A push-open mechanism for furnitures

Abstract

The present application proposes a push-open mechanism (100) for use in a movable part of a furniture. The push-open mechanism (100) comprises a pin (1) with a tip (11), and a guiding means (2) with a groove (20) for guiding the tip (11) along a guiding trajectory (GT) that substantially defines a trajectory plane (TP). The guiding means (2) comprises a base (22) in-between a wall system (3) and parallel to the trajectory plane (TP). The tip (11) extends along a length (L) towards the base (22), said length (L) being orthogonal to the trajectory plane (TP) when in use. The wall system (3) includes a pin-rest (31) portion, at which a side of the wall system (3) at the first direction (-x) has a local height (HL) from the base (22) orthogonal to the trajectory plane (TP). The push-open mechanism (100) is further provided with a cap (4) that has a face (41) opposing the groove (21); the face (41) being disposed at a distance (D) to the pin rest (31) in a direction orthogonal to the trajectory plane (TP), arranged for preventing the tip from disengaging from the guiding means (2) when at the pin rest (31). The present application further proposes a movable furniture part that is equipped with such push-open mechanism (100), and a furniture equipped with such movable furniture part.

Description

[0001] A PUSH-OPEN MECHANISM FOR FURNITURES

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to push-open mechanisms for movable furniture parts. In particular, the present invention relates to a guiding means developed for enhancing the function of furniture push-open mechanisms.

[0004] Background

[0005] Furniture push-open mechanisms can include a groove for guiding a pin that is constantly held under the force of a force accumulator (e.g., compression spring). A counter-force is applied by a user in a direction in which the force accumulator is further loaded with mechanical potential energy, for altering the state of the push-open mechanism between an open position and a closed position. The alternating dominance between the force exerted by the user and the constantly applied force of the force accumulator determines the movement of the pin relative to the groove.

[0006] The groove can include one or more resting spots that delimit the movement of the pin in a pre-determined direction. In the case where the pin flexes under lateral forces at contact points with the groove, the pin can unduly disengage from the groove. Thus, mechanical cooperation between the pin and groove is interrupted, rendering the push-open mechanism non-functional. In such case, it is required to replace or re-assemble the push-open system to regain its functionality.

[0007] In a worse case scenario, the pin can be damaged or deformed due to lateral mechanical forces exerted thereonto by the groove. Furthermore, or alternatively, the groove can be deformed due to being eroded by the pin in directions that are not in accordance with the groove pattern. These cases require replacement of the push-open mechanism.

[0008] Accordingly, it is required to develop an improved means for minimizing or even eliminating push-open mechanism related malfunctions in movable furniture parts.

[0009] Summary

[0010] A primary object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for stabilization against malfunction in guiding devices for use in push-open mechanisms to be employed in movable furniture parts such as drawers, lift-opening cabinets, and cabinets with one or more doors. Such furniture parts may be of a type that do not additionally necessitate the provision of a handle. These objects are achieved with the guiding means having the features summarized in the appended independent claim.

[0011] To this end, the present invention proposes a push-open mechanism for use in a movable part of a furniture. The push-open mechanism comprises a pin with a tip. The push-open mechanism further comprises a guiding means with a groove for guiding the tip along a guiding trajectory. Said guiding trajectory is considered to (substantially or completely) define a trajectory plane. The guiding means comprises a base in-between a wall system and parallel to the trajectory plane.

[0012] In the push-open mechanism according to the present application, the tip extends along a length towards the base. Said length is orthogonal to the trajectory plane when the pushopen mechanism is in use.

[0013] The wall system includes a pin-rest portion, at which a side of the wall system at the first direction has a local height from the base orthogonal to the trajectory plane.

[0014] The push-open mechanism is further provided with a cap that has a face opposing the groove. The face is disposed at a distance to the pin rest in a direction orthogonal to the trajectory plane. Said distance is arranged in shape and size, to block the tip from disengaging from the guiding means when at the pin rest.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the push-open mechanism according to the present application, said distance is smaller than said length.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the push-open mechanism according to the present application, said distance has a value within the range between the length and a thickness or diameter of the tip.

[0017] In an even further preferred embodiment of the push-open mechanism according to the present application, a difference between the distance and the thickness or diameter is not greater than a half of the local height.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the push-open mechanism comprises a force accumulator that is arranged to bias the pin away from the guiding means in the first direction.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the push-open mechanism comprises a housing arranged to receive the guiding means and the cap secured to each other, at a second direction side end of the housing. The guiding means and cap can be secured to each other and to the housing by means of a securing means that is arranged for fixing the guiding means and cap with regard to an orientation along the first direction and second direction. In a preferred embodiment, the push-open mechanism comprises a pushing means that resides at a first direction side end of the housing, and that is mechanically engaged with the pin.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the push-open mechanism comprises a sandwiching means that is arranged for sandwiching the pin at a distal end with regard to the tip, and for securing the pin to the pushing means.

[0021] Preferably, the pushing means is shaped and sized to receive a distal end of the sandwiching means with regard to the tip.

[0022] The present application further proposes a movable furniture part comprising one or more of the push-open mechanisms according to any of the preceding claims. The present application further proposes a furniture comprising such movable furniture part.

[0023] Brief description of Figures

[0024] The figures, a brief explanation of which is herewith provided, are solely intended for providing a better understanding of the present invention and are as such not intended to define the scope of protection or the context in which said scope is to be interpreted in the absence of the description.

[0025] Fig .1 is a schematical plan view showing a guiding means and a temporary locus of a tip of a corresponding pin in an exemplary embodiment of the push-open mechanism according to the present invention.

[0026] Fig.2 is a schematical plan view showing the guiding means and another temporary locus of the tip in the exemplary embodiment that is shown in Fig.1 .

[0027] Fig.3 is schematical plan view showing the guiding means and an even further temporary locus of the tip in the exemplary embodiment that is shown in Fig.2.

[0028] Fig.4 is schematical plan view showing the guiding means and an even further temporary locus of the tip in the exemplary embodiment that is shown in Fig.3.

[0029] Fig.5 is schematical plan view showing the guiding means and an even further temporary locus of the tip in the exemplary embodiment that is shown in Fig.4.

[0030] Fig.6 is a detailed plan view showing a guiding means as exemplified in Fig.1 -5, along with a pin in a push-open mechanism embodiment according to the present invention. Here, the pin is in the first position.

[0031] Fig.7 is a detailed perspective view that corresponds to the Fig.6. Fig.8 is a schematical side section across the trajectory plane, showing the geometrical considerations in the push-open mechanism according to the present invention.

[0032] Fig.9 is an exploded view of a push-open mechanism embodiment according to the present invention.

[0033] Fig.10 is perspective view of a movable furniture part that is equipped with a couple of exemplary push-open mechanism embodiments according to the present invention.

[0034] Detailed description

[0035] The present application presents a push-open mechanism (100) that includes a pin (1 ) with a tip (1 1 ), and a guiding means (2) with a groove (20) for guiding the tip (11 ) along a guiding trajectory (GT) that substantially defines a trajectory plane (TP). The push-open mechanism (100) according to the present invention is suitable for use in movable furniture parts. It can be considered that the pin (1 ) has a substantially cylindrical shape that extends parallel to said plane (TP) when in use; and the tip (11 ) is formed by bending an end of the pin (1 ) such that, when in use, the tip (11 ) extends orthogonal to said plane (TP). With such bent cylinder geometry, it can be considered that a thickness or diameter (T) of the pin (1 ) substantially apply to the thickness or diameter (T) of the tip (11 ), thus identical. As the bent portion of the pin (1 ), the tip (11 ) can also be considered to have a length (L), that is orthogonal to the trajectory plane (TP) when in use.

[0036] The groove (21 ) can be considered to have a pattern design that is arranged to guide the pin

[0037] (I ) between a first position (P1 ) and a second position (P2). The first position (P1 ) can be disposed outside the groove (21 ), and in a first direction (-x) with regard to the groove (21). With regard to the first position (P1 ), the second position (P2) is disposed at the second direction (+x) that is opposite to said first direction (-x).

[0038] Fig .1 is a schematical plan view showing a guiding means (2) and a temporary locus of a tip

[0039] (I I ) of a corresponding pin (1 ) in an exemplary embodiment of the push-open mechanism (100) according to the present invention. Here, said temporary locus corresponds to a first position (P1 ) that can be considered as an open position. The first position (P1 ) resides in a first direction relative to another temporary locus that corresponds to a second position (P2).

[0040] Fig.2 is a schematical plan view showing the guiding means (2) and another temporary locus of the tip (1 1 ) in the exemplary embodiment that is shown in Fig.1 . Here, said temporary locus corresponds to the second position (P2) that can be considered as a closed position. The present temporary locus has ben reached upon the guidance of the tip (11 ) in a second direction (+x), through a first line (L1 ) in the guiding trajectory (GT). Fig .3 is schematical plan view showing the guiding means (2) and an even further temporary locus of the tip (1 1 ) in the exemplary embodiment that is shown in Fig.2. Here, said temporary locus can still be considered to correspond to the closed, second position (P2); yet the tip (11 ) is slightly guided in the first direction (-x) until it abuts to a pin rest (31 ) portion of a corresponding wall system (3) of the guiding means (2).

[0041] Fig .4 is schematical plan view showing the guiding means (2) and an even further temporary locus of the tip (11 ) in the exemplary embodiment that is shown in Fig.3. Here, the tip (1 1 ) is guided in the second direction (+x) away from the pin rest (31 ). Here, the temporary locus is an instable intermediate position (Pi) in which the pin (1 ) can be freely brought to the first position (P1 ) by guiding through a second line (L2) upon exertion of a second net force (F2) towards the first direction (-x).

[0042] Fig.5 is schematical plan view showing the guiding means (2) and an even further temporary locus of the tip (1 1 ) in the exemplary embodiment that is shown in Fig.4. Here, the temporary locus corresponds to the first position (P1 ) that is depicted in the Fig.1. So, the relative positionings in Fig.5 can be considered identical to those shown in Fig .1 .

[0043] Fig.6 is a detailed plan view showing a guiding means (2) as exemplified in Fig.1 to Fig.5, along with a pin (1 ) in a push-open mechanism (100) embodiment according to the present invention. Here, the locus of the tip (11 ) of the pin (1 ) corresponds to the first position (P1 ).

[0044] The tip (1 1 ) extends towards a base (22) of the groove (20), substantially orthogonal to the guiding trajectory (GT) and substantially parallel or identical to the trajectory plane (TP). The locus of the base (22) is defined in-between a wall system (3) that has a height (H) from the base (22), orthogonal to the trajectory plane (TP). Thus, the wall system (3) is arranged for delimiting the movement of the tip (1 1 ) in directions that are transverse to the guiding trajectory (GT), and that are parallel to the trajectory plane (TP).

[0045] The guiding means (2) includes a pin rest (31 ) portion of the wall system (3). At the pin rest (31 ), a first direction (-x) side of the wall system (3) has a local height (HL) from the base (22), orthogonal to the trajectory plane (TP). Thus, the pin rest (31 ) is arranged for locally delimiting the movement range of the tip (1 1 ) towards the first direction (-x) parallel to the trajectory plane (TP).

[0046] The push-open mechanism (100) is further provided with a cap (4) that has a face (41 ) opposing the groove (21 ). The face (41 ) is disposed at a distance (D) to the pin rest (31 ) in a direction orthogonal to the trajectory plane (TP). The face (41 ) is arranged for preventing the tip (1 1 ) from moving away from the guiding trajectory (GT), thereby preventing the tip (1 1 ) from disengaging from the guiding means (2) when at the pin rest (31). Fig.7 is a detailed perspective view that corresponds to the Fig.6. Here, a schematic indication of distance (D) of a face (41 ) on a cap, and of a thickness or diameter (T) of a pin (1 ) are emphasized. Fig.8 is a schematical side section across the trajectory plane (TP), showing the geometrical considerations in the push-open mechanism (100), that are discussed in the present specification.

[0047] The distance (D) is preferably smaller than said length (L). So, it is secured that the tip (1 1 ) is retained inside the groove (21 ) when at the pin rest (31).

[0048] Preferably, the distance (D) has a value within the range between the length (L) and said thickness or diameter (T). In other words, the distance (D) is within the range between L and T. Thus, it is secured the tip (11 ) is retained at a position in which it is further inserted into the groove (21 ), that is, towards the base (22), when at the pin rest (31 ).

[0049] More preferably, the difference between the distance (D) and the thickness or diameter (T) is not greater than half of said local height (HL). In other words, the distance (D) is within the range between T and T+HL x 0.5. Thus, the tip (11 ) is at a position in which at least a half of the length (L) of the tip (11 ) is inserted into the groove (21 ), when at the pin rest (31 ).

[0050] Thus, the cap (4) is sized and shaped to retain the tip (11 ) in-between the wall system (3) when the tip (11 ) is at the pin rest (31 ). The present invention eliminates the possibility of causing damage on the pin (1 ) and / or on the guiding means (2), by preventing the derailment of the pin (1 ) from the groove (21 ) when at the second position (P2).

[0051] The push-open mechanism (100) preferably further includes a force accumulator (5) (e.g., compression spring) that is arranged to constantly exert a force (Fs) onto the pin in the first direction (-x) towards the first position (P1 ). The first position (P1 ) can be considered as an open position of the push-open mechanism (100). Here, the pin rest (31 ) is arranged for reversibly catching and retaining the pin (1 ) in the second position (P2), under the force (Fs) of the force accumulator (5). The pin (1 ) can be considered as pre-tensioned by a force accumulator (5) arranged for biasing the pin (1 ) towards the pre-determined first direction (- x).

[0052] To bring the push-open mechanism (100) from the first position to the second position:

[0053] - A first net force (F1 ) is applied onto the pin (1 ) in the second direction (+x). To this end, for instance, a user applies a pushing force onto the pin (1 ) in the second direction (+x), overcoming a force (Fs) of the force accumulator (5) where applicable. If the first position (P1 ) relies outside the groove (21 ), the pin (1 ) is first introduced into the groove (21 ).

[0054] - Then, under the first net force (F1 ), the pin (1 ) proceeds in the second direction (+x) relative to the groove (21 ), and travels along a first line (L1 ) in the guiding trajectory (GT) until reaching the second position (P2). The second position (P2) can be considered as a closed position of the respective push-open mechanism (100). When, instead of the first net force (F1 ), a second net force (F2) is applied onto the pin (1 ) in the first position (P1 ) (for instance, when the user ceases the exertion of the pushing force and the force (Fs) of the force accumulator (5) recovers its dominance, where applicable); the pin (1 ) takes motion in the first direction (-x) under the second net force (F2), until reaching the pin rest (31 ) that delimits the movement of the pin (1 ) in the first direction (-x) relative to the groove (21 ). The pin rest (31 ) is closer to the second position (P2) when compared to the first position (P1 ); so, when at the pin rest (31 ), the pin (1 ) is considered to be retained in the second position (P2).

[0055] To bring the push-open mechanism (100) from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1 ):

[0056] - The first net force (F1 ) is applied onto the pin (1 ) in the second direction (+x). To this end, for instance, the user applies pushing force onto the pin (1 ) in the second direction (+x), overcoming the force (F2) of the force accumulator (5). As a result, the pin (1 ) moves in the second direction (+x) relative to the groove (21 ), and travels along the groove until reaching an intermediate position (Pi) that is arranged to delimit the movement of the pin (1 ) further in the second direction (+x).

[0057] - When the second net force (F2) is applied onto the pin (1 ) in the intermediate position (Pi) (e.g., when the user ceases the exertion of the pushing force and the force (Fs) of the force accumulator (5) recovers dominance, if applicable); the pin (1 ) moves in the first direction (-x) relative to the groove (21 ), and travels along a second line (L2) in the guiding trajectory (GT), that is different from the first line (L1 ), to reaching the first position (P1 ).

[0058] An alternative explanation of the sequential functionality of the push-open mechanism (100) can be exemplified as follows: a) At an open position, the pin (1 ) rests at the first position (P1 ). b) When the push-open mechanism (100) is intervened (here: by pushing a corresponding piece of furniture, such that the pin (1 ) is forced in the second direction (+x) relative to the guiding means (2), the pin (1 ) moves in the second direction (+x) relative to the guiding means (2), through the first line (L1 ), until the pin (1 ) reaches to the second position (P2). c) When said intervention is ceased, the pin (1 ) moves in the first direction (-x) relative to the guiding means (2), e.g., under the force (Fs) of the force accumulator (5), until the pin (1 ) is caught and retained by the pin rest (31 ). This position can be considered as a closed position. d) When the push-open mechanism (100) is re-intervened (here: pushed, e.g., against the force (Fs) of the force accumulator), the pin (1 ) moves in the second direction (+x) relative to the guiding means (2), into a beginning of the second line (L2) e) When said re-intervention is ceased, the pin (1 ) moves in the first direction (-x) relative to the guiding means (2), e.g., under the force of the first force accumulator, through the second line (L2), to reaching the pin (1 ) to the first position (P1 ). Hence, an open position is achieved.

[0059] A misuse can take place when in the closed, second position (P2). Such misuse can be defined as pulling the respective movable piece of furniture in the first direction (-x) instead of pushing the same in the second direction (+x), such that the pin (1 ) is overly forced in the first direction (-x) relative to the guiding means (2). In such case, the pin (1 ) passes over the pin rest (31 ) (i.e., dislocates from the pin rest (31 )). As a result, the pin (1 ) derails from the groove (21 ). Further possibly, a respective force accumulator (5) can be selected to exert an unduly high force (Fs) in the first direction. The cooperation between the guiding means (2) and the cap (4) with the face (41 ) in accordance with the above-discussed geometric considerations, the mechanical stability of the push-open mechanism (100) is enhanced. Considering the first and second net forces (F1 , F2) when in case of a misuse are not extremely high when compared to normal extents of net forces (F1 , F2) when in use; the possibility of deformations on the pin (1 ) or guiding means (2) due to derailment is minimized or even eliminated.

[0060] Fig.9 is an exploded view of a push-open mechanism (100) embodiment according to the present invention. A preferred embodiment of the push-open mechanism (100) can include one or more of the following:

[0061] Preferably, the push-open mechanism (100) includes a housing (6) to receive the guiding means (2) and the cap (4) secured to each other, at a second direction (+x) side end of the housing (6). The guiding means (2) and cap (4) can be secured to each other and to the housing (6) by means of a securing means (61 ) (e.g., a rigid rod) that extends radially with regard of a main axis of the housing (6) for fixing with regard to an orientation along the first direction (-x) and second direction (+x).

[0062] - The push-open mechanism (100) can preferably include a pushing means (63) that resides at a first direction (-x) side end of the housing, and that is mechanically engaged with the pin (1 ).

[0063] - The push-open mechanism (100) can preferably include a force accumulator (5) that is arranged to bias the pin (1 ) (for instance, the pin (1 ) being secured to pushing means (63)) away from the guiding means (2) towards the first direction (-x).

[0064] - The push-open mechanism (100) can preferably include a sandwiching means (62) that is arranged for sandwiching the pin (1 ) at an end distal to the tip (11 ), and for securing the pin (1 ) to the pushing means (63). A respective pushing means (63) can be shaped and sized to receive a distal end of the sandwiching means (62) with regard to the tip (1 1 ).

[0065] The present invention further proposes a movable furniture part (7) that is equipped with one or more push open mechanisms (100) according to any of the embodiments that are discussed above. Fig.10 is perspective view of a movable furniture part that is equipped with a couple of exemplary push-open mechanism embodiments according to the present invention. The above-discussed advantages provided by the features of the push-open mechanism (100) according to the present application inherently apply also to such movable furniture part (7) and to the furniture that is equipped with such movable furniture part.

[0066] Reference signs:

[0067] 1 pin

[0068] 1 1 tip

[0069] 2 guiding means

[0070] 21 groove

[0071] 22 base

[0072] 3 wall system

[0073] 31 pin rest

[0074] 4 cap

[0075] 41 face

[0076] 5 force accumulator

[0077] 6 housing

[0078] 61 securing means

[0079] 62 sandwiching means

[0080] 63 pushing means

[0081] 7 movable furniture part

[0082] 100 push-open mechanism D distance

[0083] F1 first net force

[0084] F2 second net force

[0085] Fs force of the force accumulator

[0086] GT guiding trajectory HL local height

[0087] L tip length

[0088] L1 first line

[0089] L2 second line P1 first position

[0090] P2 second position

[0091] Pi intermediate position

[0092] T thickness or diameter of the tip or pin

[0093] TP trajectory plane -x first direction

[0094] +x second direction

Claims

CLAIMS A push-open mechanism (100) for use in a movable part of a furniture, the push-open mechanism (100) comprising a pin (1 ) with a tip (11 ), and a guiding means (2) with a groove (20) for guiding the tip (1 1 ) along a guiding trajectory (GT) that substantially defines a trajectory plane (TP); the guiding means (2) comprises a base (22) in-between a wall system (3) and parallel to the trajectory plane (TP); the tip (11 ) extends along a length (L) towards the base (22), said length (L) being orthogonal to the trajectory plane (TP) when in use; the wall system (3) includes a pin-rest (31 ) portion, at which a side of the wall system (3) at the first direction (-x) has a local height (HL) from the base (22) orthogonal to the trajectory plane (TP); wherein the push-open mechanism (100) is further provided with a cap (4) that has a face (41 ) opposing the groove (21 ); the face (41 ) being disposed at a distance (D) to the pin rest (31 ) in a direction orthogonal to the trajectory plane (TP), arranged for preventing the tip from disengaging from the guiding means (2) when at the pin rest (31 ). The push-open mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein said distance (D) is smaller than said length (L). The push-open mechanism according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said distance (D) has a value within the range between the length (L) and a thickness or diameter (T) of the tip (11 ). The push-open mechanism according to claim 3, wherein a difference between the distance (D) and the thickness or diameter (T) is not greater than a half of the local height (HL). The push-open mechanism according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising a force accumulator (5) that is arranged to bias the pin (1 ) away from the guiding means (2) towards the first direction (-x). The push-open mechanism according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising a housing (6) that is arranged to receive the guiding means (2) and the cap (4) secured to each other, at a second direction (+x) side end of the housing (6); the guiding means (2) and cap (4) being secured to each other and to the housing (6) by means of a securing means (61 ) that is arranged for fixing the guiding means (2) and cap (4) with regard to an orientation along the first direction (-x) and second direction (+x).

7. The push-open mechanism according to claim 6, comprising a pushing means (63) that resides at a first direction (-x) side end of the housing, and that is mechanically engaged with the pin (1).

8. The push-open mechanism according to claim 7, comprising a sandwiching means (62) that is arranged for sandwiching the pin (1 ) at a distal end with regard to the tip (11 ), and for securing the pin (1 ) to the pushing means (63).

9. The push-open mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the pushing means (63) is shaped and sized to receive a distal end of the sandwiching means (62) with regard to the tip (11 ).

10. A movable furniture part (7) comprising one or more of the push-open mechanisms (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9.

11. A furniture comprising the movable furniture part according to claim 10.

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