Controlled-opening telescopic guide

Abstract

The controlled-opening telescopic guide (1) comprises: - a first profiled element (2), provided with a first proximal end (3), associable with a first portion (B) of a furnishing component (A), and with a first distal end (4); - a second profiled element (5), provided with a second proximal end (6) and with a second distal end (7); - a third profiled element (8), provided with a third proximal end (9) and with a third distal end (10), associable with a second portion (C) of the furnishing component (A), the profiled elements (2, 5, 8) being telescopically coupled to each other along an axis of movement (13); - at least one sequential opening mechanism (23); - at least one sequential closing mechanism (24).

Description

[0001] CONTROLLED-OPENING TELESCOPIC GUIDE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a controlled-opening telescopic guide.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] In the outfitting industry of industrial maintenance vehicles, as well as in interior design, the use of extendable furnishing components, i.e., furniture for which the overall length can be changed according to the user’s needs, is well known.

[0006] Examples of this comprise extendable tables and console tables.

[0007] Extendable furnishing components comprise two portions associated in a movable manner by interposition of a telescopic guide which allows the same portions to be moved away / close together.

[0008] Still with reference to the vehicle outfitting and furnishing industry, the use of drawer units is well known, i.e., piece of furniture provided with a base structure which is substantially hollow and arranged to rest on the floor, and with a plurality of drawers, which are associated with the base structure in a sliding manner.

[0009] Each drawer is associated with the base structure in a movable manner by the interposition of a telescopic guide which allows the drawer to be pulled out of / into the base structure, thus making it accessible or inaccessible from the outside.

[0010] With particular reference to the present disclosure, reference will be made to telescopic guides mounted on board the drawer units but, in this regard, it is worth noting how the disclosure can also be extended to other uses of telescopic guides, such as, e.g., wherein they are mounted on the edges of extendable tables and / or console tables, in the previously described manner.

[0011] The telescopic guides of known type comprise three profiled elements associated with each other in a telescopic manner along the axis of drawer insertion / pullout into / from the base structure of the drawer unit.

[0012] Precisely, the telescopic guides of known type comprise: a first profiled element, provided with a first proximal portion, associable with a first portion of the piece of furniture, and with a first distal portion; a second profiled element provided with a second proximal portion and with a second distal portion; a third profiled element provided with a third proximal portion and with a third distal portion, associable with a second portion of the piece of furniture.

[0013] Such telescopic guides are movable between a closed configuration, wherein the first proximal portion and the third distal portion are at a predefined minimum distance, and an open configuration, wherein the first proximal portion and the third distal portion are at a predefined maximum distance.

[0014] With particular reference to the drawer units, the first portion consists of the base structure of the drawer unit and the second portion consists of a drawer.

[0015] When the telescopic guide is in the closed configuration, the drawer is fully inserted into the base structure of the drawer unit, when the telescopic guide is in the open configuration, the drawer is fully pulled out of the fixed structure of the drawer unit. Again, in the context of this disclosure, the terms “proximal” and “distal” and those derivable therefrom must be referred to in relation to the position taken in relation to the first portion of the piece of furniture, that is, in relation to the fixed structure of the drawer unit.

[0016] The telescopic guides of known type do, however, have some drawbacks that are related to the failure of the telescopic guide to open and / or close sequentially.

[0017] In this regard, it is worth noting that a controlled and sequential opening of the telescopic guide is achieved when the second profiled element and the third profiled element slide locked together away from the first profiled element until the full stroke of the second profiled element with respect to the first one is achieved.

[0018] Only at this point does the third profiled element begin to move away from the second profiled element.

[0019] Similarly, controlled and sequential closure of the telescopic guide is said to occur when the second profiled element begins to approach the first profiled element only when the third profiled element has completed its approach to the second profiled element.

[0020] Only at this point does the second profiled element begin to approach the first profiled element.

[0021] In the event of the sequential opening and / or of the sequential closing of the telescopic guide being not achieved, some problems may occur such as, e.g., the loss of rigidity of the telescopic guide itself.

[0022] This condition is mainly related to the opening phase and occurs when the third profiled element exits the second profiled element without the latter having completed the relevant stroke from the first profiled element.

[0023] In this case, the telescopic guide is found to be unstable and may be damaged, especially when the second portion of the piece of furniture, which comes to be sustained solely by the third profiled element, is very heavy.

[0024] Failure to achieve sequential opening and / or sequential closing of the telescopic guide may result in the damage and / or breakage thereof very prematurely compared to the estimated time of use.

[0025] To remedy at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks, a particular type of telescopic guides, namely controlled-opening telescopic guides, are known to be used.

[0026] Such telescopic guides are provided with a sequential opening mechanism adapted to allow the profiled elements to slide sequentially when moving from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0027] Generally, the controlled-opening telescopic guides of known type are also provided with a sequential closing mechanism adapted to allow the profiled elements to slide sequentially when moving from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The sequential opening mechanism with which the controlled-opening telescopic guides of known type are provided is of the interlocking type and, in detail, involves a first tooth, made on the second proximal end, and a second tooth, made on the third proximal end.

[0028] The first tooth and the second tooth are fastened during the stroke of the second profiled element from the first profiled element and remain fastened until this stroke is completed, thus locking the second profiled element together with the third profiled element.

[0029] Again, the controlled-opening telescopic guides of known type are provided with a clamping / releasing assembly of the profiled elements adapted to prevent / allow the movement of the telescopic guide from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0030] In other words, the clamping / releasing assembly allows the drawer to be kept pulled out of the base structure of the drawer unit, preventing it from closing unexpectedly, as long as the user deems it necessary. In the solutions of known type, the clamping / releasing assembly is positioned at the second distal end and at the third distal end.

[0031] The controlled-opening telescopic guides of known type do, however, have some drawbacks which are mainly related to the fact that they do not always ensure a controlled and sequential opening of the guide itself.

[0032] In particular, the first tooth and the second tooth can sometimes break, especially as a result of very fast sliding of the profiled elements, thus generating a nonsequential opening of the telescopic guide.

[0033] In addition, damaged teeth can hardly be adjusted, which inevitably makes it necessary to replace the telescopic guide.

[0034] Again, the manufacturing of the teeth and even of the clamping / releasing assembly is often complex, labor-intensive and time-consuming.

[0035] The aforementioned circumstances are another not insignificant drawback related to the use of controlled-opening telescopic guides of known type.

[0036] Description of the Invention

[0037] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a controlled-opening telescopic guide which ensures the sequential and controlled opening of the profiled elements in a reliable and durable manner.

[0038] Still, another object of the present invention is to devise a controlled-opening telescopic guide which can be made quickly and easily.

[0039] Another object of the present invention is to devise a controlled-opening telescopic guide which can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as cost-effective solution.

[0040] The above objects are achieved by this controlled-opening telescopic guide having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0041] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a controlled-opening telescopic guide, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet nonlimiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0043] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a furnishing component provided with a controlled-opening telescopic guide according to the invention;

[0044] Figure 2 is an axonometric, partly enlarged and partly exploded view of the controlled-opening telescopic guide according to the invention in the closed configuration;

[0045] Figure 3 is an axonometric, partly enlarged view of some components of the controlled-opening telescopic guide according to the invention in an intermediate configuration between the closed configuration and the open configuration;

[0046] Figure 4 is an axonometric, partly enlarged and partly exploded view of the controlled-opening telescopic guide according to the invention in the open configuration;

[0047] Figures 5 and 6 are axonometric views of some components of the controlled- opening telescopic guide according to the invention;

[0048] Figure 7 is a plan view of some components of the controlled-opening telescopic guide according to the invention.

[0049] Embodiments of the Invention

[0050] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a controlled-opening telescopic guide.

[0051] In the context of this disclosure, it has been assumed that the telescopic guide 1 is mounted on board a furnishing component A provided with a first portion B and with a second portion C, associated in a movable manner by interposition of the same telescopic guide 1.

[0052] With reference to the figures, it can be seen that the furnishing component A is of the type of a drawer unit provided with a fixed structure which is substantially hollow and within which a plurality of drawers is mounted in a sliding manner.

[0053] The drawer unit is, preferably, made in the context of outfitting industrial maintenance vehicles and, therefore, can be consistently mounted on board a vehicle and, e.g., attached to the floor of the same.

[0054] Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the drawer unit is mounted on board other types of vehicles, e.g. vehicles for recreational use, e.g. motor homes and caravans, or be intended for indoor furnishing and, therefore, be placed against the ground or on the floor of a building.

[0055] Conveniently, the first portion B is coincident with the fixed structure of the drawer unit, and the second portion C is coincident with one of the drawers.

[0056] The telescopic guide 1 connects the fixed structure to the drawer in a movable manner and allows the latter to slide with respect to the fixed structure along a substantially horizontal axis of sliding.

[0057] In detail, the drawer is connected to the fixed structure through two telescopic guides 1 associated with two opposite walls of the fixed structure and to two opposite walls of the drawer.

[0058] Within the scope of this invention, again for the sake of simplicity, only one of the telescopic guides 1 shown in the figures is described, since the telescopic guides 1 are identical to each other and the description of one can be extended to the others. The telescopic guide 1 comprises: at least a first profiled element 2, provided with a first proximal end 3, associable with the first portion B of the furnishing component A, and with a first distal end 4; at least a second profiled element 5, provided with a second proximal end 6 and with a second distal end 7 ; at least a third profiled element 8, provided with a third proximal end 9 and with a third distal end 10, associable with the second portion C of the furnishing component A.

[0059] In the context of this disclosure, the terms “proximal” and “distal” and those derivable therefrom are to be meant in relation to the position with respect to the first portion B of the furnishing component A, that is, in relation to the fixed structure of the drawer unit.

[0060] Conveniently, the first profiled element 2 is provided with coupling means 11 which are adapted to connect the first profiled element 2 to the first portion B.

[0061] With particular reference to the figures, the coupling means 11 comprise a pair of coupling plates which can be attached to the first portion B.

[0062] Likewise, the third profiled element 8 is provided with joining means 12 which are adapted to connect the third profiled element 8 to the second portion C.

[0063] The profiled elements 2, 5, 8 are telescopically coupled to each other along an axis of movement 13 and develop longitudinally along the axis of movement 13.

[0064] The second profiled element 5 is positioned between the first profiled element 2 and the third profiled element 8.

[0065] With reference to Figure 1, the axis of movement 13 is substantially horizontal.

[0066] In other words, the profiled elements 2, 5, 8 are movable close to / away from each other as a result of the sliding thereof along the axis of movement 13.

[0067] As a result of the sliding of the profiled elements 2, 5, 8 along the axis of movement 13, the second portion C is moved close to / away from the first portion B along a relevant axis of sliding which is substantially parallel to the axis of movement 13.

[0068] In actual facts, the drawer is insertable / extractable into / from the fixed structure of the drawer unit through the movement of the profiled elements 2, 5, 8 along the axis of movement 13.

[0069] As can be seen from the figures, the first profiled element 2 defines a first sliding guide 14 developing along the axis of movement 13 and within which the second profiled element 5 is mounted in a sliding manner.

[0070] Conveniently, the first sliding guide 14 defines first abutting elements 15, which define an end-of-stroke to the sliding of the second profiled element 5 in the way of moving the second distal end 7 away from the first proximal end 3, and second abutting elements 16, which define an end-of-stroke to the sliding of the second profiled element 5 in the way of moving the second distal end 7 close to the first proximal end 3.

[0071] The first abutting elements 15 and the second abutting elements 16 prevent the second profiled element 5 from slipping off the first profiled element 2.

[0072] Advantageously, the telescopic guide 1 comprises a plurality of first rolling elements 17 which are interposed between the first sliding guide 14 and the second profiled element 5 and are adapted to promote the creeping of the second profiled element 5 within the first sliding guide 14.

[0073] Advantageously, the telescopic guide 1 comprises a first holding element 18 associated with the second profiled element 5 and on which the first rolling elements 17 are mounted.

[0074] As can be seen from the figures, the second profiled element 5 defines a second sliding guide 19 developing along the axis of movement 13 and within which the third profiled element 8 is mounted in a sliding manner.

[0075] Conveniently, the second sliding guide 19 defines first stop elements 20, which define an end-of-stroke to the sliding of the third profiled element 8 in the way of moving the third distal end 10 away from the first proximal end 3, and second stop elements, which define an end-of-stroke to the sliding of the third profiled element 8 in the way of moving the third distal end 10 close to the first proximal end 3.

[0076] The first stop elements 20 and the second stop elements prevent the third profiled element 8 from slipping off the second profiled element 5.

[0077] Advantageously, the telescopic guide 1 comprises a plurality of second rolling elements 21 which are positioned between the second sliding guide 19 and the third profiled element 8 and are adapted to promote the creeping of the third profiled element 8 within the second sliding guide 19.

[0078] Advantageously, the telescopic guide 1 comprises a second holding element 22 associated with the third profiled element 8 and on which the second rolling elements 21 are mounted.

[0079] The telescopic guide 1 comprises at least one sequential opening mechanism 23 adapted to allow the profiled elements 2, 5, 8 to slide sequentially during the movement of the telescopic guide 1 from a closed configuration, wherein the first proximal end 3 and the third distal end 10 are at a minimum predefined distance, to an open configuration, wherein the first proximal end 3 and the third distal end 10 are at a maximum predefined distance.

[0080] The telescopic guide 1 comprises at least one sequential closing mechanism 24 adapted to allow the profiled elements 2, 5, 8 to slide sequentially during the movement from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0081] When the telescopic guide 1 is in the closed configuration, the second profiled element 5 abuts on the second abutting elements 16 and the third profiled element 8 abuts on the second stop elements.

[0082] When the telescopic guide 1 is in the open configuration, the second profiled element 5 abuts on the first abutting elements 15 and the third profiled element 8 abuts on the first stop elements 20.

[0083] Again, when the telescopic guide 1 is in the open configuration, the second portion C is at the maximum distance from the first portion B, that is, the drawer is pulled out of the fixed structure and accessible from the outside.

[0084] Differently, when the telescopic guide 1 is in the closed configuration, the second portion C is at the minimum distance from the first portion B, that is, the drawer is fully inserted into the fixed structure and is inaccessible from the outside.

[0085] It is worth noting that the sequential opening mechanism 23 is configured to ensure a controlled and sequential opening of the telescopic guide 1, which is achieved when the condition occurs whereby the second profiled element 5 and the third profiled element 8 slide locked together along the axis of movement 13 away from the first profiled element 2 until the full stroke of the second profiled element 5 with respect to the first profiled element 2 is achieved.

[0086] In actual facts, a controlled and sequential opening of the telescopic guide 1 is achieved only if the third profiled element 8 begins to move away from the second profiled element 5 only when the latter has completed its stroke from the first profiled element 2.

[0087] The full stroke of the second profiled element 5 with respect to the first profiled element 2 is defined by the first abutting elements 15.

[0088] Similarly, the sequential closing mechanism 24 is configured to ensure a controlled, sequential closure of the telescopic guide 1 which is achieved when the condition occurs whereby the second profiled element 5 begins to move close to the first profiled element 2 only when the third profiled element 8 has completed its approach to the second profiled element 5 along the axis of movement 13.

[0089] In actual facts, a controlled and sequential closure of the telescopic guide 1 is achieved only if the second profiled element 5 begins to move close to the first profiled element 2 only when the third profiled element 8 has completed its approach to the second profiled element 5.

[0090] The third profiled element 8 completed its approach to the second profiled element 5 when it abuts on the second stop elements.

[0091] According to the invention, the sequential opening mechanism 23 comprises: at least one lever 25 hinged to at least one of either the second profiled element 5 or the third profiled element 8 and provided with at least one inclined surface 26 with respect to the axis of movement 13; at least one abutment body 27 associated with the other of either the second profiled element 5 or the third profiled element 8 and comprising at least one abutment surface 28 adapted to abut against the inclined surface 26; at least one elastic retaining element 29 associated with the lever 25 and adapted to keep the inclined surface 26 in contact on the abutment surface 28 during the movement of the second profiled element 5 and of the third profiled element 8 away from the first profiled element 2 during the movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0092] In other words, the synergistic combination of the lever 25, of the abutment body 27 and of the elastic retaining element 29 makes it possible to lock the second profiled element 5 together with the third profiled element 8 during the movement of the telescopic guide 1 from the closed configuration to the open configuration until the second profiled element 5 has completed the relevant stroke from the first profiled element 2.

[0093] In detail, the elastic retaining element 29 keeps the lever 25 in a working condition wherein the inclined surface 26 is placed in contact with the abutment surface 28 causing the second profiled element 5 and the third profiled element 8 to be mutually constrained during the away movement from the first profiled element 2.

[0094] When the second profiled element 5 intercepts the first abutting elements 15, it is blocked and the only component which may continue to slide is the third profiled element 8.

[0095] In this condition, the force acting from outside on the telescopic guide 1 can act only on the third profiled element 8 and results in the sliding of the inclined surface 26 on the abutment body 27, exerting a force counteracting the action of the elastic retaining element 29.

[0096] This condition can be seen in Figure 3, where the moment is schematically depicted when the inclined surface 26 has overcome the abutment surface 28 and the lever 25 creeps over the abutment body 27 exerting a force counteracting the elastic retaining element 29.

[0097] The moment the lever 25 overcomes the abutment body 27, the lever 25 is returned to the working condition by the elastic retaining element 29.

[0098] The third profiled element 8 is free to slide along the axis of movement 13 until it intercepts the first stop elements 20, a condition wherein the telescopic guide 1 is in the open configuration.

[0099] The sequential opening mechanism 23 according to the invention allows the telescopic guide 1 to be opened sequentially, that is, the second profiled element 5 and the third profiled element 8 to be moved locked together away from the first profiled element 2, and the third profiled element 8 to be moved away from the second profiled element 5 only when the latter has completed its relevant stroke from the first profiled element 2.

[0100] Conveniently, the lever 25 is hinged to the third distal end 10 and the abutment body 27 is associated with the second distal end 7.

[0101] The inclined surface 26 defines together with the axis of movement 13 at least one angle of inclination a having an amplitude of between 50° and 70°, preferably of between 55° and 65°, more preferably of between 57° and 63°.

[0102] This particular choice of range for the amplitude of the angle of inclination a is particularly advantageous, since it ensures that the inclined surface 26 is positioned abutting on the abutment surface 28 and makes it possible for the inclined surface 26 to slide on the abutment surface 28 only when an appropriate counteracting force is applied to the elastic retaining element 29.

[0103] With particular reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the angle of inclination a is 60°.

[0104] Alternative embodiments of the telescopic guide 1 cannot however be ruled out, wherein the amplitude of the angle of inclination a is of a different type.

[0105] Preferably, the elastic retaining element 29 is of the type of a tie rod.

[0106] Alternative embodiments of the telescopic guide 1 cannot however be ruled out, wherein the elastic retaining element 29 is of a different type and, e.g., is of the type of a spring.

[0107] Preferably, the abutment body 27 comprises at least one plate-shaped element 30, associated with the second distal end 7, and at least one cross member 31, associated with the plate-shaped element 30 and substantially orthogonal to the latter and parallel to the axis of movement 13.

[0108] The abutment surface 28 is made on the cross member 31 and faces the first proximal end 3.

[0109] Preferably, the sequential closing mechanism 24 comprises: at least one stop body 32 associated with the first profiled element 2 and defining at least one stop surface 33; at least one stop lever 34 hinged to the second profiled element 5 and positionable in contact on the stop surface 33 during the movement of the third profiled element 8 close to the second profiled element 5 when moving from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0110] With particular reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, it can be seen that the stop body 32 defines at least one guiding surface 35 over which the stop lever 34 can slide.

[0111] The stop lever 34 is movable between a first position, wherein it can slide on the guiding surface 35, and a second position, wherein it is rotated with respect to the first position and cannot slide on the guiding surface 35.

[0112] In detail, the stop lever 34 is in the first position when the telescopic guide 1 is in the closed configuration and remains there until the third profiled element 8 begins to move away from the second profiled element 5.

[0113] In actual facts, the third profiled element 8 holds the stop lever 34 until it begins to move away from the second profiled element 5 by disengaging from the same stop lever 34 which thus, due to the force of gravity, rotates and positions itself to the second position.

[0114] In the second position, the second profiled element 5 cannot slide towards the first profiled element 2 since it is blocked by the same stop lever 34 that bangs against the stop body 32 without sliding on the stop surface 33.

[0115] When the third profiled element 8 has completed the stroke thereof when closing the telescopic guide 1, it intercepts the stop lever 34 by repositioning the same to the first position.

[0116] At this point, the stop lever 34 can slide on the guiding surface 35, allowing the second profiled element 5 to slide towards the first profiled element 2 locked together with the third profiled element 8, until the telescopic guide 1 is completely closed.

[0117] Advantageously, the telescopic guide 1 comprises at least one clamping / releasing assembly 36 of the profiled elements 2, 5, 8 which is adapted to prevent / allow the movement of the telescopic guide 1 from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0118] In detail, the clamping / releasing assembly 36 allows the telescopic guide 1 to be clamped in the open configuration, thus preventing it from inadvertently closing by moving the second portion C towards the first portion B when not required.

[0119] With reference to the figures, the clamping / releasing assembly 36 prevents the drawer from retracting into the fixed structure of the drawer unit, until the user needs to keep it pulled out.

[0120] As soon as the user wants to close the drawer, i.e., to insert it into the fixed structure, he or she operates the clamping / releasing assembly 36 allowing the movement of the telescopic guide 1 from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0121] Preferably, the clamping / releasing assembly 36 comprises: at least one clamping body 37 associated with at least one of either the second profiled element 5 or the third profiled element 8 and provided with at least one clamping surface 38; at least one clamping linkage 39 associated with the other of either the second profiled element 5 or the third profiled element 8 and defining at least one work surface 40 positionable in contact on the clamping surface 38; at least one elastic body 41 adapted to keep the work surface 40 in contact on the clamping surface 38 in the open configuration; at least one releasing body 42 operable from the outside to exert a force counteracting the elastic body 41, the work surface 40 being uncoupled from the clamping surface 38.

[0122] The releasing body 42, preferably, is of the type of a handle which can be grasped and moved by the user who, when he or she wants to close the telescopic guide 1, grasps it, thus exerting a force counteracting the elastic body 41.

[0123] Advantageously, the elastic body 41 is substantially coincident with the elastic retaining element 29.

[0124] Conveniently, the clamping linkage 39 is associated with the third profiled element 8 and the clamping body 37 is associated with the second profiled element 5 and is substantially coincident with the abutment body 27, the clamping surface 38 being opposite the abutment surface 28.

[0125] In actual facts, the clamping surface 38 is made on the cross member 31 and faces the third distal end 10.

[0126] The special technical expedient of using the elastic retaining element 29 to both handle the sequential opening of the telescopic guide 1 and to clamp the latter in the open configuration greatly facilitates the construction of the telescopic guide 1 itself and allows for a reduction in the manufacturing costs, since the same component is used to perform different functions.

[0127] Similar considerations can be made in relation to the fact of manufacturing the clamping surface 38 on the abutment body 27; in fact, this aspect also facilitates the construction of the telescopic guide 1 and reduces its manufacturing costs.

[0128] With particular reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the clamping linkage 39 comprises: a first clamping lever 43 associated with the elastic body 41 and hinged to the third profiled element 8; and a second clamping lever 44 hinged to the third profiled element 8 and provided with the work surface 40.

[0129] The first clamping lever 43 and the second clamping lever 44 define respective contact surfaces 45 which are substantially curvilinear and adapted to facilitate the movement of the work surface 40 away from the clamping surface 38 as a result of the operation of the releasing body 42.

[0130] The contact surfaces 45 are placed in contact and interact with each other, transmitting the forces acting on the first clamping lever 43 to the second clamping lever 44 and vice versa.

[0131] As a result of the sliding of the third profiled element 8 away from the second profiled element 5, the second clamping lever 44 is arranged with its respective work surface 40 in contact with the clamping surface 38 and is kept in that operating condition by the elastic body 41.

[0132] In this condition, the clamping body 37 and the second clamping lever 44 prevent the third profiled element 8 from sliding along the axis of movement 13 in the way of approaching the third distal end 10 to the first proximal end 3, keeping the telescopic guide 1 in an open configuration.

[0133] When needed, the releasing body 42 is actuated by the user who exerts a force counteracting the elastic body 41 which allows moving the first clamping lever 43, which acts on the second clamping lever 44, thus releasing the work surface 40 from the clamping surface 38.

[0134] At this point, the third profiled element 8 can slide towards the first profiled element 2, causing the movement of the telescopic guide 1 from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0135] The operation of the telescopic guide according to the invention is as follows.

[0136] It is initially assumed that the telescopic guide 1 is in a closed configuration, that is, the drawer is inserted into the fixed structure of the drawer unit.

[0137] A user who wants to access the drawer grasps the latter and makes it slide away from the fixed structure, by moving the telescopic guide 1 from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0138] In such a movement, the sequential opening mechanism 23 keeps the second profiled element 5 and the third profiled element 8 locked together until the second profiled element 5 has completed its stroke from the first profiled element 2.

[0139] In detail, the inclined surface 26 insists on the abutment surface 28, locking the second profiled element 5 together with the third profiled element 8.

[0140] When the second profiled element 5 abuts against the first abutting elements 15, the lever 25 slides on the abutment body 27 and releases the second profiled element 5 from the third profiled element 8 which can move away from the first profiled element 2 and from the second profiled element 5 until it intercepts the first stop elements 20, moving the telescopic guide 1 to the open configuration.

[0141] In this configuration, the clamping / releasing assembly 36 prevents the third profiled element 8 from sliding towards the first profiled element 2.

[0142] When the user wishes to close the drawer, i.e., to move the telescopic guide 1 from the open configuration to the closed configuration, he or she operates the releasing body 42 which causes the second clamping lever 44 to move away from the clamping body 37, resulting in the movement of the telescopic guide 1 from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0143] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that the special technical device of associating with the third distal end a lever with inclined surface working in conjunction with an abutment body associated with the second distal end allows obtaining a sequential and controlled opening of the profiled elements.

[0144] The special nature and structure of the lever and of the abutment body give reliability to the sequential opening mechanism because they are durable and unlikely to be damaged, thus ensuring that the telescopic guide can be used for a long time.

[0145] Again, these components turn out to be feasible in a quick and easy manner.

[0146] Additionally, using some components of the sequential opening mechanism to make the clamping / releasing assembly of the profiled elements contributes to simplifying the manufacturing phase of the telescopic guide, while also reducing its manufacturing costs, as the number of components is reduced compared to what occurs in the prior art.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Controlled- opening telescopic guide (1), comprising: at least a first profiled element (2), provided with a first proximal end (3), associable with a first portion (B) of a furnishing component (A), and with a first distal end (4); at least a second profiled element (5), provided with a second proximal end (6) and with a second distal end (7); at least a third profiled element (8), provided with a third proximal end (9) and with a third distal end (10), associable with a second portion (C) of said furnishing component (A), said profiled elements (2, 5, 8) being telescopically coupled to each other along an axis of movement (13) and developing longitudinally along said axis of movement (13), said second profiled element (5) being positioned between said first profiled element (2) and said third profiled element (8); at least one sequential opening mechanism (23) adapted to allow said profiled elements (2, 5, 8) to slide sequentially during the movement of said telescopic guide (1) from a closed configuration, wherein said first proximal end (3) and said third distal end (10) are at a minimum predefined distance, to an open configuration, wherein said first proximal end (3) and said third distal end (10) are at a maximum predefined distance; at least one sequential closing mechanism (24) adapted to allow said profiled elements (2, 5, 8) to slide sequentially during the movement from said open configuration to said closed configuration; characterized by the fact that said sequential opening mechanism (23) comprises: at least one lever (25) hinged to at least one of either said second profiled element (5) or said third profiled element (8) and provided with at least one inclined surface (26) with respect to said axis of movement (13); at least one abutment body (27) associated with the other of either said second profiled element (5) or said third profiled element (8) and comprising at least one abutment surface (28) adapted to abut against said inclined surface (26); at least one elastic retaining element (29) associated with said lever (25) and adapted to keep said inclined surface (26) in contact on said abutment surface(28) during the movement of said second profiled element (5) and of said third profiled element (8) away from said first profiled element (2) during the movement from said closed configuration to said open configuration.2) Telescopic guide (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said lever (25) is hinged to said third distal end (10) and by the fact that said abutment body (27) is associated with said second distal end (7).3) Telescopic guide (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said inclined surface (26) defines together with said axis of movement (13) at least one angle of inclination (a) having an amplitude of between 50° and 70°, preferably of between 55° and 65°, more preferably of between 57° and 63°.4) Telescopic guide (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said abutment body (27) comprises at least one plateshaped element (30), associated with said second distal end (7), and at least one cross member (31), associated with said plate-shaped element (30) and substantially orthogonal to the latter and parallel to said axis of movement (13), said abutment surface (28) being made on said cross member (31) and facing said first proximal end (3).5) Telescopic guide (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one clamping / releasing assembly (36) of said profiled elements (2, 5, 8) which is adapted to prevent / allow the movement of said telescopic guide (1) from said open configuration to said closed configuration.6) Telescopic guide (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said clamping / releasing assembly (36) comprises: at least one clamping body (37) associated with at least one of either said second profiled element (5) or said third profiled element (8) and provided with at least one clamping surface (38); at least one clamping linkage (39) associated with the other of either said second profiled element (5) or said third profiled element (8) and defining at least one work surface (40) positionable in contact on said clamping surface (38); at least one elastic body (41) adapted to keep said work surface (40) in contacton said clamping surface (38) in said open configuration; at least one releasing body (42) operable from the outside to exert a force counteracting said elastic body (41), said work surface (40) being uncoupled from said clamping surface (38).7) Telescopic guide (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said elastic body (41) is substantially coincident with said elastic retaining element (29).8) Telescopic guide (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said clamping linkage (39) is associated with said third profiled element (8) and by the fact that said clamping body (37) is associated with said second profiled element (5) and is substantially coincident with said abutment body (27), said clamping surface (38) being opposite said abutment surface (28).9) Telescopic guide (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said clamping linkage (39) comprises: a first clamping lever (43) associated with said elastic body (41) and hinged to said third profiled element (8); and a second clamping lever (44) hinged to said third profiled element (8) and provided with said work surface (40); wherein said first clamping lever (43) and said second clamping lever (44) define respective contact surfaces (45) which are substantially curvilinear and adapted to facilitate the movement of said work surface (40) away from said clamping surface (38) as a result of the operation of said releasing body (42).10) Telescopic guide (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said sequential closing mechanism (24) comprises: at least one stop body (32) associated with said first profiled element (2) and defining at least one stop surface (33); at least one stop lever (34) hinged to said second profiled element (5) and positionable in contact on said stop surface (33) during the movement of said third profiled element (8) close to said second profiled element (5) when moving from said open configuration to said closed configuration.

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