JP2002174064A - Latch device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new useful latch device which enables a latch to be released through nimble operations, prevents a composition therefor from increasing a built-in space, eliminates damage to the appearance of a cabinet, and permits various uses to be secured. SOLUTION: An operation part 4 for releasing the latch can structurally undergo turning operations in the state of being pinched between fingers. Constitutionally, the latch is released when the operation part 4 is turned to a prescribed operating position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a latch device which can be used as a device for holding a drawer or a door at a predetermined closed position, and which improves the operability of the latch release operation. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a latch device has been used as means for holding an operating body such as a drawer or a door at a position for closing an opening of a furniture body.

[0003] Such a conventional latch device generally has an operating portion and a hook claw that is operated by operating the operating portion on the operating body side, and a claw insertion portion for engaging the hook claw at a corresponding position of the furniture body. It is composed.
Then, when the operating body is in the closed position, the hook claw is engaged with the claw insertion section to hold the operating body in the closed position, and when the operating section is operated, the hook claw is operated to separate from the claw inserting section, Thereby, the latching state of the operating body is released, and the operation of moving the operating body to a position where the opening is opened is allowed.

[0004]

The operating portion for releasing the latch is made of a plate-like member as seen in a latch device or the like in a drawer, and has one end in the width direction at the end of a furniture body such as a desk or a wagon. Generally, it is configured to be rotatably attached to the camera.

[0005] However, in such a case,
In order to reduce the operating force, it is necessary to make the operating section wide to some extent and secure a torque arm sufficient to input a required rotational moment. For this reason, the amount of movement of the rotating end increases, and a sufficient installation space is required on the furniture main body side. In addition, when the operation unit is arranged at a position flush with the front surface of the furniture main body, the operation unit moves forward when operating. There is an inconvenience that the appearance and appearance are impaired greatly, which may cause interference with the surroundings. Further, since the operation method is uniform, it is difficult to pursue various usability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned inconvenience, and it is possible to release the latch through a light operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful latch device which not only does not impair the appearance of the device, but also ensures various operability.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

That is, according to the present invention, in realizing a latch device capable of latching an operating body and releasing the latch through operation of an operation section, the operation section is rotated while being pinched by a finger. The latch is released when the operation unit is rotated to a predetermined operation position.

With such a configuration, even if the distance from the center of rotation to the position where the finger is applied is short, the torque applied to each finger is halved due to the two positions where the finger is applied. For this reason, as compared with the conventional operation unit, even if the required operation force is reduced, the turning radius of the operation unit can be reduced to almost half, thereby reducing the moving amount of the rotating end, It is possible to effectively reduce the installation space in the furniture main body and the like. In addition, since the operation uses a twisting force, a stable operation can be performed. In addition, in such a case, in addition to the operation of pinching with a finger, the operation can be performed by a mode in which one end is pulled out from the center of rotation or a mode in which the other end is pushed in. A function that can be operated with a sense of operation is left, and a new function of releasing the latch by pressing the function can be effectively added.

The operating section may be constituted by a single plate-shaped member. However, the appearance of the operating section may be made closer to that of the conventional operating section so as to eliminate a sense of incongruity, and the operating section may be projected forward when the latch is operated. In order to avoid the damage of the furniture and the like and to avoid interference with the surroundings, the first operation piece, which is rotatably supported at a substantially central portion in the width direction, and the first operation piece A second operation piece disposed on the front side of the piece and rotatably supported at one end side, and pushes in a corresponding end of the first operation piece via the other end side of the second operation piece. By operating to pull out the opposite end of the first operation piece separated from the rotation center, the first operation piece may be configured to release the latch in conjunction with the rotation of the first operation piece. It is valid.

In order to effectively arrange the appearance of the thus constructed operation section in an operation window opened on the front surface of an operating body such as a door or drawer, the second operation piece is provided with the operation window. It is preferable that the first operation piece is disposed adjacent to the back side of the second operation piece in the operation window and is concealed.

In particular, in order to improve the appearance at the time of latching, the second operation piece is arranged at a position substantially flush with the front surface of the operating body at a normal position where no rotation operation is applied. Is desirable.

Although the moving force of the operating body after the release of the latch can rely solely on only the operating force applied to the finger hook portion,
A pressing mechanism that applies a pressing force in a direction away from the latch position to the operating body in order to eliminate the need for maintaining the operating force related to the release of the latch and enable the operation to be performed even by a person who has a finger in a disability. It is desirable that after the latch release operation, the operating body can be moved without being restrained by the latch and even by operating a portion other than the finger hook portion.

The pressing mechanism basically does not matter in the pressing direction as long as the operating body can be released from the latch position. However, in order to ensure the smooth movement of the operating body after the latch is released, the pressing mechanism is required. It is preferable that the direction substantially coincides with the movement start direction when the unlatched operating body is moved toward the target position.

In the case where the operating body is latched by being pushed in, for example, the pressing operation on the operation unit may hinder the operation of the operating body. However, in order to avoid such inconvenience, It is effective that the unlatched operating body is not latched unless it is pushed again from a position displaced from the latch position.

In order to reliably reset the operation unit and appropriately cope with repetitive operations, it is desirable to elastically press the operation unit in a direction from a predetermined operation position to a normal position.

Since the present invention has the above-described configuration,
An actuating body is provided at a position to open and close the opening, is latched at the closed position, and is adapted to be moved to a position at which the opening is opened at the unlatched state. It can be useful.

[0018]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a latch device 3 of the present invention.
2 shows a cabinet to which is applied. This cabinet is
A box-shaped cabinet body 1 having an opening on the front side, and double doors 2a, 2 serving as operating bodies provided in pairs on the left and right at positions for opening and closing the opening of the cabinet body 1.
b. The latch device 3 includes left and right doors 2a,
2b is applied to the right door 2a, and the left door 2b in this embodiment is prohibited from being opened by overlapping the edge of the right door 2a from above in the closed position. The door 2a is latched at the closed position by the operation of the latch device 3 of the present invention. Then, by operating the operation unit 4 shown in FIG. 2 which is a component of the latch device 3, the latch can be released.

More specifically, the latch device 3 has a structure for first pulling the door 2 into the latched state as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, a rotary shaft 5, a hook claw 6, and a claw insertion portion 7 are provided. The rotating shaft 5 is arranged near the edge of the door 2 on the side opposite to the hanging base so as to be rotatable along the vertical direction,
The elastic force corresponding to the rotation phase is accumulated in the torsion coil type spring element 8 provided in a part thereof. Hook claw 6
Has a substantially L-shape in plan view in which the base end 6a is attached to the upper and lower ends of the rotating shaft 5 so as to be integrally rotatable.
The tip 6b is projected rearward. On the other hand, the claw insertion portion 7 has a slit shape or a notch shape formed on a vertical surface 1x (see FIG. 1 and the like) provided near the top wall 1a and the bottom wall 1b of the cabinet body 1. Hook claw 6
The reference position is such that the hook claw 6 projects substantially in the normal direction to the right door 2a as a reference posture, and when the hook claw 6 is in a posture rotated by a predetermined angle around the rotation axis 5 from this reference posture. The tip 6b of the claw 6 is allowed to move in and out, and the rotating shaft 5 rotates the hook claw 6 by a predetermined angle in a direction to return the hook claw 6 to the reference posture in a state where the tip 6b enters, whereby the tip 6b is inserted into the claw insertion portion 7. Can be engaged with the opening edge 7a. The spring element 8 includes a hook claw 6
Accumulates the elastic force in the direction to return to the reference posture. Therefore, when the door 2 is closed, the hook claw 6 approaches the claw insertion portion 7 from the front, and gradually rotates with the rotation shaft 5 to change the posture from the reference posture to the claw insertion portion 7 so that the tip 6b is moved to the claw insertion portion 7. Then, it can return to the reference posture and fit into the claw insertion portion 7.

On the other hand, the latch device 3 includes an operation section 4 and a pressing mechanism 10 as a configuration for releasing the latched state of the right door 2a. As shown in FIG. 2A, the operation unit 4 is provided inside the frame 4a forming an operation window 4b having a substantially square shape on the inside thereof.
Of the front door of the right door 2a together with the frame 4a is mounted near the edge of the front plate on the side opposite to the suspension base. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit 4 has a structure that can be rotated by pinching with a finger, and is released when the operation unit 4 is rotated to a predetermined operation position.

More specifically, the operation unit 4 is configured as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a first portion having an L-shape in plan view is supported at a substantially central portion in the width direction via a shaft portion 23 so as to be rotatable by the frame 4a.
And a plate-like second operation piece 42 which is disposed on the front side of the first operation piece 41 and whose right end 42a is rotatably supported by the frame 4a via a shaft 42c. Is provided. The second operation piece 42 is located on the opening edge side in the operation window 4b, and the first operation piece 41 is located on the rear side of the second operation piece 42 in the operation window 4b. ing. Then, as shown in FIG.
Left end 42b of the operation piece 42 and right end 4 of the first operation piece 41
1a, the left end 41b of the first operation piece 41 is pushed in through the left end 42b side of the second operation piece 42, and the right end 41a located at a position separated from the rotation center of the first operation piece 41 is pressed. The shaft portion 23 can be rotated by performing the operation of pulling out.

The center of the shaft 23 and the rotation shaft 5 are aligned with each other. Depending on whether the two are connected to each other or whether a part of the rotation shaft 5 functions as the shaft 23, the shaft 23 and the rotation shaft 5 are integrally rotated. The state which can be done is secured.

That is, through the above operation, the shaft portion 23,
As a result, when the rotating shaft 5 is driven to rotate clockwise in plan view,
The hook claw 6 is rotated to a position where the tip 6b can enter and exit the claw insertion portion 7.

The rotation shaft 5 is connected to the hook claw 6 as described above.
Is elastically urged in a direction to position the first operation piece 41 in the reference posture. If no external force is applied, the first operation piece 41 is elastically urged counterclockwise in plan view. In the normal position parallel to the piece 41, the engaging portion engages with the opening edge of the operation window 4b so as to be kept substantially flush with the front surface of the door 2a. In this case, it is also effective to provide the operation unit 4 with an offset spring for surely returning it to the normal position as necessary.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressing mechanism 10 can extend and contract in the front-rear direction by supporting the base end at an appropriate position on the back surface of the door 2a (preferably near the edge on the anti-hanging side). A spring member 16 and a protruding / recessing element 17 disposed in a state of being pressed rearward by the spring member 16.
1x vertical surface on the anti-hanging side of cabinet body 1 when
It is arranged by pressing against. Then, when the drawer is unlatched through the operation unit 4, the door 2 can be elastically moved from the closed position, which is the latch position, to the unlatched position, which is displaced forward, by the pressing reaction force when the drawer is unlatched. I have to.

As described above, the latch device 3 of the present embodiment latches the door 2a and releases the latch through the operation of the operation unit 4. The structure is such that it can be rotated while being pinched so as to be pinched by a finger, and the latch is released when the operation unit 4 is rotated to a predetermined operation position.

For this reason, even if the distance from the shaft portion 23, which is the center of rotation, to the end portions 41a, 42b on which fingers are placed is short, the torque arms can be doubled substantially because the fingers are placed at two places. As a result, the turning radius of the operating unit can be reduced to almost half even if the necessary operating force is reduced as compared with the conventional operating unit. Therefore,
It is possible to reduce the amount of movement of the rotating end portions 41a and 42b, which are operating ends, and to make the frame 4a compact, so that the space for assembling into the cabinet body 1 can be effectively reduced. Further, since the operation can be performed using the twisting force, a stable operation can be performed. Further, in such a case, in addition to the operation of pinching with a finger, the operation can also be performed by a mode in which the right end 41a is pulled out from the shaft portion 23 or a mode in which the left end 42b is pressed, so that the former function is used. It is possible to operate with the same operational feeling as before, and it is possible to effectively prepare an environment in which the latch release operation can be performed even by a person who is in a state where his / her finger is disabled by using the latter function.

In particular, the operation section 4 of this embodiment is composed of the two parts of the first operation piece 41 and the second operation piece 42 as described above, and is used when only the end 41a is pulled out. In other words, the appearance of the operation unit 4 and the access of the finger to the operation unit 4 are very similar to those of the operation unit provided in a drawer or the like in the related art. For this reason, the operation can be performed even if the conventional operation is performed, and the operation can be performed without a sense of incongruity. In addition, since the operation unit 4 does not protrude forward during the latch operation, it is possible to prevent the cabinet from being damaged. In addition, the operation unit 4 can be used without being disturbed as much as possible.

Further, even when the operation section 4 is located in the easily visible position in the operation window 4b opening to the door 2a, the second operation piece 42 is disposed on the opening edge side in the operation window 4b. Since the first operation piece 41 is arranged at a position overlapping the rear side of the second operation piece 42 in the operation window 4b, only the second operation piece 42 is apparently present. The first operation piece 41 is not visually recognized, so that the inconvenience of damaging the appearance of the door 2a can be effectively avoided.

At this time, since the second operation piece 42 is arranged at a normal position where no pushing operation is performed and is substantially flush with the front surface of the door 2a, the end 42b of the second operation piece 42 is provided.
Operation using the elbow or the like is easy, and the door 2
The design appearance of the front of a can also be effectively secured.

Further, the latch device 3 of the present embodiment
a is provided with a pressing mechanism 10 for exerting a force in a direction away from the latch position, and when the latch is released by the operation unit 4, the door 2a is displaced forward from the latch position through the pressing mechanism 10 as shown in FIG. It can be moved to the position.

That is, when the operation unit 4 is operated to release the latch, the door 2a is moved by the pressing mechanism 10 to a position displaced from the latch position to a position where the door 2a is not restrained by the latch. After the latch release operation, the operation for moving the operating body to the target position can be performed in a timely manner.

Therefore, parts of the body, such as elbows and buttocks,
The door 2a can be opened using a toe or the like, so that even when the hand is closed or when the finger is in a state where the finger is inconvenient, the operation necessary for opening the door 2 can be performed accurately. Will be possible.

Although there is a magnet catch or the like that is easy to operate after the latch is released, this embodiment cannot be released unless the operating section 4 is operated in the latched state. Are essentially different in that they do not.

In particular, the pressing direction of the pressing mechanism 10 substantially coincides with the movement start direction of the unlatched door 2a toward the opening direction, and as shown in FIG. 6, the right door 2a is shifted from the left door 2b. Also moves to a position protruding forward to some extent, so that the side edge, the upper edge, and the lower edge of the right door 2a are opened, so that an easy-to-operate situation can be easily created.

Since the latch device 3 of the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, it is provided at a position where articles are taken in and out relatively frequently, that is, at a position where the opening and closing of the opening is performed. Door, door configured to be able to move to a position to open the opening in the unlatched state,
It can be useful when applied to furniture and fittings having sliding doors, hinged doors, shelves, shutters, and the like.

FIG. 8 shows another application example in which the present invention is applied to a drawer type cabinet 18. In this cabinet, a drawer 19 which is an operating body is provided in a cabinet body in a plurality of sets of upper and lower stages. The drawer 19 is latched by the latch device 3 of the present invention, and the latch 19 is operated by operating the operation unit 4. It is possible to cancel.

The latch device 3 has a structure for latching the drawer 19, the rotating shaft 5 arranged along the width direction of the drawer 19, the hook claws 6 attached to both ends of the rotating shaft 5, A pin 20 provided on the rack body at a position corresponding to the hook claw 6. The rotation shaft 5 is elastically urged in the direction in which the hook claw 6 fits into the pin 20 as in the above embodiment.

On the other hand, as a structure for releasing the latch of the drawer 19, the same operation unit 4 as in the above-described embodiment,
It comprises a pressing mechanism 10 similar to the above embodiment.

With such a configuration, the same operation and effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. In this case, even if the hook claw is arranged so as to be able to operate around the vertical axis and engage with the pin, and the movement conversion mechanism is configured to transmit the rotational force of the rotating shaft to the hook claw, the same applies. The operation and effect can be obtained.

The specific configuration of each section is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, the operation unit 4 is elastically pressed by an offset spring in a direction from the operation position to the normal position to return to the normal position, and before and after the operation, the operation unit 4 operates reciprocally and returns to the standby state. Then, through a simple configuration,
The operation unit 4 can be effectively reset to a state where it can be repeatedly operated.

Of course, it is also effective to prevent the unlatched operating member from being latched unless it is pushed again from a position displaced from the latch position.

Other configurations can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0045]

The present invention is embodied in the form described above and has the following effects.

In other words, the latch device of the present invention latches the operating member and releases the latch by operating the operating portion. , So that the latch can be released when the operation unit is rotated to a predetermined operation position.

Therefore, the operating force can be effectively reduced without increasing the space for incorporation into the furniture body or the like, whereby the degree of freedom in designing the furniture body or the like can be effectively increased, and the twisting force can be increased. In addition to stabilizing operation using a finger, it is also possible to enable various usage modes such as a pull-out operation and a push-in operation, in addition to a finger-pick operation, to effectively improve the usability of furniture and the like to which the present invention is applied. Can be.

When the operation unit is composed of the first and second operation pieces described above, when operating only the first operation piece, it is possible to prepare an environment similar to that of the conventional operation section. In addition, it is possible to prevent the rotating end from protruding forward, thereby effectively avoiding damage to the furniture and the like, interference with human movement and furniture in the vicinity, and the like.

When the operation unit is provided in an operation window opened on the front surface of an operating body such as a door or a drawer, the second operation piece is arranged on the opening edge side in the operation window, and the first operation piece is placed on the operation window. If it is provided in the back of the operation window, the first operation piece can be concealed and the appearance from the outside can be improved.

In particular, if the second operation piece is arranged at a normal position where the pushing operation is not performed and is substantially flush with the front surface of the operating body, it is possible to operate the second operating piece at a position where the pushing operation can be easily performed using the back of the hand or the elbow. The part can be positioned, and it can be effectively avoided that the part deteriorates the appearance of furniture or the like.

In particular, if the pressing direction by the pressing mechanism is set in a direction in which the operating body moves after the latch is released, a favorable working environment when the operating body is moved after the latch is released can be prepared.

Further, if the operating member once unlatched is configured not to be latched unless it is pushed again from the position displaced from the latch position, continuous input of the unlatching force is unnecessary, and the operation required for the operation is not required. Power can be effectively reduced. In addition, if the operation unit is configured to be repeatedly reset to the standby state by using the elastic force, it is possible to simply realize a configuration for repeated and continuous use, and at the same time, to use the elasticity. It can also give a soft feeling of operation.

The present invention makes use of the above functions to enhance the convenience of furniture, fittings, household appliances, etc. over a wide range such as cabinets, lockers and other various storage furniture, built-in storage units, garages, refrigerators, etc. Effective improvement can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cabinet to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of an operation unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary plan view showing an operation unit and an operation conversion mechanism according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary plan sectional view schematically showing the operation unit and the motion conversion mechanism according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing the pressing mechanism of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a handling explanatory diagram of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a pull-out rack to which another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2a, 2b ... Operating body (door) 4 ... Operating part 4a ... Frame 4b ... Operating window 10 ... Pressing mechanism 41 ... First operating piece 42 ... Second operating piece

Claims (9)

[Claims] The present invention is characterized in that the operating member is latched and the latch can be released through the operation of an operating portion, and the operating portion can be rotated while being pinched by a finger. A latch device having a possible structure, wherein the latch is released when the operation unit is rotated to a predetermined operation position. A first operating piece rotatably supported at a substantially central portion in a width direction of the first operating piece, and an operating section disposed at a front side of the first operating piece and rotatably supported at one end thereof; A second operating piece, the corresponding end of the first operating piece is pushed in through the other end of the second operating piece, and the other side of the first operating piece is separated from the center of rotation. 2. An operation for pulling out the end of the first operating piece to cause the latch to be released in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating piece.
The latch device as described in the above. 3. An operation unit is provided in an operation window opened on the front surface of the operating body, wherein a second operation piece is disposed on an opening edge side in the operation window, and the first operation piece is provided. The latch device according to claim 2, wherein the latch device is provided on the rear side of the second operation piece in the operation window. 4. The latch device according to claim 3, wherein the second operation piece is disposed at a position substantially flush with a front surface of the operating body at a normal position where no rotation operation is performed. 5. A latch device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing mechanism for applying a pressing force in a direction away from the latch position to the operating body. 6. The latch device according to claim 5, wherein the pressing direction of the pressing mechanism substantially coincides with the movement start direction when the unlatched operating body is moved toward the target position. 7. An unlatched operating body is configured so as not to be latched unless it is pushed again from a position displaced from a latching position.
7. The latch device according to 3, 4, 5, or 6. 8. The latch device according to claim 1, wherein the operation portion is elastically pressed in a direction from the predetermined operation position to the normal position. 9. An operating body is provided at a position for opening and closing an opening, is latched in a closed position, and is movable to a position for opening the opening in an unlatched state. , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.