Concealed automatic door closing device

Abstract

The present invention concerns a concealed automatic door closing device (10) comprising an articulation hinge (20) comprising a pair of hinge bodies (21,22) respectively connectable to a leaf and to a fixed structure, wherein the hinge bodies (21,22) are articulated to each other through a pair of arms (23,24) to rotate around a hinge axis (A) between a closed hinge condition and an open hinge condition, and an automatic movement group (30) configured to control a movement of the articulation hinge (20) between the closed hinge condition and the open hinge condition and vice versa between the open hinge condition and the closed hinge condition and intermediate positions configured to act on a first arm (23) of the pair of arms (23,24) wherein the automatic movement group (30) comprises at least one rod (35) translatable along its own longitudinal development axis (B) and constrained to the first arm (23) at a first rod end in such a way that a translation of the at least one rod (35) causes a rotation of the first articulation arm (23) around the hinge axis (A) and, consequently, a movement of the articulation hinge (20) between the closed hinge condition and the open hinge condition, wherein the at least one rod (35) is housed in a corresponding rotatable sleeve (43) and is coupled to the corresponding rotatable sleeve (43) in such a way that a rotation of the rotatable sleeve (43) causes a translation of the rod (35) along the longitudinal axis (B), and a rotary actuator (49) configured to impart rotation to the rotatable sleeve (43), and is characterized in that the rotary actuator (49) comprises a rotating shaft (45) placed in rotation around a rotation axis (R) parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) along which the at least one rod is translatable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention concerns an automatic door closing device for closing a leaf, such as for example a leaf of a door, a cabinet leaf and so on, rotatably constrained around an axis, such as for example hinged, to a fixed structure, such as for example to a jamb of a door or of a cabinet. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic door closing device of the concealed type.STATE OF THE ART

[0002] For the automatic movement of a leaf with respect to a fixed structure, automatic door closing devices comprising articulated arms, moved by means of an actuator, such as for example an electric or hydraulic actuator, are known today. These devices comprise mechanisms similar to those used for the movement of electrified gates. By way of example, the known automatic door closing devices may comprise a pair of arms articulated to each other, of which a first arm constrained to the leaf or to the fixed structure and a second arm moved by the actuator, in such a way as to place the two arms in rotation with respect to each other.

[0003] The automatic door closing devices of this type are generally quite bulky, in particular when they reach the configuration in which the leaf is in a fully open position. They therefore need to be installed externally to the leaf or fixed structure, for example at the top thereof, or recessed in a compartment made in the floor or in the ceiling, requiring more or less complex masonry works.

[0004] Nowadays, door closing devices for the articulated connection by means of a hinge of a leaf to a fixed structure that can be recessed in the connecting parts, such as for example in the thickness of the leaf and the jamb, thus resulting in a concealed type, are also known. These devices are equipped with an elastic recall system that causes an automatic closing of the door. To this end, a recall spring is generally provided which is connected between an element fixed to the leaf or jamb and an element dragged by the opening movement of the leaf. When the door is opened, the element dragged by the opening movement of the leaf exerts a stress on the recall spring, which is then led to exert a recall force on the leaf to return to the closed position.

[0005] However, these devices are not able to cause an automatic opening of the door, nor a partial opening or closing thereof, keeping the leaf stopped in an intermediate position between a fully open position and a closed position.OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In light of the foregoing, the task underlying the present invention is to obviate the problems of the prior art. As part of this task, it is an object of the present invention to devise an automatic door closing device that is at the same time of the concealed type, that is, it can be recessed in a leaf or in a fixed structure, and allows to control the leaf both in closing and in opening.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to realize an automatic door closing device that is of the concealed type and allows to stop the leaf in an intermediate position between the fully open position and the closed position.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to devise an automatic door closing device that takes up reduced spaces both in the condition in which the leaf is in the closed position and in the condition in which the leaf is in the fully opened position.

[0009] It is still an object of the present invention to study an automatic door closing device that can be made in a simple way and at reduced costs.

[0010] Not least object of the present invention is to devise an automatic door closing device that can be installed quickly and easily.

[0011] In accordance with a first aspect thereof, the invention therefore concerns a concealed automatic door closing device, comprising an articulation hinge in turn comprising a pair of hinge bodies respectively connectable to a leaf and to a fixed structure. The hinge bodies are articulated to each other through a pair of arms to rotate around a hinge axis between a closed hinge condition and an open hinge condition.

[0012] The concealed automatic door closing device further comprises an automatic movement group configured to control a movement of the articulation hinge between the closed hinge condition and the open hinge condition and vice versa configured to act on a first arm of the pair of arms.

[0013] Within the scope of the present description and in the attached claims by "closed hinge" it is intended to indicate the condition in which the two hinge bodies face each other, and the surfaces of the leaf and of the fixed structure to which the bodies are connected are juxtaposed. In the closed hinge condition, the two hinge bodies define a hollow compartment in which the arms are substantially enclosed.

[0014] Similarly, within the scope of the present description and in the attached claims by "open hinge" it is intended to indicate the condition in which the two hinge bodies do not face each other, and the surfaces of the leaf and of the fixed surface to which the bodies are connected are distant from each other. In the open hinge condition, the arms are only partially received in the hinge bodies and are accessible from the outside.

[0015] Additionally, by "opening the hinge" it is intended to indicate the passage of the hinge from the closed hinge condition to the open hinge condition, while by "closure of the hinge" it is intended to indicate the passage of the hinge from the open hinge condition to the closed hinge condition.

[0016] Furthermore, the automatic movement group comprises at least one rod translatable along its own longitudinal development axis and constrained to the first arm at a first rod end in such a way that a translation of the at least one rod causes a rotation of the first articulation arm around the hinge axis and, consequently, a movement of the articulation hinge between the closed hinge condition and the open hinge condition.

[0017] The at least one rod is housed in a corresponding rotatable sleeve and is coupled to the corresponding rotatable sleeve in such a way that a rotation of the rotatable sleeve causes a translation of the rod along the longitudinal axis.

[0018] The automatic movement group also comprises a rotary actuator configured to impart rotation to the rotatable sleeve.

[0019] According to the present invention, the rotary actuator comprises a rotating shaft placed in rotation around a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis along which the at least one rod is translatable.

[0020] The Applicant has considered that thanks to the use of an automatic movement group, configured to act on a first arm of the pair of arms of the articulation hinge, it is possible to achieve the automated opening and closing of the door with a device that can be recessed in the leaf or in the fixed structure.

[0021] For the realization of an automatic movement group configured to act on a first arm of the articulation hinge it is, in fact, possible to provide a translatable element moved in a motorized manner that is connected behind the arm of the hinge and can therefore be housed in the leaf or in the fixed structure, thereby maintaining the completely concealed appearance of the hinge itself.

[0022] The translatable element, by acting on the arm of the articulation hinge, is able to move it between the closed hinge condition and the open hinge condition and vice versa between the open hinge condition and the closed hinge condition, being also able to stop in intermediate positions and hold them.

[0023] Furthermore, such an automatic movement group takes up the same spaces both in the condition in which the leaf is in the closed position and in the condition in which the leaf is in the fully opened position.

[0024] Moreover, the use of a rotary actuator that acts on a shaft that rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the translation direction of the translatable element allows to act directly on the hinge arm through one or more rods connected to the hinge arm and movable in translation. In this way, the rods can be recessed into the leaf and control the automatic opening and closing of the leaf, maintaining the totally concealed nature of the articulation hinge. In addition, the particular designed solution allows to potentially control multiple rods in a perfectly synchronous manner, guaranteeing a perfectly balanced movement.

[0025] Further characteristics of the preferred embodiments of the concealed automatic door closing device according to the present invention are the subject-matter of the dependent claims.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one rod extends through a bottom wall of a first hinge body of the pair of hinge bodies in which the first arm is housed.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, a pair of rods translatable along their own longitudinal development axis is provided. Preferably, each rod of the pair of rods is housed in a corresponding rotatable sleeve and is coupled to the corresponding rotatable sleeve in such a way that a rotation of the rotatable sleeve causes a translation of the rod along its own longitudinal axis.

[0028] In particular, a first rod of the pair of rods is constrained to the first arm at an upper portion of the first articulation arm and a second rod of the pair of rods is constrained to the first arm at a lower portion of the first articulation arm, with reference to a use configuration.

[0029] Advantageously, the use of a pair of rods allows to generate a distributed and substantially balanced action, avoiding high localised tensions.

[0030] In a variant of the invention, the rods of the pair of rods are coupled in a synchronous manner to the rotary actuator in such a way that an actuation of the rotary actuator causes a translation of the pair of rods of equal magnitude.

[0031] Preferably, the movement transmission group is configured to transfer in a synchronous manner a rotation imparted by the rotary actuator to the corresponding rotatable sleeves.

[0032] In a variant of the invention, the corresponding rotatable sleeve is connected to the first hinge body in a translationally lockable and rotationally free manner.

[0033] In a variant of the invention, the corresponding rotatable sleeve is positioned in relation to the first hinge body so as to protrude behind a base of a vat-shaped portion of the first hinge body.

[0034] In a variant of the invention, a containment hollow body, intended to house at least part of the protruding portion of the corresponding rotatable sleeve, is constrained behind the base of the vat-shaped portion of the first hinge body.

[0035] In a variant of the invention, the at least one rod comprises a thread on its skirt at at least a portion that engages an internal thread made on at least a portion of an internal surface of the corresponding rotatable sleeve.

[0036] In a variant of the invention, the at least one rod is coupled to the rotary actuator in such a way that an actuation of the rotary actuator causes a translation of the at least one rod.

[0037] In a variant of the invention, the automatic movement group comprises a movement transmission group comprising at least one central drive interface coupled to the shaft of the rotary actuator and to at least one movement return element, wherein the central drive interface is configured to transfer to the at least one rotatable sleeve a rotation imparted by the shaft of the rotary actuator.

[0038] Preferably, the central drive interface is configured to transfer in a synchronous manner to the corresponding rotatable sleeves a rotation imparted by the shaft of the rotary actuator by means of the at least one movement return element.

[0039] Preferably, the at least one movement return element is interposed between the drive interface and the at least one rotatable sleeve and is configured to transfer a rotary motion of the drive interface to the at least one rotatable sleeve.

[0040] Preferably, the at least one return element is selected from the group consisting of: a toothed roller; a friction wheel; toothed belt; a V-belt; and a flat belt.

[0041] In a variant of the invention, an unlocking group is provided which is configured to release a movement of the rotatable sleeve in translation along the longitudinal development axis (B) towards the first articulation arm.

[0042] Preferably, the locking group comprises a pair of walls movable with respect to each other between a first relative engagement position, in which a second wall of the pair of walls prevents a translation of a first wall of the pair of walls along the longitudinal axis, and a second relative disengagement position, such that, when the second wall is in the second position, the first wall is free to translate along the longitudinal axis.

[0043] Preferably, the first wall carries the rotatable sleeve.

[0044] Preferably, the second wall defines a passage opening shaped complementarily to a section of the first wall transverse to the longitudinal axis in such a way as to allow a movement of the first wall along the longitudinal axis through the passage opening when the walls are in the second relative disengagement position.

[0045] More preferably, the first and second wall respectively comprise at least a first and second protrusion such that, when the first and second wall are in the relative engagement position, the at least a first protrusion at least partially abuts in the axial direction against the at least one second protrusion, preventing the translation of the first wall along the longitudinal axis.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more evident from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof made with reference to the appended drawings.

[0047] The different characteristics in the individual configurations can be combined with each other at will according to the previous description, if the advantages resulting specifically from a particular combination were to be used.

[0048] In such drawings: figure 1 is a front elevational view of an automatic door closing device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open hinge condition; figures 2a-2c are top plan views of the device of figure 1 in different configurations, in which some parts have been sectioned for greater representative clarity; figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the device of figure 1 in an open hinge configuration; figure 4 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the device of figure 1; figure 5 is a partial front perspective view of the device of figure 1, illustrated partly exploded; figure 6 is a partial rear perspective view of the device of figure 1, illustrated partly exploded; figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the automatic door closing device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open hinge configuration; figure 8 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the device of figure 7; figure 9 is a partial front perspective view of the device of figure 7, illustrated partly exploded; figure 10 is a partial rear perspective view of the device of figure 7, illustrated partly exploded; figures 11a-11d are partial schematic views of some variants of the automatic movement group of the device of figure 1; figure 12 is a front perspective view of the automatic door closing device in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, in closed hinge configuration; figure 13 is a front perspective view of the device of figure 12 with the safety group shown exploded; figure 14 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the device of figure 12; figures 15a-15c are top plan views of the device of figure 12 in different configurations, in which some parts have been sectioned for greater representative clarity; and figures 16a-16d are partial schematic views of the device of figure 12 during the disengagement steps of the unlocking group. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] For the illustration of the figures, use is made in the following description of identical numerals or symbols to indicate construction elements with the same function. Moreover, for clarity of illustration, certain references may not be repeated in all figures.

[0050] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described hereinbelow in detail. It must in any case be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated, but, on the contrary, the invention intends covering all the modifications, alternative and equivalent constructions that fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0051] The use of "for example", "etc.", "or" indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise indicated. The use of "comprises" and "includes" means "comprises or includes, but not limited to", unless otherwise indicated.

[0052] With reference to figures 1-6, a concealed automatic door closing device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated, overall indicated with 10.

[0053] The door closing device 10 comprises an articulation hinge 20 comprising in turn a pair of hinge bodies 21,22 respectively connectable to a leaf and to a fixed structure (not illustrated), such as for example a jamb. Specifically, the hinge bodies are configured to be recessed respectively in the thickness of the leaf and of the fixed structure. To this end, the hinge bodies 21,22 have a vat-shaped portion 21a,22a configured to be received in the thickness of the leaf and of the fixed structure and two flange portions 21b,22b for fixing the bodies 21,22 to the respective structures in which they are received.

[0054] The hinge bodies 21,22 are articulated to each other through a pair of arms 23,24 that allow the rotation of one hinge body 21, with respect to the other 22 around a hinge axis A at which the two arms 23,24 are pivoted to each other and, consequently, of the leaf with respect to the fixed structure to pass from a closed hinge condition to an open hinge condition and vice versa. Each arm of the pair of arms 23,24 is also pivoted to a hinge body of the pair of hinge bodies 21,22 and constrained in a sliding manner to another hinge body of the pair of hinge bodies 21,22.

[0055] The door closing device 10 further comprises an automatic movement group 30 connected to a first arm 23 of the pair of arms 23,24 of the articulation hinge 20. Preferably, the first arm 23, to which the automatic movement group 30 is connected, is received in a sliding manner in a hinge body 21 intended to be connected to the leaf, hereinafter for brevity "first hinge body 21", and pivoted to a hinge body 22 intended to be connected to the fixed structure, hereinafter for brevity "second hinge body 22". The automatic movement group 30 is configured to move the first hinge body 21 in relation to the second hinge body 22, by acting on the first arm 23.

[0056] The automatic movement group 30 comprises at least one rod 35 housed coaxially inside a rotatable sleeve 43 in a translatable manner along a respective longitudinal development axis B of the rod 35 itself. In the first embodiment illustrated, a pair of rods 35 is provided, each housed in a respective rotatable sleeve 43 in a translatable manner along a respective longitudinal axis B, where the longitudinal axes B are parallel to each other.

[0057] Each rotatable sleeve 43 is connected to the first hinge body 21 in a translationally fixed and rotationally free manner. In particular, each sleeve 43 is positioned in relation to the first hinge body 21 so as to protrude behind a base of the vat-shaped portion 21a of the first hinge body. A containment hollow body 47, intended to house at least part of the protruding portion of the sleeves 43, is preferably constrained behind the base of the vat-shaped portion 21a of the first hinge body 21. The containment hollow body 47 is constrained to the first hinge body in a fixed manner, for example, through a plurality of first screws 51.

[0058] Each rod 35, by translating through the respective sleeve 43, can reach a configuration in which a first end thereof protrudes towards the inside of the first hinge body 21. Each rod 35 is indirectly connected to the first arm 23 at a first end thereof by interposition of a mesh element 31. In particular, each rod 35 is constrained to the first arm 23 in such a way that a translation of the rod 35 causes a rotation of the first articulation arm 23 around the hinge axis A and, consequently, an opening or closing of the hinge 20. Specifically, the pair of rods 35 is constrained to the first arm 23 at an upper portion and a lower portion of the first articulation arm 23, with reference to a use configuration of the door closing device 10 mounted in a leaf and in a fixed structure.

[0059] Each rod 35 is also coupled to the respective rotatable sleeve 43 in such a way that a rotation of the sleeve 43 causes a relative translation of the rod 35 along the longitudinal axis B. To this end, each rod 35 has for example a thread on its skirt that engages an internal thread 43a (see fig. 6) made on at least a portion of the internal surface of the respective sleeve 43, which delimits an internal cavity thereof.

[0060] The rotation of the rotatable sleeves 43 is imparted through a rotary actuator 49, for example an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, comprising an actuator body 44 constrained to the first hinge body 21, for example constrained in a fixed manner to the containment hollow body 47. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator body 44 is constrained by means of a plurality of second screws 52 to the containment body 47. The rotary actuator 49 comprises a rotating shaft 45 which protrudes from the actuator body 44 and is placed in rotation around a rotation axis R parallel to the longitudinal axes B, as shown in fig. 5.

[0061] On the rotating shaft 45 there is fitted a drive interface 41 of a movement transmission group 40 (indicated for example in fig. 5), which is dragged into rotation by the rotary motion of the shaft. To this end, the rotating shaft 45 has a faceted end 45a (see fig. 4) configured to make a dragging coupling in rotation with the drive interface 41.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the movement transmission group 40 comprises the drive interface 41 and at least one pair of movement return elements 42, configured to transfer a rotation imparted on the drive interface 41 to a respective rotatable sleeve 43. Thus, by operating the rotary actuator 49, a rotation is imparted to the drive interface 41, which is transferred in an equal and synchronous manner on both rotatable sleeves 43 through the return elements 42. The sleeves 43 are thus led to rotate around the respective longitudinal axis B.

[0063] In the embodiment of figures 1-6, the drive interface 41 comprises a pinion-shaped portion 41b made on a perimeter surface thereof, and the pair of movement return elements 42 comprises a pair of toothed rollers that engage the pinion-shaped portion 41b.

[0064] In addition, the rotatable sleeves 43 also have a perimeter tooth 43b made on a portion of their external surface. The pair of toothed rollers 42 also engages the perimeter tooth 43b of the rotatable sleeves 43. Advantageously, the ratio between the tooth of the pinion-shaped portion 41b made on the external surface of the drive interface 41 and each of the toothed rollers 42 is the same. Similarly, the ratio between each toothed roller 42 and the perimeter tooth 43b of the respective rotatable sleeve 43 is also the same for both pairs consisting of a toothed roller 42 and a rotatable sleeve 43. In this way it is ensured that the rotation imparted on the drive interface 41 is transferred in an equal and synchronous manner on both rotatable sleeves 43 through the return elements 42.

[0065] Preferably, the pair of toothed rollers 42, the tooth of the pinion-shaped portion 41b of the drive interface 41, as well as the perimeter tooth 43b of the rotatable sleeves 43 are housed in the containment body 47 constrained in a fixed manner to the first hinge body 21. In particular, the containment body 47 has holes 47a through each of which a rotatable sleeve 43 and a respective rod 35 contained therein extend. In this way, following a rotation of the rotatable sleeve 43, the rod 35 can slide between a position of maximum protrusion (shown in figure 2a) and a position of minimum protrusion (shown in figure 2c) of its second end opposite to the first towards the outside of the containment body 47. In particular, the position of minimum protrusion of the second end of the rod 35 towards the outside of the containment body 47 corresponds to the position in which the first end of the rod 35 protrudes towards the inside of the hinge body 21.

[0066] In the embodiment of figures 1-6, the rotary actuator 49 comprises a connector 46 for connection to a power supply source (not illustrated) such as for example the domestic power supply network or one or more batteries.

[0067] In the case of battery power supply, these can also be recessed in the leaf in an easily accessible position for their replacement; in this case the electrical connection between the batteries and the rotary motor 49 is integrated in the leaf itself.

[0068] In the case of power supply through the domestic network, the automatic movement group 30 and the movement transmission group 40 are for example recessed in the fixed structure, in such a way as to electrically connect the rotary motor 49 to a transformer in turn electrically connected to the domestic power supply network. Alternatively, the automatic movement group 30 and the movement transmission group 40 are recessed in the leaf, and the connection to the domestic power supply network is made by means of wiring passing through the leaf.

[0069] The rotary actuator 49 also comprises a radio control interface (not illustrated) for receiving activation and stop command signals over the air. Alternatively or in addition, the rotary actuator 49 is connected by cable to a control interface of the wired type, which can be activated for example by a button.

[0070] The operation of the concealed automatic door closing device according to the present invention is as follows. When the rotary actuator 49 receives an activation signal, it places in rotation its rotating shaft 45, which in turn drags into rotation the drive interface 41. The rotation imparted to the drive interface 41 is transferred onto the rotatable sleeves 43 through the return elements 42. In turn, the rotation of the rotatable sleeves 43 causes a translation of the rods 35 along the relative development axis B. This translational movement of the rods 35 causes the relative movement of the arms 23,24 with respect to each other to move the hinge between the closed hinge condition and the open hinge condition.

[0071] In fact, depending on the direction of rotation imparted by the rotary actuator 49, the rods 35 translate in the direction of the position of maximum protrusion or of the position of minimum protrusion towards the outside of the containment body 47, thereby causing a rotation of the first articulation arm 23 around the hinge axis A and, consequently, an opening or closing of the hinge 20.

[0072] Figures 7-10 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the concealed automatic door closing device according to the present invention. The second embodiment differs from the first in the presence of a single rod 35 connected to the first arm 23 to command its movement.

[0073] In this case, the rotary actuator 49 acts with its own rotating shaft 45 on the drive interface 41, which is coupled to a single rotatable sleeve 43 by interposition of a return element 42.

[0074] A rod 35 is also provided which is housed in the rotatable sleeve 43 in a translatable manner along its own longitudinal development axis B. The rod 35 is indirectly connected to the first arm 23 at its own first end by interposition of a mesh element 31. Specifically, the rod 35 is constrained to the first arm 23 at a central portion of the first articulation arm 23. In particular, the rod 35 is constrained to the first arm 23 in such a way that a translation of the rod 35 causes a rotation of the first articulation arm 23 around the hinge axis A and, consequently, an opening or closing of the hinge 20.

[0075] In this way, the rotation imparted by the rotary actuator 49 is transferred to the rotatable sleeve 43 in which the rod 35 is housed. In turn, the rotation of the rotatable sleeve 43 causes a translation of the rod 35 along its development axis B. This translational movement of the rod 35 causes the relative movement of the arms 23,24 with respect to each other to move the hinge between the closed hinge condition and the open hinge condition.

[0076] As seen in relation to the first embodiment, depending on the direction of rotation imparted by the rotary actuator 49, the rod 35 translates in the direction of the position of maximum protrusion or of the position of minimum protrusion towards the outside of the containment body 47, thereby causing a rotation of the first articulation arm 23 around the hinge axis A and, consequently, an opening or closing of the hinge 20.

[0077] Figures 11a-11d show some variants of the movement transmission group 40 employable in the concealed automatic door closing device according to the present invention, in particular in the first embodiment provided with two rods 35.

[0078] In a first variant illustrated in figure 11a, the rotation imparted by the drive interface 41 is transferred by friction in a synchronous manner on both rotatable sleeves 43 through return elements 42 made as a roller with a high friction coefficient. To this end, the drive interface 41, the rollers and the rotatable sleeves 43 each have at least one perimeter portion 42c,41c,43c of high friction coefficient material and are arranged such that a first perimeter portion 42c of each roller is brought into contact with a second perimeter portion 41c of the drive interface 41 and with a third perimeter portion 43c of a respective sleeve 43.

[0079] In a second variant of the invention illustrated in figure 11b, the rotation imparted by the drive interface 41 is transferred in a synchronous manner on both rotatable sleeves 43 through return elements 42 made as a belt, specifically as a toothed belt. In this variant, the drive interface 41 has a pinion-shaped portion 41b, the rotatable sleeves 43 have a perimeter tooth 43b and each toothed belt 42 engages both the pinion-shaped portion 41b and the perimeter tooth 43b.

[0080] In further alternative variants, the return elements 42 are made in the form of a V-belt (see fig. 9c) or a flat belt (see fig. 9d), while the drive interface 41 and the rotatable sleeves 43 have corresponding engagement portions with the belt configured for the transformation of the perimeter motion of the belt into rotary motion around the axis of the respective elements and vice versa.

[0081] Figures 12-16d illustrate a third preferred embodiment of the concealed automatic door closing device according to the present invention. The third embodiment differs from the first in the additional presence of an unlocking group 60 integrated in the containment hollow body 47'. To this end, the containment hollow body 47' is made up of two half-parts 47a ,47b, of which a first rear half-part 47a is connected to the rotary actuator 49 and a second front half-part 47b is connected to the first hinge body 21, and the unlocking group is interposed between them 47a,47b. The unlocking group 60 is configured to release a movement of the rotatable sleeves 43 in translation along the longitudinal axis B towards the first articulation arm 23. For example, the unlocking group 60 is configured to release a movement of the rotatable sleeves 43 in translation within the containment hollow body 47'. In this way it is possible to manually open and close the door even in the absence of power supply of the rotary actuator 49 as illustrated by the sequence of figs. 15a-15c.

[0082] The unlocking group 60 comprises a pair of walls 61,62 movable with respect to each other transversely to the longitudinal axis B. In particular, a first wall 61 is arranged internally to the containment hollow body 47' movably in translation along the longitudinal axis B and carries the at least a first rotatable sleeve 43. A second wall 62 is movable between a first engagement position with the first wall 61, such as to prevent a translation of the first wall 61 along the longitudinal axis B, and a second disengagement position from the first wall 61, such that, when the second wall 62 is in the second position, the first wall 61 is free to translate along the longitudinal axis B. In particular, the second wall 62 is movable between the first engagement position and the second disengagement position along a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis B.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall 62 of the unlocking group 60 defines a passage opening 62a shaped complementarily to the section of the first wall 61 transverse to the longitudinal axis B. The first 61 and second 62 wall respectively comprise at least a first 61b and second 62b protrusion such that, when the second wall 62 is in the engagement position, the at least one second protrusion 62b is in a same transverse position with respect to the at least a first protrusion 61b, acting as an abutment in the axial direction that prevents the translation of the first wall 61 along the longitudinal axis B inside the containment hollow body 47' (see fig. 16a and 16b).

[0084] When the second wall 62 is in the disengagement position, the at least one second protrusion 62b is arranged in a transversely side-by-side position with respect to the at least a first protrusion 61b. In this configuration, the first wall 61 is free to translate along the longitudinal axis B inside the containment hollow body 47', passing through the passage opening 62a (see fig. 16c and 16d).

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall 62 is made in the form of a C and the at least one second protrusion 62a develops from an upper stem of the C-shaped body towards the space defined internally to said body. Furthermore, the first wall 61 is made so as to pass through the loop defined by the C-shaped body and the at least one protrusion 61a of the first wall 61 develops above the same 61.

[0086] In particular, the first wall 61 of the pair of walls 61,62 is constrained to the first sleeves 43 in such a way that, a translation of the first wall 61 along the longitudinal axis B, causes a corresponding translation of the first sleeves 43 in the same direction. Otherwise, the central drive interface 41 and the at least one return element 42 are housed inside the containment hollow body 47' in a manner always fixed to translation. Preferably, the central drive interface 41 is housed in the rear half-part 47a, while the at least one return element 42 extends at least partially in both the two half-parts 47a,47b.

[0087] The first wall 61 is preferably made of two parts 61',61" connected in a fixed manner to each other, as shown in fig. 14. In this particular case, a first part 61' of the first wall 61 carries the at least a first protrusion 61b and is preferably made of material suitable for an injection moulding process, for example plastic material. A second part 61" of the first wall 61 acts as a reinforcement of the first part 61' as it is made of sufficiently rigid material to counteract a thrust of the first sleeves 43 during unlocking, such as for example of metal.

[0088] The second wall 62 of the pair of walls 61,62 is connected in an integral manner to a button 63 which protrudes externally to the containment hollow body 47 with a stem-shaped portion 63b thereof terminated by a hat-shaped portion 63a, in such a way that a pressure of the button 63 in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis B causes an equal or corresponding translation of the second wall 62 in this direction.

[0089] Such translation movement of the second wall 62 brings the at least one second protrusion 62b to come out from the overlapping position with the at least a first protrusion 61b, removing the translational lock of the first wall 61b. This wall 61 is therefore free to translate along the longitudinal axis B in the event that the leaf is opened manually, dragging with it the first arm 23, the at least one rod 35 and the respective sleeves 43. This makes it possible to implement an easily accessible and operated manual unlock in emergency situations.

[0090] Otherwise, when the first wall 61 is locked in translation along the longitudinal axis B, the movement of the leaf is allowed only through the actuation of the rotary actuator 49.

[0091] In order to prevent unintentional actuation of the button 63 there is also provided a locking element 64 positionable in such a way as to interfere with the hat-shaped portion 63a of the button. In the interference position, the locking element 64 engages the stem-shaped portion 63b of the button 62, preventing a movement in translation of the hat 63a. In this way, the button is prevented from being retracted into the containment hollow body 47 along the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis B, bringing the second wall 62 into the disengagement condition from the first wall 61.

Claims

1. Concealed automatic door closing device (10) comprising an articulation hinge (20) comprising a pair of hinge bodies (21,22) respectively connectable to a leaf and to a fixed structure, wherein the hinge bodies (21,22) are articulated to each other through a pair of arms (23,24) to rotate around a hinge axis (A) between a closed hinge condition and an open hinge condition, and an automatic movement group (30) configured to control a movement of the articulation hinge (20) between the closed hinge condition and the open hinge condition configured to act on a first arm (23) of the pair of arms (23,24), wherein the automatic movement group (30) comprises at least one rod (35) translatable along its own longitudinal development axis (B) and constrained to the first arm (23) at a first rod end in such a way that a translation of the at least one rod (35) causes a rotation of the first articulation arm (23) around the hinge axis (A) and, consequently, a movement of the articulation hinge (20) between the closed hinge condition and the open hinge condition, wherein the at least one rod (35) is housed in a corresponding rotatable sleeve (43) and is coupled to the corresponding rotatable sleeve (43) in such a way that a rotation of the rotatable sleeve (43) around the longitudinal axis (B) causes a translation of the rod (35) along the longitudinal axis (B), and a rotary actuator (49) configured to impart rotation to the rotatable sleeve (43), characterized in that the rotary actuator (49) comprises a rotating shaft (45) placed in rotation around a rotation axis (R) parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) along which the at least one rod is translatable.

2. Door closing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the automatic movement group (30) comprises a movement transmission group (40) comprising at least one central drive interface (41) coupled to the shaft (45) of the rotary actuator (49) and to at least one movement return element (42,42'), wherein the central drive interface (41) is configured to transfer to the rotatable sleeve (43) a rotation imparted by the shaft (45) of the rotary actuator (49).

3. Door closing device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the movement return element (42,42') is interposed between the drive interface (41) and the rotatable sleeve (43) and is configured to transfer a rotary motion of the drive interface (41) to the rotatable sleeve (43).

4. Door closing device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one return element (42,42') is selected from the group consisting of: - a toothed roller; - a friction wheel; - toothed belt; - a V-belt; and - a flat belt.

5. Concealed automatic door closing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rod (35) comprises a thread on its skirt at at least a portion that engages an internal thread (43a) made on at least a portion of an internal surface of the corresponding rotatable sleeve (43).

6. Door closing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rod (35) comprises a pair of rods (35) translatable along their own longitudinal development axis (B), each rod of the pair of rods (35) being housed in a corresponding rotatable sleeve (43) and being coupled to the corresponding rotatable sleeve (43) in such a way that a rotation of the rotatable sleeve (43) causes a translation of the rod (35) along its own longitudinal axis (B).

7. Door closing device (10) according to claim 6, wherein a first rod of the pair of rods (35) is constrained to the first arm (23) at an upper portion of the first articulation arm (23) and a second rod of the pair of rods (35) is constrained to the first arm (23) at a lower portion of the first articulation arm (23), with reference to a use configuration.

8. Concealed automatic door closing device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the rods of the pair of rods (35) are coupled in a synchronous manner to the rotary actuator (49) in such a way that an actuation of the rotary actuator (49) causes a translation of the pair of rods (35) of equal magnitude.

9. Door closing device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the movement transmission group (40) is configured to transfer in a synchronous manner to the corresponding rotatable sleeves (43) a rotation imparted by the rotary actuator (49).

10. Door closing device (10) according to claim 9, wherein a central drive interface (41) of the movement transmission group (40) is configured to transfer in a synchronous manner to the corresponding rotatable sleeves (43) a rotation imparted by the shaft (45) of the rotary actuator (49) by means of the at least one movement return element (42,42'), the at least one movement return element (42,42') being interposed between the drive interface (41) and the rotatable sleeves (43) and configured to transfer a rotary motion of the drive interface (41) to the rotatable sleeves (43).

11. Concealed automatic door closing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an unlocking group (60) configured to release a movement of the rotatable sleeve (43) in translation along the longitudinal development axis (B) towards the first articulation arm (23).

12. Concealed automatic door closing device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the locking group (60) comprises a pair of walls (61,62) movable with respect to each other between a first relative engagement position, in which a second wall (62) of the pair of walls (61,62) prevents a translation of a first wall (61) of the pair of walls (61,62) along the longitudinal axis (B), and a second relative disengagement position, such that, when the second wall (62) is in the second position, the first wall (61) is free to translate along the longitudinal axis (B).

13. Concealed automatic door closing device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the first wall (61) carries the rotatable sleeve (43).

14. Concealed automatic door closing device (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second wall (62) defines a passage opening (62a) shaped complementarily to a section of the first wall (61) transverse to the axis (B) in such a way as to allow a movement of the first wall (61) along the longitudinal axis (B) through the passage opening (62a) when the walls of the pair of walls (61,62) are in the second relative disengagement position.

15. Concealed automatic door closing device (10) according to claim 14, wherein the first (61) and second (62) wall respectively comprise at least a first (61b) and second (62b) protrusion such that, when the first (61) and second (62) wall are in the relative engagement position, the at least a first protrusion (61b) at least partially abuts in the axial direction against the at least one second protrusion (62b), preventing the translation of the first wall (61) along the longitudinal axis (B).

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