Wall element for a drawer

Abstract

A wall element (4) for a drawer (1) comprises an inner wall (5) and an outer wall (15), between which a cavity is formed. A front panel locking unit (21) is arranged in the front area of ​​the cavity, and at least one front panel adapter (20) can be locked to the front panel locking unit (21). A rear panel connection unit is arranged in the rear area of ​​the cavity. At least one opening (6) is provided in the inner wall (5) and / or the outer wall (15), which is surrounded by a rim (13) and closed by a cover (7) that is substantially flush with the inner wall (5) or the outer wall (15). The rim (13) around the opening (6) is embossed at least partially and forms a step on which an outer section of the cover (7) rests, the step extending into the cavity of the wall element (4).This allows the cover (7) to be stably supported against the opening (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a wall element for a drawer with an inner wall and an outer wall, between which a cavity is formed, wherein a front panel locking unit is arranged in the front area of ​​the cavity and at least one front panel adapter can be locked to the front panel locking unit, and a rear panel connection unit is arranged in the rear area of ​​the cavity, wherein at least one opening is provided on the inner wall and / or the outer wall, which is surrounded by an edge and is closed by a cover that is substantially flush with the inner wall or the outer wall.

[0002] German patent application DE 20 2014 004 012 U1 discloses a furniture component cover element that has several flexible insertion tabs distributed around its circumference, by means of which the furniture component cover element can be inserted into an opening in a side panel. While the flexible insertion tabs allow the furniture component cover element to be positioned in the opening, they can easily break off under stress in the direction of the opening. Support against indentation is provided by tabs that rest against an adjustment device, so that assembly tolerances between the adjustment device and the side panel affect the position of the cover element.

[0003] German patent application DE 20 2018 101 825 U1 discloses a drawer wall in which a cover part can be inserted into an opening in a surface. This cover part can be inserted on one side with a web between the surface and a molded part, and on the opposite side can be fixed by means of flexible fastening elements. This cover part also suffers from the problem that positioning against indentation can only be achieved by means of another molded part of an adjustment device.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a wall element for a drawer which enables an exact positioning of a cover at an opening with a stable support.

[0005] This problem is solved with a wall element having the features of claim 1.

[0006] In the wall element according to the invention, a cover is provided at an opening in the inner and / or outer wall, and is arranged essentially flush with the inner or outer wall. The edge around the opening is embossed, at least in some areas, forming a step on which an outer section of the cover rests, with the step extending into the cavity of the wall element. This allows the cover to be supported by the step created by the embossing of the material at the edge of the opening. The positioning of the cover is thus independent of other components arranged in a cavity between the inner and outer walls. Furthermore, the cover can be stably supported.

[0007] Apart from the fasteners, the cover is preferably plate-shaped, and the height of the step essentially corresponds to the thickness of the cover. For stable support, the edge around the opening is made of a metal sheet, allowing the inner or outer wall to be formed using a stamping tool.

[0008] The front panel locking unit and / or the front panel adapter are equipped with at least one adjustment device for positioning the front panel adapter and a release device for releasing the front panel adapter, both featuring actuating elements that can be moved through the opening. This allows for efficient drawer installation. The front panel adapter can have a U-shaped cross-section and engage the front panel locking unit in the locked position. The at least one adjustment device can also allow for lateral adjustment of the front panel adapter.

[0009] To ensure the cover is securely fixed, it can have several locking tabs that engage in the opening and preferably grip behind the edge of the opening, here the step, so that the cover is secured against being pulled out.

[0010] The locking tabs preferably project a distance X from the edge of the opening into the wall element. For a compact design, in a maximum lateral adjustment position of the front panel adapter, the front panel adapter can be closer to the edge of the opening than a locking tab that projects a distance X from the edge and engages behind it. The cover preferably has at least one contact tab that can only be applied to the end face of the edge, thus preventing unintentional longitudinal movement of the cover.

[0011] The edge of the opening is preferably embossed all the way around to match the edge of the step, so that the step provides support on all sides of the cover. However, it is also possible that the step does not form a complete circumferential edge. In such a case, the step can be formed at least at the points where the cover engages with the multiple locking lugs to ensure a secure connection of the cover.

[0012] The cover preferably protrudes from the inner or outer wall by 0 mm to 0.5 mm, resulting in a minimal offset between the cover and the inner or outer wall. Even such a minimal offset is still considered "flush" because it is barely noticeable visually. The step can have a height of between 0.3 mm and 1 mm to ensure the cover is essentially flush with the surface. The step extends into the cavity between the wall elements.

[0013] Preferably, an adjustment device for repositioning the wall element and / or a release device is arranged within the cavity of the wall element. The release device includes an actuating element that can be moved through the opening. This allows the cover to be removed and the actuating element moved for an adjustment or release operation before the cover is reattached to the opening. An engagement area for releasing the cover's fixation can be provided at least at one position between the edge and the cover, in particular a slot or recess into which the user can engage with a fingernail or a tool.

[0014] The cover is preferably made of plastic, while the inner and / or outer wall consists of a metal sheet. The inner and outer walls can be connected to each other in the upper area, in particular by a cover strip or by interlocking. Preferably, support elements are located at the front and rear ends of the wall element, on which, for example, adjustment or fastening elements are arranged.

[0015] The cover over the opening can be rectangular in plan view; in particular, the cover is mirror-symmetrical, allowing its use on both the right and left wall elements of a shear load. Other cover shapes, such as oval or circular, are also possible. Preferably, the cover is the same color as the wall element. However, it is also possible to provide the cover in a different color for visual contrast or to add markings such as lettering or emblems.

[0016] The wall element is preferably designed as a side frame on a drawer, with the option of providing two such wall elements as side frames on one drawer.

[0017] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B two views of a wall element according to the invention on a drawer during the mounting of the cover; Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B two views of the drawer of the Fig. 1 with cover fitted; Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B two views of the cover; Fig. 4 a perspective detail view during the assembly of the cover; Fig. 5 a view of the cover of the Fig. 4 in the assembled position, and Fig. 6 an enlarged view of the mounted cover of the Fig. 5.

[0018] A drawer 1 comprises a front panel 2 and a base 3, to which two wall elements 4 are fixed on opposite sides, which are designed as side frames and connect the front panel 2 with a back panel not shown.

[0019] Each wall element 4 comprises an inner wall 5 and an outer wall 15, between which a cavity is formed. In each inner wall 5, an opening 6 adjacent to the front panel 2 is recessed, which can be closed by means of a cover 7.

[0020] As the detailed view of the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1B, at least one adjustment device 14 and 17 for height and / or lateral adjustment is located in the cavity between the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 15 at the opening 6. Actuating elements 8 and 18 are arranged within the opening 6 and can be moved by a tool for an adjustment operation. After an adjustment operation, the cover 7, which is surrounded by a rim 13, can be mounted on the opening 6. A release device 19 for a front panel locking unit 21 is also arranged at the opening 6. This device allows the release of a front panel adapter 20, which is attached to the front panel 2. The front panel adapter 20 is U-shaped and engages the front panel locking unit 21 in the locked position shown here.

[0021] In the Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows the cover 7 in the assembled position, with the inner wall 5 of the wall element 4 closed. The cover 7 is oriented with its upper surface substantially flush with the inner wall 5, with the cover 7 having a step of less than 0.6 mm relative to the inner wall 5. The cover 7 preferably protrudes between 0 and 0.5 mm from the inner wall 5, which is considered "flush". Between the cover 7 and the inner wall 5 is an engagement area 16 in the form of a slot or a recess, so that the cover 7 can be released from the inner wall 5 using a tool or a fingernail.

[0022] In the Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows the cover 7 in detail. It is made of plastic and, in the illustrated embodiment, is rectangular in plan view, although other contours are also possible. Preferably, the cover 7 is mirror-symmetrical about a central vertical plane, so that it can be used for both right and left wall elements. On an inner side of the cover 7 are several flexible locking tabs 9, which have a thickening 11 at their free end to allow the cover 7 to lock onto the opening 6. Furthermore, additional contact tabs 10 are integrally formed on both end faces; these are narrower than the locking tabs 9. The contact tabs 10 prevent the cover 7 from unintentionally shifting longitudinally along the side wall.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 4 shows the mounting of the cover 7 on the opening 6 of an outer wall 15. The edge 13 around the opening 6 is designed as a step, with the step having a height of between 0.3 mm and 1 mm and extending around the entire perimeter. The step of the edge 13 thus projects into the cavity between the inner wall 5 and the outer wall 15. The inner wall 5 is connected to the outer wall 15 in its upper region and can optionally be supported by beams within the wall element. A cover strip 12 can be arranged on the inner wall 5 and / or the outer wall 15.

[0024] To mount the cover 7, it is positioned at the opening 6, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the cover 7 rests with its outer section on the step of the edge 13 and is thus secured against displacement within the plane of the outer wall 15. The locking lugs 9 and the contact lugs 10 engage in the opening 6, with only the locking lugs 9 engaging behind the edge 13.

[0025] As shown in the enlarged view of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the edge 13 is engaged by the outwardly projecting thickening 11 on the locking lugs 9, so that the cover 7 is secured against being pulled away from the outer wall 15. The contact lugs 10 rest against the end face of the edge 13, and the cover 7 can only be released by overcoming the holding forces exerted by the locking lugs 9, while the contact lugs 10 prevent unintentional longitudinal movement.

[0026] The plastic cover 7 can be manufactured in the same or nearly the same color as the metal outer wall 15. Optionally, the cover 7 can also be a different color and visually highlighted. Furthermore, markings or other (design) elements can be visible on the cover 7. To achieve the highest possible color consistency, the cover 7 can also be coated with the same color as the inner wall 5 or outer wall 15.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiments, the cover 7 is attached to an inner wall 5 and / or outer wall 15. Furthermore, instead of a single opening 6, several openings can also be provided on the inner wall 5 and / or the outer wall 15. It is also possible to provide the cover 7 at an opening 6 on a rear wall (not shown) or a rear wall corner connector.

[0028] The front panel adapter 20 can increase or decrease its lateral distance to a wall 5,15 with the opening 6 by means of a lateral adjustment. In a maximum lateral adjustment position, the front panel adapter 20 is closer to the edge 13 in the edge region of the opening 6 than a locking tab 9 that projects from the edge 13 by a distance X and engages behind the edge 13. In this position, the front panel adapter can either come into contact with the edge 13 or the distance can become very small, and at the same time the adjustment path of the front panel is not obstructed by the locking tabs 9. Reference symbol list 1 drawer 2 Front panel 3 floors 4 wall elements 5 Interior wall 6 Opening 7 Cover 8 Actuating element 9 Resting Footbridge 10 jetty 11 Thickening 12 Cover strip 13 Rand 14 Adjustment device 15 Exterior wall 16 Intervention area 17 Adjustment device 18 Actuating element 19 Release device 20 front panel adapters 21 Front panel locking unit X route QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2014 004 012 U1

[0002] DE 20 2018 101 825 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Wall element (4) for a drawer (1) with an inner wall (5) and an outer wall (15), between which a cavity is formed, wherein a front panel locking unit (21) is arranged in the cavity in the front region and at least one front panel adapter (20) can be locked to the front panel locking unit (21) and a rear wall connection unit is arranged in the rear region of the cavity, wherein at least one opening (6) is provided on the inner wall (5) and / or the outer wall (15), which opening is surrounded by an edge (13) and is closed by a cover (7) which is arranged substantially flush with the inner wall (5) or the outer wall (15), characterized by that the edge (13) around the opening (6) is embossed at least in some areas and forms a step on which an outer section of the cover (7) rests, the step extending into the cavity of the wall element (4). [2] Wall element according to claim 1, characterized by that the cover (7) is plate-shaped and the height of the step essentially corresponds to the thickness of the cover (7). [3] Wall element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that at least one adjusting device (14, 17) for adjusting the position of the front panel adapter (20) and a release device (19) for releasing the front panel adapter (20) are arranged on the front panel locking unit (21) and / or the front panel adapter (20), which have actuating elements (8, 18, 19) movable through the opening (6). [4] Wall element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the front panel adapter (20) is U-shaped and engages around the front panel locking unit (21) in the locked position. [5] Wall element according to claim 3 or 4, characterized bythat the at least one adjusting device (14, 17) effects a lateral adjustment of the front panel adapter (20). [6] Wall element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cover (7) has several locking webs (9) which engage in the opening (6). [7] Wall element according to claim 6, characterized by that the locking webs (9) protrude a distance X from the edge (13) of the opening (6) into the wall element (4). [8] Wall element according to claim 7, characterized by that in a maximum lateral adjustment position of the front panel adapter (20), the front panel adapter (20) in the edge region of the opening (6) is closer to the edge (13) than a locking web (9) which projects over the edge (13) by the distance X and engages behind the edge (13). [9] Wall element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cover (7) has at least one contact web (10) which can be applied exclusively to the front side of the edge (13), so that an unintentional displacement of the cover (7) in the longitudinal direction is prevented. [10] Wall element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the edge (13) is embossed all the way around to the step. [11] Wall element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cover (7) protrudes from the inner wall (5) or the outer wall (15) between 0 mm and 0.5 mm. [12] Wall element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the step has a height between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. [13] Wall element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an engagement region (16) for releasing the cover (7) is formed between the edge (13) and the cover (7) at at least one position. [14] Wall element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner wall (5) and the outer wall (15) are connected to each other in an upper area. [15] Wall element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cover (7) is rectangular in plan view. [16] Drawer (1) with a wall element (4) according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed as a side frame.

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