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Title:
FURNISHING ELEMENT COMPRISING DOORS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/197944
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The object of the present invention is a furnishing element (1) comprising: - a furnishing element structure (2), - said furnishing element structure (2) comprising at least two side shoulders (3, 4) and at least one upper panel (5); - said shoulders (3, 4) and said upper panel (5) delimiting at least one furnishing element compartment (6) which is accessible through a furnishing element opening (7) for accessing said compartment (6); - said furnishing element (1) comprising at least a first door (8); - said first door (8) comprising a first and a second first door side (9, 10) and at least a transverse first door edge (11); - said furnishing element (1) comprising at least a second door (12); - said second door (12) comprising a second door body (13) having at least a transverse second door edge (16); in which - said furnishing element comprises at least a first linear guide (17); - said at least a first linear guide (17) being connected to said at least a first side shoulder (3); - said furnishing element comprises at least a first carriage (19) connected to said first first door side (9); said first carriage (19) being associated with said first linear guide (17) so as to allow a linear movement of said first carriage (19) along a rectilinear linear trajectory; - said first carriage (19) avoids a rotation of said first door (8) and only allows a rectilinear linear movement of said first door (8); and in which - said transverse second door edge (16) being connected to be free to rotate about said transverse first door edge (11); and in which - said furnishing element comprises at least one connecting rod (21) hinged to be free to rotate about said furnishing element structure (2) and about said second door body (13); - said at least one connecting rod (21) guides said second door (12) in rotations which substantially revolve about said furnishing element structure (2).

Inventors:
CENTAZZO GABRIELE (IT)
COLLOVATI RUDY (IT)
ZULIANELLO LUCA (IT)
GRAFFEO MASSIMO (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2019/052722
Publication Date:
October 17, 2019
Filing Date:
April 03, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
VALCUCINE SPA (IT)
International Classes:
E05D13/00; E05D15/26; E05F15/605; E06B3/48; E05D15/58
Domestic Patent References:
WO2015028460A12015-03-05
Foreign References:
DE376576C1923-05-30
DE19508482A11996-09-12
EP2184430A12010-05-12
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CRIPPA, Paolo Ernesto et al. (IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A furnishing element (1) comprising:

- a furnishing element structure (2),

- said furnishing element structure (2) comprising at least two side shoulders (3, 4) and at least one upper panel (5);

- said shoulders (3, 4) and said upper panel (5) delimiting at least one furnishing element compartment (6) which is accessible through a furnishing element opening (7) for accessing said compartment (6);

- said furnishing element (1) comprising at least a first door (8);

- said first door (8) comprising a first and a second first door side (9, 10) and at least a transverse first door edge (11);

- said furnishing element (1) comprising at least a second door (12) ;

- said second door (12) comprising a second door body (13) having at least a transverse second door edge (16);

wherein

- said furnishing element comprises at least a first linear guide (17) ;

- said at least a first linear guide (17) being connected to said at least a first side shoulder (3) ;

- said furnishing element comprises at least a first carriage (19) connected to said first first door side (9);

- said first carriage (19) being associated with said first linear guide (17) so as to allow a linear movement of said first carriage (19) along a rectilinear linear trajectory; - said first carriage (19) avoids a rotation of said first door (8) and only allows a rectilinear linear movement of said first door (8) ;

and wherein

- said transverse second door edge (16) being connected to be free to rotate about said transverse first door edge (11);

and wherein

- said furnishing element comprises at least one connecting rod (21) hinged to be free to rotate about said furnishing element structure (2) and about said second door body (13) ;

- said at least one connecting rod (21) guides said second door (12) in rotations which substantially revolve about said furnishing element structure (2).

2 . A furnishing element (1) according to claim 1, wherein

- said transverse second door edge (16) is hinged to said transverse first door edge (11) ;

and/or wherein

- said second door (12) comprises a second door body (13) having a first and a second second door side (14, 15) ;

and/or wherein

- said furnishing element further comprises at least a second linear guide (18 ) ;

- said at least a second linear guide (18) is connected to said at least a second side shoulder (3) ;

said furnishing element comprises at least a second carriage (20) connected to said second first door side (10);

- said second carriage (20) being associated with said second linear guide (18) so as to allow a linear movement along a rectilinear linear trajectory;

- said second carriage (20) avoids a rotation of said first door (8) and only allows a rectilinear linear movement of said first door (8) ;

and wherein

- said furnishing element comprises at least a second connecting rod

(22) hinged to be free to rotate about said furnishing element structure (2) and about said second door body (13) ;

and/or wherein

- said first connecting rod (21) is hinged to be free to rotate about said upper panel (5) and about said second door body (13) ;

and/or wherein

- said second connecting rod (22) is hinged to be free to rotate about said upper panel (5) and about said second door body (13) .

3 . A furnishing element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

- said furnishing element opening (7) through which said furnishing element compartment (6) is accessed is delimited by an opening edge

(23) , and wherein

- when in closed position, said first door (8) is arranged close to said opening edge (23) ;

and/or wherein - said first linear guide (17) is arranged close to said opening edge (23) ;

and/or wherein

- said second linear guide (18) is arranged close to said opening edge (23) ;

and/or wherein

- when in closed position of said furnishing element opening, said first door (8) and said second door (12) are coplanar to each other; and/or wherein

- when in position of maximum opening of said furnishing element opening (7), said first door (8) and said second door (12) are substantially transverse to each other.

4 . A furnishing element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

- said at least a first carriage (19) is connected to a first first shoulder counterweight (24);

and/or wherein

- said first first shoulder counterweight (24) is arranged so as to travel, during the movement thereof in a direction opposite to said first carriage (19), a trajectory which is substantially parallel to said first side shoulder (3) ;

and/or wherein

- said second carriage (20) is connected to a second second shoulder counterweight (25) ;

and/or wherein - said second second shoulder counterweight (25) is arranged so as to travel, during the movement thereof in a direction opposite to said second carriage (20), a trajectory which is substantially parallel to said second side shoulder (4) .

5 . A furnishing element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

- said at least a first carriage (19) is connected to a first first shoulder counterweight (24) by means of a first toothed belt (26) which is wound while returning about at least a first toothed pulley (27) ;

and/or wherein

- said at least a first toothed pulley (27) is a plurality of first toothed pulleys (27, 28);

and/or wherein

- said second carriage (20) is connected to a second second shoulder counterweight (25) by means of a second toothed belt (29) which is wound while returning about at least a second toothed pulley (30); and/or wherein

- said at least a second toothed pulley (30) is a plurality of second toothed pulleys (30, 31);

and/or wherein

- said first toothed pulley (27) is keyed onto a synchronism shaft (32), and wherein said second toothed pulley (30) is keyed onto the same synchronism shaft (32) so as to mutually synchronize the movement of the first and second first door sides (9, 10); and/or wherein

- said synchronism shaft (32) comprises a toothed drive pulley (33) operatively connected to an actuator, e.g. an electric motor (34), to rotate said synchronism shaft in a controlled manner according to an opening or closing command, thus moving said first and second doors (8, 12) to be opened or closed;

and/or wherein

- said electric motor (34) comprises a toothed pinion (35) on which a toothed motor belt (36) is meshed, and wherein said toothed motor belt (36) meshes on said toothed drive pulley (33) ;

and/or wherein

- said electric motor (34) is operatively connected to a drive and to a control device for the actuation thereof limited by electric limit switches;

and/or wherein

- said control device is operated by a remote control.

6. A furnishing element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

- said at least a first carriage (19) is connected to a first first shoulder counterweight (24) by means of a first pair of ropes (37, 38) which are wound while returning about at least a first plurality of rope pulleys (39) ;

and/or wherein

- said second carriage (20) is connected to a second second shoulder counterweight (25) by means of a second pair of ropes (40, 41) which are wound while returning about at least a second plurality of rope pulleys (42) .

7 . A furnishing element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

- said at least a first carriage (19) is connected to said furnishing element structure (2) by means of a first spring rope (43) ;

and/or wherein

- said first spring rope (43) is firmly connected, at one end thereof, to said first carriage (19), and is firmly connected, at the opposite end thereof, to said furnishing element structure (2); and wherein said first spring rope (43) is wound, along the path thereof, about a first free spring pulley (44) which is constantly biased by at least one spring (45) connected, at the opposite end thereof, to the furnishing element structure (2), thus tensioning said first spring rope (43) in a predetermined manner;

and/or wherein

- said first spring rope (43) is wound, along the path thereof, about a first free counterweight pulley (46); and wherein said first free counterweight pulley (46) is selectively biased by a limited- effect counterweight (47) ;

and/or wherein

- said limited-effect counterweight (47) is connected to said first free counterweight pulley (46) by means of a counterweight rod (48); and wherein said counterweight rod (48) slides in a rod bearing (49) which limits the travel of said counterweight rod (48) .

8. A furnishing element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

- said at least a second carriage (20) is connected to said furnishing element structure (2) by means of a second spring rope (50) ;

and/or wherein

- said second spring rope (50) is firmly connected, at one end thereof, to said second carriage (20), and is firmly connected, at the opposite end thereof, to said furnishing element structure (2); and wherein said second spring rope (50) is wound, along the path thereof, about a second free spring pulley (51) which is constantly biased by at least a second spring (52) connected, at the opposite end thereof, to the furnishing element structure (2), thus tensioning said second spring rope (50) in a predetermined manner; and/or wherein

- said second spring rope (50) is wound, along the path thereof, about a second free counterweight pulley (53); and wherein said second free counterweight pulley (53) is selectively biased by a second limited-effect counterweight (54);

and/or wherein

- said second limited-effect counterweight (54) is connected to said second free counterweight pulley (53) by means of a second counterweight rod (55); and wherein said second counterweight rod (55) slides in a second rod bearing (56) which limits the travel of said second counterweight rod (55) .

9 . A furnishing element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

- said furnishing element (1) is a kitchen and said compartment (6) is defined by the volume above the worktop (59) of the kitchen, comprising the cabinets above the kitchen;

and/or wherein

- when in closed position, said first and second doors (8, 12) are substantially coplanar with the front surface of the kitchen part placed below the worktop (59), for example the front surface of the built-in household appliances of the kitchen (58);

and/or wherein

- said furnishing element (1) is a bar cabinet;

and/or wherein

- said furnishing element (1) is a food preparation area of a kitchen;

and/or wherein

- said furnishing element (1) is a sideboard or a cupboard;

and/or wherein

- said furnishing element (1) is a closet.

10 . A method for opening a compartment of a furnishing element (6) delimited by a furnishing element support structure (2), wherein

- said compartment (6) is provided in a furnishing element (1) comprising said furnishing element support structure (2) which is accessible through a furnishing element opening (7);

- said furnishing element comprises at least a first and a second door (8, 12) to close and open said furnishing element opening (7); - said first and second doors (8, 12) being connected to each other by means of at least one hinge (57);

wherein there are provided the steps of

- moving said first door (8) along a rectilinear linear trajectory;

- moving said second door (12) along curvilinear trajectories.

Description:
DESCRIPTION

"Furnishing element comprising doors"

[0001] . Field of the invention

[0002] . The object of the present invention is a furnishing element comprising doors for closing at least one compartment in the furnishing element.

[0003] . The object of the present invention is also a furnishing element comprising at least a pair of doors which interact with the furnishing element to open or close an access opening thereof to an inner compartment of the furnishing element.

[0004] . Background art

[0005] . Furnishing elements are known which have a support structure that delimits a compartment suitable for placing objects or food and which is accessible by means of an opening closed by openable doors .

[0006] . These known solutions have the openable doors movably connected with respect to the structure. However, this movement of the doors creates various problems for the user of the furnishing element .

[0007] . The known movement devices of the doors in certain cases do not free the access to the whole compartment during or after the movement of the doors and often interfere with the volume delimited by said compartment during the movement, thus forcing to leave a portion of said compartment unused and in fact making the compartment itself completely unusable.

[0008] . This problem of the known solutions is emphasized in the case the compartments of the furnishing elements are large, such as the compartments of the cabinets of a kitchen or the whole space arranged above the worktop and cooktop of the kitchen itself, or the compartments of cupboards or food preparation areas or the furnishing elements used as a bar or sideboard, but also of closets.

[0009] . It is known from document EP2032791 to frontally close the whole compartment of a kitchen by means of folding doors which fold onto themselves and slide to the side, thus being inserted in a specific compartment arranged to the side of the kitchen.

[0010] . Although highly advantageous, this known solution in any case forces the user to move away from the furnishing element to allow the folding doors to move in front of the kitchen and fold by translating laterally, therefore creating an obstacle during the opening which requires a wide free maneuvering space precisely in front of the kitchen itself.

[0011] . Solutions of doors for cabinets or compartments of cupboards arranged behind the volume arranged above a worktop of a kitchen are known from document EP3228800 and also from document EP2265789. These known solutions require specific spaces obtained behind the kitchen furniture to accommodate the door or the sliding doors which are lowered to open the compartment of the cabinet or of the cupboard, spaces which often are not otherwise usable also when they do not house the door. Moreover, these known solutions are unsuitable for frontally closing a compartment of a furnishing element, such as for example, the space arranged above a cooktop and worktop of a kitchen because during the operation thereof, they would be lowered in front of the kitchen furniture, in fact making it unusable simultaneously to the cooktop and worktop.

[0012] . The solution of synchronously opening two swing doors with a cascade of gears is known from document EP2142741.

[0013] . Although it is advantageous from certain points of view, this known solution is not always suitable for opening a compartment which is also a work space because by leaving the doors frontally protruding overhangingly to the furnishing element, they make the approaching to the work space by an operator very complex, if not impossible .

[0014] . A similar solution is also known from EP2021567.

[0015] . It is known from document EP2262396 to make a raisable partitioning panel which selectively separates two work spaces of a kitchen which, when open, acts as serving hatch from one side to the other of the kitchen through the furnishing element itself.

[0016] . Although it is advantageous from many points of view, this known solution does not have a solution suitable for leaving free the volume of the compartment because it requires leaving a specific seat which houses the sliding door inside the furnishing element.

[0017] . A lath shutter, or rolling shutter, which closes an opening of a kitchen cabinet is known from document W02009113116.

[0018] . Although it is advantageous from many points of view, this known solution requires a large compartment where the shutter is rolled or folded when raised to open the compartment .

[0019] . A solution of rotary-translating doors is known from document W02014024116, which doors interfere with the compartment of the furnishing element, thereby not allowing a complete use thereof and like other preceding solutions, requiring a free maneuvering space .

[0020] . A solution of rotary-translating door is known from document DE20121033U1, which door opens in front of the compartment, thus limiting the accessibility thereof and making the movement thereof very cumbersome.

[0021] . A solution of rotary-translating door is known from document US6779856, which door is arranged above the furnishing elements, albeit intended for small compartments of small sideboards. Similar solutions are also known from US20010020811, US3771847 and US4516813.

[0022] . Therefore, the need remains felt to have a furnishing element which defines a compartment, also a large compartment, and which is provided with doors which during the opening or closing movement thereof, do not interfere, or interfere only marginally, with said compartment, which simultaneously allow a front opening facing the user of an also very large compartment and which simultaneously allows the simultaneous access to the whole volume delimited by said compartment, and also is capable of containing the volume of the door when in open position and especially while avoiding to obstruct, also during the opening movement thereof, the space facing the furnishing element and the same opening where there may be a user, thus avoiding free maneuvering spaces facing said compartment opening.

[0023] . The problem at the basis of the present invention is thus the one of devising a furnishing element comprising at least one door, which has structural and functional features such as to meet the aforesaid needs while obviating the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the known art.

[0024] . Solution

[0025] . It is an object of the present invention to provide a furnishing element capable of meeting at least some of the aforesaid needs not met by the furnishing elements of the prior art.

[0026] . It is a further object of the present invention to provide an element characterized by reduced costs, complexity and volumes with respect to the prior art.

[0027] . These and other objects are achieved by means of a furnishing element according to claim 1.

[0028] . Certain advantageous embodiments are the object of the dependent claims .

[0029] . The analysis of this solution has revealed how the proposed solution allows a furnishing element to be obtained which defines a compartment, also a large compartment, this furnishing element being provided with doors which, during the opening or closing movement thereof, do not interfere, or interfere only marginally, with said compartment, and simultaneously allow a front opening facing the user of an also very large compartment, and which simultaneously allows the simultaneous access to the whole volume delimited by said compartment and also is capable of containing the volume of the door when in open position, and also avoids obstructing, also during the opening movement thereof, the space facing the furnishing element and the same opening where there may be a user, thus avoiding the need to have free maneuvering spaces facing said opening of the compartment .

[0030] . Drawings

[0031] . Further features and advantages of the furnishing element comprising doors will be apparent from the description provided below of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] . - figure 1 depicts a front view of a furnishing element, specifically a kitchen, where the compartment arranged above the worktop has an opening closed by a first and a second door;

[0033] . - figure 2 shows a front view of the furnishing element in figure 1, in which the first and the second door are in open position, leaving the compartment above the worktop accessible through the compartment opening;

[0034] . - figure 3 depicts a partially sectioned axonometric view of the furnishing element in figure 1, from the upper front side, with the doors in closed position;

[0035] . - figure 4 shows a partially sectioned axonometric view of the furnishing element in figure 1, from the upper rear side, with the doors in closed position;

[0036] . - figure 5 depicts a partially sectioned axonometric view of the furnishing element in figure 1, from the upper front side, with the doors in completely open position;

[0037] . - figure 6 shows a partially sectioned axonometric view of the furnishing element in figure 1, from the upper rear side, with the doors in completely open position;

[0038] . - figure 7 depicts a cross section close to a first shoulder, in which there are shown the opening and closing mechanisms of the doors and in which the doors are in closed position;

[0039] . - figure 8 shows an enlargement of figure 7, in which the toothed belt and the ropes are noted;

[0040] . - figure 9 depicts a cross section close to the first shoulder, in which there are shown the opening and closing mechanisms of the doors and in which the doors are in completely open position;

[0041] . - figure 10 depicts a cross section close to a second shoulder, in which there are shown the opening and closing mechanisms of the doors and in which the doors are in closed position .

[0042] . Description of some preferred embodiments

[0043] . As may be seen in the accompanying drawings, a furnishing element 1 comprises a furnishing element structure 2 having at least a first side shoulder, or first shoulder 3, and at least a second side shoulder, or second shoulder 4.

[0044] . These shoulders 3, 4 are joined to each other at the top by a structure which forms a bridge element with said shoulders. Said upper structure is e.g. an upper panel 5.

[0045] . A space, or furnishing element compartment 6, or simply compartment 6, used for working or placing objects or food, is formed in said furnishing element structure 2. [0046] . Said compartment 6 is accessible through a furnishing element opening 7.

[0047] . Said furnishing element 1 further comprises a first door 8. Said first door 8 comprises a first first door side 9 and a second first door side 10, which are joined to each other by a transverse first door edge 11.

[0048] . Said furnishing element 1 further comprises a second door 12, having second door body 13 delimited by a first second door side 14 and an opposite second second door side 15, which are joined together by a transverse second door edge 16.

[0049] . Said transverse first door edge 11, or first transverse edge 11, is connected to said transverse second door edge 16, or second transverse edge 16, by means of at least a first and second door connection hinge 57.

[0050] . Said furnishing element 1 further comprises a first linear guide 17 and a second linear guide 18, with which a first carriage 19 and a second carriage 20 are associated to slide free on the guides, respectively.

[0051] . Said first and second linear guides 17, 18 are fastened to said first and second shoulders 3, 4, respectively, and said first and second carriages 19, 20 are fastened to said first and second sides 9, 10, respectively, of said first door 8.

[0052] . Said furnishing element 1 further comprises a first connecting rod 21 and a second connecting rod 22, each pivotally connected to said furnishing element structure 2, in particular to said upper panel 5, and each pivotally connected to said second door body 13.

[0053] . Said furnishing element opening 7 is delimited by an opening edge 23 which forms a seat for the first and second door 8, 12 when in closed position.

[0054] . Said furnishing element 1 further comprises a first first shoulder counterweight 24, or first counterweight 24.

[0055] . Said furnishing element 1 further comprises a second second shoulder counterweight 25, or second counterweight 25.

[0056] . Said first first shoulder counterweight 24 is connected to a first end of a first toothed belt 26. The opposite end of said first toothed belt 26 is connected to said first carriage 19, winding in the path thereof between said first and second ends, about a first toothed pulley 27 and a further first toothed pulley 28.

[0057] . Said second second shoulder counterweight 25 is connected to a first end of a second toothed belt 29. The opposite end of said second toothed belt 29 is connected to said second carriage 20, winding in the path thereof between said first and second ends, about a second toothed pulley 30 and a further second toothed pulley 31.

[0058] . Said first toothed pulley 27 and said second toothed pulley 30 are keyed onto the two ends of a synchronism shaft 32 so as to synchronize the movement of the two opposite sides 9, 10 of said first door 8.

[0059] . A toothed drive pulley 33 on which a toothed motor belt 36 meshed about a toothed pinion 35 keyed onto an electric motor 34, is keyed onto said synchronism shaft 32 for a driven movement of the doors 8, 12. Said electric motor is connected to an electric drive controlled, possibly radio-controlled, by a control panel.

[0060] . Said first first shoulder counterweight 24 is connected to a first end of a first pair of ropes 37, 38. The opposite end of said first pair of ropes 37, 38 is connected to said first carriage 19, winding in the path thereof between said first and second ends, about a first plurality of rope pulleys 39.

[0061] . Said second second shoulder counterweight 25 is connected to a first end of a second pair of ropes 40, 41. The opposite end of said second pair of ropes 40, 41 is connected to said second carriage 20, winding in the path thereof between said first and second ends, about a second plurality of rope pulleys 42.

[0062] . Said first carriage 19 is connected to a first end of a first spring rope 43. The opposite second end of said first spring rope 43 is connected to said furnishing element structure, in particular to said upper panel 5, winding in its path thereof between said first and second end, about a first free spring pulley 44.

[0063] . Said first free spring pulley 44 is keyed onto a hook which is connected to a first end of at least one spring 45 and is biased by said at least one spring 45, which opposite end is connected to said furnishing element structure 2.

[0064] . Said first spring rope 43 winds in the path thereof between said first and second end, about a first free counterweight pulley 46 connected, by means of a counterweight rod 48, to a limited-effect counterweight 47.

[0065] . Said counterweight rod 48 is fitted in a rod bearing 49 fastened to said furnishing element structure 2. Said rod bearing 49 limits the travel to said counterweight rod 48 which stops the movement of said counterweight, limiting the travel of counterweight 47 to a predetermined stretch of the opening or closing path of the doors 8, 12.

[0066] . Said second carriage 20 is connected to a first end of a second spring rope 50. The opposite second end of said second spring rope 50 is connected to said furnishing element structure 2, in particular to said upper panel 5, winding in its path thereof between said first and second end, about a second free spring pulley 51.

[0067] . Said second free spring pulley 51 is keyed onto a hook which is connected to a first end of at least a second spring 52 and is biased by said at least a second spring 52, which opposite end is connected to said furnishing element structure 2.

[0068] . Said second spring rope 50 winds in the path thereof between said first and second end, about a second free counterweight pulley 53 connected, by means of a second counterweight rod 55, to a second limited-effect counterweight 54.

[0069] . Said second counterweight rod 55 is fitted in a second rod bearing 56 fastened to said furnishing element structure 2. Said second rod bearing 56 limits the travel to said second counterweight rod 55 which stops the movement of said counterweight 47, limiting the travel of counterweight 47 to a predetermined stretch of the opening or closing path of the doors 8, 12.

[0070] . According to a general embodiment, there is provided a furnishing element 1. Said furnishing element 1 comprises a furnishing element structure 2.

[0071] . Said furnishing element structure 2 comprises at least two side shoulders 3, 4 and at least one upper panel 5.

[0072] . Said shoulders 3, 4 and said upper panel 5 delimit at least one furnishing element compartment 6 which is accessible through a furnishing element opening 7 for accessing said compartment 6.

[0073] . Said furnishing element 1 comprises at least a first door

8.

[0074] . Said first door 8 comprises a first and a second first door side 9, 10 and at least a transverse first door edge 11.

[0075] . Said furnishing element 1 comprises at least a second door 12.

[0076] . Said second door 12 comprises a second door body 13 having at least a transverse second door edge 16.

[0077] . Said furnishing element further comprises at least a first linear guide 17.

[0078] . Said at least a first linear guide 17 is connected to said at least a first side shoulder 3.

[0079] . Said furnishing element comprises at least a first carriage 19 connected to said first first door side 9.

[0080] . Said first carriage 19 is associated with said first linear guide 17 so as to allow a linear movement of said first carriage 19 along a rectilinear linear trajectory.

[0081] . Said first carriage 19 avoids all rotation of said first door 8 and only allows a rectilinear linear movement of said first door 8.

[0082] . Said transverse second door edge 16 is connected to be free to rotate about said transverse first door edge 11.

[0083] . Said furnishing element comprises at least one connecting rod 21 hinged to be free to rotate about said furnishing element structure 2 and about said second door body 13.

[0084] . Said at least one connecting rod 21 guides said second door 12 in rotations which substantially revolve about said furnishing element structure 2.

[0085] . According to one embodiment, said transverse second door edge 16 is hinged to said transverse first door edge 11.

[0086] . According to one embodiment, said second door 12 comprises a second door body 13 having a first and a second second door side 14, 15.

[0087] . According to one embodiment, said furnishing element further comprises at least a second linear guide 18.

[0088] . Said at least a second linear guide 18 is connected to said at least a second side shoulder 3.

[0089] . Said furnishing element comprises at least a second carriage 20 connected to said second first door side 10.

[0090] . Said second carriage 20 is associated with said second linear guide 18 so as to allow a linear movement along a rectilinear linear trajectory. [0091] . Said second carriage 20 avoids a rotation of said first door 8 and only allows a rectilinear linear movement of said first door 8.

[0092] . According to one embodiment, said furnishing element comprises at least a second connecting rod 22 hinged to be free to rotate about said furnishing element structure 2 and about said second door body 13.

[0093] . According to one embodiment, said first connecting rod 21 is hinged to be free to rotate about said upper panel 5 and about said second door body 13.

[0094] . According to one embodiment, said second connecting rod 22 is hinged to be free to rotate about said upper panel 5 and about said second door body 13.

[0095] . According to one embodiment, said furnishing element opening 7 through which said furnishing element compartment 6 is accessed is delimited by an opening edge 23, and when in closed position, said first door 8 is arranged close to said opening edge 23.

[0096] . According to one embodiment, said first linear guide 17 is arranged close to said opening edge 23.

[0097] . According to one embodiment, said second linear guide 18 is arranged close to said opening edge 23.

[0098] . According to one embodiment, when in closed position of said furnishing element opening 7, said first door 8 and said second door 12 are coplanar to each other.

[0099] . According to one embodiment, when in position of maximum opening of said furnishing element opening 7, said first door 8 and said second door 12 are substantially transverse to each other. The term transverse does not necessarily mean orthogonal but the fact that the two doors 8, 12 are arranged with an angle from each other varying from 70 to 100 degrees.

[00100] . According to one embodiment, said at least a first carriage 19 is connected to a first first shoulder counterweight 24.

[00101] . According to one embodiment, said first first shoulder counterweight 24 is arranged so as to travel, during the movement thereof in a direction opposite to said first carriage 19, a trajectory which is substantially parallel to said first side shoulder 3.

[00102] . According to one embodiment, said second carriage 20 is connected to a second second shoulder counterweight 25.

[00103] . According to one embodiment, said second second shoulder counterweight 25 is arranged so as to travel, during the movement thereof in a direction opposite to said second carriage 20, a trajectory which is substantially parallel to said second side shoulder 4.

[00104] . According to one embodiment, said at least a first carriage 19 is connected to a first first shoulder counterweight 24 by means of a first toothed belt 26 which is wound while returning about at least a first toothed pulley 27.

[00105] . According to one embodiment, said at least a first toothed pulley 27 is a plurality of first toothed pulleys 27, 28.

[00106] . According to one embodiment, said second carriage 20 is connected to a second second shoulder counterweight 25 by means of a second toothed belt 29 which is wound while returning about at least a second toothed pulley 30.

[00107] . According to one embodiment, said at least a second toothed pulley 30 is a plurality of second toothed pulleys 30, 31.

[00108] . According to one embodiment, said first toothed pulley 27 is keyed onto a synchronism shaft 32, and in which said second toothed pulley 30 is keyed onto the same synchronism shaft 32 so as to mutually synchronize the movement of the first and second first door sides 9, 10.

[00109] . According to one embodiment, said synchronism shaft 32 comprises a toothed drive pulley 33 operatively connected to an actuator, e.g. an electric motor 34, to rotate said synchronism shaft in a controlled manner according to an opening or closing command, thus moving said first and second doors 8, 12 to be opened or closed.

[00110] . According to one embodiment, said electric motor 34 comprises a toothed pinion 35 on which a toothed motor belt 36 is meshed, and in which said toothed motor belt 36 meshes on said toothed drive pulley 33.

[00111] . According to one embodiment, said electric motor 34 is operatively connected to a drive and to a control device for the actuation thereof limited by electric limit switches.

[00112] . According to one embodiment, said control device is operated by a remote control.

[00113] . According to one embodiment said at least a first carriage 19 is connected to a first first shoulder counterweight 24 by means of a first pair of ropes 37, 38 which are wound while returning about at least a first plurality of rope pulleys 39.

[00114] . According to one embodiment, said second carriage 20 is connected to a second second shoulder counterweight 25 by means of a second pair of ropes 40, 41 which are wound while returning about at least a second plurality of rope pulleys 42.

[00115] . According to one embodiment, said at least a first carriage 19 is connected to said furnishing element structure 2 by means of a first spring rope 43.

[00116] . According to one embodiment, said first spring rope 43 is firmly connected, at one end thereof, to said first carriage 19, and is firmly connected, at the opposite end thereof, to said furnishing element structure 2.

[00117] . According to one embodiment, said first spring rope 43 is wound, along the path thereof, about a first free spring pulley 44 which is constantly biased by at least one spring 45 connected, at the opposite end thereof, to the furnishing element structure 2, thus tensioning said first spring rope 43 in a predetermined manner.

[00118] . According to one embodiment, said first spring rope 43 is wound, along the path thereof, about a first free counterweight pulley 46.

[00119] . According to one embodiment, said first free counterweight pulley 46 is selectively biased by a limited-effect counterweight 47.

[00120] . According to one embodiment, said limited-effect counterweight 47 is connected to said first free counterweight pulley 46 by means of a counterweight rod 48.

[00121] . According to one embodiment, said counterweight rod 48 slides in a rod bearing 49 which limits the travel of said counterweight rod 48.

[00122] . According to one embodiment, said at least a second carriage 20 is connected to said furnishing element structure 2 by means of a second spring rope 50.

[00123] . According to one embodiment, said second spring rope 50 is firmly connected, at one end thereof, to said second carriage 20, and is firmly connected, at the opposite end thereof, to said furnishing element structure 2.

[00124] . According to one embodiment, said second spring rope 50 is wound, along the path thereof, about a second free spring pulley 51 which is constantly biased by at least a second spring 52 connected, at the opposite end thereof, to the furnishing element structure 2, thus tensioning said second spring rope 50 in a predetermined manner .

[00125] . According to one embodiment, said second spring rope 50 is wound, along the path thereof, about a second free counterweight pulley 53.

[00126] . According to one embodiment, said second free counterweight pulley 53 is selectively biased by a second limited- effect counterweight 54.

[00127] . According to one embodiment, said second limited-effect counterweight 54 is connected to said second free counterweight pulley 53 by means of a second counterweight rod 55.

[00128] . According to one embodiment, said second counterweight rod 55 slides in a second rod bearing 56 which limits the travel of said second counterweight rod 55.

[00129] . According to one embodiment, said furnishing element 1 is a kitchen and said compartment 6 is defined by the volume above worktop 59 of the kitchen, and said compartment 6 comprises the cabinets above the kitchen, for example.

[00130] . According to one embodiment, when in closed position, said first and second doors 8, 12 are substantially coplanar with the front surface of the kitchen part arranged below worktop 59, for example the front surface 58 of the built-in household appliances 60 of kitchen 58.

[00131] . According to one embodiment, said furnishing element 1 is a bar cabinet .

[00132] . According to one embodiment, said furnishing element 1 is a food preparation area for a kitchen.

[00133] . According to one embodiment, said furnishing element 1 is a sideboard or cupboard.

[00134] . According to one embodiment, said furnishing element 1 is a closet.

[00135] . A method is described below for opening a compartment of a furnishing element 6 delimited by a furnishing element support structure 2.

[00136] . Said compartment 6 is provided in a furnishing element 1.

Said furnishing element 1 comprises said furnishing element support structure 2. Said compartment 6 is accessible through a furnishing element opening 7.

[00137] . Said furnishing element comprises at least a first and a second door 8, 12 to close and open said furnishing element opening

7.

[00138] . Said first and second doors 8, 12 are connected to each other by means of at least one hinge 57.

[00139] . Said method comprises the steps of

[00140] . - moving said first door 8 along a rectilinear linear trajectory;

[00141] . - moving said second door 12 along curvilinear trajectories .

[00142] . A person skilled in the art may make many changes, adaptations and replacements to the embodiments described above or can replace elements with others which are functionally equivalent in order to satisfy contingent needs without however departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims .

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 Furnishing element

2 furnishing element structure

3 side shoulder or first shoulder

4 side shoulder or second shoulder

5 upper panel

6 furnishing element compartment

7 furnishing element opening

8 first door

9 first first door side

10 second first door side

11 transverse first door edge

12 second door

13 second door body

14 first second door side

15 second second door side

16 transverse second door edge

17 first linear guide

18 second linear guide

19 first carriage

20 second carriage

21 connecting rod

22 connecting rod

23 opening edge

24 first first shoulder counterweight

25 second second shoulder counterweight 26 first toothed belt

27 first toothed pulley

28 further first toothed pulley

29 second toothed belt

30 second toothed pulley

31 further second toothed pulley

32 synchronism shaft

33 toothed drive pulley

34 electric motor

35 toothed pinion

36 toothed motor belt

37 first pair of ropes

38 first pair of ropes

39 first plurality of rope pulleys

40 second pair of ropes

41 second pair of ropes

42 second plurality of rope pulleys

43 first spring rope

44 first free spring pulley

45 at least one spring

46 first free counterweight pulley

47 limited-effect counterweight

48 counterweight rod

49 rod bearing

50 second spring rope

51 second free spring pulley 52 at least a second spring

53 second free counterweight pulley

54 second limited-effect counterweight

55 second counterweight rod

56 second rod bearing

57 first and second door connection hinge

58 front surface of the built-in household appliances in the kitchen

59 worktop

60 household appliances