Systems for controlled rotational movement of doors, leaves, etc.

Abstract

A system for rotatably coupling a closure element (A), such as a door leaf, door, etc., to a fixed support structure (S), such as a frame, wall, etc., around a rotation axis (X), the system comprises at least one first hinge device and at least one second hinge device. The hinge device (100, 200) comprises a fixed element capable of being anchored to one of the fixed support structure (S) and the closure element (A), and a movable element capable of being anchored to the other of the fixed support structure (S) and the closure element (A). The movable element comprises a hinge body (130), the fixed element comprising a pivot (120, 220) defining respective first and second axes (X1, X2). The hinge body (130) and the pivot (100, 200) are rotatably coupled to each other for mutual rotation between an open position of the closure element (A) and a closed position of the closure element (A). The hinge devices (100, 200) can be coupled to the same coupling element (A) so as to cooperate to control the rotation of the closure element (A) about a rotation axis (X) between a door open position and a door closed position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the technical field of hinges and in particular to a system for the controlled rotational movement of a closure element, such as a door, door leaf, etc., relative to a fixed supporting structure, such as a frame, pseudo frame or floor. [Background technology]

[0002] Hinges are known for the rotational movement of a closure element, in particular a glass door or door leaf, relative to a supporting structure. Such hinges typically comprise a fixed element anchored to the support structure and a movable element articulated to the door, the elements being susceptible to mutual rotation relative to one another. There is a known need to damp the opening and / or closing of such glass doors to avoid breakage of the glass door leaf caused by impact or force by an inattentive user. In this regard, hinges are known that allow multiple functions to be performed simultaneously, including damping, braking, final snap, or other functions as required. This requirement is generally met by using adjustment systems that are difficult to manufacture and typically act on internal mechanical parts of the hinge. Such hinges are particularly complex and difficult to assemble. Moreover, such hinges allow the door to be moved only in a few predetermined ways, i.e. according to a single, so-called, predetermined "law of motion". Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the drawbacks outlined above by providing a system for controlled rotational movement of a closure element that is highly functional and cost-effective.

[0004] Another object of the invention is to provide a system which makes it possible to control the movement of the closure element in a particularly effective manner. Another object is to provide a system which makes it possible to compensate for any gaps between the closure element and the fixed support structure during assembly.

[0005] These and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are accomplished as described and / or claimed and / or illustrated herein. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined according to the dependent claims.

[0006] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the light of the detailed description of some preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the system 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the hinge 100. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the hinge 200. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views of hinges 100 and 200 with fixing plates 190 and 290 at different operation steps at a mutual rotation angle of 0°. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views of hinges 100 and 200 with fixing plates 190 and 290 at different operation steps at a mutual rotation angle of 30°. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views of hinges 100 and 200 with fixing plates 190 and 290 at different operation steps at a mutual rotation angle of 60°. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views of hinges 100 and 200 with fixing plates 190 and 290 at different operation steps at a mutual rotation angle of 90°. [Figure 8] 11A-11C are cross-sectional views of different configurations of the system 1 in which the hinges 100, 200 have an angle of 0° relative to the respective fixing plates 190, 290. [Figure 9]1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of different configurations of the system 1 in which the hinges 100, 200 are at an angle of 90° to the respective fixing plates 190, 290. [Figure 10] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a hinge 100 having different embodiments of a valve means 181 in different operating positions. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of some details of FIG. [Figure 12] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a hinge 100 having different embodiments of a valve means 181 in different operating positions. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of some details of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a hinge 100 having different embodiments of a valve means 181 in different operating positions. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of some details of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of some details of the valve means 181 of the hinge 100 of FIG. [Figure 17] 11A-11C are cross-sectional views of different embodiments of valve means 181. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of some details of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 11A-11C are cross-sectional views of different embodiments of valve means 181. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of some details of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of some details of the valve means 181 of the hinge 100 of FIG. [Figure 22] 5 is a cross-sectional view of some enlarged details of the hinge 100 of FIG. 4 having a different embodiment of the valve means 181. FIG. [Figure 23] 5 is a cross-sectional view of some enlarged details of the hinge 100 of FIG. 4 having a different embodiment of the valve means 181. FIG. [Figure 24] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a hinge 100 having different embodiments of a valve means 181 in different operating positions. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of some details of FIG. 24. [Figure 26]1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a hinge 100 having different embodiments of a valve means 181 in different operating positions. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of some details of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of a hinge 100 having different embodiments of a valve means 181 in different operating positions. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of some details of FIG. 28. [Diagram 30] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of some details of hinge 100 with fixation plate 190 in a proximal position. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of FIG. [Diagram 32] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of some details of hinge 100 with fixation plate 190 in a distal position. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] With reference to the above mentioned figures, the present specification describes a system 1 for rotational movement of a closure element A, such as a door leaf, a door, etc., relative to a fixed support structure S, such as a wall, a floor, a frame, etc. The present invention may include various parts and / or similar or identical elements. Unless otherwise specified, similar or identical parts and / or elements are indicated using a single reference sign, and it is clear that the described technical features are common to all similar or identical parts and / or elements.

[0009] Essentially, the system 1 may comprise two or more hinge devices 100, 200 which may cooperate to move the door A about an axis of rotation X. To this end, each hinge 100, 200 may be connected to a fixed support structure by a respective fixing means, e.g. a fixing plate 190, 290, and may rotate about a respective axis X1, X2. When installed, the axes X1, X2 of the hinges 100, 200 may coincide to define a rotation axis X of the closure element between one or more open and closed positions.

[0010] 1 shows hinge devices 100, 200 with fixing plates 190, 290 fixed to a frame S and a door A. In the following, reference will be made to such an embodiment for simplicity, although it is clear that the latter is not exclusive. In practice, one or both of the hinge devices 100, 200 may be coupled to the frame S, and one or both of the fixing plates 190, 290 may be coupled to the door A. Additionally, the hinge assemblies 100, 200 and fixed plates 190, 290 may be secured to any closure element and any fixed support structure. It is clear that the door A may be moved by a single hinge device, for example device 100.

[0011] For example, a movement system can be provided that includes a lower mounted hinge assembly 100 and an upper mounted idler hinge. It is also clear that the hinge device 100, 200 may include any means for fastening to the door A or to the frame S without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims. In some cases, each of the hinges 100, 200 may be a closure hinge and / or a control hinge. For simplicity, the upper hinge is designated with reference numeral 100 and the lower hinge with reference numeral 200 in the accompanying drawings. Advantageously, the hinges 100 and 200 can be synchronized. In particular, both the hinges 100 and 200 can cooperate to control the movement of the door A for one or more sections of the movement of the door A between the open and closed positions. Preferably, the hinges 100 and 200 can cooperate to control the movement of the door A along the entire movement or a portion thereof from the open position to the closed position and / or vice versa.

[0012] Thus, each of the hinge assemblies 100, 200 can damp or facilitate the rotation of door A between the open and closed positions. Preferably, each of the hinge assemblies 100, 200 can exert different motions along different sections of the rotation of door A, as will be better explained below. Thus, control of the movement of door A can be the result of the operation of both hinge assemblies 100 and 200. In other words, the so-called "law of motion" of door A, i.e. the equation describing the movement of door A as a function of position in space and time, may be a combination of the "laws of motion" of the individual hinge assemblies 100, 200. It is clear that the hinge device 100, 200 can be of any type without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Preferably, the hinge device 100, 200 may include a pivot 120, 220 that may be fixed to one of the door A and the frame S, and a hinge body 130, 230 that may be fixed to the other of the door A and the frame S.

[0013] Thus, the hinge bodies 130, 230 and the pivots 120, 200 are rotatably coupled to each other and can rotate relative to each other about axes X1, X2, respectively, between respective operating positions corresponding to the open or closed position of the closure element A and operating positions corresponding to the closed or open position of the closure element A. Advantageously, in the non-limiting example of system 1 shown in Figures 4 to 9, both hinge devices 100, 200 can have fixed pivots 120, 220 and hinge bodies 130, 233 that rotate between a door closed position (Figures 4 and 8) and a door open position (Figures 7 and 9).

[0014] Preferably, the pivots 120, 220 may be fixed to the frame S by means of fixing plates 190, 290, while the hinge bodies 130, 230 are fixed to the door A in a manner known per se and can rotate integrally therewith. Each of the hinge devices 100,200 may include means 150,250 for controlling the relative rotation of the pivot 120,220 and the hinge body 130,230. In general, the means 150, 250, which may be mechanical and / or hydraulic, may be configured to damp or facilitate rotation of the hinge bodies 130, 230 relative to the pivots 120, 220 for at least one section of rotation of the door A between the open and closed positions.

[0015] Advantageously, the means 150, 250 can operate simultaneously when the door A is closed. However, it is clear that the system 1 may have a different configuration, although not shown. For example, the means 150, 250 may operate along different sections in the closing. For example, the means 150 may operate first and the means 250 may operate last. In some cases, one of the means 150 and 250 may operate when opening and the other of the means 150 and 250 may operate when closing the door A.

[0016] On the other hand, hinges 100 and 200 may be configured such that means 150 and / or 250 operate only when door A rotates about a section from one of the open and closed positions to the other of the open and closed positions, and do not operate when door A rotates about the same section from the other of the open and closed positions to one of the open and closed positions, but only means 250 operates.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means 250 of the hinge 200 may be configured to facilitate closure of the door A, while the means 150 of the hinge 100 may be configured to dampen the closure of the door A. That is, the hinge device 100 opposes the operation of the hinge device 200 when the door A is closed. It is clear that this configuration can be obtained by means of different types of hinge devices 100,200 which can be equipped with different types of means 150,250.

[0018] Preferably, the hinge assemblies 100 and 200 may comprise hinge bodies 130, 230 with actuation chambers 135 therein defining respective axes Y, Y' substantially perpendicular to the respective axes X1 and X2. Additionally, hinge devices 100 and 200 may include slider elements 140, 240 slidable within respective actuation chambers 135. In particular, chambers 135 may include a pair of opposing bottom walls 138, 138'. Sliders 140, 240 may then slide along respective axes Y, Y' between positions proximal to bottom wall 138 and positions distal from bottom wall 138. Suitably, the pivots 120, 220 may be operatively connected to or include respective cam means 125, 225 and the slider elements 140, 240 may be operatively connected to or include cam following means 145, 245.

[0019] The cams 125, 225 and cam followers 145, 245 may be operatively connected to one another such that rotation of the hinge bodies 130, 230 corresponds to sliding of the respective sliders 140, 240 between distal and proximal positions. Advantageously, the means 150 and 250 make it possible to control the sliding of the sliders 140 and 240 and thus the rotation of the door A. Preferably, the control means 150 may be hydraulic and may be configured to damp the sliding of the slider 140 at least as the door moves from the open position to the closed position, whereas the control means 250 may be mechanical and may be configured to facilitate the sliding of the slider 140 at least as the door moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0020] For example, the means 250 may comprise a spring 251 interposed between the slider element 240 and the bottom wall 138 to facilitate sliding of the slider 240 from a proximal position to a distal position. According to the configuration of the cam 125 and the cam following means 145 and the means 150 for controlling the sliding of the slider 140, as applied to the configuration of the cam 225 and the cam following means 245 and the means 250 for controlling the sliding of the slider 240, it is clear that each hinge device 100, 200 can control the rotation of the door A in a different manner. Advantageously, as will be better explained below, the hinge 200 can facilitate the closing of the door A, while the hinge 100 can counter the action of the hinge 200, such that the speed of closing of the door A along a given section is predetermined, which speed may vary or may be substantially constant.

[0021] This section may vary depending on the configuration of the hinge 100, 200, as better explained below. For example, such an angle section may be a segment comprised between 0° and 90°, or between 10° and 90° (e.g., for a final snap), or between 0° and 80° (for a door open stop position), or between 10° and 80° (for a stop and snap). In other words, as described above, the laws of motion of the hinge devices 100 and 200 can be combined to define the law of motion of door A. The law of motion of door A may vary depending on the configuration of the hinge devices 100, 200, and may preferably allow door A to close at a constant speed.

[0022] The following is a description of some preferred, but non-exclusive, examples of hinge assemblies 100 and 200 having the advantages discussed above. The cam means 125 and the cam means 225 may be differently shaped relative to each other. In this way, the rotation of the door A of at least one section during closing can correspond to a different sliding of the respective sliders 140 and 240. Suitably, the cam means 125, 245 may be configured to encourage sliding of the slider elements 140, 240 in opposite ways. For example, when closing door A, the slider 140 may slide in one direction and the slider 240 may slide in the opposite direction.

[0023] In Figures 4 and 8, slider 140 is in a proximal position to wall 138 and slider 240 is in a distal position from wall 138, and in Figures 7 and 9, slider 140 is in a distal position from wall 138 and slider 240 is in a proximal position to wall 138. Preferably, the pivots 120, 220 may include acting surfaces 126, 226 that define the cam means 125, 225, while the slider elements 140, 240 may include respective surfaces 141, 241 suitable for interacting with the surfaces 126, 226, thus defining the cam following means 145, 245. Preferably, the sliders 140, 240 may comprise a cylinder 142 having an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis Y, Y' containing the respective surfaces 141, 241.

[0024] In this manner, the action of the spring 251 facilitates the sliding of the slider 240 towards the distal position, the corresponding rotation of the pivot 220, the corresponding rotation of the pivot 120, and the corresponding sliding of the slider 140 towards the proximal position. The hydraulic means 150 can damp the sliding of the plunger 140 from the distal position to the proximal position. When door A is closed, the spring 251 may not be constant, i.e. may be maximum when door A is open and minimum when door A is closed, whereas the hydraulic means 150 may provide substantially constant damping of the closure of door A, depending on the configuration. Therefore, the surfaces 126 and 226 of the respective pivots 120 and 220 may be shaped to compensate for these imbalances so that the door A has a substantially constant rotational speed.

[0025] In general, depending on the configuration of surfaces 126 and 226, or depending on the configuration of portions 128, 228, door A can rotate at a first predetermined speed for at least one section of its rotation from the open position to the closed position, and rotate at a second predetermined speed for at least a second section of door A's rotation between the door open position and the door closed position. Thus, more particularly, surface 126 of pivot 120 of hinge 100 and surface 226 of pivot 220 of hinge 200 may be shaped to have a variable shape, preferably substantially curved or convex. In particular, the surface 126 of the pivot 120 of the hinge 100 and the surface 226 of the pivot 220 of the hinge device 200 may include an initial section 127, 227 as well as a final section 129, 229 and a substantially convex intermediate operating section 128, 228. The contours of the convex surfaces 128 and 228 may be mutually configured such that, upon rotation of the door A, the variable action of the spring 251 is counteracted by the action of the hydraulic means 150 . In other words, hinge 200 can provide a torque that acts to close door A, while hinge 100 can provide a torque that acts in the opposite manner, i.e., counteracts torque 200 to brake the closing of door A. Thus, the torque that acts to close door A can be greater than the torque that acts in the opposite manner.

[0026] Hinge devices 100 and 200 may be configured to allow door A to move from an open position to a closed position along at least one section of door A's rotation at a predetermined speed, preferably constant but not exclusive, as a result of two opposing torques. For example, the difference between the two torques may be constant over such a section of rotation from the open position to the closed position. Considering that the elastic means provide a variable torque during rotation of the door A, i.e. during rotation of the hinge body 230 and the pivot 120, it is clear that such torque is not constant during rotation. For example, when the second torque increases, the first torque may also increase, and vice versa; when the second torque decreases, the second torque also decreases. It will be apparent that if different speeds are required to close the door, for example incrementally or decrementally, or for high and low speed sections, the torque provided by one or both hinges can be varied by acting on the means 150, 250, or preferably on the cam means 125, 225. In particular the shape of the surfaces 226, 126 of the cam means 125, 225 can be varied.

[0027] Suitably, the cam 125, 225 and the cam follower 145, 245 may be mutually configured to provide such first and second torques. Specifically, the acting portions 128, 228 may be mutually configured such that first and second torques are variable upon rotation of the respective first and second hinge bodies 130, 230 and pivots 120, 220 along such section of rotation of the first and second hinge bodies 130, 230 and pivots 120, 220 from the open position to the closed position to enable rotation of the door A at least one predetermined speed as described above along such section of rotation of the door A from the open position to the closed position. For example, surface 228 can be configured to accommodate a significantly greater sliding of slider 240 through the rotational angle of pivot 220 as the door closes, whereas surface 128 may be configured so that the sliding of slider 140 remains substantially constant or varies slightly during door closure.

[0028] The following is a description of system 1 with particular reference to FIGS. In particular, pivot 120 can include an outer surface 126 having an initial angle section 127, a convex steering section 128, and a final concave section 129, and pivot 220 can include an outer surface 226 having an initial concave section 227, a convex steering section 228, and a final concave section 229. In Figure 7, door A is in an open position, cam 125 may be in concave section 129, and cam 225 may be in concave section 229. Thus, in this case, door A is stable in a rest position. This position may correspond to the door being open in the 90° position. When the door A is closed, in FIGS. 6 and 5, the hinge bodies 130, 230 of both hinges 100, 200 can move such that the surface 141 is in the convex section 128 while the surface 241 is in the convex section 228. Suitably, sections 128 and 228 may have different convexities so that the reducing effect of spring 251 is compensated for and door A rotates at a constant or predetermined speed, as described above.

[0029] 4, door A may be in a closed position. Hinge 100 may have a surface 141 in contact with angle section 127, while hinge 200 may have a surface 241 in contact with recessed section 227. Thus, door A may be in a stop position that corresponds to the door closed position. The door may be rotated approximately 10° to overcome the door open stop. In this case, the rotation of Door A may be controlled starting at 80°. Similarly, with particular reference to FIG. 8 (door closed) and FIG. 9 , surface 126 can include a convex section 127, a second convex section 128 and a substantially flat section 129, and surface 226 can include a substantially flat section 227, a second convex section 228 and a slightly convex section 229. When door A is in the closed position, surface 241 abuts flat surface 227, which stabilizes hinge 200 so that door A remains in the closed position, whereas when door A is in the open position, surface 241 can abut substantially convex section 229 to return hinge 100 to the closed position. It will be appreciated that what has been described above with respect to the closing of door A can equally be provided with respect to the opening of door A.

[0030] Preferably, pivots 120 and / or 220 may be substantially symmetrical such that hinges 100 and / or 200 are ambidextrous. In general, it is clear that depending on the shape of the cam means 125, 225 and the control means 150, 250, the hinge 100 or 200 can behave differently and therefore have different laws of motion and, as a result, different movements of the door A. Advantageously, the behaviour of the hinge 100 or 200 can be changed simply by exchanging the cam means 125, 225, for example by exchanging the pivot 120 or 220. Furthermore, similarly, by providing different pivots 120, 220, the system 1 for movement of the door A may be provided with different configurations according to preference. These properties make the system 1 particularly versatile, while at the same time being easy, quick and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0031] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the distance d between the hinge 100 and the fixation plate 190 may be variable between a minimum distance d (FIG. 30) and a configuration in which the distance d is at a maximum (FIG. 32). The maximum distance d may be greater than 5 mm, preferably about 8 mm, while the minimum distance d may be less than 5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. In any case, the maximum variation in working distance may be comprised between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably about 7 mm. In particular, the hinge 100 and the fixed plate 190 are able to slide relative to one another along the axis X to compensate for possible gaps between the frame and the door during assembly. More specifically, the hinge body 130 may include an upper wall 131 facing the fixed plate 190 . The fixed plate 190 may comprise a plate 191. Thus, the maximum variation of the working distance d may be the distance between the upper wall 131 and the plate 191. The hinge 100 may include a pivot 120 and a hinge body 130. The pivot 120 may be engaged with the hinge body 130 and may be fixed to a fixing plate 190. Meanwhile, the hinge body 130 may include a seat 110 for the pivot 120.

[0032] The pivot 120 and the hinge body 130 are mutually rotatably coupled to each other and can rotate about an axis X1 between at least one operating position corresponding to an open position of the closure element and an operating position corresponding to a closed position of the closure element. Preferably, the pivot 120 may be integrally connected to the fixing plate 190. For example, the pivot 120 may include an end 121' that may be integrally connected to the plate 191, for example by one or more screws 192, while the hinge body 130 may be connected to the closure element A. Preferably, the pivot 120 and the seat 110 may be mutually configured to slide relative to one another along the axis X. Preferably, the pivot 120 and the hinge body 130 may slide over a section substantially equal to the distance d. For example, end 121' of pivot 120 may protrude from wall 131 of hinge body 130 a length equal to or greater than the maximum variation of distance d. Thus, pivot 120 may be movable between an extended configuration (FIG. 32) in which distance d is at a maximum, and a retracted position (FIG. 30) in which distance d is at a minimum.

[0033] Suitably, the hinge body 130 may be provided with a through opening 132 for allowing sliding of the pivot 120. More particularly, the wall 131 may include such a through opening 132. Thus, the pivot 120 can include at least one portion 121 that passes through the opening 132 and is slidable therein between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration. The portion 121 can include an end portion 121'. Preferably, when the pivot 120 is in the retracted configuration, the portion 121 and the portion 131 may be substantially coplanar, and the minimum distance d may be particularly small. For example, the minimum distance d may be less than 1 mm. In some cases, when the pivot 120 is in the retracted configuration, the wall 131 and the plate 191 may be in contact, and the distance d may be substantially equal to zero. In this case, the minimum distance d may be small, i.e. close to zero, while the maximum operating distance d may be substantially equal to the maximum variation of the sliding. It is clear that the distance d between the surface 131' of the wall 131 and the surface 191' of the plate 191 at the opening 132 may preferably be taken into consideration. The seat 110 and the pivot 120 may be configured relative to one another to avoid disengagement from one another.

[0034] Suitably, the seat 110 may be provided with a pair of opposing abutment surfaces 111, 111' designed to act as abutments for the pivot 120. The pivot 120 may be provided with corresponding opposing abutment surfaces 122, 122' designed to abut the corresponding surfaces 111, 111'. When pivot 120 is in the retracted configuration, surfaces 111 and 122 may be in an abutting position and surfaces 111' and 122' may be spaced apart, whereas when pivot 120 is in the extended configuration, surfaces 111 and 122 may be spaced apart and surfaces 111' and 122' may be in an abutting position. Suitably, means may be provided for guiding the sliding movement of the pivot 120 between the extended and retracted positions, and for guiding the rotation of the pin about the axis X. The seat 110 may comprise a portion 112 and a portion 113 suitable for guiding the pivot 120 in rotation and for guiding it in sliding relative to the axis X. In particular, the portion 112 may comprise or consist of an opening 132. In other words, a side wall 132' of the opening 132 may define a means for guiding the portion 121 of the pivot 120 in a slidable and rotatable manner.

[0035] Alternatively, the pivot 120 may comprise a portion 123 opposite the portion 121 which may remain in the portion 113 of the seat 110 . Preferably, the portions 121 and 123, as well as the portions 112 and 113, may be substantially cylindrical and have substantially the same diameter. In this way, the portions 121 and 123 and the portions 112 and 113 may interact to guide the pivot 120 in rotation and translation about the axis X1. Preferably, the hinge 100 may be an automatic and / or controlled hinge. In particular, the pivot 120 may be provided with cam means such that rotation of the pivot 120 about the axis X1 promotes sliding of the slidable element 140. Suitably, the hinge 100 may therefore be provided with means for damping, promoting, impeding or freely allowing sliding of the sliding element 140.

[0036] The hinge 100 may be mechanical, hydraulic or may comprise both mechanical and hydraulic means. For example, Figures 30 and 31 show a hinge 100 with hydraulic means 150 for controlling and damping the sliding of the sliding element 140. Thus, suitably, the pivot 120 may include a central portion 125 interposed between the portions 121 and 123 which may define cam means. Alternatively, the seat 110 may include a corresponding central portion 115 interposed between the portions 112 and 113 for receiving the central portion 125 . Advantageously, such central portion 115 may include abutment surfaces 111 and 111', while central portion 125 of pivot 120 may include respective abutment surfaces 122 and 122'. Preferably, the surfaces 111 and 111', 122 and 122' may be substantially transverse or perpendicular to the axis X. Advantageously, the distance between the abutment surfaces 111, 111' may be greater than the distance between the surfaces 122, 122'. In this way, the portion 125 can slide within the portion 115 of the seat 110 along the axis X1. Preferably, the difference between the distance between the abutment surfaces 111, 111' and the distance between the surfaces 122, 122' may define a maximum variation of the working distance d. Suitably, the slider element 140 can slide along an axis Y substantially perpendicular to the axis X1. The slider element 140 can comprise an action surface 141 designed to interact with the portion 125 of the pivot 120 such that rotation of the pivot 120 promotes sliding of the slider element 140 and vice versa. In other words, the surface 141 may define a cam follower means 145 . Advantageously, the surface 141 can extend substantially parallel to the axis X1 for a certain length such that the surface 141 interacts with the cam element 125 in any operating position of the pivot 120 between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0037] Preferably, but not exclusively, the system 1 may be equipped with a hinge 100, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, that allows adjustment of the distance d and thus allows its installation on uneven locations. Several embodiments of a hinge 100 that can be used in the system 1 or in any manner to move a closure element, such as the door A, are described below.

[0038] As will be better explained below, the hinge 100 may be hydraulic and may comprise a valve assembly 181 configured to open in case of excessive pressure (a so-called overpressure valve), and / or a valve assembly configured to prevent backflow of hydraulic fluid (a so-called check valve), and / or a valve assembly configured to allow an increased flow of fluid near the closing of the door A (a so-called final snap). In other words, advantageously a single, particularly compact valve assembly 181 may provide one or more of the above-mentioned functions. The hinge device 100 may comprise a hinge body 130 which may include an actuation chamber 135. Preferably, the actuation chamber 135 may include a portion 136 for accommodating the pivot 120 and thus defining the seat 110, and an elongated portion 137 defining an axis Y for accommodating the slidable slider element 140. In particular, chamber 135 may include a pair of opposed bottom walls 138, 138'. Preferably, portion 136 may include wall 138' while portion 137 may include wall 138.

[0039] Thus, the slider 140 can slide between a position distal to the wall 138 (FIGS. 7, 9, 14, and 28) and a position proximal to the wall 138 (FIGS. 4, 8, 10, and 24). The pivot 120 may be provided with a cam means 125 while the slider 140 may be provided with a cam follower means 145 whereby rotation of the pivot 120 about the axis X1 facilitates sliding of the slider 140 along the axis Y. Suitably, a plunger element 160 slidable within the chamber 135 along the axis Y may be provided. In some cases, the plunger element 160 may be connected to the slider 140 for sliding movement therewith. In some cases, the slider 140 may include or consist of the plunger element 160. In either case, the plunger element 160 may be operatively connected to the cam follower means 145 such that rotation of the pivot 120 facilitates sliding of the plunger element 160 and vice versa. Advantageously, a separation element 1000 can be provided between the part 137 defining the hydraulic part of the hinge and the seat 110 defining the dry mechanical part.

[0040] As a result, the pivot 120 is dry-running in the seat 110 so that it can move vertically to adjust the distance d without leakage of hydraulic fluid, in particular oil. For example, the separation element 1000 may be a sealing plug. In some cases, the separation element 1000 may be cylindrical in shape with an annular seat for a return spring 1010 fixed relative to the hinge body 130 and acting on a cylinder 1020. This may facilitate the return of plunger 160 from the proximal position to the distal position. According to a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the plunger element 160 may comprise a stem 161 operably connected to the slider element 140 so as to slide together with the slider element 140, and a head 165 slidable within the chamber 135. The plunger 160 and the slider 140 may be connected together, for example by a pin, may be pressed together by elastic means, or any suitable means 149 may be provided for operative coupling of the slider 140 and the plunger 160. For example, such a connection can be obtained in accordance with the teachings of patent applications WO2018116275 and WO2020044143 on behalf of the applicant in question.

[0041] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the slider 140 may divide the chamber 135 into a first half-chamber 136 for the plunger 120 and a second half-chamber 137 for the plunger 160 . Suitably, portion 137 of chamber 135 may define a closed chamber that may contain a working fluid, for example oil. Thus, the plunger element 160 can slide within the chamber 137 between an end-of-stroke operating position in which the head 165 is proximal to the bottom wall 138 and an opposite operating position in which the head 165 is distal from the bottom wall 138 and proximal to the wall 138 of the slider 140 corresponding to the distal position described above.

[0042] The head 165 may be sealingly inserted into the chamber 137 to partition the chamber 137 into at least one first and second variable volume compartments 176 , 177 . In this manner, when the plunger element 160 is in the proximal position, the compartment 176 can have a maximum volume and the compartment 177 can have a minimum volume, whereas when the plunger element 160 is in the distal position, the compartment 176 can have a minimum volume and the compartment 177 can have a maximum volume. Thus, the hinge 100 may include one or more hydraulic circuits to allow hydraulic fluid to flow between the compartments 176, 177 upon sliding of the plunger element 160 and thus rotation of the hinge body 130 and pivot 120 between the open and closed door positions.

[0043] In particular, the hinge 100 may include at least one circuit 171 for fluidly connecting the compartments 176, 177 such that fluid flows between the compartments 176 and 177 when the plunger element 160 moves between a proximal position and a distal position, i.e., between the open and closed positions of the door A. Preferably, this circuit 171 may be of a type known per se and may comprise at least one duct arranged inside the hinge body 130 having an opening in a compartment 176 and an opening in a compartment 177 . Although not shown in the accompanying figures, means 180 may be provided for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid in the circuit 171. For example, a calibrated opening may be provided for adjusting the flow rate of hydraulic fluid through the plunger element 160 and thus the sliding of the plunger element 160.

[0044] Advantageously, a circuit 172 can be provided for selectively fluidly connecting compartments 176, 177 such that actuating fluid flows from compartment 177 to compartment 176 when plunger element 160 passes from the distal position to the proximal position when door A is closed. Suitably, this circuit 172 may be inside the plunger element 160. Preferably, this circuit 172 may pass through the head 165 of the plunger 160. The hinge 100 may further comprise a valve means 181 acting on the circuit 172 to selectively allow or prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing therethrough.

[0045] In some cases, the head 165 may include both the circuit 172 and the valve means 181 . It is clear that when such a hinge 100 is used in the system 1 described above, the hydraulic circuits 171 and / or 172 can define means 150 for controlling the sliding of the slider 140 in the same case applied to valve means 181 acting thereon. As will be better explained below, depending on the configuration of the valve means 181, the valve means 181 can act as a check valve, an overpressure valve, and / or a final snap in the circuit 172. 11 to 29 show different configurations of the circuit 172 and the valve means 181. It is clear that such a valve means 181 can be used in any hinge 100, regardless of the configuration of the cam means 125 and cam follower means 145 described above, and / or regardless of the possible sliding of the pivot 120 along its axis of rotation X1.

[0046] Below is a description of specific embodiments of the valve means 181, for example as shown in Figures 10-15, 22-23, and 24-29. The circuit 172 may comprise a duct 173 which may have an opening 175' in a section 177 and an opening 175 on the opposite side. Preferably, the duct 172 may include an opening 175 ′ in fluid communication with the compartment 177 and an opening 174 ″ in fluid communication with the compartment 176 . The hinge 100 may further comprise a disk-shaped element 166 having an internal through hole defining a duct 173, and a shutter 184, e.g. a ball, for acting on an end opening 175 of the duct 173. Preferably, the opening 175 may be circular and may have a diameter smaller than that of the ball 184. The circuit 172 may include a chamber 174. Preferably, a shutter 184 may be disposed within the chamber 174.

[0047] In particular, the shutter 184 may be movable between a closed position near the opening 175, in which the shutter 184 closes the opening 175 to prevent working fluid from flowing through the duct 173, and an open position away from the opening 175, in which the shutter 184 allows the working fluid to flow through the duct 173. Suitably, means 189 may be provided that are arranged to force the shutter 184 closed. The means 189 may, for example, comprise or consist of a spring. In this manner, the valve means 181 may be normally closed and is capable of preventing oil from flowing through the circuit 172 from compartment 177 to compartment 176, thus defining a check valve. Advantageously, there may be provided an annular element 185 disposed within the chamber 174, the annular element 185 being interposed between the shutter 184 and the spring 189. Preferably, the annular element 185 may fit into the cylindrical portion 166" of the disk-shaped element 166.

[0048] In some cases, the annular element 185 may be configured to guide the shutter 184 between the open and closed positions. For example, the annular element may include an inner portion that is substantially cylindrical and coaxial with the axis Y to guide the sliding of the shutter 184 along the axis Y. Thus, the chamber 174 may be provided with an abutment wall 174' for abutting the spring 189, and the annular element 185 may be provided with a corresponding annular relief 186. The spring 189 may thus press the annular element 185 against the ball 184 and thus against the opening 175, while remaining interposed between the portion 174' and a surface 186' of the relief 186.

[0049] Thus, the annular element 185 can slide along the axis Y between a position distal to the opening 175 that allows fluid to flow through the shutter 184 and a position proximal to the opening 175 that prevents fluid from flowing through the shutter 184. The chamber 174 may include an opening 174" that allows fluid to flow. Thus, in particular, the circuit 172 may comprise openings 175' and 175, the chamber 174, and a duct 173 having an opening 174". The annular element 185 can cooperate with the ball 184 to selectively prevent or allow fluid to flow through the circuit 172 . When the pressure in compartment 177 is particularly high, fluid flows into duct 173 and exerts a force on ball 184. When the exerted force is greater than the force exerted by spring 189, ball 184 can move outward from opening 175, thus allowing working fluid to flow through opening 175.

[0050] Thus, fluid can flow through opening 174 ″ into compartment 176 . Such opening 174 ″ can be obtained, for example, on stem 161 of plunger 160 . Thus, in this case, the valve means 181 may be configured to open above a predefined pressure value, thus acting as an overpressure valve. This overpressure value may depend on the resistance of the spring 189.

[0051] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, as shown in the diagrams of Figures 10 to 15, the disk-shaped element 166 may be provided with one or more through openings 167, preferably a pair of through openings 167, designed to receive a corresponding pair of pins 168. The openings 167 may be substantially parallel to the axis Y and / or may be coaxial with the axis Y. The pin 168 may have an end 169′ designed to interact with the annular element 185 and an opposite end 169 designed to interact with the bottom wall 138. In particular, the pin 168 may have a length that is substantially greater than the thickness of the disk-shaped element 166. The through hole 167 may be configured such that when the pin 168 is inserted, the end 169' is at a surface 186'' of the relief 186 opposite surface 186'. In the embodiment shown in Figures 11, 13 and 15, there are two pins 168 that pass through the peripheral opening 167. Preferably, the pins 168 can have a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the opening 167, so that oil flows only through the duct 173.

[0052] In some cases, the annular element 185 may include a blind hole 185' for the end 169' of the pin 168. The blind hole 185' may include a surface 186". In particular, the end 169' of the pin 168 may be inserted into the hole 185' by interference such that the pin 168 is coupled with the annular relief 185 and moves integrally therewith. It will be appreciated that there may be any number of pins 168 and peripheral openings 167. Preferably, there are three pins 168 equally spaced angularly so as not to encourage rotation of the head 165 in a plane perpendicular to the sliding axis Y of the head 165. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23 and in the embodiment shown in Figures 25, 27 and 29, there is a single pin 168. In this case, the pin 168 can pass through the duct 173 such that its end 169' is inside the duct 173 and the opposite end 169 abuts against the ball 184 when it abuts against the wall 138. In other words, the duct 173 can thus define a through opening 167. In this case, the pin 168 may have a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the hole 173, thereby allowing oil to flow through the gap between the pin 168 and the hole 173 to the opening 175. In other words, the circuit 172 may include such a gap.

[0053] In particular, in the embodiment shown in Figures 22 and 23, the end 169' of the pin 168 is fixed to the disk-shaped element 166, preferably to its annular portion 166", so that the pin 168 slides together with the head 165, whereas in the embodiment shown in Figures 25, 27 and 29, the end 169 of the pin 168 may be fixed to the wall 138 so that the pin 168 remains substantially stationary as the head 165 slides. The end 169 may be fixed to the wall 138 in a manner known per se, for example by interference. On the other hand, according to a different embodiment shown in Figures 18 and 20, the stem 161 may include an annular relief 162 which may therefore include an abutment surface 174" for the spring 189. Furthermore, the disk-shaped element 166 may be provided with one or more peripheral through-openings 167 for the pin 168. In some cases, the annular element 185 may be provided with a blind hole 185' for the end 169' of the pin 168. The blind hole 185' may include a surface 186" and may be located in the one or more through-openings 167. Suitably, the pin 168 may have a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the openings 167, thereby allowing oil to penetrate into the gaps between the openings 167. In particular, when the annular element 185 is spaced apart from the disk-shaped element 166 (FIG. 20), oil can penetrate into the gaps between the pin 168 and the through-hole 167 and escape through the opening 174″ in the stem 161. On the other hand, when the annular element 185 abuts against the disk-shaped element 166 (FIG. 18), oil cannot escape from the compartment 177 to the compartment 176. It is therefore clear that the circuit 172 can include both gaps and ducts 173 .

[0054] Thus, when the ends 169 of the pins 168 abut against the wall 138, the pins 168 can facilitate the movement of the annular element 185 from the disc-shaped element 166, and thus they can allow oil to flow from the compartment 177 through the circuit 172 to the compartment 176, thus defining the final snap function of the valve means 181, as will be better explained below. Moreover, in this case, the spring 189 can act both against the annular element 185, which can then act as a shutter as described above, and against the ball 184. This can make it possible to obtain a non-return function of the valve means 181. Finally, in case of overpressure, oil can flow into duct 173 and force ball 184 open, thus enabling the overpressure function of valve means 181 . In either case, when the plunger 160 is in a position distal from the wall 138, the valve means 181 may be normally closed by the action of a spring 189 (FIGS. 15, 18, 23 and 29).

[0055] Suitably, when the valve means 181 is closed, the pin 168 may have a portion 168' that protrudes from the disc shaped element 166. In particular, the pin 168 may protrude relative to a surface 166' of the disc shaped element 166 that faces the bottom wall 138. As the plunger element 160 moves toward the bottom wall 138 , an end 169 of the pin or pins 168 may interact with, i.e., abut, the bottom wall 138 . Such a position of the plunger element 160 may correspond to a predetermined angle α. Such angle α may vary depending on the length of the portion 168′ of the pin 168 that protrudes from the wall 166′ of the disk-shaped element 166. It will be apparent that in the embodiment of FIG. 24, portion 168 ′ may be a portion that protrudes from bottom wall 138 .

[0056] In some cases, by varying the length of the pin 168, a hinge 100 with a different snap angle can be obtained. For example, in the illustrated diagram, the snap angle is about 10°. Thus, door A can be controlled to close between 80° and 10°. It is clear that such angles can be varied as required. When the plunger element 160 continues its stroke towards the bottom wall 138, the pin 168 facilitates the opening of the valve means 181, for example the movement of the shutter 184 away from the opening 175, or the movement of the annular element 185 away from the disk-shaped element 166, thus allowing the flow of working fluid through the circuit 172 from compartment 177 to compartment 176, thus obtaining the so-called final snap to the end-of-stroke position of the plunger 160 (Figures 11, 20, 22 and 25).

[0057] In particular, in the latter configuration, in the embodiment of Figures 4 to 7, the end 169 can abut the bottom wall 138 while the opposite end 169' can abut the ball 184, in the embodiment of Figures 10 to 16, the end 169 can abut the bottom wall 138 while the opposite end 169' can abut the surface 186" of the annular relief 186, in the embodiment of Figures 17 to 21, the end 169 can abut the bottom wall 138 while the opposite end 169' can be in a blind hole in the annular element 185, and in the embodiment of Figures 24 to 29, the end 169 can be fixed to the bottom wall 138 while the opposite end 169' can abut the ball 184. In light of the above, the head 165 of the plunger 160 may be configured to function as a check valve, an overpressure valve, and a final snap. In this way, the hinge 100 can be particularly compact. It will be apparent that the plunger element 160 with the valve means 181 described above may be used in any hydraulic hinge. Preferably, the hinge 100 may comprise a plunger 160 having a head 165 sealingly inserted into the chamber 135 to partition the chamber into two compartments 176, 177.

[0058] The invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are included within the inventive concept outlined in the appended claims. All details can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements, and materials can be varied as necessary, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. Although the invention has been described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings, the reference signs used in the specification and claims are intended to improve the comprehension of the invention and therefore do not in any way limit the scope of protection claimed.

Claims

1. 1. A system for the controlled rotational movement of a closure element (A), such as a door leaf, a door, etc., about an axis of rotation (X) relative to a fixed support structure (S), such as a frame, a wall, etc., comprising: The system comprises at least one first hinge device (100) and at least one second hinge device (200); Each of the first and second hinge devices (100, 200) comprises: a fixing element capable of being anchored to one of said fixed support structure (S) and said closure element (A); a movable element that can be anchored to the other of the fixed support structure (S) and the closure element (A), one of the movable element and the fixed element comprises first and second hinge bodies (130, 230), respectively, the other of the movable element or the fixed element comprises first and second pivots (120, 220), respectively, defining first and second axes (X1, X2), the first and second hinge bodies (130, 230) and the first and second pivots (100, 200) being mutually rotatably coupled to each other for mutual rotation about the first and second axes (X1, X2) between respective first operating positions corresponding to an open or closed position of the closure element (A) and a second operating position corresponding to the closed or open position of the closure element (A); the first and second hinge devices (100, 200) can be coupled to the same closure element (A) in alternating longitudinal positions, such that the first and second axes (X1, X2) coincide with each other and with the axis of rotation (X); the first and second hinge devices (100, 200) cooperating to control the rotation of the closure element (A) about the axis of rotation (X) between the door closed position and the door open position; Each of the first and second hinge bodies (130, 230) comprises an actuation chamber (135) defining a respective third axis (Y1, Y2) that is substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes (X1, X2) and to a respective slider element (140, 240) slidable within the actuation chamber (135), and the first and second pivots (120, 220) include first and second cam means (125, 225). said first and second slider elements (140, 240) including first and second cam follower means (145, 245) operatively connected with said first and second cam means (125, 225) to accommodate sliding of said first and second slider elements (140, 240) with respect to relative rotation of said first and second pivots (120, 220) and said first and second hinge bodies (130, 230); one of the first and second hinge devices (100) comprises a control means (150) acting on the respective first and second slider elements (140) to brake the mutual rotation of the respective first or second hinge body (130) and the first or second pivot (120); and the second hinge device (200) comprises a motion promoting means (250) acting on the respective second slider elements (240) to promote the mutual rotation of the respective second hinge body (230) and the second pivot (220); said first cam means (125) of said first hinge arrangement (100) comprises a first acting surface (126) having at least one first substantially convex acting portion (128), and said second cam means (225) of said second hinge arrangement (200) comprises at least one second acting surface (226) which is substantially convex and has at least one second acting portion (228) different from said first acting portion (128), said first and second acting portions (128, 228) being mutually configured such that said first slider (140) and said second slider (240) slide over different length sections upon rotation of said first hinge body (130) and said first pivot (120) from said one of said first and second acting positions over an angular section, The first and second acting portions (128, 228) are mutually configured such that along the at least one section of rotation of the closure element (A) from the open position to the closed position, the first hinge device (200) acts on the closure element with a first torque and the second hinge device (100) acts on the closure element with a second torque opposing the first torque, the second torque being lower than the first torque to enable rotation of the closure element (A) along the at least one section of rotation from the open position to the closed position, the operating portions (128, 228) are mutually configured such that the first and second torques are variable upon rotation of the first and second hinge bodies (130, 230) and the first and second pivots (120, 220) along the at least one section of the rotation from one of the first and second operating positions to the other of the first and second operating positions, thereby enabling rotation of the closure element (A) along the at least one section from the open position to the closed position at the at least one predetermined speed.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second hinge devices (100, 200) cooperate to control rotation of the closure element (A) such that the closure element (A) has a predetermined rotational speed when the first and second hinge bodies (130, 230) and the first and second pivots (120, 220) move from one of the first and second operating positions to the other of the first and second operating positions.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the predetermined rotational speed is constant during movement of the first and second hinge bodies (130, 230) and the first and second pivots (120, 220) along at least one section of the rotation from one of the first and second operating positions to the other of the first and second operating positions.

4. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first cam (125) and cam following means (225) and the second cam (125) and cam following means (225) are mutually configured such that the action of the movement facilitating means (250), counteracted by the action of the control means (150), imparts a predetermined rotational speed to the closure element (A) along at least one section of a rotation of the closure element (A) between the open position and the closed position, preferably from the open position towards the closed position.

5. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first or second slider (140) of the one (100) of the first and second hinge devices comprises at least one plunger element (160) inserted into at least one portion (137) of the respective working chamber (135) to partition the respective working chamber (135) into first and second variable volume compartments (176, 177), and the control means (150) is hydraulic.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one plunger element (160) is sealingly inserted into the at least one portion (137) of each of the working chambers (135), and the hydraulic control means (150) comprises at least one hydraulic circuit (171, 172) for being arranged in fluid communication with the first and second variable volume compartments (176, 177), and valve means (180, 181) for controlling flow in the at least one hydraulic circuit (171, 172).

7. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the other working chamber (135) of the first and second hinge devices (200) comprises a bottom wall (138), the slider element (240) is slidable between a proximal position from the bottom wall (138) and a distal position towards the bottom wall (138), and the movement facilitating means (250) includes elastic reaction means (251) interposed between the respective first or second slider element (240) and the bottom wall (138) for facilitating sliding of the bottom wall (138) between the proximal and distal positions.

8. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second working portions (128, 228) are shaped relative to one another such that the closure element (A) rotates at a first predetermined speed for at least one section of the rotation from the open position to the closed position and rotates at a second predetermined speed for at least one second section of the rotation of the closure element (A) between the open position of the closure element (A) and the closed position of the closure element (A).

9. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one (100) of the at least one first and one second hinge arrangements comprises respective means (190) for fixing to the respective fixed support structure (S) or closure element (A), wherein the at least one (100) of the at least one first and one second hinge arrangements and the respective fixing means (190) are mutually configured to be mutually engageable with each other to have a mutually predetermined distance (d), and wherein the at least one (100) of the at least one first and one second hinge arrangements and the respective fixing means (190) are mutually configured to be mutually slidable with each other along respective axes (X1) when engaged to vary the predetermined operating distance (d), and wherein the fixing means (190) preferably comprises or preferably consists of a fixing plate.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one (100) of the at least one first and one second hinge device is disposed above the other (200) of the at least one first and one second hinge device.

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