Abstract:
A cupboard-shaped piece of furniture ( 1 ) includes side walls ( 2 ), on each of which a control mechanism ( 4 ) for the displacement of a door leaf ( 7 ) is arranged, whereby the control mechanisms ( 4 ) are connected by means of a synchronisation rod ( 10 ) for the synchronised movement thereof. The synchronisation road ( 10 ) includes a fixing device ( 12 ) on at least one end region for the detachable connection of the synchronisation rod ( 10 ) to a rotating piece ( 17 ) of the control mechanism ( 4 ), the fixing device ( 12 ) being embodied such that the synchronisation rod ( 10 ) may also be connected to the rotating piece ( 17 ) when the rotating piece ( 17 ) is already pre-assembled on a side wall ( 2 ) of the piece of furniture ( 1 ).

Description:
This application is a continuation of International application PCT/AT2006/000152, filed Apr. 14, 2006. 
    
    
     The invention relates to a cupboard with side walls on each of which a positioning device is arranged for moving a flap, wherein the positioning devices are linked by a synchronisation rod to synchronise their movements and wherein, in the region of at least one of its ends, the synchronisation rod comprises a securing device for releasably connecting the synchronisation rod with a pivotable part of the positioning device. 
     Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for fitting a synchronisation rod of this type to positioning devices which are attached to opposite sidewalls of a furniture item. 
     The positioning devices described above are preferably used to move flaps or hinged doors on furniture items, particularly overhead cupboards, from a closed to an open position and vice versa. In the case of heavy flaps and/or flaps with large surface areas, means are known in the art whereby a positioning device of this type is arranged on each vertical sidewall and each positioning device is linked to the other by a synchronising rod running across. On the one hand, this allows the two positioning devices to be adjusted together and, on the other hand, the synchronisation rod provides for a synchronous rotational movement of both positioning devices and, thus, an even movement of the flap. 
     It is an object of the present invention to propose a synchronisation rod of the type mentioned in the introduction with versatile application. 
     This is achieved according to the invention by an advantageous embodiment in which the securing device is constructed such that the synchronisation rod can also be linked to the pivotable part when the pivotable part has already been fixed to a sidewall of the furniture item. Constructed according to the invention, the synchronisation rod can be releasably attached to the pivotable part and, if required, removed. 
     A particular benefit is provided in being able to fit the rod later since the two positioning devices can first be fitted easily with the flap, and, when this is completed, the synchronisation rod can be inserted. This allows slight errors in installation and other installation tolerances to be compensated. A further advantage lies in the fact that, if length of the synchronisation rod is made to adjust, it can be used in furniture items of varying widths where the applicability of the synchronisation rod is considerably extended. As regards logistical aspects, the packaging size is reduced since each part, that is the positioning device and synchronisation rod, can be packed separately. 
     A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that, in the region of each of its ends, the synchronisation rod comprises securing devices to provide a detachable connection with a pivotable part on each positioning device. 
     The “pivotable part” of the positioning device can be, for example, the actuating arm for moving the flap or elsewise a separate component or a bearing part whose motion correlates to the movement of the flap during its motion path. In this arrangement, it is irrelevant whether the pivotable part is pre-assembled directly to the sidewall of a furniture item, or indirectly via the positioning devices attachable to the sidewalls, or via a housing component of the positioning devices to the sidewall of the furniture item. 
     A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that at least one securing device comprises a screw connection. Alternatively, or in addition to this, it can be beneficial if at least one securing device comprises a mechanical latch connection. Then the design can be arranged such that the mechanical latch connection has two latch parts engagable with each other, wherein one latch part can be hung in the other and can be latched onto it by pivoting. This allows the synchronisation rod to be snapped easily to the pivotable part. Optionally, or in addition to this, it can be beneficial if at least one securing device has an interlocking connection to provide a positive lock connection for the synchronisation rod with the positioning device. A practical arrangement of this is if at least one end of the synchronisation rod has a non-circular cross section which can be inserted into a corresponding aperture in the pivotable part of the positioning device. 
     All lid stays and actuating devices according to the state of art for moving the flap can be used to form the positioning device. A practical embodiment provides that the positioning device comprises an actuating arm which is provided to move the flap. The actuating arm is normally acted upon by a drive device which can take the form of a spring device, for example, whereby the spring device is designed and arranged such that it can support a heavy flap in the open position. It can be beneficial if the actuating arm is attached to a sidewall or a housing so that it can swivel around a first pivoting axis between an open position and a closed position, and which is linked to the flap or to a fitting on the flap so that it will swivel around a second pivoting axis. The design in this respect can be arranged such that the synchronisation rod can be secured to the first pivoting axis of the actuating arm. The scope of the invention can also include, however, that the synchronisation rod, for preference, is secured detachably in the vicinity of a pivoting axis of a control cam known in the art. 
     A further embodiment of the invention provides that the synchronisation rod in the fitted condition turns with the pivotable part of the positioning device around the same axis. A rigid connection between the positioning device and the synchronisation rod will allow the torque in one positioning device to be transferred directly to the other which will harmonise the opening and closing movements of the flap. 
     In order to fit the same synchronisation rod to different widths of furniture frames it can be provided that the synchronisation rod comprises at least two parts which are displaceable—preferably telescopically—relative to each other or can attached to each other. The parts can be constructed so that they are acted on by a spring force which forces both parts apart where the synchronisation rod is supported at both ends in the fitted condition and held in place by an expansion force. If the relative length of the synchronisation rod is determined beforehand, it can be beneficial to fix the relative position of the two parts together by a securing arrangement, preferably an eccentric clamp. 
     An embodiment of the invention provides that the securing device can be covered by a cover part to give the synchronisation rod a pleasing visual appearance. It is preferable if the cover part is located on the synchronisation rod so that it can slide—preferably longitudinally—along the rod. This exposes the securing device to provide access, for example, for a tool. Once manipulation has finished, the cover part can be replaced in the position where it provides complete cover for the securing device. 
     The method according to the invention for assembling the synchronisation rod, which is provided to ensure synchronised movement of positioning devices to be arranged on two opposing side walls of a furniture item, and whereby at least one positioning device has at least one rotatable part to move the flap, is characterised in that
         the pivotable part is fastened to the sidewall of the furniture item in a first assembly step, and   the synchronisation rod is secured to the pivotable part in a second assembly step.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further benefits and details of the invention will be explained in more detail using the following description of the figures, referring to the following drawings. They show, in: 
         FIG. 1  a side view of an embodiment of a furniture item according to the invention, 
         FIG. 2   a ,  2   b  a perspective view of a positioning device with a synchronisation rod running laterally and an exploded view of the positioning device, 
         FIG. 3  an enlarged detailed view of the pivotable part and the synchronisation rod, 
         FIG. 4   a - 4   c  various views of the positioning device, 
         FIG. 5   a ,  5   b  a plan view of a positioning device and a section through the C-C axis from  FIG. 5   a,    
         FIG. 6  a further embodiment of the invention where the length of the synchronisation rod is adjustable, 
         FIG. 7  the design example from  FIG. 6  with secured parts of the synchronisation rod, 
         FIG. 8   a ,  8   b  an example of a possible means of connecting the synchronisation rod with a pre-fitted positioning device by means of a mechanical latch connection, 
         FIG. 9   a ,  9   b  an alternative possible means of connecting the synchronisation rod with a pre-fitted positioning device by means of a screw connection, 
         FIG. 10  a perspective view of a cupboard with pre-fitted positioning devices and a synchronisation rod detachably connected to them. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows in a side view a cupboard  1  having a sidewall  2  and a cupboard top  3 . The upper region of the sidewall  2  has, fixed to it, a positioning device  4  hinged to the fitting  6  on the flap  7  by means of two pivoting actuating arms  5  and  5 ′. A flap  7 , opening upwards, with a handle  8 , is fastened to the fitting  6  and secured in the design example shown so that it swings up and over the furniture body towards the rear. In order to move flaps having a large surface area and/or heavy weight it is provided that on both opposing sidewalls  2  of the item of furniture  1  there are such positioning devices  4  attached, wherein the positioning devices  4  are linked by a synchronisation rod  10  to ensure synchronised movement of both positioning devices  4 . In the figure shown only the cross section of the synchronisation rod  10  is visible, more details of which will be shown in the following drawings. 
       FIG. 2   a  shows a perspective view of a positioning device  4 , while  FIG. 2   b  gives an exploded view of this design example according to the invention. The positioning device  4  comprises a base plate or housing  11  in which a drive device (not shown), such as a spring device, is incorporated to act on the actuating arms  5  and  5 ′. A control cam  14  is pivotably mounted with respect to the housing  11  which moves the flap  7  attached to the fitting  6  via both actuating arms  5 ,  5 ′ and the intermediate lever  9 . In order to synchronise the rotational movement with a further positioning device  4 , a synchronisation rod  10  is provided which is fixed in a torque proof manner to the positioning arms  5  via a releasable securing device  12 . In  FIG. 2   b , a cover piece  13  which can slide axially along the synchronisation rod  10  is covering the securing device  12 . It can be seen in  FIG. 2   b  that a pivotable part  17  is attached by means of a screw  16 . The pivotable part  17  is cup-shaped and has a recess  17 ′ on its outer surface into which the non-circular cross section  10 ′ of the synchronisation rod  10  can be inserted. The non-circular cross section  10 ′ is pierced by a hole, running at right angles to the axial direction, which will take a screw  15  which is screwed into the pivotable part  17 . Finally, the cover part  13 , in the shape of a tubular sleeve, is pushed over the securing device  12 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an enlarged view of a detail of the positioning device  4 . The pivotable part  17  is screwed to the actuating arm  5  by the screw  16 . The non-circular section  10 ′ of the synchronisation rod  10  is inserted in the aperture  17 ′ whereby, in this figure, the synchronisation rod  10  is preferably held by this twist lock connection. To prevent the synchronisation rod  10  from falling out of the pivotable part  17 , the tubular cover part  13  is provided which is pushed over the pivotable part  17 . 
       FIGS. 4   a  to  4   c  show the positioning device  4  in various aspects.  FIG. 4   a  provides a side view of the positioning device  4  as described already in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b .  FIG. 4   b  shows a cross section taken along the A-A axis in  FIG. 4   a .  FIG. 4   c  shows the enlarged detail B from  FIG. 4   b . According to  FIG. 4   c , the pivotable part  17  is secured by screw  16  to the actuating arm  5  being movable with respect to the housing  11 . The tapered cross section  10 ′ of the synchronisation rod  10  is secured by a screw  15 , running perpendicularly to the pivotable part  17 . The tubular cover part  13  is then pushed over the securing device  12 . 
       FIG. 5   a  shows a plan view of the positioning device  4  with a housing  11  and the fitting  6  of the flap viewed from above.  FIG. 5   b  shows a section through the line C-C in  FIG. 5   a . The non-circular section  10 ′ on the synchronisation rod  10  has a projection  10 ″ which fits into a mating recess in the pivotable part  17 , locking both together in rotation. Since both parts are fixed rotationally in relation to each other, in the assembled condition the synchronisation rod  10  rotates together with the pivotable part  17  of the positioning device around the same axis. 
       FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of the invention with a synchronisation rod  10  adjustable lengthwise. The synchronisation rod  10  comprises two parts  10   a  and  10   b  constructed so that they can be displaced relative to each other. Thus the synchronisation rod  10  can be made to fit into a frame of any width for furniture item  1 . If the length is adjusted to link the two positioning devices  4 , the relative position of the two parts  10   a  and  10   b  can be secured using the securing arrangement  18  which comprises an eccentric catch. The eccentric catch is inserted into the recess  18 ′, thereby locking both parts  10   a  and  10   b . The pivotable part  17  has a device (not shown)—such as an elongated hole—allowing a certain amount of radial and longitudinal movement in relation to the positioning device  4  and, respectively, the actuating arm  5  to compensate for small errors in assembly and dimensional tolerances. 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of the invention whereby both ends of the synchronisation rod  10  can have a non-circular cross section  10 ′—in the case shown, a polygonal shape—which is part of a securing device  12 . The end section of the polygonal end  10 ′ can be slightly tapered so that there is essentially no play when inserted into the pivotable part  17 . Furthermore, it can be seen that the eccentric catch  18  is inserted into the part  10   a  of the synchronisation rod  10  and the relative position of both parts  10   a  and  10   b  is thus fixed. For visual considerations, a tubular sleeve part  13  is slid over the securing device  12  at both end sections. 
       FIG. 8   a  shows an example of a detachable connection for the synchronisation rod  10  which would require no tooling and comprises a mechanical latch connection  20  incorporated in the pivotable part  17  which is arranged on or formed in the actuating arm  5 .  FIG. 8   b  shows a vertical section through the rotatable part  17  with the latched synchronisation rod  10  from  FIG. 8   a . In a first assembly step, a positioning device  4  is assembled to each of two opposing sidewalls  2  of a furniture item  1 . The synchronisation rod  10 , preferably adjustable, is then slid into or on to the pivotable part  17  at right angles to the axis of rotation of the pivotable part  17 , hence from the front. The mechanical latch connection  20  comprises a pin  20   a  screwed at least partly into the pivotable part  17 , where a ball  20   c , preferably spring-loaded, is arranged on the underside of the pin  20   a , and the ball  20   c  can be forced into a recess  20   b  provided in the synchronisation rod  10 , thus latching the synchronisation rod  10  with the pivotable part  17  of the positioning device  4 . According to a design example of the invention, provision is made that, in the assembled condition, the longitudinal axis of the synchronisation rod  10  is essentially in line with the axis of rotation of the pivotable part  17 . It is easy for the user to remove the synchronisation rod  10  by simply withdrawing it towards the user standing in front of the furniture item. 
       FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  show a further example of a detachable arrangement between the synchronisation rod  10  and the pivotable part  17  of the actuating arm  5 . A screw  22  is provided, shown in the illustration, which, when screwed in, and with the synchronisation rod  10  in the installed condition, forces the two clamping jaws  21   a  and  21   b  radially apart inside the pivotable part  17  thus creating a force fit between the synchronisation rod  10  and the pivotable part  17 . Attention is drawn also to the rotational axis M of the pivotable part  17 , or, respectively, that of the actuating arm  5 , whereby the synchronisation rod  10  can be slid in and out of the pivotable part  17  perpendicular to the rotational axis M, that is, in the direction of the arrow X. This makes for simple assembly of the synchronisation rod  10  after the positioning device  4  or the actuating arm  5  has already been mounted.  FIG. 9   b  shows a horizontal section through the arrangement shown in  FIG. 9   a  with the synchronisation rod  10  installed. 
       FIG. 10  shows a perspective illustration of a cupboard  1  whereby a positioning device  4  and  4 ′ is provided on each of two opposing sidewalls  2  to move a flap  7  ( FIG. 1 ), not shown for reasons of clarity. The flap  7 , as shown, opens upwards and is in a vertical position when closed. Synchronisation of the two positioning devices  4  and  4 ′ to provide stable movement of the flap  7  is provided by a synchronisation rod  10  which is detachably linked, at least at one, end—preferably at both ends—with pre-fitted pivotable parts  17 . A portion of the top of the cupboard  3  is cut away to obtain a better view. The synchronisation rod  10  is easy to move perpendicular to the rotational axis of the pre-fitted pivotable part  17 , that is, in the direction of both arrows designated by X, in and out of the pivotable part  17  of each of the positioning devices  4  and  4 ′, and, preferably, can be latched and/or screwed together. 
     The invention is not restricted to the illustrated embodiments, but rather includes or extends to all alternatives and technical equivalents which fall within the scope of the following claims. Also, the positional terminology chosen in the description, such as over, under, relate to the usual installation location of the positioning device  4 , or to the specific drawing described or illustrated, and, if the position should change, such references are to be read across in the same sense to the new position. The type of connection between the synchronisation rod  10  and the pivotable part  17  can be achieved by means familiar to a person skilled in the art, such as through various forms of latch and/or screwed connections.