (260), which is connected to the rod-shaped actuating element (261), which is aligned parallel or coaxially to the rod element (241) of the actuating rod (24), and which is connected to a return element (263). Damping hinge (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hinge shaft (23) is traversed by a bearing channel (230), within which the actuating rod (24) is displaceably mounted, or in that the hinge shaft (23) is traversed by a bearing channel (230), within which the actuating rod (24) is displaceably mounted and into which the rod-shaped actuating element (261) of the damping device (26) projects.Damping hinge (2) according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the actuating rod (24) is held axially displaceably but not rotatably by the hinge shaft (23) which is connected to the first lever sleeve (210), or in that the actuating rod (24) is held axially displaceably but not rotatably by the hinge shaft (23) which is connected to the first lever sleeve (210) in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner. Damping hinge (2) according to one of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the hinge shaft (23) has a first shaft part (231) arranged in the first lever sleeve (210) and a second shaft part (232) arranged in the second lever sleeve (220), wherein at least one of the shaft parts (231, 232) is connected to a receiving part (25) in which the damping device (26) is held such that the actuating element (261) faces the actuating rod (24).Damping hinge (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second shaft part (232), which consists of one part or of two shaft segments (2321) separated from one another along the bearing channel (230), has at least one bearing gap (2320) which extends parallel to the hinge axis (x) and from which the at least one rod-shaped or cam-shaped track element (242) protrudes and. protrudes into the groove-shaped guide element (2201) of the second lever sleeve (220). Damping hinge (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuating rod (24) is connected on one side to the at least one track element (242), which is adjacent to a bearing block (243) that is held axially displaceably in the at least one bearing gap (2320); or that the second shaft part (232) has two shaft segments (2321) separated from one another along the bearing channel (230), which on opposite sides of the bearing channel (230) each delimit a bearing gap (2320) extending outwards from the bearing channel (230), and that the actuating rod (24) is connected on opposite sides to one of the track elements (242) to which a bearing block (243) adjoins, which is held axially displaceably in the associated bearing gap (2320).Damping hinge (2) according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the hinge shaft (23) has a flange ring (233) between the first and the second shaft part (231, 232), which separates the first lever sleeve (210) and the second lever sleeve (220) from one another and which has at least one first coupling element (2330) which cooperates in a form-fitting manner with a second coupling element (2101) on the facing side of the first lever sleeve (210) in such a way that the first lever sleeve (210) and the hinge shaft (23) are not rotatable relative to one another.Damping hinge (2) according to one of claims 1 - 8, characterized in that a connecting piece (234) of the hinge shaft (23), which leads out of the first or the second lever sleeve (210; 220), is connected to an associated receiving part (25) in which an associated damping device (26) is arranged, and in that one of the shaft parts (231, 232) is connected to a cover (28) by a screw connection or a screw (281); or in that a first connecting piece (234) of the hinge shaft (23), which leads out of the first lever sleeve (210), is connected to a first receiving part (25A) in which a first. damping device (26A) is arranged; and that one of the second Lever sleeve (220) led out second connecting piece (234) of the Hinge shaft (23) is connected to a second receiving part (25B) in which a second damping device (26B) is arranged, wherein the first and the second damping device (26A; 26B) can be actuated alternately when opening and closing the damping hinge (2). Damping hinge (2) according to one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the damping device (26; 26A, 26B) is held axially displaceably within the associated receiving part (25; 25A, 25B) and is adjustable by providing an adjusting part (27) within the associated receiving part (25; 25A, 25B) which is rotatable or displaceable relative to the damping device (26; 26A, 26B), or is adjustable by the damping device (26; 26A, 26B) having an external thread on a device part (260) which engages in an internal thread of the associated receiving part (25; 25A, 25B).Damping hinge (2) according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that a groove-shaped guide element (2201), in which the at least one track element (242) of the actuating rod (24) is guided, extends spirally or helically within the second lever sleeve (220), or that two groove-shaped guide elements (2201), in each of which one of the track elements (242) of the actuating rod (24) is guided, extend spirally or helically offset from one another within the second lever sleeve (220). Damping hinge (2) according to one of claims 1-11, characterized in that the two hinge levers (21, 22) are connected to one another by at least one drive spring (8). Damping hinge (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the drive spring (8) has at least one first spring assembly (81) with a plurality of spring coils, which encloses the receiving part (25) adjoining the first or second lever sleeve (210, 220) and. is coupled to the first hinge lever (21) by a first connecting piece (811) and to the second hinge lever (22) by a second connecting piece (812), or that the drive spring (8) has a first spring assembly (81) with a plurality of spring coils, which encloses a first receiving part (25A) adjoining the first lever sleeve (210) and is coupled to the first hinge lever (21) by a first connecting piece (811) and to the second hinge lever (22) by a second connecting piece (812), and that the drive spring (8) has a second spring assembly (82) with a plurality of spring coils, which encloses a second receiving part (25B) adjoining the second lever sleeve (220) and is coupled to the first hinge lever (21) by a first connecting piece (821) and to the second hinge lever (22) by a second connecting piece (822), wherein the first connecting pieces (811, 821) and the second Connecting pieces (812, 822) of the two spring assemblies (81, 82) are preferably each connected to one another by a connecting web (83, 84). Damping hinge (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that a bearing sleeve (6) is arranged between each spring assembly (81, 82) and the associated receiving part (25, 25B). Functional unit (1) in the form of a piece of furniture or in the form of a building part, with a separating element (111) connected to at least one damping hinge (2) according to one of claims 1-14 or with several separating elements (111, 112) connected in pairs to at least one damping hinge (2) according to one of claims 1-14.

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