DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]. The present invention is related to an assembly for opening/closing doors/wings through a synchronized motion. In particular, the present invention is referred to an assembly for opening/closing provided with a first and a second wing, and with a mechanism which makes it possible to move said wings between a closing position and an opening position, and vice versa, so that the motion of the first wing is synchronized and simultaneous with the motion of the second wing.

RELATED ART TECHNIQUE

[0002]. Generally, in the home furnishing field, the pieces of furniture are made of parallelepiped bodies, formed as it is known, by two parallel vertical sides, a top, a bottom and in case a back wall, which define an internal compartment wherein it is possible to place objects, foods, clothes, etc.

[0003]. The front opening whereby said internal compartment is accessed is associable to one or more wings which can pass from a closing position in which the access to the compartment is prevented to an opening position, in which it is possible to access the content of the internal compartment, and vice versa.

[0004]. Generally, said wings can be "side-hung", that is hinged on the piece of furniture so as the passage from one position to the other occurs by rotating around a horizontal or vertical axis, therefore requiring considerable space to open, or sliding so as the passage from one position to the other occurs through side or vertical sliding, therefore making part of the internal compartment barely accessible, or inaccessible.

[0005]. The German utility model DE20121033, whereon the preamble of claim 1 is based, shows a piece of furniture provided with a double wing opening/closing mechanism: in particular, said first wing and said second wing are arranged so as, in the closing position of the internal compartment of the piece of furniture, they are superimposed and lying on the same vertical plane, while in the opening position of the internal compartment of the piece of furniture said wings are arranged facing two parallel horizontal planes, completely overhanging in correspondence of the top of the piece of furniture.

[0006]. The passage between the closing position and the opening position, and vice versa, occurs by means of synchronized and simultaneous rotary-translating motion of both wings, that is a rotation around horizontal axes in the same direction and at the same time vertical translation in the same direction, upward in the opening position and downward in the closing position, achieved thanks to articulated and slidable arms through a rack within two side guides provided in the front part of the sides of the piece of furniture.

[0007]. However, this mechanism has some inconveniences. In fact, in order to achieve the passage from the closing position to the opening position of the compartment and therefore access its content, it is necessary for the user to impart the necessary force to operate the motion of both wings to the lower wing whereon a suitable handle is provided: therefore, besides the weight of the wings themselves, the user is moreover in the condition to have to win the resistance from the articulated arms and sliding friction of the rack. This can be rather burdensome when opening, especially if the piece of furniture has considerable dimensions, such as in the case of a wardrobe.

[0008]. On the contrary, in the passage between the opening position and the closing position it is necessary to follow through the motion of the wings in order to prevent sudden and dangerous closing because of the weight of the same wings. Moreover, this opening/closing mechanism does not make it possible to block the motion of the two wings in an intermediate position.

[0009]. Finally, the vertical sliding by means of a rack is rather noisy and it requires maintenance and lubrication, as well as the articulated arms, in order to ensure a sufficient motion smoothness.

[0010]. In order to further reduce the necessary space for the opening/closing operations of the piece of furniture other solutions have been suggested: for example, pieces of furniture with only one wing wherein the opening occurs with a rotary motion of the wing which ends when it is a substantially horizontal position above the top of the piece of furniture. If required, there can be provided mechanism adapted to assist the motion, such as spring or hydraulic or pneumatic pistons. One example of such solution is described in the document US2002/01 13532. [0011]. Even if this solution is well apt for wall units which extend in length and much less in height, it cannot be used in any way for wardrobes, which generally extend for the whole height of the room leaving little hollow space between the top of the piece of furniture and the ceiling.

[0012]. Document GB1257999 shows an assembly for closing pieces of furniture comprising two rectangular wings hinged one with the other along two sides of the same length and wherein the lower wing is provided with guide pins in correspondence with the side opposed to the hinged ones and sliding within side grooves. In order to open the piece of furniture the guide pins of the lower wing are caused to slide vertically within the side grooves until the two wings are arranged facing each other and lying on two horizontal planes; then, the opening position is reached making the two wings slide horizontally inside the piece of furniture, just below its top.

[0013]. This opening mechanism is rather inconvenient as in the passage between the closing position and the opening position, the user is in the trajectory of the wings; moreover, even if it makes it possible to house the wings inside the piece of furniture, they have to be first "packed" and then be slidably inserted and therefore, actually, the space required for the opening/closing operations is substantially equal to the width of one wing. Further, it is not provided any aid for the opening of said wings whose whole weight has therefore to be lifted by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014]. Main task of the object of the present invention is that of overcoming the inconveniences of the known art devising an assembly for opening/closing doors with a synchronized motion which requires a reduced space for the opening/closing operations.

[0015]. In the field of the above said task, an important object is that of devising an assembly for opening/closing doors, in particular for pieces of furniture or container compartments, wherein in the opening position it is possible the free access to the whole internal space of the compartment.

[0016]. Another object of the present invention is that of providing an assembly for opening/closing doors which is really smooth, silent and long-lasting without any need for maintenance.

[0017]. Further object of the invention is that of providing an assembly for opening/closing doors assisted by counterbalancing means which make it possible to move the wings with a minimum effort by the user, also allowing to keep intermediate position safely.

[0018]. Not the least object is that of devising an assembly for opening/closing doors with a synchronized motion which can achieve the above said task and the objects and which can be obtained with the usual and known plants, machineries and equipment.

[0019]. The above said task and the objects, and others which will be shown later, are achieved by an assembly for opening/closing doors as defined in claim 1 .

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020]. Further characteristics and advantages which can be achieved through an assembly for the synchronized opening/closing doors according to the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of a particular, but not excluding, form of embodiment described for exemplification only but not limited to with reference to the following figures:

- Figures 1 A, 1 B and 1 C show, respectively according to a front view, a side view and a top view, a piece of furniture provided with an assembly for opening/closing doors according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 is a sectional view along plane C-C of the piece of furniture, the foregoing figures thereof, showing an assembly for opening/closing doors according to the present invention wherein the wings are arranged in the closing position;

- Figure 2A shows an enlarged particular of figure 2;

- Figures 3A and 3B are views of the piece of furniture as the foregoing figures cut respectively along the horizontal planes A-A and B-B shown in figure 1 B;

- Figure 4 is a sectional view along the plane C-C of the piece of furniture as the foregoing figures showing the opening/closing assembly of the present invention wherein the wings are arranged in the opening position;

- Figures 5, 6 and 7 show a sequence of steps in the passage between the closing position and the opening position in an assembly for opening/closing doors with a synchronized motion according to the present invention;

- Figure 8 shows a particular step called "dead point" in the passage between the closing position and the opening position in an assembly for opening/closing doors with a synchronized motion according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021]. An assembly for opening/closing doors according to the present invention comprises at least a first wing and a second wing and a mechanism adapted to move simultaneously said first and second wing between a closing position, wherein they lie superimposed on a same substantially vertical plane, and an opening position wherein they are arranged facing each other and lying on two parallel and substantially horizontal planes, and vice versa; in particular, the passage from said closing position to said opening position, and vice versa, occurs through a synchronized and simultaneous rotary-translating motion of said wings.

[0022]. According to a characteristic of the invention, said mechanism comprises a first and second kinematic arrangement adapted to move respectively said first and second wing, said kinematic arrangements being separate and distinct but kinematically connected through means for synchronizing the motion and changing the transmission ratio to impart a differential trajectory to the synchronized motion of said first wing with respect to said second wing in the passage between said closing position to said opening position and vice versa.

[0023]. With reference to the foregoing figures, there is shown an assembly for opening/closing doors through a synchronized motion applied to a piece of furniture 1 according to the present invention.

[0024]. Said piece of furniture 1 comprises a parallelepiped body formed by two substantially parallel vertical sides 2, a top 3, a bottom 4, and in case a back wall (figures 1 A, 1 B, and 1 C). Said parallelepiped body defines an internal compartment 6 wherein it is possible to place objects, foods, clothes, etc.

[0025]. It is to note that the directional terms herewith used to describe the present invention, such as " on, under, vertical, horizontal, lower, upper", as well as any other similar directional term, are to be understood with reference to an assembly for opening/closing doors according to the present invention when in use.

[0026]. An assembly for opening/closing according to the invention comprising a first wing 10, and a second wing 20, herewith respectively called as lower wing 10 and upper wing 20 because of their arrangement when used, and associable to the front opening of the piece of furniture 1 through which it is possible to access the content of the internal compartment 6. [0027]. Said assembly of opening/closing doors further comprises a mechanism 100 adapted to move said wings 10, 20 between a closing position (figure 2), wherein said wings 10, 20 are arranged so as to cover the front opening of the internal compartment 6 and lie on the same vertical plane, therefore being coplanar, superimposed by means of two sides of the same length, though being mechanically separate, and an opening position (figure 4), wherein they lie facing each other on two parallel and substantially horizontal planes in correspondence of the upper part of the piece of furniture 1 , so as to make it possible for the user to access said internal compartment 6.

[0028]. According to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, as later shown in a more detailed way, in an opening position said first and second wing 10, 20 are at least partially housed within said compartment 6, adjacent to the top 3 of the piece of furniture 1 , as shown in figure 4.

[0029]. The passage between said closing position and said opening position, and vice versa, occurs through a simultaneous and synchronized rotary-translating motion of the two wings 10, 20: in other words, in the opening/closing motion, both wings 10, 20 make a rotation having the same rotation direction around horizontal axes, and a concurrent vertical translation in the same direction.

[0030]. Mechanism 100 of the invention which makes it possible to obtain these movements comprises a first kinematic arrangement 1 10 adapted to move said lower wing 10 and a second kinematic arrangement 120, adapted to move said upper wing 20.

[0031]. In particular, said two kinematic arrangements 1 10, 120 are kinematically distinct and separate; as described later in a more detailed way, in order to obtain the synchronized motion of the two wings 10, 20 and impart them a differential trajectory based on their different position, said two kinematic arrangements 1 10, 120 are effectively connected through means for synchronizing the motion and changing the transmission ratio 200.

[0032]. Moreover, according to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the opening/closing motion of the two wings 10, 20 is assisted, that is counterbalanced, thanks to the presence of suitable counterbalancing means G1 , G2.

[0033]. Both kinematic arrangements 1 10, 120 substantially follow the block and tackle scheme to lift heavy loads: the member to be lifted is associated to a motion transmission means, such as a rope or a toothed belt, having an end constrained to a top wall and the opposed end associated to a counterbalancing means such as a solid body acting as a counterweight. Said transmission means are adapted to engage a plurality of suitably arranged transmission elements, and the distance covered by the counterweight must substantially be twice the distance covered by the element to be lifted.

[0034]. In particular, said transmission means preferably comprises at least a fixed pulley attached to said top wall and at least a movable pulley arranged integrally to the element to be lifted. The assembly reaches a condition of theoretic balance if the mass of said counterweight is substantially equal to half the mass of the element to be lifted.

[0035]. Herewith will be described the two distinct kinematic arrangements 1 10, 120 which make it possible to move independently wings 10, 20. Each kinematic arrangement 1 10, 120 comprises pairs of elements symmetrically arranged on the vertical sides of the piece of furniture 1 , preferably housed inside cavities made adjacent said sides 2, that is made between said sides 2 and corresponding inside partition walls L closed at the front by a perimetral frame D, as can be seen in figures 3A and 3B.

[0036]. With reference to figures 2, 2A, 3A and 3B, there will be described the members composing each kinematic arrangement 1 10, 120 arranged on one of the two sides of the piece of furniture 1 . Of course, the arrangement of the composing members on the other side will be symmetrical.

[0037]. Said first kinematic arrangement 1 10 comprises a first transmission means 1 1 1 , a first sliding member 13, a first plurality of transmission elements 1 13, 1 14, 1 15, 1 16, and a first counterbalancing means G1 to act as a counterweight.

[0038]. Said first sliding member 13, preferably made of a trolley provided with wheels, slidably movable along a vertical direction inside a guide groove 7, preferably C-shaped provided on the vertical side 2 of the piece of furniture and substantially extending along the entire height of compartment 6. Said first lower wing 10 is rotatably associated to said first sliding members 13, provided on each side of the piece of furniture 1 , through first pins 12, projecting from the side surfaces of said lower wing 10, preferably in correspondence with an essentially central portion of the vertical extension of the same wing. In this way said lower wing 10 is freely rotatable around a first horizontal axis X1 , defined by the extension of said first pins 12, as can be seen in figure 3A. [0039]. In particular, each of said first pins 12 is attached to said lower wing through a fixing plate 1 1 , preferably L-shaped, provided on the back face of said wing 10, that is on the surface facing the internal compartment 6 of the piece of furniture 1 .

[0040]. A first movable transmission element 1 13, such as a pulley, is mounted on said first sliding member 13, being therefore able to move integrally to it. In particular, said first movable pulley 1 13 is arranged coaxially to said first pin 12, and it is rotatable around said first horizontal axis X1 . Said first movable pulley 1 13 is the connecting element between said first kinematic arrangement 1 10 and said lower wing 10, having the function of transmitting the vertical motion to the wing and that of bearing its weight.

[0041]. A first transmission means 1 1 1 , preferably a toothed belt, is attached at one end to the top wall of the piece of furniture 1 , in correspondence of the upper end portion of said guide groove 7 through a first fixing element 1 12; the opposed end of said first transmission means 1 1 1 is on the contrary associated to a first counterbalancing means G1 such as a solid body.

[0042]. Following the development of said first toothed belt 1 1 1 starting from its first end, it extends within said first groove 7, it winds around said first movable pulley 1 13 being pushed back by it by 360 °, and still developing within the groove 7, it exits it at its upper end portion, substantially in the proximity of said first fixing element 1 12.

[0043]. Subsequently, said first toothed belt 1 1 1 undergoes a number of transmissions around a corresponding plurality of fixed transmission means, attached to side 2 of said piece of furniture 1 : for example, in the appended figures there are shown for exemplification only but not limited to, a first front pulley 1 14 being adapted to transmit a movement of basically 90 ° to said first toothed belt 1 1 1 towards the interior of the piece of furniture 1 , a first intermediate transmission pulley 1 15, it too fixed to side 2 of the piece of furniture and preferably having a diameter greater than that of said first pulley 1 14, which again transmits the movement to said first toothed belt 1 1 1 towards a first supporting pulley 1 16, fixed to side 2 of the piece of furniture in an intermediate position between said front pulley 1 14 and said intermediate transmission pulley 1 15, whereon the weight of said first solid body G1 acting as a counterweight for said lower wing 10 is unloaded.

[0044]. Advantageously, the mass of said first solid body G1 has to be at least equal, and preferably greater in order to take into account the frictions which develop between the elements forming the kinematic arrangement, to a quarter of the mass of said lower wing 10, that is, in other words, the sum of the masses of said first solid bodies G1 arranged on each side of wing 10 has to be at least equal to half the mass of said first wing 10: in this way, in fact, every moment said first wing moves from the closing position to the opening position, and vice versa, the system is in balance. Therefore, advantageously, in the passage between said closing position and said opening position and vice versa, said lower wing 10 can be safely blocked in a plurality of intermediate positions.

[0045]. Moreover, preferably, the travel of said first solid body G1 , calculated as the distance which said solid body G1 has to cover in order to pass from the closing position to the opening position, and vice versa, is substantially twice with respect to the travel of said lower wing 10, calculated as the distance that said first sliding member 13 has to cover in order to pass from the closing position to the opening position, and vice versa.

[0046]. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said first transmission means 1 1 1 consists in a toothed belt provided with toothing only in correspondence of one of the two faces; instead, the opposed face is even. The toothing of said belt 1 1 1 is adapted to engage on the corresponding toothing of said first front pulley 1 14 and of said first intermediate transmission pulley 1 15, both advantageously formed of toothed wheels; said first movable pulley 1 13 and said first support pulley 1 16 can, on the contrary, be formed of sheaves, that is pulleys having an even race on their outer surface as the engaging between said toothed belt and said pulleys 1 13, 1 16 takes place through the face without toothing.

[0047]. The means and the elements belonging to the first kinematic arrangement 1 10 described so far make it possible to move vertically said lower wing 10 with a minimum effort by the user: in fact, it is sufficient to apply a slight pull in order to unbalance the balance counterweight G1 /lower wing 10, both when opening and when closing, and therefore operate the motion in the desired direction.

[0048]. The kinematic arrangement 1 10 further comprises a first arm 15, provided in order to give said lower wing 10 the rotary-translating motion so as to enable the same, in the opening position, to place itself lying on a substantially horizontal plane and at least partially housed within compartment 6 of the piece of furniture 1 , below top 3.

[0049]. Said first arm 15 comprises an elongated rigid body, preferably of metal, rotatably associated with one end to side 2 of the piece of furniture around a first fulcrum F1 and with the opposed end attached to said lower wing 10, through suitable connecting means.

[0050]. The position of said first fulcrum F1 and of said connecting means on the wing 10, and the length of said first arm 15 define the trajectory of said lower wing 10.

[0051]. Moreover, advantageously, due to the directrixes of the force resulting from the arrangement of the above said elements, when said lower wing 10, passing from the closing position to the opening position, goes beyond a "dead point", shown in figure 8, it autonomously continues its motion towards its stop, without any need of pull by the user; in this way, it is therefore possible to obtain the complete opening/closing of said wing 10 by short users as well.

[0052]. Similarly, said second kinematic arrangement 120, adapted to move said upper wing 20 comprises a second transmission means 121 , a second sliding member 23, a second plurality of transmission elements 123, 124, 125, and a second counterbalancing means G2 acting as a counterweight.

[0053]. Said second sliding member 23, preferably a wheeled trolley, is slidable along the vertical direction within a guide groove 7, preferably C-shaped, provided on side 2 of the piece of furniture and substantially extending along the whole height of compartment 6. Said upper wing 20 is rotatably associated to said second sliding members 23, provided on each side of the piece of furniture 1 , through second pins 22, projecting from the side surfaces of said upper wing 20, preferably in correspondence of a substantially central portion of the vertical extension of the same wing. In this way, said upper wing 20 is freely rotatable, around a second horizontal axis X2, defined by the extension of said second pins 22, as it can be seen in figure 3B.

[0054]. In particular, each of said second pins 22 is attached to said upper wing 20 through a fixing plate 21 , preferably L-shaped, provided on the rear face of said upper wing 20, that is the surface facing the internal compartment 6 of the piece of furniture 1 .

[0055]. A second movable transmission element 123, such as a pulley, is mounted on said second sliding member 23, being therefore able to move integrally to it. Said second movable pulley 123 is coaxially mounted on said second pin 22, therefore rotatable around second said horizontal axis X2. Said second movable pulley 123 is the connecting element between said second kinematic arrangement 120 and said upper wing 20; moreover, the weight of said upper wing 20 is unloaded on said second movable pulley 123.

[0056]. A second transmission means 121 , preferably a toothed belt, is attached at one end to the top wall of the piece of furniture 1 , in correspondence of the upper end portion of said guide groove 7, through a second fixing element 122; the opposed end of said second toothed belt 121 is on the contrary associated to a second counterbalancing means G2 such as a solid body.

[0057]. Following the development of said second toothed belt 121 starting from its first end, it extends within said first groove 7, it winds around said second movable pulley 123 being pushed back by it by 360 °, and still developing within the groove 7, it exits it at its upper end portion, substantially in the proximity of said second fixing element 122.

[0058]. Therefore, said guide groove 7 shall have a width such as to allow within it, besides the sliding of said first and second sliding member 13, 23, also the passage of said first and second transmission means 1 1 1 , 121 in double turn.

[0059]. Subsequently, said second toothed belt 121 undergoes a number of transmissions around a corresponding second plurality of fixed transmission means, attached to side 2 of said piece of furniture 1 : for example, in the appended figures there are shown for exemplification only but not limited to, a second front pulley 124 being adapted to transmit a motion of basically 90 ° to said second toothed belt 121 towards the interior of the piece of furniture 1 , and fixed to side 2 of the piece of furniture 1 adjacent to the back 5, there is a second support pulley 125 whereon it is unloaded the weight of said first solid body G2 acting as a counterweight for said upper wing 20.

[0060]. Advantageously, the mass of said second solid body G2 has to be at least equal, and preferably greater in order to take into account the frictions which develop between the elements forming the kinematic arrangement, to a quarter of the mass of said upper wing 20, that is, in other words, the sum of the masses of said second solid bodies G2 arranged on each side of wing 20 has to be at least equal to half the mass of said second wing 20: in this way, in fact, every moment said second wing moves from the closing position to the opening position, and vice versa, the assembly is in balance. Therefore, advantageously, in the passage between said closing position and said opening position and vice versa, said upper wing 20 can be safely blocked in a plurality of intermediate positions. [0061]. Moreover, preferably, the travel of said second solid body G2, calculated as the distance which said solid body G2 has to cover in order to pass from the closing position to the opening position, and vice versa, is substantially twice with respect to the travel of said upper wing 20, calculated as the distance that said second sliding member 23 has to cover in order to pass from the closing position to the opening position, and vice versa.

[0062]. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said second transmission means 121 consists in a toothed belt provided with toothing only in correspondence of one of the two faces; instead, the opposed face is even. The toothing of said belt 121 is adapted to engage on the corresponding toothing of said second front pulley 124 and of said second support pulley 125, both advantageously formed of toothed wheels; said second movable pulley 123 can, on the contrary, be formed by a sheave, that is a pulley having an even race on its outer surface as the engaging between said toothed belt 121 and said movable pulley 123 takes place through the face without toothing.

[0063]. Means and elements belonging to the second kinematic arrangement 120 described so far make it possible to move vertically said upper wing 20 with a minimum effort by the user: in fact, it is sufficient to apply a slight pull in order to unbalance the balance counterweight G2/upper wing 20, both when opening and when closing, and therefore operate the motion in the desired direction.

[0064]. The kinematic arrangement 120 further comprises a second arm 25, provided in order to give said upper wing 20 the rotary-translating motion so as to enable the same, in the opening position, to place itself lying on a substantially horizontal plane and at least partially housed within compartment 6 of the piece of furniture 1 , adjacent to the top 3.

[0065]. Said second arm 25 comprises an elongated rigid body, preferably of metal, rotatably associated with one end to side 2 of the piece of furniture around a second fulcrum F2 and with the opposed end attached to said upper wing 20, through suitable connecting means.

[0066]. The position of said second fulcrum F2 and of said connecting means on said upper wing 20, and the length of said second arm 25 define the trajectory of said upper wing 20.

[0067]. Advantageously, due to the directrixes of the force resulting from the arrangement of the above said elements, when said upper wing 10, passing from the closing position to the opening position, goes beyond a "dead point", shown in figure 8, it autonomously continues its motion towards its stop, without any need of pull by the user; in this way, it is therefore possible to obtain the complete opening of both wings 10, 20 by short users as well.

[0068]. According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, means 200 for synchronizing the motion are provided in order to kinematically engage said first and second kinematic arrangement 1 10, 120, so as to synchronize the motion of said lower wing 10 and said upper wing 20. In other words, said means 200 for synchronizing the motion ensure that moving one of said two wings 10, 20 in order to pass from a closing position to an opening position, and vice versa, the other one follows the motion of the first one.

[0069]. However, it is necessary to take into account the different position of said wings 10, 20, which correspond to a different motion width necessary in order to pass from the closing position to the opening position, and vice versa. Therefore, said means 200 for synchronizing the motion further comprise means for changing the transmission, through which it is possible to change the transmission ratio between said first kinematic arrangement 1 10 and said second kinematic arrangement 120.

[0070]. Said means 200 for synchronizing the motion and changing the transmission comprise a transmission pulley 201 mounted integral and coaxial to a pulley belonging to said first kinematic arrangement 1 10, and a third transmission means 202 formed by a closed loop toothed belt and adapted to be engaged both with said drive pulley 201 and with a pulley belonging to said second kinematic arrangement 120 to operate the kinematic connection between said first and said second kinematic arrangement 1 10, 120.

[0071]. In particular, with reference to the appended figures for exemplification only, said drive pulley 201 is mounted integral and coaxial to said first intermediate transmission pulley 1 15 belonging to said first kinematic arrangement 1 10, and said third transmission means 202 can engage both with said drive pulley 201 , and also with said second support pulley 125 belonging to said second kinematic arrangement 120, operating in this way the kinematic connection between said first and second kinematic arrangement 1 10, 120.

[0072]. Advantageously, the ratio between the diameters of said first intermediate transmission pulley 1 15 and said drive pulley 201 is basically equal to the ratio between the travel of said first lower wing 10, calculated as the distance that said first sliding member 13 has to cover in order to pass from the closing position to the opening one, and the travel of said upper wing 20, calculated as the distance that said second sliding member 23 has to cover in order to pass from the closing position to the opening one; in fact, due to their arrangement, the upper wing 20 travel is shorter than the lower wing 10 travel, and therefore, as it can be seen in the appended figures, the diameter of said first intermediate transmission pulley is greater than the diameter of said drive pulley 201 .

[0073]. According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, a fourth transmission means 150, such as a transmission shaft, can be provided between at least one pulley belonging to the first or to the second kinematic arrangement 1 10, 120 and arranged on one side 2 of the piece of furniture and the corresponding pulley arranged on the opposed side 2. Thanks to the presence of said transmission shaft 150 it is possible to give more smoothness to the opening/closing mechanism, being certain that the first and second sliding members 13, 23, provided respectively on the sides of said first and second wing 10, 20, remain perfectly parallel and aligned in the passage between said opening position and said closing position, and vice versa.

[0074]. Advantageously, as it can be seen in figure 3B, said transmission shaft 150 can be provided between the second support pulley 125 fixed on one side 2 adjacent to the back 5 of the piece of furniture 1 , and the corresponding pulley 125 fixed on the opposed side 2.

[0075]. If required powered actuator means, such as an electric motor, can be connected to said transmission shaft 150 to impart the torque necessary to actuate the motion of said first and second kinematic arrangement 1 10, 120 in response to an input sent by the user through suitable control means such as a button provided on the piece of furniture 1 or through a remote control as it is known by the skilled in the art.

[0076]. In figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 there are shown different steps of the passage of said wings 10, 20 from a closing position to an opening position: the first operation to carry on consists in setting the motion of said upper wing 20 going seizing it preferably by the first handling means 26, such as a handle. Said handle 26 can be projecting with respect to the surface of said wing or made from a groove in the thickness of the same wing. [0077]. When setting the motion of said upper wing 20, the corresponding kinematic arrangement 120 is consequently actuated: because of gravity, the second solid body G2 will start its vertical travel as the balance upper wing 20/solid body G2 has been unbalanced. Such unbalancing makes the second transmission means 121 slide on said second support pulley 125 engaging itself on its toothing and therefore causing it to rotate.

[0078]. As long as the user imparts a pull on said handle 26, said second body G2 continues its travel downward and therefore said second transmission means 121 , as it is attached to the opposed end, drags upward said second sliding member making it slide within the guide groove 7, and obtaining the resulting lifting of said upper wing 20 integral to it.

[0079]. Contextually to its linear vertical motion, said upper wing 20 swings in a controlled way around said second horizontal axis X2, thanks to the action of said second arm 25 which progressively guides the rotation around said second fulcrum F2. The resulting trajectory is such that it causes said upper wing 20 to make a rotary translating motion in order to pass from the closing position, wherein it lies on a vertical plane, to the opening position, wherein it lies on a horizontal plane and it is arranged at least partially housed within said compartment 6, adjacent to the top 3 of the piece of furniture 1 .

[0080]. Moreover, as it can be seen in the appended figures for exemplification only, if said upper wing 20 swings around an axis X2 which develops in an essentially central region with respect to the vertical extension of the same wing, the trajectory of said wing 20 in the passage between the closing position and the opening position is such that it provides a maximum dimension substantially equal to half the width of said upper wing 20 itself.

[0081]. Concurrently to the motion of said upper wing 20, thanks to the presence of said means for synchronizing the motion and changing the transmission 200, the rotary motion of said support pulley 125 is transmitted to the first intermediate transmission pulley 1 15 belonging to said first kinematic arrangement 1 10, actuating the motion of said lower wing 10 as well.

[0082]. In fact, the rotation of said first intermediate transmission pulley drags said first transmission means 1 1 1 , unbalancing the assembly lower wingl 0/first solid body G1 towards this one, which, due to gravity, starts its travel downward. [0083]. As said first solid body G1 continues its travel due to gravity, said first transmission means 1 1 1 , as it is attached to the opposed end, drags upward said first sliding member 13, causing it to slide within the guide groove 7, and achieving the resulting lifting of said lower wing 10 integral to it.

[0084]. Concurrently to its vertical linear motion, said lower wing 10 swings in a controlled way around said first horizontal axis X1 , thanks to the action of said first arm 15 which guides the gradual rotation around said first fulcrum F1 . The resulting trajectory is such that it causes said lower wing 1 0 to make a rotary translating motion in order to pass from the closing position, wherein it lies on a vertical plane, to the opening position, wherein it lies on a horizontal plane, parallel to the lying plane of said upper wing 20, it, too, at least partially housed within said compartment 6, adjacent to the top 3 of the piece of furniture 1 .

[0085]. Advantageously, as already said, when said wings 10, 20 go beyond a "dead point" (figure 8), they autonomously continue their opening motion, without any intervention of the user.

[0086]. The opening position is reached in a stable and synchronized way by both wings 10, 20 when said second sliding member reaches an upper stop, substantially arranged in correspondence of the upper end portion of said guide groove 7, and the first sliding member 13 beats against said second sliding member 23, as it can be seen in figure 4.

[0087]. The opposed motion, that is the passage of said wings 10, 20 from an opening position to a closing position occurs in a substantially identical way, carried out backwards. In this case the user seizes said lower wing 10, if needed using second handling means 16, such as a tie rod associated to said lower wing 10 in particular in its lower inner portion, and starts the closing motion of said first kinematic arrangement 1 10. In this way he causes the unbalancing of the assembly first solid body G1 /lower wing 10 towards this one, which, because of its weight, due to gravity starts the travel downward, therefore causing said first sliding member 13 associated to it to slide along said guide groove 7.

[0088]. Moreover, applying a traction downward, the user makes said lower wing 10 rotate around said first horizontal axis X1 ; anyway, the rotation is controlled by the presence of said first arm 15, in such a way that the resulting trajectory will be a rotary translating motion which takes said lower wing 10 back to the closing position. [0089]. Said upper wing 20 synchronically follows the motion of said lower wing 10, as the motion of said first kinematic arrangement 1 10 is transferred to said second kinematic arrangement 120 through said means for synchronizing and changing the transmission 200.

[0090]. The closing position (figure 2) is reached in a stable and synchronized way by said two wings 10, 20 when the outer upper portion of said upper wing 20 beats against a retainer means 27, such as a plate vertically projecting from the front portion of said top 3, as it is shown in figure 2A.

[0091]. Advantageously, said piece of furniture 1 can comprise, below said internal compartment 6, a bottom 8 which forms a container compartment; the presence of said bottom 8 is advantageous as it enables said first and said second solid body G1 , G2 to make a linear travel in the passage from a closing position to an opening position, as it can be seen in figure 4.

[0092]. From the foregoing, it is therefore apparent that the present invention achieves the initially expected objects and the advantages.

[0093]. In fact, it has been achieved an assembly for the synchronized opening/closing of wings which requires a reduced space for the opening/closing operations.

[0094]. Such assembly has an advantageous application on a piece of furniture: in fact, in the opening position, said wings are at least partially housed inside the piece of furniture, adjacent to the top 3, in a very limited space and generally not used, allowing therefore the free access to the content of the internal compartment. As shown, for example, in the appended figures, when said assembly is applied to a wardrobe in order to house the wings in the opening position, it is possible to use the generally unused space included between top 3 and a possible clothes hanger A.

[0095]. Moreover, as in the opening position said wings are inserted within the compartment 6 of the piece of furniture 1 , it is advantageously possible to add other pieces of furniture or realize pieces of furniture as high as the ceiling, or which can be inserted inside recesses.

[0096]. It is worthwhile observing that both wings, in the passage between the closing position and the opening position, always rest, at least partially, on the piece of furniture 1 and never completely overhanging, as they are provided rotatable around horizontal axes X1 , X2 advantageously arranged centrally with respect to the vertical extension of the same wings. [0097]. Moreover, if said transmission means 1 1 , 121 , 202 comprise strong toothed belts and closed and self-lubricating closed bearings, said assembly for opening/closing doors is advantageously smooth, silent and long-lasting, and it does not need any maintenance.

[0098]. A further advantage given by an assembly for opening/closing doors according to the invention is that of making it possible for the user to synchronically move at least two wings, even of considerable weight and dimensions, with a minimum effort thanks to the presence of counterbalancing means which constantly assist their motion. Moreover, thanks to said counterbalancing means, the wings can be safely kept in intermediate positions.

[0099]. Finally, it is pointed out that an assembly for opening/closing doors according to the present invention, besides finding their application in the furnishing sector, in particular for kitchen furniture, wardrobes, etc., it can be advantageously used also for the opening/closing of garages, depots or other applications when it is needed to close or separate with doors a rear compartment or cavity.

[00100]. Of course, the present invention can have a great number of applications or modifications and variations without exiting its protection field, as specified in the appended claims.

[00101]. Moreover, the material and the equipment used in order to carry out the present invention, as well as the forms and dimensions of the single components, will be the most suitable ones depending on specific requirements.