A system for opening and closing of a cabinet

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for opening and closing of a cabinet (1) comprising: the cabinet (1), a lid (6) covering the cabinet (1) configured to move in a vertical direction between a closed and an open position and a grip member (18) for raising the lid (6) from the closed position to the open position, the grip member (18) provided on a first side (8) of the lid (6). The system (11) comprises moreover a stop means (10) on the lid (6), provided on a second side (7) of the lid (6), opposite to the first side (8), a first stop lug (4b) comprising a first (15b) and a second leg (16b) rotatably arranged in the cabinet (1), wherein the first leg (15b) is configured to interlock with the stop means (10) on the lid (6) to lock the lid in the open position for a predetermined period and a first damper (7b) connected to the cabinet (1) and in contact with the second leg (16b). The damper (7b) is arranged to counteract a downward rotation of the first leg (15b) until the first leg (15b) has rotated away from the stop means (10), wherein the predetermined time period is defined by the difference between the gravity force of the lid (6) and the counterforce of the damper (7b) and wherein the lid (6) returns to the closed position at an end of the predetermined period.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of advanced opening and closing mechanisms for storage systems. Specifically, the invention relates to the system for opening and closing of a cabinet. The system can be applied in various storage systems, where maintaining sterility or hygiene and minimising the risk of contamination is essential. The potential applications of the invention include but are not limited to medical environments such as hospitals or dental clinics. The system is adaptable for various environments requiring clean and controlled storage, such as, e.g., laboratories, food processing facilities, and tool storage in manufactures.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The traditional opening and closing mechanisms for storage systems typically require manual intervention of the user to close the door / lid of the storage system, which can often be overlooked in a dynamic and demanding environment. This can lead to the exposure of the stored equipment to air contaminants, which can affect the hygiene and safety of the stored equipment.

[0003] Document CN210095069U discloses a smart home shoe cabinet addressing the problem of wet shoes and providing an automatic airdrying feature. The shoe cabinet is rectangular, with a front cabinet opening and a decorative box placed on its top. The cabinet door mechanism includes a handle for manual operation, a connecting component, and gravity-based self-closing. The cabinet is opened by pulling a handle upwards, which moves the door upward via a connecting component. The door of the cabinet closes under the influence of gravity when the handle is released. However, the rapid closure of the door under gravity is problematic as it does not provide sufficient time to remove the stored equipment safely. Additionally, immediate closure of the lid / door can cause a risk of user injury.

[0004] Document CN212638638U describes an automatic door mechanism specifically designed for garbage disposal, preventing the manual opening, and closing of doors. The mechanism includes a door panel that is part of the door cover situated at the garbage opening and a pushing mechanism that includes a motor and a transmission gear-rack system enabling the sliding movement of the door panel. The mechanism enables the automatic opening of the door upon detecting the presence of a person within a specific distance from a garbage disposal using an ultrasonic sensor. The detection of a person causes the activation of a motor and movement of a gear and rack, which in turn slides the door panel up. After garbage disposal, the door closes automatically when the person moves away, and the motor lowers the panel. The mechanism disclosed in the Chinese utility model has a complex structure and requires the arrangement of ultrasonic sensors detecting the presence of a person.

[0005] Document KR101129570B1 discloses a closing mechanism for drawers, which prevents leaving the drawer partially opened. The mechanism comprises a housing, an elastic spring positioned inside the housing, and a damper attached to the housing, providing a smooth closing motion of the drawer. Upon opening the drawer, the mechanism is activated, preparing the drawer for automatic closing. When the drawer is pushed to the closed position, the mechanism ensures that the drawer moves smoothly to the fully closed position due to the cooperation of the damper with the spring. The mechanism does not automatically close the damper, as the initial pushing movement of the user forces the closure.

[0006] Having in mind the problems encountered in the prior art, it is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a system for opening and closing cabinet lids that provides: timed access for the users to retrieve the stored equipment safely, automatic closing of the lid / door of the storage after use, thereby minimising the risk of contamination and, at the same time, providing timed access for the users to retrieve the stored equipment safely, preventing rapid closure of the lid / door ("guillotine movement" of the lid / door). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The problems in the prior art are attained by the claimed invention.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for opening and closing of a cabinet comprising: the cabinet, a lid covering the cabinet configured to move in a vertical direction between a closed and an open position and a grip member for raising the lid from the closed position to the open position, the grip member provided on a first side of the lid. The system comprises moreover a stop means on the lid, provided on a second side of the lid, opposite to the first side, a first stop lug comprising a first and a second leg rotatably arranged in the cabinet, wherein the first leg is configured to interlock with the stop means on the lid to lock the lid in the open position for a predetermined period. The system comprises also a first damper connected to the cabinet and in contact with the second leg. The damper is arranged to counteract a downward rotation of the first leg until the first leg has rotated away from the stop means and wherein the predetermined time period is defined by the difference between the gravity force of the lid and the counterforce of the damper and wherein the lid returns to the closed position at an end of the predetermined period.

[0009] Preferably the stop means is at least one boss protruding from a surface of the second side of the lid.

[0010] Preferably the stop means are a plurality of bosses arranged in a first vertical line on different levels.

[0011] Preferably the stop means is at least one recess on the second surface of the lid.

[0012] Preferably the stop means are a plurality of recesses arranged in a first vertical line on different levels.

[0013] Preferably the stop means is at least one horizontal stop wall located within a vertical groove.

[0014] Preferably the stop means are connected to grooves located in a first vertical line and wherein the grooves are dimensioned so that they accommodate the stop lug for guiding the lid upon movement between a closed and an open position.

[0015] Preferably the grooves extend from an upper to a lower part of the lid.

[0016] Preferably the grooves are arranged additionally in a second vertical line parallel to the first vertical line and the system comprises additionally a second stop lug comprising a first leg and a second leg and wherein the second stop lug is arranged to engage with the grooves in the second vertical line. The system comprises additionally a second damper connected to the cabinet and in contact with the second leg of the second stop lug.

[0017] Preferably the grooves in the second vertical line are shifted vertically with respect to the grooves in the first vertical line.

[0018] Preferably the first leg and the second leg of the first stop lug and second stop lug, respectively are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0019] Preferably the first leg and the second leg of the first stop lug and second stop lug are rotatably arranged around a shaft.

[0020] Preferably the system comprises additionally a support element connected with the cabinet and arranged in between the first stop lugs and the second stop lug so that the shaft extends through the support element.

[0021] Preferably the grip member is a knob, a handle or a pull.

[0022] According to the invention, the system provides controlled closing of the lid while maintaining hygienic operation, reducing the risk of contamination of the stored equipment. Additionally, the system keeps the lid open for a certain period, allowing the users to access the stored equipment safely. The system is designed to limit the "guillotine movement" of the lid, as the power of the damper and interaction with the stop lugs are calibrated to provide a gentle closing motion of the lid, enhancing the safety of the lid closing process and minimising the noise. The reduction of the noise during the closing of the lid is a significant advantage of the mechanism, which is a particularly beneficial aspect in environments requiring silence, such as hospitals or laboratories. The controlled motion of the lid prevents loud noise typically associated with the sound of dropping the lid.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system for opening and closing of a cabinet with a lid in a closed position; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the system for opening and closing of the cabinet with the lid in the closed position; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the system for opening and closing of the cabinet with the removed lid; Figure 4 illustrates a side cross-section view of the system for opening and closing of the cabinet with the lid in opened position; Figure 5 illustrates a first embodiment of the backside of the lid; Figure 6 illustrates a vertical section of the lid; Figure 7 illustrates s second embodiment of the backside of the lid; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system 11 for opening and closing of a cabinet 1 with a lid 6 in a closed position. The cabinet 1 has an upper wall 2, a rear wall 12, a first side wall 13 and a second side wall 14 and a bottom wall 15 (the rear wall 12, the second side wall 14 and the bottom wall 15 are not visible in Fig.1). The lid 6 is covering the cabinet 1 and is configured to move in a vertical direction aligned with the direction of the gravity force, between a closed and an open position. A grip member 18 in Fig.1 is arranged in the lower part of the lid 6 on a first side 8 (frontside) of the lid 6, however the grip member 18 can be arranged in any part of the first side 8 of the lid 6, as long as it performs its function of rising the lid 6 from the closed position to the open position. The grip 18 can preferably have the form of a handle, a knob or a pull. Knob is simple in installation as it usually requires only one screw, handle provides comfortable grip, which makes handle easier to use and the pull is convenient for frequent use.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the system 11 for opening and closing of the cabinet 1 with the lid 6 in an open position with a package of gloves stored inside. A second side wall 14 and a bottom wall 15 of the cabinet 1 are visible in Fig.2. In the most basic embodiment (not shown), the system 11 comprises a stop means 10 on the lid 6, provided on a second side 7 of the lid 6 (backside of the lid 6) opposite to the first side 8 (frontside of the lid), and at least one first stop lug 4b comprising a first 15b and a second leg 16b rotatably arranged in the cabinet 1, wherein the first leg 15b is configured to interlock with the stop means 10 on the lid 6 to lock the lid 6 in the open position for a predetermined period. In said basic embodiment of the invention, the system 11 includes additionally a first damper 7b connected to the cabinet 1 and in contact with the second leg 16b. The first stop lug 4b, the first leg 15b and the second leg 16b, as well as damper 7b are marked on Fig.2 via dotted lines. The stop means 10 on the lid 6 can have different forms e.g. of at least one boss protruding from a surface of the second side 7 of the lid 6, plurality of bosses arranged in one vertical line on different levels (not shown) or at least one horizontal stop wall 19 located within a vertical groove of the second side 7 of the lid 6 (shown in Fig.5 and 6 but in connection with recesses and groves not solely). The term "boss" within the meaning of the invention is understood as a protruding feature e.g. cylindrical or rounded that sticks out from the surface of the second side 7 of the lid 6. The term "recess" within the meaning of the invention is understood as a hollowed-out space in the surface of the second side 7 of the lid 6. The term "horizontal stop wall" is essentially a barrier or a stopping point within the surface of the second side 7 of the lid.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the system 11 for opening and closing of the cabinet 1 with the removed lid 6. The second side wall 14 is visible in Fig. 3, as well as the bottom wall 15 of the cabinet 1. In this embodiment, the system 11 comprises two stop lugs, the first stop lug 4b and a second stop lug 4a respectively. The first stop lug 4b comprises a first leg 15b and a second leg 16b. The second stop lug 4a comprises a first leg 15a and a second leg 16a. Both first stop lug 4b and the second stop lug 4a are arranged rotatably around a shaft 5. The shaft 5 provides a central axis or pivot point for the first stop lug 4b, and the second stop lug 4a. Additionally, mounting the first stop lug 4b and the second stop lug 4a on the single shaft 5, provides synchronisation of their rotational movement, preventing imbalance of the lid 6 during operation. In this embodiment of the system 11, the first damper 7b is connected to the cabinet 1 and in contact with the second leg 16b. The system 11 comprises additionally a support element 3. The support element 3 is connected with the cabinet 1 and arranged in between the first stop lug 4b and the second stop lug 4a so that the shaft 5 extends through the support element 3. The support element 3 provides a stable base for the shaft 3 and the stop lugs 4a, 4b. It ensures that these components are securely anchored to the cabinet 1, which is necessary for reliable operation. The support element 3 contributes additionally to overall structural integrity of the system 11, as it ensures that the system 11 can withstand repeated use. Fig.3 shows that the first leg 15b, 15a and the second leg 16b, 16a of the first stop lug 4b and second stop lug 4a, respectively are rotatably arranged around a shaft 5. This is preferrable feature of the system 11 which provides more precise control over the engagement and release of the lid 6. This preferable embodiment ensures additional stability and balance of the lid's 6 movement, as each of the first legs 15b, 15a and second legs 16b, 16a functions independently, reducing the risk of misalignment. In this preferable configuration the first legs 15b, 15a can smoothly engage with the stop means 10 on the lid 6 for holding it open, while the second legs 16b, 16a efficiently react with respective damper 7b, 7a for controlled closing of the lid 6. Preferably the first damper 7b and the second damper 7a are piston and cylinder assembly 9b, 9a respectively. The damper 7b, 7a in the form of piston and cylinder assembly 9b, 9a provides additional control for the lid's 6 movement, preventing abrupt motions.

[0027] Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-section, side view of the system 11 for opening and closing of the cabinet 1 with the lid 6 in an opened position. The first stop lug 4b has the first leg 15b which is in horizontal position and engages with the stop means 10 on the second surface of the lid 6. In this embodiment the stop means 10 are in the form of recesses 19b, 20b, 21b. At the same time the second leg 16b remains in vertical position. The vertical leg 16b is connected to the rear wall 12 of the cabinet via damper 7b. As the lid 6 reaches the opened position, the first leg 15b engages with the stop means 10 on the backside 7 of the lid 6, in particular with a recess 20b. This engagement is typically designed to lock the lid 6 opened for a predetermined period of time. When the lid 6 is opened, the damper 7b exerts a force that counterbalances the weight of the lid 6 keeping it in the open position. The predetermined time period is defined by the difference between the gravity force of the lid 6 and the counterforce of the damper 7b. The first leg 15b of the first stop lug 4b rotates clockwise so that the first leg 15b passes into the recess 20b of the groove 20a. (or tipping forward movement) is limited by the damper 7b. In the open position of the lid 6, the gravity will press the damper 7b unitil the first leg 15b has tipped forward so much that it is released from the recess 20b and the lid 6 starts to fall down. The lid 6 returns to the closed position at an end of the predetermined period. In other words the end of the predetermined period is the moment when the lid's 6 weight overcomes the damper's 7b resistance, signalling the lid's controlled closing sequence. This imbalance causes the first leg 15b of the first stop lug 4b to rotate away from its position in the recess 20b (or any other possible embodiment of the stop means 10), initiating the closing motion of the lid 6. The embodiment shown in Fig.4 is only preferable embodiment of the system 11, the stop means 10 can also have a form of single recess on the second surface 7 of the lid or plurality of recesses arranged in one vertical line 16 on different levels (embodiments not shown). In embodiment with single recess or plurality of recesses arranged in one vertical line, only one stop lug 4b suffices to engage with the stop means 10.

[0028] Fig. 5 illustrates a first embodiment of the backside 7 of the lid 6. In this embodiment stop means 10 are in the form of recesses 19b, 19c, 21b and are arranged in two vertical lines 16 and 17 respectively. The recesses 19b, 19c, 21b are connected via respective grooves 19a, 20a, 21a. The groove 19a on the backside 7 of the lid 6 cooperates with the horizontal leg 15b of the stop lug. The lower recess 19c and the upper recess 19b controls the stop of the lid 6 closing movement. The groove 19a controls the opening of the movement of the lid 6. The groove 21a is connected with the recess 21b and cooperates with the other horizontal leg 15a to slow down the closing movement of the lid 6 and to provide the reduction of the noise associated with the closing movement. When the user raises the lid 6 by applying an upward press on the grip member 18, the first stop lug 4b slides in the groove 19a until it reaches the recess 19c. The clockwise movement (or tipping forward movement) is limited by the damper 7b. In the open position of the lid 6, the gravity will press the damper 7b until the first leg 15b has tipped forward so much that it is released from the recess 20b and the lid 6 starts to fall down. The power of the damper 7b is adapted so that the user has time to pick up the stored item e.g. the rubber gloves from the cabinet 1. To limit the guillotine movement of the lid 6, the groove 21a and the recess 21b cooperate with the second stop lug 4a. In this embodiment the groove 21b, in the second vertical line 17 is shifted vertically with respect to the grooves 19a and 20a in the first vertical line 16 to provide additional slow motion upon closing of the lid 6. In the last sequence of the downward movement of the lid 6, i.e. in vertical distance between the recess 21b and recess 19b, the first leg 15a engages with recess 21b during the whole sequence. That means that the damper 7a connected with the second leg 16a is active by means of the counterforce. Hereby, the slowdown of the lid 6 is additionally enforced.

[0029] Fig. 6 shows a vertical section of the lid 6 of the system 11 with visible grip member 18 and section through the groove 19a, recess 19c as well as recess 20b and groove 20a. The recess 19c and 20b are separated via stop wall 19. The horizontal stop wall 19 as shown in Fig. 6 can solely perform function of the stop means 10, without recesses as far as it is located within the vertical groove (embodiment not shown).

[0030] Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of the backside 7 of the lid 6. In this embodiment the backside 7 of the lid 6 is equipped with a plurality of recesses and grooves. The first vertical line 16 comprises upper recess 22b connected via groove 22a with another recess 22c. The recess 22c is separated via a stop wall with recess 23b connected via groove 23a with recess 23c. The recess 23c is separated via a stop wall with recess 24b connected via groove 24a with recess 24c. The recess 24c is separated via a stop wall with recess 25b connected with the groove 25a. The second vertical line 17 comprises upper recess 26b connected via groove 26a with recess 26c. The recess 26c is separated via stop wall from recess 27b connected via groove 27a with recess 27c. The recess 27c is separated via a stop wall with recess 28b connected with the groove 28a. When the cabinet 1 is closed, the lid 6 rests on the bottom wall 15 of the cabinet. Upon opening of the cabinet 1 by pushing the lid 6 up to the open position, the lid 6 is held by the recess 25b by the first leg 15b of the first lug 4b for a time period defined by the difference provided by the weight of the lid 6 and the counterforce of the damper 7b attached to the second leg 16b. When the first leg 15b is locked in the recess 25b, at the same time the first leg 15a of the second lug 4a is on the same horizontal level in the groove 28a. Once the gravity force of the lid 6 overcomes the damper's 7b resistance the imbalance causes the first leg 15b of the first stop lug 4b to rotate away from its position in the recess 25b and the lid 6 starts to close. The lid 6 falls until the first leg 15a of the second lug 4a hits the recess 28b thereby slowing down the closing movement of the lid 6. At the same time, the first leg 15b of the first lug 4b is positioned on the same horizontal level in the first groove 24a. The second damper 7a is connected to the second leg 16a of the first lug 4a to counteract a downward rotation of the first leg 15a, until the leg 15a rotates away. The first leg 15a of the second stop lug 4a rotates away from the recess 28b to the recess 27c and at the same time the opposite first leg 15b of the first stop lug 4b hits the recess 24b. The first leg 15b rotates away from the recess 24b to the recess 23c and at the same time the first leg 15a of the first stop lug 4a is in the groove 27a at the same horizontal level. The lid 6 continues closing movement until the first leg 15a hits the recess 27b. Meanwhile, the first leg 15b of the first lug 4b is in the groove 23a at the same horizontal level. The first leg 15a of the second stop lug 4a rotates away from its position in the recess 27b to the recess 26c. The lid 6 continues closing movement until the first leg 15b of the first lug hits the recess 23b. The first leg 15b of the first lug 4b rotates away from the recess 23b to the recess 22c. At the same time the first leg 15a of the second lug 4a is on the same horizontal level in the groove 26a. The lid 6 continues closing movement until the first leg 15a of the second lug 4a hits the recess 26b. Meanwhile, the first leg 15b of the first lug 4b is on the same horizontal level in the groove 22a. The lid 6 continues the closing movement until the first leg 15b reaches the recess 22b and the lid 6 is in fully closed position covering the cabinet 1. The alternate engagement between the first legs 15a, 15b and the respective grooves and recesses in the second vertical line 17, as well as the first vertical line 16 provides even more smooth closing of the lid 6 and prevents a guillotine movement of the lid 6 in the closing sequence.

Claims

1. A system arranged to open and close of a cabinet (1) comprising: a) the cabinet (1), b) a lid (6) covering the cabinet (1) configured to move in a vertical direction between a closed and an open position, c) a grip member (18) for raising the lid (6) from the closed position to the open position, the grip member (18) provided on a first side (8) of the lid (6), d) a stop means (10) on the lid (6), provided on a second side (7) of the lid (6), opposite to the first side (8), e) a first stop lug (4b) comprising a first (15b) and a second leg (16b) rotatably arranged in the cabinet (1), wherein the first leg (15b) is configured to interlock with the stop means (10) on the lid (6) to lock the lid in the open position for a predetermined period, f) a first damper (7b) connected to the cabinet (1) and in contact with the second leg (16b), wherein the damper (7b) is arranged to counteract a downward rotation of the first leg (15b) until the first leg (15b) has rotated away from the stop means (10) and wherein the predetermined time period is defined by the difference between the gravity force of the lid (6) and the counterforce of the damper (7b) and wherein the lid (6) returns to the closed position at an end of the predetermined period.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the stop means (10) is at least one boss protruding from a surface of the second side (7) of the lid (6).

3. The system according to claim 2 wherein the stop means (10) are a plurality of bosses arranged in a first vertical line (16) on different levels.

4. The system according to claim 1 wherein the stop means (10) is at least one recess (19b, 19c, 20b, 22b, 22c, 23b, 23c, 24b, 24c 25b) on the second surface of the lid (6).

5. The system according claim 4 wherein the stop means (10) are a plurality of recesses (19b, 19c, 20b, 22b, 22c, 23b, 23c, 24b, 24c 25b) arranged in a first vertical line (16) on different levels.

6. The system according to claim 1 wherein the stop means (10) is at least one horizontal stop wall (19) located within a vertical groove.

7. The system according to any of the claims from 1 to 5, wherein the stop means (10) are connected to grooves (19a, 20a, 22a, 23a, 24a) located in a first vertical line (16) and wherein the grooves (19a, 20a, 22a, 23a, 24a) are dimensioned so that they accommodate the stop lug (4b) for guiding the lid (6) upon movement between a closed and an open position.

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7 wherein grooves (19a, 20a, 22a, 23a, 24a) extend from an upper to a lower part of the lid (6).

9. The system according to claim 6, 7 or 8 wherein the grooves (21a, 26a, 27a, 28a) are arranged additionally in a second vertical line (17) parallel to the first vertical line (16) and wherein the system comprises additionally a second stop lug (4a) comprising a first leg (15a) and a second leg (16a) and wherein the second stop lug (4a) is arranged to engage with the grooves (19a, 20a, 22a, 23a, 24a) in the second vertical line (17) and wherein the system comprises additionally a second damper (7a) connected to the cabinet (1) and in contact with the second leg (16a) of the second stop lug (4a).

10. The system according to claim 9 wherein the grooves (21a, 26a, 27a, 28a) in the second vertical line (17) are shifted vertically with respect to the grooves (19a, 20a, 22a, 23a, 24a) in the first vertical line (16).

11. The system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first leg (15a, 15b) and the second leg (16a, 16b) of the first stop lug (4b) and second stop lug (4a), respectively are substantially orthogonal to each other.

12. The system according to any of the proceeding claims wherein the first leg (15a, 15b) and the second leg (16a, 16b) of the first stop lug (4b) and second stop lug (4a), are rotatably arranged around a shaft (5).

13. The system according to any of the preceding claim 12 wherein the system comprises additionally a support element (3) connected with the cabinet (1) and arranged in between the first stop lugs (4b) and the second stop lug (4a) so that the shaft (5) extends through the support element (3).

14. The system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the grip member (18) is a knob, a handle or a pull.

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