Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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. 1
SECIJRING DEVICE FOR CUPBOARDS OR THE LIRE
BACR5ROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a securing device for
cupboards or the like with several superimposed drawers
which may be pulled out horizontally, which securing device
has a vertically extending movable locking element
co-operating with catch members controlled by the drawers
10 such that, after a drawer has been pulled out, the locking
element enters a blocking position in which the pulling out
of a further drawer is prevented.
Such securing devices embody a so-called tilting catch.
15 This tilting catch prevents all drawers from being pulled
out and therefore prevents excess weight from being produced
in front of the cupboard body. Therefore the cupboard cannot
tip over forwardly, particularly when the drawers are full.
DE-PS 20 44 365 proposes that the locking element be
produced in the form of a vertically movable locking rod
having blocking pegs which co-operate with a link block
résting on the drawer. When a drawer is pulled, the
blocking pegs place themselves in a catching manner in front
25 of the link blocks of the other drawers. According to a
further proposal, the locking element is formed by push
elements lined up in the manner of strings of pearls ~ -
(Ronis). The joint between the push elements which are the
same lengths as one another allows a catch member to enter
30 an escape space thus formed, which catch member displaces
the push elements such that the catch members of the other
drawers do not find the appropriate escape space, which
holds the other catch members in the intended securing
position. However, this securing device demands precision
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which can only be produced with extreme effort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to design a
generic securing device which is simple to produce but is
reliable.
This object is achieved by the provision of A. .
A design of this type results in a generic securing
device with increased usefulness, the design at the same
time being simplified in terms of construction and
15 installation. In concrete terms, the locking element is
designed as an outwardly bendable line and the catching
operation is achieved b~ bulging of the line by means of one
of the catch members into the taut position. During the
bulging operation, the restricted supply for movement of the
20 locking element is used up. The taut position has a
catching effect on the other drawers. It is understandable
that a locking element of this type does not require
precision exceeding the normal amount with corresponding
installation costs. Some remains for the tolerance range.
25 If a user intentionally pulls another drawer, the
corresponding load has a decelerating effect. It is
advantageous that the line is designed as a link chain which
is fixed at both ends. Such link chains, also known as
so-called bicycle chains, are commercially available.
30 Furthermore, special guidance is not required. Due to
gravity, a locking element of this type adopts the natural
vertical orientation relative to the drawers located
transversely thereto. In a development having independent
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significance, one fastening end is arranged so as to be
vertically movable by means of a lock cylinder which
determines the taut position. A closable securing device
5 which locks all drawers is therefore produced using the
simplest means. The length portion which is otherwise
capable of bulging is neutralised by movement of the end
point via an eccentrically operating lock cylinder.
A solution which is particularly constructionally
10 advantageous is produced in that the catch members are
designed as pivot levers which are controlled by pegs on the
drawer and are formed with two arms such that one arm is
controlled by the drawer and the other arm causes the line
to bulge. It has also proven advantageous that the arm
15 causing the line to bulge acts upon the line by means of an
intermediate element mounted with clearance. A relatively
short arm therefore suffices on the bulge side. The
protrusion movement may also be restricted to a plane
located substantially transversely to the taut position of
20 the locking element. To prevent the tautening forces
passing into a change-over when a different drawer is pulled
out, the intermediate element is supported in a beyond-dead
céntre position in a bay in the other arm in the catching -
position. The above-mentioned pulling forces therefore tend
25 to secure the open position of the pivoted-out pivot lever.
It is beneficial that the intermediate element is designed
as a ring which rests with clearance on a peg extending
adjacently to the axial peg of the catch member. It is also
proposed that the drawer-controlled arm be fork-shaped and
30 that the peg of the drawer travel out of the fork opening
and back into it. In this way, the fork-shaped arm is given
a receiving function during closure. A useful solution is
achieved by means of supporting portions located on both
sides of the bulge. This has, in particular, the further
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advantage of a defined bulge. In order to remain within
favourable radii and to achieve good guidance, a further
design feature resides in the fact that the catch member
5 passes between the narrow sides of the link plates and the
diameter of the ring corresponds substantially to the length
of a link plate. The supporting portions themselves are
advantageously designed as strips passing between the link
plates. The convex curvature of such strips preferably
10 corresponds to the wheel of curvature or the circular
periphery of said ring. Finally, it is also proposed that
the line be designed as a cable which is fixed at both ends
and the ring be designed as a marginally grooved annular
disk. An easily twisted wire cable which is adequately
15 bendable and is also commercially available is intended.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The subject of the invention is described in detail
20 hereinafter with reference to two embodiments which are
illustrated in the drawings. ~ -
Figure 1 shows a cupboard equipped with the securing device
according to the invention and having a drawer
which is pulled forwardly at the front, the other
drawers being caught, according to a first
embodiment.
Figure 2 shows the securing device in a side view in
readiness for operation.
Figure 3 shows a substantially schematic view toward the
end of the line carrying a lock cylinder, in the
closed position.
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igure 4 shows a partially sectional detail of the securing
device in a front view.
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Figure 5 is a plan view thereof with the line omitted.
Figure 6 is a view corresponding to Figure 2, illustrating
the bulge of the line in the region of a drawer,
the other drawers being caught.
Figure 7 shows a view of the securing device as in Figure 2
but according to a second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The cupboard 1 illustrated in Figure 1 contains,
beneath its cover 2, several superimposed draw~rs 3 which
can be pulled out horizontally. The drawers 3 each have a
20 handle 4 on their front. Telescopically extending guide
rail members 5 permit a pull-out Length which corresponds
substantially to the length of the drawer 3.
The cupboard 1 is allocated a securing device 6 in the
25 region of the front right-hand corner. A constituent of
this securing device 6 is a locking element which is
orientated vertically, that is perpendicularly to the
pull-out direction of the drawer 3, and which co~operates
with catch members controlled by the drawers 3 such that,
3~ after a drawer 3 has been pulled out, the locking element
enters a blocking position in which the pulling out of
further drawers 3 is prevented. This prevents the build-up
of an excess weight at the front of the cupboard l which
would help it to tip forwardly.
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The vertically orientated locking element of the
securing device 6 is produced as an outwardly bendable llne
7. The two ends 7', 7" thereof are fixed, while allowing
for the portion required for outward bending.
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According to a first embodiment, the line 7 is a link
chain 8. -
In the second embodiment, the line 7 is a cable 9 fixed
lo at both ends.
The link chain 8 is a so-called bicycle chain so it
does not require further explanation. The cable is
preferably a steel cable of which the bundle of filaments is
15 easily twisted and, in this respect, has adequate
flexibility for the abcve-mentioned outward bending. The
outward bending used for catching the other drawers 3 or the
corresponding bulging B of the line 7 holds drawer catch
members S while attaining a taut position of the line 7 in
20 the catching position (cf. Figures 6 and 7). The catch
member S of the pulled out drawer 3' i5 located in the
release position, i.e. the catch member S is pivoted out in
the frontal direction of the cupboard 1. The line 7 fixed
at the upper end 7' and at the lower end 7" does not leave
25 any play for the corresponding outward pivoting of one or
other catch member S. The supply V shown in Figure 2 is
used up.
The securing device 6 is also lockable, i.e. the play
30 otherwise allowing the bulging B of the line is eliminated.
This is only possible if all catch members S are located in
the catching position, i.e. the drawers 3 are pushed in.
For this purpose, the upper fastening end 7' is arranged so
as to be vertically movable by means of a lock cylinder 10
35 determining the taut position of the line 7. The lock
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cylinder 10 continues into a horizontally orientated
eccentric pin 11. The eccentric pin 11 penetrates an eyelet
12 in the upper end 7 ' o By means of this eccentric pin 11,
the cylinder core rotating round a horizontal axis x-x may
5 be positioned such that, at the peak, the taut position is
caught and, in diametral opposition thereto, the line
contains the bulge portion in the form of the
above-mentioned supply V for action of the drawer pull-out
catch. At least the locked position is a key removal
10 position.
The catch members S are produced as pivot levers 13.
They are designed with two arms and are pivotally mounted on
a horizontal journal 14 of the catch member S orientated
15 trans~ersely to the pull-out direction of the drawers 3.
The two-arm feature is selected such that one arm,
which is designated by a and is longer in design, is
controlled by the drawer and the other shorter dimensioned
20 arm b causes the line 7 to bulge. The control resulting
from the movement of the drawer is effected by means of a
peg 15. The peg 15 rests on the longitudinal side 16 of the
drawer 3 and intersects the plane of the pivot lever 13
designed as a flat punched part. As can be inferred from ;~
25 the drawings, the drawer-controlled longer arm a is
fork-shaped in design such that the above-mentioned peg 15
of the drawer 3 travels out of the fork opening d~signated
by 17 when the drawer 3 is pulled forwardly and enters when
the drawer 3 enters. The fork opening 17 continues into a
30 slot-like fork base 18. In the catching position, the
receiving slot consisting of fork opening 17 and fork base
18 is directed upwardly, and is therefore directed
transversely to the horizontal pull-out direction of the
drawer. The fork base 18 ends substantially at the height
35 of the journal 14. The prongs of the fork are of different
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lengths. The outer prong is longer and, in the release
position, is located deeper than the cupboard-side shorter
5 prongs of the fork. The pivot angle of the catch member S
is 60.
The shorter arm k producing the bulge B acts indirectly
on the line 7, more specifically via an intermediate element
10 in the form of a ring 19 installed with clearance. In the
catching position, the ring 19 rests positively in a bay 20,
directed horizontally toward the interior of the cupboard,
in the arm k. The ring 19 is supported therein with
matching contours. This supporting position is produced as
15 a simple beyond-dead-c~ntre position so that forces on the
caught drawers cannot lead to a movement of the pivot lever
13 of the opened drawer.
A pin supporting the ring 19 with clearance is
20 designated by 21. It rests adjacently to the journal 14 of
the catch member S or of the pivot lever 13. A glance at
Figure 6 illustrates the operation of the ring 19 which is
supported in a floating manner in practice; it acts as a
substantially horizontally movable thrust-transmitting
25 member so it does not require a correspondingly long arm k
Rather, a relatively short control cam 22 of the arm k or
catch member S originating from the contour of the formation
of the bay 20 suffices.
An upwardly directed projection, of which the contour
is comparable to the control cam 22, forms an abutment 23
for the snugly supported ring 19. In the release direction,
the respective catch member S or the corresponding pivot
lever 13 passes through the pivot angle so that the cam 22,
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in its carrying or controlling peripheral region, finally
travels beyond the dead-centre line designated by T-T in
Figure 6 and located between the centre of the journal 14
5 and the centre of the pin 21 and the peripheral support of
the interior of the bulge B of the line lying in this
direction.
The bulge B is also defined by supporting portions 24
10 located on both sides thereof. The supporting portions 24
are formed by strips 26 of a respective housing 27 passing
between the link plates 25. The strips 26 are convexly
curved in the region of the supporting portions 24 formed so
as to receive an appropriate deflection region for the link
15 chain 8. The correspondingly arcuate curvature :
substantially corresponds to the arcuate periphery of the
ring 19. According to a formula which leads to optimum
guidance, the catch member S passes between the narrow sides
of the link plates 25 via chain pins, and the diameter of
20 the ring 19 substantially corresponds to the length of a -~:
link plate 25. The clearance in the ring 19 is sufficiently
great to allow a horizontal movement in the interior of the
cupboard without the control cam 22 entering a jamming
situation.
As can be inferred from the drawings, the convexly
rounded strips 26 can extend over the complete rounding of
the recess 28 in the housing 27 allowing the desired bulge
B. Consequently, the concave projections of the strips 26 -
30 having a much greater radius act upon the link chain 8 in a ~
guiding and supporting manner as the strip passes between ~::
the link plates 25, as in the case of the ring 19, the chain
pins sliding over the strips 26 in a guided and supported :
manner.
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As a stop on the internal wall of the cupboard 1, each
housing 27 has a hole 29 bearing an internal thread for a
fastening screw 30. Fixing pins 31 located adjacent thereto
prevent rotation in that they enter corresponding recesses
5 32 in the wall. Fixing pins 31 etc. rest on both broad
faces of the housing 27 which is otherwise completely
symmetrical in design. The securing device 6 can therefore
be arranged selectively in the right-hand or left-hand stop.
The securing device 6 according to the second
embodiment is basically of identical construction. Similar
reference numerals are adopted without repetitions of text.
The difference resides in the fact that the line 7 designed
here as a cable 9 fixed at both ends is guided by rollers in
15 the core of the housing 27. For this purpose, the
intermediate element designed as a ring 19 in the first
embodiment is simply marginally grooved, i.e. designed as an
annular disc or guide roller with peripheral installation
guidance for the cable 9. Corresponding grooves are provided
20 in the region of the supporting portions 24. However, guide
rollers can also be mounted thereO
The upper and lower end 7' and 7" of the line 7 carry
an eyelet connected to a shoe which is clamped onto the
25 cable in the conventional manner.
With the link chain version, the bearing holes in the
chain pins can be used as eyelets. In particular, the lower
end 7' may be fixed on the housing 27 which, for this
30 purpose, has a receiver 33 which is undercut to correspond
to the bone-shaped contour of the link plates 27.
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To sum up, operation is as follows:
A drawer may be pulled forward selectively after
5 removing the central lock of the securing device 6. The
pivot lever 13 is moved round the journal 14 by means of the
pegs 15 of the drawer. This is converted via ring 19 into a
bulge B of the line 7. The corresponding taut position
prevents the corresponding release of another catch member S
10 when another drawer 3 is pulled. The term taut position
denotes a functional taut position or tension position as
there is alxeady a partial bulge in the region of the other
catch members S. The catch members S act as guides for the
otherwise freely hanging line 7. A pull on other drawers is
15 not converted into an opposing movement of the released -
pivot lever 13 owing to the inherent catching described at
the outset. The choice can only be made when the forwardly
pulled drawer has been pushed right in.
The features of the invention disclosed in the
foregoing description, drawings and claims may be
significant individually and also in any combination for -~
carrying out the invention. The disclosure of the
application includes the content of the associated priority
25 documents in their entirety.
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