Movement Control Device

Abstract

A movement control device comprising a housing with an elongate push rod mounted therein for reciprocal movement along a longitudinal axis between first and second positions, wherein the push rod extends out of said housing in both the first and second positions. A spring comprising a primary axis operable to provide a biasing force on the push rod is further provided in the housing. A damping device comprising a primary axis is located in the housing, wherein the damping device is in continuous engagement with the push rod through its reciprocating movement. The primary axis of the spring and the primary axis of the damping device are not coaxial.

Claims

1. A movement control device comprising: a housing; an elongate push rod mounted in the housing for reciprocal movement along a longitudinal axis between first and second positions, wherein the push rod extends out of said housing in both the first and second positions; a spring comprising a primary axis operable to provide a biasing force on the push rod; and a damping device comprising a primary axis, wherein the damping device is in direct or indirect substantially continuous engagement with the push rod through its reciprocating movement, wherein the primary axis of the spring and the primary axis of the damping device are not coaxial.

2. A movement control device according to claim 1, comprising an indexing mechanism for controlling movement of the push rod relative to the housing.

3. A movement control device according to claim 2, wherein the indexing mechanism is operable to maintain the push rod in either the first position or the second position.

4. A movement control device according to claim 1, wherein the primary axis of the damping device is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pushrod.

5. A movement control device according to claim 4, wherein the push rod comprises a through bore along its longitudinal axis such that the push rod comprises the housing of the damping device.

6. A movement control device according to claim 5, wherein the damping device is a linear damper comprising a piston.

7. A movement control device according to claim 6, wherein the working stroke of the piston is substantially at least as long as the path of travel of the push rod between said first and second positions.

8. A movement control device according to claim 1, wherein the primary axis of the spring is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the push rod.

9. A movement control device according to claim 8, wherein the push rod comprises a flange, wherein the spring is retained between the flange and the housing.

10. A movement control device according to claim 9, wherein the spring pushes on the flange to move the push rod from the first position to the second position.

11. A movement control device according to claim 10, wherein the damping device is configured to provide a degressive damping force on the push rod as it moves from the first position to the second position.

12. A movement control device according to claim 1, wherein the spring is mounted at least partially within the push rod.

13. A movement control device according to claim 12, wherein the damping device is mounted in the housing to one side of the push rod.

14. A movement control device according to claim 13, wherein the damping device is pivotally mounted within the housing.

15. A movement control device according to claim 14, wherein movement of the push rod causes rotational movement of the damping device.

16. A movement control device according to claim 12, wherein the push rod comprises a flange that is operable to engage the damping device, such that primary axis of the damping device is caused to rotate with respect to the longitudinal axis of the push rod as said push rod moves from the first position to the second position.

17. A movement control device according to claim 16, wherein the primary axis of the damping device and the longitudinal axis of the push rod define an acute angle when the push rod is in the first position, and the primary axis of the damping device and the longitudinal axis of the push rod are substantially parallel when the push rod is in the second position.

18. A movement control device according to claim 14, wherein the damping device is mounted within a casing, said casing being pivotally mounted in said housing, and at least one of a damper housing or a damper piston is slidably mounted in said casing.

19. A movement control device according to claim 1 further comprising a base plate that is releasably engagable with the housing.

20. A movement control device according to claim 16 wherein the base plate and the housing comprise complimentary nosings that allow the housing to releasably clip into the base plate.

21. A movement control device according to claim 16 wherein the housing is caused to detached from the base plate during lateral over-forcing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the push rod.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a movement control device in accordance with a first embodiment. The housing is shown separated to allow sight on the push rod mounted therein.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the push rod. The view in this figure has been rotated 180° with respect to the view in FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a mounting plate.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows the lower section of the housing, with the push rod removed.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a first cross section of the movement control device in accordance with the first embodiment. The push rod is located in a position typically when the cabinet door is closed.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a second cross section of the movement control device in accordance with the first embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows the first cross section of the movement control device in accordance with the first embodiment. The push rod is located in a position typically when the cupboard door is open. A representation of the cabinet and door is shown for context.

[0042] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a movement control device in accordance with a second embodiment. The housing is shown separated to allow sight on the push rod mounted therein.

[0043] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the movement control device in accordance with a second embodiment. The push rod is in a retracted position.

[0044] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the movement control device in accordance with a second embodiment, with the push rod in an extended position.

[0045] FIGS. 11 to 15 show operation of an indexing mechanism that may be incorporated into both the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a movement control device commonly known as a touch latch. Touch latches are typically used in furniture applications to assist with controlling movement of components such as drawers and doors. In particular, they facilitate opening and closing of such components by simply pushing on them in known manner.

[0047] A first embodiment is described in relation to FIGS. 1 to 7. The movement control device comprises a housing 10. In FIG. 1 the housing is shown separated, with a top section 10a and bottom section 10b. A push rod 12 is mounted for reciprocal movement inside the housing 10. As seen in FIG. 2, the push rod includes a hollow bore 14. Said bore 14 extends substantially throughout the length of the push rod 12. Accordingly, the push rod 12 itself can function as the housing for the damper 16. The damping device 16 is typically a linear damping of the piston and cylinder type. The damping device 16 engages with the housing 10 at one end thereof. This arrangement can be readily seen in FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0048] Alternatively, a discrete damping device 16 could be inserted into the push rod bore 14.

[0049] The push rod 12 is operable to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the push rod 12 is retracted into the housing 10. A portion of the portion rod 12 still protrudes through the housing 10. This position is shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. In the second position the push rod is extended out of the housing. This position is shown in FIG. 7.

[0050] FIGS. 5 and 7 also illustrate the working action of the damping device 16. As stated, the push rod 12 is configured to function as the housing of the damping device 16. Two chambers are provided: a high pressure chamber 50 and a low pressure chamber 52. During the working stroke of the damper 16, damping fluid is forced from the high pressure chamber 50 to the low pressure chamber 52. Thus, in FIG. 5, the damping fluid is substantially located within the high pressure chamber 50, and during the action of the damping device 16, the damping fluid is passed into the low pressure chamber 52.

[0051] Utilizing the push rod as the damper housing is advantageous in that the overall length of the movement control device can be reduced.

[0052] A volume compensator 54 is provided at the end of the bore 14. This may be a compressible material. As we will be seen from a comparison between FIGS. 5 and 7, the volume compensator is of reduced volume in the first position (i.e. it is compressed) compared to the second position. The volume compensator 54 is located at the low pressure chamber 52 due to the reverse damping function of the movement control device (i.e. the movement control device damps an opening of a door or drawer, rather than a closing of such).

[0053] The push rod 12 also comprises an indexing mechanism 18 that is operable to maintain the push rod in either the first or second position after a compression or expansion stroke.

[0054] The indexing mechanism 18 comprises a guide track 20 and a latch 22. Operation will be described in more depth below.

[0055] A spring 24 is provided in the housing 10, to one side of the push rod 12.

[0056] The push rod 12 comprises a flange 26, which comprises a through-bore 28. A guide rod 30 is provided in the housing 10. The spring 24 and flange 26 are configured to be able to travel over the guide rod 30. The provision of a guide rod 30 ensures that the spring 24 stay on its operational axis. The spring 24 is a compression spring that seeks to push the flange 26 along the guide rod 30. Accordingly, this action is seeking to urge the push rod 12 to its second position.

[0057] By providing the spring 24 to one side of the push rod 12, the length of the device can be reduced compared to a similar with push rod, damper and spring that are all co-axial.

[0058] A smooth opening action is achieved by providing a damping device that engages with the push rod 12 throughout its path of travel. Furthermore, by providing controlled damping of the push rod 12 on its entire working stroke, forces on the latch 22 are reduced, which provides for a longer working lifetime of the device.

[0059] FIGS. 5 to 7 show the internal structure of the movement control device. It will be apparent from comparing FIGS. 5 and 7 that the damper has a working stroke that corresponds substantially to the distance travelled by push rod 12 between the first and second positions. Accordingly, the damping device 16 acts upon the entire working stroke of the push rod 12.

[0060] The bore 14 in push rod 12 extends nearly the whole length thereof. Accordingly, the working stroke of the piston of the damping device 15 (illustrated by length X in FIG. 7) can be extended through almost the whole length of the push rod 12. To achieve this effect, it is preferred that the length X is greater than or at least equal to length Y (illustrated in relation to both FIGS. 5 and 7), being the distance travelled by push rod 12 between the first and second positions.

[0061] The spring 24 is typically a compression spring. The force exerted by the spring 24 will reduce as it moves from its most compressed state to its most expanded state. Thus the force exerted on the flange 26 will reduce as the push rod 12 is moved from the first position to the second position. To ensure a smooth damping function, the damping device 16 may be configured to provide a damping function that reduces along its working stroke.

[0062] A second embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. In this arrangement the spring 24 is co-axial with the push rod 12. The push rod 12 comprises a hollow bore that receives, or at least partly receives, the spring 24. The spring 24 seeks to urge the push rod 12 from a closed position to an open position.

[0063] The push rod 12 comprises a first end that engages the door or drawer of the furniture product and a second end that is retained within the housing 10 at all times. A flange 32 located at the second end of the push rod 12, as clearly illustrated in each of FIGS. 8 to 10. It would be possible to locate the flange further along the push rod 12, but having the flange 32 at the second end of the push rod 12 allows the flange to operate along the full working stroke of the push rod.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the movement control device according to a second embodiment, with the push rod 12 in the closed position. Or, in other words, the configuration of the movement control device when the drawer or door is closed.

[0065] FIG. 10 shows the same device with the push rod 12 in the open position, or, the configuration of the movement control device when the drawer or door is open.

[0066] A damping device 16 is pivotally mounted within the housing about pivot 34. In the closed position the damping device 16 is provided at an acute angle with the push rod 12. Typically the damping device will be a piston and cylinder device.

[0067] A camming surface 36 is provided within the housing 10.

[0068] The flange 32 engages with the damping device 16 during the working stroke of the push rod 12. As the push rod 12 travels from the closed position to the open position, the flange forces the damping device to rotate about the pivot 34. The damping device 16 is thus urged against camming surface 36. This action causes the damping device to be compressed, thus causing the damping action.

[0069] The damping device 16 may be mounted within a casing 60. The casing 60 may be pivotally mounted in the housing 10. At least one of a damper housing or piston rod is slideable with respect to the casing 60, and thus the damping device 16 can be compressed when it is urged against the camming surface 36.

[0070] In this embodiment the spring 24 is located co-axially with the push rod 12, but the damping device 16 is located to one side. By provided the damping device 16 out of the primary axis of the push rod allows the movement control device to be made shorter in length.

[0071] It will thus be apparent in the second embodiment that the damping device 16 is operable to rotate between a first position and a second position. In preferred embodiments the first position is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the push rod 12. As the flange pushes the damper, the damping device 16 is urged into a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal push rod 12.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the further the flange 32 travels away from the pivot 34, the strong the force exerted by the flange 32 on the damper 16 will be. Thus, whilst the force exerted by the spring diminishes as the spring expands, the force exerted by the flange on the damper increases. The result is a smooth, substantially constant force exerted on the damper device during the working stroke of the spring 24.

[0073] The arrangements of both the first and second embodiments are advantageous in that the damper is engaged with the push rod substantially throughout the entire path of travel of the push rod. This results in the damper being operable to affect the push latch throughout the opening operation. It is known to provide a damper out of the push rod axis, but that does not engage throughout the whole operational stroke of the push rod. Such an arrangement can cause a violent initial opening before the damper takes effect. Such as arrangement can cause stress on the indexing mechanism, which ultimately may deleteriously affect the working of the push latch 22.

[0074] Both the first and second embodiments may be adapted to fit with a mounting plate 38. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the mounting plate and the lower section of the housing 10, respectively. It will be appreciated that the second embodiment would incorporate these features in exactly the same way. This arrangement is advantageous in that it prevents damage to the device if the door or drawer is slammed shut. Specifically, the engagement of the housing 10 and the mounting plate is designed to allow the movement control device to be released from the mounting plate during severe closing impact. The base plate comprises inclined noses 40 that are flexible, respectively, in directions A and B, as shown in FIG. 3. The lower section 10b of the housing 10 comprises inclined noses 42 that cooperate with those on the base plate. Thus, if the movement control device is released from the base plate after a severe impact, it is straightforward to re-clip the damper onto the mounting plate.

[0075] Specifically, the housing is caused to detached from the base plate during lateral over-forcing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the push rod. This direction is illustrated in FIG. 3 by the arrows (A,B).

[0076] The mounting plate 38 typically comprises one or more screw holes to allow it be fixed to the inside of cupboard or draw. A locating flange 44 may be provided to aid positioning the mounting plate in the furniture item.

[0077] Operation of the indexing mechanism will now be described. This arrangement is known from WO2019/064061, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0078] Movement of the push rod 12 is governed by an indexing mechanism 18. The indexing mechanism 19 is seen in FIGS. 11 to 15 and comprising a latch 22 and a guide track 20. The latch 22 is of circular rod section bent into a generally known Z-shaped formation, with its ends extending perpendicularly in opposite directions to either side of its central portion. One of the ends 22a is engaged in a hole in the housing 10, which acts as a fulcrum for the latch 22 to pivot about. The other end 22b is engaged in the guide track 20, which is mounted on or forms part of the push rod 12. Latch 22, and both ends 22a, 22b thereof, are also shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. The guide track 20 is in the general shape of an elongate loop with straight sections 20a and 20b extending between latching pockets 20c and 20d.

[0079] FIG. 11 shows the indexing mechanism 18 with the device in its loaded condition, and here the push rod 12 is being held in its innermost position in the housing 10 by the latch 22 held by its end 19b in latching pocket 20c. This is the normal condition of the device when the drawer or door of the furniture item is closed.

[0080] To open the drawer or door, a small pushing force is applied to it, producing a force on the push rod 10, illustrated by arrow A in FIG. 12. This causes the latch 22 to move along the guide track 20 towards its straight section 20a. This frees the push rod 12 to move out of the housing under the biasing action of the spring 24. This movement of the push rod 12 is seen in FIG. 13 illustrated by arrow B.

[0081] The push rod 12 will continue to move out of the housing 10 until the latch 22 engages latching pocket 20d with its end 19b. This is the position illustrated in FIG. 14, which is the fully extended condition of the device. This is the condition that the device will be in when the drawer or door is open.

[0082] Closure of the drawer or door will re-set the device. This is seen occurring in FIG. 15, where closing movement of the drawer or door will impart a force on the push rod 12 illustrated by arrow C. This will cause the latch 22 to move along the guide track 20, with its end 22b coming out of engagement with latching pocket 20d and onto the straight section 20b. This movement will continue until latch 22 engages with its end 22b in latching pocket 20c, with the spring 24 now fully compressed, which is back to the loaded condition of the device seen in FIG. 11.

[0083] The device preferably incorporates a mechanism for adjusting the extent to which the push rod 12 protrudes out of the housing 10. For example, the push rod 10 may be provided with a screw-threaded end section 46 to enable its overall length to be adjusted. This enables the device to be tailored to suit the furniture item in use, to ensure correct closure and opening movement of its drawer or door. The screw-threaded end section 46 may be tethered via an internal anchor to ensure that it cannot be removed from the push rod 12. It will be appreciated that the screw-threaded end section 46 is not shown in FIG. 2.

[0084] If a mounting plate 38 is not used, the housing 10 may comprises a flange 44 to aid locating the movement control device on the furniture item. In this case, screw holes could be positioned on additional side flanges.

[0085] By providing a movement control device according to the present invention, a push latch that is of small size, that provides a controlled drawer/door opening and is of robust design is provided.

[0086] It will be appreciated that the above embodiments are described by way of background only, and that many modifications and variations are covered by the appended claims.