Unknown

Abstract

An apparatus for moving a first furniture part in relation to a second furniture part, having two spaced-apart guide devices in which switching devices are provided. A closed position of the first furniture part is predefinable by way of the switching devices. Furthermore, connecting means for a coupled switching movement of the switching devices are provided between the guide devices. According to the present invention, in each case one carry-along element is provided on the guide devices and catching elements for the carry-along elements are present, wherein movements of the catching elements are coupled, wherein one carry-along element interacts with in each case with one catching element at least along one switching path of the switching device and wherein the carry-along elements are separated from the catching elements at least via a movement of the guide devices.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for moving a first furniture part in relation to a second furniture part, and a piece of furniture having such an apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A large number of apparatuses, by way of which furniture parts can be moved in relation to one another on a predefined track, are already known from the field of furniture construction. For example, many are provided for guiding the movement of drawers and similar pull-out furniture components on a basic furniture structure. In order that, for example, a drawer can easily be moved into a closed position or moved out of such a position, such guide apparatuses are frequently equipped with pushing-out or retraction devices. Because these usually also comprise a switching mechanism for locking a closed position, they are designated switching devices in the following text.

Depending on the height/width ratios of a movable furniture part, for example of a drawer, there is a more or less great risk of the piece of furniture jamming in the guide devices, as a result of which movement can be hindered and a guide system may be damaged. For uniform distribution of driving and closing forces, such devices are preferably provided on two sides of movable furniture elements. For a uniform pull-out movement of opposite sides of, for example, a drawer, a plurality of racks attached, for example, to the base can be synchronized via toothed wheels, which are coupled to a common rotary shaft. However, such synchronization devices require a certain amount of installation space and possibly even occasional cleaning and maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which enables reliable opening and closing of a movable furniture part while having a comparatively small space requirement.

The present invention proceeds from an apparatus for moving a first furniture part in relation to a second furniture part, wherein the apparatus has two spaced-apart guide devices in which switching devices are provided. A closed position of the furniture part is predefinable in this case by way of the switching devices. In addition, connecting means for a coupled switching movement of the switching device are provided between the guide devices.

The core of the present invention consists in that in each case one carry-along element is provided on the guide devices, in that catching elements for the carry-along elements are present, wherein movements of the catching elements are coupled, wherein one carry-along element interacts with, in each case, one catching element at least along one switching path of the switching device and wherein the carry-along elements are separated from the catching elements at least via a movement, in particular a pull-out movement, of the guide devices.

During the installation of guide devices, care is generally taken to ensure that, for example, left-hand-side and right-hand-side guide devices and the switching devices thereof are attached and set symmetrically. In use, forces can act asymmetrically on the furniture part and can lead to an offset between switching elements. The present invention is based on the finding that synchronization between switching devices, for example, of a left-hand and right-hand guide device of, for example, a drawer is in many cases necessary only in the region of the switching path of the switching devices, in particular for switching operations for locking and unlocking the closed position. In this case, it is sufficient for interaction between the carry-along elements and the catching elements to be limited substantially to the region of the switching path and for the synchronization elements, such as the carry-along elements and the coupled-together catching elements, to have no influence on movements of the furniture parts with respect to one another in the region of a pull-out movement away from the switching path.

This affords the advantage that the first furniture part can be moved over a usually longer path of a pull-out movement without being influenced by synchronizing elements and thus without the frictional contribution thereof, while movements are coupled on both sides of interacting switching elements over a comparatively short switching path. Because a synchronizing coupling is provided substantially in the region of a switching path, the catching elements and the carry-along elements can be formed in a comparatively space-saving manner.

The guide devices may comprise two or more rails and can be configured as, for example, a full-extension mechanism. The switching devices may be opening devices, in particular pushing-out devices, for example, touch-latch units. Furthermore it is possible for the switching devices to be closing devices, in particular automatic retraction units. In this case, the switching devices can support switching operations by way of which the first furniture part can be unlocked from a predefined closed position. Similarly, the first furniture part can be lockable in a predefined closed position of the switching operations by way of the switching devices.

Preferably, the switching device is formed such that the switching path for a switching operation is comparatively short compared with the path of a pull-out movement. As a result, a comparatively compact construction of the carry-along and catching elements is advantageously possible.

Bearing means for at least one of the catching elements preferably comprise an attachment element for attaching to a guide device, in particular on a switching device. This advantageously makes it easier to mount and adjust the apparatus according to the present invention.

On account of manufacturing tolerances, by attaching the guide devices to the furniture parts it is also possible for the switching devices on both sides of a movable furniture part to be offset with respect to one another in relation to the movement direction of a pull-out movement. In order to be able to compensate for positional deviations, for example, with respect to movement-limiting stops, the switching devices preferably have one or more positionable parts. In order to transfer positional corrections to synchronizing elements, too, in particular to at least one of the catching elements, it is preferred for the attachment element to be fixable on a positionable part of the switching device. By way of the positionable part, a closed position can be set on the switching device. Furthermore, a positionable part can be used for adaptation to, for example, a switching path and, for example, to a switching position of the switching device.

Since a housing, which is provided, for example, for protecting movable parts, is comparatively stable and usually provides a plurality of attachment positions, the positionable part of the switching device is preferably a housing, which surrounds in particular at least a part of the switching device.

Furthermore, it is preferable for the attachment element to be attachable in a detachable manner. In this case, for example, a basic-furniture-structure rail may be provided for attaching the attachment element. In particular, the attachment element is attachable without tools, as a result of which subsequent installation of the catching elements is more easily possible.

The catching element can have, for example, a lever, which can be folded over by a carry-along member. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the catching element comprises a rotary disk because a comparatively reliable and stable catching region for a carry-along element can be formed thereon.

Preferably, a catching slot for the carry-along element is provided in the catching element, such that the carry-along element is producible and attachable in a comparatively simple manner, for example, as a hook or, for example, as a carry-along pin.

In order that comparatively strongly offset movements of the carry-along elements between, for example, two sides can be synchronized, it is preferred for the catching slot to have in a catching position of the catching element, a section which extends parallel to the movement of the carry-along element. As a result, it can be ensured that, when a catching element is activated by a carry-along element, the carry-along element on the other side is likewise already located in the respective catching element.

Preferably, first movement-limiting stops, by way of which a catching position of the catching element is predefined, are formed on the catching element and on the bearing means. In this case, the catching element may be subjected to a spring force which can hold the catching element in a catching position. Preferably, spring elements and the first movement-limiting stops are present on catching elements of a plurality of guide devices, for example, on both sides of, for example, a drawer, in order to increase the reliability of synchronization.

Furthermore, it is preferred for at least one movement-limiting stop, by way of which a movement of the catching element is limitable when the carry-along element carries the catching elements during a switching movement, to be formed on the catching element and on the bearing means. As a result, in particular when the catching element is under spring force, it is possible to avoid the situation in which the carry-along element is able to leave the catching element in a position which makes it impossible for the carry-along element to be received in the catching element again.

Preferably, a switching position of at least one of the switching devices is settable parallel to the traveling movement of the first furniture part. Likewise, it is preferred for a closed position and/or a switching path of at least one switching device to be settable parallel to the traveling movement of the first furniture part. As a result, the switching devices can be adapted to, for example, movement-limiting elements, for example, stops, and positional differences, for example, of the guide devices on account of manufacturing tolerances can advantageously be compensated.

A piece of furniture having an apparatus according to the present invention in at least one of the abovementioned embodiments can be operated in a comparatively reliable manner and as a result advantageously increases the reliability in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is explained in the following text by way of a plurality of exemplary embodiments with the aid of drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a piece of furniture having a guide system according to one embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the synchronization device of a guide system according to one embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a catching unit of one embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a detail of a guide system according to the present invention,

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a detail of a guide system according to the present invention,

FIG. 6 shows a schematic, perspective view of a detail of a further embodiment of a guide system of the present invention,

FIG. 7 shows a schematic, perspective view of a bearing block of the further embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 8 shows a schematic, perspective view of a guide device having a catching unit in another embodiment of the present invention, and

FIG. 9 shows a schematic, perspective view of a catching unit and a switching device in the another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a detail of a piece of furniture 1 in the form of a drawer compartment. A rear wall element 2a, and a left-hand and a right-hand side wall element 2b and 2c, a base panel element 2d and also two transverse struts 2e and 2f attached in the region of a top edge of the side wall elements 2b and 2c surround a space which is provided for a drawer (not shown).

The compartment bounded by the panel elements 2a to 2f is equipped with a guide system 3 according to the present invention, which consists of a left-hand side guide device 4a, a right-hand side guide device 4b and also a synchronization device 5.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of parts of the synchronization device 5 in detail. A left-hand side catching unit 6a and a right-hand side catching unit 6b are connected together via a coupling shaft 7. Each of the catching units 6a, 6b comprises a catching element 12, which is rotatably mounted in a bearing block 11 by way of a pivot pin 15. The pivot pin 15 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the coupling shaft 7 via a coupling piece 9, such that rotary movements of the, for example, left-hand side catching unit 6a or the catching element 12 thereof can be transferred without delay to the catching element 12 of the, for example, right-hand side catching unit 6b.

FIG. 3 shows a left-hand side catching unit 6a of a guide system 3 according to the present invention. The catching unit has a bearing block 11 which is fastened to a mounting plate 14. In order to attach the mounting plate to a left-hand side guide device 4a, the mounting plate 14 has two bores 14a by way of which the mounting plate 14 can be fastened to a guide device 4a. By way of the bearing block 11, a catching element 12 is rotatably mounted by way of a pivot pin 15. The catching element 12 is in the form of a cylindrical circular disk, from the lateral surface of which catching slots 13 have been cut out. The pivot pin 15 has an asymmetrical section 15a, by way of which the pivot pin 15 can be coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to a coupling shaft.

FIG. 4 shows a detail of a guide system 3 according to the present invention having a right-hand side guide device 4b and a right-hand side catching unit 6b. A bearing block 11 of the right-hand side catching unit 6b is fastened by way of a mounting plate 14 on a basic-furniture-structure rail 16a of the guide device 4b. A catching element 12 is rotatably mounted in the bearing block 11 by way of a pivot pin 15 and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a coupling shaft 7 via a coupling piece 9. A drawer rail 16c is displaceably mounted and guided on the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a. Fastened to the drawer rail 16c is a carry-along member 8 in the form of a cylindrical pin, which can act on the catching element 12 in a catching slot 13.

A left-hand side guide device 4a of a guide system 3 according to the present invention having a left-hand side catching unit 6a is shown in FIG. 5. The left-hand side guide device 4a comprises a basic-furniture-structure rail 16a on which a drawer rail 16c is displaceably mounted and guided in a displaceable manner via an intermediate rail 16b, which is movable with respect to both rails. In a rear region of the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a, a switching unit 20, which may be, for example, a pushing-out unit, and the catching unit 6a are fastened to the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a.

A left-hand side guide device 4a of a guide apparatus 3 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 5 in an extended state, in which the intermediate rail 16b and the drawer rail 16c have been extended telescopically. Accordingly, a carry-along member 8, for example, a cylindrical pin attached to the drawer rail 16c, is located at an appropriate distance from the catching unit 6a. As a result it can be seen that the catching unit 6a is fastened to the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show details of a left-hand side guide device 4a of a further embodiment of a guide system 3 according to the present invention. In this case, a left-hand side catching unit 6a is fastened together with a switching device 20 on a basic-furniture-structure rail 16a with the aid of a mounting plate 14. As seen from the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a, the catching unit 6a and the switching device are offset further into the interior of a basic furniture structure (not shown) than a drawer rail 16c. As a result the switching device 20 and the catching unit 6a can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of one other.

The catching unit 6a comprises a catching element 12 and a bearing block 11, on which the catching element 12 is mounted rotatably by way of a pivot pin 15 in a cylindrical recess in the bearing block 11. By way of a coupling piece 9, the pivot pin 15 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a rotary shaft 10 which is provided for coupling to a further catching unit (not shown).

Formed on the bearing block 11 are stops 18 which, together with stops 17 of the catching element 12, limit the rotary movements thereof. Arranged between the bearing block 11 and the catching element 12 is a spring 19 which can be clamped between the two parts 11, 12 in order to hold the catching element 12 in a catching position, at least as long as a carry-along member 8, which is in the form of a cylindrical pin here, does not engage in the catching element.

The switching device 20 comprises a carrier element 25 in which a cylindrical housing 23 of the switching unit 20 is embedded. The position of the housing 23 is settable parallel to the movement directions of the drawer rail 16c.

Formed on the bearing block 11 is a plate-like section 21, at the end of which there is a bore 21a. With the aid of a connecting element 22, for example, a pin or, for example, a screw, the plate-like section 21 of the left-hand-side-catching unit 6a can be fixed to the housing 23 and thus be coupled to a position of a settable element of the switching unit 20.

A further way of attaching a left-hand-side catching unit 6a to a left-hand-side guide device 4a is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, which correspond to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates the view of an underside of the left-hand side guide device 4a, which comprises a basic-furniture-structure rail 16a and a drawer rail 16c. Attached to the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a is a switching device 20 having a housing 23 which is accessible through a recess 26 in the underside of the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show only a view of an underside of the catching unit 6a, and so only a pivot pin 15 and a mounting plate 14 of the catching unit 6a are discernible. Two brackets 14c located in a parallel direction in succession are punched out of the mounting plate 14, wherein the brackets 14c curve out towards the top side of the mounting plate. The brackets 14c are provided to engage in slots 27 on the underside of the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a, wherein the brackets 14c are formed such that they engage through the slots 27 and in the process can engage behind the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a.

Formed on the mounting plate 14 are two bars 14b and 14d, which are provided to engage in the recess 26 on the underside of the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a. The bar 14d is bent twice and at opposite angles at its end. As a result it is designed to engage behind the recess 26 in the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a in order, for example, to prevent the mounting plate 14 from being removed from the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a.

The bar 14b of the mounting plate 14 is provided to fix the mounting plate 14 to the housing 23 of the switching device 20. For this purpose, two stops 23a are formed on the housing 23. The bar 14b and the stops 23a are matched to one another such that the bar 14b can engage with negligible or no play between the stops 23a. The housing 23 has a threaded section 23b. A screw cap 24 having an internal thread (not shown) is screwed onto the threaded section 23b. By way of a screw cap 24, a position of the housing 23 on the basic-furniture-structure rail 16a is settable along the longitudinal axis of the housing in the attachment (not shown) thereof and parallel to the direction of movement of the drawer rail 16c. By engagement of the bar 14b, settings of the position of the housing 23 on the mounting plate 14 and thus on the catching unit 6a can be assigned.

A coupling rod 28 is movably mounted in the housing 23 and can be pushed out or retracted by an energy store, for example, a spring, accommodated, for example, in the housing 23. A switching mechanism (not shown), which predefines, for example, a closed position or switching position, can be accommodated in the housing. As a result of the engagement of the bar 14b in the housing 23, the position of the catching unit 6a is coupled directly to the respective position of the closed position or switching position.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• 1 Piece of furniture
• 2a Rear wall element
• 2b Side wall element
• 2c Side wall element
• 2d Base panel element
• 2e Transverse strut
• 2f Transverse strut
• 3 Left-hand side Guide system
• 4a Right-hand side Guide device
• 4b Guide device
• 5 Synchronization device
• 6a Left-hand side Catching unit
• 6b Right-hand side Catching unit
• 7 Coupling shaft
• 8 Carry-along member
• 9 Coupling piece
• 10 Rotary shaft
• 11 Bearing block
• 12 Catching element
• 13 Catching slot
• 14 Mounting plate
• 14a Bore
• 14b Bar
• 14c Bracket
• 14d Bar
• 15 Pivot pin
• 15a Asymmetrical section
• 16a Basic-furniture-structure rail
• 16b Intermediate rail
• 16c Drawer rail
• 17 Stop
• 18 Stop
• 19 Spring
• 20 Switching device
• 21 Plate-like section
• 21a Bore
• 22 Connecting element
• 23 Housing
• 23a Stop
• 23b Threaded section
• 24 Screw cap
• 25 Carrier element
• 26 Recess
• 27 Slot
• 28 Coupling rod

Claims

1. An apparatus for moving a first furniture part in relation to a second furniture part comprising: two spaced-apart guide devices in which switching devices are provided, wherein a closed position of the first furniture part is predefinable by way of the switching devices, wherein connecting means for a coupled switching movement of the switching devices are provided between the two guide devices wherein in each case one carry-along element is provided on the guide devices and catching elements for the carry-along elements are present, wherein movements of the catching elements are coupled, wherein one carry-along element interacts with in each case one catching element at least along one switching path of the switching device, and wherein the carry-along elements are separated from the catching elements at least via a movement of the guide devices.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising bearing means for the catching element comprising an attachment element for attaching to one of the two guide devices.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the attachment element is fixable to a positionable part of the switching device.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the positionable part of the switching device is a housing.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the attachment element is attachable in a detachable manner.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catching element comprises a rotary disk.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a catching slot for the carry-along element is formed on the catching element.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the catching slot has, in a catching position of the catching element, a section which extends parallel to the movement of the carry-along element.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein first movement-limiting stops, by way of which a catching position of the catching element is predefined, are formed on the catching element and on the bearing means.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catching element is subjected to a spring force which can hold the catching element in a catching position.

11. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one movement-limiting stop, by way of which a movement of the catching element is limitable when the carry-along element carries the catching element during a switching movement, is formed on the catching element and on the bearing means.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a switching position of at least one of the switching devices is settable parallel to the traveling movements of the first furniture part.

13. A piece of furniture having an apparatus according to claim 1.