HK1113898B - Dampened movement mechanism and slide incorporating the same - Google Patents

Description

Damping moving mechanism and sliding device comprising same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a self-moving slide, a self-moving mechanism for a slide, and to a method for self-moving a slide.

Background

Drawers or other movable components are typically connected to cabinets or other stationary components using slides. These slides are typically two-piece slides or three-piece slides. The two-piece slide includes a fixed member and a telescoping member. The telescopic element is slidably connected with the fixed element and can be telescopic relative to the fixed element. The three-piece sliding device comprises three elements, namely a fixed element, an intermediate element and a telescopic element. The intermediate member is slidably coupled to the fixed member and the telescoping member is slidably coupled to the intermediate member. Both the intermediate and telescoping members telescope relative to the fixed member. Furthermore, the telescopic element can be telescopic relative to the intermediate element. Typically the fixed element of the slide is associated with the cabinet and the telescopic element is associated with one side of the drawer.

A problem with many drawers is that they tend to open after being closed. Another problem with drawers is that they sometimes do not close completely when they are pushed closed, because they are not pushed with sufficient force or are pushed with more force than necessary, causing the drawer to slam against the cabinet and open again. Another problem is that the drawer cannot be easily opened. Sometimes, automatic movement mechanisms are included in such slides to facilitate automatic movement of one slide member relative to another to a closed or open position. However, such mechanisms can cause the telescoping slide member to move abruptly relative to the fixed slide member, thereby causing the drawer or other movable component to move abruptly. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a mechanism for use in slides that maintains the slides in the closed position when the slides are fully closed and also facilitates automatic closing of the slides when they are closed to the end of their rearward travel. Similarly, it would also be desirable to provide a mechanism for use in slides that facilitates automatic opening of the slides. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a mechanism that dampens the automatic opening or closing movement.

Disclosure of Invention

Provided are a damped moving mechanism (damped moving mechanism), a sliding apparatus (slide) including the same, and a method of automatically moving the sliding apparatus. An exemplary dampened movement mechanism has a housing and a slider (slider) that slides along the housing. A spring is coupled to the slider and to the housing to apply a force to the slider. The pivoting member is pivotally connected to the slider. The link falls on the upper surface of the slider and exerts a force against the damping element. When the slider slides in the first direction with the spring force, the link moves to exert a force against the damper. Thus, the movement of the slider and therewith the pivoting element is damped. The spring is energized when the slider with the pivoting member slides in the opposite direction. When the pivoting member reaches the end of its travel, it pivots and remains armed in a set position relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the dampened movement mechanism is coupled to the slide stationary member and the pivot member is engaged with a setter coupled to an extendible member (i.e., a telescoping member) of the slide that is slidably coupled to the stationary member of the slide.

In an exemplary embodiment, a self-moving slide is provided having a first slide member and a second slide member slidably coupled to the first slide member, wherein the first slide member slides relative to the second slide member. The automatic moving mechanism is connected with the second sliding element. The automatic moving mechanism includes a housing, a slide that slides along the housing, and an actuator pivotally coupled to the slide and sliding along the housing. The actuator can be coupled to the first slide member to move the first slide member. The automatic movement mechanism further includes a damper that damps movement of the slider. In another exemplary embodiment, a spring is coupled to the slider and the housing. In another exemplary embodiment, the slider slides with the actuator along the housing between a first orientation (location) and a second orientation. In another exemplary embodiment, the spring applies a force to move the slider to the first position. In another exemplary embodiment, when in the first position, the actuator is in the first position and when in the second position, the actuator can pivot to the second position.

In another exemplary embodiment, the dampener dampens movement of the slider only when moving to the first fixed position. In another exemplary embodiment, a link couples the dampener to the slider. In another exemplary embodiment, the slider includes an inclined surface. When the slider slides to the first position and exerts a force against the dampener, the link rests on the inclined surface. In another exemplary embodiment, the damper includes a piston that slides within the body against a damping force, and an arm extending from the piston, wherein the link exerts a force against the arm to move the arm against the damping force.

In another exemplary embodiment, the self-moving slide further includes a setter extending from the first slide member. The actuator includes a slot for receiving the setter to couple the first slide member to the actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the setter is separate from and coupled to the first slide member. In another exemplary embodiment, the setter is integrally formed with the first slide member.

In another exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a pivoting member and a reload arm coupled to the pivoting member. The pivot member is pivotally coupled to the slide to pivotally couple the slide to the actuator. In another exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a first edge opposite a second edge to define a slot therebetween. A first edge is formed on the reload arm and a second edge is formed on the pivoting member.

In another exemplary embodiment, the setter causes the slider to move to the second location and the actuator to pivot to the second position when the first slide member is extended relative to the second slide member. When the actuator is in the second position, the setter disengages from the actuator as the first slide member is further extended. In another exemplary embodiment, when the actuator is in the second position, it is pressed against a portion of the housing by the spring force. With this embodiment, the actuator is held in the second position by the portion of the housing.

In another exemplary embodiment, the setter couples to the actuator in the second position and causes the actuator to pivot to the first position when the first slide member is caused to retract relative to the second slide member. When the actuator is in the second position, the spring force causes the actuator with the slider to slide to the first position, thereby causing the setter and the first slide member to slide to the first position.

In another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes a first recess and a second recess having a first portion and a second portion extending laterally from the first portion. The slider includes a protrusion that guides the slider along the first groove. The actuator also includes a protrusion that guides the actuator along the second groove. When the actuator is in the second position, the actuator protrusion is in the second portion of the second groove and it is pressed against the second portion of the second groove by the spring force. When in the second position, the actuator is held against the second portion of the second groove by the spring force. In another exemplary embodiment, the reload arm is pushed and flexed by the setter when the slider is in the second position and the first slide member is retracted relative to the second slide member such that the setter can be received within the actuator slot.

In another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes a first portion opposite a second portion. The first and second grooves as described above are formed on the first housing part. A third groove is formed on the second housing portion and a fourth groove is formed on the second housing portion. The fourth groove has a first portion and a second portion extending laterally from the fourth groove first portion. The third groove is a mirror image of the first groove and the fourth groove is a mirror image of the second groove. The slider includes a second projection that guides the actuator along the third groove. The reload arm includes a protrusion that guides the actuator along the fourth groove.

In another exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a portion that is compressed by the urging of the setter when the slider is in the second position and the first slide member is retracted relative to the second slide member to receive the setter within the actuator slot. The actuator portion in one exemplary embodiment is a reload arm coupled to the pivoting member of the actuator and flexing to compress.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention with a housing portion removed.

Fig. 2A and 2B are bottom and side views of an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism housing portion.

Fig. 2C and 2D are bottom and side views of another housing portion of an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention, which housing portion when connected to the housing portion shown in fig. 2A and 2B forms a housing of an exemplary dampened movement mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 2E is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment housing portion of an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention.

Fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E are top, bottom, side, and end views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment slider included in an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 3F is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment slider included in an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment link for inclusion in an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment link for inclusion in an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention.

Fig. 5A and 5B are bottom and side views of an exemplary embodiment pivoting member incorporated in an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment actuator incorporated into an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention.

Fig. 6A and 6B are bottom and side views of an exemplary embodiment reload arm for incorporation in an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention with one housing portion removed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment pivoting member with reload arm for an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a rear end view of an exemplary embodiment self-moving under-mount (under-mount) slide incorporating an exemplary embodiment self-moving mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment dampened movement mechanism of the present invention with a housing portion of the dampened movement mechanism removed and mounted on an exemplary embodiment self-moving under-mount slide via a bracket.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to dampened movement mechanisms, to slides incorporating the dampened movement mechanisms, and to methods of automatically moving slides. A dampened movement mechanism is mounted on a slide, for example, as a drawer slide, for automatically moving the slide to an open (e.g., extended) or closed (e.g., retracted) position, as well as dampening the movement of the slide. For illustrative purposes, various exemplary embodiments of the dampened movement mechanism of the present invention will be described with respect to an under-mount drawer slide, wherein the mechanism is mounted to act as an auto-close mechanism that causes the slide to close when a particular position along the slide travel is reached and dampens or weakens the auto-close action. However, the mechanism may be installed as an automatic opening mechanism. Moreover, the mechanism may be used with other types of slides that may be employed with drawers and other movable furniture components. A self-moving slide is a slide that includes a self-moving mechanism of any of the exemplary embodiments.

An exemplary dampened movement mechanism 10 of the present invention is shown in fig. 1. The mechanism of this exemplary embodiment has a housing 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing is formed as two separate parts 12A (fig. 2A and 2B) and 12B (fig. 2C and 2D) that are then interconnected to form the package. One housing portion 12B may include legs 14B extending from the housing that pass through slots 14a formed in the other housing portion 12A (fig. 2A and 2B) when the two portions are joined together. The legs 14b on the housing portion 12b of the housing may include projections 16b that engage with notches 16a in a slot 14a formed on the other housing portion 12a to lock the two housing portions together.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of each housing portion is formed with grooves for guiding the movement of various components enclosed within the housing. Since these grooves are identical to each other on each housing part, only the grooves with respect to one housing part will be described here. These grooves are indicated by reference numerals with the letter "a" when indicating a groove formed on the housing portion 12a and by reference numerals with the letter "b" when indicating a corresponding groove formed on the other housing portion 12 b.

In an exemplary embodiment, slider grooves 18a, 18b are formed in a lower portion of the inner surface of the housing portions 12a, 12b and extend longitudinally through the housing. It will be appreciated that the terms "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "front", "rear", "forward", "rearward" and "rear" are used to indicate relative positions between components and not the exact position of the components. For example, a "lower" member may be positioned above an "upper" member under certain conditions, such as when the part on which the member is formed is turned upside down.

Pivot member grooves 20a, 20b are formed on the inner surfaces of the spaced apart housing portions 12a, 12b above the slider grooves 18a, 18b and extend along the forward portion of the slider grooves and beyond the forward ends 19a, 19b of the slider grooves. The pivoting member recess has a first longitudinal portion 22a, 22b and a second transverse portion 24a, 24b that extends downwardly relative to the first longitudinal portion 22a, 22b at an acute angle 26a, 26b that is less than 90 ° in the exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the angles 26a, 26b may be any angle in the range of 60 ° to 90 °. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the angles 26a, 26B are approximately 77 °. The pivoting member transverse groove has rear edges 27a, 27 b. The two pivoting member recess portions are interconnected with the intermediate portions 28a, 28 b.

A dampener groove 30a, 30b is formed on the housing portion 12a, 12b inner surface rearward relative to the pivoting member groove and above the slider groove, the dampener groove being spaced from the pivoting member groove and the slider groove. The damper groove includes a main portion 32a, 32b, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is a longitudinal portion, and a link groove portion 34a, 34b extending forwardly from the main portion. The main portion groove is wider than the connector groove. The connector groove has a first portion 35a, 35b and a second portion 37a, 37b extending downwardly at an angle 36b relative to the main portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle 36a, 36b between the main portion of the damper groove and the connector portion is greater than 90 ° but less than 180 °. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the angles 36a, 36b are approximately 125 °. The first portion of the connector groove extends longitudinally from the main portion of the damper groove.

A slider 38, such as that shown in fig. 1 and 3, is mounted within the housing such that it is guided along the slider grooves 18a, 18 b. The slider has a body 40 bounded by two spaced side surfaces 42a and 42b, respectively. One or more spaced projections 44a and 44b, respectively, extend from each side surface. These projections are received in the slider grooves 18a and 18b, respectively, for guiding the slider along the slider grooves. The slider body has an upper surface 46 and a lower edge 48. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lower edge is relatively flat. The upper surface 46 is tapered (i.e., sloped) in the rearward direction such that the thickness of the body gradually decreases in the rearward direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper surface is tapered at an angle 47. In the illustrated embodiment, angle 47 is approximately 5 °. The taper angle of the upper surface is reduced or completely relaxed in the upper surface forward portion 49. The ears 52 extend above the upper surface of the body. A recess 54 is formed through the surface 42b of the main body and through the ear. An opening 56 is formed in the ear that extends to the recess 54. The openings may or may not extend through the entire thickness of the ear.

A channel 58 is defined between the two side surfaces 42a, 42b and between the lower edge 48 of the body 40. The width of the channel is stepped to a smaller width and then to a larger width to define a neck 60. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 3A-3D, the neck is formed at the front of the body. However, in other embodiments, the neck may be formed at various other locations along the length of the body.

A spring 62 (fig. 1) is mounted in the channel 58 formed between the two side surfaces. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the spring 62 is a tension spring. At each end, the spring diameter is reduced and then increased again to form a spring neck 64. One spring neck 64 is received within the channel neck 60 while the other spring neck 64 is received in a notch 66 (fig. 1 and 2B) formed on a rear end 68a of the housing portion 12 a. The notch 66 and the channel neck 60 hold the spring neck 64 in place. In another exemplary embodiment, the spring may be coupled to other locations on the housing rearward of the slider. In other exemplary embodiments, other mechanisms may be employed to couple the spring to the slider and the housing. For example, the spring may be fastened to the slider and/or the housing using fasteners. In alternative exemplary embodiments, compression springs may be employed rather than tension springs. In this case, one end of the spring is connected to the slider, while the other end is connected to the housing in front of the slider.

The dampers 70 are mounted within damper grooves 32a, 32b in the housing portions 12a, 12b, such as shown in fig. 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the damper is a cylindrical member including a piston having a damper arm, which in the exemplary embodiment is a piston arm 72 that extends through a damper cylindrical body 74.

The damper cylindrical body has a diameter greater than the damper diameter and greater than the width of the connector groove. In this way, the damper body is retained within the damper groove's larger width main portion 32a, 32 b. When mounted on the damper groove, the damper arm of the damper extends into the connector groove portions 34a, 34 b. The damper may be hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or it may be spring loaded. When a compressive force is applied to the damper arm, it is damped as the piston attempts to move against the hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or spring forces. In other words, the damper damps the load applied to the damper arm by resisting or slowing the linear retractable travel of the damper arm when the arm is subjected to an axial compressive force. When the axial compressive force is relieved, the damper hydraulic, pneumatic or spring force urges the damper arm to its original, non-retracted position. The damper of the exemplary embodiment is made by Salice, Italy under the trademark "Smove". Other types of dampers may also be employed.

A link 76, such as shown in fig. 1 and 4A, is mounted in the link groove portions 34A, 34b of the damper grooves 30a, 30b formed on the housing portions 12a, 12b, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 4, the connector has a curved body 78. A first rounded end 80 extends from one end of the body and a second rounded end 82 extends from the other end of the body. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 4, the width 86 of the ends 80 and 82 is greater than the width 88 of the body 78 such that the ends extend beyond opposite sides of the body to define projections 90. The projections are guided by the connector grooves 34a, 34 b. In the exemplary embodiment, the protrusion of end 82 is guided within first portions 35a, 35b, while the protrusion of end 80 is guided within second portions 37a, 37b of the connector groove.

Another exemplary embodiment of a connector 76a shown in fig. 4B has a curved body 78 a. A first rounded end 80a extends from one end of the body and a second rounded end 82a extends from the other end of the body. In this exemplary embodiment, the body has a relatively flat surface 79a opposite a concave surface 81a, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4B. The connector of this exemplary embodiment includes opposing peripheral end edges 83a and 83b for falling into connector grooves 34a and 34b, respectively.

When installed in the link groove, the second end 82 of the link engages the dampener arm 72 of the dampener and the first end 80 lands on the upper surface 46 of the slider. Thus, as the slider slides rearward along the slider groove, the tapered or sloped upper surface of the slider causes the link to travel along the link groove and apply a force to the dampener arm that is dampened by the dampener. The curved body 78 of the connector has a reduced thickness compared to the ends so that the connector can travel along two portions of the connector groove without interfering with other housing structures.

The pivoting member 92 (fig. 1, 5A and 5B) is connected to the slide 38. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 5, the pivoting member includes a pin 94 extending laterally from one surface 96 thereof that is received within the opening 56 formed in the ear 52 of the slider. The pin 94 extends from an end 98 of the pivoting member that is received in a recess 54 formed on the slider ear. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pivot element includes a finger 96 that extends angularly in an upward and forward direction. A recess 99 is defined on a surface 100 of the pivot member opposite the surface 96 from which the pin 94 extends. The recess narrows in width in a direction towards the rear of the pivoting member and then increases in width slightly, defining a neck 102 and a bulbous rear portion 104. A first projection 106 extends laterally from the pivot member proximate the forward end of the recess 99. The second protrusion 108 extends opposite the first protrusion 106. The second projection falls within a pivot member recess 20a formed on the housing portion 12 a.

Reload arm 110 (fig. 1, 6A and 6B) is mounted within a recess 99 formed on the pivoting member. The reload arm has a body 112 from which a finger 114 extends. The reload arm includes a recess 116 that receives the first protrusion 106 formed on the pivoting member. When mounted on the pivoting member, the fingers 114 extending from the reload arm are received within the neck 102 and bulbous rear portion 104 of the recess. The rim 119 of the neck and the bulbous rear portion of the recess 94 retain the rear end portion, thereby limiting or preventing vertical movement of the rear end portion of the finger.

A projection 120 extends laterally from the surface of the reload arm opposite the recess 116 that receives the first projection 106 formed on the pivoting member. The projection 120 is guided within the pivoting member groove 20b formed on the housing portion 12 b. When the reload arms are mounted on the pivoting member, they define an actuator that can pivot relative to the pin 94 and the second recess 56 formed on the slider ear. A slot 121 is defined between a front edge 123 of the pivot member finger 96 and a rear edge 125 of the reload arm body 112. Edges 123 and 125 extend upwardly and forwardly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the reload arm is designed such that it can flex when a load is imposed on the reload arm body 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the curved finger of the reload arm and the lower surface of the reload arm body 112 define a downward curve 117 such that when a load is imposed on the upper surface 127 of the body 112, the reload arm pivots about the pin 106 of the pivoting member, causing the curved finger to attempt to straighten as the edge 119 of the pivoting member constrains or limits the vertical movement of the rear end of the finger. As the curved finger straightens, it travels further into the bulbous region of the recess 99 formed on the pivoting member.

In an alternative embodiment shown in fig. 7 and 8, the pivot element 92a may be connected to the slider opening 56 formed on the slider ear by a pin 94 a. The pivoting member of this exemplary embodiment has a finger 96a that extends angularly in an upward and forward direction, as shown, for example, in fig. 7 and 8. The pivoting member of this exemplary embodiment also includes a recess 99 a. Reload arm 110a is pivotally connected to the pivoting member by a pin and recess combination similar to the pin 106 and recess 116 combination in the embodiment shown in fig. 1, 5 and 6.

The protrusion 120a extends from the reload arm 110a to fall within the pivoting member recess 20b on the housing portion 12 a. With this exemplary embodiment, the reload arm includes a curved finger 114a that is received within the recess 99a of the pivoting member. An upper finger 122 extends from the front end of the re-engagement arm in a rearward direction and is spaced from the curved finger 114 a. The upper finger 122 may flex relative to the finger 114a when subjected to a downward force. A slot 121a is defined between the finger 96a of the pivoting member and the upper finger 122 of the reload arm. More specifically, slot 121a is defined between edges 123a and 125a of the pivoting member and reload arm, respectively, wherein both edges 123a and 125a extend upwardly and forwardly. An edge 119a defined on the recess 99a of the pivoting member provides vertical support for a portion of the finger 114a of the reload arm. In this way, the upward or downward travel of this portion of the finger is limited or prevented by the edge 119 a.

In another alternative embodiment, the pivoting member with the reload arm may be integrally formed with a finger of the reload arm extending from the pivoting member such that the finger may bend or flex relative to the pivoting member and then return to its original position. In another exemplary embodiment, the reload arm may be spring loaded relative to the pivoting member using a spring, such as a tension spring. In this way, the reload arm may be just a block of material extending along the pivoting member and may pivot in a first direction against the spring force and then in a second direction opposite the first direction by the spring force.

In another exemplary embodiment, such as that shown in fig. 5C, a separate reload arm may not be employed. With this exemplary embodiment, the pivoting member 92b defines an actuator. The pivoting member 92b has a slot 121 b. The front portion 110b of the pivot member forms a front edge 125b of the slot. The front portion 110b is flexible. With this exemplary embodiment, when the setter (setter) is received within the slot 121b, it is received within a portion of the slot 121b between the front edge 125b and the rear edge 123 b. As can be seen from this exemplary embodiment, the front portion 110b of the pivoting member is made flexible by being formed as an arm extending relative to the pivoting member. The space 127b is provided so that the front portion 110b can flex or compress relative to the pivoting member 92b to close the space 127 b.

With any of the exemplary embodiments of the pivoting member shown in fig. 5A, 5B, and 5C, a pin 94 or 94a extending from the pivoting member and pivotally connecting the pivoting member with the slider can extend from either side of the pivoting member body. For example, in FIG. 5C, a pin 94a extends from the side of the pivoting member body opposite the pin 94 shown in FIG. 5A. The slider for the pivoting member shown in fig. 5A and 5B or the pivoting member shown in fig. 5C should be designed to be connectable to the pin 94 or 94A of said pivoting member, respectively. For example, a slider 38a such as shown in fig. 3F may be used for the pivoting member 92b shown in fig. 5C. As can be seen in fig. 3F, the slider has an opening 56a for passing a pin 94b so that a pivotal connection can be made between the pivoting member and the slider. Projections 45b and 45a are formed on the slider body, which are received in the slider grooves 18a and 18b of the housing portions 12a and 12b, respectively, to guide the slider along the slider grooves.

When the first housing portion is connected to the second housing portion, the slider is guided in the slider groove, and the pivoting member is guided in the pivoting member groove formed on the housing portion. Similarly, the connector is guided along a connector groove formed on the housing portion. The slides, links, pivoting members, and reload arm may be constructed of a variety of materials such as plastic, e.g., cellulose acetate or polymer.

In alternative embodiments, the combination of projections and grooves, or projections and recesses, in which the projections fall or are guided within the grooves or recesses, may be reversed. In other words, a component that has been described as having a protrusion may be made with a recess or groove in alternative embodiments, and a component that has been described as having a recess or groove may be made with a protrusion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dampened movement mechanism of the present invention is mounted on a under-mount slide 200 as an auto-close dampened mechanism to provide a gradual closing of the drawers of the cabinet. An exemplary under-mount slide 200 is shown in cross-section in fig. 9. A typical under-mount slide has a fixed member 202 mounted on a cabinet fixed structure (not shown). The intermediate slide member 204 is slidably coupled to the stationary member. An extendable slide member 206 is slidably coupled to the intermediate member and to a cabinet moving member, such as a drawer (not shown). In another exemplary embodiment, the slide may have only a fixed member and an extendible member that is directly slidably connected to the fixed member. Bearings (not shown) are used to slidably couple the sliding elements to each other. Typically, two slides are used to connect the drawer to the cabinet, one on each side of the drawer. The drawer is typically mounted on an upper surface of the extendible member. An exemplary dampened movement mechanism may be mounted on one or both slides. For convenience, only the dampened movement mechanism mounted on one slide is described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the exemplary dampened movement mechanism is mounted on the stationary member using a bracket 208 mounted on a lower surface of the slide stationary member. The dampened movement mechanism housing portion 12a rests on the bracket such that the housing is spaced from the slide stationary member and proximate the extendible slide member, as shown for example in fig. 9. A lance tab (land tab) cut from the carrier or other known mechanism may be used to retain the housing on the carrier. In another exemplary embodiment, the housing may be adhered to the bracket. In addition, the slot 121, 121a defined between the pivoting member and the reload arm faces the slide extendible member 206 when mounted on the carriage.

The setter 210 is attached to the extendable element 206 as shown, for example, in fig. 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the setter includes a pin 212 that is received within a slot 121, 121a defined between the pivoting member and the reload arm. In the exemplary embodiment, the setter includes a body portion 214 and two arms 216 extending symmetrically from either end of the body. A pin 212 extends laterally from each arm. By employing a setter having two arms and two pins, a single type setter can be used for both left and right hand slides connecting a drawer to a cabinet. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the setter includes only one arm and one pin. In another alternative exemplary embodiment, the setter may be a lanced tab that throws out of the extendible slide member such that it extends outwardly, or it may be an arm connected to the extendible member (not shown), which tab or arm may be received within a slot 121, 121a formed between the pivoting member and the reload arm.

Since the example embodiment dampened movement mechanism is mounted as a self closing dampened mechanism, the example embodiment mechanism is mounted along the stationary member in a position where the setter pin or arm that is receivable by the slot 121, 121a is positioned near or at the slot 121, 121a when the pivoting member is in its rear end position of travel along the pivoting member groove, such as shown in FIG. 1, when the drawer is in the fully closed position.

For illustrative purposes, the operation of the dampened movement mechanism interacting with a setter having a setter pin is described. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the setter need not necessarily have a pin. Under normal operation with the drawer open, the extendible slide is extended relative to the slide stationary member and the pivoting member second projection 108 and the reload arm projection 120 are located at the second lateral portions 24b and 24a of the pivoting member recess, respectively. When in this position, the slider 38 is in a forward travel position whereby the spring 62 is extended to create a force that pulls the projections 108 and 120 against the transverse portion rear edges 27b and 27a of the pivoting member groove, respectively, thereby maintaining the slider and pivoting member in a forward "armed" position against the edges 27b, 27 a.

When the drawer is closed, the extendable element retracts relative to the fixed element. When the pin of the setter reaches the slot 121, 121a defined between the pivoting member and the reload arm, it enters the slot and applies a force to the finger 96 of the pivoting member via the edge 123 of the finger 96 (fig. 10) causing the pivoting member to pivot about the pivoting member pin 94 and the opening 56 formed in the slider and rotate as the projections 108 and 120 are guided along the transverse portions of the pivoting member grooves 24b and 24a, respectively. When this occurs, and when the projections 108 and 120 are received within the longitudinal portions 22b and 22a of the pivoting member grooves, respectively, the force exerted by the spring pulls the slider which in turn pulls the pivoting member, which in turn causes the reload arm rear edge 125 defining the slot 121, 121a to exert a force on the setter pin against the rear of the slide, thereby causing the slide extendible member 206 and the drawer to move toward the closed position.

As the slider slides toward the rear end of the housing, the tapered upper surface 46 of the slider applies an upward force to the link, causing the link to gradually move along the link groove and causing the link to apply a force to the dampener arm of the dampener as the height of the portion of the slider upper surface that interacts with the link increases. This force is dampened by the dampener, thereby dampening the sliding movement of the slider and, thus, the extendible slide member of the slide and the sliding action of the drawer. By employing a flex link with a slider having a tapered upper surface for moving the link, a small movement or travel of the dampener arm provides dampening of a relatively large linear slide of the slider and thus of the extendible slide member and the drawer. In the dampened movement mechanism of the exemplary embodiment, an 4/10 inch movement of the dampener arm can provide dampening of 21/2 inch linear sliding of the slider.

Thus, as the slide and, consequently, the slide extendible member and the drawer move to the closed position, the movement of the slide and, consequently, the drawer is dampened and thereby slowed to provide a controlled closure. In an exemplary embodiment, the forward upper portion 49 of the slider does not have the same taper as the remaining upper surface 46 of the slider, or is horizontal, and as this portion approaches the link, the amount of dampening provided by the dampener is reduced because the amount of increase in the force exerted on the link by the linear movement of the slider is reduced. The reduced damping provides a direct, less damped closing force by the spring on the extendible slide member and consequently on the drawer as the slide and consequently the extendible slide member and the drawer close to the end of their travel. In other words, by reducing damping during the last stroke, a greater force is exerted on the slider and thus on the extendible slide member to reliably close the drawer.

When the drawer is opened, the extendible slide member extends relative to the fixed member. Likewise, the setter pin exerts a force on the reload arm rear edge 125 causing the slider projections 44a, 44b and the pivoting member as well as the reload arm projections 108 and 120 to slide along the slider grooves and pivoting member grooves formed on the housing portions, respectively. When this occurs, the amount of force applied to the link by the tapered surface on the slider is reduced because the height of the portion of the upper surface of the slider that applies force to the link is reduced, thereby causing the dampener arm to extend outwardly.

As the drawer continues to be pulled open, the setter pin continues to apply a force to the reload arm rear edge 125 until the protrusion 108 of the pivoting member and the protrusion 120 of the reload arm reach the transverse portions 24b, 24a, respectively, of the pivoting member groove formed on the housing portions. When this occurs and as the extensible slide member continues to extend, the setter pin attempts to ride on the upwardly and forwardly extending, i.e., tapered, rear edges 125, 125a of the reload arm, thereby applying a force to the rear edges 125, 125a of the reload arm, causing the pivoting member to pivot about the pivoting member pin 94 and opening 56 formed on the slider ear and causing the projections 108 and 120 to engage the rear edges 27b, 27a, respectively, of the transverse portions of the pivoting member groove formed on the housing portion. These rear edges hold the pivoting member and reload arm in a "standby" position because the extended spring applies a force to the slider, pulling the slider and therewith the pivoting member and reload arm and their protrusions 108,120 against the rear edges of the pivoting member groove. As the drawer is further withdrawn, the setter pin is withdrawn from the slot 121, 121a defined by the pivoting member and the reload arm.

The mechanism can be easily "re-armed" if it is inadvertently "disarmed," i.e., the pivoting member with the reload arm and slider is slid to the rearward position of the housing without the setter pin being in the slot 121, 121a defined between the pivoting member and the reload arm. This can be achieved by closing the drawer. When the drawer is closed and the extendable slide member is moved rearward, the setter pin will engage the reload arm forward edge 125, 125a to cause the reload arm to flex (i.e., compress). As the extendible slide member is further retracted, the setter pin moves past the curved reload arm into the slot 121, 121a defined between the reload arm and the pivoting member, thereby allowing the setter pin to reengage with the actuator. If the drawer is now open, the mechanism will be in a re-armed state. In an exemplary embodiment where a reload arm is not used, such as when a pivoting member 92b is used as shown in FIG. 5C, the setter pin will engage the forward portion 110b of the actuator to cause the forward portion to flex (i.e., compress) so that the setter pin can be reengaged with the actuator.

The amount of damping provided by the exemplary automatic movement mechanism is also a function of the taper of the slider upper surface 46. If the taper angle 47 is increased, a greater amount of damping will be provided. Similarly, if the taper angle 47 is decreased, a smaller amount of damping is provided. Thus, once the damper is selected, the amount of damping provided can be tailored by selecting a slider having an appropriate upper surface taper angle 47. Moreover, the amount of damping provided can also be controlled by varying the shape and size of the connector and/or the angle 36a, 36b between the main portion of the groove and the damper groove connector portion.

Any of the exemplary embodiments of the dampened movement mechanism may also function as an automatic opening mechanism. This can be achieved by reversing the mounting of the mechanism on the slide.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the spring may be connected at one end to the slider and at the other end to a sliding element mounting the mechanism rather than to the housing of the automatic movement mechanism. In another exemplary embodiment, instead of forming recesses or grooves on the housing, the housing may be formed with specific pockets having a geometry to guide the components they enclose, such as the pivoting member, reload arm, slider or link. In other words, the geometry of the housing itself may be used to guide the movement of various components of the mechanism.

In other exemplary embodiments, instead of a single groove, a plurality of grooves may be formed. For example, instead of a single slider groove 18a, two slider grooves 18 a' and 18a ″ shown in fig. 2E, for example, may be formed to guide the slider. In this way, one of the slider projections, such as slider projection 45a shown in FIG. 3F, will be received within groove 18 a' and the other of the slider projections 45a will be received within groove 18a ". Moreover, the second transverse portion 24a ' of the pivoting member groove 20a ', such as shown in fig. 2E, may define a rear edge 27a ' that is at an angle 26a ' of about 90 ° and less than 180 ° relative to the longitudinal portion 22a ' of the pivoting member groove. In another exemplary embodiment, the dampened movement mechanism of the present invention may be mounted on a non-stationary member of a slide, such as an intermediate slide member, to automatically move an extendible slide member slidably coupled to the non-stationary member.

It should be noted that in other exemplary embodiments, a component such as the slider 38a shown in FIG. 3F, or the link 76a shown in FIG. 4B, or the actuator 92B shown in FIG. 5C is formed with a peripheral surface or lip such as the lip 47B shown in FIG. 3F, or the lip 83B shown in FIG. 4B, or the lip 129B shown in FIG. 5C to engage a corresponding groove in the housing portion 12B. In this way, a smaller surface of each component, i.e. the lip, comes into contact with the housing groove to reduce friction as that portion slides within the groove. The lip may be used instead of a protrusion or pin. For example, the actuator 92b does not have a projection that engages the rear edge 27a on the pivoting member recess, but rather employs a lip 129a that engages the rear edge 27a to remain in a standby position.

In another exemplary embodiment, all of the above exemplary embodiments may be formed with a protrusion instead of a groove and a groove instead of a protrusion. In other words, where the protrusion is said to mate with the groove on the second component, the first component may be formed with a groove instead of the protrusion, and the second component may be formed with a protrusion instead of the groove, such that the protrusion of the second component mates with the groove of the first portion.

The foregoing description has been presented with reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principal, spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description should not be read as pertaining only to the precise structures and methods described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Claims (29)

1. An automatic moving slide comprising:

a first sliding member;

a second slide member slidably coupled to the first slide member, wherein the first slide member slides relative to the second slide member; and

an automatic moving mechanism coupled to the second slide member, the automatic moving mechanism comprising:

a shell body, a plurality of first connecting rods and a plurality of second connecting rods,

a sliding member that slides along the housing and,

an actuator pivotally coupled to the slide and slidable along the housing, the actuator being capable of being coupled to the first slide member to move the first slide member,

a damper damping movement of the slider, and

and a connecting member connecting the damper to the slider.

2. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 1 further comprising a spring coupled to the slide and the housing.

3. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 2 wherein the slide slides with the actuator along the housing between the first position and the second position.

4. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 3 wherein the spring exerts a force to move the slide to the first position.

5. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 4 wherein when in the first position the actuator is in the first position and when in the second position the actuator is pivotable to the second position.

6. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 5 wherein the dampener dampens movement of the slider only when moving toward the first fixed position.

7. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 6 wherein the slider includes an inclined surface, and wherein the link rests on the inclined surface when the slider slides to the first position and applies a force to the dampener.

8. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 7 wherein the damper comprises a piston that slides within the body against a damping force, and an arm extending from the piston, wherein the link applies a force to the arm to move the arm against the damping force.

9. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 6 further comprising a setter extending from the first slide member, wherein the actuator includes a slot and the setter is received within the slot to couple the first slide member to the actuator.

10. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 9 wherein the actuator comprises a pivoting member and a reload arm coupled to the pivoting member, wherein the pivoting member is pivotally coupled to the slider such that the slider is pivotally coupled to the actuator.

11. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 10 wherein the actuator comprises a first edge opposite a second edge, wherein the slot is defined between the first edge and the second edge, and wherein the first edge is formed on the reload arm and the second edge is formed on the pivoting member.

12. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 11 wherein the setter causes the slider to move to the second location and causes the actuator to pivot to the second position when the first slide member is extended relative to the second slide member, wherein when the actuator is in the second position the setter disengages from the actuator as the first slide member is further extended.

13. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 12 wherein when the actuator is in the second position it is urged against a portion of the housing by the spring force, said actuator being maintained in said second position by said portion of the housing.

14. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 12 wherein when retracting the first slide member relative to the second slide member, the setter couples to the actuator in the second position and causes the actuator to pivot to the first position, and wherein when in the second position, the spring force causes the actuator to slide with the slide to the first location, thereby causing the setter and the first slide member to slide to the first position.

15. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 12 wherein the housing comprises a first groove and a second groove, the second groove having a first portion and a second portion extending transversely from the first portion, wherein the slider comprises a projection, the slider projection guiding the slider along the first groove, and the actuator comprises a projection, the actuator projection guiding the actuator along the second groove, the actuator projection being at the second portion of the second groove and being urged against the second portion of the second groove by the spring force when the actuator is in the second position to thereby retain the actuator against the second portion of the second groove.

16. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 15 wherein when the slide is in the second position, the reload arm is pushed and flexed by the setter and the first slide member is retracted relative to the second slide member to allow setter to be received within the actuator slot.

17. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 15 wherein the housing comprises a first portion opposite a second portion, wherein the first and second grooves are formed on the first housing portion, a third groove is formed on the second housing portion, and a fourth groove is formed on the second housing portion, the fourth groove having a first portion and a second portion extending laterally from the fourth groove first portion, the third groove being a mirror image of the first groove and the fourth groove being a mirror image of the second groove, the slider comprises a second projection that guides the actuator along the third groove, and the reload arm comprises a projection that guides the actuator along the fourth groove.

18. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 9 wherein the actuator includes a portion that compresses when pushed by the setter with the slider in the second location and the first slide member is retracted relative to the second slide member to allow setter to be received within the actuator slot.

19. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 18 wherein the actuator comprises a pivoting member pivotally coupled to the slide and the actuator portion is a reload arm coupled to the pivoting member, wherein the reload arm flexes to compress when pushed by the setter.

20. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 5 wherein the housing comprises a first groove and a second groove, the second groove having a first portion and a second portion extending transversely from the first portion, wherein the slider comprises a projection, the slider projection guiding the slider along the first groove, and the actuator comprises a projection, the actuator projection guiding the actuator along the second groove, the actuator projection being at the second portion of the second groove and being urged against the second portion of the second groove by the spring force when the actuator is in the second position, thereby retaining the actuator against the second portion of the second groove.

21. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 1 wherein the slider includes an inclined surface, wherein the link rides on the inclined surface to apply a force to the dampener as the slider moves toward the first position.

22. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 1 further comprising a setter extending from the first slide member, wherein the actuator includes a slot and the setter is received within the slot to couple the first slide member to the actuator.

23. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 22 wherein the setter is separate from and coupled to the first slide member.

24. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises a compressible portion capable of being compressed by the first slide member.

25. The self-moving slide as recited in claim 24 wherein the actuator comprises a slot adjacent to the compressible portion and wherein the first slide member comprises a portion received within the slot for connecting the first slide member to the actuator.

26. An automatic moving slide comprising:

a first sliding member;

a second slide member slidably coupled to the first slide member, wherein the first slide member slides relative to the second slide member; and

an automatic moving mechanism coupled to the second slide member, the automatic moving mechanism comprising:

a shell body, a plurality of first connecting rods and a plurality of second connecting rods,

a sliding member that slides along the housing and,

an actuator pivotally coupled to the slide and slidable along the housing, the actuator being capable of being coupled to the first slide member to move the first slide member,

a damper that damps movement of the slider;

a spring coupled to the slider and the housing, wherein the slider slides with the actuator along the housing between a first position and a second position, the spring exerting a force to move the slider to the first position, wherein when in the first position the actuator is in the first position, and wherein when in the second position the actuator is pivotable to the second position; the housing includes a first groove and a second groove having a first portion and a second portion extending laterally from the first portion, wherein the slider includes a projection that guides the slider along the first groove and the actuator includes a projection that guides the actuator along the second groove, the actuator projection being at the second portion of the second groove and being pressed against the second portion of the second groove by the spring force when the actuator is in the second position to thereby retain the actuator against the second portion of the second groove.

27. An automatic moving slide comprising:

a first sliding member;

a second slide member slidably coupled to the first slide member, wherein the first slide member slides relative to the second slide member; and

an automatic moving mechanism coupled to the second slide member, the automatic moving mechanism comprising:

a shell body, a plurality of first connecting rods and a plurality of second connecting rods,

a slider sliding along the housing, wherein the slider includes an inclined surface,

an actuator pivotally connected to the slide and sliding along the housing, the actuator being connectable to the first slide member for moving the first slide member, an

A damper acting through the slider inclined surface for damping movement of the slider.

28. An automatic moving slide comprising:

a first sliding member;

a second slide member slidably coupled to the first slide member, wherein the first slide member slides relative to the second slide member; and

an automatic moving mechanism coupled to the second slide member, the automatic moving mechanism comprising:

a sliding member slidable relative to the second sliding element, the sliding member being connectable with the first sliding element to move the first sliding element,

a damper damping movement of the sliding member, and

a connecting member connecting the damper to the slide member;

wherein the sliding member is slidable relative to the connector.

29. An automatic moving slide comprising:

a first sliding member;

a second slide member slidably coupled to the first slide member, wherein the first slide member slides relative to the second slide member; and

an automatic moving mechanism coupled to the second slide member, the automatic moving mechanism comprising:

a sliding member slidable relative to the second sliding element, wherein the sliding member comprises an inclined surface, and wherein the sliding member is connectable with the first sliding element to move the first sliding element, an

A damper acting through the inclined surface of the sliding member to damp movement of the sliding member;

wherein the inclined surface is slidable with respect to the damper.