Synchronous rod for furniture drives

Abstract

A synchronizing rod (1) for a furniture drive (2) for synchronizing the movement of a movable furniture part (3), the synchronizing rod (1) having at least one coupling region (4) for connection to the furniture drive (2) and a synchronizing region (5) along a longitudinal extension (6) of the synchronizing rod (1), in particular arranged between two opposite coupling regions (4), the synchronizing region (5) having, in a cross section (7) perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (6), a first outer contour section (8) in the form of a circle segment (9) and at least one further outer contour section (10) preferably adjacent to the first outer contour section (8) and in the form of a geometry different from that of the circle segment (9), the circle segment (9) having an angular range of -250° to 330° and / or having an angular range of -180° to 350°, the further outer contour section (10) being arranged on the synchronizing rod (1) exclusively on one side.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a synchronizing rod for furniture drives for the synchronized movement of movable furniture parts, the synchronizing rod having at least one coupling region for connection to the furniture drives and a synchronizing region along the longitudinal extension of the synchronizing rod, in particular arranged between two opposite coupling regions. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an apparatus consisting of at least two furniture drives, each with a drive and at least one actuating arm, for the synchronized movement of movable furniture parts, and at least one such synchronizing rod. Furthermore, the present invention relates to furniture comprising a furniture cabinet and at least one such device, as well as a method for manufacturing the synchronizing region of such a synchronizing rod.

[0002] Such a synchronizing rod having a circular cross-sectional shape is already known from EP 2 491 213 B1.

[0003] A disadvantage of the prior art is that the extrusion-pressed blank has a very long longitudinal extension, and the blank rotates during extrusion pressing as it flows through the extrusion press die, so that the inner contours provided for synchronization in the synchronization area of ​​the synchronizing rod twist during the extrusion pressing process. This makes it impossible to ensure accurate and proper synchronization of the furniture drive. Therefore, a high percentage of synchronizing rods are inevitably produced as rejected products, especially due to component tolerances.

[0004] The visual appearance of the synchronization rod is important to the furniture operator, and the visual or aesthetic impression of a non-circular synchronization area has a reducing effect in this regard.

[0005] The technical problem addressed by the present invention is therefore to provide an improved synchronization device, as well as a method for manufacturing a synchronization area, which at least partially overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art and excels in having an aesthetically pleasing design while at the same time reducing the twisting of the inner contours for precise synchronization of furniture drives.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, the synchronization area therefore has, in a cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal extension, a first outer contour section in the form of a circular segment and at least one further outer contour section, preferably adjacent to the first outer contour section, in the form of a different geometry to the circular segment, wherein the circular segment has: -has an angular range of 250° to 330°; and / or The angle ranges from -180° to 350°, and the other outer contour section is arranged exclusively on one side of the synchronization rod. It is assumed that:

[0008] This makes it possible for the first time to at least reduce or prevent, preferably completely prevent, twisting of the synchronization area - in particular of the inner contour used for synchronization - during the extrusion pressing method for manufacturing the synchronization rod, and to produce accurate adjustment of the furniture drive for synchronizing the movable furniture parts.

[0009] Furthermore, by retaining the first outer contour section, the positioning of at least one further outer contour section can face towards the rear of the furniture drive device in the open position of the actuating arm and can be hidden by the movable furniture part in the closed position of the actuating arm, thereby providing the advantageous property of giving the operator of the synchronizing rod the impression of a circular synchronizing area.

[0010] The cross-section of the synchronization area therefore allows for the dual effect of reducing undesirable manufacturing effects as well as maintaining the appearance of a circular synchronization area, in which case the position of at least one further outer contour section can automatically adapt to the positioning of the actuating arm.

[0011] Particularly preferably, the synchronizing rod comprises a flattened section on one side in cross section and / or a circular segment having an angle range of 190° to 350°, so that in the operating position of the synchronizing rod, the impression of a circular synchronizing rod can be given from slightly deviated viewing angles and / or the advantages of reduced twisting can be effectively utilized.

[0012] As mentioned at the outset, patent protection is also claimed for an apparatus consisting of at least two furniture drives, each with one drive and at least one actuating arm, for synchronously moving movable furniture parts, and at least one such synchronizing rod, wherein the at least two furniture drives have a visible area and a rear surface in the use position, and the actuating arm is movable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein at least one further outer contour section faces towards the rear surface in the open position of the actuating arm and / or faces towards the visible area in the closed position.

[0013] As mentioned at the outset, patent protection is also claimed for furniture comprising a furniture cabinet and at least one such device.

[0014] As mentioned at the beginning, a method for manufacturing a synchronization region of such a synchronization rod is provided, which comprises the following method steps: - providing an extrusion press die with a first die profile in the form of a circle segment and at least one further die profile, in particular adjacent to the first die profile, wherein the at least one further die profile has a different, preferably rectilinear, geometry from the first die profile, - extruding and pressing the material through an extrusion press die and cutting it to form a synchronization region; Patent protection is also claimed for methods of carrying out the above.

[0015] By means of a further die profile, at least one further outer profile section can be formed that is different from a circular shape, thereby reducing the twisting of the synchronization area in terms of the guide profile, so that the synchronization teeth of the synchronization rod can be used for synchronization at precise positions over the longitudinal extension of the synchronization rod.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to an advantageous configuration of the invention, it is provided that the at least one further outer contour section comprises a straight line and / or is formed as at least one straight line adjacent to a circle segment.

[0018] The at least one straight line effectively prevents twisting of the synchronization area, in which case the straight line can function as a rest that can prevent undesired rotation in the extrusion press mold during the manufacturing process.

[0019] Advantageously, it is provided that the cross section of the synchronization area is designed mirror-symmetrically and / or has exclusively 360° rotational symmetry, preferably 180° rotational symmetry.

[0020] Generally, only one region is required that differs from circular in cross section so that this region can act as a blocking region to reduce twisting of the synchronization region.

[0021] It has proven advantageous for the at least one further outer contour section to comprise notches, preferably wavy or broken line notches.

[0022] In general, other shapes different from a circular cross section are also contemplated.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the synchronization area has at least one inner contour, preferably polygonal, which preferably includes at least one bulge for synchronizing the furniture drives, and which inner contour is formed mirror-symmetrically and / or has exclusively 360°, preferably 180°, rotational symmetry.

[0024] The inner contour can be used for synchronization, in which case twisting of the synchronization area can be reduced particularly well if the inner contour is configured asymmetrically.

[0025] It has proven advantageous if at least one of the inner contour and the cross section of the synchronization area is configured asymmetrically over the entire synchronization area.

[0026] The asymmetric inner and outer contours make it possible to limit particularly effectively any undesired deviation of the material of the synchronization region in the plane of the cross section along the synchronization region.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one connecting region preferably has a wavy connecting profile and / or a plate-like connecting device, and it is preferably provided that in this case at least one connecting profile is formed mirror-symmetrically and / or has exclusively 360°, preferably 180°, rotational symmetry.

[0028] If the connecting contours are asymmetric, synchronization can be achieved with particularly high precision - especially in combination with asymmetric inner and / or outer contours.

[0029] Particularly preferably, it is envisaged that the synchronization region, preferably the synchronization rod, is extrusion pressed.

[0030] Extrusion presses have proven to be particularly advantageous for synchronizing rod - especially hollow - shaped bodies, in which case multiple synchronizing rods can be produced from one material, in which case specific dimensions of the synchronizing rods can be achieved - preferably continuously.

[0031] In an embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the circle segments have an angular range of 180° to 350°, preferably 250° to 330°, particularly preferably 290° to 320°.

[0032] The smaller the angular extent of the circle segment, the stronger the twisting resistance. The larger the angular extent of the circle segment, the easier it is to hide at least one further outer contour segment from various viewing angles in the open position of the actuating arm.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one straight line is formed in the form of a polygonal side, preferably approximating a circular contour, and / or as an alternating broken line.

[0034] In principle, one straight line - or even an elliptical shape, for example - is sufficient to reduce the twist of the synchronization area, however, from a manufacturing perspective, it may be advantageous to provide several straight lines adjacent to each other or spaced apart.

[0035] It has proven advantageous for at least one straight line to form, in its longitudinal extension at least in a certain area, preferably completely, a flattened section of the synchronization area.

[0036] If flattening is present over the entire longitudinal extent of the synchronization region, twisting is not only prevented locally.

[0037] It is furthermore preferably envisaged that the material is heat-treated beforehand in a preparation method step and / or that the extrusion-pressed material is stretched, preferably with tongs, and / or aged in an oven before cutting.

[0038] Flow properties can be adjusted by pre-heat treatment, intrinsic material properties can be adjusted through aging, and bending due to manufacturing can be reduced by stretching.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the extrusion press mold for the extrusion press may include a first die and at least one second die separate from the first die, and preferably in this case the at least one second die includes a core which protrudes into the first die in at least a predetermined area so as to create substantially the same flow rate of the material, preferably at the same level of the die and / or across the die.

[0040] Two dies (often called moving dies) allow for complex geometries to be created inside the synchronous region, where the material meets through the two dies to form the synchronous region. A core can assist in this manufacturing process.

[0041] Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the description of the drawings and the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1a] 1 is a perspective view of a piece of furniture having a device with a synchronization rod according to a preferred embodiment, with an enlarged detailed partial view of the connection between the furniture drive and the synchronization rod; FIG. [Figure 1b] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an enlarged detailed partial view of the connection between the furniture drive and the synchronization rod. [Figure 2] FIG. 1c shows a perspective view of furniture with a synchronization rod according to the embodiment of FIG. 1b, omitting the movable furniture parts and the cover, together with an enlarged detailed partial view of the coupling of the synchronization rod. [Figure 3] 1b and 1c show front and side cross-sectional views of furniture with a synchronization rod according to the embodiment of FIG. 1a; [Figure 4]Cross-sectional view showing an enlarged detailed portion of the synchronous rod region, seen from the side in the open position of the furniture with a synchronous rod according to the embodiment of FIG. 1a, together with an enlarged detailed partial view of the synchronous rod region. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view showing an enlarged detailed portion of the synchronous rod region, seen from the side in the closed position of the furniture with a synchronous rod according to the embodiment of FIG. 1a, together with an enlarged detailed partial view of the synchronous rod region. [Figure 6] Perspective view showing the furniture with a synchronous rod according to the embodiment of FIG. 1a, omitting the furniture part and the cover, together with an enlarged detailed partial view of the connection between the furniture drive device and the synchronous rod. [Figure 7] View seen from the side showing the furniture drive device with a synchronous rod according to the embodiment of FIG. 1b, together with an enlarged detailed partial view of the synchronous rod and the receiving portion of the corresponding furniture drive device. [Figure 8] Perspective view showing the furniture drive device with a synchronous rod according to the embodiment of FIG. 1b, together with an enlarged detailed partial view of the connection region of the synchronous rod. [Figure 9] Perspective view showing an enlarged detailed portion of the receiving portion of the furniture drive device. [Figure 10a] Perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a synchronous rod by an extrusion press that is not according to the present invention. [Figure 10b] Perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a synchronous rod by an extrusion press that is not according to the present invention. [Figure 11] View seen from above, three cross-sectional views, and three enlarged detailed partial views of a method that is not according to the present invention of FIG. 10b. [Figure 12a] Perspective view showing a manufacturing method by an extrusion press according to the present invention. [Figure 12b] Perspective view showing a manufacturing method by an extrusion press according to the present invention. [Figure 13] View seen from above, three cross-sectional views, and three enlarged detailed partial views of a method according to the present invention of FIG. 12b.

[0043] FIG. 1 a shows a piece of furniture 28, which has a furniture cabinet 29 and at least one device consisting of two furniture drives 2, each with a drive 21, and an actuating arm 22 for the synchronized movement of a movable furniture part 3.

[0044] The device includes a synchronization rod 1. Two furniture drives 2 are arranged in a use position 23 and have a visible area 24 and a rear surface 25. An actuating arm 22 is movable between an open position 26 and a closed position 27 (see FIG. 5).

[0045] In FIG. 1b, the coupling area between the synchronization rod 1 and the furniture drive 2 can be seen, since the cover of the synchronization rod has been omitted for the sake of visibility.

[0046] 2 shows a piece of furniture 28 with the actuating arm 22 in the open position 26, in which case the cover of the movable furniture part 3 and the synchronizing rod 1 is not shown. By means of the synchronizing rod 1, the movements of both drives 2 are synchronized.

[0047] The synchronizing rod 1 for furniture drives 2 for synchronizing the movement of movable furniture parts 3 has two coupling areas 4 for connection to each of the furniture drives 2, the connection being made via receiving areas configured to correspond to the coupling areas 4 of the mechanical drive unit, in which case an electric drive unit may generally also be used supplementarily or alternatively.

[0048] The synchronizing rod 1 has a synchronizing region 5 along its longitudinal extension 6 (see FIG. 8) which is arranged between two opposite connecting regions 4 .

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a view of the furniture 28 from the front (with the cover of the synchronization rod 1 remaining), in which case below is shown a cross-section of the synchronization rod 1 in the synchronization area 5, which is shown enlarged in FIG. 4.

[0050] In FIG. 4 it can be seen that the synchronization region 5 has, in a cross section 7 perpendicular to the longitudinal extension 6, a first outer contour section 8 in the form of a circular segment 9 and a further outer contour section 10 adjacent to this first outer contour section 8 and in the form of a different geometry than the circular segment 9.

[0051] The other outer contour section 10 faces towards the rear surface 25 of the furniture drive device 2 in the open position 26 of the actuating arm 22 and towards the visible area 24 of the furniture drive device 2 in the closed position 27, so that the normally attractive appearance of the synchronizing rod 1 is visible to a user of the furniture drive device 2, while the other outer contour section 10, which is different from the circle segment 9 and acts to prevent twisting during the manufacturing process, is hidden from a user looking in the direction towards the visible area 24.

[0052] Another outer contour section 10 is formed in the form of a straight line 11 adjacent to the circle segment 9 , and in general there may be several straight lines 11 or other contours along the synchronization region 5 .

[0053] The bottom left schematic diagram shows another possible geometry of the further outer contour section 10, which is formed as wavy notches 12 at the upper end of the imaginary circular contour 18, as broken-line notches 12 at the left end of the imaginary circular contour 18, and as straight lines 11 in the form of sides 17 of a polygon approximating the imaginary circular contour 18. The broken-line notches 12 are present in the form of alternating broken lines 19. Preferably, only one such further outer contour section 10 is used, although it is generally also possible to combine several different or identical outer contour sections 10, which are arranged, for example, at different positions on the cross-section 7 or adjacent to one another.

[0054] FIG. 5 shows the actuating arm 22 in the closed position 27 , in which case the line 11 faces in the direction of the visibility area 24 , which area is hidden by the movable furniture part 3 .

[0055] In the enlarged detailed view, it can be seen that the cross section 7 of the synchronization area 5 is designed mirror-symmetrically and has exclusively a rotational symmetry of 360°. Generally, it is also conceivable to provide a rotational symmetry of, for example, 180°.

[0056] The straight line 11 extends over an angular range of approximately 55°, and the adjacent circle segments 9 of the first outer contour section 8 have an angular range of 290° to 320°. The extension of the circle segments 9 is generally not limited to a particular angular range; for example, the straight line 11 may be spaced apart by other circle segments 9.

[0057] The synchronization area 5 has a polygonal inner contour 13 with two bulges 14 for synchronizing the furniture drives 2 .

[0058] The inner contour 13 is formed mirror-symmetrically and has exclusively a rotational symmetry of 360°, but generally also a rotational symmetry of, for example, 180° is possible.

[0059] FIG. 6 shows the synchronizing rod 1 in the closed position 27, in which the inner contour 13 and the cross section 7 of the synchronizing region 5 are asymmetrically configured over the entire synchronizing region 5.

[0060] The straight line 11 forms a flattened section 20 of the synchronization area 5 over the entire longitudinal extension 6 .

[0061] In Figure 7, the furniture drive 2 is present with the synchronization rod 1 removed, and in the detailed partial view of the synchronization rod 1 (relating to the receiving part of the furniture drive 2 corresponding to the coupling area 4), it is clear that the coupling area 4 has a wavy coupling contour 15.

[0062] The coupling profile 15 is formed mirror-symmetrically and has a rotational symmetry of exclusively 360°, but generally also of 180°, for example. Due to the flattened areas of the coupling profile 15, a synchronization with reduced play can be achieved.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a furniture drive 2 with an assembled synchronization rod 1, in which the coupling area 4 has a plate-like coupling device 16.

[0064] The synchronization region 5 is extrusion pressed and a suitable manufacturing method is illustrated in Figures 12a to 13.

[0065] FIG. 9 shows a receiver of the furniture drive 2 for coupling to the coupling area 4 of the synchronization rod, which receiver is correspondingly shaped to the coupling area 4.

[0066] FIG. 10a shows an extrusion pressing method for a synchronizing rod 1 not according to the present invention, in which the rotationally symmetrical horizontality of two dies 36, 37 of an extrusion press mold is used to produce the synchronizing region 5 of FIG. 10b.

[0067] In Figure 11, three cross-sections along the synchronization area 5 show that during the extrusion pressing, the inner contour 13 undesirably twists along the synchronization area 5, resulting in improper synchronization of the furniture drive 2.

[0068] FIG. 12a shows an extrusion pressing method of the synchronization region 5 according to the invention, in which twisting of the inner contour 13 is prevented.

[0069] The extrusion press die 30 has a first die 36 for extrusion pressing and a second die 37 separate from the first die 36 - the number of which is generally arbitrary.

[0070] The second die 37 includes a core 38 that protrudes into the first die 36 to create substantially the same flow rate of the material 33 across the dies 36, 37 at the same horizontal level of the dies 36, 37 to form the two outer contour sections 8, 10 of the synchronization rod 1.

[0071] A method for producing the synchronization region 5 of a synchronization rod 1 can be exemplarily illustrated by the following method steps: an extrusion press die 30 is provided, as shown in Fig. 12a, with a first die profile 31 in the form of a circle segment 9 and a further die profile 32 adjacent to the first die profile 31, the further die profile 32 having a different geometry from the first die profile 31, for example in the form of a flattened profile; a blank 33 is extruded through the extrusion press die 30 as shown in Fig. 12b and cut to form a synchronization region 5 of the desired dimensions.

[0072] Cutting may be broadly construed as also using a defined length of material 33 to produce a synchronization region 5 of the desired dimensions.

[0073] In this exemplary method, the blank 33 is pre-heat treated in a preparation method step, and the extrusion-pressed blank 33 is stretched with tongs to reduce bending before cutting, and then aged in an oven.

[0074] Figure 13 shows three cross-sectional views along the synchronization region 5 similar to Figure 11, and the corresponding enlarged detailed partial views show that due to the flattened die 36 with a separate die profile 32 for forming the separate outer profile section 10, there is no twisting of the inner profile 13, which allows synchronization to be ensured with high precision without impairing the visual appearance of the synchronizing rod 1.

Claims

1. A synchronizing rod (1) for a furniture drive (2) for synchronizing the movement of movable furniture parts (3), the synchronizing rod (1) having at least one coupling region (4) for connection to the furniture drive (2) and a synchronizing region (5) along a longitudinal extension (6) of the synchronizing rod (1), in particular arranged between two opposite coupling regions (4), the synchronizing region (5) having, in a cross section (7) perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (6), a first outer contour section (8) in the form of a circular segment (9) and at least one further outer contour section (10) preferably adjacent to the first outer contour section (8) and in the form of a geometry different from that of the circular segment (9), The circle segment (9) and / or has an angular range of -250° to 330°; The further outer contour section (10) has an angle range of -180° to 350° and is arranged on one side of the synchronizing rod (1). A synchronizing rod (1).

2. 2. The synchronizing rod (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one further outer contour section (10) comprises a straight line (11) and / or is formed as at least one straight line (11) adjacent to the circle segment (9).

3. 2. The synchronizing rod (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cross section (7) of the synchronizing region (5) is configured mirror-symmetrically and / or has exclusively 360° rotational symmetry, preferably 180° rotational symmetry.

4. 2. The synchronizing rod (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one further outer contour section (10) comprises preferably wavy or broken line notches (12).

5. 2. The synchronizing rod (1) according to claim 1, wherein the synchronizing region (5) has at least one inner contour (13), preferably polygonal, with at least one bulge (14) for synchronizing the furniture drive (2), the inner contour (13) being formed mirror-symmetrically and / or having exclusively 360° rotational symmetry, preferably 180° rotational symmetry.

6. 6. The synchronizing rod (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one inner contour (13) and the cross section (7) of the synchronizing region (5) are asymmetrically configured over the entire synchronizing region (5).

7. 2. The synchronizing rod (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one coupling region (4) preferably has a wavy coupling profile (15) and / or a plate-shaped coupling device (16), and preferably, in this case, the at least one coupling profile (15) is formed mirror-symmetrically and / or has exclusively 360° rotational symmetry, preferably 180° rotational symmetry.

8. 2. The synchronizing rod (1) according to claim 1, wherein the synchronizing region (5), preferably the synchronizing rod (1), is extrusion pressed.

9. The synchronizing rod (1) according to claim 1, wherein the circle segment (9) has an angular range of 290° to 320°.

10. 3. The synchronizing rod (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one straight line (11) is formed in the form of a side (17) of a polygon, preferably approximating a circular contour (18), and / or as alternating broken lines (19).

11. 3. The synchronizing rod (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one straight line (11) forms a flattened portion (20) of the synchronizing region (5) at least in a predetermined area of ​​its longitudinal extension (6), preferably completely.

12. 12. A device comprising at least two furniture drives (2) each with a drive (21) and at least one actuating arm (22) for synchronously moving movable furniture parts (3), and at least one synchronizing rod (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least two furniture drives (2) have a visible area (24) and a back surface (25) in a use position (23), and the actuating arm (22) is movable between an open position (26) and a closed position (27), wherein at least one further outer contour section (10) of the actuating arm (22) faces towards the back surface (25) in the open position (26) and / or faces towards the visible area (24) in the closed position (27).

13. A piece of furniture (28) comprising a furniture cabinet (29) and at least one device according to claim 12.

14. A method for manufacturing a synchronization region (5) of a synchronization rod (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: The following method steps: - providing an extrusion press die (30) with a first die profile (31) in the form of a circle segment (9) and at least one further die profile (32) adjacent to said first die profile (31), said at least one further die profile (32) having a different, preferably rectilinear, geometry from said first die profile (31); - extrusion pressing a blank (33) through said extrusion press die (30) and cutting to form said synchronization area (5); 10. A method comprising:

15. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the blank (33) is pre-heat treated in a preparation method step and / or the extrusion-pressed blank (33) is stretched, preferably with tongs, and / or aged in an oven before cutting.

16. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the extrusion press mold (30) for the extrusion press comprises a first die (36) and at least one second die (37) separate from the first die (36), preferably in this case the at least one second die (37) comprises a core (38), which protrudes into the first die (36) at least in a predetermined area so as to produce substantially the same flow rate of the material (33) preferably at the same level of and / or across the dies (36, 37).

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