U.S. patent application number 11/595016 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-10 for device for opening and closing a movable furniture part, and furniture part.
Invention is credited to Harald Hagen, Peter Kropf, Klaus Schneider, Dieter Seewald.
Application Number | 20070103041 11/595016 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37692650 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070103041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kropf; Peter ; et
al. |
May 10, 2007 |
Device for opening and closing a movable furniture part, and
furniture part
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for opening and closing a
movable furniture part, in particular a drawer (1), door, leaf, or
the like, whereby the movable furniture part (1) may be locked and
released, and may be pressed in by a specified distance and then
extended. According to the invention, the device has at least one
locking element and at least one push-out element which is
separated from the locking element. The invention further relates
to a furniture part having such a device.
Inventors: |
Kropf; Peter; (Hard, AT)
; Schneider; Klaus; (Hoechst, AT) ; Seewald;
Dieter; (Walzenhausen, AT) ; Hagen; Harald;
(Lustenau, AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KILPATRICK STOCKTON LLP
1001 WEST FOURTH STREET
WINSTON-SALEM
NC
27101
US
|
Family ID: |
37692650 |
Appl. No.: |
11/595016 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/333 ;
312/319.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05Y 2800/11 20130101;
E05B 65/46 20130101; E05F 1/1041 20130101; E05Y 2201/232 20130101;
E05C 19/022 20130101; E05C 19/16 20130101; E05Y 2900/20 20130101;
E05Y 2201/22 20130101; A47B 88/463 20170101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/333 ;
312/319.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 88/04 20060101
A47B088/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 10, 2005 |
AT |
AT GM 765/2005 |
Feb 6, 2006 |
AT |
AT GM 86/2006 |
Claims
1. Device for opening and closing a movable furniture part,
comprising at least one locking element of the device and at least
one push-out element of the device which is separated from the
locking element, whereby the movable furniture part may be locked
and released, and may be pressed in by a specified distance and
then extended.
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the push-out element
comprises a cylinder and a piston rod which may be moved
therein.
3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the push-out element is
mounted on a guide by means of which the movable furniture part is
movably guided relative to a body.
4. Device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
push-out element or the push-out element together with a stop are
integrated into a drawer guide.
5. Device according to claim 1, wherein the push-out element is
combined in a unit which is separated from the locking element.
6. Device according to claim 1, wherein the push-out element is
mounted at a distance from the locking element.
7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the push-out element is
positioned at a distance from the locking element in a locked state
of the movable furniture part.
8. Device according to claim 6, wherein the push-out element is
positioned at a distance from the locking element in an unlocked
state of the movable furniture part.
9. Device according to claim 1, further comprising fitting means
located on a fitting side of the movable furniture part, whereby
the push-out element acts at or near the fitting side, and the
locking element acts at or near a side of the furniture part which
is opposite the fitting side.
10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the push-out element is
separated from the fitting means.
11. Device according to claim 1, further comprising a locking unit
of the device having at least two locking elements which are
coupled to one another in a synchronous and essentially play-free
manner by use of at least one of a path- or a force-transmitting
means, and having at least one push-out element that is separated
from the locking elements.
12. Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking
element has one of a substantially heart-shaped cam stop mechanism,
or a ratchet stop mechanism.
13. Device according to claim 1, further comprising two push-out
elements for the movable furniture part, one for each side of the
movable furniture part.
14. Device according to claim 1, further comprising an energy
storage element for the push-out element of which a force can be
set.
15. Device according to claim 1, wherein the push-out element is
one of indirectly or directly mounted on a drawer rail.
16. Device according to claim 1, wherein the push-out element is
one of indirectly or directly mounted on a body rail.
17. Device according to claim 3, wherein the push-out element is
mounted on a guide rail, and a coupling part is provided on an
ejector for the push-out element which can be coupled to and
uncoupled from another guide rail.
18. Device according to claim 1, wherein one of a locking unit or
the locking element is one of indirectly or directly mounted on a
stationary furniture part and in a closed position engages with one
of the movable furniture part or a drawer rail.
19. Device according to claim 1, wherein one of a locking unit or
the locking element is one of indirectly or directly mounted on the
movable furniture part and in a closed position engages one of
indirectly or directly with a stationary furniture part.
20. Device according to claim 1, further comprising means for
bringing an energy storage element for the push-out element into a
starting position of the energy storage element before the movable
furniture part is moved to a fully closed again position.
21. Device according to claim 1, further comprising a retracting
device mounted one of indirectly or directly on one of a locking
unit or on at least one locking element, and the retracting device
assists in the conclusion of a closing process for the movable
furniture part.
22. Furniture part equipped with the device for opening and closing
the movable furniture part according to claim 1.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a device for opening and closing a
movable furniture part according to Claim 1, and a furniture part
according to Claim 22.
[0002] Devices for opening and closing drawers, doors, leaves, or
other movable furniture parts are known. For example, for esthetic
reasons it is possible that such furniture parts do not have
handles and are provided with so-called touch latch fittings,
whereby the drawer, door, or leaf is pressed in by a specified
distance and is then pulled out or opened by means of a mechanism
having energy storage.
[0003] A disadvantage of the prior art is that these devices
require a relatively large release path, and in particular cannot
be released and locked from any given pressure point on a drawer
front, door, or the like with overall consistently short release
paths and using the same forces.
[0004] It is also disadvantageous that the stored potential energy
must be converted to kinetic energy for the movable furniture part
over a relatively short acceleration path. To accomplish a desired
wide swing-out of the movable furniture part, a high velocity must
be reached over a short acceleration path. This requires a powerful
energy storage element which, however, must be reloaded over a
short path and with an unacceptably great force when closed by the
user.
[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a device for
opening and closing a movable furniture part or the like which
allows the movable furniture part to be opened and closed by manual
activation at any given location on said furniture part, with a
small opening and closing pressure and a short release path,
whereby the opening path of the movable furniture part is
relatively large. To this end, the approach is designed to be
economical and retrofittable, and, if required by the furniture
manufacturer, easily adaptable to the width of the furniture part
or usable for various standard fittings.
[0006] This object is achieved by claims 1 and 22.
[0007] Practical refinements of the invention are stated in the
dependent claims.
[0008] The invention is first directed to a device for opening and
closing a movable furniture part, in particular a drawer, door,
leaf, or the like, it being possible to lock and release the
movable furniture part and to push in and then extend the furniture
part by a specified distance. An important aspect of the invention
is that the device has at least one locking element, and at least
one push-out element which is separated from the locking element.
The push-out element is used in particular to move, i.e., push out
or eject, the closed and unlocked movable furniture part in the
opening direction. The movable furniture part may thereby be set in
motion from a stationary position. In the closed position the
movable furniture part may be locked or arrested with respect to a
stationary furniture body, for example, it being possible to
release the lock or the arrest by means of a release action, such
as by hand directly on the movable furniture part or, for example,
by activating an unlocking switch. A mechanical locking element in
particular may be considered for the lock. However, other locking
elements are also possible which may include, for example, a
magnetic or electric lock.
[0009] For narrow furniture parts a locking element having one
push-out element may be sufficient. For larger dimensions of a
movable furniture part, multiple locking elements and/or push-out
elements are also possible.
[0010] By use of the push-out element, the movable furniture part
which has just previously been unlocked is to be moved from a
closed position over a first partial distance of the entire
possible opening path in the opening direction. The push-out
element in particular imparts momentum to the movable furniture
part by which the beginning, i.e., the first segment, of the
opening motion of the movable furniture part is initiated. In
particular, the push-out element should not be in contact with the
movable furniture part over the entire opening motion or the entire
opening path of the movable furniture part. Likewise, the extended
push-out element may be in contact with the movable furniture part
over the last segment of the closing motion, or has already
returned to its starting position.
[0011] A significant advantage of the system according to the
invention is that installation may be improved as a result of the
separation between the locking element and the push-out element,
and in particular less space is sacrificed for the movable
furniture part; i.e., an ejection path of the movable furniture
part from a closed position to an open position is improved.
[0012] In particular, it is possible to influence the release or
unlocking action, i.e., the device, by external application of
force indirectly or directly on the front panel of the movable
furniture part, particularly by a user.
[0013] It is particularly advantageous for the push-out element to
comprise a cylinder and a piston rod which may be moved therein. In
this manner, a component may advantageously be used as a push-out
element which is insertable as a standard component in a
comparatively advantageous manner. Thus, as the result of its
conforming shape or external dimensions such a push-out element may
be easily mounted in particular at locations on the furniture part
or on fittings or guides present thereon, on which similarly shaped
or other similar insertable components, such as pads, may be
located for damping the motion of the movable furniture part. As a
result of the piston rod moving while the cylinder remains
stationary, or vice versa, contact of the piston rod or of the
cylinder with a counterpart section moves the movable furniture
part in the opening direction when the piston rod and cylinder move
relative to one another by spring impingement, for example. This
relative motion is generally not possible in the locked state.
[0014] In principle, the push-out element may have an alternative
design, having, for example, an ejecting or pushing element in a
non-cylindrical guide.
[0015] It is also advantageous for the push-out element to be
mounted on a guide by means of which the movable furniture part is
movably guided relative to a body. Thus, the push-out element may
be positioned, for example, on a drawer guide for a drawer which is
slidably accommodated on a furniture body. A guide may include one
component or multiple components, for example. Drawer guides in
particular may have a body rail that is fastened to the stationary
furniture body, a drawer rail that is fastened to the movable
drawers, and, optionally, a center rail which acts between
same.
[0016] By use of this system the push-out element may be
accommodated in a particularly space-economizing manner or on
existing components, for example within the external contour
thereof.
[0017] In one preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the
invention, the push-out element(s) together with a stop are
integrated into a drawer guide. The push-out element(s) or the (at
least one) locking element preferably act indirectly or directly
between the movable furniture part and the stationary furniture
part, for example the furniture body. The push-out element may, for
example, be integrated into the drawer guide, such as indirectly or
directly on the drawer rail, body rail, or center rail.
[0018] It is particularly advantageous for the push-out element to
be included in a component that is separated from the locking
element. As an inherent, i.e., intrinsic, component which forms a
functional part, the push-out element may advantageously be
manufactured or independently installed on the device, or later
removed. In its design as a separate part, the push-out element may
also be easily removed from its attachment point at any time, which
is advantageous for assembly, functional inspection, or repair or
replacement of the element, for example. Furthermore, as a result
of the separate push-out element the extent of the spatial
separation of the locking element and the push-out element may be
realized in a variable manner.
[0019] The push-out element preferably is provided at a distance
from the locking element. These elements may be accommodated in
various ways as a result of the separation of the push-out element
from the locking element. In particular, the two elements are
positioned without contacting, or closely adjacent to one another.
The distance may, for example, be within the range of a length of a
guide rail for a drawer rail, or of a width, height, or length
dimension of the movable furniture part.
[0020] The push-out element is advantageously positioned at a
distance from the locking element in the locked state of the
movable furniture part. This is particularly advantageous with
regard to a space-economizing arrangement of the device, in
particular in the locked state of the movable furniture part. As
the result of the closed position on the body, the furniture parts
meet one another in a compact relative position, in which case in
particular optimal use must be made of the available installation
space.
[0021] In a further embodiment of the subject matter of the
invention, the push-out element is positioned at a distance from
the locking element in the unlocked state of the movable furniture
part. In this manner the attachment of the push-out element and of
the locking element may be adapted to spatial requirements in a
particularly flexible manner. For example, the push-out element may
be advantageously attached to the movable furniture part or to a
part that is mounted on the movable furniture part, whereas the
locking element is positioned on stationary parts, for example a
furniture body. Thus, for example, the push-out element may be
advantageously mounted in the partially or completely open state of
the movable furniture part, in particular to achieve spatial
correction of the push-out element and locking element, or to make
optimal use of the available space.
[0022] It is further proposed that the device comprises a locking
unit having at least two locking elements which are coupled to one
another in a synchronous and essentially play-free manner by use of
path- and/or force-transmitting means, and has at least one
push-out element that is separated from the locking elements. The
path- and/or force-transmitting means may be attached between the
locking elements in a form-fit or friction-fit manner, for example,
or in such a way that they are adjustable in width or length. A
movable furniture part may be very precisely and reliably held
locked in a closed position by means of two locking elements in a
locking unit which are connected by means of a torsion rod, for
example. Thus, for example, by use of the two locking elements a
particularly secure locked position may be established, which may
be advantageous for heavily loaded movable furniture parts, for
example.
[0023] In addition, double or, if needed, multiple security in the
locked state may be provided by the (at least two) locking
elements. Advantageously, one push-out element that is separated
from the locking elements is generally sufficient to move the
movable furniture part from the released closed position to the
open position following the unlocking action.
[0024] In a further embodiment of the subject matter of the
invention, at least one locking element has a stop mechanism, such
as a heart-shaped cam or ratchet. In particular, one locking
element has a stop mechanism, and the other locking element or the
other locking elements are provided without a stop mechanism. When,
for example, one locking element has a stop mechanism and another
locking element is provided without a stop mechanism, the entire
system may have a design that is simple and unsusceptible to
malfunction. A faulty release of the locking element can thus be
avoided, according to which the locked state is specified only by
the locking element together with the heart-shaped cam or ratchet.
However, all locking elements may have, for example, a
spring-loaded or gravity-actuated locking mechanism which is used
in particular to automatically assist the actual unlocking process.
Thus, a small force which is negligible compared to the actual
ejecting force from the push-out element may act relatively briefly
on the movable furniture part in the opening direction. In
principle, many other locks or stop mechanisms are possible for the
locking elements. For example, two locking elements may be
connected via a connecting element or torsion rod in a friction-fit
or form-fit manner, the width or length, for example, of the
torsion rod being adjustable by use of a telescoping system, among
others, for the adjustment.
[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment there are two
push-out elements for each movable furniture part, preferably one
for each side of the movable furniture part. The push-out elements
may be attached directly to the movable furniture part, or to the
stationary furniture part or a component mounted thereon. It is
also possible to attach the push-out elements to a guide rail or
fitting connected to the movable furniture part. The ejecting
motion of the movable furniture part may thus be achieved in a
particularly precise and smooth manner. In particular, jamming of
the movable furniture part as the result of one-sided application
of force, for example, may be avoided during ejection. The push-out
elements in particular may act simultaneously or in an identical
manner, although in principle these elements may also exert
different ejecting forces or may act in a time-offset or sequential
manner.
[0026] The opening path of the movable furniture part is influenced
in particular by the power of the energy storage element or the
length of the plunger or piston rod of the push-out element, among
other factors. These parts are preferably attached to the push-out
element so as to be replaceable or adjustable in length.
[0027] It is also advantageous for the power of the energy storage
element for the push-out element to be adjustable. In this manner
it is possible to influence the intensity of the ejection of the
movable furniture part or the opening path of the movable furniture
part produced by the push-out element. Thus, in particular an
ejection characteristic or ejection force may be adjusted or
adapted to various difficult-to-move furniture parts or masses, or
to frictional resistances when the furniture part is moved.
[0028] It is further proposed that a push-out element is indirectly
or directly mounted on a drawer rail.
[0029] It is possible for the push-out element to have good
accessibility from a user side of the drawer, in particular when
the drawer is at least partially open. This may be particularly
advantageous for replacement of the push-out element or for
repairs. It is also not necessary to remove the drawer for this
purpose. In principle, it is also possible for the push-out element
to be attached directly to the drawer.
[0030] In one alternative embodiment, the push-out element is
indirectly or directly mounted on a body rail. The push-out element
or at least one of multiple push-out elements may be attached at
different locations on the body rail or the stationary furniture
body. Thus, multiple attachment points, in particular offset in the
opening direction, are possible for the push-out element by means
of which the device may be advantageously used in a flexible
manner, i.e., for different furniture systems.
[0031] In a further preferred embodiment of the subject matter
according to the invention, the push-out element is mounted on a
guide rail, and a coupling part which is provided on the ejector
for the push-out element may be coupled to and uncoupled from
another guide rail. Thus, for example, for furniture having
furniture parts which are movable on guide rails, such as drawers,
a number of different attachment variations may be implemented.
[0032] It is advantageous for the push-out element to be mounted on
a guide rail which is attached to the furniture body, whereby the
coupling part may be coupled and uncoupled with respect to a guide
rail which is attached to the movable furniture part. In principle,
a reversed attachment is also possible in which, for example, the
push-out element is fastened to a guide rail which is attached to
the movable furniture part, and the coupling part may be coupled
and uncoupled with respect to a guide rail which is attached to the
body. The coupling and uncoupling may be performed, for example, by
means of a catch element matched to the coupling part.
[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment of the subject matter
of the invention, the locking unit or the locking element is
indirectly or directly mounted on a stationary furniture part,
preferably a body, and in a closed position engages with the
movable furniture part or with the drawer rail.
[0034] The reverse may also be advantageous and is not excluded,
whereby the locking element or locking elements are indirectly or
directly mounted on the movable furniture part, preferably on the
back side, and in the closed position engage with the stationary
furniture part, preferably engaging directly with the body or
indirectly with a component fastened thereto.
[0035] It is further provided that the locking element(s) act
indirectly or directly between the movable furniture parts and the
stationary furniture parts. For example, by means of the locking
element the movable furniture part is held in its closed position
on a connecting element provided on the movable furniture part.
[0036] It is further proposed to provide an additional device by
which the energy storage element for the push-out element may be
brought into its starting position before the movable furniture
part is fully closed again.
[0037] In addition to the device for opening and closing, a
separate or integrated device may be present which brings the
energy storage element for the push-out element into its starting
position, i.e., its loaded position, before the movable furniture
part is fully closed again. This is advantageous because it is not
necessary for the user to exert additional force or effort when
closing the movable furniture part.
[0038] It is further preferred that a retracting device is
indirectly or directly mounted on the locking unit or on at least
one locking element, and that the retracting device assists in the
conclusion of the closing process for the movable furniture part.
The movable furniture part may in particular close automatically
and/or in a damped manner, for example by means of an automatic
retractor or a motion damper, in particular a fluid damper.
[0039] This additional device is a mechanical, magnetic, electric,
pneumatic, or hydraulic device, for example.
[0040] Alternatively, a retracting device such as a mechanical,
magnetic, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic device may be
indirectly or directly mounted on the locking units to assist in
the conclusion of the closing process for the movable furniture
part. This retracting device may be equipped with a tubular motor,
for example.
[0041] The locking element or multiple locking elements are
mounted, preferably in a detachable manner, to the corresponding
furniture part by snapping on, plugging in, clamping, or screwing,
for example.
[0042] It is also advantageous when the position of each locking
element is adjustable in the depth and/or height of the furniture
part, preferably independently from the other locking element or
the other locking elements.
[0043] Furthermore, a transport and assembly protection element may
be provided which holds the drawer guide in its closed position
until the drawer guide is installed in the furniture part.
[0044] In one alternative embodiment of the device according to the
invention for opening and closing a movable furniture part, in
particular a door, leaf, drawer, or the like, reliable opening with
a widely propelled path and closing by use of acceptable user force
are permitted.
[0045] This embodiment includes at least one push-in element having
an energy storage element and a lock which are installed separate
from one another, preferably at a considerable distance, i.e.,
fastened to the furniture part at a distance from one another.
[0046] The advantage of this device is that conventional fittings
and/or hinges may be used, and hinges with pressure springs, for
example, are not necessary. This device may thus be used for
practically all furniture doors and leaves due to its
characteristic adjustability.
[0047] The device may be influenced by external application of
force on the front panel of the movable furniture part, in
particular the external application of force by a user.
[0048] For the device, the push-in element may act at or near the
fitting side, and the lock may act at or near the side of the
furniture part which is opposite the fitting side.
[0049] In addition, the push-in element may be separate from the
existing furniture fitting.
[0050] According to one embodiment, the push-in element has a
swivel spring mounted in a housing. The housing preferably is
indirectly or directly screwed into the cover of the furniture
body, at or near the fitting side. This arrangement allows a larger
opening path, and at the same time the push-in element remains
compact. Other installation options, for example without the use of
tools, such as gluing the housing to the furniture part, or
press-in dowels, or known quick-mounting fasteners such as
expansion anchors are possible.
[0051] It is further proposed that the opening path and/or the
opening force for the movable furniture part are settable or
adjustable, preferably by adjustment of the spring. It is
advantageous when the elastic force of the push-in element is
settable, whereby the rear end of the spring may be positioned in
various grids. This allows the same push-in element to be used for
light, i.e., small, and heavy, i.e., large, doors or leaves: for a
light, i.e., small, movable furniture part a low pretensioning
force of the spring is required, whereas for a heavy, i.e., large,
movable furniture part a high pretensioning force of the spring is
required. The opening force and/or opening speed of the movable
furniture part depends on the pretensioning force of the spring,
among other factors.
[0052] The opening path of the movable furniture part depends,
among other factors, on the length of the pivot lever of the spring
and the working angle of the spring.
[0053] It is preferable for a roller to be indirectly or directly
attached to the spring. The end of the pivot lever preferably
presses indirectly against the movable furniture part during the
opening process. A roller is indirectly or directly mounted on this
end, and is in temporary contact with the movable furniture
part.
[0054] Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide tolerance
compensation for the spring end. For example, production tolerances
of the spring end may be compensated for, such as by providing a
conical bearing or prism bearing in a housing for the spring end,
it being possible to support the roller in this housing as
well.
[0055] In one preferred embodiment the lock is a magnetic lock;
i.e., a magnetic lock is provided which is known as such. Compared
to a mechanical lock, such a lock has advantages in that it allows
a simple and effortless adjustment, primarily a height or side
adjustment, of the movable furniture part.
[0056] However, other arrangements and/or designs of the push-in
element and the lock are not excluded. The push-in element could,
for example, be mounted on the movable furniture part and
temporarily pressed indirectly or directly onto the furniture body.
The function of this device is not changed, regardless of whether
the push-in element and/or the lock are both mounted in the upper
or lower section of the furniture part, or are mounted in an offset
manner with one element above and one element below. The
positioning of the elements on opposite sides as mentioned above is
advantageous, but is a recommendation only, not a strict
requirement. The push-in element and lock could be provided on the
same furniture side.
[0057] The invention is further directed to a piece of furniture or
furniture part, in particular a furniture drawer, door, leaf, or
the like, characterized in that the furniture part is equipped with
one of the above-referenced devices for opening and closing.
[0058] The invention in particular encompasses a movable furniture
door or leaf which is connected to a furniture body by means of
fittings, whereby the furniture part has one of the
above-referenced devices.
[0059] The invention is described in greater detail below with
reference to various exemplary embodiments and description of
further advantages and features, whereby the embodiments are
provided by way of example and are not to be construed as
limiting.
[0060] The figures show the following:
[0061] FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a drawer in a
body, in the pulled-out position;
[0062] FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of a furniture
drawer in a furniture body, with an embodiment of the locking
unit;
[0063] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of FIG. 2;
[0064] FIG. 4 shows a drawer guide in the closed position, with an
embodiment of a push-out element and a locking unit;
[0065] FIG. 5a shows a detailed view of the locking unit of FIG.
4;
[0066] FIG. 5b shows a side view of the locking element of FIG.
4;
[0067] FIG. 6 shows a drawer guide in a partially pulled-out
position, with an embodiment of a push-out element and a locking
unit;
[0068] FIG. 7a shows a detailed view of the locking unit of FIG.
6;
[0069] FIG. 7b shows a side view of the locking element of FIG.
6;
[0070] FIG. 8 shows a furniture body having a device for opening
and closing a furniture door, comprising a push-in element and a
lock, with the furniture door completely open;
[0071] FIG. 9 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 8, with the
furniture door in the opening process;
[0072] FIG. 10 shows a cutaway detail from FIG. 9, with the push-in
element in the furniture body;
[0073] FIG. 11 shows the push-in element from FIG. 10, with the
housing for the push-in element open;
[0074] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the push-in element from
FIG. 10; and
[0075] FIG. 13 shows a view of a swivel spring having a roller for
the push-in element according to FIG. 10.
[0076] FIG. 1 shows the body 2 (schematically illustrated) with a
lower furniture drawer 1 in the fully pulled-out state, having a
drawer guide 19 as pull-out mechanism, whereby the upper drawer has
been removed and is not illustrated.
[0077] The drawer 1 opens when the user presses the front panel 18
of the drawer.
[0078] FIG. 2 shows the rear side of a drawer 1 in the body 2,
together with a locking unit 4. The locking unit 4 comprises two
locking elements 6 which are connected in an essentially play-free
manner by means of a torsion rod 5. The torsion rod 5 makes a
form-fit connection with the locking elements 6. The locking
elements 6 are screwed to the body 2 via brackets 130 [sic; 30].
The locking bar 10 in the housing 7 of the locking element 6
engages with the drawer rail 22 (see FIG. 3).
[0079] The reverse is also possible if the locking unit 4 is
mounted to the back wall 3 and the locking bar 10 indirectly or
directly engages with the body 2.
[0080] FIG. 4 shows the closed position of a drawer guide 19 having
a body rail 20, center rail 21, and drawer rail 22. The push-out
element 23 is mounted on the front end of the drawer rail 22. The
push-out element 23 comprises a cylinder 26 and a piston rod 24
(which may also be a plunger), and an energy storage element 25, in
this case a tensioned spring, which is mounted between the cylinder
base and the piston rod 24. The piston rod 24 pushes against a stop
27 on the body rail 20. It is also possible for the piston rod 24
to be connected to an extension element which pushes against the
stop 27.
[0081] Between the drawer rail 22 and the body rail 20 is mounted a
transport and assembly protection element 28, which is to be
removed before operation of the drawer or drawer rail 19.
[0082] The locking bar 10 of the locking element 6 engages with the
rear end of the drawer rail 22. The stop surface 14 of the locking
bar 10 is situated at the end of the drawer rail 22, illustrated as
a stop 16. The blocking surface 15 of the locking bar 10 holds the
drawer rail 22 on the stop 17 thereof, in this case inside the
drawer rail. This stop 17 may already be present in the rail and
may also have another function, or it may be a dedicated connecting
element.
[0083] FIGS. 5a and 5b show the locking element 6 in the locked
position. This locking element 6 has a heart-shaped cam 11 as a
blocking mechanism in the housing 7 for the locking element 6. The
locking element (not illustrated here) on the other end of the
torsion rod 5 does not have a blocking mechanism. A bolt 12 is
mounted in the oblong hole 13 in the locking bar 10 and locks in
the heart-shaped cam 11. The locking bar 10 is supported by a
spring 8. This spring 8 is supported on the rotational axis 9 for
the torsion rod 5 and is also connected to the housing 7 for the
locking element 6.
[0084] FIG. 6 shows the same drawer guide 19 as in FIG. 4, without
the transport and assembly protection element and in the partially
extended position. The push-out element 23 is extended, the spring
25 is released, and the piston rod 24 is extended and no longer
pushes against the stop 27. The drawer rail 22 has separated from
the locking element 6.
[0085] FIGS. 7a and 7b show the unlocked locking element 6. The
bolt 12 is in another position in the heart-shaped cam 11.
[0086] The positioning of the elements of the device for opening
and closing is illustrated by way of example only, and other
variants are not excluded. It is important that each element acts
indirectly or directly between a stationary part and a movable
part.
[0087] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a furniture body 101 having a door 102
which is connected to the interior of the furniture body 101 by
means of hinges 125, during the opening process (FIG. 9) and in the
open state (FIG. 8). These furniture parts are equipped with a
device for opening and closing. This device comprises a press-in
element 106 and a lock 123.
[0088] This press-in element 106 is mounted in the furniture body
101, in this case on the cover 103 near the fitting side 104 of the
furniture body 101. The advantage of this arrangement is that the
opening region of the furniture part can be larger than if the
press-in element 106 were mounted on or near the opposite side of
the fitting side 105 of the furniture body 101. At the same time
the press-in element 106 remains a small and compact element.
[0089] The lock 123 preferably is provided on the other side of the
furniture part relative to the positioning of the press-in element
106, in this case on the side of the furniture parts 101, 102
opposite the fitting side 105, and in the lower corner.
[0090] The lock 123 may be a part known as such. In this case a
magnetic lock is preferably used. This has the advantage that the
adjustment of the movable furniture part, a height or side
adjustment of approximately .+-.3 mm, for example, may be easily
made. The magnet surfaces 124a, 124b for both parts of the lock 123
are appropriately dimensioned so that they are always in contact
within the desired adjustment tolerances when the movable furniture
part is closed. For a mechanical lock, in which the catch mechanism
contains a hook, for example, closing and locking may be difficult
or faulty due to extreme adjustments of the movable furniture
part.
[0091] The lock 123 holds the furniture door 102 closed. When the
user presses the furniture door 102 in the opposite direction of
the opening process, the lock 123 releases and the press-in element
106 presses on the furniture door 102.
[0092] FIGS. 10 through 12 illustrate detailed views of the
press-in element 106. The press-in element 106 is composed of a
swivel spring 107 accommodated in a housing 108.
[0093] In this case the press-in element 106 is screwed into the
furniture body 101 via the attachment device 122a, 122b, 122c. A
distance of 32 mm is preferably provided between the attachment
devices 122a and 122b so that conventional equipment may be also
used for the installation of other fittings.
[0094] The housing 108 for the press-in element 106 comprises two
halves 108a, 108b which are connected by a film hinge 109. Snap-in
connections 121a, 121b are provided in the housing 108 so that the
two halves 108a, 108b may be closed and/or opened without the use
of tools.
[0095] The housing 108 for the press-in element 106 is designed
such that the inner workings of the mechanism are concealed and/or
protected.
[0096] The pretensioning force for the press-in element 106 may be
set by placing the rear free end 112 of the swivel spring 107 in
various positions. The housing 108 has catch positions 111a, 111b,
111c, and the rear free end of the spring 112 is brought into one
of these positions 111a, 111b, 111c by the user or installer. In
position 111a the spring has a larger pretensioning force than in
position 111b or 111c. This adjustment is made without the use of
tools. To enable better gripping of the rear free end of the spring
112 by the user or installer during adjustment, ribs or an
additional cap may be provided on this spring end 112.
[0097] The pretensioning force is adjusted without uninstalling the
press-in element, and a cover element 110 is connected to one side
of the housing 108 by means of a film hinge 113, and on the other
side the projection 110a of the cover element 110 locks in a
locking means 114 in the housing 108.
[0098] At least as long as the pivot lever 115 for the spring 107
remains in contact with the furniture door 102, the furniture door
102 will automatically open. The length and end position of this
pivot lever 115 determine the opening angle of the movable
furniture part 102.
[0099] The swivel spring 107 together with the roller 117 is
illustrated in FIG. 13. In this case the swivel spring 107 is
indirectly connected to a roller or a roller element 117. This
roller 117 presses on the movable furniture part, in this case the
furniture door 102. This roller 117 results in better transmission
of the opening pressure from the spring 107 to the furniture door
102, since the prevailing contact between the press-in element 106
and the furniture door 102 is a rolling instead of a sliding
contact. To this end, the wider the roller 117 the longer the
contact line between the roller 117 and the furniture door 102,
resulting in a smaller pressure and thus less wear, primarily on
the furniture door 102.
[0100] The end 116 of the pivot lever 115 is curved. To compensate
for production tolerances of this end 116, it is advantageous for
tolerance compensation means to be provided in the housing 118. The
housing 118 has a prism holder 119 in which the end 116 of the
pivot lever 115 is supported; i.e., the pivot lever 115 is held or
guided in the prism holder 119 by means of two points 120a, 120b,
and the right-angled region 116 of the spring has some play in the
prism holder 119 in the housing 118.
[0101] Another possibility for the bearing of the end 116 of the
pivot lever 115 would be a conical bearing, whereby the pivot lever
115 is held or guided over a circumferential line.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0102] 1. Furniture drawer
[0103] 2. Body
[0104] 3. Back wall
[0105] 4. Locking unit
[0106] 5. Torsion rod
[0107] 6. Locking element
[0108] 7. Housing
[0109] 8. Spring
[0110] 9. Rotational axis
[0111] 10. Locking bar
[0112] 11. Heart-shaped cam
[0113] 12. Bolt
[0114] 13. Oblong hole
[0115] 14. Stop surface
[0116] 15. Stop surface
[0117] 16. Stop
[0118] 17. Stop for the connecting element
[0119] 18. Front panel
[0120] 19. Drawer guide.
[0121] 20. Body rail
[0122] 21. Center rail
[0123] 22. Drawer rail
[0124] 23. Push-out element
[0125] 24. Piston rod
[0126] 25. Energy storage element
[0127] 26. Cylinder
[0128] 27. Stop
[0129] 28. Transport and assembly protection element
[0130] 29. Device for opening and closing
[0131] 30. Bracket
[0132] 101. Furniture body
[0133] 102. Furniture door
[0134] 103. Cover
[0135] 104. Fitting side
[0136] 105. Side opposite from the fitting side
[0137] 106. Press-in element
[0138] 107. Swivel spring
[0139] 108. Housing
[0140] 108a. Housing
[0141] 108b. Housing
[0142] 109. Film hinge
[0143] 110. Cover element
[0144] 110a. Cover element
[0145] 111. Catch position
[0146] 111a. Catch position
[0147] 111b. Catch position
[0148] 111c. Catch position
[0149] 112. Rear spring end
[0150] 113. Film hinge
[0151] 114. Locking means
[0152] 115. Pivot lever
[0153] 116. Front spring end
[0154] 117. Roller
[0155] 118. Housing
[0156] 119. Prism holder
[0157] 120. Support point
[0158] 120a. Support point
[0159] 120b. Support point
[0160] 121. Snap-in connection
[0161] 121a. Snap-in connection
[0162] 121b. Snap-in connection
[0163] 122. Attachment device
[0164] 122a. Attachment device
[0165] 122b. Attachment device
[0166] 122c. Attachment device
[0167] 123. Lock
[0168] 124. Magnet surface
[0169] 124a. Magnet surface
[0170] 124b. Magnet surface
[0171] 125. Hinge
* * * * *