Closing hinge device for doors, shutters or the like

Abstract

A closing hinge device includes a fixed element, a movable element and a pair of counteracting elastic members. One of the movable element or fixed element includes a generally box-shaped hinge body with a pair of working chambers to slidably house the counteracting elastic members. The other of the movable element or fixed element includes a pivot having a cylindrical portion that includes a pair of substantially equal grooves angularly spaced at 180 and each having a helical portion, the grooves communicating with each other to define a single guide element passing through the cylindrical portion. The box-shaped hinge body includes elongated slots, a pin being inserted through the single guide element and through the elongated slots to slide therethrough, and the counteracting elastic members act on the pin to promote the automatic returning of the closing element from the open position to the closed position.

Claims

1. A closing hinge device comprising: a fixed element adapted to be fixed to a stationary support structure; a movable element adapted to be fixed to a closing element, said movable element and said fixed element being mutually coupled to rotate around a first longitudinal axis; and a pair of counteracting elastic members slidably movable along a second and respectively a third longitudinal axis between a compressed end position, corresponding to an open position of the closing element, and an extended end position, corresponding to a closed position of the closing element, said first axis, said second axis, and said third axis being parallel to one another, wherein one of said movable element or said fixed element comprises a box-shaped hinge body including a pair of working chambers defining said second and said third axis to slidably house said counteracting elastic members, the other one of said movable element or said fixed element including a pivot defining said first axis, said pivot and said counteracting elastic members being mutually coupled such that a rotation of the movable element around said first axis corresponds to a movement of the counteracting elastic members along said second and said third axis and vice versa, said box-shaped hinge body including a central housing interposed between said working chambers to internally house said pivot, wherein said pivot includes a cylindrical portion having a pair of substantially equal grooves angularly spaced of 180 each including a helical portion wound around said first axis, said grooves being communicating with each other to define a single guide element passing through said cylindrical portion, and wherein said box-shaped hinge body includes elongated slots parallel to said first axis, said second axis, and said third axis, a pin being inserted through said single guide element and through said elongated slots to slide therethrough, said counteracting elastic members acting on said pin to promote an automatic return of the closing element from the open position to the closed position.

2. The closing hinge device according to claim 1, wherein said helical portion is right-handed or left-handed, said at least one helical portion extending for at least 90 along said cylindrical portion.

3. The closing hinge device according to claim 2, wherein said helical portion extends for 180.

4. The closing hinge device according to claim 1, wherein said movable element includes said pivot, said fixed element including said working chambers.

5. The closing hinge device according to claim 1, further including an anti-friction element interposed between said movable element and said fixed element to facilitate a mutual rotation thereof.

6. The closing hinge device according to claim 5, wherein said box-shaped hinge body includes a support portion configured to support said anti-friction element, said support portion being located within said box-shaped hinge body to be loaded by said pivot, said anti-friction element being interposed between said support portion and said pivot.

7. The closing hinge device according to claim 6, wherein said pivot has a loading surface adapted to came into contact with said anti-friction element such to rotate thereon.

8. A closing hinge device comprising: a fixed element adapted to be fixed to a stationary support structure; a movable element adapted to be fixed to a closing element, said movable element and said fixed element being mutually coupled to rotate around a first longitudinal axis; and a pair of counteracting elastic members slidably movable along a second and respectively a third longitudinal axis between a compressed end position, corresponding to an open position of the closing element, and an extended end position, corresponding to a closed position of the closing element, said first axis, said second axis, and said third axis being parallel to one another, wherein one of said movable element or said fixed element comprises a box-shaped hinge body including a pair of working chambers defining said second and third axis to slidably house said counteracting elastic members, the other one of said movable element or said fixed element including a pivot defining said first axis, said pivot and said counteracting elastic members being mutually coupled such that a rotation of the movable element around said first axis corresponds to a movement of the counteracting elastic members along said second and said third axis and vice versa, said box-shaped hinge body including a central housing interposed between said working chambers to internally house said pivot, wherein said pivot includes a cylindrical portion having a pair of substantially equal grooves angularly spaced of 180 each including a helical portion wound around said first axis, said grooves being communicating with each other to define a single guide element passing through said cylindrical portion, wherein said box-shaped hinge body includes elongated slots parallel to said first axis, said second axis, and said third axis, a pin being inserted through said single guide element and through said elongated slots to slide therethrough, said counteracting elastic members acting on said pin to promote an automatic return of the closing element from the open position to the closed position, and wherein each of said counteracting elastic members includes a plunger element movable into the respective working chamber along the respective second or third axis, said box-shaped hinge body including a working fluid acting on the plunger elements to hydraulically counteract an action thereof, each of said plunger elements including a pushing head adapted to separate the respective working chamber into a first and a second variable volume compartments fluidly communicating with each other, said first and second variable volume compartments being configured to have at the closed position of the closing element the maximum and respectively the minimum volume.

9. The closing hinge device according to claim 8, wherein said central housing is in fluid communication with said working chambers through said elongated slots.

10. The closing hinge device according to claim 8, wherein the pushing head of each plunger element includes a valve member that selectively puts into fluid communication said first and said second variable volume compartments, said valve member being configured to allow a passage of the working fluid between said first compartment and said second compartment during one of the opening or closing of the closing element and to prevent a backflow thereof during the other one of the opening or the closing of the same closing element, a hydraulic circuit being provided for a controlled backflow of said working fluid between said first compartment and said second compartment during the other one of the opening or the closing of the closing element.

11. The closing hinge device according to claim 10, wherein said valve member is configured to allow the passage of the working fluid from said first compartment to said second compartment during the opening of the closing element and to prevent the backflow thereof during the closing of the closing element, each plunger element being tightly inserted into the respective working chamber, said box-shaped hinge body including at least partially said hydraulic circuit, which has at least one inlet for the working fluid in each of the working chambers, which is in correspondence of the respective second compartment, and an outlet of the working fluid in said central housing.

12. The closing hinge device according to claim 11, wherein said hinge body has at least one first adjustment screw having a first end interacting with said outlet of said hydraulic circuit, and a second end operable by a user from outside to adjust flow speed of said working fluid from said working chambers to said central housing during the closing of the closing element.

13. A closing hinge device comprising: a fixed element adapted to be fixed to a stationary support structure; a movable element adapted to be fixed to a closing element, said movable element and said fixed element being mutually coupled to rotate around a first longitudinal axis; and a pair of counteracting elastic members slidably movable along a second and respectively a third longitudinal axis between a compressed end position, corresponding to an open position of the closing element, and an extended end position, corresponding to a closed position of the closing element, said first axis, said second axis, and said third axis being parallel to one another, wherein one of said movable element and said fixed element comprises a box-shaped hinge body including a pair of working chambers defining said second and said third axis to slidably house said counteracting elastic members, the other one of said movable element and said fixed element including a pivot defining said first axis, said pivot and said counteracting elastic members being mutually coupled such that a rotation of the movable element around said first axis corresponds to a movement of the counteracting elastic members along said second and said third axis and vice versa, said box-shaped hinge body including a central housing interposed between said working chambers to internally house said pivot, wherein said pivot includes a cylindrical portion having a pair of substantially equal grooves angularly spaced of 180 each including a helical portion wound around said first axis, said grooves being communicating with each other to define a single guide element passing through said cylindrical portion, wherein said box-shaped hinge body includes elongated slots parallel to said first axis, said second axis and third axis, a pin being inserted through said single guide element and through said elongated slots to slide therethrough, said counteracting elastic members acting on said pin to promote an automatic return of the closing element from the open position to the closed position, and wherein said pivot includes a plunger element sliding within said central housing along said first axis, said central housing including a working fluid acting on the plunger elements to hydraulically counteract an action thereof, said plunger element including a pushing head adapted to separate said central housing into a first and a second variable volume compartments fluidly communicating with each other, said first and said second variable volume compartments being configured to have at the closed position of the closing element a maximum and respectively a minimum volume.

14. The closing hinge device according to claim 13, wherein said central housing and said working chambers are fluidly non-communicating, so that said working fluid is disposed exclusively within said central housing.

15. The closing hinge device according to claim 13, wherein the pushing head of the plunger element includes a valve member that selectively puts into fluid communication said first and said second variable volume compartments, said valve member being configured to allow a passage of the working fluid between said first compartment and said second compartment during one of the opening or closing of the closing element and to prevent a backflow thereof during the other one of the opening and the closing of the closing element, a hydraulic circuit being provided for a controlled backflow of said working fluid between said first compartment and said second compartment during the other one of the opening or the closing of the closing element.

16. The closing hinge device according to claim 13, wherein said box-shaped hinge body includes an end cap inserted through said central housing, said hydraulic circuit including a first duct passing through said end cap and in fluid communication with both said first compartment and said second compartment.

17. The closing hinge device according to claim 16, wherein said end cap further includes a first adjusting member having a first end interacting with said first duct and a second end accessible by a user to adjust a passage section of the working fluid passing through said first duct.

18. The closing hinge device according to claim 17, wherein said hydraulic circuit includes a second duct passing through said end cap and in fluid communication with said first compartment, with said second compartment and with said first duct, said end cap further including a second adjusting member having a third end interacting with said second duct and a fourth end accessible by the user to adjust the passage section of the working fluid passing therethrough.

19. The closing hinge device according to claim 16, wherein said end cap further includes a valve unit acting to selectively open said first duct when pressure in said central housing exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

20. The closing hinge device according to claim 16, wherein said box-shaped hinge body further includes an anti-friction element interposed between said end cap and said pivot to be loaded by said pivot.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further features and advantages of the invention will appear more evident upon reading the detailed description of some preferred, non-exclusive embodiments of a hinge device according to the invention, which are described as non-limiting examples with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the hinge device 1, which is not part of the present invention;

(3) FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c are respectively front, bottom and sectioned along a plane IIc-IIc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 1, with the movable element 10 in the closed position;

(4) FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are respectively front, bottom and sectioned along a plane IIIc-IIIc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 1, with the movable element 10 in the open position;

(5) FIGS. 4a and 4b are axonometric views of the assembly slider 20-pivot 40-spring 50 of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 1, wherein the slider 20 is respectively in the compressed and extended end positions;

(6) FIGS. 5a and 5b are axonometric views of the assembly slider 20-pivot 40-spring 50 of another embodiment of the hinge device 1, wherein the counteracting elastic means 50 are interposed between the pivot 40 and the second end 23 of the slider 20, and wherein the slider is respectively in the compressed and extended end positions;

(7) FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c are axonometric views of the assembly slider 20-pivot 40 of another embodiment of the hinge device 1, wherein the slider 20 includes the grooves 43, 43 which form the single guide element 46 and the pivot 40 includes the first pin 25 insertable into the single guide element 46, respectively in an exploded configuration, in an assembled configuration with the slider 20 in the extended end position and in an assembled configuration with the slider 20 in the compressed end position;

(8) FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the hinge device 1, which is not part of the present invention;

(9) FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c are respectively front, bottom and sectioned along a plane VIIIc-VIIIc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 7, with the movable element 10 in the closed position;

(10) FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c are respectively front, bottom and sectioned along a plane IXc-IXc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 7, with the movable element 10 in the open position;

(11) FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1, which is not part of the present invention;

(12) FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11c are respectively front, bottom and sectioned along a plane XIc-XIc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 10, with the movable element 10 in the closed position;

(13) FIGS. 12a, 12b and 12c are respectively front, bottom and sectioned along a plane XIIc-XIIc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 10, with the movable element 10 in the open position;

(14) FIGS. 13a and 13b are sectional views of an embodiment of an assembly 100 for the controlled automatic closing of a closing element D, respectively in the closed and open position thereof, wherein the hinge 110 is configured according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3c and the hinge 120 is configured according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 12c;

(15) FIGS. 14a and 14b are sectional views of an embodiment of another assembly 100 for the controlled automatic closing of a closing element D, respectively in the closed and open position thereof, wherein both hinges 110 and 120 are configured according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 12c, with in FIGS. 14c and 14d some enlarged particulars;

(16) FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1, which is not part of the present invention;

(17) FIGS. 16a, 16b and 16c are respectively front, bottom and sectioned along a plane XVIc-XVIc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 15, with the movable element 10 in the closed position;

(18) FIGS. 17a, 17b and 17c are respectively front, bottom and sectioned along a plane XVIIc-XVIIc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 15, with the movable element 10 in the open position;

(19) FIGS. 18a, 18b and 18c are respectively front, back and axonometric views of the assembly slider 20-pivot 40 (the spring 50 is internal to the pivot 40) of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 15, wherein the slider 20 is in the compressed end position;

(20) FIGS. 19a, 19b and 19c are views respectively frontal, back and axonometric of the assembly slider 20-pivot 40 (the spring 50 is internal to the pivot 40) of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 15, wherein the slider 20 is in the extended end position;

(21) FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1, which is not part of the present invention;

(22) FIGS. 21a, 21b and 21c are respectively front, axonometric and sectioned along a plane XXIc-XXIc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 20, with the movable element 10 in the closed position;

(23) FIGS. 22a, 22b and 22c are respectively front, axonometric and sectioned along a plane XXIc-XXIc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 20, with the movable element 10 in the open position;

(24) FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1, which is not part of the present invention;

(25) FIGS. 24a and 24b are respectively front and sectioned along a plane XXVb-XXVb views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 23, with the movable element 10 in the closed position;

(26) FIGS. 25a and 25b are respectively front and sectioned along a plane XXVb-XXVb views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 23, with the movable element 10 in the open position;

(27) FIGS. 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d are respectively an axonometric view, a top view, a view of the assembly slider 20-pivot 40 and a sectioned view of another embodiment of an assembly 100 for the controlled automatic closing of a closing element D, in the closed position thereof, wherein the hinge 110 is configured according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 to 25b and the hinge 120 is configured according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 to 22c;

(28) FIGS. 27a, 27b, 27c and 27d are respectively an axonometric view, a top view, a view of the slider and a sectioned view of another embodiment of an assembly 100 for the controlled automatic closing of a closing element D, in the open position thereof, wherein the hinge 110 is configured according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 to 25b and the hinge 120 is configured according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 to 22c, with in FIGS. 27e and 27f some enlarged particulars;

(29) FIG. 28 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1, which is not part of the present invention;

(30) FIGS. 29a and 29b are respectively front and sectioned along a plane XXIXb-XXIXb views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 28, with the movable element 10 in the closed position;

(31) FIGS. 30a and 30b are respectively front and sectioned along a plane XXXb-XXXb views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 28, with the movable element 10 in a partly open position;

(32) FIGS. 31a and 31b are respectively front and sectioned along a plane XXIIb-XXXIb views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 28, with the movable element 10 in the fully open position;

(33) FIG. 32 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1;

(34) FIGS. 33a, 33b and 33c are respectively axonometric, sectioned along a plane XXXIIIb-XXXIIIb and sectioned along a plane XXXIIIc-XXXIIIc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 32, with the movable element 10 in the closed position;

(35) FIGS. 34a, 34b and 34c are respectively axonometric, sectioned along a plane XXXIVb-XXXIVb and sectioned along a plane XXXIVc-XXXIVc views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 32, with the movable element 10 in the open position;

(36) FIGS. 35a and 35b are respectively axonometric and detailed views of another embodiment of an assembly 100 for the controlled automatic closing of a closing element D, in the closed position thereof, wherein the hinge 110 is of the per se known type and the hinge 120 is configured according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32 to 34c;

(37) FIGS. 36a and 36b show axonometric views of a pivot 40 having respectively two blocking points 350, 350 for the pin 25 sliding through the closed path defined by the grooves 43, 43 and one blocking point 350 and one open end 350;

(38) FIG. 37 shows an enlarged view of some enlarged particulars of FIG. 2c;

(39) FIGS. 38a and 38b show respectively a top view and a radially sectioned view of the axial second annular bearing 250;

(40) FIGS. 39a and 39b show respectively a top view and a radially sectioned view of the axial-radial first annular bearing 220;

(41) FIG. 39c shows an enlarged view of some enlarged particulars of FIG. 2c;

(42) FIGS. 39d and 39e show respective enlarged views of some enlarged particulars of FIG. 43b;

(43) FIGS. 40a and 40c show respectively an exploded view and an assembled view of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1, including the anti-rotation tubular bushing 300 encompassing the pivot 40, the pin engaging both the single guide element 46 of the pivot 40 and the axial cam slots 310, which is not part of the present invention;

(44) FIG. 40b is a perspective view of the tubular bushing 300;

(45) FIGS. 41a and 41b show respectively an exploded view and an assembled view of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1, including the anti-rotation tubular bushing 300 encompassing the pivot 40, the pin engaging both the single guide element 46 of the pivot 40 and the axial cam slots 310, which is not part of the present invention;

(46) FIG. 41c is an axially sectioned view of the assembly of FIG. 41b;

(47) FIG. 42a is an exploded partly axially sectioned view of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1, in which the pivot 40 defines the fixed element and the hinge body 31 defines the movable element, which is not part of the present invention;

(48) FIG. 42b is a perspective partly sectioned view of the hinge body 31 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 42a, clearly showing the second supporting portion 240;

(49) FIGS. 43a, 43b and 43c are respectively perspective, sectioned along a plane XLIII b-XLIII b and top views of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1 which is not part of the present invention, in which the closing element D is in the closed position;

(50) FIGS. 44a, 44b and 44c are respectively perspective, sectioned along a plane XLIV b-XLIV b and top views of the embodiment of the hinge device according to FIG. 43a, in which the closing element D is in the completely open position;

(51) FIGS. 45a and 45c are respectively a sectioned view along a plane XLV a-XLV a and a top one of the embodiment of the hinge device according to FIG. 43a, in which the closing element D is in the latching position,

(52) FIG. 45b shows an enlarged view of some enlarged particulars of FIG. 45a;

(53) FIGS. 46A, 46B and 47 are respectively top, sectioned along a plane XLVIB-XLVIB and sectioned along a plane XLVII-XLVII views of a further embodiment of the hinge device 1, with the movable element 10 in the closed position;

(54) FIGS. 48A and 48B are respectively top and sectioned along a plane XLVIIIB-XLVIIIB views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 46A, with the movable element 10 in the latching position;

(55) FIG. 49 shows an enlarged view of some enlarged particulars of FIG. 48B;

(56) FIGS. 50A and 50B are respectively top and sectioned along a plane LB-LB views of the embodiment of the hinge device 1 of FIG. 46A, with the movable element 10 in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(57) Referring to the above mentioned FIGS., the hinge device according to the invention, generally indicated with 1, is particularly suitable for rotatably moving a closing element D, such as a door, a shutter or the like, which may be anchored to a stationary support structure S, such as for instance a wall and/or a frame of a door or of a window and/or a supporting pillar and/or the floor.

(58) FIGS. 1 to 45c show several embodiments of the hinge device 1. Where not otherwise specified, similar or equal parts and/or elements are indicated with a single reference number, which means that the described technical features are common to all the similar or equal parts and/or elements.

(59) It is understood that only the embodiment of FIGS. 32 to 35b is part of the present invention, the other embodiments being not part of the present invention.

(60) All the embodiments shown herein include a movable element, which may include a movable connecting plate 10, anchorable to the closing element D, and a fixed element, which may include a fixed connecting plate 11, anchorable to the stationary support structure S.

(61) The fix plate 11 and the movable plate 10 may be mutually coupled for rotating around a first longitudinal axis X, which may be substantially vertical, between an open position, shown for instance in FIGS. 2c, 9c, 12c and 17c, and a closed position, shown for example in FIGS. 2b, 9b, 12b and 17b, corresponding to the respectively closed or open positions of the closing element D.

(62) In all the embodiments of the invention shown herein, the hinge device 1 may include at least one slider 20 movable along a respective second axis Y between a compressed end position, shown for instance in FIGS. 4a, 5a and 6c, and an extended end position, shown for instance in FIGS. 4b, 5b and 6b.

(63) The first and the second axis X, Y may be reciprocally parallel, such as for example in the embodiments of the invention shown in figures from 32 to 34c, or coincident, such as for example in the embodiments of the invention shown in figures from 1 to 31b.

(64) In this last case, the first and the second axis X, Y may define a single axis, indicated with XY, which acts as both rotation axis for the movable plate 10 and sliding axis for the slider 20.

(65) In all the embodiments of the invention shown herein, the hinge device 1 may comprise at least one working chamber 30 defining the second longitudinal axis Y to slidably house the respective slider 20. On the other hand, the hinge device 1 may comprise two or more working chambers 30, 30 each one defining a respective second longitudinal axis Y, Y and comprising a respective slider 20, 20, such as for instance in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. from 32 to 34c.

(66) Each working chamber 30 may be made within a hinge body 31, which may have a generally box-shaped shape.

(67) The slider 20 may include a body 21 elongated along the axis Y, with a first end 22 and a second opposed end 23.

(68) Of course, in the embodiments of the invention in which the first and the second axis X, Y coincide, the working chamber 30 may be single and define the single axis XY.

(69) Advantageously, in all the embodiments of the invention shown herein, the hinge device 1 may comprise a pivot 40, which may define the rotations axis X of the movable plate 10.

(70) Of course, in the embodiments of the invention wherein the first and the second axis X, Y coincide, the pivot 40 may define the single axis XY, and may be at least partially housed in the working chamber 30 so as to be coaxial with the working chamber.

(71) In some embodiments of the invention, as for example those shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 10, the movable element may include the pivot 40, whereas the fix element may comprise the working chamber 30.

(72) On the other hand, in other embodiments of the invention, such as the one shown in FIG. 28, the movable element may include the working chamber 30, whereas the fix element may include the pivot 40.

(73) Appropriately, the pivot 40 may comprise a portion 41 outgoing from the hinge body 31 for the coupling with the movable element 10 or with the stationary support structure S or with the closing element D.

(74) Moreover, the pivot 40 may include a substantially cylindrical portion 42 internal to the hinge body 31 and suitable to cooperate with the slider 20 so that to the rotation of the movable element 10 around the first axis X corresponds the sliding of the slider 20 along the second axis Y and vice versa.

(75) For this purpose, the cylindrical portion 42 of the pivot 40 may include at least one pair of grooves 43, 43 equal to each other and angularly spaced of 180. Appropriately, the grooves 43, 43 may be communicating with one another so as to define a single guide element 46 passing through the cylindrical portion 42 of the pivot 40.

(76) In this way, it is possible to obtain a total control of the closing element D upon its opening as well as upon its closing, and to act on the spring 50 with extremely great force.

(77) Moreover, the first end 22 of the slider 20 may include one pair of appendices 24, 24 extending outwards from corresponding opposed parts thereof to slide each in a respective groove 43, 43. Appropriately, the appendices 24, 24 may define a third axis Z substantially perpendicular to the first and second axis X, Y.

(78) On the other side, as shown in the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c, the slider 20 may comprise the cylindrical portion 42 with the grooves 43, 43 communicating with each other so as to define the single guide element 46, whereas the pivot 40 may include the elongated body 21 with the first end 22 including the appendices 24, 24.

(79) It is to understand that the assembly pivot 40-slider 20 shown in FIGS. from 6a to 6c may equivalently replace the assembly present in all embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. from 1 to 5b and from 7 to 35b.

(80) Advantageously, the appendices 24, 24 may be defined by a first pin 25 passing through the slider 20 or the pivot 40 in proximity of the first end 22 and housed in the single guide element formed by the communicating grooves 43, 43. The first pin 25 may define an axis Z substantially perpendicular to the first and/or to the second axis X, Y.

(81) In order to ensure the maximum control of the closing element D upon its opening and closing, each appendix 24, 24 may have at least one sliding portion in the respective groove which has an outer diameter .sub.e substantially equal to the width L.sub.s of the respective groove 43, 43. Even if for sake of simplicity this feature has been shown only in FIG. 4a, it is understood that it may be present in all the embodiments of the invention shown herein.

(82) Furthermore, in order to minimize the vertical bulk, each groove 43, 43 may have at least one helical portion 44, 44 wound around the first axis X defined by the pivot 40, which may be right-handed or left-handed.

(83) Advantageously, the single guide element 46 may include a single helical portion 44, 44 having constant slope.

(84) Moreover, in order to have optimal bulk, each helical portion 44, 44 may have a pitch comprised between 20 mm and 60 mm, and preferably comprised between 35 mm and 45 mm.

(85) Appropriately, the slider 20 may be rotatably blocked in the respective working chamber 30, so as to avoid rotations around the axis Y during the sliding thereof between the compressed and extended end positions.

(86) Wth this aim, the slider 20 may include a passing-through axial slot 26 extending along the axis Y, a second pin 27 radially housed into the slot 26 and anchored to the working chamber 30 being further provided. The second pin 27 may define an axis Z substantially perpendicular to the first and/or to the second axis X, Y.

(87) As shown in the embodiments shown in the FIGS. from 1 to 17c, the first pin 25 and the second pin 27 may be different from each other.

(88) However, as for instance particularly shown in the FIGS. from 20 to 34c, the hinge device 1 may include a single pin 2527, which acts as both guide of the slider 20 during the sliding thereof along the grooves 43, 43 and rotating blocking element thereof. In this case, the axis Z may coincide with the axis Z, so as to define a single axis ZZ.

(89) In order to minimize the vertical bulk of the hinge device 1, the pivot 40 and the slider 20 may be telescopically coupled to one another.

(90) For this purpose, one between the pivot 40 and the slider 20 may comprise a tubular body to internally house at least one portion of the other between the pivot 40 and the slider 20.

(91) In the embodiments wherein the pivot 40 internally houses the slider 20, such as for example those shown in the FIGS. from 1 to 5b and from 7 to 17c, the tubular body is defined by the cylindrical portion 42, whereas the internally housed portion may be defined by the first end 22 which includes the first pin 25. On the other side, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c, the tubular body is defined by the elongated body 21, whereas the internally housed portion may be defined by the cylindrical portion 42 of the slider 20.

(92) In the embodiments wherein the slider 20 internally houses the pivot 40, such as for example those shown in the FIGS. from 20 to 25b, the tubular body is defined by the plunger element 60, whereas the internally housed portion may be defined by the cylindrical portion 42 of the pivot 40.

(93) The assembly pivot 40-working chamber 30-slider 20, therefore, defines a mechanism wherein the three components are mutually coupled by means of lower pairs.

(94) In fact, the pivot 40 and the working chamber 30 are connected to each other by a revolute pair, so that the only reciprocal movement can be the rotation of the first one with respect to the other one around the axis X. It is understood that the pivot 40 may rotate with respect to the working chamber 30 or vice versa.

(95) The slider 20 is then connected to the pivot 40 and with the working chamber 30 by means of respective prismatic pairs, so that the only reciprocal movement can be the sliding of the slider 20 along the axis Y.

(96) Moreover, the pivot 40 and the slider 20 are connected to each other by means of a screw pair, so that to the rotation of the pivot 40 or of the working chamber 30 around the axis X corresponds exclusively to the sliding of the slider 20 along the axis Y.

(97) The extreme simplicity of the mechanism allows obtaining an exceptionally efficient, reliable and long-lasting hinge device, even under the hardest work conditions.

(98) In order to ensure a blocking point of the closing element D along the opening/closing path thereof, as for example shown in the FIGS. from 15 to 19c, each groove 43, 43 may have a flat portion 45, 45 after or before the portion with helical course 44, 44, which may wind for at least 10 along the cylindrical portion 42, up to 180.

(99) In this way it is possible to block the closing element, for example in its open position.

(100) Advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 35b and particularly shown in FIG. 36a, the single guide element 46 of the cylindrical portion 42 may be closed to both ends so as to define a closed path having two blocking end point 350, 350 for the first pin 25 sliding therethrough. The closed path is defined by the grooves 43, 43.

(101) Thanks to this feature, it is possible to obtain the maximum control of the closing element D.

(102) On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 36b, the single guide element 46 may be closed to only one end so as to define a partly open path having one blocking end point 350 for the first pin 25 sliding therethrough and one open end point.

(103) In order to ensure the automatic closing of the door once opened, the hinge device 1 may further include counteracting elastic means, for example a spring 50, acting on the slider 20 to automatically return it from one between the compressed and extended end position and the other between the compressed and extended end position.

(104) For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. from 1 to 4b, the spring 50 acts on the slider 20 to return it from the extended end position to the compressed end position, which represents the rest position or maximum elongation of the spring 50.

(105) On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the spring 50 acts on the slider 20 in the exactly contrary way, returning it from the compressed end position to the extended end position, which represents the rest position or maximum elongation of the spring 50.

(106) Even if in the embodiments shown in FIGS. from 1 to 22c and from 28 to 34c all hinge devices 1 include a single spring 50, it is understood that the counteracting elastic means may include also more springs or alternative means, for example a pneumatic cylinder, without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

(107) The spring 50 may have any position along the axis Y. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. from 1 to 4b it is interposed between the end 23 of the slider 20 and an abutment wall 35 of the chamber 30.

(108) On the other hand, it may be interposed between the pivot 40 and the end 23 of the slider 20, such as for example in the embodiment shown in FIGS. from 7 to 12c.

(109) The spring 50 may be then internal to the pivot 40, such as for example in the embodiment shown in FIGS. from 15 to 22c.

(110) In order to minimize the mutual frictions, the hinge device according to the invention may include at least one anti-friction element, which may be interposed between the movable and the fixed part of the hinge device.

(111) Suitably, the at least one anti-friction element may include at least one annular bearing, while the box-shaped hinge body 31 may include at least one support portion to support the at least one annular bearing.

(112) All embodiments of the invention may include a first support portion 200 positioned in correspondence of an end 210 of the box-shaped hinge body 31 to be loaded by the closing element D during use through the movable plate 10. The first support portion 200 is suitable to support a first annular bearing 220 interposed between the same first support end portion and the movable connecting plate 10.

(113) Suitably, the movable connecting plate 10 may have a loading surface 230 susceptible to came into contact with the first annular bearing 220, in such a manner to rotate thereon.

(114) The first annular bearing 220 which is positioned on the first support portion 200 of the hinge body 31 is suitable to support the load of the closing element D, so as to leave the pivot 40 free to rotate around the axis X with minimum friction. In other words, the pivot 40 is not loaded by the closing element D, which load is fully supported by the hinge body 31.

(115) To this end, the first annular bearing 220 is of the radial-axial type, so as to support both the axial and the radial load of the closing element D. In FIGS. 39a and 39b are shown a top and sectioned views of this kind of bearing.

(116) In order to maximize the anti-friction effect, the first annular bearing 220 and the first support end portion 200 may be configured and/or in a mutual spaced relationship so that during use the movable element 10 is spaced apart from the box-shaped hinge body 31, thus defining an interspace 360 as shown in FIG. 37. Indicatively, the interspace 360 may have a thickness T of about 0.5 mm.

(117) The first annular bearing 220 may have a first outer diameter D and a first height H, while the first support end portion 200 may be defined by a annular recess having a diameter substantially matching the first outer diameter D of the first annular bearing 220 and a second height h.

(118) Suitably, the first height H may be higher than the second height h. The thickness T of the interspace 360 may be defined by the difference between the first height H of the first annular bearing 220 and the second height h of the first support end portion 200.

(119) In some preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of the invention, the hinge body 31 may include a couple of first annular axial-radial bearings 220, 220 positioned in correspondence of a respective couple of first support end portions 200, 200 located at both ends 210, 210 thereof.

(120) In this manner, the hinge device of the invention may be reversible, i.e. may be turned upside down by maintaining the same anti-friction properties on both ends.

(121) Suitably, the connecting plate 10 may include a couple of loading surfaces 230, 230 each susceptible to came into contact with a respective first annular bearing 220, 200 of said couple. In order to maximize the anti-friction effect, the first annular bearings 220, 220 and the couple of first support end portions 200, 200 may be configured and/or may be in a mutual spaced relationship so that the loading surfaces 230, 230 of the movable connecting plate 10 are both spaced apart from the box-shaped hinge body 31, so as to define respective interspaces 360, 360 having thickness T.

(122) Advantageously, the hinge device 1 of the invention may comprise a second support portion 240 within the working chamber 30 to be loaded by the pivot 40 during use. The second support portion 240 may support a second annular bearing 250 interposed between the same second support portion 240 and the pivot 40.

(123) The second annular bearing 250 may have a second outer diameter D and a third height H, while the second support end portion 240 may be defined by a annular projecting bracket having a maximum diameter D substantially matching the second outer diameter D of the second annular bearing 250. The second annular end portion may define a central bore 240 suitable for the passage of the slider 20 and/or the first and/or second pin 25, 27.

(124) Suitably, the pivot 40 may have a loading surface 260 susceptible to came into contact with the second annular bearing 250 in such a manner to rotate thereon.

(125) Advantageously, the second annular bearing 250 may be of the axial type. In FIGS. 38a and 38b are shown a top and sectioned views of this kind of bearings. On the other hand, the second annular bearing 250 may be of the axial-radial type, as shown in FIG. 39d.

(126) Without being bound by any theory, it is possible to establish that in the embodiments of the invention which include the tubular bushing 300 the second annular bearing 250 may be of the axial type, while in the embodiments of the invention which do not include the tubular bushing 300 the second annular bearing 250 may be of the radial-axial type.

(127) In order to maximize the anti-friction effect, the second annular bearing 250 and the pivot 40 may be configured and/or may be in a mutual spaced relationship so that the pivot 40 remains spaced apart from the second support portion 240, thus defining an interspace 360 as shown in FIGS. 39c and 39d.

(128) In this manner, no part of the pivot 40 is in contact with the hinge body 31. In another words, the pivot 40 has both ends interposed between the first and the second annular bearings 220, 250.

(129) FIG. 37 clearly shows that the upper part of the first annular bearing 220 is the only part in mutual contact with the loading surface 230 of the movable connecting plate 10. Therefore, the load of the closing element D is fully supported by the hinge body 31.

(130) Moreover, in order to maximize the anti-friction effect, the pivot 40 and the first annular bearing 220 may be configured and/or may be in a mutual spaced relationship so that during use the upper end of the pivot 40 remains spaced apart from the second loading surface 230 of the connecting plate 10, thus defining an interspace 360 as shown in FIG. 37. Indicatively, the interspace 360 may have a thickness T of about 0.5 mm.

(131) Thanks to this feature, the pivot 40 is completely free to rotate without any friction effect imparted by the load of the closing element D.

(132) Moreover, the pivot 40 is also free from the friction effect imparted by the elastic means 50, which push or pull the pivot against the second support portion 240.

(133) In the embodiments of the hinge device 1 that include the counteracting elastic means 50 located within the working chamber 30 outside the pivot 40, such as the one shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 10, the second support portion 240 may be susceptible to separate the working chamber 30 into a first and second areas 270, 270.

(134) As particularly shown in FIGS. 42a and 42b, the pivot 40 and possibly the second annular bearing 250 may be housed into the first area 270, while the counteracting elastic means 50 may be housed in the second area 270.

(135) In this manner, the pivot 40 and the counteracting elastic means 50 are mutually separated by the second support portion 240. Therefore, the rotation of the pivot 40 does not affect the action of the elastic means 50, which work independently each other.

(136) Moreover, the counteracting elastic means 50 have not loss of force due to frictions, since the pivot 40 rotate on the annular bearing 250 which is positioned onto the second support portion 240.

(137) In this manner, it is possible to use the full force of the elastic means 50 for all the path of the single guide element 46.

(138) For example, thanks to this feature it is possible to use a single guide element 46 including a single helical portion 44, 44 having constant slope and extending for 180 along the cylindrical portion 42, so as to obtain a closing element D which opens for 180.

(139) Advantageously, the counteracting elastic means 50 may include a spring 51 having one end 51.

(140) Suitably, the end 51 of the spring 51 may directly interact with the second support portion 240. As an alternative, as e.g. shown in FIG. 1, a pressing element 51 can be interposed between the end 51 of the spring 51 and the second support portion 240.

(141) In case of hinge device 1 including the counteracting elastic means 50 located within the pivot 40, such as the one shown in FIGS. 15 and 20, the anti-friction element may be an anti-friction interface member 280 interposed between the counteracting elastic means 50 and the slider 20.

(142) Suitably, the first end 22 of the slider 20 has a round surface, while the anti-friction interface member 280 has a contact surface 290 interacting with the rounded first end 22.

(143) Advantageously, the anti-friction interface member 280 may have a spherical of discoid shape, such as respectively in the embodiments of FIGS. 15 and 20.

(144) Advantageously, the slider 20 may comprise a plunger element 60 movable in the working chamber 30 along the axis Y. Appropriately, in some embodiments, such as for instance those shown in FIGS. 20, 23 and 32, the slider 20 may be defined by the plunger element 60.

(145) Moreover, the chamber 30 may include a working fluid, for example oil, acting on the plunger element 60 to hydraulically counteract the action thereof, so as to control the action of the movable element 10 from the open to the closed position.

(146) The presence of the plunger element 60 and of the oil may be independent from the presence of the counteracting elastic means 50.

(147) For example, the embodiments shown in FIGS. from 1 to 5b do not include the plunger element 60 and the oil, whereas the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 does not include the counteracting elastic means 50 but include the plunger element 60 and of the oil. Therefore, whereas the first embodiments act as a hinge or a purely mechanical door closer with automatic system, the second embodiment acts as a hinge-hydraulic brake, to be possibly used with an automatic closing hinge.

(148) Appropriately, the working chamber 30 may preferably comprise a pair of set screws 32, 32 housed in opposite parts 84, 84 of the hinge body 31.

(149) Each set screw 32, 32 may have a first end 33, 33 interacting with the slider 20 to adjust its sliding along the axis Y. Each set screw 32, 32 may further have a second end 34, 34 operable from outside by a user.

(150) In this way, the user can easily adjust the closing angle of the closing element D.

(151) On the other hand, the hinge device 1 may include the plunger element 60 as well as the relative oil and the counteracting elastic means 50, such as for instance in the embodiments shown in FIGS. from 7 to 19c. In this case, these hinge devices act as a hydraulic hinge or door closer with automatic closing.

(152) Advantageously, the plunger element 60 may comprise a pushing head 61 configured to separate the working chamber 30 a first and a second variable volume compartment 36, 36, preferably fluidly connected to one another and adjacent.

(153) In order to allow the flow of the working fluid from the first compartment 36 to the second compartment 36 during the opening of the closing element D, the pushing head 61 of the plunger element 60 may comprise a passing through hole 62 to put into fluidic communication the first and the second compartment 36, 36.

(154) Moreover, in order to prevent the backflow of the working fluid from the second compartment 36 to the first compartment 36 during the closing of the closing element D, valve means may be provided, which may comprise a check valve 63, which may preferably be of the one-way normally closed type to open exclusively upon the opening of the closing element D.

(155) Advantageously, the check valve 63 may include a disc 90 housed with a minimum clearance in a suitable housing 91 to axially move along the axis X and/or Y, with a counteracting spring 92 acting thereon to keep it normally closed. Depending from the sense in which the check valve 63 is mounted, it may open upon the opening or closing of the closing element D.

(156) For the controlled backflow of the working fluid from the second compartment 36 to the first compartment 36 upon the closing of the closing element D, an appropriate hydraulic circuit 80 may be provided.

(157) In the embodiments shown in FIGS. from 7 to 9c and from 15 to 17c, the plunger element 60 may be housed with a predetermined clearance in the working chamber 30. In these embodiments, the backflow hydraulic circuit 80 may be defined by the tubular interspace 81 between the pushing head 61 of the plunger element 60 and the inner surface 82 of the working chamber 30.

(158) In this case, the return speed of the working fluid from the second compartment 36 to the first compartment 36 may be predetermined and not adjustable, defined in practice by the dimensions of the backflow interspace 81. Moreover, it is not possible to have the latch action of the closing element D towards the closed position.

(159) On the other hand, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. from 10 to 12c, the plunger element 60 may be tightly housed in the working chamber 30. In this embodiment, the backflow circuit 80 may be made within the hinge body 31.

(160) In the embodiments shown in FIGS. from 20 to 25b, for minimizing the bulk, the backflow circuit 80 may be made within the hinge body 31 and within the closing cap 83.

(161) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. from 28 to 31b, the backflow circuit 80 is made within the interspace 81 between the pivot 40 and the inner surface 82 of the working chamber 30. Wth this aim, in correspondence of the closing cap 83, an interface element 85 appropriately shaped to keep in its position the pivot 40 and to define the inlet 38 of the circuit 80 may be inserted.

(162) In these embodiments, the backflow speed of the working fluid from the second compartment 36 to the first compartment 36 may be adjustable by means of the screw 71, and further may be possibly possible to have the latch action of the closing element D towards the closed position. The force of the latch action is adjustable by means of the screw 70.

(163) For this purpose, the hydraulic circuit may have an inlet 38 for the working fluid present in the second compartment 36 and one or more outlets thereof in the first compartment 36, respectively indicated with 39, 39, which may be fluidly connected in parallel.

(164) The first and second outlets 39, 39 may control and adjust, respectively, the speed of the closing element D and its latch action towards the closed position.

(165) For this purpose, the plunger element 60 may comprise a substantially cylindrical rear portion 64 unitary sliding therewith and facing the inner surface of the first compartment 36, which may remain decoupled to the first outlet 39 for the whole stroke of the plunger element 60. In other words, the cylindrical rear portion 64 of the plunger element 60 does not obstruct the first outlet 39 for its whole stroke.

(166) On the other hand, the rear portion 64 of the plunger element 60 may be in a spatial relationship with the second outlet 39 so that the second outlet is fluidly coupled with the rear portion 64 for a first initial part of the stroke of the plunger element 60 and is fluidly uncoupled therefrom for a second final part of this stroke, so that the closing element latches towards the closed position when the movable connecting plate 10 is in proximity of the connecting plate 11.

(167) In other words, the cylindrical rear portion 64 of the plunger element 60 obstructs the second outlet 39 for a first initial part of its stroke and does not obstruct the second outlet 39 for a second final part of its stroke.

(168) Appropriately designing the parts, it is possible to adjust the latch position, which may normally take place when the movable element 10 is in a position comprised between 5 and 15 with respect to the closed position.

(169) The screw 71 has a first end 72 interacting with the first outlet 39 to progressively obstruct it and a second end 72 operable from the outside by a user to adjust the flow speed of the working fluid from the second compartment 36 to the first compartment 36.

(170) On the other side, the screw 70 has a first end 73 interacting with the second outlet 39 to progressively obstruct it and a second end 73 operable from the outside by a user to adjust the force with which the closing element D latches towards the closed position.

(171) FIG. 1 shows a mechanical hinge with automatic closing, which includes the counteracting elastic means 50 but does not include any working fluid. In this case, the spring 50 acts by putting into traction or by compressing the slider 20.

(172) FIG. 7 shows a hydraulic hinge with automatic closing, which includes counteracting elastic means 50 as well as the working fluid acting on the plunger element 60. In this hinge the backflow circuit 80 of the working fluid into the first compartment 36 is defined by the interspace 81. The return speed is predetermined, and there is no possibility to have the latch action of the closing element D.

(173) It is understood that in order to have the control of the speed in this last embodiment, it is necessary to tightly insert the plunger element 60 into the working chamber 30 and to replace the backflow circuit 80 by making it within the hinge body 31, as for example in the embodiment of FIG. 10.

(174) Moreover, if also the latch action of the closing element is desired, it is sufficient to mount on the plunger element 60 the cylindrical portion 64, as for example in the embodiment of FIG. 10.

(175) As particularly shown in FIG. 7, this embodiment has flat portions 45, 45 which extend for 90 around the axis X, in correspondence of which the closing element remains blocked.

(176) FIG. 10 shows a hydraulic hinge with automatic closing, which includes the counteracting elastic means 50 as well as the working fluid acting on the plunger element 60. In this hinge the backflow circuit 80 of the working fluid in the first compartment 36 is made within the hinge body 31. The return speed and the force of the latch action of the closing element D are adjustable by acting on the screws 70 and 71.

(177) As particularly shown in FIG. 7, this embodiment has flat portions 45, 45 which extend for 90 around the axis X, in correspondence of which the closing element remains blocked.

(178) In FIGS. from 13a to 14b are schematically shown some embodiments of assemblies 100 for the controlled automatic closing of a closing element D, which include a pair of hinges 110 and 120.

(179) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13a and 13b, which show respectively the closed and open position of the closing element D, the hinge 110 is constituted by the mechanical hinge shown in FIG. 1, whereas the hinge 120 is constituted by the hydraulic hinge shown in FIG. 10.

(180) In other words, in this assembly the spring 50 of the two hinges 110 and 120 cooperates with each other to close the closing element D once opened, whereas the oil present in the hinge 120 hydraulically damps this closing action.

(181) In this embodiment, by acting on the set screws 32, 32 it is possible to adjust the opening and closing angle of the closing element D. In particular, by acting on the screw 32 it is possible to adjust the closing angle of the closing element D, whereas acting on the screw 32 it is possible to adjust the opening angle thereof.

(182) Moreover, by appropriately acting on the screws 70 and 71 it is possible to adjust the closing speed and the force of the latch action of the closing element D.

(183) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b, which show respectively the closed and open position of the closing element D, both hinges 110 and 120 are constituted by the hydraulic hinge shown in FIG. 10.

(184) In practice, in this assembly the springs 50 of the two hinges 110 and 120 cooperate with each other so as to close the closing element D once opened, whereas the oil present in both hinges 110 and 120 hydraulically damps this closing action.

(185) As particularly shown in the FIGS. 14c e 14d, the two check valves 63 are mounted one in one sense and the other one in the opposite sense.

(186) In this way, the check valve 63 of the upper hinge 110 opens upon the opening of the closing element D, allowing the flow of the working fluid from the first compartment 36 to the second compartment 36, and closes upon the closing of the closing element D, forcing the working fluid to flow through the backflow circuit 80.

(187) On the other side, the check valve 63 of the lower hinge 120 opens upon the closing of the closing element D, allowing the flow of the working fluid from the second compartment 36 to the first compartment 36, and closes upon the opening of the closing element D, forcing the working fluid to flow through the backflow circuit 80, which allows the flow of the working fluid from the first compartment 36 to the second compartment 36.

(188) In this way the maximum control on the closing element D is obtained, the movement of which is controlled upon its opening as well as upon its closing.

(189) In this embodiment, acting on the screws 70 and 71 it is possible to adjust the closing speed and the force of the latch action of the closing element D.

(190) FIG. 15 shows a hydraulic hinge with automatic closing of the anuba type, which includes the counteracting elastic means 50 as well as the working fluid acting on the plunger element 60. In this hinge the backflow circuit 80 of the working fluid in the first compartment 36 is defined by the interspace 81. The backflow speed is predetermined, and there is no possibility to have the latch action of the closing element D.

(191) The pivot 40 has a portion 41 which is elongated to internally house the spring 50.

(192) It is understood that, in order to have the control of the speed in this embodiment, it is necessary to tightly insert the plunger element 60 in the working chamber 30 and to replace the backflow circuit 80 by making it within the hinge body 31 and/or within the closing cap 83, as for example in the embodiment of FIG. 20.

(193) Furthermore, if also the latch action of the closing element is desired, it is sufficient to mount on the plunger element 60 the cylindrical portion 64 and to manufacture a suitable outlet of the circuit 80 in the compartment 36.

(194) As particularly shown in the FIGS. from 18a to 19c, this embodiment has two flat portions 45, 45 extending for 180 around the axis X, in correspondence of which the closing element D is blocked.

(195) FIG. 20 shows a hydraulic hinge with automatic closing of the anuba type, which includes the counteracting elastic means 50 as well as the working fluid acting on the plunger element 60.

(196) The pivot 40 has an elongated portion 41 to internally include the spring 50.

(197) For bulkiness reasons, in this hinge the backflow circuit 80 of the working fluid in the first compartment 36 is made within the hinge body 31 and the closing cap 83, within which the screw 71 for adjusting the closing speed of the closing element D is housed.

(198) Moreover, if also the latch action of the closing element is desired, it is sufficient to mount on the plunger element 60 the cylindrical portion 64 and to manufacture a suitable outlet of the circuit 80 in the compartment 36.

(199) As particularly shown in FIG. 20, this embodiment has flat portions 45, 45 extending for 90 around the axis X, in correspondence of which the closing element D is blocked.

(200) In this embodiment, the plunger element 60 acts also as a slider 20, and is connected to the pivot 40 by means of a single pin 2527 which defines a single axis ZZ substantially perpendicular to the single axis XY.

(201) FIG. 23 shows a hinge-hydraulic brake of the anuba type, which includes the working fluid acting on the plunger element 60 but not the counteracting elastic means 50. It is understood that this embodiment of the invention may includes a little spring, not shown in the annexed FIGS., which helps the slider come back from one of the compressed and extended end position to the other of the compressed and extended end position.

(202) Apart from this, this hinge is substantially similar to the hinge of FIG. 20, apart from the different orientation of the helical portions 44, 44, which is left-handed instead of right-handed, and from the fact that this embodiment does not include flat portions for the blocking of the closing element D.

(203) It is also understood that it is possible to use a hinge having the counteracting elastic means 50 for hydraulically braking the closing element, during opening and/or during closing thereof according to the orientation of the valve means 63.

(204) For example, FIGS. 14a to 14d show two hinges having the same orientation of the helical portions 44, 44 and valve means 63 acting in opposite senses.

(205) Thanks to the counteracting elastic means 50, both hinges automatically close the closing element D once opened.

(206) During opening of the closing element, in the upper hinge 110 the oil passes from the compartment 36 to the compartment 36 through the valve means 63, while in the lower hinge 120 the oil passes from the compartment 36 to the compartment 36 through the circuit 80.

(207) During closing of the closing element, in the upper hinge 110 the oil flows back from the compartment 36 to the compartment 36 through the circuit 80, while in the lower hinge 120 the oil flows back from the compartment 36 to the compartment 36 through the valve means 63.

(208) As a result, the upper hinge 110 acts as an hydraulic brake during closing of the closing element, while the lower hinge 120 acts as an hydraulic brake during opening thereof.

(209) It is understood that the upper and lower hinges 110, 120 may be used also separate each other, as well as that each hinge can be used in cooperation with any other hinge and/or hydraulic brake.

(210) FIGS. from 26a to 27d schematically show an embodiment of an assembly 100 for the controlled automatic closing and opening of the closing element D. FIGS. from 26a to 26d show the closed position of the closing element D, whereas FIGS. from 27a to 27d show the open position thereof.

(211) In this embodiment, the hinge 110 consists of the hinge-hydraulic brake shown in FIG. 23, whereas the hinge 120 is constituted by the hydraulic hinge shown in FIG. 20. The pivot 40 of the hinge 110 has right-handed helical portions 44, 44, whereas the pivot 40 of the hinge 120 has left-handed portions 44, 44.

(212) As particularly shown in FIGS. 27e and 27f, the two check valves 63 are mounted in the same sense.

(213) In practice, in this assembly the spring 50 of the hinge 120 closes the closing element D once opened, whereas the oil in both hinges 110 and 120 hydraulically damps the closing element D upon its opening as well as upon its closing. In particular, the hinge-hydraulic brake 110 damps the closing element D upon its opening, whereas the hinge 120 damps the closing element D upon its closing.

(214) Therefore, in this embodiment, by acting on the screws 71 of the hinges 110 and 120 it is possible to adjust the speed of the closing element D upon its opening as well as upon its closing.

(215) For example, by closing to the utmost the screw 71 of the upper 110, it is possible to completely prevent the opening of the closing element.

(216) Moreover, by adjusting the oil quantity present in the hinge 110 and acting on the screw 71, it is possible to adjust the point beyond which the damping action of the closing element D upon its opening begins. In this case, it is necessary to fill the chamber 30 with less oil than the actual capacity thereof.

(217) In this way, it is possible for example to prevent the closing element D from impacting against a wall or a support, so preserving the integrity of the hinges.

(218) Furthermore, by adjusting the oil quantity present in the hinge 110 and completely closing the screw 71, it is possible to hydraulically create a stopping point to the closing element D upon its opening.

(219) FIG. 28 shows a hydraulic door closer with automatic closing, which includes the counteracting elastic means 50 as well as the working fluid acting on the plunger element 60. This embodiment is particularly suitable to be slide-away housed in the closing element D, with the only portion 41 of the pivot 40, which acts as fix element 11, outgoing from the closing element.

(220) In this hinge the backflow circuit 80 of the working fluid in the first compartment 36 is made within the interspace 81 between the pivot 40 and the inner surface 82 of the working chamber 30 in the interface element 85, within which the screw 71 for the adjusting of the closing speed of the closing element D is placed.

(221) In this embodiment, the plunger element 60 acts as slider 20, and it is connected to the pivot 40 by means of a single pin 2527 which defines a single axis ZZ substantially parallel to the single axis XY.

(222) The pivot 40 has an elongated cylindrical portion to internally house the spring 50 and the slider 20-plunger 60. The latter is tightly housed within the pivot 40.

(223) FIG. 32 shows a hydraulic door closer with automatic closing, which includes two sliders 20, 20-plunger elements 60, 60 which slide along the respective axis Y, Y in respective working chambers 30, 30. Respective springs 50, 50 may be provided.

(224) The sliders 20, 20-plunger elements 60, 60 may be operatively connected to the grooves of the single pivot 40, which may be interposed therebetween for defining the axis X, by means of the single pin 2527 inserted into the slots 26, 26.

(225) By acting on the screw 71 it is possible to adjust the closing speed of the closing element D.

(226) As shown in FIG. 35a, this embodiment is particularly indicated to automatically close gates or like closing elements. FIG. 35b shows the load-bearing plate of the gate D, which has a thrust bearing 150 suitable to conduct the whole weight of the gate to the floor.

(227) FIGS. 40a to 45c show another embodiments of the invention, having a pivot 40 with a single constant slope helical portion 44, 44 extending for 180 or more along the cylindrical portion 42.

(228) Advantageously, these embodiments of the hinge device 1 may comprise an antirotation tubular bushing 300 having a couple of cam slots 310 extending along the first and/or second axis X, Y. The tubular bushing 300 may be coaxially coupled externally to the pivot 40 in such a manner that the first pin 25 operatively engages the cam slots 310.

(229) In this manner, it is possible to have an optimal control of the closing element during opening and/or closing.

(230) Apparently, all stresses of the rotation movement imparted by the pin 25 act on the pivot 40 and/or the tubular bushing 300.

(231) Therefore, advantageously, the material in which the tubular bushing 300 and/or the pivot 40 are made may be different from the material in which the hinge body 31 is made.

(232) For example, the tubular bushing 300 and/or the pivot 40 may be made of a metallic material, e.g. steel, while the hinge body 31 may be made of a polymeric material. In this manner, a very low-cost hinge device is provided.

(233) These embodiments of the hinge device 1, as well as the embodiments shown in the FIGS. 1 to 35b, may include one or more set screws 32, 32 located at respective ends of the hinge body 31. By operating on the set screws 32, 32 a user can regulate the stroke of the slider 20, thus adjusting the closing and opening angle of the closing element D.

(234) FIGS. 40a to 40c show a first embodiment of a slider/pivot/tubular bushing/plunger assembly, in which the plunger 60 is mounted without the cylindrical portion 64. This embodiment of the invention, once inserted into the hinge body 31, does not allow to impart a latch action to the closing element D.

(235) By contrast, FIGS. 41a to 41c show a second embodiment of a slider/pivot/tubular bushing/plunger assembly, in which the plunger 60 is mounted with the cylindrical portion 64. This embodiment of the invention, once inserted into the hinge body 31, allows to impart a latch action to the closing element D.

(236) FIGS. 42a and 42b show an embodiment of the invention including the assembly of FIGS. 41a to 41c, wherein the fixed element 11 includes the pivot 40 and the movable element 10 includes the hinge body 31. For example, the pivot 40 can be fixed to the floor by suitable fixing means, not shown in the FIGS. since per se known.

(237) FIGS. 43a to 45c show another embodiment of the invention including the assembly of FIGS. 41a to 41c, wherein the pivot 40 is movable unitary with the connecting plate 10 and the closing element D, while the hinge body 31 is to be fixed to the stationary support S.

(238) In particular, FIG. 45b is an enlarged view of the hinge device shown in FIGS. 45a and 45c. in which the cylindrical rear portion 64 is fluidly uncoupled from the outlet 39 so as to impart a latch action to the closing element D toward the closed position.

(239) FIGS. 46A to 50B show another embodiment of a hydraulic door closer with automatic closing, which is structurally similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 32 to 35b. Apparently, the two embodiments have practically the same mechanical features, and differ exclusively in the hydraulic features.

(240) In fact, the embodiment of FIGS. 46A to 50B has only one plunger element 60 which slides within the central housing 30 along the axis X to separate it in the variable volume compartments 36, 36. In other words, the central housing 30 acts as hydraulic working chambers, whereas the working chambers 30, 30 may be free of working fluid.

(241) To this end, the central housing 30 and the working chambers 30, 30 may be fluidly non-communicating. In order to do this, the central housing 30 may be placed below the working chambers 30, 30, and the quantity of working fluid within the central housing 30 may be such that the working chambers 30, 30 remains free of it.

(242) The plunger element 60 may be configured such as e.g. the one of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 9c. In particular, the plunger element 60 may include a pushing head 61 includes a valve member 63 to selectively put into fluidic communication the first and second variable volume compartments 36, 36.

(243) The valve member 63 may be configured to allow the passage of the working fluid between the first compartment 36 and the second compartment 36 during one of the opening and closing of the closing element D and to prevent the backflow thereof during the other of the opening and the closing of the same closing element D.

(244) A hydraulic circuit 80 may be provided for the controlled backflow of the working fluid between the first compartment 36 and the second compartment 36 during the other of the opening and the closing of the same closing element D.

(245) Advantageously, the box-shaped hinge body 31 may include an end cap 400 tightly inserted through the central housing 30. The end cap 400 may be configured according to the teachings of international application PCT/IB2015/057625 and/or of Italian patent application 102016000034061, which are incorporated herein by reference.

(246) In particular, the hydraulic circuit 80 may include a first duct 401 passing through the end cap 400 in fluid communication with both the first compartment 36 and the second compartment 36 and a first adjusting member 402 having a first end 403 interacting with the first duct 401 and a second end 404 accessible by a user to adjust the passage section of the working fluid passing through the first duct 401. In this manner, it is possible to adjust the closing or opening speed of the closing element D.

(247) The hydraulic circuit 80 may further include a second duct 410 passing through the end cap 400 in fluid communication with the first compartment 36, the second compartment 36 and the first duct 401. Advantageously, the end cap 400 may further include a second adjusting member 412 having a third end 413 interacting with the second duct 410 and a fourth end 413 accessible by a user to adjust the passage section of the working fluid passing therethrough. In this manner, it is possible to adjust the force by which the closing element D latches towards the closed or open position.

(248) Moreover, the end cap 400 may further include a valve unit 420 acting upon the first duct 401 to selectively open when the pressure in the central housing 30 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In practice, the valve unit 420 is an overpressure valve.

(249) In this manner, it is possible to avoid any damage due to an excessive closing or opening force imparted e.g. by a children, which in turn causes an very high working fluid pressure in the hydraulic chamber.

(250) Suitably, an anti-friction element 430 interposed between the end cap 400 and the pivot 40 may be provided to be loaded by the latter, having the same function as described above.

(251) The above disclosure clearly shows that the invention fulfils the intended objects.

(252) The invention is susceptible to many changes and variants, all falling within the inventive concept expressed in the annexed claims. All particulars may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials may be different according to the needs, without departing the scope of the invention as defined by the annexed claims.