Abstract:
A movably mounted furniture part includes a torque-transmitting shaft, especially a synchronizing rod. The shaft has at least two sub-shafts, one sub-shaft being a rod-type component and the other sub-shaft being a connecting part. A connecting device connects the rod-type component to the connecting part, and can include at least one spring that resiliently holds the rod-type component and the connecting part together. A locking part is formed on the rod-type component and/or on the connecting part and/or can be mounted thereon, with the locking part securing the rod-type component and the connecting part against detachment.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention concerns a movably mounted furniture part comprising a torque-transmitting shaft, in particular a synchronization rod, and the shaft has at least two shaft portions. One shaft portion is in the form of a rod-shaped component, and the second shaft portion is in the form of a connecting portion. A connecting device connects the rod-shaped component to the connecting portion—in particular with at least one spring which resiliently holds the rod-shaped component together with the connecting portion. 
     The invention further concerns an article of furniture comprising at least one movable furniture part. 
     There are a large number of such furniture parts belonging to the state of the art. They are used, for example, in relation to drawers which, by way of the side wall, have a connecting device for a railing to stabilize the content loaded in the interior of the drawer. 
     A further area of use of such furniture parts is, for example, in the case of displaceable drawers. For example, AT 410 162 B dated Mar. 17, 1999 in the name of Julius Blum GmbH discloses a connecting device for furniture parts. In that device for stabilizing the operating movements of a drawer displaceable on a furniture carcass, the rod-shaped component is in the form of a synchronization rod synchronizing a left-hand and a right-hand extension rail in their retraction and extension movement relative to each other. In that case, a torque is transmitted from one side to the other by way of the synchronization rod. 
     A further use for such furniture parts is also known in relation to flaps of articles of furniture. For example, EP 1 875 026 B1 of Apr. 14, 2006 discloses an article of furniture having side walls, at each of which is arranged a respective control device for movement of the flap, and the control devices are connected by a synchronization rod (rod-shaped component) for synchronous movement of the control devices. The synchronization rod has at at least one end region a fixing device (this corresponds to the connecting device) for releasably connecting the synchronization rod to a rotatable part of the control device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the invention is to provide a movably mounted furniture part which is improved over the state of the art, having a torque-transmitting shaft and a connecting device for connecting the rod-shaped component to the connecting portion. 
     By the use of an arresting portion, it is possible to prevent the connecting portion from becoming autonomously released from the rod-shaped component, which often happens upon transport of the members which are already assembled in manufacture. 
     Without the arresting portion, unwanted disengagement of the rod-shaped component can occur, as it can sag downwardly due to its own weight and mass inertia and can thus become detached from the connecting portion. The arresting portion can prevent that unintended disengagement of the rod-shaped component during transportation and also otherwise, it therefore operates inter alia as a transport securing means. 
     After the article of furniture has been fitted at its fitment location, the arresting portion can remain at its assembly position as it does not hinder the function of the rod-shaped component together with the connecting portion. 
     It will be appreciated that it is equally possible to envisage that an arresting portion which can be fitted is removed again in order to use it a plurality of times, as, after the article of furniture has been set up, the function of the arresting portion is possibly no longer required. 
     It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the connecting portion is in the form of a pin penetrating into a receiving member of the rod-shaped component. Such a configuration makes it possible to achieve a positively locking connection, and this can contribute to a stable structure. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion is in the form of a receiving member into which the rod-shaped component penetrates. That can also contribute to a stable structure. 
     In addition, the rod-shaped component can be a synchronization rod for a drawer, wherein the synchronization rod at left and right drives a gear or a roller which synchronizes an extension movement of a left and right extension rail. Thus, a torque can be transmitted from one side of the extension rail to the other side, and this can contribute to a uniform extension and retraction movement of a drawer. 
     It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the rod-shaped component is a synchronization rod for a furniture flap, which synchronizes a pivotal movement of a left and a right control arm for driving the furniture flap. That configuration therefore makes it possible to avoid twisting of the furniture flap. 
     Particularly preferably, the arresting portion can be in one piece. The use of a one-piece arresting portion means that assembly can be effected very quickly, which keeps down the costs of working time. 
     It has proven to be particularly advantageous in that respect if the arresting portion is made of plastic. A plastic arresting portion can be produced well and advantageously, for example, with an injection molding process. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the arresting portion can be fitted and/or removed without a tool. Fitment and removal without a tool also contributes to being able to keep down the assembly times. In addition, as a result, the arresting portion can be used not only in relation to an individual article of furniture but can also be re-used a number of times. 
     It has further proven to be advantageous if the arresting portion is a clip. A clip-like configuration means that the arresting portion can be quickly and easily snapped on, which can also keep down the fitment time. 
     It has proven to be advantageous if the arresting portion is adapted to be pushed radially in circlip-like fashion on to the connecting portion and/or the rod-shaped component. Pushing the arresting portion into place in a radial circlip-like fashion can provide for quick fitment and can also make a stable connection. 
     In a possible embodiment, the connecting portion and the rod-shaped component have a contour differing from a circular shape in cross-section for the transmission of a torque. The transmission of a torque means that it is possible for synchronization to be effected from the left-hand side of the rod-shaped component to the right-hand side thereof. 
     It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the arresting portion is provided on the rod-shaped component and/or on the connecting portion. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the arresting portion can be provided in one piece with the rod-shaped component or in one piece with the connecting portion. 
     The arresting portion can be provided resiliently on the rod-shaped component or on the connecting portion. 
     It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the arresting portion has a radially resilient latching portion—preferably a radially resilient latching nose—which projects into the receiving member of the rod-shaped component or the connecting portion. 
     Particularly preferably, the radially resilient latching portion—preferably the radially resilient latching nose is actuable without a tool. 
     Particularly preferably, after mounting has been effected to the connecting portion and/or to the rod-shaped component, the arresting portion is displaceable in the axial longitudinal direction relative to the connecting portion and/or the rod-shaped component or the arresting portion provided on the connecting portion or the rod-shaped component is displaceable in the axial longitudinal direction relative to the connecting portion and/or the rod-shaped component. It is thus possible that the rod-shaped component can be displaced relative to the connecting portion even after fitment of the arresting portion or the arresting means has been effected. 
     A movable furniture part has at least one connecting device as described above, by which the arresting portion secures the rod-shaped component and the connecting portion against release. 
     In that respect, for a movable furniture part, the connecting device can have a rod-shaped component and two connecting portions, wherein the substantially rod-shaped component can be secured against release between the two connecting portions by two arresting portions. 
     As a particularly preferred feature, if the movable furniture part is in the form of a drawer or furniture flap. 
     In specific terms, an article of furniture has at least one movable furniture part as set forth in at least one of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further details and advantages of the present invention are set forth more fully hereinafter by means of the specific description with reference to the embodiments by way of example illustrated in the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1   a  shows a perspective exploded rear view of a right-hand extension guide with connecting device arranged thereon, 
         FIG. 1   b  shows a detail view of  FIG. 1   a,    
         FIG. 2   a  shows a perspective rear view of the  FIG. 1   a  connecting device in the assembled condition, 
         FIG. 2   b  shows a detail view of  FIG. 2   a,    
         FIG. 3   a  shows a rear view of two extension rails with a synchronization rod and two connecting devices, wherein one side of the synchronization rod is connected to the connecting portion and the second side is not yet connected, as a sectional view, 
         FIGS. 3   b  and  3   c  show detail views of  FIG. 3   a,    
         FIG. 4   a  shows a rear view as in  FIG. 3   a  with two connections made between the synchronization rod and the connecting portions as a sectional view, 
         FIGS. 4   b  and  4   c  show detail views of  FIG. 4   a,    
         FIG. 5   a  shows a sectional rear view as in  FIGS. 3   a  and  4   a  with two fitted arresting portions, 
         FIGS. 5   b  and  5   c  show detail views of  FIG. 5   a,    
         FIG. 5   d  shows a plan view of a connecting device without springs with an arresting portion, 
         FIG. 5   e  shows a sectional view of  FIG. 5   d,    
         FIG. 6   a  shows a perspective rear view of two extension rails with a synchronization rod and two connecting devices, wherein one side of the synchronization rod is connected to the connecting portion and the second side is not yet connected, 
         FIGS. 6   b  and  6   c  shows detail views of  FIG. 6   a,    
         FIG. 7   a  shows a rear view as illustrated in  FIG. 6   a  with a connection made at both sides between the synchronization rod and the connecting portions, 
         FIGS. 7   b  and  7   c  show detail views of  FIG. 7   a,    
         FIG. 8   a  shows a rear view of a drawer with two extension rails with a synchronization device for the two extension rails with fitted arresting portions in the connecting devices, 
         FIGS. 8   b  and  8   c  show detail views of  FIG. 8   a,    
         FIG. 9   a  shows an article of furniture with a furniture carcass, drawers and extension rails and a synchronization device with two connecting devices, 
         FIG. 9   b  shows an article of furniture with a furniture carcass and a furniture flap with a synchronization device for the pivotal movement of the left and right control arms with connecting devices, 
         FIG. 9   c  shows an article of furniture with a furniture carcass and a drawer with railing, 
         FIG. 10   a  shows a perspective view of a further connecting device with a resilient latching portion as the arresting portion, 
         FIG. 10   b  shows a detail view of  FIG. 10   a,    
         FIG. 10   c  shows a perspective view of the further connecting device with a resilient latching portion as the arresting portion, and 
         FIG. 10   d  shows a detail view of  FIG. 10   c.    
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective rear view of a drawer extension guide. The drawer extension guide has a right-hand extension rail  112 . To synchronize that right-hand extension rail  112  with a left-hand extension rail  111  (see  FIG. 3   a ), the right-hand extension rail  112  in its rear region has a synchronization device to be moved synchronously out and in with the left-hand extension rail  111 . The synchronization device is connected in this case to the extension rails  111  and  112  the connecting device  100 . 
     This connection which in this preferred embodiment can be produced without a tool primarily involves a connecting portion  3  and a rod-shaped component  2  which are connected together by way of the arresting portion  1  and secured to prevent release from each other. 
       FIG. 1   b  shows a detail view of  FIG. 1   a  with the connecting device  100  as an exploded view. The portions  2  and  3  to be connected, in this preferred embodiment in the form of a pin  30  and a synchronization rod  20 , are held together by the arresting portion  1  after they have been fitted one into the other. To be able to transport a torque, the pin  30  has a thickened portion at its end which is in the form of a gear  31 . In the assembled condition with the synchronization rod  20 , gear  31  engages into a female thread  23  (see  FIG. 6   b ) in the receiving member  42  of the synchronization rod  20 . So that the pin  30  can no longer be released from the synchronization rod  20 , the arresting portion  1  in this preferred embodiment is both in one piece and also made of plastic. In this preferred embodiment, the arresting portion  1  has a clip-like configuration and is pushed radially in circlip-like fashion on to the connecting portion  3 —that is to say the pin  30 —and also clip-like on to the synchronization rod  20 . 
     After the arresting portion  1  has been fitted to the pin  30  and the synchronization rod  20 , the synchronization rod  20  can no longer move relative to the arresting portion  1  as the flange  22  of the synchronization rod  20  is latchingly engaged into an opening  12  in the arresting portion  1 . 
     On the other hand, the pin  30  can very well still move relative to the arresting portion  1  and thus relative to the synchronization rod  20  as the circlip-like configuration  11  of the arresting portion  1  admittedly embraces the pin  30 , but can also still be displaced on the pin  30 . That is, inter alia, because the circlip-like configuration  11  of the arresting portion  1  only engages behind the thickened portion (gear)  31  of the pin  30  and thus can admittedly no longer be pulled axially over the thickened portion  31 , but can very well be moved axially away therefrom. 
       FIG. 2   a  shows the connecting device  100  as shown in  FIG. 1   b  in the assembled condition. 
     It can be clearly be seen from  FIG. 2   b  that the pin  30  rests in the rod-shaped component  2 , which in this preferred embodiment is in the form of the synchronization rod  20 . So that those two portions  20  and  30  can no longer separate from each other, the arresting portion  1  is fitted by clipping on over the pin  30  and the synchronization rod  20 . In that case, the flange  22  on the synchronization rod  20  rests in the opening  12  in the arresting portion  1 . The circlip-like configuration  11  of the arresting portion  1  embraces the connecting portion  3  which has a pin-like configuration at  30 . 
     This therefore ensures that—especially in a transport situation—the rod-shaped component  2  cannot be released from the connecting portion  3 . 
     The preferred assembly process is described with reference to  FIGS. 3 through 5  and  FIGS. 6 through 8  respectively. 
       FIG. 3   a  shows a rear view of a synchronization device for two extension rails  111  and  112 . In this case, the synchronization device has the torque-transmitting shaft  10 , wherein the shaft  10  has at least two shaft portions, one shaft portion being in the form of a rod-shaped component  2  and the second shaft portion being in the form of a connecting portion  3 . In this case, the rod-shaped component  2  which is in the form of the synchronization rod  20  is connected to the left-hand  111  and right-hand extension rail  112  by way of two connecting devices  100 . 
     In the first step ( FIG. 3   c ), the synchronization rod  20  is pushed over the connecting portion  3  which in this preferred embodiment is in the form of the pin  30 . The bottom of the blind hole in the synchronization rod  20  has a resilient nature due to the spring  4  in this preferred embodiment. The spring  4  is compressed by the synchronization rod  20 . Due to this overlapping relationship of the synchronization rod  20  with the pin  30 , this also results on the opposite side (see  FIG. 3   b ) in a spacing between the synchronization rod  20  and the pin  30 , whereby the synchronization rod  20  can be inserted on that side. The synchronization rod  20  also has a spring  4  on that side—in this preferred embodiment. That makes it possible for the assembly procedure to be effected in any sequence. 
     It will be appreciated that it is also conceivable that the synchronization rod  20  has only one spring  4  which, for example, is provided in the center of the synchronization rod  20  and which can be acted upon with force from both sides of the synchronization rod  20 . 
     In this preferred embodiment, the connecting portion  3 , as already mentioned above, is in the form of a pin  30 , but it will be appreciated that it is equally conceivable that the connecting portion  3  is in the form of a receiving member, in which the rod-shaped component  2 —in this preferred embodiment in the form of the synchronization rod  20 —penetrates. 
       FIG. 4   a  shows the situation of the torque-transmitting shaft  10  with its already fitted synchronization rod  20  at both connecting devices  100  of the left-hand and right-hand extension rails  111  and  112  of a movably mounted furniture part  110 , in this embodiment a drawer  101 . 
     It can be clearly seen from the detail views in  FIGS. 4   b  and  4   c  that the springs  4  are relieved of stress and thus the synchronization rod  20  rests on the two pins  30 . 
     Specifically, in this situation, the case can now arise, where the synchronization rod  20  comes loose from the pin  30 . That unwanted circumstance arises specifically when, for example—as occurs relatively frequently upon transport—the article of furniture  120  (see  FIGS. 9   a  through  9   c ) or the furniture part  110  (see  FIGS. 9   a  through  9   c ) tilts through 90° and thus the weight of the synchronization rod  20  itself applies a loading to the spring  4  whereby at the other end of the synchronization rod  20  it can become detached from the pin  30  and drops out. 
     That can be prevented by fitting the arresting portion  1 —as shown in  FIGS. 5   a  through  5   e.    
     As can be seen from the detail views  5   b ,  5   c ,  5   d  and  5   e , the arresting portion  1  prevents detachment of the rod-shaped component  2  from the connecting portion  3  as that arresting portion  1  was fixed clip-like over the pin  30 . The flange  22  of the rod-shaped component  2  which is in the form of the synchronization rod  20  is latchingly engaged in an opening  12  (see also  FIG. 1   b  and  FIG. 2 ) of the arresting portion  1 . 
     Even after fitment of the arresting portion  1  has been effected, the rod-shaped component  2  is displaceable in the axial longitudinal direction relative to the connecting portion  3 . That is to say, in this preferred embodiment, the synchronization rod  20 , after fitment of the arresting portion  1 , is displaceable in the axial longitudinal direction relative to the pin  30 . 
       FIGS. 5   a  through  5   c  show a preferred embodiment using springs  4 . They are, however, not absolutely necessary for functioning of the connecting device  100 , as shown by the illustrated variant in  FIGS. 5   d  and  5   e  which is preferably without springs  4 . In the case of already existing systems which were supplied or manufactured without an arresting portion, that arresting portion can also be subsequently retrofitted, which is a further advantage of the invention. 
       FIGS. 6 through 8  show a perspective view of what has just been described with reference to  FIGS. 3 through 5 , namely the procedure in assembly of the rod-shaped component  2  on the connecting portion  3 , with the aid of an arresting portion  1 . 
     In this respect,  FIG. 6  corresponds to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 7  corresponds to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 8  corresponds to  FIG. 5 . Therefore, everything which has been described with reference to  FIGS. 3 through 5  correspondingly also applies to those  FIGS. 6 through 8 . 
     It can be clearly seen from  FIG. 6   b  that the pin  30  has the thickened portion  31  in the form of a gear to transmit a torque to the rod-shaped component  2  which is in the form of the synchronization rod  20 . For that purpose, the synchronization rod  20  has a female thread  23  in the receiving means  41 , corresponding to the gear  31  on the pin  30 . It will be appreciated that this does not necessarily involve a gear  31  and a female thread  23  corresponding thereto, and this could naturally also be any other contour which differs in cross-section from a circular shape and with which the connecting portion  3  and the rod-shaped component  2  would have to engage to be able to transmit a torque. 
       FIG. 8   a  shows a perspective rear view of the movably mounted furniture part  110 —of a drawer  101 —mounted on a left-hand extension rail  111  and a right-hand extension rail  112 . In this arrangement, the movably mounted furniture part  110  has the torque-transmitting shaft  10 . The shaft  10  has at least two shaft portions, one shaft portion being in the form of the rod-shaped component  2  and the second shaft portion being in the form of the connecting portion  3 . 
     In that case, arranged on the drawer  101  is the connecting device  100  for a substantially rod-shaped component  2  with a connecting portion  3 , wherein the rod-shaped component  2  in this preferred embodiment has a spring  4  (not shown, see  FIGS. 3   b  and  3   c ) which resiliently holds the rod-shaped component  2  together with the connecting portion  3 . The arrangement includes the arresting portion  1  which can be fitted on the rod-shaped component  2  and on the connecting portion  3 , and secures the rod-shaped component  2  and the connecting portion  3  from release from each other. It will be appreciated that it could also be provided that the arresting portion  1  is on the rod-shaped component  2  or on the connecting portion  3  and secures the rod-shaped component  2  and the connecting portion  3  against release from each other (see the corresponding embodiment in  FIGS. 10   a  through  10   d  and the description thereof). 
     This embodiment preferably has two arresting portions  1  which are arranged on both sides of the rod-shaped component  2 —in the form of the synchronization rod  20 —and prevent release of the connecting portion  3  from the rod-shaped component  2 . 
     In this preferred embodiment, that connecting device  100  is used in relation to a drawer. It will be appreciated that it is also conceivable that it is used in relation to a furniture flap to synchronize a pivotal movement of a left-hand and a right-hand control arm for driving the furniture flap. A further possible situation of use is, for example, in relation to a railing of a drawer or the like. 
     It can be seen from  FIG. 8   b  that the rod-shaped component  2  is in the form of a synchronization rod  20  for the drawer  101 , wherein the synchronization rod  20  at right and left drives a gear  21  which synchronizes a retraction and extension movement of a left-hand extension rail  111  and a right-hand extension rail  112 . 
     After assembly has been effected and after transport has also been implemented, the arresting portion  1  can remain on the connecting device  100 . However, it will also be appreciated that it is also conceivable that the arresting portion  1  is removed again preferably without a tool and used for further transport purposes for the next drawers or similar articles of furniture. 
       FIG. 9   a  shows an article of furniture  120  with a movably mounted furniture part  110 —the drawer  101 —which is arranged in a furniture carcass  103 . The drawer  101  has a left-hand and a right-hand extension rail  111  and  112  which are synchronized with each other by way of a synchronization device. Provided at the synchronization device is the connecting device  100  (not visible, see  FIGS. 8   a  through  8   c ), which by means of the arresting portions  1  secures the rod-shaped component  2  and the connecting portion  3  against release from each other. 
       FIG. 9   b  shows an article of furniture  120  with a furniture carcass  103  and a movably mounted furniture part  110 —a furniture flap  102 . A pivotal movement of the left-hand control arm  121  (not visible, concealed by the furniture flap  102 ) and the right-hand control arm  122  is synchronized by way of a synchronization device. That synchronization device has the connecting device  100  (not visible, concealed by the furniture flap  102 ) which by way of the arresting portion  1  secures the rod-shaped component  2  and the connecting portion  3  against mutual release. 
       FIG. 9   c  shows an article of furniture  120  having a furniture carcass  103  and a movably mounted furniture part  110 —the drawer  101 —wherein the drawer  101  has a railing  104 . In this preferred embodiment, the railing  104  is mounted by the connecting device  100  and its arresting portion  1  in the drawer  101  in such a way that it secures the rod-shaped component  2  of the railing  104  against release from the connecting portion  3  (not visible as concealed by the arresting portion  1 ) of the railing  104 . In the case of a railing  104 , normally no torque is transmitted by the rod-shaped component  2 , but more specifically it is provided that the front panel can be inclined by way of a railing  104  and thus in turn the railing  104  transmits a torque as adjustment of the inclination is effected more especially by rotation of the railing  104 , whereby the railing  104  becomes a torque-transmitting shaft  10 . 
       FIG. 10   a  shows a perspective view of the rod-shaped component  2  which in this embodiment is also in the form of a synchronization rod  20 . 
     In this preferred embodiment, the arresting portion  1  is not in the form of a separate component but is provided directly on the rod-shaped component  2 , and preferably the arresting portion  1  and the rod-shaped component  2  have a one-piece configuration together. 
     As can be clearly seen from  FIG. 10   b , in this case the arresting portion  1  is provided resiliently on the rod-shaped component  2 . In this arrangement, the arresting portion  1  has a radially resilient latching portion  40 —which in this preferred embodiment is in the form of a radially resilient latching nose  41 . That radially resilient latching nose  41  projects into the receiving member  42  of the rod-shaped component  2 , into which the connecting portion  3  (not shown here) penetrates, thus providing a force-locking connection. 
     By simply pushing on the connecting portion  3 , the radially resilient latching nose  41  is urged outwardly and the connecting portion  3  can move into the receiving member  42 . As soon as the connecting portion  3  is within the receiving means  42 , the radially resilient latching nose  41  snaps upwardly again and by virtue of its projection (that is to say its nose) which projects into the receiving member  42  it prevents the connecting portion  3  from being able to move out of the receiving member  42  of the rod-shaped component  2  again. If renewed release should be wanted, the connecting portion  3  can be released from the rod-shaped component  2  again by urging the latching nose  41  outwardly and at the same time pulling out the connecting portion  3 . 
     A great advantage of that radially resilient latching portion  40  is that it can be actuated without a tool. Thus, it is possible to simply push the connecting portion  3  into the receiving means  42  with subsequent automatic locking. 
     Even after the connecting portion  3  is disposed in the receiving member  42  of the rod-shaped component  2  and the radially resilient latching nose  41  prevents the connecting portion  3  from coming out, the connecting portion  3  can always still be displaced in the axial longitudinal direction relative to the rod-shaped component  2  as the arresting portion  1  only prevents detachment of the connecting portion  3  from the rod-shaped component  2 , but it does not lock that connecting portion  3  to the rod-shaped component  2 . 
       FIG. 10   c  shows a further perspective view of the rod-shaped component, as just described with reference to  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b.    
     It can be clearly seen from this view that the arresting portion  1  is in one piece together with the rod-shaped component  2 . 
     Otherwise, the foregoing description relating to  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  applies to  FIGS. 10   c  and  10   d.    
     In this embodiment, the arresting portion  1  is provided on the rod-shaped component  2 . It will be self-evident to the man skilled in the art that it would equally be possible for the arresting portion  1  to be provided on the connecting portion  3  and to arrest the rod-shaped component  2  therefrom.