Abstract:
A furniture hinge, comprising a fitting part, a hinge cup that is articulated thereto for fastening to furniture parts, and a cushioning apparatus for cushioning a relative movement between the fitting part and the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus is disposed in or on the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus comprises a housing having first fastening means, and second fastening means are disposed on the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus can be inserted from above into the hinge cup and in the installed position is disposed substantially completely inside the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus and the hinge cup can be connected to each other in said installed position by the first and second fastening means.

Description:
[0001]    The present invention concerns a furniture hinge comprising a fitment portion and a hinge cup hingedly connected thereto for fixing to furniture parts, and a damping device for damping a relative movement between the fitment portion and the hinge cup, wherein the damping device is arranged in or on the hinge cup. 
         [0002]    The invention further concerns an article of furniture having at least one furniture hinge of the kind to be described. 
         [0003]    Furniture hinges comprising a hinge cup and a damping device arranged in or on the hinge cup are already known in the state of the art. As an example in that respect mention is to be made of AT 6499 to the present applicant, DE 25 39 954 A1, DE 10 2007 047 287 A1, DE 10 2006 047 315 A1 or EP 1 469 153 A1. Damping devices having a piston which has a linear damping stroke usually have a travel-dependent damping function, that is to say the degree of damping is dependent on the available damping stroke of the piston. Therefore a sufficient damping travel is to be provided to achieve the desired soft cushioning of a relative movement of the two fitment portions. A particular requirement is therefore that of arranging the damping device in as space-saving a fashion as possible, but at the same time also ensuring an adequate damping stroke and thus a satisfactory damping action for the furniture hinge. 
         [0004]    WO 2007/131933 A1 discloses a furniture hinge having a damping device, wherein the housing of the damping device is held within the hinge cup by way of co-operating fixing means (in the form of a tab and an abutment surface). As a consequence of a hinge lever of the hinge being connected to a slider of the damping device, the damping device already has to be fitted into and fixed in the hinge cup, as from the factory. 
         [0005]    WO 2009/094272 A1 which is of earlier priority but published after the relevant date describes a furniture hinge having a damping device which is fitted into the hinge cup and fixed by way of snap-action holding means relative to the hinge cup bottom. That publication does not show a hinge in which the damping device can be inserted from above into the hinge cup, with the fitment portion and the hinge cup hingedly connected together. For retro-fitting of the damping device it is obviously necessary to dismantle the hinge. 
         [0006]    The object of the present invention is to propose a furniture hinge of the general kind referred to in the opening part of this specification, wherein the damping device saves space, is efficient and can be fitted at a later stage. 
         [0007]    According to the invention in an advantageous configuration that is achieved in that the damping device has a housing having first fixing means and second fixing means are arranged on the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the damping device can be inserted from above into the hinge cup and in the mounted position is arranged substantially completely within the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the damping device and the hinge cup can be connected together in said mounted position by way of the first and second fixing means. 
         [0008]    The definition ‘can be inserted from above into the hinge cup’ is intended to mean insertion of the housing of the damping device in a direction of movement substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the hinge cup. 
         [0009]    It is therefore possible with the proposed invention to arrange the housing of the damping device completely within the hinge cup, wherein the housing in that mounted condition preferably does not project beyond the hinge cup, that is to say the entire component unit of the damping device in the mounted condition is completely between the bottom of the hinge cup and the plane formed by the hinge cup opening. The housing of the damping device can be mounted relative to the hinge cup and removed therefrom by way of the first and second fixing means. In an embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the housing of the damping device can be releasably fixed on or in the hinge cup by the first and the second fixing means, preferably it can be fitted without the use of a tool and can preferably be dismantled without the use of a tool. 
         [0010]    The damping device can include a slider movable relative to the housing, wherein the first fixing means are provided on the slider so that the housing of the damping device can be connected to the hinge cup releasably indirectly by way of the slider. 
         [0011]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the first and second fixing means are in the form of a self-latching latching connection. Such a latching connection permits automatic latching between the housing of the damping device and the hinge cup in the course of introducing the housing into the hinge cup without in that case the user having to actuate additional locking means for fixing purposes. The first and second fixing means can together form a snap-action connection so that the damping device can be clipped into the hinge cup in the form of a complete unit. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the first or second fixing means can include at least one movable or mobile arresting element by which the housing can be fixed relative to the hinge cup. A desirable configuration is characterised in that the arresting element is of a resilient nature, wherein the connection between the first and second fixing means is releasable by pressure against the resilient action of the arresting element. 
         [0012]    In a possible embodiment it can be provided that the arresting element is arranged on the housing of the damping device and in the mounted position engages into an opening or at a latching edge of the hinge cup. In a kinematic reversal it is also possible that the arresting element is mounted on the hinge cup and in the mounted position engages into an opening or latching edge arranged on the housing of the damping device. 
         [0013]    It can be provided that the first and second fixing means are operative between the housing of the damping device and a side wall of the hinge cup. Alternatively or supplemental thereto it may also be possible that the first and second fixing means are operative between the housing of the damping device and the bottom of the hinge cup or a support portion (in particular a fixing projection) associated with the hinge cup. 
         [0014]    In that respect it is possible that the fixing projection is provided for mounting a spring which urges the hinge cup relative to the fitment portion into the completely closed position and/or into the completely open position. That fixing projection can thus also be used as a support element for the housing of the damping device. The fixing projection can extend at least portion-wise within the hinge cup, the fixing projection having a recess provided for receiving the housing of the damping device—in particular for receiving and guiding a linearly displaceable slider of the damping device. 
         [0015]    In a preferred configuration of the invention it can be provided that the housing has a peripheral surface, the shape of which is adapted portion-wise to the inner shape of the hinge cup. In other words, the external shape and size of the housing of the damping device are adapted to the shape and size of the internal space in the hinge cup. That permits defined preliminary positioning of the housing, wherein after positioning has been effected the first and second fixing means can be connected together, wherein the housing of the damping device can be fixed relative to the hinge cup in positively locking relationship and/or force-locking relationship. Due to the contour of the housing of the damping device, that is adapted to the hinge cup, it bears in the mounted position for the greatest part directly against the inside wall of the hinge cup, wherein arranging it within the hinge cup is effected in a visually very inconspicuous fashion and the risk of dirt deposits between the housing of the damping device and the inside wall of the hinge cup is also reduced. 
         [0016]    For easy dismantling of the damping device relative to the hinge cup there can be provided a release portion, by which the connection between the first and second fixing means is releasable, whereupon the housing of the damping device can be dismantled from the hinge cup. In that respect it may be advantageous if the release portion is arranged on the housing of the damping device. The release portion can be moved into a release position manually and/or by means of a tool whereby the housing of the damping device can be dismantled from the hinge cup. 
         [0017]    Due to the first and second fixing means, hinge arrangements which already exist can be subsequently retro-fitted with a damping device, wherein the retro-fitting operation can already be effected in the factory. When the damping device is already fitted in the factory, production lines which are already there can be retained so that mounting the damping device only requires a very low level of complication and expenditure. It will be appreciated that subsequent fitting and/or dismantling of the damping device on already existing hinge arrangements can also be effected by a user. The damping device can also be inserted into the hinge cup and fixed relative to the hinge cup by way of the first and second fixing means when the hinge lever of the hinge is hingedly connected to the hinge cup. 
         [0018]    To achieve a particularly compact structure it may be desirable if the damping device has a first and a second fluid chamber which are filled with damping fluid and which are connected together by way of a passage. In that case it may be desirable if a piston can be engaged in the first fluid chamber and thereby the volume of the first fluid chamber can be changed, and wherein arranged in the second fluid chamber is a device which is deformable or movable by a flow of damping fluid into and out of the second fluid chamber for changing the volume of the second fluid chamber. 
         [0019]    The two fluid chambers are therefore connected in serial relationship and are in fluid-conducting communication by way of at least one passage. The damping fluid of the first fluid chamber, that is displaced during the damping stroke by the first piston, also has to flow through the passage into the second fluid chamber—apart from possible residual compressibility of the damping fluid—, wherein the volume of the second fluid chamber can be changed by the fluid pressure. The second fluid chamber therefore forms a compensation space for the displaced damping fluid, that is variable during compression or decompression respectively. The second fluid chamber can be arranged in a very compact structure relative to the first fluid chamber whereby particularly small damping device constructions can be implemented. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment of the invention the said device can have a deformable material portion arranged in the second fluid chamber or a piston displaceable in the second fluid chamber, whereby the volume of the second fluid chamber can be changed when damping fluid flows in or out. Thus instead of the second piston in the second fluid chamber, it is also possible to employ a deformable material portion made from a compressible material such as for example foam rubber. The arrangement of the second piston can—but does not have to—be omitted as the return movement of the first piston produces a reduced pressure and thus a suction effect so that the damping fluid present in the second fluid chamber is at least partially caused to flow back into the first fluid chamber again after damping has taken place. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment of the invention the first fluid chamber has a first longitudinal axis and the second fluid chamber has a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis of the fluid chambers extend parallel to each other or can also extend transversely relative to each other. The passage connecting the two fluid chambers can in principle also be of a very short length (for example in the form of a hole in the function as an overflow opening). It is preferably provided that the passage connecting the two fluid chambers extends from the bottom region of the first fluid chamber to the inlet region of the second fluid chamber. 
         [0022]    In a possible embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the damping device has a first piston and at least one second piston with a linear damping stroke, wherein the direction of the linear damping stroke of the first piston extends substantially parallel or transversely relative to the linear damping stroke of the second piston. 
         [0023]    The first and second pistons can each be guided displaceably in a fluid chamber, wherein the two fluid chambers are connected in serial relationship and are in flow communication by way of the at least one passage. In that way it is possible to reduce the damping stroke of the first piston and therewith the structural size of the damping device. The damping medium of the first fluid chamber, that is displaced during the damping stroke of the first piston, flows through the narrowed passage into the second fluid chamber whereby the flow resistance of the damping fluid present in the first fluid chamber is increased. By virtue of the resulting small structure for the damping device, it can be particularly easily accommodated within the hinge cup. 
         [0024]    In a possible embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the direction of the linear damping stroke of the first piston relative to the linear damping stroke of the second piston includes an angle α, wherein the angle α is between 70 and 110°. In a preferred configuration of the invention it can also be provided that the direction of the linear damping stroke of the first piston relative to the linear damping stroke of the second piston extends at a right angle. 
         [0025]    In a possible embodiment the two fluid chambers can be respectively formed by the internal space of a fluid cylinder. It is however particularly preferred for the fluid chambers to be provided in a housing of the damping device so that the additional provision of fluid cylinders is not absolutely necessary. In that way the damping device can be implemented with a reduced number of components to be employed. 
         [0026]    The damping device can have an actuating element, by which the force can be applied to the damping device, wherein the actuating element can be acted upon by one of the fitment portions or by a hinge lever arranged between the fitment portions, during the hinge movement. The hinge lever which is pivotable during the hinge movement can be caused to immerse into the hinge cup towards the end of the closing movement of the furniture hinge. In that respect a possible configuration provides that at least one of the two pistons is integrally connected to the actuating element. The integral configuration of the actuating element with one of the pistons reduces the number of components, while in addition force can be applied directly to the damping device. 
         [0027]    In a possible embodiment the actuating element can have a linearly displaceable slider which can be acted upon by one of the fitment portions or by a hinge lever arranged between the fitment portions as from a predetermined relative position of the fitment portions with respect to each other. The slider can be in the form of a sliding wedge having an inclined surface which can be acted upon by one of the fitment portions or by the hinge lever towards the end of the closing movement and/or the end of the opening movement. 
         [0028]    To avoid unwanted tilting of the sliding slider during the damping operation it may be advantageous if the slider has a guide—preferably in the form of a slot—, whereby the slider is displaceable relative to a fixing projection arranged on the hinge cup. The fixing projection can be provided at the same time for mounting a spring device which urges the two fitment portions into an end position. In that case the spring device can urge the fitment portions in the direction of the completely open position and/or in the direction of the completely closed position, wherein the spring action begins only towards the end of the closing process and/or towards the end of the opening process. The proposed damping device is therefore desirably provided to damp an opening movement and/or a closing movement over a portion of the total opening angle range of the two fitment portions relative to each other. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    Further details and advantages of the present invention will be described by means of the specific description hereinafter. In the drawings: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an article of furniture having a movable furniture part which is pivotally mounted to the furniture carcass by way of furniture hinges according to the invention, 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a furniture hinge having a damping device integrated in the hinge cup, 
           [0032]      FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b  show a side view of the furniture hinge mounted to the furniture parts in an open position and a cross-sectional view thereof, 
           [0033]      FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b  show a side view of the furniture hinge mounted to the furniture parts in an intermediate position and a cross-sectional view thereof, 
           [0034]      FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b  show a side view of the furniture hinge mounted to the furniture parts in a closed position and a cross-sectional view thereof, 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the damping device, 
           [0036]      FIGS. 7   a - 7   c  show views in horizontal section illustrating positions of the two pistons during the damping stroke and during the return stroke, 
           [0037]      FIGS. 8   a ,  8   b  show an alternative embodiment of a damping device, wherein a deformable material portion is arranged in the second fluid chamber for changing the volume of the second fluid chamber, 
           [0038]      FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b  show a possible embodiment of a damping device which can be mounted and/or removed on the hinge cup without a tool, having a fixing device for fixing to the furniture hinge, 
           [0039]      FIGS. 10   a ,  10   b  show a further embodiment of a damping device which can be releasably fixed within the hinge cup, 
           [0040]      FIGS. 11   a - 11   d  show various views of a further embodiment of a damping device having a release portion for dismantling purposes, 
           [0041]      FIGS. 12   a - 12   d  show a damping device having various configurations of a release portion for dismantling the damping device, 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  shows a highly diagrammatic view of a hinge cup countersunk in a standard bore, wherein the fixing means for fixing the damping device are operative between the housing of the damping device and the bottom and/or a side wall of the hinge cup, and 
           [0043]      FIGS. 14   a - 14   c  show the damping device to be inserted into the hinge cup in a dismantled position and in the mounted position and a slider of the damping device with fixing means provided thereon. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0044]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an article of furniture  1  having a furniture carcass  2 , wherein a movable furniture part  3  in the form of a pivotable door is fixed by way of furniture hinges  4  according to the invention to a frame  2   a  provided or arranged on the furniture carcass  2 . The movable furniture part  3  is mounted pivotably between a closed position of closing the furniture carcass  2  and an open position. 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  shows a possible embodiment of a furniture hinge  4 , wherein a first fitment portion  5  is associated with the furniture carcass  2  and a second fitment portion  6  is associated with the movable furniture part  3 . As shown in the Figure, the carcass fitment portion  5  can be L-shaped or U-shaped and in the mounted position can at least partially embrace the frame  2   a  shown in  FIG. 1 . It will be appreciated that the fitment portion  5  may also be in the form of a hinge arm. The second fitment portion  6  has a hinge cup  6   a  which can be sunk in a bore on the movable furniture part  3 . The hinge cup  6   a  has a flange  6   b  which in the mounted position bears against the inside of the movable furniture part  3 . Arranged between the fitment portion  5  and the hinge cup  6   a  is a hinge lever  7  which is mounted displaceably and/or tiltably relative to the first fitment portion  5  by way of an adjusting device  8 . The hinge lever  7  is mounted pivotably to the hinge cup  6   a  at an axis of rotation on the other side. In the illustrated embodiment therefore the furniture hinge  4  is in the form of a single-axis hinge. It is possible to see a spring device  9  which urges the two fitment portions  5 ,  6  in the direction of the closed position or holds the fitment portions  5 ,  6  in a closed position. A damping device  10  is arranged substantially completely within the hinge cup  6   a,  wherein the damping device  10  is provided for damping a relative movement of the two fitment portions  5 ,  6  relative to each other over a part of the movement through the maximum opening angle of the two fitment portions  5 ,  6 . The damping device  10  has an actuating element  11  in the form of a linearly displaceable slider  11   a  which is acted upon by the hinge lever  7  towards the end of the closing movement of the furniture hinge  6  and thereby applies the force to the damping device  10 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 3   a  shows a side view of the open furniture hinge  4  in the mounted condition. The first fitment portion  5  is fixed to the frame  2   a  of the furniture carcass  2  while the second fitment portion  6  is mounted with the hinge cup  6   a  to the movable furniture part  3 . It is possible to see the damping device  10  whose arcuate peripheral edge is at least partially adapted to the contour of the inside wall of the hinge cup  6   a.  The housing of the damping device  10  can be for example at least approximately of a mushroom-shaped configuration in plan view. The hinge lever  7  which is pivoted during the hinge movement acts on the linearly displaceable slider  11   a  towards the end of the closing movement whereby the damping process is initiated. The Figure also shows the spring device  9  which in the illustrated embodiment performs the function of a closing spring. 
         [0047]      FIG. 3   b  shows a vertical section along the arrows shown in  FIG. 3   a . The carcass fitment portion  5  is fixed to the frame  2   a  by way of a screw  12 . The hinge cup  6   a  is sunk in the movable furniture part  3 , the damping device  10  with the slider  11   a  being completely integrated in the hinge cup  6   a.  The slider  11   a  has an inclined surface  15  which is acted upon by the hinge lever  7  as from a predetermined relative position of the fitment portions  5  and  6  with respect to each other. The slider  11   a  has a slot  13  so that the slider  11   a  is displaceable guidedly during the damping process relative to a fixing projection  14  arranged stationarily on the hinge cup. In the illustrated Figure the hinge lever  7  is in a position of being spaced from the inclined surface  15  of the slider  11   a.    
         [0048]      FIG. 4   a  shows a view similar to  FIG. 3   a , with the difference that the movable furniture part  3  has been further moved in the closing direction and the hinge lever  7  now encounters the slider  11   a  of the damping device  10 , which can be particularly clearly seen from the sectional view in  FIG. 4   b . The cranked hinge lever  7  now abuts against the inclined surface  15  of the slider  11   a  whereby the damping process is initiated. 
         [0049]      FIG. 5   a  shows the completely closed position of the movable furniture part  3  relative to the frame  2   a,  the damping process already being concluded. It can be seen from the sectional view in  FIG. 5   b  that the hinge lever  7  has displaced the slider  11   a  by way of the inclined surface  15  thereof so that the stationary fixing projection  14 , in comparison with  FIG. 4   b , bears against the opposite end of the slot  13 . The movement to be damped has been applied to the damping device  14  by the movement of the slider  11   a.    
         [0050]      FIG. 6  shows the damping device  10  which can be completely integrated into the hinge cup  6   a  and the housing  10   a  of which is at least portion-wise adapted to the inside shape of the hinge cup  6   a.  The housing  10   a  has an arcuate peripheral edge which in the mounted position bears at least region-wise against the inside wall of the hinge cup  6   a.  The slider  11   a  with its inclined surface  15  and its slot  13  is mounted displaceably relative to the housing  10   a  during the damping stroke and during the return stroke. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7   a  shows a perspective view in horizontal section of the damping device  10 , with reference to which the operating principle of the damping device  10  is to be described. The Figure shows a first fluid chamber  16  in which a first piston  16   a  is linearly displaceably guided. The damping device  10  is in the form of a fluid damper, the first fluid chamber  16  being filled with a damping fluid (for example a liquid, an oil or, with a suitable structural size, also with air). A seal  17   a  seals the first piston  16   a  with respect to the inside wall of the first fluid chamber  16 . Associated with the first fluid chamber  16  is a return mechanism  18   a  in the form of a spring which, after the damping stroke has been effected, moves the piston  16   a  back into a position for the next damping stroke again. The return mechanism  18   a  can also be arranged outside the fluid chamber  16 . The slider  11   a  is preferably integrally connected to the first piston  16   a  so that a movement of the slider  11   a  at the same time also leads to movement of the first piston  16   a  into the first fluid chamber  16 . The device  25  arranged in the second fluid chamber  21  for altering the volume in that second fluid chamber, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a displaceable piston  21   a,  by which the volume of the second chamber  21  can be changed when damping fluid flows in or out. 
         [0052]    The damping fluid is pressed through the passage  19  and through a through opening  20   a  in a switching blade  20  into the second fluid chamber  21  by the first piston  16   a  being pushed into the fluid chamber  16 . The seal  17   b  seals the piston  21   a  with respect to the second fluid chamber  21   a.  The second piston  21   a  is also displaced into a rearward end position by the damping fluid being pressed from the first fluid chamber  16  into the second fluid chamber  21 . The damping fluid is exclusively between the first piston  16   a  and the second piston  21   a.  It can be seen that the direction of movement A of the first piston  16   a  extends transversely relative to the direction of movement B of the second piston  21   a.  The direction of movement A of the first piston  16   a  includes an angle a which is preferably between 70° and 110° with the direction of movement B of the second piston  21   a.  Preferably the directions of movement A and B of the first piston  16   a  and the second piston  21   a  are at a right angle to each other. The directions of movement A, B can also extend in mutually parallel spaced relationship. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7   b  shows the first piston  16   a  pushed completely into the first fluid chamber  16 , that is to say the damping process is already concluded. The fact that the piston  16   a  was pushed into the first fluid chamber  16  provided that the damping fluid in the first fluid chamber  16  was pressed through the passage  19 , the opening  20   a  in the switching blade  20  and the through-flow opening  22   a  into the second fluid chamber  21 , whereupon the second piston  21   a  was displaced within the second fluid chamber  21  into the rearward end position shown. The size of the through opening  20   a  in the switching blade  20  increases with increasing pressure actuation by the damping fluid, whereby the flow cross-section of the through opening  20   a  can be increased. The switching blade  20  is preferably made from rubber-elastic material. 
         [0054]    In  FIG. 7   c  the two pistons  16   a,    21   a  have been partially returned again by the two return mechanisms  18   a,    18   b  so that the pistons  16   a,    21   a  are moved in the direction of the readiness position shown in  FIG. 7   a  again. The return mechanism  18   b  therefore moves the second piston  21   a  in the opposite direction again, in which case the damping fluid in the second fluid chamber  21  can flow back through the two through-flow openings  21   a  and  21   b.  Starting from the first position shown in  FIG. 7   b  (in which the damping fluid flows exclusively through the through opening  20   a  into the second fluid chamber  21 ) the switching blade  20  was moved into a second position as shown in  FIG. 7   c  in which the switching blade  20  lifts off the through-flow openings  22   a,    22   b  so that, in the return stroke, the damping fluid can also flow back around the switching blade  20  in the direction of the first fluid chamber  16 . In that way the damping device  10  can be very quickly moved into a readiness position for the next damping stroke again. At the same time the first piston  16   a  of the first fluid chamber  16  is also moved back by the return mechanism  18   a  and can again assume the readiness position. It can also be provided that the arrangement of the second return mechanism  18   b  can be omitted and only the first return mechanism  18   a  is provided. In that way the return movement of the first piston  16   a  results in a reduced pressure being produced in the first fluid chamber  16 , by which the damping fluid coming from the second fluid chamber  21  due to a suction effect passes into the first fluid chamber  16  again. Starting from  FIG. 7   c  the two pistons  16   a,    21   a  can again be moved back into the starting position shown in  FIG. 7   a.    
         [0055]    The switching blade  20  therefore performs a triple function, more specifically a) for building up the pressure of the damping medium in the first fluid chamber  16 , b) overload safeguard by radial expansion of the through opening  20  so that the flow cross-section can be increased, and c) damping return by lifting the switching blade  20  off the through-flow openings  22   a  and  22   b.    
         [0056]    In an embodiment of the invention it is provided that the piston surface of the first piston  60  and the piston surface of the second piston  21  have an operative piston surface of the same size. It is however also possible for the effective piston surface of the first piston  16   a  and that of the second piston  21   a  to be of differing sizes so that it is possible to provide a travel step-down effect in respect of the second piston  21 . When therefore the effective piston surface of the second piston  21  is larger than that of the first piston  16 , a damping stroke of the first piston  16   a  also leads to a reduced damping stroke of the second piston  21   a.  The length of the second fluid chamber  21  and thus the size of the housing  10   a  can possibly also be reduced by virtue of the reduced damping stroke of the second piston  21   a.    
         [0057]      FIG. 8   a  shows an alternative embodiment of a damping device  10 . Similarly to the embodiment of  FIGS. 7   a - 7   c,  there is provided a slider  11   a  which is integrally connected to the first piston  16   a  so that the first piston  16   a  engages into the first fluid chamber  16  in the damping stroke. A seal  17   a  seals off the first piston  16   a  relative to the first fluid chamber  16 . In the damping stroke the damping fluid displaced by the first piston  16   a  can flow by way of the through opening  20   a  in the switching blade  20  and through the through-flow opening  22   a  into the second fluid chamber  21 . In the illustrated embodiment the device  25  arranged in the second fluid chamber  21  includes a compressible deformable material portion, by which the volume of the second fluid chamber  21  can be altered when damping fluid flows in or out.  FIG. 8   a  shows the first piston  16   a  in a readiness position for the damping stroke. In  FIG. 8   b  the fact of the first piston  16   a  being pushed into the first fluid chamber  16  provided that the damping fluid was urged into the second fluid chamber  25  by way of the above-described common paths, whereby the device  25  was deformed and the volume of the second fluid chamber  21  increased. When the slider  11   a  is no longer acted upon by the hinge lever  17  of the furniture hinge  4  then the first piston  16   a  of the first fluid chamber  16  is moved back into the position shown in  FIG. 8   a  again by the return mechanism  18   a.  As a result, a reduced pressure is produced in the first fluid chamber  16 , whereby the suction effect causes the fluid in the second fluid chamber  21  to be drawn back through the through-flow openings  22   a,    22   b  and around the switching blade  20  into the first fluid chamber  16  again, whereupon the device  25  of the second fluid chamber  21  also expands again and again assumes the  FIG. 8   a  position. It is therefore not absolutely necessary for a displaceable second piston  21   a  having its own return mechanism  18   b  also to be provided in the second fluid chamber  21 . The device  25  can have a compressible material portion (for example a TPU plastic portion or a foam rubber). It will be appreciated that the device  25  can also include a second piston  21   a  as described hereinbefore, which is supported displaceably within the second fluid chamber  21 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  show a possible embodiment illustrating how the furniture hinge  4  can also be fitted with a damping device  10  subsequently (that is to say retro-fitted either at the factory or also by a user).  FIG. 9   a  shows the carcass fitment portion  5  and the door fitment portion  6  with the hinge cup  6   a  connected pivotably to the carcass fitment portion  5  by way of the hinge lever  7 . The hinge lever  7  is mounted to the hinge cup  6   a  at the axis of rotation S. Provided on the hinge cup  6   a  are diagrammatically shown fixing means  23  (for example in the form of a recess, a latching edge or an opening  23   a ) while the housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  is provided with corresponding fixing means  24  (for example in the form of a resilient arresting element  24   a ). The housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  can therefore be releasably connected to the hinge cup in the illustrated mounting position by way of the first and second fixing means  23 ,  24 , preferably being automatically latchable. 
         [0059]      FIG. 9   b  shows the damping device  10  with the housing  10   a  and the slider  11   a  displaceable relative thereto. For fixing to the furniture hinge  4  the housing  10   a  has fixing means  24  with at least one arresting element  24   a  which is in engagement in the mounted position with the opening  23   a,  shown in  FIG. 9   a , of the hinge cup  6   a.  In that way the housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  can be fixed relative to the hinge cup  6   a.  In contrast to the slot  13  shown in  FIG. 6  the slot  13  in  FIG. 9   b  is open downwardly in order thereby to fit the slider  11   a  and therewith the damping device  10  subsequently to the fixing projection  14  shown in  FIGS. 3   b ,  4   b  and  5   b  respectively. In the mounted condition of the housing  10   a  the arcuate peripheral surface thereof bears against the inside wall of the hinge cup  6   a  and does not project beyond the hinge cup  6   a.  The arresting element  24   a  is resilient, is acted upon by a spring or is formed directly by a spring and can be moved from the mounted position on the hinge cup  6   a  into a release position by applying pressure in opposition to the spring force of the arresting element  24   a  so that the housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  can be removed again from the hinge cup  6   a.  The fixing means  24  with the arresting element  24   a  and the opening  23   a  on or in the hinge cup  6   a  is only shown by way of example, it will be appreciated that other possible forms of mounting and removal are also possible. In a kinematic reversal it is also possible for the resilient arresting element to be arranged on the hinge cup  6   a  and for the opening  23   a  or latching edge also to be arranged on the housing  10   a  of the damping device  10 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 10   a  shows a further possible way of fixing a damping device  10  which can be arranged in the mounted position entirely within a hinge cup  6   a.  The damping device  10  includes a housing  10   a  which can be fitted into the hinge cup  6   a  from above (therefore substantially at a right angle to the bottom of the hinge cup). The housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  has a first fixing means  24  in the form of a clip-like or circlip-like spring while the hinge cup  6   a  is provided with second fixing means  23  in the form of an elongate recess  23   a,  wherein the housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  and the hinge cup  6   a  can be releasably connected together in the mounted position by way of the first and second fixing means  23 ,  24 . It is also possible to see a fixing projection  14  arranged within the hinge cup  6   a  and extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation S of the furniture hinge  4 . In the interior of the hinge cup  6   a  the fixing projection  14  has a recess  40  provided for receiving and guiding the linearly displaceable slider  11   a.  The flattening afforded by the recess  40 , or the lower position of the fixing projection  14 , permits an enlarged structural space for the housing  10   a  of the damping device  10 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 10   b  shows the mounted position of the damping device  10  within the hinge cup  6   a.  In that position the damping device  10  does not project beyond the plane of the opening of the hinge cup  6   a.  The housing  10   a  has a shoulder-shaped abutment  25   a  which in the mounted position is supported against a corresponding counterpart abutment  25   b  of the hinge cup  6   a.  The peripheral surface of the damping device  10  is adapted to the contour of the internal space in the hinge cup  6   a.  Towards the end of the closing movement of the movable furniture part  3  relative to the stationary furniture carcass  2  the hinge lever  7  bears against the slider  11   a  of the damping device  10 , whereby the damping process is initiated. 
         [0062]      FIG. 11   a  shows a possible way of removing the damping device  10  fixed in the hinge cup  6   a.  The housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  has at least one release portion  26 , by which the connection between the first and second fixing means  23 ,  24  is releasable so that the housing  10   a  can be completely removed. The housing  10   a  can be levered out of the hinge cup  6   a  by applying a screwdriver  27  to the release portion  26  and the carcass abutment portion  5 . Removal is of relevance in that respect as a damping effect for the mobile hinge  4  is sometimes not wanted at all. If for example the movable furniture part  3  is pivotably mounted to the furniture carcass  2  by way of a plurality of furniture hinges  4 , it may be sufficient for only one furniture hinge  4  to be fitted with a damping device  10 , while the other furniture hinges  4  do not have any damping device in order thereby to ensure reliable closure of lighter movable furniture parts  3 .  FIG. 11  b shows a perspective view from the front of the damping device  10 , from which it is possible to see the housing  10   a  with the shoulder-shaped abutment  25   a  and the linearly displaceable slider  11   a.  In the illustrated embodiment the release portion  26  for dismantling of the damping device  10  is provided in one piece on the housing  10   a.    FIG. 11   c  shows a perspective view from the front of the damping device  10  while  FIG. 11   d  shows a perspective view from the front of the damping device  10 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 12   a  shows a further possible way of dismantling the damping device  10  by means of a slot-type screwdriver  27  which in the illustrated embodiment can engage the linearly displaceable slider  11   a.  Various configurations of the release portion  26  are shown in  FIGS. 12 through 12   d.  In  FIG. 12   b  the release portion  26  is in the form of a bar projecting upwardly from the housing  10   a.  In  FIG. 12   c  the release portion  26  is in the form of a recess in the displaceable slider  11   a,  the release portion  26  being adapted to receive a cross-head screwdriver. In  FIG. 12   d  the release portion  26  is also provided on the slider  11   a  and the release portion  26  with the slider  11   a  jointly provide a slot-shaped recess in which a slot-type screwdriver can engage for dismantling of the damping device  10 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 13  shows a highly diagrammatic view of a hinge cup  6   a  sunk in a provided standard bore  30  in the movable furniture part  3 . The hinge cup  6   a  has a bottom  31  and a side wall  29  extending therearound. The damping device  10  with the housing  10   a  and the linearly displaceable slider  11   a  includes first fixing means  24  while second fixing means  23  are associated with the hinge cup  6   a,  wherein the housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  can be releasably connected together in the intended mounted position by way of the first and second fixing means  23 ,  24 . The second fixing means  24  of the housing  10   a  can therefore be releasably connected to the bottom  31  of the hinge cup  6   a  and/or to a side wall  29  thereof. The hinge lever  7  mounted at the axis of rotation S acts on the linearly displaceable slider  11   a  as from a predetermined relative position of the hinge cup  6   a  whereby the slider is pushed into the housing  10   a  and initiates the damping process. 
         [0065]      FIG. 14   a  shows a perspective view of the furniture hinge  4 , wherein the fitment portion  5  in the form of the hinge arm is hingedly connected to the hinge cup  6   a  by way of at least one hinge lever  7 . The housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  can be fitted into the hinge cup  6   a  from above when the hinge levers  7  and the hinge arm  5  are mounted, and can be releasably fixed therein. The damping device  10  has a slider  11   a  movable relative to the housing  10   a,  wherein the first fixing means  24  are provided on the slider  11   a  so that the housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  can be releasably connected to the hinge cup  6   a  indirectly by way of the slider  11   a.  In the illustrated Figure the second fixing means  23  of the hinge cup  6   a  are formed by a fixing projection  14  which projects laterally inwardly from an inside wall of the hinge cup  6   a  and is provided for connection to the slider  11   a.  The fixing projection  14  can pass through the side wall of the hinge cup  6   a  and in so doing also serve to receive the spring device  9 , by which the furniture hinge  4  is movable into the completely closed position. 
         [0066]      FIG. 14   b  shows the damping device  10  when subsequently fitted into the hinge cup  6   a.  The housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  has an arcuate peripheral edge adapted to the inside shape of the hinge cup  6   a.  The housing  10   a  of the damping device  10  has at least one preferably shoulder-shaped abutment  25   a  which is additionally supported at an inside wall of the hinge cup  6   a  so that the housing  10   a  is held at least partially in positively locking relationship within the hinge cup  6   a.  Towards the end of the closing movement of the hinge  4  the hinge lever  7  encounters the slider  11   a,  whereupon it is pushed into the housing  10   a  and the closing movement of the hinge  4  is thus damped. 
         [0067]      FIG. 14   c  shows a highly diagrammatic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a slider  11   a.  The slider  11   a  is provided with an inclined surface  15  provided for contact with the hinge lever  7 . The first fixing means  24  arranged on the slider  11   a  include at least one guide groove  43 , extending in the longitudinal direction of the slider, for the second fixing means  23  arranged on the hinge cup  6   a,  preferably for the fixing projection  14  arranged in the hinge cup  6   a  (see  FIG. 14   a ) for fixing the slider  11   a.  In addition there is an introduction opening  41 , through which the fixing projection  14  can be arranged in the guide groove  43 . The slider  11   a  can thus be moved relative to the fixing projection  14  in such a way that the fixing projection  14  can be passed through the introduction opening  41  and positioned in the guide groove  43 . In the damping stroke therefore the slider  11   a  can be displaced relative to the fixing projection  14  mounted in the guide groove  43 . To remove the damping device  10  the fixing projection  14  is again threaded through the introduction opening so that the housing  10  can again be moved out of the hinge cup  6   a.  In the illustrated embodiment the slider  11   a  has on both longitudinal sides guide grooves  43  provided for receiving two fixing projections  14  disposed in mutually opposite relationship in the hinge cup  6   a.    
         [0068]    The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments but includes or extends to all variants and technical equivalents which can fall within the scope of the appended claims. The positional references adopted in the description such as for example up, down, lateral and so forth are also related to the directly described and illustrated Figure and are to be appropriately transferred to the new position upon a change in position.