Damper for a fitting for movably supporting a swivel or pull-out element

Abstract

A damper (9) for a fitting (4) for movably supporting a swivel element (3) or a pull-out element (14) relative to a stationary support (2), in particular for a fitting for movably supporting a furniture part (3a), a window or a door, comprising a damper housing (10), at least one fluid chamber (25) arranged in the damper housing (10), at least one damping fluid arranged in the fluid chamber (25), at least one piston (17) slidably supported in the fluid chamber (25), and at least one sealing element (18), preferably annular, which is sealed by at least a first section (18a) of the sealing element (18) against an inner wall (10) of the fluid chamber (25). a) a first section (18a) of the piston (17) that is in contact with or abuts against the inner wall (10a) of the fluid chamber (25), the at least one sealing element (18) having at least one second section (18b) that is preferably substantially annular, the second section (18b) being spaced from the inner wall (10a) of the fluid chamber (25) and being movable, preferably rotatable and / or radially expandable, relative to the first section (18a) that is in contact with or abuts against the inner wall (10a) of the fluid chamber (25) during a damping stroke in which the pressure applied to the piston (17) exceeds a predefined threshold.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates to a damper for a fitting for the movably supporting of a swivel element or a drawer element relative to a stationary support, in particular for the movably supporting of a furniture part, a window or a door, comprising: a damper housing; at least one fluid chamber disposed within the damper housing; a damping fluid disposed in the fluid chamber; and at least one piston slidably supported within the fluid chamber; at least one sealing element, preferably annular, having at least a first section; at least one sealing element that is capable of contacting or abutting against an inner wall of the fluid chamber; The present invention relates to a damper including:

[0002] The invention also relates to a fitting comprising at least one damper of the type described, which fitting is configured in particular as a hinge, as a furniture drive or as a drawer guide for moving a movable furniture part.

[0003] Such dampers are used, for example, to damp the movement of a swivel or drawer element (e.g., a drawer, door, flap or window) or a movably supported furniture fitting part, so that the swivel or drawer element is prevented from closing noisily and being damaged.

[0004] The damping effect of the damper is generated by the flow resistance of the damping fluid in the damper housing. When pressure is applied, the piston is slid inside the fluid chamber, and the damping fluid flows from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side through the piston opening and / or through a gap formed between the piston and the inner wall of the fluid chamber and / or through at least one groove arranged in the inner wall of the fluid chamber.

[0005] If excessive pressure is applied to the piston, for example during rough use, a so-called damper crash occurs. During such an overload, damping fluid can no longer flow through or beside the piston in sufficient quantities. In this case, the increased pressure can no longer be released through the damper, causing the piston and its attached piston rod to abruptly stop or bounce. In extreme cases, the damper housing may burst due to the increased pressure, causing hydraulic damping fluid to escape from the damper housing.

[0006] Austrian Utility Model No. 10342 discloses a furniture damper comprising a cylinder and a piston slidable within the cylinder. The piston has at least one overload protection opening for passing damping fluid. A closing element is also provided, slidable relative to the piston, which closes the overload protection opening in the piston at the beginning of the damping stroke. During normal operation, damping fluid can flow exclusively through an annular gap formed between the piston and the inner wall of the cylinder. Further application of pressure causes the closing element to expand radially, thereby reducing the annular gap and increasing the flow resistance for the piston. In the event of an overload, the closing element can expand radially until the overload protection opening in the piston is opened, causing a rapid decompression of the cylinder.

[0007] A disadvantage of Austrian Utility Model No. 10342 is that the annular closing element has a material cross-section that determines both the expansion characteristics and the rigidity of the closing element. If the closing element material is too soft, the closing element can certainly abut the inner wall of the cylinder sufficiently, but the piston overload protection opening will also open too early. If the closing element material is too hard, the closing element will abut insufficiently against the inner wall of the cylinder, and the piston overload protection opening will open too slowly. Another disadvantage of the above-mentioned specification is that manufacturing errors occurring in the area of the inner wall of the cylinder and the overload protection opening can only be insufficiently compensated for by the annular closing element. Overall, the range of use of the damper is limited.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a damper of the type mentioned at the outset, which makes it possible to avoid the disadvantages discussed above.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Further advantageous configurations of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is provided that at least one sealing element has at least one second section, preferably substantially annular, which is spaced from the inner wall of the fluid chamber and is movable, preferably pivotable, tiltable and / or radially expandable, relative to the first section, which is in contact with or abuts against the inner wall of the fluid chamber during the damping stroke when the pressure applied to the piston exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0011] In other words, at least one sealing element has a first section that is in contact with the inner wall of the fluid chamber or that can abut against the inner wall of the fluid chamber when the damping stroke is performed to seal the fluid chamber.

[0012] The sealing element further has a second section that is movable, pivotable, tiltable and / or radially expandable relative to the first section when the pressure applied to the piston exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0013] According to one embodiment, it may be provided that the second section of at least one sealing element is pivotable, tiltable and / or radially expandable in a direction towards the inner wall of the fluid chamber when the pressure applied to the piston exceeds a predetermined threshold, and that at least one overload prevention passage preferably arranged in the piston is openable.

[0014] Preferably, at least one overload protection passage arranged in at least one piston may be covered by the second section of the at least one sealing element when a damping stroke is performed in which the pressure applied to the piston is below a predetermined threshold, and may be at least partially open by the second section of the at least one sealing element when a damping stroke is performed in which the pressure applied to the piston is above a predetermined threshold.

[0015] Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a piece of furniture with a swivel element and a fitting for movably supporting the swivel element; FIG. [Figure 2a] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the metal fittings with the dampers separated from each other. [Figure 2b] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the metal fittings with dampers connected to each other. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a damper. [Figure 3b] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the damper in one operating position of the sealing element; [Figure 3c]4 is a cross-sectional view of the damper in another operating position of the sealing element; FIG. [Figure 4a] FIG. [Figure 4b] FIG. 10 shows a piston assembly. [Figure 4c] FIG. 10 is another view of the piston assembly. [Figure 4d] FIG. 10 is yet another view of the piston assembly. [Figure 5a] 1 is a cross section showing a damper. [Figure 5b] FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail view showing the damper with the sealing element in a normal state. [Figure 5c] FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail view showing the damper with the sealing element in an overloaded state. [Figure 6a] FIG. 10 is a view showing a metal fitting provided with a damper. [Figure 6b] FIG. 10 is another view showing a fitting with a damper. [Figure 6c] FIG. 10 is yet another view showing a fitting with a damper.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a piece of furniture 1 comprising a stationary support 2 (e.g. in the form of a furniture cabinet 2a), a movable swivel element 3 or drawer element (e.g. in the form of a movable furniture part 3a), and at least one fitting 4 (e.g. in the form of a hinge 4a) for movably supporting the swivel element 3 or drawer element relative to the stationary support 2.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting 4 has a first fitting part 5 for attachment to the stationary support 2 and a second fitting part 6 for attachment to the swivel element 3 or the pull-out element. The first fitting part 5 and the second fitting part 6 are pivotally connected to each other.

[0019] The fitting 4 has at least one damper 9 (not visible here), by means of which the relative movements of the two fitting parts 5, 6 with respect to one another can be damped. The damper 9 can damp the closing and / or opening movements of the swivel element 3 or the pull-out element to a fully closed and / or fully open end position relative to the stationary support 2.

[0020] 2a shows a fitting 4 in the form of a hinge 4a for supporting a swivel element 3 for movement relative to a stationary support 2. The fitting 4 comprises a first fitting part 5 for attachment to the stationary support 2 and a second fitting part 6 for attachment to the swivel element 3, the two fitting parts 5, 6 being pivotally connected to one another via at least one joint lever 7, preferably at least two joint levers 7.

[0021] According to one embodiment, it may be provided that the first fitting part 5 comprises the hinge arm and / or the second fitting part 6 comprises the hinge pot.

[0022] The metal fitting 4 has at least one damper 9, by means of which the relative movement of the two metal fitting parts 5, 6 with respect to one another can be damped. The at least one damper 9 includes, for example, a cylindrical damper housing 10. The piston rod 12 is supported in the damper housing 10 so as to be able to slide relative to it.

[0023] The second metal part 6 has a bore 14 through which the piston rod 12 of the damper 9 is guided in the assembled state.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the damper 9 can be arranged on the outer surface of the second fitting part 6 via at least one mounting point 13. In the assembled state, the damper 9 is arranged below the mounting flange 15 of the second fitting part 6. The second fitting part 6 together with the damper 9 can be arranged partially in the single cylindrical bore of the pivoting element 3.

[0025] FIG. 2b shows a fitting 4 in the form of a hinge 4a as shown in FIG. 2a, equipped with a damper 9, in an assembled state.

[0026] 3a shows in perspective cross section the damper 9. The damper 9 comprises a damper housing 10, at least one fluid chamber 25 arranged within the damper housing 10, a damping fluid arranged within the fluid chamber 25, at least one piston 17 slidably supported within the fluid chamber 25, and at least one sealing element 18, preferably annular, which is in contact with or abuts against an inner wall 10a of the fluid chamber 25 by at least a first section 18a.

[0027] The damping fluid may include a hydraulic damping fluid (eg, silicone oil) and possibly solid particles.

[0028] Furthermore, the sealing element 18 preferably has at least one substantially annular second section 18b which, during normal operation of the damper 9 (i.e. when the pressure applied to the piston 17 is below a predetermined threshold), is spaced from the inner wall 10a of the fluid chamber 25, preferably forming a gap 22 (Figure 3b).

[0029] The piston 17 has at least one overload protection passage 23, which is closed by the second section 18b of the sealing element 18 during normal operation of the damper 9 (i.e. when the pressure applied to the piston 17 is below a predefined threshold value). The overload protection passage 23 may have at least one, preferably multiple, flow passages 23a arranged on the piston 17.

[0030] The damper 9 has at least one return channel 24 which can be opened during the movement of the piston 17 in the direction opposite to the damping stroke. For example, the following may be provided: at least one sealing element 18 is movable relative to the at least one piston 17, the at least one sealing element 18 closing the return passage 24 in a first position relative to the piston 17 and opening the return passage 24 in a second position relative to the piston 17; and / or the return passage 24 comprises at least one recess 24a, preferably several recesses 24a, arranged on the piston 17, particularly preferably at least one recess 24a arranged on the peripheral edge of the piston 17; and / or the return passage 24 includes an axial gap 34 (FIG. 5b) between the at least one piston 17 and the at least one sealing element 18, and preferably the size of the axial gap (34) is variable during movement of the piston (17) in the direction opposite to the damping stroke.

[0031] Furthermore, the damper 9 has a return spring 19 (for example a compression spring configured as a coil spring) by means of which the piston 17 can return at least partially to its starting position after the damping stroke has been performed. The return spring 19 can be supported on an end face 21 of the fluid chamber 25 and presses the piston 17 in the direction opposite to the damping stroke.

[0032] Furthermore, the damper 9 has at least one volume compensation device 20 by means of which the volume of damping fluid displaceable by the piston rod 12 when entering the fluid chamber 25 can be compensated.

[0033] The closure element 16 allows the fluid chamber 25 to be closed.

[0034] Figure 3b shows a cross-section of the damper 9 shown in Figure 3a, with the sealing element 18 in a stationary state. The sealing element 18 has a first section 18a that contacts or can abut against the inner wall 10a of the fluid chamber 25. A second section 18b of the sealing element 18 is spaced from the inner wall 10a of the fluid chamber 25, forming a gap 22.

[0035] The first section 18a and the at least one second section 18b of the sealing element 18 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L) of the damper housing 10.

[0036] The first section 18a and the at least one second section 18b of the sealing element 18 form a substantially Z-shape in longitudinal section and at least in the rest state of the damper 9.

[0037] The sealing element 18 may be made, for example, from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 18a and the second section 18b of the sealing element 18 are integrally formed together and are movably connected relative to one another, for example via a membrane hinge.

[0039] In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the two sections 18a, 18b of the sealing element 18 to be formed as separate components, in particular from different materials.

[0040] The damper 9 preferably has at least one flow passage 27 disposed in the inner wall 10a of the fluid chamber 25. In this configuration, damping fluid flows through the flow passage 27 during the damping stroke.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one volume compensation device 20 comprises: - has at least one seal 20a, by means of which the fluid chamber 25 is sealable against the piston rod 12 and / or against the inner wall 10a of the damper housing 10; and / or - has at least one support element 20b by means of which the at least one seal 20a can be guided in the damper housing 10; and / or It has at least one spring element 20c, by means of which the at least one seal 20a can return at least partly to its starting position after the damping stroke has been carried out.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, it may be provided that at least one spring element 20c is integrally combined with at least one seal 20a and / or at least one support element 20b to form one common compensation part 33.

[0043] 3c shows the damper 9 during an overload, i.e., a damping stroke in which the pressure applied to the piston 17 exceeds a predetermined threshold. During such an overload, the second section 18b is bendable, tiltable, and / or radially expandable relative to the first section 18a of the sealing element 18 toward the inner wall 10a of the fluid chamber 25. This allows the gap 22 formed between the sealing element 18 and the inner wall 10a to be reduced, and the overload prevention passage 23 of the piston 17 to be at least partially open. This allows a greater amount of damping fluid to flow from the high-pressure side of the damper 9 to the low-pressure side, thereby reducing the increased pressure of the damping fluid during an overload.

[0044] Figure 4a shows the damper 9 in an exploded view. The damper housing 10 has at least one fluid chamber 25 for slidably supporting the piston 17. The piston 17 can return at least partially to its starting position under the force of the return spring 19 after the damping stroke has been performed.

[0045] A limiting element 26 can be attached to the piston 17. In the assembled state, the sealing element 18 is supported between the limiting element 26 and the piston 17 so as to be able to slide in a limited manner. This allows the sealing element 18 to be spaced a relatively large distance from the recess 24a of the piston 17 when the piston rod 12 is returned by the return spring 19. This allows a larger amount of damping fluid to flow from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side when the piston rod 12 is returned, causing the piston rod 12 to return to its starting position more quickly.

[0046] The sealing element 18 may be rotationally symmetrical, with the first section 18a having a larger diameter than the second section 18b.

[0047] 4b shows the damper 9. The damper housing 10 is not shown for clarity. A sealing element 18 with a first section 18a and a second section 18b is axially restricted and slidable between the piston 17 and the limiting element 26.

[0048] The piston 17 has at least one return passage 24 with at least one recess 24a, preferably with several recesses 24a. According to one embodiment, it may be provided that the at least one recess 24 is arranged on the peripheral edge of the piston 17.

[0049] Figure 4c shows the damper 9 shown in Figure 4b, with the sealing element 18 not shown for clarity. In Figure 4c, the overload protection passage 23 of the piston 17 is clearly visible, and the overload protection passage 23 includes at least one, preferably multiple, flow passages 23a arranged on the piston 17. For example, it may be provided that the at least one flow passage 23a is arranged on the peripheral edge of the piston 17.

[0050] 4d shows in a perspective view a partial region of the piston 17. The piston 17 has at least one axial passage 36, preferably several axial passages 36, for passing damping fluid. The axial passage 36 forms part of the return passage 24, through which a larger amount of damping fluid can reach from the first side to the second side of the piston 17 during the return stroke.

[0051] The at least one axial passage 36 may extend conically or radially parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the damper housing 10. For example, it may be provided that the piston 17 has a plurality of axial passages 36, which are preferably symmetrically arranged around the periphery of the piston 17.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the piston 17 has a plurality of flow passages 23a, which may be arranged symmetrically around the periphery of the piston 17. The flow passages 23a may be covered by the second section 18b of the sealing element 18 during the damping stroke when the pressure applied to the piston 17 is below a predetermined threshold, and may be openable by the second section 18b of the sealing element 18 during the damping stroke when the pressure applied to the piston 17 is above the predetermined threshold.

[0053] Particularly preferably, exactly three flow passages 23a are provided, which are arranged on the periphery of the piston 17 at an angle of 120°.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the piston 17 has at least one disk element 35 on which the at least one sealing element 18 can be supported, at least during the damping stroke.

[0055] 5a shows the damper 9 in cross section, with the sealing element 18 having both sections 18a, 18b visible. The first section 18a of the sealing element 18 is in contact with the inner wall 10a of the fluid chamber 25 or can abut against the inner wall 10a of the fluid chamber during the damping stroke. The second section 18b of the sealing element 18 is spaced from the inner wall 10a during normal operation, forming a gap 22.

[0056] The damper 9 preferably has at least one flow passage 27 disposed in the inner wall 10a of the fluid chamber 25. The damping fluid flows through the flow passage 27 during the damping stroke. There may be more than one flow passage 27 disposed in the inner wall 10a.

[0057] At least one flow channel 27 may be configured as an elongated groove. According to one embodiment, it may be provided that the cross section of the at least one flow channel 27 varies in the direction of the damping stroke, preferably narrowing continuously.

[0058] Figure 5b shows an enlarged view of the circled area in Figure 5a. When the piston 17 is moved below a predetermined threshold, the overload protection passage 23 with the flow opening 23a is closed by the second section 18b of the sealing element 18. In such normal operation, the damping fluid preferably flows exclusively through the at least one flow passage 27.

[0059] An axial gap 34 can be seen between the piston 17 and the limiting element 26, by means of which the sealing element 18 is supported so as to be movable relative to the piston 17. When the piston 17 moves in the direction opposite to the damping stroke, the sealing element 18 can abut against the limiting element 26. The size of the gap 34 can be changed so that when the piston rod 12 returns, a larger amount of damping fluid can flow from one side of the piston 17 to the other.

[0060] 5c shows an overload situation, i.e., the piston 17 is moved by a pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold. The bending or tilting of the second section 18b relative to the first section 18a reduces the radial gap 22 formed between the piston 17 and the inner wall 10a, and the overload protection passage 23 with the flow opening 23 is opened by the second section 18b of the sealing element 18. In the event of an overload, damping fluid can flow from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side along the indicated arrows.

[0061] Figures 6a to 6c show different fittings 4 for movably supporting a movable furniture part 3a.

[0062] 6a shows a fitting 4 in the form of a hinge 4a, which has a first fitting part 5 for attachment to a stationary support 2 and a second fitting part 6 for attachment to a movable furniture part 3a. The first fitting part 5 and the second fitting part 6 are pivotally connected to one another by at least one joint lever 7, preferably by at least two joint levers 7. In the embodiment shown, a damper 9 comprising a damper housing 10 is mounted on the first fitting part 5. Towards the end of the closing movement of the hinge 4a, the damper housing 10 is pressed by the second fitting part 6 relative to a fixed piston rod 12, so that the closing movement of the hinge 4a can be damped.

[0063] 6b shows a fitting 4 in the form of a furniture drive 4b for moving a movable furniture part 3a. The furniture drive 4b includes a base 28 for attachment to a stationary support 2 (e.g., a furniture cabinet 2a), an actuating arm assembly 29 arranged on the base 28 and connectable to the movable furniture part 3a for moving the movable furniture part 3a, and a force accumulator 30 for applying force to the actuating arm assembly 29. The damper housing 10 of the damper 9 can be pushed relative to the fixed piston rod 12 by the pivotable actuating arm 29a of the actuating arm assembly 29 near the end of the closing movement, in which case the closing movement of the actuating arm assembly 29 can be damped.

[0064] Figure 6c shows a fitting 4 in the form of a drawer guide 4c for a drawer for moving the drawer relative to the furniture cabinet 2. The drawer guide 4c for a drawer includes at least two guide rails 31, 32 that are slidable relative to one another, with the movement of the guide rails 31, 32 being damped by a damper 9 with a damper housing 10 towards the end of the closing movement.

Claims

1. A damper (9) for supporting a pivoting element (3) or a pull-out element movably relative to a stationary support (2), - a damper housing (10), - at least one fluid chamber (25) arranged within said damper housing (10); a damping fluid disposed in said fluid chamber (25); - at least one piston (17) slidably supported within said fluid chamber (25); - at least one sealing element (18) which is able to contact or abut with at least a first section (18a) against the inner wall (10a) of said fluid chamber (25); In a damper (9) comprising: the at least one sealing element (18) has at least one second section (18b) spaced apart from the inner wall (10a) of the fluid chamber (25) and movable relative to the first section (18a) which is in contact with or abuts against the inner wall (10a) of the fluid chamber (25) during a damping phase in which the pressure applied to the piston (17) exceeds a predetermined threshold; At least one overload prevention passage (23) is provided, and the at least one overload prevention passage (23) is covered by the second section (18b) of the at least one sealing element (18) during a damping step when the pressure applied to the piston (17) is below the predetermined threshold, and is at least partially open during a damping step when the pressure applied to the piston (17) is above the predetermined threshold. A damper (9).

2. A damper (9) as described in claim 1, wherein the damper (9) is a damper (9) for a metal fitting (4) for movably supporting a furniture part (3a), a window or a door.

3. A damper (9) as described in claim 1, wherein at least one sealing element (18) is annular.

4. A damper (9) as described in claim 1, wherein at least one second section (18b) is annular.

5. A damper (9) as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one second section (18b) is rotatable, tiltable and / or radially expandable relative to the first section (18a) which is in contact with or abuts against the inner wall (10a) of the fluid chamber (25) when a damping process is performed in which the pressure applied to the piston (17) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

6. A damper (9) as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one overload prevention passage (23) is arranged in the at least one piston (17).

7. The damper (9) according to claim 1, wherein the overload protection passage (23) comprises at least one flow passage (23a) arranged in the piston (17).

8. A damper (9) as described in claim 1, wherein the overload prevention passage (23) includes a plurality of flow sections (23a) arranged in the piston (17).

9. A damper (9) as described in claim 7, wherein the at least one flow portion (23a) is arranged on the edge portion on the peripheral surface side of the piston (17).

10. 2. The damper (9) according to claim 1, wherein the first section (18a) and the at least one second section (18b) of the sealing element (18) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L) of the damper housing (10), and / or the first section (18a) and the at least one second section (18b) of the sealing element (18) are integrally configured together.

11. The damper (9) of claim 1, further comprising at least one flow passage (27), through which the damping fluid flows during the damping process.

12. A damper (9) as described in claim 11, wherein the at least one flow passage (27) is arranged in the inner wall (10a) of the fluid chamber (25).

13. 2. The damper (9) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing element (18) is axially slidably supported on the at least one piston (17).

14. A damper (9) as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing element (18) is restricted and supported axially slidably on the at least one piston (17).

15. 2. The damper (9) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one return passage (24) that can be opened upon movement of the piston (17) in a direction opposite to the damping process.

16. the at least one sealing element (18) is movable relative to the at least one piston (17), and the at least one sealing element (18) closes the return passage (24) in a first position relative to the piston (17) and opens the return passage (24) in a second position relative to the piston (17); and / or - said return passage (24) comprises at least one notch (24a) arranged in said piston (17), and / or A damper (9) according to claim 15, characterized in that said return passage (24) comprises an axial gap (34) between said at least one piston (17) and said at least one sealing element (18).

17. A damper (9) as described in claim 15, wherein the return passage (24) includes a plurality of notches (24a) arranged in the piston (17).

18. A damper (9) as described in claim 15, wherein the return passage (24) includes at least one notch (24a) arranged in the piston (17), and the at least one notch (24a) is arranged on the peripheral edge portion of the piston (17).

19. A damper (9) as described in claim 15, wherein the return passage (24) includes an axial gap (34) between the at least one piston (17) and the at least one sealing element (18), and the size of the axial gap (34) is changeable when the piston (17) moves in a direction opposite to the damping process.

20. The damper (9) of claim 1, wherein the at least one piston (17) has at least one axial passage (36) for passing the damping fluid.

21. A damper (9) as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one piston (17) has a plurality of axial passages (36) for passing the damping fluid.

22. 2. The damper (9) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one piston (17) has at least one disk element (35) on which the at least one sealing element (18) can be supported at least during the damping process.

23. 2. The damper (9) according to claim 1, wherein the first section (18a) and the at least one second section (18b) of the sealing element (18) form a substantially Z-shape in longitudinal section and at least in a stationary state of the damper (9).

24. 2. The damper (9) according to claim 1, wherein the damper has a volume compensation device (20) by means of which the volume of the damping fluid displaceable by the piston rod (12) when entering the fluid chamber (25) can be compensated.

25. The volume compensation device (20), - at least one seal (20a) by means of which the fluid chamber (25) can be sealed against the piston rod (12) and / or against the inner wall (10a) of the damper housing (10); and / or - has at least one support element (20b) by means of which the at least one seal (20a) can be guided in the damper housing (10), and / or - it has at least one spring element (20c) by means of which said at least one seal (20a) can return at least partly to its starting position after the damping step has taken place; A damper (9) according to claim 24.

26. 26. The damper (9) according to claim 25, wherein the at least one spring element (20c) is integrally assembled with the at least one seal (20a) and / or with the at least one support element (20b) to form one common compensation part (33).

27. A damper (9) as described in claim 26, wherein the sealing element (18), the piston (17) and the compensation part (33) are arranged axially on a piston rod (12) connected to the piston (17).

28. 2. The damper (9) of claim 1, wherein the damper comprises a return spring (19) for returning the at least one piston (17).

29. A damper (9) as described in claim 28, wherein the return spring (19) can be supported on an end face (21) of the fluid chamber (25).

30. 30. A fitting (4) for supporting a pivoting element (3) or a pull-out element movably relative to a stationary support (2), the fitting (4) comprising at least one damper (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

31. A fitting (4) as described in claim 30, wherein the fitting (4) is formed as a hinge (4a), as a furniture drive (4b) or as a drawer guide (4c) for a drawer, for moving a movable furniture part (3a).

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