Hydraulic hinge for the controller movement of a door, a wing or the like

Abstract

A hydraulic hinge comprising a hinge body (10) which internally includes a hydraulic working chamber (11) defining an axis (X), a pivot (20), a slider (40) inserted into the working chamber (11), a stem (30) having a first end (34) which is operatively connected with the slider (40) and a second opposite end (31) which is operatively connected with the pivot (20) and a closing cap (90). The slider (40) comprises valve means (41, 41', 41") for controlling the through-flowing of the working fluid, which are normally closed. The closing cap (90) comprises an abutment element (91) susceptible to come into contact with the valve means (41, 41', 41") to open them, so as to promote the closing snap of the hinge.

Description

[0001] HYDRAULIC HINGE FOR THE CONTROLLED MOVEMENT OF A DOOR, A WING OR THE LIKE DESCRIPTION

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of closing and / or control systems for doors, door leaves or the like, and it particularly relates to a hydraulic hinge.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] Patents EP2694764 and EP2785943 disclose hydraulic hinges having a hinge body into which there is inserted a stem with an end connected to a slider and the other end connected with a pin to a pivot provided with helical cavities which determine the motion of the door, door leaf or the like to which the hinge is connected.

[0006] The slider partitions the working chamber inside the hinge body into two variable volume compartments, placed in fluid communication with each other by means a circuit inside the hinge body. In such hydraulic hinges, the pivot, the slider and the stem lie along the same axis, which also defines the movement direction of the slider.

[0007] Such hinges have a hydraulic circuit provided in the hinge body to make the door move towards the closing position starting from a predetermined angular position, in proximity of the same closing position.

[0008] While brilliantly performing their task, such hinges have a dimensional limit given that the presence of the hydraulic circuit for the final snap in the body does not allow to go below a minimum diameter.

[0009] Furthermore, providing the snap circuit in the body requires a rather difficult processing, which inevitably weighs on the end cost of the hinge.

[0010] In an attempt to overcome such drawback there have been provided solutions pro a circuit in the closing cap, for example disclosed by patents EP3204582 and EP3440296.

[0011] However, despite allowing to dimensionally reduce the radial overall dimension of the hinge, such solutions have a circuit in the cap that is rather difficult to produce, resulting in increased end cost of the hinge.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] An object of the present invention is to at least partly overcome the drawbacks illustrated above by providing a hinge for the controlled movement of a door, a door leaf or the like that is highly efficient and cost-effective.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge for the controlled movement of a door, a door leaf or the like having minimum overall dimensions, in particular minimum radial overall dimensions.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge for the controlled movement of a door, a door leaf of the like that is easy to manufacture.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge which allows the controlled movement of doors, door leaves or the like even very heavy.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge for the controlled movement of a door, a door leaf or the like that is easy to obtain.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge for the controlled movement of a door, a door leaf or the like that requires the least maintenance possible.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge for the controlled movement of a door, a door leaf or the like which prevents the latter from impacting against the relative frame or counter-frame in the event of forced closing, for example caused by a gust of wind or by the pushing of an incautious user.

[0020] These and other objects which will be more apparent hereinafter, are attained by a hinge as described, illustrated and / or claimed herein.

[0021] The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0022] In a first aspect, the hydraulic hinge for the controlled movement of a closing element, for example a door, a door leaf or the like, anchored to a stationary support structure, for example a wall, a frame or a counter-frame or a floor, may comprise:

[0023] - a movable element that can be anchored to the closing element;

[0024] - a fixed element anchorable to the stationary supporting structure; wherein said movable element and fixed element are rotatably coupled to mutually rotate around an axis between an open position and a closed position of the closing element; wherein one of said movable element and fixed element includes a hinge body which internally includes a hydraulic working chamber defining said axis, the other of said movable element and fixed element including or consisting of a pivot which includes actuator means, said pivot and said hinge body being mutually coaxial; wherein the hinge further comprises:

[0025] - a slider inserted into said working chamber to slidably move along said axis, said slider partitioning said working chamber into at least two variable volume compartments fluidly communicating with each other;

[0026] - a stem at least partially inserted into said working chamber coaxially therewith and having a first end which is operatively connected with said slider and a second opposite end which is operatively connected with said actuator means, so that the mutual rotation between said pivot and said hinge body around said axis promotes the sliding of the slider along the same axis;

[0027] - a closing cap which can be connected to said hinge body for sealingly capping said working chamber; wherein said slider comprises valve means for controlling the through-flowing of the working fluid between said at least two variable volume compartments, said valve means being normally closed upon the mutual rotation of said movable element and fixed element from the open to the closed position of the closing element; wherein said closing cap comprises an abutment element susceptible to come into contact with said valve means to selectively open them when said movable element and fixed element are in proximity from closed position of the closing element, so as to promote the closing snap of the movable element towards the fixed one.

[0028] Advantageously, said at least two variable volume compartments may be at least one first variable volume compartment and at least one second variable volume compartment, upon the mutual rotation of said movable element and fixed element from the closed to the open position of the closing element, the working fluid flowing from said at least one variable volume compartment to said at least one second variable volume compartment, upon the mutual rotation of said movable element and fixed element from the open to the closed position of the closing element, the working fluid flowing from said at least one second variable volume compartment to said at least one first variable volume compartment. Suitably, said hydraulic working chamber may further comprise a first fluidic communication line for the through-flow of the working fluid from said at least one first variable volume compartment to said at least one second variable volume compartment upon the mutual rotation of said movable element and fixed element from the closed to the open position of the closing element and a second fluidic communication line for the through-flow of the working fluid from said at least one second variable volume compartment to said at least one first variable volume compartment upon the mutual rotation of said movable element and fixed element from the open to the closed position of the closing element.

[0029] Furthermore, preferably, upon the selective opening of said valve means, by said abutment element, the working fluid may flow from said at least one second variable volume compartment to said at least one first variable volume compartment both through said second fluidic communication line and through said valve means.

[0030] Such characteristic may allow to obtain a hinge for the controlled movement of a door, a door leaf or the like having minimum overall dimensions, in particular minimum radial overall dimensions, and that is easy to obtain.

[0031] In a further aspect, irrespective of the above, the hydraulic hinge for the controlled movement of a closing element, for example a door, a door leaf or the like, anchored to a stationary support structure, for example a wall, a frame or a counter-frame or a floor, may comprise:

[0032] - a hinge body which can be anchored to one of the closing element and the stationary support structure;

[0033] - a pivot which can be anchored to the other of the closing element and the stationary support structure; wherein said hinge body and pivot are rotatably coupled to coaxially rotate around an axis one with respect to the other between an open position and a closed position of the closing element; wherein said hinge body internally includes a hydraulic working chamber defining said axis and having a first inner wall, said pivot including actuator means; wherein the hinge further comprises: - a working fluid inserted into said hydraulic working chamber;

[0034] - a slider inserted into said working chamber to slidably move along said axis, said slider partitioning said working chamber into a first and a second variable volume compartment;

[0035] - a stem at least partially inserted into said working chamber coaxially therewith and having a first end which is operatively connected with said slider and a second opposite end which is operatively connected with said actuator means, so that the mutual rotation between said pivot and said hinge body around said axis promotes the sliding of the slider along the same axis; wherein said hinge body is without through holes for the through-flow of the working fluid, said hydraulic working chamber comprising a hydraulic circuit inside said first inner wall which places in fluidic communication said first and second variable volume compartment passing through a third variable volume compartment interposed between the latter, said hydraulic circuit comprising:

[0036] - a first fluidic communication line which places in fluidic communication said first and second variable volume compartment;

[0037] - a second fluidic communication line which places in fluidic communication said second and first variable volume compartment passing through said third variable volume compartment; wherein said first fluidic communication line comprises first valve means configured to selectively open during the opening of the closing element and close during the closing thereof, said second fluidic communication line comprising second valve means configured to selectively open during the closing of the closing element and close during the opening thereof; wherein said hydraulic working chamber comprises a bushing having an outer wall in contact with said first inner wall and a second inner wall, said slider comprising an enlarged portion which includes first sealing means interacting with said first inner wall and a narrowed portion comprising second sealing means interacting with said second inner wall so that between said first and second sealing means there is defined said third variable volume compartment.

[0038] Advantageously, the first and the third variable volume compartment may be separated from each other by means of sealing means, while the second and the third variable volume compartment may be separated from each other by means of first sealing means.

[0039] Thanks to such characteristics, the hydraulic hinge may have minimum radial dimensions.

[0040] Brief description of the drawings

[0041] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent in light of the detailed description of some preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

[0042] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a first embodiment of the hinge 1;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 1 taken along a plane of line IV - IV in FIG. 2;

[0046] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 1 taken along a plane of line V- V in FIG. 2;

[0047] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 1 taken along a plane of line VI- VI in FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 1 taken along a plane of line VII - VII in FIG. 2;

[0049] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the hinge 1;

[0050] FIG. 9 is a top axonometric view of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 8;

[0051] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIG. 8 taken along a plane of line X-X in FIG. 9.

[0052] Detailed description of some preferred embodiments

[0053] With reference to the aforementioned figures, herein described is a hydraulic hinge 1, that is a hinge containing a working fluid, for example oil. The hinge 1 may be advantageously suitable to be used for the controlled movement of any closing element, for example a door, a door leaf or the like, anchored to a stationary support structure, for example a wall, a frame or counter-frame or a floor.

[0054] Although hereinafter reference shall be made to the closing element such as a door and to the stationary support structure such as a frame, it is clear that the hinge 1 may be suitable to be connected to any closing element and to any stationary support structure without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0055] It is also clear that the door and the frame are not part of the present invention and they are not shown in the figures given that they are per se known.

[0056] The mechanical part of the hinge 1 may be obtained according to the disclosures of patents EP2694764 ed EP2785943, to which reference shall be made for consultation.

[0057] Generally, the hinge 1 may comprise one or more movable elements which can be directly or indirectly anchored to the door and one or more fixed elements which can be directly or indirectly anchored to the frame.

[0058] More particularly, the hinge 1 may include a hinge body 10, which may internally include a hydraulic working chamber 11, that is a working chamber which includers a working fluid, for example oil, and a pivot 20, which may include or consist of a hollow hydraulic portion 21 with actuator means which may include or consist of actuator grooves 22.

[0059] There may also be provided for a hollow bushing 23 into which there is coaxially inserted 20 and having guide grooves 24. The bushing 23 may be integrally connected with the hinge body 10, for example by means of screw and female screw means.

[0060] The hinge body 10 and the pivot 20 may be coaxial to each other and rotatably coupled to rotate one with respect to the other around an axis X.

[0061] It is clear that the fixed element may comprise one of the hinge body 10 and the pivot 20, while the movable element may comprise the other of the hinge body 10 and the pivot 20 without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0062] For example, in the embodiment of the hinge 1 shown in FIGS. 1 - 7 the hinge body 10 may be movable while the pivot 20 may be fixed. In particular, such embodiment may be concealably inserted into a special seat or the door, with the connection element 25 integrally joined with the pivot 20 and protruding from the door to be inserted into a bushing which can be fixed into the floor underlying the door.

[0063] On the other hand, in the embodiment of the hinge 1 shown in FIGS. 8 - 10 the hinge body 10, may include the lower fin 10' which can be connected to the frame of the door, may be fixed while the pivot 20 may be movable integrally joined with the upper fin 20' which can be connected to the door. More particularly, the upper fin 20' may include a tubular portion 20" which may be made integrally joined with the pivot 20 by means of the pin 20'".

[0064] The hinge 1 may further comprise a stem 30 with an end 31 connected both with the pivot 20 which with the bushing 23 by means of a pin 32 passing through the grooves 22 and 24 and through the through seat 33 at the end 31. On the opposite side, the stem 30 may include an end 34 connected with a slider 40.

[0065] Furthermore, depending on the type of hinge, there may or may not provide for elastic counteracting means, for example a spiral spring 50. In particular, the spring 50 may be a closing spring, so that the hinge is a closing hinge.

[0066] In particular, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1- 7 and 8- 10, the spring 50 may be inserted into the stem 30 and interposed between an abutment portion of the working chamber 11 and the slider 40 to act on the latter.

[0067] On the other hand, the hinge 1 may include a return spring or also be without elastic counteracting means, in which case the hinge will be a hydraulic control hinge. In this case, the door may be moved manually or by means of external actuators, for example a further closing hinge or an electric actuator.

[0068] The slider 40 may be inserted into the working chamber 11 so as to slidably move along the axis X. Such movement shall be promoted by the rotation mentioned above, due to the fact that the stem is operatively connected to the pin 20 by means of the pin 32 engaged in the actuator grooves 22 and in those of the guides 24.

[0069] The slider 40 may partition the working chamber 11 into at least two variable volume compartments 12, 13 fluidly communicating with each other and it may include valve means for controlling the flow of the working fluid between them.

[0070] In particular, in the embodiment of the hinge 1 shown in FIGS. 1 - 7 the slider 40 may partition the working chamber 11 into three variable volume compartments 12, 13 and 14 which are fluidly communicating with each other by means of two fluidic connection lines 60, 70, described in detail hereinafter and all inside the inner wall 11' of the working chamber 11. As a matter of fact, in order to reduce the diameter thereof, the hinge body 10 may be without through holes through the wall thereof.

[0071] In this case, the valve means may provide for a first valve, for example of the type with ball shutter 61 with a counteracting spring 61' which pushes it against the seat 61", a second valve, for example still of the type with ball shutter 71 with a counteracting spring 71' which pushes it against the seat 71", and a third central valve, for example still of the type with ball shutter 41 with counteracting spring 41' which pushes it against the seat 41".

[0072] In particular, the shutter 61 may be configured to selectively open when opening the door so as to place in fluidic communication the compartment 13 with the compartment 12, which fills with the working fluid.

[0073] On the other hand, the shutter 71 may be configured to selectively open during the closing of the door so as to place in fluidic communication the compartment 14 with the compartment 13. The fluidic communication between the compartment 12 and the compartment 14 is ensured by a special circuit, which will be described below.

[0074] The shutter 41 may be of the normally closed type both when opening and closing, and it may be configured to open only in the event of overpressure in the compartment 12 or in the event described below, so as to place in direct fluid communication the compartment 12 with the compartment 13 bypassing the compartment 14.

[0075] Although hereinafter for the sake of simplicity reference will be made to such types of valves, it is clear that the valves may be of different type without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0076] On the other hand, in the embodiment of the hinge 1 shown in FIGS. 8 - 10 the slider 40 may partition the working chamber 11 into two variable volume compartments 12, 13 which are fluidly communicating with each other by means of a circuit 80 inside the lower fin 10', which will be described in greater detail below.

[0077] In this case, the valve means may provide for only the central valve with a ball shutter 41. The working chamber 11 may be closed by a closing cap 90 connected to the hinge body 10, so that the upper wall 90' thereof defines the bottom wall of the working chamber 11.

[0078] Advantageously, in a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, such closing cap 90 may be configured to promote the closing snap of the door when it is in proximity of the closed position.

[0079] To this end, the closing cap 90 may comprise an abutment element, for example a cylindrical body 91, susceptible to come into contact with the vacant end 91' thereof with the ball shutter 41, which is normally closed, and open it when the door is in proximity of the closed position. In particular, the cylindrical body 91 may protrude from the wall 90' for a predetermined height h.

[0080] In this manner, the opening of the shutter 41 will determine a greater inflow of the working fluid into the compartment 13, so that the door closes with a snap. The height h will determine the angular position in which the door will snap towards the closed position, generally comprised between 10° and 30° of rotation starting from the closed position.

[0081] In order to vary such position, there may be provided for suitable movement means acting on the cylindrical body 91. In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, such movement means may provide for a support element 92 having a seat 93 for the end 91" of the cylindrical body 91.

[0082] In this manner, an operator acting on the support element 92 may vary the height h, therefore varying the angular snap position of the door.

[0083] The support element 92 may slidably move along the axis X, and it may be axially accessible still along the sliding axis, for example as in the embodiments of FIGS. 8 - 10.

[0084] In this case, the support element 92 may be screwed into an axial counter-threaded seat 94 of the closing cap 90 and have a shaped operating end for controlling the operator using a special tool, for example an Allen wrench or screwdriver.

[0085] It is clear that although hereinafter reference will be made to the sliding of the support element 92 along the axis X, the support element 92 may slide along an axis parallel thereto without departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

[0086] On the other hand, the support element 92 may be perpendicularly accessible with respect to the axis X, for example as shown in the preferred but non-exclusive embodiment. 1 - 7.

[0087] To this end, the support element 92 may have a cylindrical portion 92' defining the sliding axis X and comprising the seat 93 and an opposite portion 92" that is substantially frustoconical and converging towards the sliding axis X placed in contact with the operative portion, which is also substantially frustoconical 95", of an adjustment dowel 95 screwed in a counter-threaded seat which is substantially perpendicular to the axis X.

[0088] In order to allow an operator to control the sliding of the adjustment dowel 95 in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis X, there may be provided for an actuating portion 95' shaped to receive a special tool, for example an Allen wrench or a screwdriver.

[0089] As mentioned above, in order to reduce the diameter or the hinge, the hydraulic circuit may be entirely inside the wall 11', like in the embodiment of the hinge 1 of FIGS. 1 - 7.

[0090] To this end, the shutters 41, 61 and 71 may be inserted into suitable through holes 41'", 61'" and 71'" through the slider 40.

[0091] There may also be provided for a bushing 96, preferably, but not exclusively made of a single piece with the closing cap 90, which comprises an outer wall 96" in contact with the inner wall 11' and an inner wall 96' in which the slider 40 slides.

[0092] More precisely, the slider 40 may have an upper enlarged portion 42 which includes first sealing means, for example an O-ring 42' interacting with the inner wall 11' and a lower narrowed portion 43 comprising second sealing means, for example another O-ring 43' interacting with the inner wall 96'.

[0093] In this manner, between the first and second sealing means 42', 43' there may be defined a variable volume compartment 14, which may be in fluidic communication with both variable volume compartments 12 and 13.

[0094] More particularly, the first and the third variable volume compartment 12, 14 may be separated from each other by means of the second sealing means 43', while the second and the third variable volume compartment 13, 14 may be separated from each other by means of the first sealing means 42'.

[0095] Thanks to such characteristics, the hinge 1 will have a minimum radial overall dimension, for example smaller than the hinges obtained according to the disclosures of patents EP3204582 and EP3440296 mentioned above.

[0096] Suitably, the hinge body 10, the slider 40, the bushing 96 and the stem 30 may be configured so that the volume of the compartments 14 and 12 is equal to the volume of the working fluid which flows out from the variable volume compartment 13.

[0097] This allows to always control the door, both when opening and closing.

[0098] Advantageously, the outer wall 96" of the bushing 96 may comprise a groove 97 with a first end 97' placed in fluidic communication with the variable volume compartment 12 and a second end 97" in fluidic communication with the compartment 14 and a groove 98.

[0099] Suitably, both the end 97' and the groove 98 may be placed in fluidic communication with the variable volume compartment 12 through a circuit 100 obtained inside the closing cap 90.

[0100] More precisely, the circuit 100 may comprise a first branch 101 which is fluidically connected with the end 97' and a branch 102 which is fluidically connected with the groove 98.

[0101] The branch 102 terminates into a conical seat 111 of a per se known adjustment element 121. The branch 101 terminates in a collector branch 103 having a first portion 103' which is fluidically connected with the conical seat 111 of the adjustment element 121 and a second portion 103" which is fluidically connected with a conical seat 110 of a per se known adjustment element 120. In turn, the conical seat 110 of the adjustment element 120 is fluidically connected with the variable volume compartment 12 through a further branch 104, shown in FIG. 7.

[0102] Advantageously, the bushing 96 may include a through opening 99 at the groove 98 to place in fluid communication the compartment 12 with the branch 102.

[0103] Suitably, furthermore, the end 97" may be fluidically arranged upstream of the slider 40 when it is in the opening position of the door so that it always remains open irrespective of the position thereof, while the through opening 98 may be arranged fluidically downstream of the slider 40 when it is in the opening position of the door so that it always remains open for a first part of the stroke of the slider 40 and it subsequently remains closed for a second part of the latter. Thanks to the above characteristics, an operator may independently adjust the closing speed of the door during the first and the second part of the stroke of the slider 40, corresponding to an equal number of angular strokes of the door, acting on the adjustment element 120, 121.

[0104] Advantageously, the support element 92 which adjusts the height h mentioned above may be accessible axially or perpendicularly to the axis X at a median plane n of the hinge body 10, while the first and the second adjustment element 120, 121 may be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the median plane n.

[0105] This minimises the overall dimensions of the hinge, and it is particularly comfortable for the operator.

[0106] The variable volume compartment 14 may be placed in fluidic communication with the compartment 13 by means of the through hole 71"' obtained at the enlarged portion 42 of the slider 40, and the through-flow of the working fluid may be controlled by the shutter 71.

[0107] From an operative standpoint, in the embodiment of the hinge shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 when the user opens the door, the working fluid, initially contained in the compartment 13, flows into the compartment 12 flowing through the groove 61'" and the relative shutter 61, which define a first fluidic communication line. During such step, the slider 40 slides along the axis X to load the spring 50.

[0108] When closing, the spring 50 acts on the slider to close the door. During such step, the working fluid flows from the compartment 12 to the compartment 13 through two fluidic paths depending on whether the slider is in the first or in the second stage of the stroke thereof. Such fluidic paths define a second fluidic communication line.

[0109] During the first through opening step 99 it is open, so that the working fluid flows both through the branch 104 which flows through the groove 98 and the branch 102 to first flow in the respective conical seats 110 and 111 and then through the two portions 103" and 103' of the collector branch 103 and in the branch 101 and from here into the compartment 14 through the groove 97 and the end 97".

[0110] As shown above, then, the working fluid flows from the compartment 14 into the compartment 13 through the through hole 71'" and the shutter 71. Throughout such path, the working fluid flows through both conical seats 110, 111, so that the operator can adjust the closing speed by suitably acting on the adjustment elements 120, 121.

[0111] During the second step, the through opening 99 is closed by the slider 40, so that the working fluid exclusively flows through the branch 104 firstly in the portion 103" of the collector branch 103 and then in the branch 101 and from here into the compartment 14 through the groove 97 and the end 97" and then into the compartment 13 through the through hole 71"' and the shutter 71.

[0112] Throughout such path, the working fluid flows through the conical seat 110 alone, so that the operator can adjust the closing speed by suitably acting on the adjustment element 120.

[0113] Furthermore, this will allow to have a constant closing speed even in the event of forced closing of the door, for example in the event of a gust of wind or pushing by an incautious user. Furthermore, in this case, should the pressure in the working chamber 11 exceed a predetermined threshold, the shutter 41 will open, acting as an actual overpressure valve.

[0114] Furthermore, in this case, the door will never impact violently impact against the relative frame or counter-frame thanks to the fact that the pivot, the stem and the slider are mechanically connected to each other.

[0115] When the door is in proximity of the closed position, the cylindrical body 91 may impact against the shutter 41 to open it, so as to snap the door towards the closed position.

[0116] On the other hand, in the embodiment of the hinge shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, when a user opens the door, the working fluid flows from the compartment 13 to the compartment 12 flowing through the central groove 41"' and the shutter 41, which define a first fluidic communication line, while when the hinge closes the working fluid flows from the compartment 12 to the compartment 13 flowing through the circuit 80, which defines a second fluidic communication line.

[0117] In particular, the circuit 80 may have a groove 81 with a connection door 82 with the variable volume compartment 12 and a connection door 83 with the variable volume compartment 13. In order to adjust the speed of the door, there may be provided for the adjustment element 84 screwed in a conical seat 85 of the groove 81 and an inner cavity 86 which houses a shutter 87 forced to close by a spring 88.

[0118] During the opening of the door, a small amount of fluid flows also through the passage 83 and the cavity 86, which are f luidica lly connected to each other, and from here it flows into the groove 81 through the shutter 87, which opens, and then through the passage 81 in the variable volume compartment 12.

[0119] During the closing, the shutter 87 is closed so that the working fluid cannot flow into the interspace between the adjustment element 84 and the relative conical seat 85, therefore returning into the variable volume compartment 13.

[0120] Even in this embodiment, in proximity of the closed position, the door may snap to close as shown above.

[0121] In the light of the above, the invention attains the pre-established objects.

[0122] It is clear that the hinge 1 may have the characteristics relating to the closing snap and / or characteristics relating to the double closing speed and / or characteristics for minimising the overall dimensions, in particular the radial overall dimension.

[0123] The invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of protection of the attached claims. All details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different depending on the needs, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A hydraulic hinge for the controlled movement of a closing element, for example a door, a door leaf or the like, anchored to a stationary support structure, for example a wall, a frame or counter-frame or a floor, the hinge comprising: a movable element (10; 20) that can be anchored to the closing element; a fixed element (20; 10) that can be anchored to the stationary support structure; wherein said movable element (10; 20) and fixed element (20; 10) are rotatably coupled to mutually rotate around an axis (X) between an open position and a closed position of the closing element; wherein one of said movable element (10; 20) and fixed element (20; 10) includes a hinge body (10) which internally includes a hydraulic working chamber (11) defining said axis (X), the other of said movable element (10; 20) and fixed element (20; 10) including or consisting of a pivot (20) which includes actuator means (22), said pivot (20) and said hinge body (10) being mutually coaxial; wherein the hinge further comprises: a slider (40) inserted into said working chamber (11) to slidably move along said axis (X), said slider (40) partitioning said working chamber (11) into at least two variable volume compartments (12, 13) that are fluidly communicating with each other; a stem (30) at least partially inserted into said working chamber (11) coaxially therewith and having a first end (34) operatively connected with said slider (40) and a second opposite end (31) operatively connected with said actuator means (22), so that the mutual rotation between said pivot (20) and said hinge body (10) around said axis (X) promotes the sliding of the slider (40) along the same axis (X); a closing cap (90) which can be connected to said hinge body (10) for sea lingly capping said working chamber (11); wherein said slider (40) comprises valve means (41, 41', 41") for controlling the through- flowing of the working fluid between said at least two variable volume compartments (12, 13), said valve means (41, 41', 41") being normally closed upon the mutual rotation of said movable element (10; 20) and fixed element (20; 10) from the open to the closed position of the closing element;wherein said closing cap (90) comprises an abutment element (91) susceptible to come into contact with said valve means (41, 41', 41") to open them when said movable element (10; 20) and fixed element (20; 10) are in proximity from the closed position of the closing element, so as to promote the closing snap of the movable element (10; 20) towards the fixed one (20; 10).

2. Hinge according to claim 1, wherein said closing cap (90) comprises an upper wall (90') defining the bottom wall of said working chamber (11), said abutment element comprising a cylindrical body (91) protruding from said upper wall (90') for a predetermined height (h) to determine the closing snap position of the movable element (10; 20) towards the fixed one (20; 10).

3. Hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said valve means (41, 41', 41") comprise a shutter (41) elastically forced against a valve seat (41"), said cylindrical body (91) being arranged at said valve seat (41") and having a vacant end (91') susceptible to impact against said shutter (41) to selectively separate it from said valve seat (41").

4. Hinge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said closing cap (90) comprises movement means (92; 92, 95) acting on said cylindrical body (91) to change said height (h), so as to adjust the closing snap position of the movable element (10; 20) towards the fixed one (20; 10).

5. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said movement means comprise at least one support element (92) of said cylindrical body (91) which can be controlled from the external by an operator to move along a predetermined sliding direction (X), so as to change said height (h).

6. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said cylindrical body (91) has a vacant end (91') susceptible to impact against said valve means (41) to open them and an opposite end (91"), said at least one support element (92) comprising a seat (93) for the insertion of said opposite end (91").

7. Hinge according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said at least one support element (92) and said cylindrical body (91) are slidably movable along a sliding axis (X) preferably parallel to or coincident with said axis (X).

8. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one support element(92) has a cylindrical portion (92') defining said sliding axis (X) and comprising said seat (93) and an opposite portion (92"), said movement means comprising an adjustment dowel (95) which includes an actuating portion (95') which can be controlled from the external by the user and an opposite operative portion (95") interacting with said opposite portion (92") of said at least one support element (92).

9. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said opposite portion (92") is substantially frustoconical and converging towards said sliding axis (X), said adjustment dowel (95) being inserted into said closing cap (90) to move along a direction substantially perpendicular to said sliding axis (X), said operative portion (95') of said adjustment dowel (95) being susceptible to come into contact with said substantially frustoconical opposite portion (92") of said at least one support element (92).

10. Hinge according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least two variable volume compartments (12, 13) are at least one first variable volume compartment (13) and at least one second variable volume compartment (12), upon the mutual rotation of said movable element (10; 20) and fixed element (20; 10) from the closed to the open position of the closing element, the working fluid flowing from said at least one variable volume compartment (13) to said at least one second variable volume compartment (12), upon the mutual rotation of said movable element (10; 20) and fixed element (20; 10) from the open to the closed position of the closing element, the working fluid flowing from said at least one second variable volume compartment (12) to said at least one first variable volume compartment (13).

11. Hinge according to the preceding claim 2, wherein said upper wall (90') further defines the bottom wall of said at least one second variable volume compartment (12).

12. Hinge according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said hydraulic working chamber (11) further comprises a first fluidic communication line (60, 41'") for the through-flow of the working fluid from said at least one first variable volume compartment (13) to said at least one second variable volume compartment (12) upon the mutual rotation of said movable element (10; 20) and fixed element (20; 10) from the closed to the open position of the closing element and a second fluidic communication line (70, 80) for the through-flow of the working fluid from said at least one second variable volume compartment (12) to said atleast one first variable volume compartment (13) upon the mutual rotation of said movable element (10; 20) and fixed element (20; 10) from the open to the closed position of the closing element.

13. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein upon the selective opening of said valve means (41, 41', 41") by said abutment element (91), the working fluid flows from said at least one second variable volume compartment (12) to said at least one first variable volume compartment (13) both through said second fluidic communication line (70, 80) and through said valve means (41, 41', 41").

14. Hinge according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said hinge body (10) is without through holes for the through-flow of the working fluid, said hydraulic working chamber (11) comprising a hydraulic circuit (60, 70) inside said first inner wall (11') which places in fluidic communication said first and second variable volume compartment (12, 13) passing through a third variable volume compartment (14) interposed between the latter, said hydraulic circuit (60, 70) comprising said first and said second fluidic communication line (60, 70).

15. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said first fluidic communication line (60) comprises first valve means (61, 61', 61") configured to selectively open during the opening of the closing element and to close during the closing thereof, said second fluidic communication line (70) comprising second valve means (71, 71', 71") configured to selectively open during the closing of the closing element and close during the opening thereof.

16. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said hydraulic working chamber (11) comprises a bushing (96) having an outer wall (96") in contact with said first inner wall (11') and a second inner wall (96'), said slider (40) comprising an enlarged portion (42) which includes first sealing means (42') interacting with said first inner wall (11') and a narrowed portion (43) comprising second sealing means (43') interacting with said second inner wall (96') so that between said first and second sealing means (42', 43') there is defined said third variable volume compartment (14).

17. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said slider (40) comprises a first hole (61'") passing through said enlarged (42) and narrowed (43) portions defining said first fluidic communication line (60), said enlarged portion (42) comprising a second through hole(71"') for placing in fluidic communication said third variable volume compartment (14) and said first variable volume compartment (13), said second fluidic communication line (70) including said second through hole (71'").

18. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said through hole (61'") comprises said first valve means (61, 61', 61"), said second through hole (71'") comprising said second valve means (71, 71', 71").

19. Hinge according to claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein said second fluidic communication line (70) further comprises third overpressure valve means (41, 41', 41") that is normally closed and configured to selectively open when the pressure in said second variable volume compartment (13) exceeds a predetermined threshold, said third overpressure valve means (41, 41', 41") once open placing in direct fluidic communication said second and first variable volume compartment (13, 12).

20. Hinge according to one or more of claims 16 to 19, wherein said outer wall (96") of said bushing (96) comprises a first groove (97) with a first end (97') placed in fluidic communication with said second variable volume compartment (12) and a second end (97") in fluidic communication with said third compartment (14), said second fluidic communication line (70) including said first groove (97).

21. Hinge according to the preceding claim, further comprising a closing cap (90) which can be connected with said hinge body (10) for capping said working chamber (11), said closing cap (90) comprising a hydraulic circuit (100) configured to fl uidica lly connect said first end (97') with said second variable volume compartment (12).

22. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said closing cap (90) further comprises at least one first adjustment element (120) which can be controlled from the external by an operator and acting in said hydraulic circuit (100) to adjust the closing speed of the closing element.

23. Hinge according to claim 21 or 22, wherein said bushing (96) further comprises a second groove (98) for placing in fluid communication said second variable volume compartment (12) and said hydraulic circuit (100) by means of a through opening (99) through said bushing (98), said second end (97") being fl uidica I ly arranged upstream of said slider(40) when it is in the opening position of the closing element so that it always remainsopen irrespective of the position thereof, said through opening (99) being fluidically arranged downstream of said slider (40) in the opening position of the closing element so that it always remains open for a first part of the stroke of the slider (40) and subsequently remains closed for a second part of the latter.

24. Hinge according to claims 22 and 23, wherein said hydraulic circuit (100) comprises a collector branch (103) and a first connection branch (101) for placing in fluidic communication said collector branch (103) and said first end (97'), said hydraulic circuit (100) further comprising a second collector branch (102) for placing in fluidic communication said collector branch (103) and said second groove (98), said first adjustment element (120) being arranged in a first seat (110) which is fluidically interposed between said first connection branch (101) and said collector branch (103), said hydraulic circuit (100) further comprising a third branch (104) for placing in fluidic communication said second variable volume compartment (12) and said collector branch (103), said closing cap (90) further comprising a second adjustment element (121) which can be controlled from the external by an operator arranged in a second seat (111) which is fluidically interposed between said third connection branch (104) and said collector branch (103) so that the operator can adjust the closing element during the first and the second stroke part of the slider (40) acting on said first and second adjustment element (120, 121).

25. Hinge according to one or more of claims 16 to 24, wherein said hinge body (10), slider (40), bushing (96) and stem (30) are configured so that the volume of said third variable volume compartment (14) and of said second variable volume compartment (12) is equal to the volume of working fluid which flows out from the first variable volume compartment (13).

26. A hydraulic hinge for the controlled movement of a closing element, for example a door, a door leaf or the like, anchored to a stationary support structure, for example a wall, a frame or counter-frame or a floor, the hinge comprising: a hinge body (10) which can be anchored to one of the closing element and the stationary support structure; a pivot (20) which can be anchored to the other of the closing element and the stationary support structure;wherein said hinge body (10) and pivot (20) are rotatably coupled to coaxially rotate around an axis (X) one with respect to the other between an open position and a closed position of the closing element (D); wherein said hinge body (10) internally includes a hydraulic working chamber (11) defining said axis (X) and having a first inner wall (11'), said pivot (20) including actuator means (22); wherein the hinge further comprises: a working fluid inserted into said hydraulic working chamber (11); a slider (40) inserted into said working chamber (11) to slidably move along said axis (X), said slider (40) partitioning said working chamber (11) into a first and a second variable volume compartment (12, 13); a stem (30) at least partially inserted into said working chamber (11) coaxially therewith and having a first end (34) operatively connected with said slider (40) and a second opposite end (31) operatively connected with said actuator means (22), so that the mutual rotation between said pivot (20) and said hinge body (10) around said axis (X) promotes the sliding of the slider (40) along the same axis (X); wherein said hinge body (10) is without through holes for the through-flow of the working fluid, said hydraulic working chamber (11) comprising a hydraulic circuit (60, 70) inside said first inner wall (11') which places in fluidic communication said first and second variable volume compartment (12, 13) passing through a third variable volume compartment (14) interposed between the latter, said hydraulic circuit (60, 70) comprising: a first fluidic communication line (60) which places in fluidic communication said first and second variable volume compartment (13, 12); a second fluidic communication line (70) which places in fluidic communication said second and first variable volume compartment (12, 13) passing through said third variable volume compartment (14); wherein said first fluidic communication line (60) comprises first valve means (61, 61', 61") configured to selectively open during the opening of the closing element and to close during the closing thereof, said second fluidic communication line (70) comprising second valve means (71, 71', 71") configured to selectively open during the closing of the closing element and close during the opening thereof;wherein said hydraulic working chamber (11) comprises a bushing (96) having an outer wall (96") in contact with said first inner wall (11') and a second inner wall (96'), said slider (40) comprising an enlarged portion (42) which includes first sealing means (42') interacting with said first inner wall (11') and a narrowed portion (43) comprising second sealing means (43') interacting with said second inner wall (96') so that between said first and second sealing means (42', 43') there is defined said third variable volume compartment (14).

27. Hinge according to claim 26, wherein said slider (40) comprises a first hole (61'") passing through said enlarged (42) and narrowed (43) portions defining said first fluidic communication line (60), said enlarged portion (42) comprising a second through hole (71'") for placing in fluidic communication said third variable volume compartment (14) and said first variable volume compartment (13), said second fluidic communication line (70) including said second through hole (71'").

28. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said through hole (61'") comprises said first valve means (61, 61', 61"), said second through hole (71'") comprising said second valve means (71, 71', 71").

29. Hinge according to claim 26, 27 or 28, wherein said second fluidic communication line (70) further comprises third overpressure valve means (41, 41', 41") that is normally closed and configured to selectively open when the pressure in said second variable volume compartment (13) exceeds a predetermined threshold, said third overpressure valve means (41, 41', 41") once open placing in direct fluidic communication said second and first variable volume compartment (13, 12).

30. Hinge according to one or more of claims 26 to 29, wherein said outer wall (96") of said bushing (96) comprises a first groove (97) with a first end (97') placed in fluidic communication with said second variable volume compartment (12) and a second end (97") in fluidic communication with said third compartment (14), said second fluidic communication line (70) including said first groove (97).

31. Hinge according to the preceding claim, further comprising a closing cap (90) which can be connected with said hinge body (10) for capping said working chamber (11), said closing cap (90) comprising a hydraulic circuit (100) configured to fl uidica lly connect said first end (97') with said second variable volume compartment (12).

32. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said closing cap (90) further comprises at least one first adjustment element (120) which can be controlled from the external by an operator and acting in said hydraulic circuit (100) to adjust the closing speed of the closing element.

33. Hinge according to claim 31 or 32, wherein said bushing (96) further comprises a second groove (98) for placing in fluid communication said second variable volume compartment (12) and said hydraulic circuit (100) by means of a through opening (99) through said bushing (98), said second end (97") being fluidically arranged upstream of said slider(40) when it is in the opening position of the closing element so that it always remains open irrespective of the position thereof, said through opening (99) being fluidically arranged downstream of said slider (40) in the opening position of the closing element so that it always remains open for a first part of the stroke of the slider (40) and subsequently remains closed for a second part of the latter.

34. Hinge according to claims 32 and 33, wherein said hydraulic circuit (100) comprises a collector branch (103) and a first connection branch (101) for placing in fluidic communication said collector branch (103) and said first end (97'), said hydraulic circuit (100) further comprising a second collector branch (102) for placing in fluidic communication said collector branch (103) and said second groove (98), said first adjustment element (120) being arranged in a first seat (110) which is fluidically interposed between said first connection branch (101) and said collector branch (103), said hydraulic circuit (100) further comprising a third branch (104) for placing in fluidic communication said second variable volume compartment (12) and said collector branch (103), said closing cap (90) further comprising a second adjustment element (121) which can be controlled from the external by an operator arranged in a second seat (111) which is fluidically interposed between said third connection branch (104) and said collector branch (103) so that the operator can adjust the closing element during the first and the second stroke part of the slider (40) acting on said first and second adjustment element (120, 121).

35. Hinge according to one or more of claims 26 to 34, wherein said hinge body (10), slider (40), bushing (96) and stem (30) are configured so that the volume of said third variable volume compartment (14) and of said second variable volume compartment (12) isequal to the volume of working fluid which flows out from the first variable volume compartment (13).

36. Hinge according to one or more of claims 26 to 34, wherein said hinge body (10), slider (40), bushing (96) and stem (30) are configured so that the volume of said third variable volume compartment (14) and of said second variable volume compartment (12) is equal to the volume of working fluid which flows out from the first variable volume compartment (13). A hydraulic hinge for the controlled movement of a closing element, for example a door, a door leaf or the like, anchored to a stationary support structure, the hinge comprising: a hinge body (10) which can be anchored to one of the closing element and the stationary support structure; a pivot (20) which can be anchored to the other of the closing element and the stationary support structure; wherein said hinge body (10) and pivot (20) are rotatably coupled to coaxially rotate around an axis (X) one with respect to the other between an open position and a closed position of the closing element (D); wherein said hinge body (10) internally includes a hydraulic working chamber (11) defining said axis (X) and having a first inner wall (11'), said pivot (20) including actuator means (22); wherein the hinge further comprises: a working fluid inserted into said hydraulic working chamber (11); a slider (40) inserted into said working chamber (11) to slidably move along said axis (X), said slider (40) partitioning said working chamber (11) into at least one first and one second variable volume compartment (13, 12); a stem (30) at least partially inserted into said working chamber (11) coaxially therewith and having a first end (34) operatively connected with said slider (40) and a second opposite end (31) operatively connected with said actuator means (22), so that the mutual rotation between said pivot (20) and said hinge body (10) around said axis (X) promotes the sliding of the slider (40) along the same axis (X); a closing cap (90) which can be connected to said hinge body (10) for sea lingly capping said working chamber (11);wherein said hinge body (10) is without through holes for the through-flow of the working fluid, said closing cap (90) comprising a hydraulic circuit (100), said hydraulic working chamber (11) comprising inside said first inner wall (11') a first fluidic communication line (60) so as to allow the working fluid to flow from said first variable volume compartment(13) to said second variable volume compartment (12) and a second fluidic communication line (70) cooperating with said hydraulic circuit (100) for the reverse through-flow; wherein said hydraulic working chamber (11) comprises a bushing (96) having an outer wall (96") in contact with said first inner wall (11') and an outer wall (96'), said outer wall (96") of said bushing (96) comprising a first groove (97) with a first end (97') placed in fluidic communication with said second variable volume compartment (12) through said hydraulic circuit (100) and a second end (97") in fluidic communication with said third compartment(14); wherein said bushing (96) further comprises a second groove (98) for placing in fluid communication said second variable volume compartment (12) and said hydraulic circuit (100) by means of a through opening (99) through said bushing (98), said second end (97") being f luidica lly arranged upstream of said slide r(40) when it is in the opening position of the closing element so that it always remains open irrespective of the position thereof, said through opening (99) being f luidica lly arranged downstream of said slider (40) in the opening position of the closing element so that it always remains open for a first part of the stroke of the slider (40) and subsequently remains closed for a second part of the latter; wherein said hydraulic circuit (100) comprises a collector branch (103) and a first connection branch (101) for placing in fluidic communication said collector branch (103) and said first end (97'), said hydraulic circuit (100) further comprising a second collector branch (102) for placing in fluidic communication said collector branch (103) and said second groove (98), said closing cap (90) comprising a first adjustment element (120) which can be controlled from the external by an operator arranged in a first seat (110) which is f luidica lly interposed between said first connection branch (101) and said collector branch (103), said hydraulic circuit (100) further comprising a third branch (104) for placing in fluidic communication said second variable volume compartment (12) and said collector branch (103), said closing cap (90) further comprising a second adjustment element (121) which can be controlled fromthe external by an operator arranged in a second seat (111) which is fluidically interposed between said third connection branch (104) and said collector branch (103) so that the operator can adjust the closing element during the first and the second stroke part of the slider (40) acting on said first and second adjustment element (120, 121).

37. Hinge according to claim 36, wherein said closing cap (90) further comprises a wall (90') defining the bottom wall of said hydraulic working chamber (11), said first branch (101) including at least one inlet (104) in said upper wall (90') and an outlet in fluidic communication with the inlet (97') of said first groove (97), said second branch (102) comprising an inlet adjacent to the outlet of said second groove (98) and an outlet in fluidic communication with said first groove (97).

38. Hinge according to claim 36 or 37, wherein said slider (40) comprises a first through hole (71'") defining said second fluidic communication line (70).

39. Hinge according to claim 36, 37 or 38, wherein said slider (40) comprises valve means (41, 41', 41") for controlling the through-flowing of the working fluid between said at least two variable volume compartments (12, 13), said valve means (41, 41', 41") being normally closed upon the mutual rotation of said hinge body (10; 20) and pivot (20; 10) from the open to the closed position of the closing element, said closing cap (90) comprising an abutment element (91) susceptible to come into contact with said valve means (41, 41', 41") to open them wherein said hinge body (10; 20) and pin (20; 10) are in proximity from the closed position of the closing element, so as to promote the closing snap of the closing element.

40. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said closing cap (90) comprises a wall (90') defining the bottom wall of said working chamber (11), said abutment element comprising a cylindrical body (91) protruding from said upper wall (90') for a predetermined height (h) to determine the closing snap position of the movable element (10; 20) towards the fixed one (20; 10).

41. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said valve means (41, 41', 41") comprise a shutter (41) elastically forced against a valve seat (41"), said cylindrical body (91) being arranged at said valve seat (41") and having a vacant end (91') susceptible to impact against said shutter (41) to selectively separate it from said valve seat (41").

42. Hinge according to claim 40 or 41, wherein said closing cap (90) comprises movement means (92; 92, 95) acting on said cylindrical body (91) to change said height (h), so as to adjust the closing snap position of the movable element (10; 20) towards the fixed one (20; 10).

43. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said movement means comprise at least one support element (92) of said cylindrical body (91) which can be controlled from the external by an operator to move along a predetermined sliding direction (X), so as to change said height (h).

44. Hinge according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one support element (92) is accessible at a median plane (n) of said hinge body (10), said first and second adjustment element (120, 121) being arranged on opposite sides with respect to said median plane (n).

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