GB2506236A

GB2506236A - Hydraulically damped hinge

Info

Publication number: GB2506236A
Application number: GB1312191.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chung Chow
Original assignee: ARTCO WATCH EMBRYO FACTORY Ltd
Current assignee: ARTCO WATCH EMBRYO FACTORY Ltd
Priority date: 2012-07-06
Filing date: 2013-07-08
Publication date: 2014-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-08
Also published as: CN203559678U; TW201402926A; HK1194119A1; CN103527022A; GB2503753A; HK1193444A1; GB2506236B; GB201312191D0; HK1193443A1; GB2506099B; GB2503753B; GB2506099A; GB201219585D0; TWM474793U; GB201212101D0

Abstract

A hinge, eg for a door, 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 and comprises an internal cavity filled with fluid. A non-moveable baffle 13 located in the bore to divide the cavity into first and second chambers 16, 17. A first passageway, which may include a one-way ball valve 21, communicates between the chambers so that fluid may pass in one direction between the first and second chambers. A return passageway 15 provides a restricted flow of fluid between the second and first chambers during movement of the hinge from an open to a closed position. Additional passageways 18, 19 may connect chambers 16, 17 via an adjustable valve. A stop arrangement may be included to hold the hinge open at a predetermined position. The hinge may also include a closing and alignment mechanisms.

Description

DAMPED HINGE

This invention relates to a hinge for a door or other closure, particularly for a wooden door or a framed 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 bore therein; a shuttle located in the bore 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 first passageway 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 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 shuffle 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.

Preferred hinges ifirther comprise a stop arrangement to hold the hinge open at a predetermined position.

In more preferred hinges, the first passageway comprises a one way valve.

The shuttle is preferably connected by the linkage to the fixture.

The linkage may comprise an elongate member having a pivot at each of two locations, a first pivot connecting the linkage to the fixture and a second pivot connecting the linkage to the shuttle, so that the shuttle is caused to move in relation to the housing as the hinge opens and closes.

The linkage may further comprise a fulcrum pivot located between the first and second pivots and connected to the housing to provide a fulcrum about which the linkage may rotate relative to the housing as the hinge opens and closes. Rotation of the linkage about the fulcrum causes the shuttle to be extended from or withdrawn into the housing. The fulcrum linkage may be located at a distance offset radially from the shuttle axis in order to provide leverage to cause the shuttle to move.

Preferably the one way valve is provided in the baffle. More preferably the one way valve communicates between opposite sides of the baffle. The valve allows flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber during opening of the hinge.

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

In a preferred embodiment, the shuttle includes an axial member which extends along the axis of the bore. The head of the shuttle and the axial member are arranged to slide along the bore between the first and second positions. A cylindrical cavity surrounds the axial member within the bore. The internal wall of the bore and surfaces of the shuttle define the cavity in which hydraulic fluid is contained.

The baffle may extend radially from an aperture which receives the axial member to the internal wall of the bore. The baffle provides a seal to the internal wall of the bore preventing passage of fluid around the baffle in use. In this way fluid is forced to pass through the one way valve as the hinge is opened and through the return passageway as the hinge closes.

The stop arrangement may comprise a projection, rebate or other abutment of the shuttle or linkage arranged to engage a complimentary rebate, projection or other abutment of the housing when the hinge is opened to a predetermined angle.

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

In one embodiment, a pair of rods or other elongate members are located in parallel spaced relation, extending on opposite sides of the shuttle and arranged to engage abutments on the shuttle to retain the shuffle in an open position of the hinge. The abutments may comprise rebates or slots in an outer surface of the shuttle. The abutments may be provided at an end of a shuttle adjacent a pivot coupling to the linkage.

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 shuttle.

Two resilient members may be used. The members may be located on opposite sides of the shuttle and biased towards each other by resilient means, for example a spring. A spring clip may be provided to connect ends of rods on each side of the shuttle.

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 shuttle. The member may comprise a collar having an internal thread arranged to receive a threaded portion of the shuttle or of the linkage.

In an alternative embodiment, the linlcage is elongate and includes one or more, preferably two, tracks, and the stop arrangement comprises one or more, preferably two, followers. The tracks may be located opposite sides of the linkage, for example on upper and lower sides thereof The followers may comprise spring loaded balls each located within a casing and arranged to engage a respective track of the linkage. The track preferably includes a stop location at an end thereof The stop location may comprise a socket within which the follower can engage to hold the binge in the stop position.

The track or tracks may be configured so that the one or more followers may be guided along a track as the linkage moves in relation to the housing.

The stop location preferably comprises a circular socket into which the follower becomes engaged when the hinge reaches a hold open position, so that the follower is engaged in the socket preventing free movement of the hinge.

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 othcr 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.

The damping force may be variable dependent on the angle of the hinge. In order to achieve variable damping, two or more return passageways may be provided, outlets from the passageways communicating with the first or second chambers being arranged to be closed or opened successively by movement of the shuttle.

In a preferred embodiment, the two passageways have openings in a chamber located in axially spaced relation so that the shuttle blocks or unblocks the openings successively during movement between opened and closed positions of the hinge.

The two openings are advantageously located in the first chamber.

Adjustable valves may be provided in the two passageways so that the maximum rate of fluid flow may be adjusted in accordance with a user's preferences, for example dependent on the size and weight of a door.

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.

In a preferred embodiment a spring is provided within the housing. A helical compression spring may be located around the shuttle and arranged to be compressed as the hinge moves to the open position.

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 may have an eccentric configuration so that axial rotation alters the engagement with the second fixing plate, adjusting the alignment of the two plates. A kit may comprise two or more hinges in accordance with this invention.

According to a further aspect of 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 bore therein; a shuttle located in the bore wherein the shuttle is moveable between first and second positions, corresponding to open and closed positions of the hinge; the shuffle being coimected to the linkage so that the shuttle moves between the first and second positions as the hinge moves between the closed and open positions.

A hinge of this aspect may incorporate any of the features of the stop arrangements described above.

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. An efficient and convenient hold open position may be provided with variable damping as the door approaches a closed position. 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 complementary damped, closing and freely swinging hinges I: 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 further 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; Figure 16 and 17 show perpendicular adjustment for the hinge shown in Figures 11 tol3; Figure 18 shows a held open position adjustment for a hinge shown in Figures 11 to Figures 19 to 26 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention; Figures 27-36 show a further hinge in accordance with this invention; and Figures 37-40 show a further hinge in accordance with this 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 (I) to an ann (5) extending from the fixture (2). A resilient rod (6) extending tangentially to a shuttle (7) serves to provide astop function as described below. The fixture (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 f 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 (I) by means of reciprocal motion of the shuttle (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 forms a cylindrical member (12) which extends between the proximal and distal ends. The baffle (13) secured to the surface of the bore (27) is fixed to the housing and slidably receives 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 of the bore (27) 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 (16) and (17) 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. Return 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 chamber (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.

Figures 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) engages an annular recess in the shuttle (37) to provide a stop function when the binge 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 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 in Figures Ito 6.

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 has 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 screw (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 (8) using 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 shuffle (70). A fixing screw (71) may be released to allow the collar (66) to be rotated to advance a rebate (68) proximaily or distally. Engagement of a resilient member (69), corresponding to member (6) of Figures 1 to 6 provides a stop position allowing the hinge to be retained in a selected open position.

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 shuttle (85) by means of a linkage (86).

The shuttle (85) mounted in a cylindrical bore (87) of housing (80) has a distally extending axial 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 the baffle (89) and a second cavity (92) distally of the baffle (89). The size of the first cavity (91) is defined by the volumetric space between the 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 p (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 shuttle (85) when the hinge reaches a fully opened position as shown in Figure 23. This serves to provide a convenient stop arrangement to hold the door in an open position.

Figures 27-36 show a further hinge in accordance with this invention. The hinge has a damped closing function. The hinge comprises a housing (110) pivotally connected to a fixture (111). The housing includes a screw plate (112) for fixing to the edge of a door (not shown). A linkage (113) connects the housing to an arm (114) extending from a plate (115) secured to the fixture (Ill) in the same way as described with reference to the preceding drawings. The fixing plate (115) is adjustably secured to the fixture (ill) by means of screws (116) located in elongate slots in plate (115) to allow for alignment when the hinge is installed. Further screws may allow the vertical orientation of plate (115) to be adjusted.

The damping mechanism is provided by forced circulation of hydraulic fluid within the housing (110) by means of the reciprocal motion of a shuttle within a housing bore provided within the housing. The shuttle comprises a proximal end located towards the hinge I: axis and a distal end located away from the hinge axis. An axially extending rod (120) extends between the proximal and distal ends. A baffle (121) secured to the surface (122) of the bore is fixed to the housing (110). The baffle (121) has an axial bore through which the member (120) may slide during operation of the closing and damping mechanism. The inner surface (122) of the bore within the housing provides first (123) and second (124) chambers in which hydraulic fluid is provided. The baffle (121) contains a one-way valve (200) similar to the one-way valve described with references to Figures 1-6.

A closing function is provided by a spring (140) surrounding the axial rod (120) and retained at the end remote from the hinge by a screw cap (141), a screw (142) and sealing rings (143). The end of the spring remote from the cap pushes against the baffle (121) when the hinge moves into the opened position.

During opening of the hinge the shuttle comprising the axial rod (120), proximal end (144) and linkage (145), together with the closing cap assembly (141, 142, 143) move out of the housing (110) towards the fixing plate (111). Successive stages of opening arc shown in Figures 30 to 34. In Figure 32 the hinge is opened at 90° and the spring (140) is compressed between end cap (141) and the baffle (121). When the door is released expansion of spring (140) urges the door to the closed position shown in Figure 30.

The damping frmnction of the valve shown in Figures 27-36 is similar to that described with reference to the preceding figures.

A passageway (125) communicates between second chamber (124) through adjustable valve (126) to passageway (127). Passageway (127) communicates with first chamber (123) to provide controlled variable damping due to restriction by adjustable valve (126). Valve (126) also communicates via a second adjustable valve (128) and passageway (129) to the first chamber (123). The outlet (130) of passageway (127) and the outlet (131) of passageway (129) are located at different axial locations within the housing (110). Shuttle (118) has an end portion (132) sealed by one or more sealing rings (133) to prevent escape of oil from the chamber. In the closed position of the hinge, baffle (121) closes the openings (130,131) preventing flow of oil through the passageways (127,129).

The end portion (132) is ananged so that axial movement of the shuffle relative to the baffle (121) as the hinge opens from the position shown in Figure 30 to the position shown through the positions shown in Figures 30, 31 and 32 to the positions shown in Figure 33, wherein openings (130) and (131) are opened allowing a flow of oil through passageway (125), valve (126) and passageway (127),and also through passageway (125), valve (128) and passageway (129) In Figure 32 the hinge is shown opened to 90 degrees. In this position the shuttle (118) has been pulled outwardly from the housing (110) so that both of the openings (130,131) are opened. During closing, a maximum flow of oil through passageways (127, 129) to passageway (125) as shown in Figure 31. When the hinge reaches an angle of 25 degrees as shown in Figure 30, passageway (129) is closed restricting the flow of oil and increasing the amount of damping. A maximum amount of damping is achieved as the hinge approaches zero degrees as shown in Figure 29 when both passageways (127, 129) are closed.

In Figure 29 a maximum degree of damping is achieved as the hinge approaches the closed position. In Figure 30 a lesser degree of damping is achieved and in Figure 31 a smaller degree is achieved in the frilly opened position. The damping force provided by the hinge increases as the hinge rotates from an open position towards the closed position.

Slamming of a door is therefore prevented.

In the fully closed position shown in Figure 30, the spring (140) is fully extended and the axial rod (120) of the shuttle is fully received into the tubular bore of housing (110).

The outlets (130, 131) from the passageways (127, 129) respectively are closed by the inner surface of the baffle (121). Oil is prevented from passing through the valves (126, 128). As the hinge opens oil may pass from the second chamber (124) to the first chamber (123) through non-return valve (200) until the fully opened position shown in Figure 33 is reached.

As the hinge closes under action of spring (140) or manuai pressure, the one-way valve (200) is closed. Oil is forced to pass into the openings (130, 131) along passageways (127, 129) and through adjustable valves (126, 128) respectively before returning through axially extending passageway (125) and outlet (146) communicating with the second chamber (124).

The flow of oil continues as the hinge reaches the 90° position shown in Figure 32.

When the hinge reaches the 30° position shown in Figure 3 1, the flow of oil and consequently the degree of damping is controlled by the settings of the valves (126) and (128), the outlet (130) is blocked by the surface of the annular passageway of baffle (121).

The flow of oil is restricted so that oil can only pass through passageway (129) and outlet (132). In this position the degree of damping is controlled by valve (128). As the hinge reaches the fully closed position shown in Figure 30, both of outlets (130, 131) are closed within the annular bore of the baffle (121) providing maximum damping and preventing slamming of a door to which the hinge is mounted. I;

Adjustment of the valves (126, 128) controls the maximum flow of oil as the hinge closes providing an upper limit on the speed with which a door to which the hinge is attached may close whether under the action of spring (140) or by application of manual pressure.

The various stages of closing of the hinge as shown in Figure 34.

Figures 35 and 36 show the shuttle in greater detail.

Figures 37-40 show a further alternative hinge for use in a corner of a door frame. A housing (170) is pivotally connected to a fixture (171). A fixing plate (172) permits the housing to be screwed to the edge of a door. The hinge incorporates a damping arrangement together with a self-closing spring and has a hold open stop position.

Various stages of opening are shown in Figures 38 to 40. In Figure 38 the hinge is closed, in Figure 39 the hinge is partially opened; and in Figure 40 the hinge is fully opened at 90 degrees.

A shuttle (173) is urged inwardly into the housing (170) by a spring (174). The spring acts on the fixed baffle (175) and end plate (176) of the shuttle. As the hinge is opened the spring is compressed as shown in Figure 40. When released, the spring (174) urges the shuttle (173) into the housing (170) causing circulation of damping oil through passageway (177) and through adjustable valves (178) as described in the previous embodiments.

The head (179) of the shuttle has a pair of annular sockets (180) arranged to receive respective followers (181) of projections (183). The projections are biased from the casing by springs (182) towards the linkage. The arrangement is shown on Section A-A of Figure 40.

The hinges of the present invention may employ compressed air or other gases as a hydraulic fluid in place of oil or hydraulic liquid. References in the specification to fluids or oils should be interpreted accordingly. I:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hinge comprising a housing pivotally connected to a fixture by a coupling; the coupling including a linkage; the housing having a bore therein; a shuttle located in the bore 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 fluid or gas; a non-moveable baffle located in the cavity to divide the cavity into first and second chambers; a first passageway 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 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.
2. A hinge as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a stop arrangement to hold the hinge open at a predetermined position.
3. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first passageway comprises a one way valve.
4. A hinge as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one way valve is located in the baffle.
5. A hinge as claimed any preceding claim, wherein the bore is a cylindrical bore and the shuttle comprises a cylindrical member located in the bore.
6. A hinge as clafined in any preceding claim, wherein the shuttle includes an axi member which extends along the axis of the bore, the head of the shuttle and the axial member arranged to slide along the bore between the first and second positions.
7. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the axial member is slidably received within an aperture in the baffle.
8. A hinge as claimed in claim 7, wherein the baffle provides a seal to the internal wall of the cavity.
9. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a projection, rebate or abutment on the shuttle arranged to engage a complementary rebate, projection or abutment of the housing when the hinge is opened to a predetermined angle.
10. A hinge as claimed in claim 9, wherein the projection of the housing comprises a spring loaded ball.
11. A hinge as claimed in claim 9, wherein the projection of the housing comprises an elongate member extending tangentially of an annular rebate at or adjacent an end of the shuttle.
12. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the linkage is adjustable to control the angle at which the stop arrangement is engaged.
13. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 9 or 10, wherein the linkage is elongate and includes one or more tracks, one or more projections engaging respective tracks so that the projections move along the tracks as the hinge opens or closes, the or each track including a stop position to retain the projection at the stop position.
14. 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.
15. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim wherein two passageways have openings in a chamber located in axially spaced relation so that the shuttle blocks or unblocks the openings successively during movement between open and closed positions of the hinge.
16. A hinge as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the return passageway extends longitudinally of the axial member.
17. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a closing member arranged to urge the hinge into a closed position.
18. A hinge as claimed in claim 17, wherein the closing member comprising a spring located around the cylindrical member in the bore.
19. A hinge as claimed in any preceding claim including alignment means arranged to facilitate adjustment of the orientation and alignment of the hinge.
20. A hinge as claimed in claim 19, wherein the alignment means comprises a first fixing plate arranged to be fastened to a supporting structure, the fixing plate having a plurality of fixing holes or projections arranged to co-operate with complementary 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 the projections of the first fixing plate.
21. A hinge comprising a housing pivotally connected to a fixture by a coupling; the coupling including a linkage; the housing having a bore therein; a shuttle located in the bore wherein the shuttle is moveable between first and second positions, corresponding to open and closed positions of the hinge; the shuttle being connected to the linkage so that the shuffle moves between the first and second positions as the hinge moves between the closed and open positions; fhrther comprising a stop arrangement to hold the hinge open at a predetermined position.
22. A hinge as claimed in claim 21, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a projection, rebate or abutment on the shuttle arranged to engage a complementary rebate, projection or abutment of the housing when the hinge is opened to a predetermined angle.
23. A hinge as claimed in claim 22, wherein the projection of the housing comprises a spring loaded ball.
24. A hinge as claimed in claim 22, wherein the projection of the housing comprises an elongate member extending tangentially of an annular rebate at or adjacent an end of the shuttle.
25. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the linkage is adjustable to control the angle at which the stop arrangement is engaged.
26. A hinge as claimed in any of claims 21 or 22, wherein the linkage is elongate and includes one or more tracks, one or more projections engaging respective tracks so that the projections move along the tracks as the hinge opens or closes, the or each track including a stop position to retain the projection at the stop position.