Hinge for cold rooms, swing gates or the like

Field of the invention

0001The present invention is generally applicable in the technical field of the closing hinges, and particularly relates to a hinge for cold rooms, swing gates or the like.

Background of the invention

0002As known, closing hinges generally comprise a movable element, usually fixed to a door or the like, pivoted on a fix element, usually fixed to the support frame thereof.

0003Moreover, closing means acting on the movable element to automatically return the door or the like to the closed position are provided.

0004In the case of cold rooms, swing gates or the like, which comprise a stationary support structure and at least one door which includes a substantially tubular frame to which a double-glazing unit is fixed, the hinges have both the movable and the fix elements visible from outside, external to both the door and the support structure. Such solution is uncomfortable, bulking, unaesthetic and not very effective.

0005Furthermore, the external position of such known hinges make them extremely exposed to risks of damages and wear.

0006From the documents <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US7305797B"><text>US7305797</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US2004206007A"><text>US2004/206007</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="EP1997994A"><text>EP1997994</text></patcit> hinges are known, in which the action of the closing means which ensure the return of the door to the closed position is not counteracted. Consequently the risk exists that the door strongly impacts against the support frame, damaging itself.

0007From the document <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="EP0407150A"><text>EP0407150 a</text></patcit> door closer is known, which includes hydraulic damping means to counteract the action of the closing means. Such known device has extremely high bulking, therefore it has necessarily to be mounted on the floor.

0008The installation of such a device thus requires expensive and difficult break-in works of the floor, which have to be made by qualified operators.

Summary of the invention

0009Object of the present invention is to overcome at least partly the above drawbacks, by providing a hinge having characteristics of high functionality, constructional simplicity and low cost.

0010Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge for cold rooms, swing gates, or the like, of extremely moderate bulking.

0011Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge for cold rooms, swing gates, or the like, which can be hidden by inserting within the tubular frame thereof.

0012Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge which ensures the automatic closing of the door from the open position.

0013Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge which ensures the controlled movement of the door on which it is mounted, upon the opening as well as upon closing of the door.

0014Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge which is capable to support also very heavy doors and windows, without changing its behaviour and without need of any adjustment.

0015Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge which has a minimum number of constituent parts.

0016Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge capable to maintain with time the exact closing position.

0017Another object of the invention is to provide an extremely safe hinge, which does not offer any resistance to closing if pulled.

0018Another object of the invention is to provide a hinge which is extremely easy to install.

0019Such objects, as well as others which will appear more clearly hereinafter, are fulfilled by a hinge according to claim 1.

0020The hinge according to the invention comprises a fix element, suitable to be anchored to a stationary support structure of a swing gate, a cold room or the like, and a movable element, suitable to be anchored to the movable door of the swing gate, cold room or the like.

0021The movable element is rotatably coupled to the fix one to rotate on a longitudinal axis between an open door position and a closed door position.

0022The hinge comprises closing means acting on the movable element to automatically return the door to the closed position.

0023Furthermore, the hinge comprises a working fluid, generally oil, acting on the closing means to hydraulically counteract the action thereof, adjusting the rotation of the door form the open to the closed door position. The movable element, respectively the fix element, may comprise a box-like hinge body defining a operating chamber and which may have elongated shape along an axis.

0024Thanks to such combination of features, the hinge may be hidden to the sight by inserting it within the tubular profile defining the frame of the door of a cold room, a swing gate or the like, or within the stationary support structure of the door.

0025The closing means and the hydraulically counteracting means are entirely housed in one single operating chamber, internal to the movable or to the fix element.

0026Thanks to such features, the hinge will be very compact and effective, and with a strong aesthetic impact.

0027The closing means comprise a cam element, unitary with one between the fix and the movable element, which interacts with a plunger element, movable within the other of the fix and the movable elements and movable along an axis substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis between the fix and movable element.

0028Thanks to such features, the hinge will have a minimum number of constituent parts, with great advantage of the bulkiness of the hinge.

0029Furthermore, by shaping the hinge in this manner, it can maintain the exact closing position with time, by being also safe.

0030Such embodiment will allow to obtain a hinge which ensures the controlled movement of the door upon the opening, thus being greatly safe and practical.

0031Due to bulkiness reasons, the operating chamber defined by the box-like hinge body may include the cam element as well as the plunger element.

0032In order to minimize the vertical bulkiness, the plunger element may have a generally plate-like shaped pushing head for defining a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the fix and the movable element.

0033Appropriately, and independently from the shape of the pushing head of the plunger element, the latter may be configured so as to separate the operating chamber into a first and a second adjacent variable volume compartments in reciprocal fluidic communication, which may be designed to have in correspondence with the closed door position respectively the maximum and the minimum volume and vice versa in the open door position the minimum and the maximum volume.

0034Advantageously, and independently from the shape of the pushing head of the plunger element, the operating chamber may comprise control means to control the flow of the working fluid to allow the flow thereof from the first to the second compartment upon the opening of the door and from the second to the first compartment upon the closing of the door.

0035Thanks to such features, the hinge according to the invention will allow to hydraulically control the rotation upon the closing of very heavy doors, by also minimizing the bulking.

0036Advantageously, and independently from the shape of the pushing head of the plunger element, the control means to control the flow of the working fluid may comprise an hydraulic circuit within the box-like hinge body for the controlled backflow of the working fluid from the second to the first variable volume compartment upon the closing of the door.

0037Thanks to such features, the hinge according to the invention will be extremely safe, because the reciprocal rotating movement of the fix and of the movable element is free upon closing. In fact, during the closing phase the control means will adjust the backflow of the working fluid from the second to the first variable volume compartment independently from the reciprocal rotation of the fix and of the movable element, so that an user will be free to close the door with any speed without any danger of breaking the hinge and/or the door.

0038Appropriately, and independently from the shape of the pushing head of the plunger element, the control means to control the flow of the working fluid may furthermore comprise first means for adjusting the flow of the working fluid in the hydraulic circuit, in such a manner to adjust the rotation speed of the door from the open to the closed position.

0039On the other side, independently from the shape of the pushing head of the plunger element and from the presence - or the absence - of the first adjusting means, the control means to control the flow of the working fluid may comprise second means for adjusting the flow of the working fluid in the hydraulic circuit, in such a manner to adjust the torque with which the door reaches the closed position.

0040Appropriately, such second adjusting means may be designed to impart to the door a latch action towards the closed position when the plunger element is in proximity of the extended end position.

0041In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, independently from the shape of the pushing head of the plunger element, the hinge may comprise a first and a second hydraulic circuit.

0042In such embodiment the first hydraulic circuit may comprise first means for adjusting the flow of the working fluid, in such a manner to adjust the rotation speed of the door from the open to the closed position, whereas the second hydraulic circuit may comprise second means for adjusting the flow of the working fluid in the hydraulic circuit, in such a manner to adjust the torque with which he door reaches the closed position, preferably designed to impart to the door a latch action when the plunger element is in proximity of the extended end position.

0043Appropriately, a fluidic connection between the two circuits may be provided, so that the hinge has the same characteristics in both opening senses of the door.

0044Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined according to the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

0045Further features and advantages of the invention will appear more evident upon reading the detailed description of a few preferred, non-exclusive embodiments of a hinge according to the invention, which are described as non-limiting examples with the help of the annexed drawings, in which: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref> is a schematic view of an embodiment of the hinge <b>1</b> mounted within the tubular frame <b>T</b> of a door <b>A</b> of a cold room;</li><li><figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref> is a schematic view of an embodiment of the hinge <b>1</b> mounted within the tubular frame <b>T</b> of the stationary support structure <b>S</b> of a swing gate <b>P</b>, having a movable door <b>A</b>;</li><li><figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 3</b></figref> is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the hinge <b>1</b>;</li><li><figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref> is a sectional, partially exploded view of a few details of the hinge of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 3</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 5A</b></figref> is a sectional view of the hinge of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 2</figref> in the closed door position;</li><li><figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 5B</b></figref> is a sectional view of the hinge of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 2</figref> in the open door position, taken along a plane <i>VB - VB</i> in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 5A</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0004"><b>FIG. 6</b></figref> is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the hinge <b>1</b>;</li><li><figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 7</b></figref> is a sectional, partially exploded view of a few details of the hinge of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 6</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 8</b></figref> is a sectional view of the hinge body <b>3</b> of the second embodiment of the hinge of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 6</figref>, taken along a plane <i>VIII-VIII</i> in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 7</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 9</b></figref> is a sectional view of the hinge body <b>3</b> of the second embodiment of the hinge of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 6</figref>, taken along a plane <i>IX-IX</i> in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 8</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0006"><b>FIGS. 10A, 10B</b> and <b>10C</b></figref> are views of the tubular element <b>55</b> belonging to the second embodiment of the hinge shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 6</figref>, respectively in axonometric projection, in section along a plane XB - XB and in section along a plane XC - XC;</li><li><figref idref="f0007"><b>FIGS. 11A, 11B</b> and <b>11C</b></figref> are views of the plunger element <b>12</b> belonging to the second embodiment of the hinge shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 6</figref>, respectively in axonometric projection, in section along a plane <i>XI B-XI B</i> and in section along a plane <i>XI</i> C - <i>XI</i> C;</li><li><figref idref="f0008"><b>FIG. 12A</b></figref> is a sectional view of the embodiment of the hinge of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 6</figref>, in open door position, wherein the corresponding passing through holes <b>59</b> and <b>22'</b> of the tubular element <b>55</b> and of the plunger element <b>12</b> are reciprocally uncoupled;</li><li><figref idref="f0008"><b>FIG. 12B</b></figref> is a sectional view of the embodiment of the hinge of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 6</figref>, in an intermediate position between the open and the closed door position, wherein the corresponding passing through holes <b>59</b> and <b>22'</b> of the tubular element <b>55</b> and of the plunger element <b>12</b> are reciprocally coupled, this latter position corresponding to the position wherein the door <b>A</b> latches towards the closed position in proximity of the extended end position;</li><li><figref idref="f0008"><b>FIG. 12C</b></figref> is a sectional view of the embodiment of the hinge of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 6</figref>, in the closed door position.</li></ul>

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

0046Referring to the above mentioned figures, the hinge according to the invention, generally indicated by numeral <b>1,</b> is advantageously applicable to cold rooms, outer swing gates or similar applications, which comprise a stationary support structure <b>S</b> and a door <b>A,</b> movable between an open door position and a closed door position.

0047Preferably, as visible in <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the hinge <b>1</b> may be partially or totally inserted in the tubular frame <b>T</b> of the door <b>A</b> or of the support structure <b>S.</b> In this manner, it will be possible to install the hinge <b>1</b> easily and smoothly, avoiding for instance the break-in works which are necessary with the known solutions.

0048The hinge <b>1</b> may be used individually, with a simple hinge on the other end of the door <b>A,</b> or in a combination of two or more of said hinges.

0049<figref idref="f0001">FIG 1</figref> shows, as a mere non-limiting example of the invention, an embodiment of the hinge <b>1,</b> which is hidden to the sight by inserting in the tubular frame <b>T</b> of the door <b>A</b> of cold room <b>C,</b> which has a support structure <b>S.</b>

0050<figref idref="f0001">FIG 2</figref> shows, as a mere non-limiting example of the invention, a further embodiment of the hinge <b>1,</b> which is partially hidden to the sight by inserting within the tubular frame <b>T</b> of the stationary support structure <b>S</b> of a swing gate <b>P,</b> having a movable door <b>A.</b>

0051Although in such embodiments the hinge <b>1</b> is horizontally inserted in the frame <b>T,</b> it is understood that such hinge can be also vertically inserted in the frame <b>T.</b>

0052FIGS. from 3 to 5B show a first embodiment of the hinge according to the invention, particularly but non-exclusively suitable for cold rooms, whereas FIGS from 6 to 13C show a second embodiment of the hinge according to the invention, particularly but non-exclusively suitable for swing gates.

0053Where not differently specified, in the description below technical features common to both embodiments will be indicated. Such common features may be for convenience designated by a single reference numeral.

0054In particular, the hinge <b>1</b> will comprise a box-like hinge body <b>3</b> rotatably coupled to a pin <b>5,</b> in such a manner to rotate about a first longitudinal axis <b>X,</b> which may be substantially vertical.

0055In the embodiment of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> the box-like body <b>3</b> is anchored to the door <b>A</b> of the cold room <b>C</b> to define the movable element of the hinge <b>1,</b> whereas the pin <b>5</b> is anchored to the stationary support structure <b>S</b> of the id hinge to define the fix element thereof.

0056Vice versa, in the embodiment of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 2</figref> the box-like body <b>3</b> is anchored to the stationary support structure <b>S</b> of the swing gate <b>P</b> to define the fix element of the hinge <b>1,</b> whereas the pin <b>5</b> is anchored to the door <b>A</b> of the fix element to define the movable element.

0057The pin <b>5,</b> which may have elongated shape to define the axis <b>X,</b> may be partially inserted in the box-like hinge body <b>3,</b> so as to have a first portion <b>6</b> outcoming from said box-like hinge body and a second portion <b>7</b> internal to the body <b>3.</b> The first and the second portion may be monolithic, as they are both part of the same pin <b>5.</b>

0058The first portion <b>6</b> may have a fastener <b>8</b> insertable in a countershaped housing <b>9,</b> realized in the stationary support structure <b>S</b> in the example of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> and in the door <b>A</b> in the example of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 2</figref>.

0059In this manner an user, opening the door <b>A</b> of the cold room <b>C</b> or of the swing gate <b>P,</b> will cause the reciprocal rotation of the box-like hinge body <b>3</b> and of the pin <b>5</b> around the axis <b>X.</b>

0060In order to ensure the automatic closing of the door <b>A</b> once opened, closing means may be provided, generally indicated with <b>10,</b> acting on the movable element of the hinge <b>1</b> to automatically return the door <b>A</b> to the closed position.

0061A working fluid, generally oil, acting on the closing means <b>10</b> to hydraulically counteract the action thereof, may be furthermore provided.

0062By suitably controlling the action of the working fluid, it will be possible to control the rotation of the door <b>A</b> from the open to the closed position. This will allow, for example, to prevent the door <b>A</b> from strongly impact with the frame.

0063More generally, the hinge according to the invention ensures a controlled movement of the door upon the opening as well as upon the closing thereof.

0064In fact, upon the opening, the controlled movement will prevent the door from suddenly opening, so as to protect both the door itself and a possible user who is in the corresponding action area. Appropriately, the closing means <b>10</b> may comprise a cam element, generally designed by numeral <b>11,</b> unitary with the pin <b>5,</b> and more precisely made in correspondence with the inner portion <b>7</b> of the pin <b>5.</b>

0065As used herein, the term "cam" means a mechanical part, having any configuration, suitable to change a circular motion into a rectilinear motion.

0066The cam element <b>11</b> will interact with a plunger element, designated by the numeral <b>12,</b> slidably movable within the box-like hinge body <b>3.</b>

0067More precisely, the plunger element <b>12</b> may slide along a second axis <b>Y,</b> which may be substantially perpendicular to the first axis <b>X,</b> horizontal in the present example, between a compressed end position, corresponding to the open door position, shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 5B</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">12A</figref>, and an extended end position, corresponding to the closed door position, shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS 5A</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">12C</figref>.

0068The plunger element <b>12</b> may have a substantially plate-like shaped pushing head <b>13,</b> interacting with a substantially countershaped seat <b>14</b> of the cam element <b>11.</b> Appropriately, the countershaped seat <b>14</b> may be made in the inner portion <b>7</b> of the pin <b>5.</b>

0069Advantageously, the pushing head <b>13</b> of the plunger element <b>12</b> may define a plane <b>π,</b> substantially perpendicular to the first axis <b>X.</b>

0070Thanks to such configuration, the bulk of the hinge body, in particular the vertical one, will be extremely minimized. This will simplify the insertion thereof in the frame <b>T</b> of the door <b>A</b> or of the stationary support structure <b>S</b> to hidden it to the sight.

0071In particular, the plate-like shaped pushing head <b>13</b> of the plunger element <b>12</b> may have a flat upper wall <b>15,</b> a flat lower wall <b>15'</b> and, possibly, a substantially flat front face <b>16.</b>

0072In particular, the flat upper and lower walls <b>15, 15'</b> may be substantially parallel to the second axis <b>Y,</b> whereas the front face <b>16</b> may be parallel to the first axis, and may have a height <b>h.</b>

0073The countershaped seat <b>14</b> may comprise a flat upper wall <b>17</b> facing a flat lower wall <b>17'</b> and, possibly, a substantially flat front contact surface <b>18,</b> suitable to interact and contact engage with the front face <b>16</b> of the plunger <b>12.</b>

0074It is understood that the pushing head <b>13</b> may have any shape, as long as substantially plate-like, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention defined by the terms of the appended claims. For instance, the pushing head <b>13</b> may be substantially wedge-shaped, with converging upper and lower walls <b>15, 15'.</b>

0075As visible in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 5A</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">12C</figref>, in the closed door position, i.e. when the plunger <b>12</b> is in the extended end position, the front contact surface <b>18</b> of the countershaped seat <b>14</b> of the cam <b>11</b> may be in contact and parallel with the front face <b>16</b> of the pushing head <b>13</b> of the plunger <b>12.</b>

0076Vice versa, as visibile in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 5B</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">12A</figref>, in the open door position, I.e. when the plunger <b>12</b> is in the compressed end position, the front contact surface <b>18</b> of the countershaped seat <b>14</b> of the cam <b>11</b> may be perpendicular to the front face <b>16</b> of the pushing head <b>13</b> of the plunger <b>12.</b>

0077The front contact face <b>18</b> may be parallel to the first axis <b>X,</b> whereas the flat upper and lower walls <b>17, 17'</b> may be substantially parallel to the second axis <b>Y,</b> and may have a distance <b>h'.</b>

0078Advantageously, the height <b>h</b> of the front face <b>16</b> of the pushing head <b>13</b> of the plunger element <b>12</b> may be substantially coincident with the distance <b>h'</b> between the upper and lower flat walls <b>17, 17'</b> of the countershaped seat of the cam <b>11,</b> except for the clearance.

0079Appropriately, the upper and lower flat walls <b>15, 15'</b> of the pushing head <b>13</b> of the plunger <b>12</b> may face the upper and lower flat walls <b>17, 17'</b> of the countershaped seat <b>14</b> of the cam <b>11.</b>

0080The cam element <b>11</b> as well as the plunger element <b>12</b> may be housed in a single cylindrical operating chamber <b>25,</b> made within the box-like hinge body <b>3</b> and defined thereby.

0081Further, the box-like hinge body <b>3</b> may have an elongated shape along the axis <b>Y</b> to allow the insertion thereof in the tubular frame <b>T</b> of the door <b>A</b> or of the support structure <b>S</b> to make it not visible from the outside, as shown, respectively, in <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>.

0082In other words, the box-like hinge body <b>3</b> may develop mainly in in length along the axis <b>Y,</b> with the length dimension higher than the other two dimensions.

0083To promote the pushing of the head <b>13</b> of the plunger <b>12</b> against the countershaped seat <b>14</b> of the pin <b>5,</b> that is to promote the interaction between the front face <b>16</b> and the contact surface <b>18,</b> counteracting elastic means may be provided, which may comprise, respectively consist of, a spring 19, acting on the plunger element 12.

0084Appropriately, the operating chamber <b>25</b> may comprise a first generally cylindrical portion <b>32</b> having an axis coincident with the second axis <b>Y,</b> a second generally cylindrical portion <b>33</b> having an axis coincident with the firs axis <b>X</b> and a third generally parallelepiped-like portion <b>34,</b> interposed between the first two portions.

0085The first cylindrical portion <b>32,</b> having an inner diameter <b>D,</b> may house the spring <b>19.</b> The second cylindrical portion <b>33</b> may house the countershaped seat <b>14</b> of the cam element <b>11.</b> The third parallelepiped-like <b>34</b> may have an height <b>h",</b> substantially coincident with the height <b>h</b> of the pushing head <b>13</b> of the plunger element <b>12,</b> to house the pushing head.

0086The height <b>h"</b> may be remarkably lower, for example about the half, of the inner diameter <b>D</b> of the first cylindrical portion <b>32,</b> so as to allow to minimize the bulk of the box-like hinge body <b>3.</b> This will simply the hiding by insertion thereof in the frame <b>T</b> of the door <b>A</b> or of the stationary support structure <b>S.</b>

0087Advantageously, the contact surface <b>18</b> of the cam element <b>11</b> may be offset with respect to the axis <b>X</b> of a predetermined distance <b>d,</b> such as the front face <b>16</b> of the plunger element <b>12</b> in its extended end position, illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 5A</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">12A</figref>, is positioned beyond said axis <b>X</b>.

0088Suitably, the surface <b>16</b> may have a distance <b>d</b> from the axis <b>X</b> which may be comprised between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably comprised between 1 and 3 mm and even more preferably close to 2 mm. Thanks to such feature, the closing movement of the hinge will be completely automatic. In other words, the plunger element <b>12</b> will start to work after few rotation degrees, starting from the open position.

0089Advantageously, the first embodiment of the hinge <b>1,</b> illustrated in the FIGS. from 3 to 5B, may comprise mechanical blocking means acting on the closing means <b>10</b> to counteract the action thereof, so as to stop the door <b>A</b> in the closed door position.

0090In such preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, such mechanical blocking means may consist of a blocking element 20, unitary with the pin <b>5,</b> interacting with a beating member <b>21,</b> vertically housed in the box-like hinge body <b>3.</b>

0091The relative position of the blocking element <b>20</b> and of the beating member <b>21</b> may be such as the closed door <b>A</b> position corresponds to the extended end position of the plunger <b>12.</b> Furthermore, by appropriately adjusting the respective position of the blocking element <b>20</b> and of the beating member <b>21</b> it will be possible to provide a right as well as a left hinge.

0092Advantageously, in both embodiments illustrated in the annexed figures, the closing means <b>10</b> and the hydraulic damping fluid, generally oil, may be both entirely housed in the operating chamber <b>25.</b> The plunger element <b>12</b> may comprise a substantially cylindrical back portion <b>22,</b> and a front portion defining the pushing head <b>13.</b>

0093As particularly visible in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 5A</figref>, <figref idref="f0008">12A, 12B and 12C</figref>, the cylindrical back portion <b>22</b> is susceptible to separate the operating chamber <b>25</b> into a first and a second adjacent variable volume compartment <b>23, 24</b> fluidically connected. The contrasting spring <b>19</b> may be housed in the first compartment <b>23.</b>

0094As particularly visible in the figures, the first compartment <b>23</b> may have its maximum volume in correspondence with the closed door position and its minimum volume in correspondence with the open door position, and the opposite for the second compartment <b>24.</b>

0095Advantageously, the operating chamber <b>25</b> may comprise control means to control he flow of the working fluid to allow the flow thereof from the first compartment <b>23</b> to the second one <b>24</b> upon the opening of the door <b>A</b> and to allow the flow thereof from the second compartment <b>24</b> to the first one <b>23</b> upon the closing of the door.

0096In both embodiments illustrated in the annexed figures, such control means may comprise a check valve <b>26,</b> designed so as to allow the flow of the working fluid from the first compartment <b>23</b> to the second compartment <b>24</b> through the hole <b>27</b> passing through the pushing head <b>13</b> upon the opening of the door <b>A,</b> and to prevent the backflow of the working fluid upon the closing of the door <b>A.</b>

0097With this purpose the check valve <b>26,</b> interacting with the passing through hole <b>27,</b> may be of the butterfly type, with the butterfly <b>28</b> housed in the compartment <b>29</b> in correspondence with the inlet of the passing through hole <b>27.</b>

0098This way, when the door is opened, that is when it passes from the closed door position illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 5A</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">12C</figref> to the open door position illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 5B</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">12A</figref>, the working fluid flows from the first compartment <b>23</b> to the second compartment <b>24,</b> by causing the butterfly element <b>28</b> axially slide in the compartment <b>29</b> and later flows through the hole <b>27</b> into the second compartment <b>24.</b>

0099Vice versa, when the door is closed, that is when it passes from the open position illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 5B</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">12A</figref> to the closed position illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIGS. 5A</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">12C</figref>, the butterfly element <b>28</b> will axially slide in the direction opposite to the opening one and will prevent the backflow of the working fluid through the hole <b>27.</b>

0100In order to allow the controlled backflow of the working fluid from the second compartment <b>24</b> to the first compartment <b>23</b> upon the closing of the door <b>A,</b> the means for controlling the flow of the working fluid may comprise at least one first hydraulic circuit <b>50</b> interposed between the outer surface <b>30</b> of the upper cylindrical portion <b>22</b> of the plunger element <b>12</b> and the inner surface <b>31</b> of the operating chamber <b>25.</b>

0101Thanks to such features, the hinge will be extremely safe, because the reciprocal rotating movement of the fix and of the movable element is free upon its closing. In fact, upon the closing phase, the oil will flow from the second compartment <b>24</b> to the first one <b>23</b> independently from the reciprocal rotation speed of the fix and movable elements.

0102In this manner, a user will be free to close the door <b>A</b> with any speed without any danger to break the hinge or the door. On the other hand, the speed with which the oil flows back into the compartment <b>23</b> will be adjusted by adjusting the passing sections of the first hydraulic circuit <b>50.</b>

0103In the first embodiment illustrated in the FIGS. from 3 to 5B, the first hydraulic circuit <b>50</b> may be defined by the tubular interspace between the outer surface <b>30</b> of the cylindrical back portion <b>22</b> of the cam element <b>12</b> and the inner surface <b>31</b> of the operating chamber <b>25.</b>

0104To this end, the plunger element <b>12</b> may be housed with a predetermined clearance in the operating chamber <b>25.</b> The size of the respective clearance between these two elements will substantially adjust the return speed of the door <b>A</b> to its closed position. In such embodiment, at least one hole <b>35</b> may be provided for the filling of the working fluid.

0105In the second embodiment illustrated in the FIGS. from 6 to 12C, the return of the door <b>A</b> to its closed position may take place in a substantially different way from the first embodiment.

0106As particularly visible in <figref idref="f0004">FIG 6</figref>, in fact, in such second embodiment the means for controlling the flow of the working fluid may comprise a tubular element <b>55,</b> interposed between the inner surface <b>31</b> of the operating chamber <b>25</b> and the cylindrical back portion <b>22</b> of the plunger element <b>12.</b>

0107The tubular element <b>55</b> may have an external lateral surface <b>56</b> which includes a first substantially flat portion <b>57,</b> made for example by milling.

0108Appropriately, therefore, the first hydraulic circuit <b>50</b> may comprise a first channel <b>60</b> which may be defined by the interspace between the inner surface <b>3</b> of the operating chamber <b>25</b> and the first flat portion <b>57</b> of the tubular element <b>55.</b>

0109Advantageously, the flat portion <b>57</b> may extend for the whole length of the external lateral surface <b>56</b> of the tubular element <b>55,</b> so that the first channel <b>60</b> has an end in fluidic communication with the first variable volume compartment <b>23.</b> In order to facilitate the backflow of the working fluid in this latter compartment the flat portion <b>57</b> may comprise a cutting <b>57'.</b>

0110In order that the oil flows through the channel <b>60</b> and not elsewhere upon the closing of the door <b>A,</b> the plunger element <b>12</b> may be tightly housed within the tubular element <b>55,</b> whereas this latter may be tightly housed within the operating chamber <b>25.</b> With this purpose, the respective tolerances between such elements will have to be very slight.

0111Appropriately, the control means to control the flow of the working fluid within the operating chamber <b>25</b> may comprise first adjusting means to adjust the flow of the working fluid in the first hydraulic circuit <b>50,</b> so as to adjust the rotation speed of the door <b>A</b> from the open to the closed position.

0112Advantageously, such first adjusting means in the first hydraulic circuit <b>50</b> may comprise at least one second inner operating chamber <b>65</b> within the box-like hinge body <b>3,</b> which may have an inlet <b>66</b> fluidically connected to the second variable volume <b>24</b> and an outlet <b>67</b> fluidically connected with the first channel <b>60,</b> which is in turn fluidically connected with the first variable volume <b>23.</b>

0113The first hydraulic circuit <b>50</b> for the backflow of the working fluid from the second variable volume compartment <b>24</b> to the first variable volume compartment <b>23</b> may therefore consist of both of such compartments, as well as of the first channel <b>60</b> and of the second operating chamber <b>65.</b>

0114Appropriately, this latter may comprise a first adjusting screw <b>68,</b> that can be operated by a suitable wrench <b>69,</b> housed in the second chamber <b>65</b> to obstruct the passing section of the inlet <b>66</b> and/or of the outlet <b>67,</b> this way adjusting the rotation speed of the door <b>A.</b>

0115In the preferred but non-exclusive embodiment illustrated in FIGS. from 6 to 12C, the control means to control the flow of the working fluid may comprise a second hydraulic circuit <b>70,</b> interposed between the outer surface <b>30</b> of the cylindrical back portion <b>22</b> of the plunger element <b>12</b> and the inner surface <b>31</b> of the operating chamber <b>25,</b> such as the first hydraulic circuit <b>50.</b>

0116Suitably, such second hydraulic circuit <b>70</b> may comprise a second channel <b>75,</b> which may be defined by the interspace between the inner surface <b>31</b> of the operating chamber <b>25</b> and a second substantially flat portion <b>58</b> of the external lateral surface <b>56</b> of the tubular element <b>55.</b>

0117The first and the second substantially flat portions <b>57, 58</b> of the outer lateral surface <b>56</b> of the tubular element <b>55</b> may be reciprocally opposite with respect to a plane <b>π'</b> passing through the first and second axis <b>X, Y,</b> such as the first and second channel <b>60, 75.</b>

0118The means for controlling the flow of the working fluid may further comprise second means for adjusting the flow of the working fluid in the second hydraulic circuit <b>70,</b> so as to adjust the force by which the door <b>A</b> reaches its closed position.

0119Preferably, such second adjusting means may be designed to impart a latch action to the door <b>A</b> towards the closed position when the plunger element is in proximity of the extended end position, as illustrated in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 12B</figref>.

0120With this aim, the second substantially flat portion <b>58</b> may extend for a part of the length of the outer lateral surface <b>56</b> of the tubular element <b>55.</b>

0121Advantageously the second substantially flat <b>58</b> may furthermore comprise, in proximity of one of its ends, a single passing through hole or port <b>59</b> facing the outer surface <b>30</b> of the cylindrical back portion <b>22</b> of the plunger element <b>12.</b>

0122On the other hand, the cylindrical back portion <b>22</b> of the plunger element <b>12</b> may have a second passing through hole or port <b>22',</b> movable between a first position, illustrated in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 12A</figref> and corresponding to the open door position (wherein the plunger element <b>12</b> is in proximity of its extended end position), wherein the hole <b>22'</b> is uncoupled from the first passing through hole <b>59</b> of the tubular element <b>55,</b> and a second position, illustrated in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 12B</figref> and in proximity of the closed door position (wherein the plunger element 12 is in proximity of its compressed end position), wherein the hole <b>22'</b> is coupled with the first passing through hole <b>59</b> to selectively put into fluidic communication the second channel <b>75</b> with the first variable volume compartment <b>23,</b> this way imparting the latch action to the door <b>A</b> towards the closed position.

0123In other words, the reciprocal positions of the passing through holes <b>59</b> and <b>22',</b> respectively made in the tubular element <b>55</b> and in the cylindrical portion <b>22</b> of the plunger element <b>12,</b> have to be such that the passing through holes are coupled when the plunger element <b>12,</b> during its alternative movement along the axis <b>Y,</b> is in the proximity of the extended end position, as visible in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 12B</figref>.

0124In fact, when the plunger element <b>12</b> is in its compressed end position, corresponding to the open door position, the two holes <b>59</b> and <b>22'</b> are reciprocally far and uncoupled so that the working fluid flowing in the second channel <b>75</b> in its backflow cycle towards the first compartment <b>23</b> is hindered by of the outer surface <b>30</b> of the cylindrical back portion <b>22</b> of the plunger element <b>12.</b>

0125As soon as the two holes <b>5</b> and <b>22'</b> are reciprocally coupled, as visible in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 12B</figref>, such obstacle is removed, so that the fluid can suddenly fill the compartment <b>23</b> causing the impulsive push of the pushing head <b>13</b> towards the countershaped seat <b>14,</b> which imparts the latch action to the door towards the closed position.

0126In order to adjust the impulsive force which causes the latch action, the second hydraulic circuit <b>70</b> may comprise a third operating chamber <b>80</b> within the box-like hinge body <b>3.</b>

0127Such third chamber <b>80</b> may have an inlet <b>81</b> fluidically connected with the second variable volume compartment <b>24</b> and an outlet <b>82</b> fluidically connected with the second channel <b>75,</b> which is in turn selectively put in fluidic communication by the coupling of the holes <b>59</b> and <b>22'</b> of the tubular element <b>55</b> and of the cylindrical portion of the plunger element <b>12.</b>

0128The second hydraulic circuit <b>70</b> for the return of the working fluid from the second variable volume compartment to the first compartment <b>23</b> may therefore consist of both of these compartments, as well as of the second channel <b>75</b> and of the third operating chamber.

0129Appropriately, this latter chamber may comprise a second adjusting screw <b>83,</b> which may be operated by the same wrench <b>69</b> which operates the first adjusting screw <b>68.</b>

0130The second adjusting screw <b>83</b> may be housed in the third operating chamber <b>80</b> to obstruct the passing section of the inlet <b>81</b> and/or of the outlet <b>82,</b> so as to adjust the force by which the door <b>A</b> latches to its closed position.

0131Appropriately, as visible in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 8</figref>, the box-like hinge body <b>3</b> may comprise a third channel <b>90</b> for the fluidic connection of the second operating chamber <b>65</b> and of the third operating chamber <b>80.</b> In particular, the third channel <b>90</b> may put into fluidic communication the inlet <b>66</b> of the second chamber <b>65</b> with the inlet <b>81</b> of the third chamber <b>80.</b>

0132Thanks to such feature, the hinge <b>1</b> will compensate possible lacks of balance in the oil circulation, so that the hinge <b>1</b> works in the same way in both opening directions of the door <b>A.</b>

0133From the above description, it is apparent that the hinge according to the invention fulfils the intended objects.

0134The hinge according to 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 from the scope of of the invention.

0135Although the hinge has been particularly described referring to the annexed figures, the reference numbers used in the description and claims are used to improve the intelligence of the invention and do not constitute any limit to the claimed scope.