Wall component for a drawer

Abstract

A wall component (4) for a drawer (1) includes an inner wall (5) and an outer wall (15) forming a cavity between them. A front panel locking unit (21) is arranged in the front region of the cavity, to which at least one front panel adapter (20) can be locked. A rear wall connecting unit is arranged in the rear region of the cavity. At least one opening (6) is provided on the inner wall (5) and / or the outer wall (15), which is surrounded by an edge (13) and closed by a cover (7) substantially flush with the inner wall (5) or the outer wall (15). The edge (13) around the opening (6) is embossed and forms a step in at least some areas, on which the outer portion of the cover (7) rests, extending into the cavity of the wall component (4). This allows the cover (7) to be stably supported on the opening (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wall component for a drawer, comprising an inner wall and an outer wall forming a cavity therebetween, wherein a front panel locking unit is arranged in the front region of the cavity and at least one front panel adapter is lockable to the front panel locking unit, and a rear wall connecting device is arranged in the rear region of the cavity, wherein at least one opening is provided on the inner wall and / or the outer wall, the opening being surrounded by an edge and closed by a cover plate substantially flush with the inner wall or the outer wall. Background Technology

[0002] DE 20 2014 004 012 U1 discloses a furniture cover element having a plurality of flexible, telescopic webs distributed circumferentially, through which the furniture cover can be inserted into an opening in a side member. While these flexible, telescopic webs allow the furniture cover to be positioned in the opening, they are prone to breakage when subjected to loads along the direction of the opening. Anti-dent support is provided by lugs abutting against an adjusting mechanism, such that assembly tolerances between the adjusting mechanism and the side plate affect the position of the cover.

[0003] DE 20 2018 101 825 U1 discloses a drawer wall with a cover component that can be inserted into an opening in the surface of the housing. One side of the cover component is inserted through a web between the housing surface and a molding, while the other side can be secured by a flexible fastener. A problem with this cover component is that positioning against pressing movement can only be achieved through an additional molding component of an adjusting mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a wall component for a drawer that can precisely position the cover at the opening and provide stable support.

[0005] The present invention achieves this objective by means of a wall component having the features described in claim 1.

[0006] In the wall component according to the invention, a cover plate is provided at the opening of the inner wall and / or outer wall, the cover plate being substantially flush with the inner or outer wall. The edge near the opening is embossed and forms a step in at least certain areas, and the outer portion of the cover plate rests on this step, which extends into the cavity of the wall component. Thus, the cover plate can be supported by the step formed by the material embossing at the edge of the opening. Therefore, the positioning of the cover plate is independent of other components arranged within the cavity between the inner and outer walls. Furthermore, the cover plate receives stable support.

[0007] Apart from the fasteners, the cover plate is preferably plate-shaped, with the step height roughly matching the cover plate thickness. To ensure stable support, the opening edges are made of sheet metal so that the inner or outer walls can be formed using a stamping die.

[0008] The front panel locking unit and / or the front panel adapter are provided with at least one adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the front panel adapter and a release mechanism for releasing the front panel adapter, these mechanisms having an actuating element that can move through an opening. This allows for efficient drawer installation. In this case, the front panel adapter may have a U-shaped cross-section and surround the front panel locking unit in the locked position. The at least one adjustment mechanism enables lateral adjustment of the front panel adapter.

[0009] To securely hold the cover in place, it may include several locking tabs that engage with the opening, and preferably clamp behind the edge of the opening (in this case, a step) to prevent the cover from being pulled off.

[0010] The locking tab preferably extends a distance X from the edge of the opening into the wall component. For a compact design, within the maximum lateral adjustment position of the front panel adapter, the front panel adapter can be closer to the edge in the opening edge region than the locking tab of the front panel adapter, which extends beyond the edge by a distance X and engages behind the edge. The cover plate preferably has at least one contact tab that fully conforms to the front surface of the edge, thereby preventing accidental longitudinal displacement of the cover plate.

[0011] The opening edge is preferably imprinted circumferentially along the step, so that the cover plate is supported by the step on all four sides. However, the step may not be formed completely circumferentially. In this case, the step may be formed at least at the location where the cover plate engages with multiple locking tabs to ensure a secure connection of the cover plate.

[0012] The cover plate preferably protrudes 0 mm to 0.5 mm from the inner or outer wall to allow for a very small offset between the cover plate and the inner or outer wall. Even such a small offset is considered "flush" because it is visually almost imperceptible. The height of the step can be 0.3 mm to 1 mm to position the cover plate substantially flush with the surface. The step extends into the cavity between the wall components.

[0013] Preferably, an adjustment mechanism and / or release mechanism for adjusting the position of the wall component are arranged within the cavity of the wall component, which includes an actuating element movable through the opening. Thus, before reinstalling the cover plate into the opening, the cover plate can be removed and the actuating element moved for adjustment or release. An engagement area, particularly a groove or engagement recess, for releasing the cover plate from its fixed position can be formed at at least one location between the edge and the cover plate, which can be inserted by a user using a fingernail or tool.

[0014] The cover plate is preferably made of plastic, while the inner and / or outer walls are made of metal plates. The inner and outer walls can be connected to each other in the upper region, particularly by cover plate strips or interlocking mechanisms. Preferably, support elements, such as adjusting or fastening elements, are provided at both ends of the wall component.

[0015] The cover at the opening can be rectangular in plan view. Specifically, the cover is designed to be mirror-symmetrical, allowing it to be used on the left and right side wall components of the sliding drawer. The cover can also be other shapes, such as oval or circular. Preferably, the cover is the same color as the wall component. However, different colors can be used to create visual contrast, or markings, such as text or symbols, can be added to the cover.

[0016] The wall components are preferably designed as the side frames of the drawer, wherein two such wall components can be optionally provided on the drawer as side frames. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Two views of the wall component on the drawer with the cover plate installed, according to the present invention, are shown;

[0019] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Two views of the drawer shown in Figure 1 are displayed after the drawer cover is installed.

[0020] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Two views of the cover plate are shown;

[0021] Figure 4 A detailed perspective view of the cover plate during installation is shown;

[0022] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The view shown is of the cover plate in its assembled position; and

[0023] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 An enlarged view of the assembled cover plate shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Drawer 1 includes a front panel 2 and a bottom panel 3, with two wall members 4 fixed to opposite sides of the front panel 2 and the bottom panel 3. These wall members 4 form a side frame and connect the front panel 2 to the rear wall (not shown).

[0025] Each wall component 4 includes an inner wall 5 and an outer wall 15, with a cavity formed between them. On each inner wall 5, an opening 6 is embedded near the front panel 2, which can be closed by a cover plate 7.

[0026] like Figure 1B As shown in the detailed view, at least one adjustment mechanism 14 and 17 for height and / or lateral adjustment is located within the cavity between the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 15 at the opening 6, wherein actuating elements 8 and 18 are arranged within the opening 6 and can be actuated by a tool to perform the adjustment operation. After the adjustment operation is completed, the cover plate 7 can be installed on the opening 6, which is surrounded by the edge 13. The release mechanism 19 of the front panel locking unit 21 is also arranged at the opening 6 for releasing the front panel adapter 20 attached to the front panel 2. The front panel adapter 20 is U-shaped and surrounds the front panel locking unit 21 in the locking position shown in the figure.

[0027] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The cover plate 7 is shown in its installed position, with the inner wall 5 of the wall component 4 closed. The upper side of the cover plate 7 is substantially flush with the inner wall 5, and thus the step height of the cover plate 7 relative to the inner wall 5 is less than 0.6 mm. The cover plate 7 preferably protrudes from the inner wall 5 by 0 to 0.5 mm, which is considered "flush". An engagement area 16 is provided between the cover plate 7 and the inner wall 5, which is groove-shaped or recessed, so that the cover plate 7 can be removed from the inner wall 5 using a tool or fingernail.

[0028] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The cover plate 7, made of plastic, is shown in detail. In the embodiment shown in the top view, it is rectangular, but other shapes may also be used. Preferably, the cover plate 7 is designed to be mirror-symmetrical about a central vertical plane so that it can be used on the left and right side wall components. The inner side of the cover plate 7 has a plurality of flexible locking tabs 9, the free ends of which have thickened portions 11, allowing the cover plate 7 to snap into the opening 6. Furthermore, additional contact tabs 10 are integrally formed on both end faces of the cover plate 7; these contact tabs are narrower than the locking tabs 9. The contact tabs 10 prevent accidental displacement of the cover plate 7 along the longitudinal direction of the sidewall.

[0029] Figure 4 A cover plate 7 is shown mounted on an opening 6 in the outer wall 15. The edge 13 around the opening 6 is designed as a stepped edge, with a step height of 0.3 mm to 1 mm, and surrounds the entire circumference. The step of the edge 13 thus protrudes into the cavity between the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 15. The inner wall 5 is connected to the outer wall 15 at the top and is optionally supported by beams in the wall components. A cover plate strip 12 may be arranged on the inner wall 5 and / or the outer wall 15.

[0030] When installing cover plate 7, place it at opening 6, such as Figure 5As shown. The outer portion of the cover plate 7 rests on the step of the edge 13, thereby preventing it from shifting within the plane of the outer wall 15. The locking tab 9 and the contact tab 10 engage with the opening 6, wherein only the locking tab 9 engages with the back side of the edge 13.

[0031] like Figure 6 As shown in the enlarged view, edge 13 engages from the rear with a thickened portion 11 protruding outward from the locking tab 9, thereby securing the cover plate 7 and preventing it from being pulled off the outer wall 15. Contact tab 10 abuts against the front of edge 13, allowing the cover plate 7 to be removed only by overcoming the holding force exerted by the locking tab 9, while contact tab 10 prevents unnecessary displacement in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] The plastic cover 7 can be manufactured in the same or similar color as the outer metal wall 15. The cover 7 can also be a different color and highlighted in a striking manner. Furthermore, markings or other (design) elements can be printed on the cover 7. For optimal color consistency, the cover 7 can also be coated with the same color as the inner wall 5 or the outer wall 15.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover plate 7 is connected to the inner wall 5 and / or the outer wall 15. Furthermore, in addition to a single opening 6, multiple openings may be provided on the inner wall 5 and / or the outer wall 15. The cover plate 7 may also be provided at the opening 6 on the rear wall (not shown), or on a connector on the rear wall.

[0034] The front panel adapter 20 can be adjusted laterally to increase or decrease its lateral distance from the walls 5, 15, and the opening 6. In the maximum lateral adjustment position, the front panel adapter 20 is closer to the edge 13 in the edge region of the opening 6 than the locking tab 9, which extends a distance X from the edge 13 and engages behind it. In this case, the front panel adapter may be in contact with the edge 13, or the distance may be very small, while the locking tab 9 does not obstruct the adjustment travel of the front panel.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0036] 1 Drawer; 2 Front panel; 3 Base plate; 4 Wall component; 5 Inner wall; 6 Opening; 7 Cover plate; 8 Actuating element; 9 Locking tab; 10 Contact tab; 11 Thickened part; 12 Cover strip; 13 Edge; 14 Adjustment mechanism; 15 Outer wall; 16 Engaging area; 17 Adjustment mechanism; 18 Actuating element; 19 Release mechanism; 20 Front panel adapter; 21 Front panel locking unit; X distance.

Claims

1. A wall component (4) for a drawer (1), comprising an inner wall (5) and an outer wall (15) with a cavity formed between the inner wall (5) and the outer wall (15), wherein a front panel locking unit (21) is disposed in the front region of the cavity and at least one front panel adapter (20) is lockable to the front panel locking unit (21), and a rear wall connecting unit is disposed in the rear region of the cavity, wherein at least one opening (6) is provided in the inner wall (5) and / or the outer wall (15), the opening being surrounded by an edge (13) and closed by a cover (7) substantially flush with the inner wall (5) or the outer wall (15), characterized in that, The edge (13) near the opening (6) is embossed in at least some areas to form a step on which the outer portion of the cover plate (7) abuts, wherein the step extends into the cavity of the wall member (4).

2. The wall component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate (7) is plate-shaped and the height of the step basically corresponds to the thickness of the cover plate (7).

3. The wall component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The front panel locking unit (21) and / or the front panel adapter (20) are provided with at least one adjustment mechanism (14, 17) for adjusting the position of the front panel adapter (20) and a release mechanism (19) for releasing the front panel adapter (20), which includes an actuating element (8, 18, 19) that can be operated through the opening (6).

4. The wall component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The front panel adapter (20) is U-shaped and surrounds the front panel locking unit (21) in the locking position.

5. The wall component according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, At least one adjustment mechanism (14, 17) causes the front panel adapter (20) to be adjusted laterally.

6. The wall component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cover plate (7) has multiple locking tabs (9) that engage with the opening (6).

7. The wall component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking tab (9) extends a distance X from the edge (13) of the opening (6) toward the wall component (4).

8. The wall component according to claim 7, characterized in that, At the maximum lateral adjustment position of the front panel adapter (20), the front panel adapter (20) is closer to the edge (13) than the locking tab (9) that protrudes from the edge (13) by a distance X and engages with the rear side of the edge (13) in the edge region of the opening (6).

9. The wall component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cover plate (7) has at least one contact tab (10) that can be placed only on the front side of the edge (13) to prevent unnecessary displacement of the cover plate (7) in the longitudinal direction.

10. The wall component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The edge (13) is imprinted along the circumference of the step.

11. The wall component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cover plate (7) protrudes 0 mm to 0.5 mm from the inner wall (5) or the outer wall (15).

12. The wall component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The height of the step is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm.

13. The wall component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An engagement area (16) for releasing the cover plate (7) is formed at at least one location between the edge (13) and the cover plate (7).

14. The wall component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The inner wall (5) and the outer wall (15) are connected to each other in the upper region.

15. The wall component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cover plate (7) has a rectangular shape.

16. A drawer (1) comprising a wall member (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, the wall member being formed as a side frame.

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