Device for motion control

Abstract

The present device provides a motion control device for damping a push-button latch in both the opening and closing directions. The device comprises a base housing, a damper comprising a damper housing and a piston capable of being housed within the base housing, the piston being attached to the base housing and the damper housing being movable relative to the base housing between an open position and a closed position, a first spring and a second spring each capable of biasing the damper housing towards the open position, and means for releasably securing the damper housing in the closed position, the first spring being located within the damper housing and the second spring being located within the base housing and outside the damper housing.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for motion control and in particular, although not exclusively, for furniture components such as sliders and doors. background

[0002] One type of motion control device is a push-to-open catch. These devices are generally attached to doors and sliding doors of furniture. During use, an operator would push the door or sliding door, thereby activating a push bar located within the catch. The catch then opens the door or sliding door slightly, allowing the operator to insert their fingers behind it and complete the opening process. Push-to-open catches are popular because they eliminate the need for handles on the outer surface of the door or sliding door.

[0003] Push-fit catches with damping are known, such as US 5518223 A1; however, it is desirable to minimize the length of a push-fit catch to allow its installation in or on cabinets / units without compromising the structural integrity of the cabinet / unit. WO 2021 / 233657 A1 shows another known arrangement.

[0004] One problem identified as impairing the function of push-to-open latches lies in their behavior when not operated as expected. For example, on a cabinet with two doors, once one is open, it would be easy for the user to simply pull the other door open instead of pushing and activating its latch. The latch would then remain in its "closed" position, and when the door is subsequently closed, it could strike the latch in such a way that it is activated, causing the door to open again instead of remaining closed. It is desirable for the latch to behave when the door is closed in a way that is independent of whether the door was opened by pushing or pulling. Brief description of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a reduced-length push-to-open catch with a damper housing, a detent mechanism, and two springs, preferably coaxially aligned. This arrangement provides a motion control device for damping applications such as furniture doors, sliding doors, slides, lifts, etc., in the opening direction. It ensures that the push-to-open catch, regardless of whether the corresponding door, slide, or the like was previously opened by pushing or pulling, can enter and remain closed upon closing without causing the door to recoil.In particular, the use of two springs in different areas of the push-to-open catch and a piston-pin arrangement in two separable parts of the device allow it to function normally as a push-to-open catch when the door is opened by pushing, and as a damper (during the closing thrust) when the door is opened by pulling.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a motion control device for damping a pressure latch in both the opening and closing directions is disclosed, the device comprising: a base housing; a damper comprising a damper housing and a piston capable of being housed in the base housing, the piston being attached to the base housing or stationary relative to the base housing during use, and the damper housing being movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the base housing; a first spring and a second spring, each capable of biasing the damper housing towards or into the open position; and means for releasably securing the damper housing in the closed position;wherein the first spring is located in the damper housing and the second spring is located in the base housing and outside the damper housing.

[0007] Preferably, the means for releasably securing the damper housing in the closed position comprise an engagement unit in the damper housing, wherein the engagement unit is separable from the piston and is designed to engage reversibly with the damper housing, wherein the first spring is attached to the engagement unit.

[0008] Preferably, the means for releasably securing the damper housing in the closed position comprise a pin attached to the engagement unit and a raceway attached to the damper housing (or vice versa); in other words, the means comprise or are a pin-raceway mechanism. Preferably, the pin engages with the raceway when the damper housing is in the closed position, and when the damper housing is in the open position, the pin is either engaged with the raceway or not.

[0009] Preferably, the first spring is a compression spring (a spring that can be compressed to a length smaller than its natural unloaded length and, in this state, will tend to expand due to its own restoring force) capable of acting between the damper housing and the piston, and the second spring is a compression spring capable of acting between the damper housing and the base housing. Preferably, the piston comprises a piston rod and a piston head arranged in the damper housing and connected to the piston rod, the piston rod extending from one end of the damper housing and being attached to the base housing.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a device for motion control for damping a pressure latch in both the opening and closing directions is disclosed, the device comprising: a base housing; a damper comprising a damper housing and a piston assembly capable of being housed in the base housing, wherein the damper housing is attached to the base housing or is stationary relative to the base housing during use, and the piston assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the base housing; a first spring and a second spring, each capable of biasing the piston assembly towards the open position; and means for releasably securing the piston assembly in the closed position;wherein the first spring is located in the damper housing and the second spring is in the piston assembly or part thereof and is located outside the damper housing.

[0011] Preferably, the means for releasably securing the piston assembly in the closed position comprise an engagement unit in the damper housing, wherein the engagement unit is separable from the piston assembly and is designed to engage reversibly with the damper housing, wherein the first spring is attached to the engagement unit.

[0012] Preferably, the means for releasably securing the piston assembly in the closed position comprise a pin attached to the engagement unit and a raceway attached to the damper housing (or vice versa); in other words, the means comprise or are a pin-raceway mechanism. Preferably, the pin engages with the raceway when the piston assembly is in the closed position, and when the piston assembly is in the open position, the pin is either engaged with the raceway or not.

[0013] Preferably, the first spring and the second spring are both compression springs capable of acting between the damper housing and the piston assembly. Preferably, the piston assembly comprises: a piston housing, a piston rod, and a piston head arranged in the damper housing and connected to the piston rod, the piston rod extending from one end of the damper housing and attached to the piston housing.

[0014] For each of the foregoing devices, the following is preferred: The damper housing comprises damping fluid, wherein the damper housing is sealed such that the damping fluid is designed to flow past the piston head but not out of the damper housing into an interior of the base housing or piston assembly; the base housing comprises a substantially cylindrical body, wherein the damper housing, the first spring, the second spring, and the detent mechanism are substantially coaxial with the cylindrical body; at least a portion of the detent mechanism is located at least partially within the first spring; the damper housing comprises a first plug, and the raceway (or pin) is attached thereto; the pin is positioned substantially parallel to the first spring; the damper is a linear damper, and / or the engagement unit comprises means for preventing rotation with respect to the base housing.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a device for motion control for damping a pressure snap in both the opening and closing directions is disclosed, the device comprising: a damper comprising a piston assembly and a base housing, wherein the piston assembly is movable with respect to the base housing between an open position and a closed position; a first spring and a second spring, each capable of biasing the piston assembly towards the open position; and means for releasably securing the piston assembly in the closed position; wherein the first spring is located in the base housing and the second spring is located in the piston assembly and is at least partially outside the base housing in the open position.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pressure snap fastener is disclosed which comprises one of the devices mentioned above.

[0017] To make the present invention more understandable, specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a pressure snap in cross-section with a damper housing in an open position relative to the base housing. Fig. Figure 2 shows the pressure snap in cross-section with a damper housing in a closed position relative to the base housing. Fig. Figure 3 shows the pressure snap in cross-section with a damper housing in an open position relative to the base housing, with a difference compared to Fig. 1 other configuration of the components. Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of a piston arrangement of the pressure snapper of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of a plug of the damper housing of the pressure snapper of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of the push-button latch from Fig. 1 to 3, which is placed on-site in an opening of a unit. Fig. 7 shows the push-button catch of Fig. 6, with the unit and damper housing removed. Fig. Figure 8 shows an alternative base housing for the push-button catch. Fig. Figure 9 shows a push-button latch of a second embodiment in cross-section, wherein the push-button latch is in an open position. Fig. Figure 10 shows a push-button latch of a third embodiment in cross-section, wherein the push-button latch is in an open position. Fig. Figure 11 shows a cross-section of a push-button latch with an alternative locking mechanism. Fig. Figure 12 shows an enlarged view of a piston of the in Fig. 11 illustrated snap fasteners. Fig. Figure 13 shows a cabinet with a push-to-open latch. Description of preferred embodiments

[0018] The present arrangement aims to provide a push-to-open latch with a reduced length compared to known arrangements. The present embodiments provide a push-to-open latch that is to be mounted on doors and sliding panels of furniture. During use, an operator presses on the sliding panel or door, thereby actuating the push-to-open latch. The push-to-open latch then opens the door or sliding panel a small gap to allow the operator to insert their fingers behind the panel or door and complete the opening process.

[0019] The damping effect of the embodiments of the present invention occurs both during the opening stroke and during the closing stroke, in other words, when the door or slide is opened or closed.

[0020] The present design aims to provide a push-fit catch that is minimized to such an extent that it can be inserted into a (usually) pre-drilled hole in a cabinet body or similar structure. For this to be feasible, the hole must not be too deep, as this could compromise the structural integrity of the cabinet. The opening diameter is typically 10 mm.

[0021] Generally, the pressure snap is 10 in Fig. Figure 6 shows a basic housing 12, dimensioned to fit into a hole in a cabinet C. Alternatively, a corresponding adapter 14 can be used, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 8 is shown.

[0022] Fig. Figure 7 shows a view of the push-button catch of Fig. 6, in which the base housing 12 was removed.

[0023] A damper housing 16 is functional, moving back and forth along the primary axis of the base housing. An adjustable end piece 218 is provided to allow fine adjustment of the positioning of the pressure catch 10.

[0024] The pressure latch according to a first embodiment is described in more detail in Fig. Shown 1 to 5. Fig. Figure 1 shows a pressure snap in cross-section with a damper housing 16 in a first, open position with respect to a base housing 12. Fig. Figure 2 shows the pressure snap with the damper housing in a second, closed position in relation to the base housing. Fig. Figure 3 also shows the push-button catch in an open position, but the internal components are different from those in Figure 3. Fig. 1 are designed as will be explained below.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows the damper housing 16, which is mounted in a coaxially sliding manner with the base housing 12 in a telescopic arrangement. The damper housing 16 is sealed at one end by a plug 18 and at the other end by a plug 200. The second end plug 200 can also be referred to as the lower plug 200. Damping fluid is contained within the damper housing.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 4 shows in detail an engagement unit or pin assembly 20 together with a piston head assembly / section 21. The engagement unit 20 and the piston head section 21 are both located in the damper housing 16, but are not attached to each other, as also shown in Figure 4. Fig. 1 can be seen, although they are in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are shown as adjacent to each other (it should be noted that Fig. 4 is oriented in reverse). Preferably, an O-ring 22 is provided in the piston head assembly 21. A piston rod 24 is connected to the piston head 21 and to the base housing 12 at point 26. The piston head 21 and the O-ring 22 are arranged to resist the flow of damping fluid in one direction and preferably also to resist such flow in the other direction to a lesser extent. The damping head section 21 effectively divides the interior of the damper housing 16 into two chambers between which the fluid flows: a first part or chamber closer to the lower end of the base housing 12 (i.e., in this embodiment, an inner chamber) and a second part or chamber further away from it (i.e., an outer chamber).

[0027] The piston head section 21 and the piston rod 24 are functionally fixed relative to the base housing 12. The O-ring 22 in the piston head section 21 is not fixed but movable, for example, between two flanges 23A, B of the piston head section. The piston head section may include means, such as projections or lamellae 33, for example, in one or more of the flanges, which are functionally interact with one or more grooves or recesses on the inner diameter of the base housing 12 to assist in preventing movement or rotation of the piston head 21 and the piston 20 relative to the base housing. Preferably, the piston rod 24 is functionally attached to the base housing 12 at its lower (inner) end, whereby the attachment can be effected by frictional engagement.The engagement unit 20 is not fixed in relation to the base housing or the damper housing and can therefore be described as a floating unit in the outer chamber of the damper housing.

[0028] The plug 18 of the damper housing 16 includes an opening through which the piston rod 24 passes. A suitable seal is provided to ensure that the damping fluid is retained in the damper housing 16 and does not escape into the space inside the base housing 12 outside the damper housing 16.

[0029] The damper housing 16 is designed to slide coaxially with the base housing 12 during use, thus providing relative movement between the piston 20 and the damper housing 16. Accordingly, the damping fluid is able to move from one side of the piston head 20 to the other during the opening and closing strokes of the pressure snap 10, providing a damping effect similar to that of linear dampers. The opening stroke or the closing stroke may be subject to greater restraint than the other. This can preferably be determined during the design or manufacturing process, depending on the purpose and context of use of the pressure snap. As shown on the right in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, this can be implemented, for example, by the features incorporated in the two fixed flanges 23A, B of the piston head assembly 21. These are axially spaced to allow some movement for the O-ring between them, with one or both of them having an external shape or internal structure (e.g., circumferential recesses or a through hole closer to the center) that allows the fluid to flow in a controlled manner between the two chambers. The O-ring 22 preferably engages in a sealing manner with the bore of the damper housing 16 (for example, by having substantially the same outer diameter as the bore) and can be pressed against one of the two flanges, depending on the direction of thrust, thus sealing or enabling alternative flow paths for the damping fluid and implementing different damping strengths.Similar damping mechanisms are known in the field and are not described in detail here.

[0030] The engagement unit 20 in the damper housing 16 is capable of sliding along its length in the outer chamber 21. It may comprise an elongated body including a volume compensator 28 and a mounting section 30 designed to engage with the damper housing. The engagement unit 20 includes means such as projections or lamellae 32 that are capable of interacting with one or more grooves or recesses in the inner diameter of the base housing 12 to prevent relative rotation of the engagement unit 20 with the damper housing 16 and the base housing 12. The engagement unit 20 preferably includes a flange 31 at the end closest to the piston head 21, and the guide means 32 may be formed on this flange.It should be noted that when the damper housing is in the closed position, it is preferably arranged essentially entirely within the base housing (as in . Fig. 2 can be seen). Alternatively, it can be partially located within the base housing and partially extend away from it, only to a lesser extent than in the open position.

[0031] A first spring 38 is provided in the damper housing 16. A second spring 50 is provided inside the base housing 12, outside the damper housing 16, preferably sharing the same space as at least part of the piston rod. Both springs are designed to force the damper housing into the open position when it is in the closed position: the first spring 38 by action between an inner surface in the damper housing 16 and the engagement unit 20 (preferably a flange 31 at its end) located in the damper housing, and the second spring 50 by action between an outer surface (end plug) of the damper housing 16 and the base housing 12.The second spring 50 can be attached at one end to a lower end of the base housing 12, and its other end points towards the damper housing 16, but preferably is not attached to it; alternatively, the second spring is neither attached to the base housing nor to the piston head and is thus floating. The first spring 38 is attached at one end to the engagement unit 20, preferably to the end of the latter that is closest to the piston head; the other end of the first spring is preferably attached to the damper housing at or near its outer end or the outer plug 200.

[0032] The pressure latch 10 comprises a locking mechanism as a means for releasably securing the damper housing to the base housing in a closed position. Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a latch and a raceway 26. The latch is generally a cylindrical rod bent into a C-shape, thus forming a C-pin 34. In other words, the locking mechanism is a pin-raceway mechanism. Preferably, the raceway 36 can be formed integrally with the plug 200 of the damper housing 16; alternatively, it can be formed as a separate component. The contents of the earlier patent application (EP 4153829 A) filed by the applicant of the present application, which describes the operation of a similar locking mechanism, are incorporated into the present application by reference.

[0033] The pin 34 is preferably part of the engagement unit 20 and is pivotably mounted on a mounting section 30 of the engagement unit. Restraint means 40 and 42 limit the range of motion of the pin 34. The restraint means 40 limit rotation in a theoretically horizontal direction, while the means 42 limit a theoretically vertical direction. Such restraints ensure that the pin 34 is directed onto the raceway 36 for engagement with it. It should be noted that in the pin-raceway mechanism, instead of the pin being part of the engagement unit and instead of the raceway being part of the damper housing, as described below and in Fig. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate that the reverse arrangement is also possible, in which the raceway is part of the engagement unit and the pin is part of the damper housing, in this case the pin is optionally attached to the plug 200 instead of the raceway.

[0034] When the damper housing 16 is forced into the base housing 12, the pin 34 comes into contact with the raceway 36. The design of the cam surfaces of the raceway 36 is such that the pin will follow the path X (see Fig. 5) The pin will come to rest at a point Y, thereby locking the damper housing 16, and thus the base housing 12, in position relative to the piston 20. This is the closed position of the damper housing, as shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0035] When a door is opened, if the push-button catch is used as intended, pressing the push-button catch 10 will cause the pin 34 to follow path Z, thus releasing the damper housing 16 from the engagement unit 20. Unimpeded, the first compression spring 38 then pushes the damper housing into the first position (i.e., into the position indicated by the spring). Fig. 3 position shown). Since the inner end of the first spring 38 is attached to the engagement unit 20, when the spring expands, the engagement unit is now forced inwards until it is pressed against the (fixed) piston head 21, and the damper housing 16 is effectively pushed outwards and finally reaches the position shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows the open position, where it remains without further intervention. It should be noted that in this process, essentially all of the damping fluid must flow through the piston head section 21 into the outer chamber inside the damper housing (since the volume of the inner chamber has been gradually reduced to essentially zero), thus providing a damping effect on the opening thrust as a result of the arrangement of the piston head section and the O-ring.

[0036] Based on the design in Fig. 3. During the closing of the door, the damper housing 16 is pressed inwards. At the end of this process, the raceway and the pin come into contact and engage with each other, with the result that the damper housing 16 is held in the closed position as described above ( Fig. 2) During this closing process, the first spring 38 and the second spring 50, both compression springs, are compressed, providing a certain degree of resistance to the closing of the pressure catch. Furthermore, at least some of the damping fluid is forced to flow through the piston head section 21 from the outer chamber into the inner chamber of the damper housing 16, as the volume of the outer chamber decreases; this can also provide a damping effect that is considerably less than that described in the other direction above. It should be noted that during the entire normal closing process, from Fig. 3 to Fig. 2, the engagement unit 20 is in contact with the piston head 21 as a result of the action of the first spring 38.

[0037] According to the first embodiment, if a person does not press on the cabinet door and the push-button catch while they are in the closed position ( Fig. 2), and thus does not activate the catch to move into the open position under the action of the first spring 38 ( Fig. 3) to extend, but instead simply pulls the door open, the engagement unit 20 remains secured to the damper housing 16, since there has been no possibility for the pin to be released from the track. However, due to the presence of the second compression spring 50, the pressure catch does not remain stationary; the second spring 50 extends to regain its natural length, thereby pushing the damper housing 16 towards the open position ( Fig. 1) This is in turn subject to a damping effect due to the flow of damping oil over the piston head 21. Since the engagement unit 20 is not formed with the piston head 21 and is nevertheless attached to the damper housing 16 via the detent mechanism, it will move with the damper housing 16 in the opening direction. The first spring 38 is attached to the engagement unit 20 and thus remains compressed and is effectively deactivated, and does not contribute to forcing the damper housing 16 into the open position. The engagement unit 20 is no longer in contact with the piston head 21, as described in Fig. 1 can be seen.

[0038] It should be noted that there is a second possibility for the transition of the pressure latch from the closed position ( Fig. 2) in an open design, as in the cross-section in Fig. 1 illustrates, which differs from the in Fig. 3 illustrated open design differs in the arrangement of the internal components, which results from opening the door by activating the push-button catch.

[0039] Now, starting from the open position of Fig. 1, in which the engagement unit 20 is held with the damper housing 16 while closing progresses, the damping effect resulting from (i) the flow of damping fluid from the outer to the inner chamber through the piston head 21 and (ii) the compression of the second spring 50, causes the door to close more slowly, with the advantage that it is less likely that the latching mechanism will be activated. Therefore, the catch / damper housing 16 remains in the closed configuration ( Fig. 2) and there is no risk of the door springing back.

[0040] It should be noted that it is not possible for the catch to function other than via Fig. 2 directly from the design of Fig. 1 into the of Fig. 3 passes or vice versa.

[0041] Regarding the restoring forces of the two compression springs for ensuring the correct functioning of the pressure catch, as described above, the following are relevant in relation to Fig. Figure 13, which shows a cabinet C with a door having two hinges H and on which a push-to-open latch P (of an embodiment described herein) is installed, several things need to be considered. Preferably, the first spring 38 is stronger than the second spring 50. Since the first spring is responsible for pushing the damper housing 16 towards the open position (from Fig. 2 to Fig. 3), which, for example, causes the hinged door of a cabinet to open, the restoring force of the first spring 38 should be greater than any resistance force due to the one or more hinges 910 of the door that must be overcome (and the resistance force due to the damping mechanism). The restoring force of the second spring 50, which pushes the damper housing 16 into the open position (from Fig. 2 to Fig. 1) should be sufficient to overcome the resistance due to the damping mechanism, but weaker than a force exerted by one or more hinges of the door, i.e. the second spring should be sufficient to prevent the door from closing (from Fig. 1 to Fig. 2) not counteract excessively. Therefore, it is preferable that the restoring force of the first spring is greater than a hinge force applicable to the door for which the push-to-hold latch is responsible, and that of the second spring is less than the hinge force.

[0042] It can be seen that the damping fluid is forced from one side of the piston head 21 to the other during a working stroke of the pressure snapper. Fig. 2. As can be seen, at least some of the damping fluid is located on the left side of the piston. In Fig. 3. The damping fluid is located essentially entirely on the right side of the piston. As already mentioned, the passage of the fluid from the left to the right side of the piston head, i.e., from the closed position ( Fig. 2) to the open position ( Fig. 3) compared to his passage from right to left, i.e. from the open position ( Fig. 3) into the closed position ( Fig. 2) greater damping. Alternatively, the relative magnitudes of the damping effect can be reversed, depending on the application. Thus, the spring 38, the pin 34, and the raceway 36 are all lubricated when oil is used, which extends their service life.

[0043] By arranging the detent mechanism at least partially within the inner diameter of the first spring 38, the length of the push-fit latch 10 can be reduced. Accordingly, it becomes possible to manufacture a push-fit latch that is functional enough to fit into a pre-drilled hole in a furniture carcass. The pin 34 is always partially held within the first spring. In particular, in the second position, the pin is at least partially within the first spring. The pin is fully held within the spring when the damper housing is in the first position, provided the engagement unit 20 is detached from the damper housing. The piston rod 24 is preferably at least partially surrounded by the second spring 50.

[0044] The first spring 38, the second spring 50, the track of the detent mechanism 36, and the damper housing 16 are preferably all coaxially aligned. The pin 34 of the detent mechanism is mounted parallel to the central axis of the springs 38 and 50 and the piston rod 24. The pin 34 is mounted off-center to allow engagement with the track 36. However, the detent mechanism is essentially coaxial with the damper housing and the springs. Accordingly, the push-fit latch can be manufactured with a shorter length and reduced width. The coaxial arrangement of the aforementioned features also makes it possible to manufacture the push-fit latch 10 with an essentially cylindrical shape. Thus, the push-fit latch can be easily inserted into holes drilled in furniture bodies.

[0045] By placing the raceway 36 of the locking mechanism inside the damper housing, the raceway is kept free of dirt and consequently the service life of the pressure snap is maintained.

[0046] Fig. Figure 9 shows a pressure snap device 10' in cross-section according to a second embodiment in an open position (similar to Fig. 3 of the first embodiment). In this embodiment, it is a piston assembly 25 that moves in a telescopic arrangement relative to the base housing 12', the damper housing 16' remaining stationary during use. The damping fluid / oil or damping liquid is contained in the damper housing. The piston assembly 25 can comprise a piston housing 27, a piston rod 24', and a piston head section 21', which is arranged in the damper housing 16' and connected to the piston rod, the piston rod extending from one end of the damper housing and being attached to the piston housing. The piston housing 27 is capable of sliding between the base housing 12' and the damper housing 16'.As in the first embodiment, the piston head 21' in the damper housing divides the space in the latter into two chambers or parts between which damping fluid flows, causing a damping effect on the opening and closing strokes, wherein the piston head preferably comprises two flanges between which an O-ring is provided.

[0047] A locking mechanism is provided as a means for releasably securing the piston assembly 25 to the base housing 12' in a closed position. Similar to the first embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises an engagement unit 20', which is arranged in the damper housing 16' and is slidably movable therein, and which is preferably a pin-track mechanism. Two compression springs are provided in the device. The first spring 38 is arranged in the damper housing and connected to the engagement unit and is designed to push the piston assembly towards the open position. It acts between a lower end (plug) of the damper housing (and thus the base housing) and the engagement unit 20 (preferably a flange 31 at its end). The second spring 50 is located in the piston assembly (preferably entirely within the piston housing) and is also designed to push the piston assembly towards the open position.It acts between an outer surface (end plug) of the damper housing and an inner surface at the outer end of the piston assembly / piston housing, as shown in . Fig. 9 can be seen.

[0048] It should be noted that the piston assembly / piston housing 27 is preferably arranged substantially entirely within the base housing 12' when it is in the closed position. Alternatively, it may be arranged partially within the base housing and extend partially away from it, but to a lesser extent compared to the open position.

[0049] Optionally, the damper housing is equipped with an adjustable end piece, which allows for positioning / length adjustments (before the installation of the snap-action device).

[0050] Similar to the first embodiment, in the pin-track mechanism the pin is preferably part of the engagement unit and the track is preferably part of or attached to the damper housing (plug). However, it is also provided that their positions can be reversed, whereby the track is located in the engagement unit and the pin is part of the damper housing (plug), in which case the pin can optionally be attached to the damper housing instead of the track.

[0051] Fig. Figure 10 shows a pressure-locking device 10" in cross-section according to a third embodiment in an open position (similar to Fig. 3 of the first embodiment and Fig. 9 of the second embodiment). The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment in that a piston assembly 25' is present, which moves in a telescopic arrangement with respect to the stationary base housing 12". However, the damper housing and the base housing are formed as one piece or can be considered as a single piece. In other words, the pressure snapper device can be described as not having a separate damper housing, and the damping fluid / oil or damping liquid is contained within the damper housing. Nevertheless, for the sake of simplicity, we will continue to refer to a damper housing in the following description of the third embodiment, assuming that this is equivalent to the base housing, since the term "damper housing" can be understood to simply denote a container that holds damping fluid.

[0052] In this embodiment, the piston assembly 25' may not include a complete piston housing containing the piston rod, but rather a piston end cap 29, which is the contact point with the furniture door or slide. The piston assembly may comprise the piston rod 24" and a piston head section 21" which is arranged in the damper housing 12" and connected to the piston rod, the piston rod extending from one end of the damper housing and being attached to the piston end cap 29. As in the first embodiment, the piston head 21" divides the space of the damper housing into two chambers or parts between which damping fluid flows, thus producing a damping effect on the opening and closing movements. The piston head preferably comprises two flanges between which an O-ring is provided.

[0053] A locking mechanism is provided as a means for releasably securing the piston assembly 25' to the base housing 12" in a closed position. Similar to the first embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises an engagement unit 20", which is arranged in the damper housing 12" and is slidably movable therein, and which is preferably a pin-track mechanism. Two compression springs are provided in the device. The first spring 38 is arranged in the damper housing and connected to the engagement unit and is designed to push the piston assembly towards the open position. It acts between a lower end (plug) of the damper housing (and thus the base housing) and the piston head section of the piston assembly, which is arranged inside the damper housing.The second spring 50 is located in the piston assembly or can be considered part of the piston assembly (arranged between the piston end cap and the piston head) and is also designed to push the piston assembly towards the open position. It acts between an outer surface (end plug) of the damper housing and the piston end cap at the outer end of the piston assembly, as shown in . Fig. Figure 10 shows that, as in the second embodiment, the second spring extends substantially or at least partially out of the base housing when the device is in the open position. It should be noted that the piston assembly is essentially entirely contained within the base housing when it is in the closed position. Alternatively, it may be partially contained within the base housing and extend partially out of it, but to a lesser extent than in the open position.

[0054] To avoid misunderstandings: In the first, second and third embodiments, the second spring 50 does not come into contact with the damping fluid and is located outside the reservoir (damper housing 16, 16' or base housing 12") of the damping fluid, whereas the first spring 38 comes into contact with the damping fluid when it is located in the reservoir (damper housing 16, 16' or base housing 12") of the damping fluid.

[0055] In the third embodiment, since there is no piston housing in the piston assembly 25' of the pressure snap device besides an end cap 29, it is not necessary to have a gap or space in the base housing 12" in which a tube (of a piston housing) can slide (cf. the gap between the damper housing 12' and the base housing 16' of the second embodiment). Manufacturing can be simplified. However, the piston rod and the second spring are exposed.

[0056] In the third embodiment, means for adjusting the position or extension length of the piston rod 24" and thus the piston assembly 25' can optionally be provided. The engagement between the piston rod and the piston head 21" can, for example, include a screw thread (not illustrated); by rotating the rod, the length of the rod extending from the base housing 12" in the open position can be decreased or increased. This can also be used in the second embodiment as a means of adjusting the position or extension of the piston assembly 25 from the base hose housing 12'.

[0057] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, no adjustment means, such as an adjustable end piece, is present to allow positioning or length adjustments between the damper housing and the base housing, since these are not separate. Consequently, for example, the raceway of the pin-raceway mechanism is designed to be attached at one end inside the base housing. Without such an adjustment end piece, the overall length of the device can be reduced.

[0058] In the pin-track mechanism, the pin is preferably part of the engagement unit and the track is preferably part of or attached to the base housing, as already mentioned; however, it is also provided that their positions can be exchanged, whereby the track is located in the engagement unit and the pin is part of the base housing.

[0059] Despite the modifications, the operation of the mechanism for the relative movements between the damper housing / base housing and the piston assembly and their damping effects are generally the same in the second and third embodiments as in the first embodiment.

[0060] For example, the parallel relationships between different components in the push-button latch are preferably the same or similar. Preferably, the two springs are substantially coaxial. Preferably, the damper housing and the detent mechanism are mounted substantially coaxially; in particular, the springs, the damper housing, and the track of the detent mechanism are mounted coaxially. The pin of the detent mechanism is mounted parallel to the spring and the piston rod, positioned off-center thereto.

[0061] Further features described in connection with the first embodiment, such as the means for limiting the movement of the pin and the means for ensuring that a minimal rotation of the corresponding components is possible, are equally applicable to the other embodiments.

[0062] Alternative locking mechanisms can be used. For example, a rotary mechanism similar to the one disclosed in EP 2147179 can be used. This is in Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 shows the pivot pin 34' being guided in the track 36', 36". Fig. Figure 12 shows that the components which move with the engagement unit, according to the “two-part” design as described above, are not formed integrally with the components which remain as part of the piston head assembly during the working strokes of the device, and are separable from them.

[0063] The damper can be a fluid damper with a piston and O-ring arrangement, as described above. Alternatively, a friction piston and O-ring arrangement can be used. In the case of a friction piston and O-ring design, a frustoconical expander 220 can be used to push against the O-ring, generating higher friction in the opening direction. A ring that is expandable in the circumferential direction can also be used. A flat piston ring 222 can push the O-ring 22 back in the closing direction, thus providing lower friction in the closing direction.

[0064] A pressure-lock piston can also be designed as an air damper, as disclosed in EP 1717396 A. The content of that document is incorporated into the present by reference.

[0065] It is understood that the embodiments described herein serve only as reference purposes and that the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims. Numerous modifications and alterations are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 5518223 A1

[0003] WO 2021 / 233657 A1

[0003] EP 4153829 A

[0032] EP 2147179

[0062] EP 1717396 A

[0064]

Claims

[1] Device for motion control for damping a pressure latch in both the opening and closing directions, the device comprising: a basic housing, a damper comprising a damper housing and a piston capable of being housed in the base housing, wherein the piston is fixed relative to the base housing and the damper housing is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the base housing, a first spring and a second spring, each functional, to preload the damper housing towards the open position, and Means for releasably securing the damper housing in the closed position, wherein the first spring is located in the damper housing and the second spring is located in the base housing and outside the damper housing. [2] Device for motion control according to claim 1, wherein the means for releasably securing the damper housing in the closed position comprise an engagement unit in the damper housing, wherein the engagement unit is separable from the piston and is designed to engage with the damper housing, wherein the first spring is attached to the engagement unit. [3] Device for motion control according to claim 2, wherein the means for releasably securing the damper housing in the closed position comprise a pin attached to the engagement unit and a raceway attached to the damper housing, or vice versa. [4] Device for motion control according to claim 3, wherein: the pin is engaged with the raceway when the damper housing is in the closed position, and The pin is either engaged with the track or not when the damper housing is in the open position. [5] Device for motion control according to claim 2, wherein the first spring is a compression spring capable of acting between the damper housing and the engagement unit, and wherein the second spring is a compression spring capable of acting between the damper housing and the base housing. [6] Device for motion control according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the piston comprises: a piston rod and a piston head which is arranged in the damper housing and connected to the piston rod, wherein the piston rod extends out of one end of the damper housing and is attached to the base housing. [7] Device for motion control for damping a pressure latch in both the opening and closing directions, the device comprising: a basic housing, a damper comprising a piston assembly and a damper housing capable of being housed within the base housing, wherein the damper housing is stationary relative to the base housing during use and the piston assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the base housing, a first spring and a second spring, each capable of biasing the piston assembly towards the open position, and Means for releasably securing the piston assembly in the closed position, wherein the first spring is located in the damper housing and the second spring is located in the piston assembly and outside the damper housing. [8] Device for motion control according to claim 7, wherein the means for releasably securing the piston assembly in the closed position comprise an engagement unit in the damper housing, wherein the engagement unit is separable from the piston assembly and is designed to engage with the damper housing, wherein the first spring is attached to the engagement unit. [9] Device for motion control according to claim 8, wherein the means for releasably securing the piston assembly in the closed position comprise a pin attached to the engagement unit and a raceway attached to the damper housing, or vice versa. [10] Device for motion control according to claim 9, wherein: the pin is engaged with the raceway when the piston assembly is in the closed position, and The pin is either engaged with the raceway or not when the piston assembly is in the open position. [11] Device for motion control according to claim 8, wherein the first spring is a compression spring capable of acting between the damper housing and the engagement unit, and wherein the second spring is a compression spring capable of acting between the damper housing and the piston assembly. [12] Device for motion control according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the piston arrangement comprises: a piston housing, a piston rod and a piston head which is arranged in the damper housing and connected to the piston rod, wherein the piston rod extends out of one end of the damper housing and is attached to the piston housing. [13] Device for motion control according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston housing includes damping fluid, wherein the damper housing is sealed in such a way that the damping fluid is designed to flow past the piston head but not out of the damper housing. [14] Device for motion control according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the basic housing comprises a substantially cylindrical body and wherein the damper housing, the first spring, the second spring and the detent mechanism are substantially coaxial in the cylindrical body. [15] Device for motion control according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one section of the locking mechanism is located at least partially within the first spring. [16] Device for motion control according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damper housing comprises a first plug and the raceway or pin is attached to it. [17] Device for motion control according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin is positioned substantially parallel to the first spring. [18] Device for motion control according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damper is a linear damper. [19] Device for motion control according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement unit comprises means for preventing rotation with respect to the base housing. [20] Device for motion control for damping a pressure latch in both the opening and closing directions, the device comprising: a damper comprising a piston assembly and a base housing, wherein the piston assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the base housing, a first spring and a second spring, each capable of biasing the piston assembly towards the open position, and Means for releasably securing the piston assembly in the closed position, the first spring is located in the base housing and wherein the second spring is located in the piston assembly and at least partially outside the base housing when the piston assembly is in the open position.

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