GB2506099A

GB2506099A - Hydraulically damped hinge

Info

Publication number: GB2506099A
Application number: GB201212101A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chung Chow
Original assignee: ARTCO WATCH EMBRYO FACTORY Ltd
Current assignee: ARTCO WATCH EMBRYO FACTORY LIMITED
Priority date: 2012-07-06
Filing date: 2012-07-06
Publication date: 2014-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-06
Also published as: GB201219585D0; GB2503753B; HK1194119A1; GB2506099B; HK1193444A1; GB201312191D0; CN103527022A; GB2503753A; GB2506236A; CN203559678U; HK1193443A1; TWM474793U; TW201402926A; GB2506236B; GB201212101D0

Abstract

The hinge comprises a housing 1 pivotally connected to a fixture by a coupling which includes a linkage 4. A shuttle 7 is located in a bore 27 in the housing and has an internal cavity filled with hydraulic fluid. A non-moveable baffle 13 divides the cavity into first and second chambers 16, 17. Fluid passes in one direction between the first and second chambers through a one way valve 21. A return passageway 15 provides for a restricted flow of fluid between the second and first chambers during movement of the hinge from an open to closed position. The hinge may incorporate a stop arrangement to hold it open at a predetermined position. The return passageway may comprise a plurality of channels in the housing communicating between the first and second chamber. The hinge may also include a closing mechanism and alignment means.

Description

DAMPED HINGE

This invention relates to a hinge for a door or other closure, particularly for a wooden door or a glass door, for example a frameless glass door. The invention relates particularly but not exclusively to internal hinges for wooden doors.

Wooden or glass doors are often heavy. Glass doors may be double or triple glazed particularly when intended for exterior use or for chilled rooms. Wooden doors may be very large and may require a robust hinge which provides reliable damped self-closing avoiding the need for a latch arrangement.

According to the present invention a hinge comprises; a housing pivotally connected to a fixture by a coupling; the coupling including a linkage; the housing having a passageway therein; a shuttle located in the passageway wherein the shuttle is moveable between first arid second positions, corresponding to open and closed positions of the hinge; the shuttle having an internal cavity filled with hydraulic fluid; a non-moveable baffle located in the cavity to divide the cavity into first and second chambers; a one way valve communicating between the chambers so that fluid may pass in one direction between the first and second chambers; the hinge fbrther comprising a return passageway communicating between the chambers, to provide a restricted flow of fluid between the second and first chambers during movement of the hinge from an open to a closed position; the shuttle being connected to the linkage so that the shuttle moves between the first and second positions as the hinge moves between the closed and open positions.

Preferably the one way valve is provided in the baffle. More preferably the one way valve communicates between the opposite sides of the baffle.

Preferably the passageway comprises a cylindrical bore in the housing and the shuttle comprises a cylindrical member located in the bore.

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In a preferred embodiment an axial member extends along the passageway, the shuttle being arranged to slide along the axial member between the first and second positions; the shuttle having axial apertures dimensioned to slide on the axial member and further including a cylindrical cavity surrounding the axial member. The internal wall of the shuttle defines the cavity.

The baffle may extend radially from the axial member to a location adjacent the internal wall of the cavity. Preferably ihe baffle provides a seal to the internal wall of the cavity preventing passage of fluid around the baffle in use. In this way fluid is forced to pass through the one way valve as a door is opened and through the return passageway as the door closes.

In a preferred embodiment the hinge incorporates a stop arrangement to hold the hinge open at a predetermined position.

The stop arrangement may comprise a projection or rebate on the shuffle arranged to engage a complimentary rebate or projection on the housing when the binge is opened to a predetermined angle.

The projection may comprise a spring loaded ball located in the housing and arranged to be received into an annular rebate at or adjacent an end of the shuttle.

Alternatively a resilient member such as a spring or polymeric rod may extend tangentially of an annular rebate at or adjacent an end of the shuffle.

The linkage may be adjustable to control the angle at which the stop arrangement is engaged. The length of a component of the hinge may be adjustable to alter the length of the linkage.

In a preferred embodiment a screw threaded member may be engaged with an end of the shuffle. The member may comprise a collar having an internal thread arranged to receive a threaded portion of the shuttle or of the linkage. a

In a first preferred embodiment the return passageway may comprise a plurality of channels or bores in the housing communicating between the first and second chambers of the cavity, one or more adjustable valves being provided to control fluid flow within the passageway. Adjustment of the valves may restrict the flow of fluid in the passageway as the hinge moves towards the closed position. This may serve for example to prevent slamming of a door or other closure.

In a second preferred embodiment the return passageway may extend longitudinally of the axial member. An adjustable valve may be provided at an end of the shuttle to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid during closing of the hinge.

A hinge may incorporate one or both preferred passageway arrangements.

A hinge in accordance with this invention may further comprise a closing member arranged to urge the hinge into a closed position. A preferred closing arrangement may comprise a helical spring arranged to apply a closing force to a linkage connecting the housing to the fixture.

The closing member may be located within the housing so that it is integral with the damping means or may comprise a separate hinge unit. For example a door may be mounted on two or more hinges selected from a set of damped hinges, closing hinges pivot hinges or free swinging hinges, selected as required to meet particular requirements of the door.

The fixture is preferably adapted so that the hinge may be secured to a wall, frame or other permanent structure. The housing may be arranged to be located internally or externally of a door. Alternatively the fixture may be secured to a door and the housing secured to a frame, wall or other structure, for example in a rebate.

The fixture may incorporate an alignment means arranged to facilitate adjustment of the orientation and alignment of the hinge. The alignment means may comprise a first fixture plate arranged to be fastened to a supporting structure, the fixture plate having a plurality of fixing holes or projections arranged to co-operate with complimentary projections or fixing holes of a second fixing plate secured to the linkage, the holes being configured with one or more dimensions greater than the corresponding dimensions of projections of the first fixing plate; the alignment means further comprising clamping means arranged to secure and prevent movement of the first and second fixing plates.

The projections may comprise cylindrical pegs or threaded bolts arranged to be received in elongate or eccentric apertures in the second fixture plate. Alternatively the pegs or bolts nay have an eccentric configuration so that axial rotation alters the engagement with the second fixing plate, adjusting the alignment of the two plates. A bit may comprise two or more hinges in accordance with this invention.

The hinges of the present invention confer numerous advantages. The damping arrangement has a minimum of moving parts and contact surfaces which are liable to wear, in contrast to previously disclosed hinges. A minimum quantity of hydraulic fluid may be employed while providing adequate scope for adjustment and control of the application of damping force. Economical manufacture and assembly is facilitated. A kit of complimentary damped, closing and freely swinging hinges may be provided for interchangeable use which may be required.

The invention is further described by means of an example but not in any limitative sense with reference to the accompanying drawings of which; Figure 1 is a perspective view of a damped hinge in accordance with this invention; Figure 2 shows the hinge in an opened position; Figure 3 shows various views of the hinge; Figures 4 to 6 show elevation and cross sectional views of the hinge in various stages of opening; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a combined damping and closing hinge; Figure 8 shows the hinge in an opened position; Figure 9 shows various views of the hinge; Figure 10 shows cross sectional views of the hinge shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a ftirther hinge including a damping and two closing mechanisms; Figures 12 and 13 show elevation of cross sectional views of the hinge shown in Figure 11; Figure 14 shows a depth adjustment fixture for the hinge shown in Figure 1; Figure 15 shows lateral adjustment of the hinge shown in Figure 1;

S

Figure 16 and 17 show perpendicular adjustment for the hinge shown in Figures 11 to 13; Figure 18 shows a held open position adjustment for a hinge shown in Figures 11 to 13, and Figures 19 to 26 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention.

The hinge shown in Figures 1 to 6 comprises a housing (1) pivotally connected to a fixture (2). The housing (1) includes a screw plate (3) for fixing to the edge of a door (not shown). A linkage (4) pivotally connects the housing (1) to an arm (5) extending from the fixture (2). A resilient rod (6) extending tangentially to a shuttle (7) serves to provide an end stop function as described below. Thc fixturc (2) comprises a first fixing plate (8) arranged to be screwed to a wall, door frame or other support structure, and the second fixing plate (9) adjustably secured to the first fixing plate (8) by means of screws for example (25, 26) mounted in elongate slots in the second fixing plate (9). Rotation of the hinge from the closed to an opened position causes the shuttle (7) to slide forwardly within the housing (1).

The damping mechanism is provided by forced circulation of hydraulic fluid within the housing (1) by means of reciprocal motion of the shuffle (7) within a cylindrical bore (27) provided within the housing. The shuttle comprises a proximal end (10) located towards the hinge axis and a distal end (11) located away from the hinge axis. An axially extending rod or cylindrical member (12) extends between the proximal and distal ends. The baffle (13) secured to the surface of the bore (27) is fixed to the housing and the member (12). The baffle (13) has an axial bore through which the member (12) may slide during operation of the damping mechanism. The inner surface (27) of the bore within the housing provides first (16) and second (17) chambers in which hydraulic fluid is provided. The chambers are connected by a passageway including a one way ball valve (21) arranged so that fluid may pass from the second chamber (17) to the first chamber (16) as the shuttle moves downwardly as shown in Figure 4 during opening of the hinge, thus during opening of the hinge hydraulic fluid flows freely from the second chamber (17) to the first chamber (16). During closing of the hinge return flow of fluid is prevented by closure of the one way valve (21).

An axial passageway (15) extends longitudinally of the member (12). Branches of the passageway communicate with the first chamber (16) and second chamber (17) so that a return flow of fluid is possible. The rate of flow of the fluid is restricted by the narrow cross-sectional area of the passage (15). In this way closing of the hinge is damped preventing slamming of a door to which the hinge is attached.

Additional passageways (18) and (19) connect the chambers (17) and (18) together via an adjustable valve (20).

The outlet (28) of passageway (18) communicates with the second chamber (17) so that fluid is forced through adjustable valve (20) and passageway (18) as the shuttle moves into the hinge opened position. Retum of fluid from the valve (20) through passage (19) to outlet (29) can be controlled by adjustment of the screw valve (20). Flow from the outlet (29) into the first chambcr (16).

A further passageway (22) with an opening to the first chamber (16) located proximally of the inlet (29) serves to provide an additional passageway for flow of oil during initial stages of closing of the hinge. The flow through passageway (22) may be adjusted by setting the screw (24). Therefore differential damping is obtained dependent on the proximity of the hinge to the fully closed position.

Figure 7 to 10 show an alternative hinge in accordance with this invention. This hinge has a combined damping and closing function. The housing (31) is secured to a fixture (32) by means of a pivot and linkage as for the previous embodiment. A screw plate (33) serves to allow the housing to be secured to the edge of a door. A damping shuttle (37) is connected to linkage (34) and arm (35) in the same way as for the previous embodiment. A resilient rod (36) which is an annular recess in the shuffle (37) to provide a stop function when the hinge is in the perpendicular opened position. The fixture (32) comprises a first fixture plate (38) arranged to be screwed to a wall or door frame and a second adjustable fixture plate (39) secured to the first fixture plate by means of screws mounted in elongate screw holes to facilitate adjustment during installation.

The closing mechanism comprises a linkage (40) to be secured to arm (41) extending from the fixture (32). The closing mechanism is shown in cross sectional view on section E-E of Figure 10. A spring (42) mounted on the linkage (40) extends between a I: spring seat (43) and a face plate (44) so that the spring is compressed as the hinge is opened.

Releasing of the hinge allows the spring (42) to exert a closing force urging the hinge towards the closed position.

The damping mechanism has the same configuration as for the embodiment shown inFigureslto6.

Figures 11 to 13 show a further embodiment wherein a single damping mechanism (53) similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 6 is located within housing (50) between two closing mechanisms (54,55). The closing mechanisms each have a structure similar to that shown in the previous embodiment.

Figures 14 and 15 show the fixing plates (8,9) as shown in Figures 1 to 6. During installation the first fixing plate (8) is secured to a wall, door frame or other support structure.

The second fixing plate (9) is loosely connected to the first fixing plate (8) by means of screws (25,26). The apertures (60,61) are laterally elongate so that the plate (9) may be rotated about a central screw (62) located centrally of the second fixing plate (9). This permits the plate (9) to be rotated about pivot (62). The screw (62) has an eccentric projection (63) arranged so that rotation of the screw (62) by means of an allen key inserted into socket (64) may move the plate (9) laterally, inwardly or outwardly of the door frame.

When the lateral and angular location of the plate (9) is correct, the plates (8) and (9) are secured together by tightening the screws (25,26).

Figures 16 and 17 show a further embodiment in which the vertical angular orientation of the plate (9) may be adjusted relative to the plate ends of a locking nut (65) so that the separation between the plates may be controlled.

Figure 18 is a cross section of the damping member wherein an adjustable collar having a thread bore is engaged on an external threaded portion (67) of a proximal part of shuttle (70). A fixing screw (71) may be released to allow the collar (66) to be rotated to advance a rebate (68) proximally or distally. Engagement of a resilient member (69), corresponding to member (6) of Figures 1 to 6 provides a stop position behind the hinge to be retained in a selected open position.

I r

B

Figures 19 to 26 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. This hinge is configured for use with a rebated arrangement. The housing (80) has screw fixing plates (81) and a pair of curved arms (82) attached by a pivot pin (83) to fixing plate (84). The fixing plate (84) is secured to a shuffle (85) by means of a linkage (86).

The shuffle (85) mounted in a cylindrical bore (87) of housing (80) has a distally extending seal member (88) which passes through an aperture in a fixed baffle (89). The baffle is secured by pins (90) to the housing (80).

The cavity between the axial member (88) and housing bore (87) forms a first cavity (91) proximally of thc baffle (89) and a second cavity (92) distally of die baffle (89). The size of the first cavity (91) is defined by the volumetric space between the proximal end (93) of the shuttle and the proximal surface of the baffle (89). A pair of longitudinally extending passageways (94,95) extend distally through the member (88). The passageway (94) has a branch (97) communicating with the first chamber (91). The passageway (95) has a branch (98) also communicating with the chamber (91). The cross sectional area of the passageway (94,97) is greater than the passageway (95,98). A one way ball valve (96) is located in passageway (94), conveniently at the rear end of member (88). The ball valve (96) serves to prevent flow of hydraulic fluid through passageway (94) as the hinge moves to the closed position as shown in Figure 21.

Figure 23 shows the corresponding arrangement in the open position.

A pair of adjustable screws (99,100) (see Figure 24 Section B-B) permits adjustment of the maximum rate of fluid flow through the passageways (94,95) in order to fine tune the damping of the hinge.

A pair of resilient springs or flexible rods (101) are arranged to engage an annular rebate (102) in the proximal end of the shuffle (85) when the hinge reaches a fully opened position as shown in Figure 23. This serves to provide a convenient end stop arrangement to hold the door in an open position.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A hinge comprising a housing pivotally connected to a fixture by a coupling; the coupling including a linkage; the housing having a passageway therein; a shuttle located in the passageway wherein the shuttle is moveable between first and second positions, corresponding to open and closed positions of the hinge; the shuttle having an internal cavity filled with hydraulic fluid; a non-moveable baffle located in the cavity to divide the cavity into first and second chambers; a one way valve communicating between the chambers so that fluid may pass in one direction between the first and second chambers; the hinge further comprising a return passageway conm-iunicating between the chambers, to provide a restricted flow of fluid between the second and first chambers during movement of the hinge from an open to a closed position; the shuttle being connected to the linkage so that the shuttle moves between the first and second positions as the hinge moves between the closed and open positions.
2. A hinge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one way valve is located in the baffle.
3. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 or 2, whereas the passageway comprises a cylindrical bore in the housing and the shuffle comprises a cylindrical member located in the bore.
4. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an axial member extends along the passageway, the shuttle being arranged to slide along the axial member between the first and second positions; the shuttle having axial apertures dimensioned to slide on the axial member and further including a cylindrical cavity surrounding the axial member.
5. A hinge a claimed in any preceding claim wherein the baffle extends radially from the axial member.
6. A hinge as claimed in claim 5, wherein the baffle provides a seal to the internal wall of the cavity.
7. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim incoorating a stop arrangement to hold the hinge opened at a predetermined position.
8. A binge as claimed in claim 7, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a projection or rebate on the shuttle arranged to engage a complimentary rebate or projection on the housing when the hinge is opened to a predetermined angle.
9. A hinge as claimed in claim 8, wherein the projection comprises a spring loaded bore located in the housing.
10. A hinge as claimed in claim 8, wherein the projection comprises a resilient member extending tangentially of an annular rebate at or adjacent an end of the shuttle.
11. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the linkage is adjustable to control the angle at which the stop arrangement is engaged.
12. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the return passageway comprises a plurality of channels from the housing communicating between the first and second chambers of the cavity, one or more adjustable valves being provided to control fluid flow within the passageway.
13. A hinge as claimed in claim 12, wherein the return passageway extends longitudinally of the axial member.
14. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a closing member arranged to urge the hinge into a closed position.
15. A hinge as claimed in claim 14, wherein the closing member is located in the housing.
16. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim including alignment means arranged to facilitate adjustment of the orientation and aligmnent of the hinge.
17. A hinge as claimed in claim 16, wherein the alignment means comprises a first fixture plate arranged to be fastened to a supporting structure, the fixture plate having a plurality of fixing holes or projections arranged to co-operate with complimentary projections or fixing holes of a second fixing plate secured to the linkage, the holes being configured S with one or more dimensions greater than the corresponding dimensions of the projections of the first fixing plate.
18. A hinge as claimed in any of claims S to 11, wherein an annular rebate is located on a threaded sleeve, and wherein the threaded sleeve is rotatable to adjust the axial location of the rebate.