AU2006325334A1

AU2006325334A1 - Retracting mechanism for an extensible part that is guided so as to be longitudinally movable in a furniture carcass

Info

Publication number: AU2006325334A1
Application number: AU2006325334A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Thorsten Hotger; Takayoshi Shimizu
Original assignee: Paul Hettich GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Paul Hettich GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2005-12-12
Filing date: 2006-12-12
Publication date: 2007-06-21
Also published as: JP5074409B2; EP1959793A1; CN101325890A; KR101316715B1; CN101325890B; DE202006004090U1; WO2007068679A1; KR20080079307A; JP2009518089A; EP1959793B1

Description

LAWYERS' AND MERCHANTS' TRANSLATION BUREAU, INC. Legal, Financial, Scientific, Technical and Patent Translations 11 BROADWAY NEW YORK, NY 10004 Certificate of Accuracy TRANSLATION From German Into English STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK s.s.: On this day personally appeared before me who, after being duly sworn, deposes and states: That I, Charles Sitch, Authorized Officer of LAWYERS' AND MERCHANTS' TRANSLATION BUREAU declare That to the best of my knowledge and belief, the attached document, prepared by one of its translators competent in the art and conversant with the German and English languages, is a true and correct translation into the English language of the accompanying document. SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME THIS JUN 2 0 2008 Susan Tapley Notary Public, State of New York No. 01TA4999804 Qualified in Queens County Certificates filed in New York County and Kings County Commission expires July 27, 2010 WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 Retracting mechanism for a pull-out part guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner in a furniture carcass The present invention relates to a retracting mechanism for a pull-out part guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner in a furniture carcass, having an energy store which is biased when the pull-out part is opened and of which the stored energy, as from a constructionally predetermined pushed-in position of the pull-out part, is transmitted to the pull-out part as a retracting force. Retracting mechanisms of the type mentioned above are known per se. By means of such retracting mechanisms, some of which may also be combined with a damper, a pull-out part, just before it reaches the definitive pushed-in position, can be pulled into the definitive pushed-in position in the furniture carcass without any further or additional force being applied from the outside. The energy store, which is biased when the pull-out part is pulled out, is released here and the stored energy is used in order to pull the pulled-out part into the definitive pushed-in position within the furniture carcass. In practice, there are application cases in which it is desirable for the retracting forces to be briefly enhanced. Thus, for example, it may be desirable to increase the retracting force in order for a cover which is controlled via a guide means to be drawn with sealing action onto an WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 -2 enclosure-like pull-out part. This is the case for certain types of dishwasher. An increase in the retracting force, however, may also be used in order for a pull-out part to be pressed by way of correspondingly high forces against an all round seal. The object of the present invention is to develop a retracting mechanism of the generic type further to the extent where an increase in the retracting force is achieved and where a pulling-out action is possible with an application of force which is significantly below the effective retracting forces. This object is achieved according to the invention in that in addition to the energy store, and in order to enhance the effective retracting forces in a certain retraction position, a permanent-magnet system made of a permanent magnet and an oppositely poled element made of a magnetizable material, or a second permanent magnet, is provided, in each case one component of this permanent-magnet system being fitted on the furniture carcass, and the other component being fitted on the pull-out part, such that the contact surfaces thereof run perpendicularly to the pushing-in direction as they meet, when the pull-out part is pushed in, and can be displaced parallel to one another when the pull out part is pulled out of the closed position. The advantage of such a design is that, when the pull-out part is pushed in, there is a considerable increase WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 -3 in the forces inherent in the permanent-magnet system for enhancing the action of the retracting mechanism as a whole. On the other hand, these increased retracting forces need not be overcome again for opening purposes since the components of the permanent-magnet system are not separated by being drawn apart from one another perpendicularly to the contact surfaces; rather, the contact surfaces are separated by being displaced parallel to one another, in which case, despite the high retracting forces provided, the forces for opening the pull-out part are comparatively low. Further features of the invention form the subject matter of subclaims. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail hereinbelow and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 shows a schematically illustrated partial view of a furniture carcass with a pull-out part, which is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner therein, and a retracting mechanism, figure 2 shows a partial view of the retracting mechanism as seen in a viewing direction which is rotated through 1800 in relation to figure 1, figure 3 shows a view corresponding to figure 1, but with a pull-out part pushed in further than in figure 1, figure 4 shows a view corresponding to figures 1 and 3, but with the pull-in part pushed all the way in, WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 -4 figure 5 shows a view corresponding essentially to figure 3, but with the pull-out part pulled part of the way out again from the pushed-in position according to figure 4, figure 6 shows a view corresponding to figure 5, but with the pull-out part pulled out further still, figure 7 shows a view corresponding to figure 6, but with the pull-out part pulled out further still and the components of the permanent-magnet system separated, figure 8 shows a partial view of the retracting mechanism as seen in a viewing direction which is rotated through 1800 in relation to figure 7, figure 9 shows a view in the direction of the arrow IX in figure 1, figure 10 shows a schematically illustrated partial plan view of a furniture carcass with a pull-out part, which is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner therein, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, and figures 11a-11d show vertical illustrations, partly in section, through the rear end region of the furniture carcass and of the pull-out part in various positions. A schematically illustrated cabinet unit is designated as a whole in the drawings by 1, and it has a furniture carcass 2, which is likewise only indicated, and a pull-out part 3, which is mounted in a longitudinally displaceable manner in the furniture carcass.

WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 -5 The pull-out part 3 is connected to the furniture carcass 2 in a known manner such that it can be displaced longitudinally via guide rails 4, and it has an integrated retracting mechanism 5 in the case of which, in a manner which is known per se, an energy store is biased when the pull-out part 3 is opened, or pulled out of the furniture carcass 2, and the stored energy of this energy store, as from a constructionally predetermined pushed-in position of the pull-out part 3, is released again and transmitted to the pull-out part 3 as a retracting force. The construction and functioning of such retracting mechanisms 5 are known per se, and so the retracting mechanism will not be illustrated, or described, in detail here. A corresponding retracting mechanism has been illustrated and described in detail, also in respect of its functioning, in EP 0 391 221 Bl. In this respect, EP 0 391 221 Bl, in respect of its disclosure content relating to a retracting mechanism, is made part of the subject matter of the present application. Within the meaning of the present invention, for the purpose of enhancing the retracting forces which can act on the pull-out part 3, a permanent-magnet system is provided in addition to the known retracting mechanism 5 with its energy store, and this permanent-magnet system comprises a permanent magnet 6 and an oppositely poled element 7 made of a WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 -6 magnetizable material, or a further permanent magnet 7. In each case one component of the permanent-magnet system here is fitted on the furniture carcass 2 and the respectively other component is fitted on the pull-out part 3. In the case of the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the permanent magnet 6 is located on the furniture carcass 2 and the oppositely poled element 7, or a further permanent magnet 7, is connected to the pull-out part 3 via a pivot lever 8. The pivot lever 8 is mounted on the pull-out part 3 such that it can be pivoted about a pin 9. This bearing point is located in the bottom region of the furniture carcass 2, whereas the oppositely poled element 7 (or a further permanent magnet 7), which is fastened at the other end of the lever 8, is arranged in the top region of the furniture carcass 2, as is the permanent magnet 6, which is fitted on the furniture carcass 2 itself. The two mutually facing contact surfaces of the two components 6 and 7 of the permanent-magnet system are positioned level with one another in a common axial direction. The lever 8, starting from the bearing 9, is inclined upward in relation to the vertical, in which case the oppositely poled element 7 is always closer to the permanent magnet 6 than the bearing 9.

WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 -7 It is also the case that a spring 10 prestresses the lever 8 permanently in the direction outlined above. Mounted in a vertically displaceable manner on the pull-out part 3 is a supporting pin 11 which can be adjusted in height by way of a horizontal extension arm 12, via a guide means 13 fastened on the furniture carcass 2. The supporting pin 11 here is located beneath the lever 8, in a common plane with this lever 8, in which case the lever 8 can be supported on this supporting pin 11. The permanent magnet 6 is fastened on a bearing part 14, which is connected to the furniture carcass 2 such that it can be pivoted about a horizontal pin 15. The supporting pin 11 is mounted, with a certain amount of play, within a vertically running longitudinal guide (not illustrated specifically) in the pull-out part 3, in which case this supporting pin 11 is blocked within the guide when subjected to lateral loading. The guide means 13 is provided with a flank 13a, which slopes up in the direction of the rear side 2a of the furniture carcass 2, and with a flank 13b, which slopes down, from the flank 13a, in the direction of the rear side 2a of the furniture carcass 2. The turning point 13c, that is to say the highest point of the guide means 13, causes the supporting pin 11 to be raised to the maximum extent via the extension arm 12, which is connected to the supporting pin.

WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 -8 This maximum extension movement of the supporting pin 11 takes place a good way before the two components 6 and 7 of the permanent-magnet system come into contact with one another. Figure 1 illustrates a position of the pull-in part 3 which is achieved when the pull-out part is moved out of its fully open position in the direction of the rear side 2a of the furniture carcass 2 until the transverse extension arm 12 of the supporting pin 11 reaches the turning point 13a. In this position, the lever 8 butts against the top end of the supporting pin 11, a moment being exerted by the lever in the process. If the pull-in part 3 is moved out of this position and further to the right in relation to figure 1, i.e. into the furniture carcass 2, in the direction of the rear side 2a of the latter, the supporting pin 11 is blocked within its guide on account of the large predetermined tolerances between the guide, on the one hand, and supporting pin 11, on the other hand. It is thus the case that, even after the transverse extension arm 12 passes beyond the turning point 13c, the lever 8 is retained in its position which can be seen from figure 1. In this position, the two components 6 and 7 of the permanent-magnet system, as has already been mentioned above, are positioned level with one another in alignment opposite one another. The mutually facing contact surfaces of the two components 6 and 7 here run perpendicularly to the pushing-in WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 -9 direction of the pull-out part 3. Figure 3 shows a displacement position of the pull out part 3 in which there is contact between the two components 6 and 7 of the permanent-magnet system. The magnetic forces mean that, just prior to the two components 6 and 7 coming into contact with one another, the pull-out part 3 is subjected to a significantly higher retracting force than would be possible merely by the conventional type of retracting mechanism 5. Since the lever 8 is then supported on the permanent magnet 6 via the oppositely poled element 7 (or a further permanent magnet 7), further displacement of the pull-out part 3 in the direction of the rear side 2a of the furniture carcass 2 results in the loading to which the supporting pin 11 is subjected by the lever 8 being eliminated. The supporting pin can then drop downward in its guide, on account of gravitational force, to its end position. On account of the fact that the oppositely poled element 7 is moved over a circle-arc path by the pivoting movement of the lever 8, it has to be possible for the permanent magnet 6 to be pivoted about a horizontal pin 6a and also displaced in the vertical direction. This means that the contact surfaces between the two components 6 and 7, although still butting against one another, are inclined in relation to the vertical, as is shown clearly in figure 4.

WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 10 If the pull-out part 3 is displaced again out of this position, which corresponds to the definitive closed position of the pull-out part 3, in the opening direction, a position of the permanent-magnet system 6, 7 according to figure 5 is reached first of all. It is clear here that the two components 6 and 7 are still butting against one another, but have regained a perpendicular position in relation to the displacement direction of the pull-out part 3. If a further opening movement is executed, the spring 10 pivots the lever 8 further in the direction of the rear side 2a of the furniture carcass 2. This results in the two contact surfaces of the permanent-magnet system 6 and 7 being displaced parallel to one another, as is illustrated in figure 6. This parallel displacement also ultimately results in the two components 6 and 7 of the permanent-magnet system being separated from one another, without significant external forces having to be applied for this purpose. As figure 7 shows, once the two components 6 and 7 of the permanent-magnet system have been separated, the extension arm 12 of the supporting pin 11 passes on to the flank 13b of the guide means 13, this flank being directed toward the rear side 2a of the furniture carcass 2, and is accordingly moved upward within its guide. The supporting pin 11 thus comes into abutment again against the underside of the lever 8. This prevents the lever 8 from being deflected any further in the direction of the rear side 2a of the WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 11 furniture carcass 2. The effective retracting force to which the pull-out part 3 is subjected can thus be significantly increased by the permanent-magnet system 6 and 7 over a constructionally predetermined displacement region, in which case these retracting forces acting on the pull-out part 3 can also be used for controlling other functions not described here. When the pull-out part 3 is moved out of its closed position, in contrast, it is no longer necessary for the increased retracting force mentioned to be overcome, since the permanent-magnet system 6, 7 is separated by virtue of the two contact surfaces of the components 6 and 7 mentioned being displaced parallel to one another, for which purpose relatively small external forces are sufficient. The increased retracting force to which the pull-out part 3 can be briefly subjected by the permanent-magnet system 6, 7 can be used, for example, in order for a guided cover (not illustrated here) to be pressed with sealing action onto an enclosure-like pull-out part. Such a solution is advantageous, for example, in a correspondingly designed dishwasher. The increased retracting force, however, can also be used in order for the pull-out part 3, with a front panel, to be drawn, for example, onto an all-round seal on the furniture carcass and for the seal to be deformed. The solution according to the invention can be used wherever increased retracting forces are desirable, with the advantage WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 12 that, when the pull-out part is opened or pulled out, the corresponding forces do not increase to the same extent as the relatively high retracting forces which it is desirable to achieve. The guide means 13 and the transverse extension arm 12 of the supporting pin 11, the extension arm being guided on the guide means, are produced from a material pairing with a very low coefficient of sliding friction. In the case of the exemplary embodiment of the invention according to figures 1 to 9, which has been described up to this point of the description, the supporting pin 11 is controlled virtually exclusively by longitudinal movements of the pull-out part 3. The exemplary embodiment according to figures 10 to 11d differs from this in that the supporting pin 11 can be moved by an actuating device 16 manually or using electromotive, electromagnetic or pneumatic means. As is clear from figure lla, when the actuating device 16 is not activated, the supporting pin 11 is pressed against the lever 8 from beneath and the maximum pivoting position of the lever 8 is fixed here by an abutment 17 provided on the pull-out part 3. As an alternative to this, it is also conceivable for the lever 8 to be fixed in the specified position by the lever 8 being drawn against the supporting pin 11 by a spring and the supporting pin 11 being retained in a precisely WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 13 predetermined position, for example by the supporting pin 11 butting against an axial stop within its guide. In this closed position of the pull-out part 3, which is shown in figure lla, the permanent magnet 6 and an oppositely poled element 7, or a further permanent magnet, butt against one another. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, an oppositely poled element 7, or a further permanent magnet 7, is fastened, as a separate component, on the lever 8. As an alternative to this, however, it is also conceivable to produce the lever 8 and an oppositely poled element 7 integrally from a magnetizable material, with the result of which the production costs can be considerably reduced. If the actuating device 16 is then activated, the supporting pin 11, as can be gathered from figure llb, can be moved away downward out of its supporting position, in which it butts against the lever 8. Longitudinal displacement of the pull-out part 3 is not necessary for this purpose. If the pull-out part 3 is then pulled, from this position, out of the furniture carcass 3 in the opening direction, the bearing 9, about which the lever 8 is mounted in a pivotable manner, moves forward from the permanent magnet 6, which is fastened on the furniture carcass 2, in the direction of the front side of the furniture carcass 2, as a result of which the oppositely poled element 7, or a further permanent magnet fastened on the lever 8, on the one hand is tilted about its WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 14 top edge in relation to the permanent magnet 6, which may be described as stationary, and on the other hand is also moved simultaneously downward. This results in the formation, between the permanent magnet 6 and the oppositely poled element 7, or a further permanent magnet, of a constantly increasing air gap, and so it is also the case here that the pull-out force which is necessary for opening the pull-out part 3 is smaller than that required for holding the permanent magnet 6/oppositely poled element 7 pairing closed. As from a certain opening distance, the lever 8 is then supported again on the supporting pin 11, which has moved downward, or on any other desired bearing means, as is clearly shown in figure llc. In this position, the permanent magnet 6 and oppositely poled element 7 have been completely separated from one another. When the pull-out part 3 is opened, it is possible for the permanent magnet 7 provided on the lever 8, or alternatively an oppositely poled element 7 fastened on the lever 8, to sweep over the entire contact surface of the permanent magnet 6 by way of its top edge or, if the lever 8 is already supported at an early stage on the supporting pin 11 or any other desired bearing means, also to be already separated from the permanent magnet 6 when the top edge of the permanent magnet 7, or of a corresponding oppositely poled element, is still at a certain distance from the bottom edge of the permanent magnet 6.

WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 15 The pull-out part 3 can then be moved out of the furniture carcass 2 into its pulled-out position and, following deactivation of the actuating device 16, the supporting pin 11 is moved upward again until the lever 8 butts against the abutment 17. This situation can be gathered from figure 11d. If the pull-out part, in such a position, is then moved back in the closing direction, the action of the permanent magnet 6 and of the oppositely poled element 7, just prior to the definitive closed position being reached, give rise to an increased closing force until the oppositely poled element 7 butts against the permanent magnet 6, as can be gathered from the starting position according to figure lla. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the actuating device 16 is a Bowden cable which can be actuated from the front side 18 of the pull-out part 3, as is shown very clearly in figure 10. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment illustrated, however, the actuating device for the supporting pin 11 may also comprise an electrical unlocking device, for example in the form of a linear movement device with an electric motor actuating an eccentric disc. It is likewise possible for the supporting pin to be moved by a permanent magnet or via a pneumatic cylinder, all of these embodiments, which are merely listed by way of suggestion, having an actuating element for activating the WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 16 actuating device 16 which is provided in the region of the front side 18 of the pull-out part 3. It is thus possible for a user, by activating the actuating device 16 from the front side 18 of the pull-out part 3, first of all to trigger the release of the supporting pin 11 and then, by subjecting the pull-out part 3 to a pulling movement, to open this pull-out part 3. The actuating device 16 should always be configured such that, when it is deactivated, the supporting pin 11 is moved back again into its top, active position, in which the lever 8 is pressed against the stop 17.

Claims

1. A retracting mechanism (5) for a pull-out part (3) guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner in a furniture carcass (2), having an energy store which is biased when the pull-out part (3) is opened and of which the stored energy, as from a constructionally predetermined pushed-in position of the pull-out part (3), is released and transmitted to the pull-out part (3) as a retracting force, characterized in that in addition to the energy store, and in order to enhance the effective retracting forces in a certain retraction position, a permanent-magnet system (6, 7) made of a permanent magnet (6) and an oppositely poled element (7) made of a magnetizable material, or a second permanent magnet (7), is provided, in each case one component (6, 7) of this permanent-magnet system being fitted on the furniture carcass (2), and the other component (6, 7) being fitted on the pull out part (3), such that the contact surfaces thereof run perpendicularly to the pushing-in direction as they meet, when the pull-out part is pushed in, and can be displaced parallel to one another when the pull-out part (3) is pulled out of the closed position.

2. The retracting mechanism as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that that component (6, 7) of the permanent magnet system which is fitted on the pull-out part (3) is fitted at the top end of a lever (8) of which the bottom end is articulated on the pull-out part (3) such that it can be WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 18 pivoted about a pin (9), the lever (8) being inclined in relation to the vertical in the direction of the second component (6, 7) of the permanent-magnet system and being constantly subjected to loading by a spring in the direction of the second component (6, 7) of the permanent-magnet system.

3. The retracting mechanism as claimed in claim 2, characterized by the provision, on the pull-out part (3), of a supporting pin (11) which supports the lever (8) on its underside, which is directed toward the rear side (2a) of the furniture carcass (2), in a position in which the two components (6, 7) of the permanent-magnet system are positioned level with one another with their mutually facing contact surfaces perpendicular to the pushing-in direction of the pull-out part (3).

4. The retracting mechanism as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, once the position of contact between the two components (6, 7) of the permanent-magnet system has been reached, the support of the lever (8) by the supporting pin (11) is eliminated.

5. The retracting mechanism as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the supporting pin (11) is guided in a height-adjustable manner, with a certain amount of play, in a longitudinal guide of the pull-out part (3) and is provided with an extension arm (12) which is guided on a guide means (13) provided with flanks (13a, 13b) which respectively slope WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 19 up in the direction of the rear side (2a) of the furniture carcass (2) and slope down in the direction of the rear side (2a) of the furniture carcass (2), respectively.

6. The retracting mechanism as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that component (6, 7) of the permanent-magnet system which is fitted on the furniture carcass is connected to the furniture carcass (2) such that it can be pivoted about a horizontal pin and moved in the vertical direction.

7. The retracting mechanism as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum height adjustment of the supporting pin (11) is determined by the turning point (13c) between the two flanks (13a and 13b) of the guide means (13).

8. The retracting mechanism as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, by abutment of the spring-lever (8), the supporting pin (11) is fixed in its maximum height position, by virtue of the supporting pin (11) tilting within its guide, even when the contact between the transverse extension arm (12) and the guide means (13) has been eliminated.

9. The retracting mechanism as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide means (13) and the transverse extension arm (12) of the supporting pin (11), this extension arm being guided on the guide means, comprise a material pairing with a very low coefficient of WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 20 sliding friction.

10. The retracting mechanism as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the component (7) of the permanent magnet system, this component being fitted on the pull-out part (3), is arranged at the top end of the lever (8) of which the bottom end is articulated on the pull-out part (3) such that it can be pivoted about a pin (9), the lever (8) being inclined in relation to the vertical in the direction of the second component (6) of the permanent-magnet system and being subjected to loading by a supporting pin (11) of an actuating device (16).

11. The retracting mechanism as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the lever (8) is pressed against a stop (17) on the pull-out part (3).

12. The retracting mechanism as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the lever (8) is drawn against the supporting pin (11), or some other bearing means, by a spring.

13. The retracting mechanism as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the lever (8) and an oppositely poled element (7) provided at the top end of the lever (8) are produced integrally from a magnetizable material.

14. The retracting mechanism as claimed in one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the actuating device (16) comprises a Bowden cable. WO 2007/068679 PCT/EP2006/069566 - 21

15. The retracting mechanism as claimed in one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the actuating device (16) acts on the supporting pin (11) using electromotive, electromagnetic or pneumatic means.

16. The retracting mechanism as claimed in one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the action of the actuating device (16) can be triggered from the front side (18) of the pull-out part.