[0001] The present invention relates to a lock with automatic closure and push opening.
[0002] In the field of furniture manufacturing, particularly for furnishing caravans, campers,
boats or truck cabins, pieces of furniture are known which comprise a structure which
forms a compartment in front of which a closure leaf is arranged which is articulated
about a substantially horizontal axis by means of hinges, of the type of conventional
wall-mounted furniture, overhead compartments, and the like. These hinges must allow
the movement of the leaf between a closed configuration, in which it is directed downward
so as to occlude the corresponding compartment, and an open configuration, in which
it is rotated and raised upward so as to allow access to said compartment.
[0003] Currently applicable statutory provisions related to safety require, in moving vehicles,
the fitting of locks that lock the leaf in the closed configuration, until they are
released manually, to avoid accidental openings of the compartment and the escape
of the objects contained therein, with consequent risk of damage to them or of injury
of nearby people.
[0004] For this purpose, locks with automatic closure have been developed which essentially
provide a supporting plate which has a through hole inside which a lever is inserted
so as to pass through, said lever oscillating about a pivot between a locking position
and a release position, having a first end which supports a detent which protrudes
from one side of the supporting plate and a second maneuvering end which protrudes
from the opposite side of said supporting plate. The lock has elastic means for contrasting
the movement of the lever from the locking position to the release position.
[0005] In use, the supporting plate is applied at a slot formed on the leaf, so that the
lever passes through it and the corresponding first end that supports the detent protrudes
toward the inside of the compartment and the second end is accessible from the outside
of the leaf in order to actuate its movement from the locking position to the release
position during opening.
[0006] The lock further comprises a fastening base which can be associated with one of the
walls inside the compartment, from which an abutment tooth protrudes with which said
detent engages in the locking position in order to prevent the accidental opening
of the leaf.
[0007] The abutment tooth is shaped with a first surface, which in use is directed toward
the leaf and acts as a ramp to guide the detent from the locking position to the release
position, and a second surface, which is arranged opposite the first one and is directed,
in use, toward the inside of the compartment and forms an undercut for the engagement
of the detent in the locking position.
[0008] During closure, the detent, initially in the locking position, slides on the first
surface of the abutment tooth, moving into the release position to pass beyond said
tooth and return to the locking position by virtue of the elastic contrast means,
engaging with the corresponding second surface in order to hinder the opening of the
leaf of the piece of furniture.
[0009] To open the piece of furniture, the user must act from outside on the second end
of the lever which supports the detent in order to move it from the locking position
to the release position, acting in contrast with said elastic means.
[0010] The external surface of the leaf is generally associated with profiled elements or
handles which partially cover the second end of the lever and the slot at which the
supporting plate of said lever is applied.
[0011] It is noted that these known locks close automatically if the leaf is supported in
rotation by traditional snap-acting hinges or by hinges with damped closing. These
hinges in fact are provided with springs for return to the closed configuration.
[0012] However, these locks of the known type are not free from drawbacks, which include
the fact that they entail the need to perform additional work on the leaf both to
form the passage slots of the lever that supports the detent and to mount the external
protective and aesthetic covering elements.
[0013] Moreover, these locks of the known type remain visible from the outside of the leaf
and require protective or aesthetic covering elements provided on said leaf, which
sometimes penalize the overall design of the pieces of furniture in which they are
incorporated.
[0014] As an alternative, concealed locks with push opening are known which do not have
components that are visible from the outside of the leaf and are released following
a pressure applied to said leaf in the direction of approach to the structure of the
piece of furniture.
[0015] However, these locks do not allow to obtain reliable automatic locking upon closure
and therefore are not suitable to be used in moving vehicles.
[0016] Moreover, these locks have rather delicate components and therefore are often subject
to failure if the user tries to open the leaf incorrectly by pulling the leaf instead
of pushing it.
[0017] The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks noted above of the
background art by devising a lock with automatic closure and push opening that allows
to obtain a stable closed locking in order to avoid accidental openings, without requiring
the execution of particular provisions on the leaf or the fitting of additional components.
[0018] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to devise a lock that has
no elements that protrude or are in any case visible outside the leaf and to not require
the fitting of additional components for covering and/or protecting said lock which
are visible externally to the piece of furniture, so as to allow concealed fitting
on the leaf.
[0019] A further object of the present invention is to devise lock that ensures reliable
closed locking so that it can be used for pieces of furniture of campers, caravans,
trucks, boats and vehicles in general.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to devise a lock that is practical to
release, in order to allow to open the piece of furniture, and to be sturdy in case
of incorrect use.
[0021] Not least object of the present invention is to provide a lock that is simple, relatively
easy to provide in practice, safe in use, effective in operation, and relatively low
in cost.
[0022] This aim and these objects are all achieved by the present lock with automatic closure
and push opening having the characteristics stated in the following claim 1 and optionally
having one or more of the characteristics stated in the subsequent dependent claims.
[0023] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better
apparent from the detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments
of a lock with automatic closure and push opening, illustrated by way of non-limiting
example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a lock with automatic
closure and push opening, according to the invention;
Figures 2 and 3 are respective perspective views of the lock of Figure 1 applied between
a closure leaf and a wall of a piece of furniture during closure;
Figures 4-7 are respective partially sectional views of the first embodiment of the
lock according to the invention applied between a closure leaf and a wall of a piece
of furniture during closure with the detent element, respectively, in the locking
position engaged with the abutment profile, in the equilibrium position and during
movement toward the release position and during opening with the detent element in
the release position;
Figures 8-11 are respective partially sectional views of a second embodiment of the
lock according to the invention applied between a closure leaf and a wall of a piece
of furniture during closure with the detent element, respectively, in the locking
position engaged with the abutment profile, in the equilibrium position and during
movement toward the release position and during opening with the detent element in
the release position;
Figures 12-15 are respective partially sectional views of a third embodiment of the
lock according to the invention applied between a closure leaf and a wall of a piece
of furniture during closure with the detent element, respectively, in the locking
position engaged with the abutment profile, in the equilibrium position and during
movement toward the release position and during opening with the detent element in
the release position;
Figures 16-19 are respective partially sectional views of a fourth embodiment of the
lock according to the invention applied between a closure leaf and a wall of a piece
of furniture during closure with the detent element, respectively, in the locking
position engaged with the abutment profile, in the equilibrium position and during
movement toward the release position and during opening with the detent element in
the release position.
[0024] With particular reference to the above figures, the reference numeral 1 generally
designates a lock with automatic closure and push opening.
[0025] The lock 1 comprises a supporting body 2 associated with a lever 3, which supports
a detent element 4 which oscillates between a locking position and a release position,
and with first elastic means 5 for keeping the lever 3 in the locking position. The
supporting body 2, in use, is associated with a closure leaf 101 of a compartment
of a piece of furniture with the detent element 4 directed toward it.
[0026] The leaf 101 is generally constituted by a substantially plate-like element provided
with two mutually opposite main faces, of which one is exposed and directed toward
the outside of the piece of furniture and one is internal and faces the compartment
of the piece of furniture. The supporting body 2, in use, is applied to the internal
face of the leaf 101 by means of screws or other connecting elements of a known type.
[0027] Typically, the piece of furniture comprises a structure provided with walls 102 which
form said compartment and with which the closure leaf 101 is associated and articulated,
being movable between a closed configuration, in which it is adjacent to the structure
of the piece of furniture so as to occlude the compartment, and an open configuration,
in which it is rotated and lifted upward so as to allow access to said compartment.
Generally, the leaf 101 is associated with the structure of the piece of furniture
by means of one or more hinges, not shown since they are of a known type, which define
a substantially horizontal movement axis.
[0028] For example, the hinges can be of the type of conventional snap-acting hinges, with
return springs and an optional damper which act on closure.
[0029] In the closed configuration, a gap remains between the leaf 101 and the structure
of the piece of furniture in order to allow the movement of the leaf toward the structure
following a pressure applied by a user thereto to release the lock 1.
[0030] Compressible infilling elements, not described in detail, can be provided between
the structure of the piece of furniture and the leaf 101.
[0031] Furthermore, the lock 1 can be paired with conventional pins with a contrast spring
which are mounted inside the structure of the piece of furniture in order to keep
the gap in the closed configuration of the leaf 101 and prevent the lock 1 from opening
accidentally, for example, in the case of heavy leaves which on closure might bring
the detent element 4 directly to the release position, without stopping in the equilibrium
position.
[0032] The supporting body 2 comprises a fixing plate 8, which can be associated so as to
adhere to the internal face of the leaf 101, and a bushing 9, which protrudes from
said plate on the opposite side with respect to the one intended to face the leaf
101, to which the lever 3 is hinged about a first hinge pivot 10.
[0033] The lever 3 has a portion inserted in the bushing 9 in order to mate with the first
pivot 10 and a portion which protrudes from the bushing and with the end of which
the detent element 4 is associated.
[0034] As an alternative to the bushing 9, tabs for supporting the first pivot 10 which
protrude from the fixing plate 8 might be provided.
[0035] Preferably, the lever 3 does not protrude with respect to the fixing plate 8 on the
opposite side with respect to the detent element 4, so as to allow concealed mounting
inside the leaf 101.
[0036] The fixing plate 8 can be fitted to the leaf by means of threaded elements or other
connecting elements of a known type, not shown.
[0037] The first elastic means 5 have an elastic compression element, of the type of a helical
spring or the like, interposed between the lever 3 and the internal wall of the bushing
9 below said lever. As an alternative, the first elastic means 5 might have an elastic
traction element, of the type of a helical spring or the like, interposed between
the lever 3 and the internal wall of the bushing 9 above said lever.
[0038] Furthermore, a stroke limit abutment 11 can be provided which protrudes from the
internal wall of the bushing 9 in order to limit the inclination of the lever 3. The
stroke limit abutment 11 can be of an adjustable type and can be constituted by a
screw or grub in which the stem protrudes inside the bushing 9, as shown, or can be
constituted by a fixed element which protrudes from the internal wall of said bushing.
[0039] Furthermore, the lock 1 comprises a coupling assembly 6 which comprises an abutment
profile 7 of the detent element 4 in the locking position in order to hinder the opening
of said lock.
[0040] In use, the coupling assembly 6 is designed to be associated with one of the walls
102 of the piece of furniture that define the compartment. Preferably, the coupling
assembly 6 can be applied to the horizontal back wall of the compartment, but it might
also be associated, for example, with one of the vertical walls.
[0041] During closure, the detent element 4 can move in an insertion direction, indicated
by the arrows designated by the letter I in the figures, with respect to the coupling
assembly 6 until it passes beyond the abutment profile 7.
[0042] When the detent element 4, initially held in the locking position by the first elastic
means 5 and movable in the insertion direction I, interferes with the abutment profile
7, it tends to move into the release position, so as to pass beyond said profile and
then return to the locking position downstream of the abutment profile 7 in order
to hinder the opening of the leaf 101.
[0043] The coupling assembly 6 further comprises means 12 for moving the detent element
4 toward the release position, which are adapted to cooperate with said element during
movement in the insertion direction I downstream of the abutment profile 7, and means
13 for retention of the detent element 4 in the release position during its movement
in an extraction direction, designated by the arrows marked with the letter E in the
figures, which is opposite with respect to the insertion direction I, relative to
the coupling assembly 6 during opening.
[0044] The coupling assembly 6 comprises a frame 30 provided with a fastening base 14 which
in use is mounted on the wall 102 by means of threaded elements 32 or other connecting
elements of a known type.
[0045] The fastening base 14 further has a face that can be associated with the wall 102
so as to adhere to it.
[0046] The abutment profile 7, the movement means 12 and the retention means 13 are associated
with the frame 30 at the face of the fastening base 14 that is opposite the one that
is associable with the wall 102.
[0047] Preferably, the frame 30 comprises a pair of sides 15 that protrude from the fastening
base 14 at the corresponding face that is opposite to the one associable with the
wall 102.
[0048] Preferably, the abutment profile 7 is interposed between the sides 15.
[0049] The abutment profile 7 is formed by a pivot interposed between the sides 15, but
it is not excluded that it might be shaped differently.
[0050] Preferably, the movement means 12 and the retention means 13 also are associated
with the sides 15.
[0051] The movement means 12 comprise a pusher profile 16 adapted to cooperate with the
detent element 4. The detent element 4 can move in the insertion direction I and is
adapted to abut against the pusher profile 16 to reach an equilibrium position comprised
between the locking position and the release position in the closed configuration
of the lock 1.
[0052] The pusher profile 16 is arranged downstream of the abutment profile 7 in the insertion
direction I, so that the detent element 4 interferes during closure first with the
abutment profile 7 and then with the pusher profile 16 during movement in the insertion
direction I, stopping in the equilibrium position in the closed configuration of the
lock 1.
[0053] When the detent element 4 that is movable in the insertion direction I interferes
with the pusher profile 16, the contact reaction that acts on it contrasts the action
of the first elastic means 5, allowing the movement of said detent element until the
equilibrium position is reached.
[0054] Furthermore, the movement means 12 comprise barrier means 17, comprising an element
18 which is movable between an active position and a passive position and is adapted
to abut in the active position against the detent element 4 in the equilibrium position,
and second elastic means 19 for keeping the movable element 18 in the active position.
The detent element 4 is adapted to press on the movable element 18, moving from the
active position to the passive position following a further movement in the insertion
direction I from the equilibrium position toward the release position, and the movable
element 18 being adapted to return to the active position following the arrangement
of the detent element in the release position to prevent its return to the locking
position.
[0055] When, with the lock 1 in the closed configuration, pressure is applied to the leaf
101, the detent element 4 performs a further movement in the insertion direction I,
cooperating as described above with the barrier means 17 so as to allow the opening
of said lock.
[0056] At this point the detent element 4 cooperates with the retention means 13 to contrast
the action of the first elastic means 5 and remain in the release position while it
is moved in the extraction direction E, until the lock 1 reaches the open configuration.
[0057] The retention means 13 comprise at least one guide 20 for the movement in the extraction
direction E of the detent element 4 in the release position.
[0058] Preferably, the retention means 14 comprise a bridge element 21 associated with the
at least one guide 20.
[0059] The bridge element 21 is arranged above the abutment profile 7. The abutment profile
7 is interposed between the fastening base 14 and the bridge element 21.
[0060] The bridge element 21 can be blended with the sides 15 and be integrated with the
frame 30 or be arranged between said sides.
[0061] The retention means 13 comprise at least one tab 22 which is associated with the
detent element 4 and is arranged so as to rest slidingly along the at least one guide
20 during the opening of the lock 1.
[0062] During the movement of the detent element 4 in the release position in the extraction
direction E, the tab 22 is kept in contact with the corresponding guide 20 by virtue
of the action of the first elastic means 5.
[0063] Preferably, the retention means 13 comprise two guides 20 associated with the bridge
element 21 and two tabs 22 associated with the detent element 4, each of which is
arranged so as to rest slidingly along a corresponding guide 20 during opening.
[0064] The two tabs 22 can be obtained from a preferably metallic pivot which is inserted
so as to pass through the detent element 4 and protrudes laterally with respect to
it, or they can be formed integrally with said detent element.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the lock 1, the pusher profile 16 can move with respect
to the frame 30 and incorporates the movable element 18.
[0066] For example, in a first embodiment (Figures 1-7) the movable pusher profile 16-18
is hinged to the sides 15, the second elastic means 19 being interposed between the
movable pusher profile 16-18 and the frame 30.
[0067] The movable pusher profile 16-18 is hinged about a second pivot 31 for articulation
with respect to the sides 15.
[0068] The second elastic means 19 can have an elastic compression element, of the type
of a helical spring or the like, interposed between the movable pusher profile 16-18
and the sides 15, which is compressed when said profile moves from the active position
to the passive position.
[0069] As an alternative, the second elastic means 19 might provide an elastic traction
element, of the type of a helical spring or the like, interposed between the movable
pusher profile 16-18 and the fastening base 14, which is tensioned when said profile
moves from the active position to the passive configuration.
[0070] The movable pusher profile 16-18 comprises two mutually opposite wings 23, each of
which is arranged so as to face the inside of a corresponding side 15 and is hinged
to the second pivot 22, and between which an abutment ramp 24 of the detent element
4 is interposed. Each wing 23 has a protrusion 25 adapted to abut against a stroke
limit pin 26 interposed between the sides 15 when the movable pusher profile 16-18
is in the active position.
[0071] The stroke limit pin 26 is preferably covered with, or integrally made of, impact-resistant
material in order to reduce the noise of the lock 1 during operation.
[0072] As an alternative, the pusher profile 16 can be fixed with respect to the frame 30.
[0073] In this case, preferably, the pusher profile 16 is interposed between the sides 15
and is fixed with respect to them. For example, the pusher profile 16 can be constituted
by a fixed pin or by a fixed wall interposed between the sides 15, against which the
detent element 4 abuts in the locking position and movable in the insertion direction
I to reach the equilibrium position.
[0074] In a second embodiment (Figures 8-11), the movable element 18 comprises a torsion
spring which has a fixed leg and a movable leg with respect to the frame 30, against
which the detent element 4 abuts in the equilibrium position, the torsion spring 18
also incorporating the second elastic means 19.
[0075] The torsion spring 18-19 is wrapped around a supporting pin 27 interposed between
the sides, with the fixed leg locked between two abutment pins 28 interposed between
the sides 15.
[0076] The pusher profile 16 is constituted by a fixed pin which is interposed between the
sides 15 and is arranged between the abutment profile 7 and the movable leg of the
torsion spring 18-19.
[0077] As an alternative, the bridge element 21 can be movable with respect to the frame
30 and can incorporate the movable element 18.
[0078] In this case, preferably the movable bridge element 18-21 is interposed between the
sides 15 and is hinged with respect to them about a third articulation pivot 29, the
second elastic means 19 being interposed between the movable bridge element 18-21
and the frame 30.
[0079] The pusher profile 16 consists of a wall interposed between the sides 15.
[0080] In a third embodiment (Figures 12-15), the second elastic means 19 comprise an elastic
traction element, of the type of a helical spring or the like, interposed between
the movable bridge element 18-21 and the frame 30.
[0081] In a fourth embodiment (Figures 16-19), the second elastic means 19 comprise an elastic
compression element, of the type of a helical spring or the like, interposed between
the movable bridge element 18-21 and the frame 30.
[0082] In practice it has been found that the described invention achieves the intended
aim and objects and in particular the fact is stressed that the lock according to
the invention allows to obtain a safe and reliable locking in closure and easy push
opening, being practical to use even for pieces of furniture intended to be installed
in vehicles.
[0083] Furthermore, the lock according to the invention can be installed without performing
particular provisions on the closure leaf and without necessarily having to install
covering and protection elements that are visible outside the leaf.
[0084] Therefore, the lock according to the invention, in addition to simplifying the entire
production cycle of the piece of furniture in which it is inserted, reducing its costs,
allows to perform concealed fitting so as to be able to provide leaves without discontinuities.
[0085] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations,
all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.
[0086] All the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
[0087] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions,
may be any according to the requirements without thereby abandoning the protective
scope of the claims that follow.
[0089] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs,
those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility
of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect
on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference
signs.
1. A lock (1) with automatic closure and push opening, comprising
a supporting body (2) which is associated with a lever (3) which supports a detent
element (4) which oscillates between a locking position and a release position and
with first elastic means (5) for keeping said lever (3) in the locking position, the
supporting body (2) being associable with a closure leaf (101) of a compartment of
a piece of furniture with the detent element (4) directed toward it, and
a coupling assembly (6) which comprises an abutment profile (7) of said detent element
(4) in the locking position in order to hinder the opening of said lock, the coupling
assembly (6) being associable with one of the walls (102) of the piece of furniture
which form the compartment,
during closure the detent element (4) being movable in an insertion direction (I)
with respect to the coupling assembly (6) until the abutment profile (7) is passed,
characterized in that said coupling assembly (7) comprises means (12) for the movement of said detent element
(4) toward the release position which are adapted to cooperate with said element during
movement in the insertion direction (I) downstream of said abutment profile (7) and
means (13) for retaining said detent element (4) in the release position during its
movement in an extraction direction (E), which is opposite with respect to the insertion
direction (I), relative to said coupling assembly (6) during opening.
2. The lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said coupling assembly (6) comprises a frame (30) provided with a fastening base
(14) which can be associated with said wall (102) and in that said abutment profile (7), said movement means (12) and said retention means (13)
are associated with said frame (30) on a same side of said fastening base (14).
3. The lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said lever (3) does not protrude with respect to said supporting body (2) on the
opposite side of said detent element (4).
4. The lock (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (12) comprise a pusher profile (16) which cooperates with said
detent element (4), the detent element (4) movable in the insertion direction (I)
being adapted to abut against the pusher profile (16) in order to reach an equilibrium
position comprised between the locking position and the release position in the closed
configuration of said lock.
5. The lock (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said movement means (12) comprise barrier means (17) which comprise an element (18)
which can move between an active position and a passive position and second elastic
means (19) for keeping said movable element (18) in the active position, the detent
element (4) being adapted to move the movable element (18) from the active position
to the passive position as a consequence of a further displacement in the insertion
direction (I) from the equilibrium position toward the release position and the movable
element (18) being adapted to return to the active position following the arrangement
of the detent element (4) in the release position so as to prevent the return thereof
to the locking position.
6. The lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said retention means (13) comprise at least one guide (20) for the movement in the
extraction direction (E) of said detent element (4) in the release position.
7. The lock (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said retention means (13) comprise a bridge element (21) associated with said at
least one guide (20).
8. The lock (1) according to claims 2 and 7, characterized in that said abutment profile (7) is interposed between said fastening base (14) and said
bridge element (21).
9. The lock (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said retention means (13) comprise at least one tab (22) which is associated with
said detent element (4) and is arranged so as to rest slidingly along said at least
one guide (20) during opening.
10. The lock (1) according to claims 6, 7 and 9, characterized in that said retention means (13) comprise two of said guides (20) which are associated with
said bridge element (21) and two of said tabs (22) which are associated with said
detent element (4), each of which rests slidingly along a corresponding guide (20)
during opening.
11. The lock (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said frame (30) comprises a pair of sides (15) which protrude from said fastening
base (14) with which said abutment profile (7), said movement means (12) and said
retention means (13) are associated.
12. The lock (1) according to one or more of claims 1-11, characterized in that said pusher profile (16) can move with respect to said frame (30) and incorporates
said movable element (18).
13. The lock (1) according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that said movable pusher profile (16-18) is hinged to said sides (15), the second elastic
means (19) being interposed between the movable pusher profile (16-18) and the frame
(30).
14. The lock (1) according to one or more of claims 1-11, characterized in that said pusher profile (16) is fixed with respect to said frame (30).
15. The lock (1) according to claims 11 and 14, characterized in that said pusher profile (16) is interposed between said sides (15).
16. The lock (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that said movable element (18) comprises a torsion spring which has a fixed leg and a
movable leg with respect to said frame (30), on which said detent element (4) abuts
in the equilibrium position, the torsion spring (18) incorporating the second elastic
means (19).
17. The lock (1) according to claims 15 and 16, characterized in that said torsion spring (18-19) is wrapped around a supporting pin (27) which is interposed
between said sides (15).
18. The lock (1) according to claims 7 and 14 or 15, characterized in that said bridge element (21) can move with respect to said frame (30) and incorporates
said movable element (18).
19. The lock (1) according to claims 11 and 18, characterized in that said movable bridge element (18-21) is interposed between said sides (15) and is
hinged to them, the second elastic means (19) being interposed between the bridge
element (21) and the frame (30).