Locking system for drawer cabinet

Abstract

Locking system (24) for jointly locking several drawers (12) arranged one above the other in a drawer cabinet (10), comprising: an elongated lifting element (26) which extends vertically over several drawers (12) and can be mounted on the drawer cabinet (10) in a height-shifting manner between a closed position and an open position; an elongated actuating element (28) which can be rotatably attached to the drawer cabinet (10) about a horizontal axis of rotation (30), a conversion mechanism (32) which is arranged between the lifting element (26) and the actuating element (28) and is configured to convert a rotary movement of the actuating element (28) into a vertical lifting movement of the lifting element (26) and thus to move the lifting element (26) from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, characterized in that the locking system (10) further comprises: several locking elements (26) which can be variably attached to the lifting element (26) at different heights, each locking element (26) having a first positive locking section (40) which is configured to engage with a second positive locking section (42) formed on the respective drawer (12) and to lock the drawer when the lifting element (26) is in the closed position, and to be disengaged from the second positive locking section when the lifting element (26) is in the open position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a locking system for jointly locking several drawers arranged one above the other in a drawer cabinet, and to a drawer cabinet with such a locking system. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Drawer cabinets are used for various purposes, such as storing tools, documents, office supplies, or clothing. They essentially consist of a usually cuboid-shaped housing made of wood, metal, or plastic, several drawers arranged one above the other, as well as drawer slides and other fittings. Drawer cabinets are often equipped with casters, making them mobile, or they are attached to the underside of a table or workbench.

[0003] To prevent unauthorized access to the drawer contents, the fittings can include a locking system. Systems are known where each drawer can be locked individually and independently of the others. More common is a so-called central locking system, where engaging a single lock secures all drawers simultaneously, preventing them from being pulled out. This locking mechanism also ensures that the drawers do not open on their own if the cabinet tilts downwards during transport, in the direction the drawers are pulled out. If only transport security is required, a lockable mechanism is unnecessary; in this case, an unsecured operating element such as a rotary knob is sufficient.

[0004] From DE 200 15 566 U1, a locking system according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, in which a lifting element designed as a U-profile can be raised and lowered by rotating a horizontal actuating rod. The lifting element is located on the rear of the drawers, while the actuating rod can be operated from the front of the drawer unit. The lifting element has several openings into which an upwardly bent tab of a locking plate, attached to the rear of each drawer, can engage. In the raised state of the lifting element, which corresponds to the open position of the locking system, the tabs can move freely through the openings in the lifting element. When the lifting element is lowered using the actuating rod, the openings in the lifting element shift downwards so that the tabs of the locking plate no longer fit through the openings.This locks the drawers at the back, preventing them from being pulled out.

[0005] A disadvantage of the existing locking system is that the position of the openings in the lifting element cannot be changed. Different drawer configurations therefore require specially manufactured lifting elements where the opening arrangement is adapted to the respective mounting heights of the drawers. Especially with high-quality drawer cabinets for tools and small parts in workshops and production facilities, there is often a need to arrange drawers of varying heights in different sequences within the cabinet to accommodate specific customer requirements. While the drawer slides can be easily mounted at different heights, a simple adjustment of the locking systems has not been possible until now. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a locking system that can be more easily adapted to different arrangements of drawers.

[0007] This problem is solved by a locking system for simultaneously locking several drawers arranged one above the other in a drawer cabinet, with the features of claim 1. The locking system comprises an elongated lifting element that extends vertically across several drawers and can be mounted on the drawer cabinet in a height-displaceable manner between a closed position and an open position. The locking system also has an elongated actuating element that can be rotatably mounted on the cabinet about a horizontal axis of rotation, as well as a conversion mechanism that is arranged between the lifting element and the actuating element and is configured to convert a rotary movement of the actuating element into a vertical lifting movement of the lifting element, thus moving the lifting element from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.According to the invention, the locking system also comprises several locking elements that can be variably attached to the lifting element at different heights. Each locking element has a first positive locking section that is configured to engage with a second positive locking section formed on the respective drawer and to lock the drawer when the lifting element is in the closed position, and to disengage from the second positive locking section when the lifting element is in the open position.

[0008] Since the locking elements can be attached to the lifting element at different heights, the locking system can be easily adapted to various drawer height configurations. Such configurations can arise, for example, from providing drawers of two or more different heights, e.g., 60 mm, 120 mm, 150 mm, and 180 mm. All drawers in the cabinet can be the same height, or drawers of different heights can be combined, e.g., two 120 mm high drawers, two 150 mm high drawers, and one 180 mm high drawer. Of course, a drawer cabinet doesn't have to consist solely of drawers; it can also contain open shelves or shelves with doors.

[0009] Preferably, the lifting element is a rod or profile element, in particular a steel profile or a structural profile made of aluminum. Such a rigid lifting element is inexpensive to manufacture and very robust. If it has several recesses, openings, projections, or other positive-locking elements that define possible mounting positions for the locking elements, the forces required for locking can be transmitted positively. These mounting positions can define a grid that is adapted to the possible mounting heights of the drawers. For the drawer heights mentioned above as an example, adjacent positive-locking elements can, for instance, have a distance of 30 mm, since this is the largest common divisor of the possible drawer heights.

[0010] Such positive locking elements on a rigid lifting element also allow the locking elements to be attached to the lifting element by snapping them into place. This makes it particularly easy to attach the locking elements to the lifting element during the assembly of the drawer cabinet, without the need for tools. A snap-fit ​​connection, often also referred to as a snap or clip connection, is a mechanical connection in which one component (often a projection or hook) temporarily bends during assembly and snaps into a corresponding recess in the other component. Preferably, the snap-fit ​​connection can be released without damage, so that the drawer cabinet can be reconfigured later.

[0011] Preferably, the locking mechanism of the locking elements on the lifting element can be achieved by a rotary movement. This allows the locking mechanism to be manufactured in a particularly ergonomic and tool-free manner.

[0012] During the rotational movement, a spring tongue formed on the locking element can come into contact with the lifting element, causing the spring tongue to be deflected and only released when a protruding arm of the locking element lies flat against the lifting element.

[0013] The locking elements may have recesses that ensure that the respective locking element is positively locked to the lifting element at a vertical height.

[0014] Instead of a locking mechanism, other (preferably detachable) fastening methods, e.g. a screw connection, may also be provided.

[0015] In principle, a chain can also be used as a lifting element, to which the locking elements are attached or otherwise fastened. In this case, the length of the chain links determines the grid for the possible distances between the locking elements.

[0016] If a homogeneous, flexible element such as a strap or rope is used as the lifting element instead of a chain, the locking elements can be variably attached at any desired height, for example, using a clamping mechanism. This is particularly advantageous when the drawer heights do not correspond to a fixed grid but can have freely definable heights within a wide range, as can be the case with custom-made products.

[0017] A rigid lifting element in the form of a rod or profile can be easily mounted in a height-adjustable manner if it is guided within the transfer mechanism and in a bracket that can be attached to the drawer unit at the lower end of the lifting element. The bracket then only requires an opening through which the lifting element passes. The bracket does not necessarily have to be at the lower end of the lifting element (which is usually just above the bottom of the drawer unit), but can also be positioned higher. However, in that case, it may interfere with the variable attachment of the locking mechanisms.

[0018] Preferably, the lifting element is arranged along one of the drawer extension directions behind the drawers, preferably in the center, so that it cannot become jammed. Alternatively, instead of being arranged at the back of the drawer unit, the lifting element can also be arranged laterally.

[0019] Preferably, the rotating operating element is accessible from the front of the drawer unit. This ensures that the operating element remains accessible even when the drawer unit is installed between other cabinets. Operation via multiple, interconnected operating elements is also possible.

[0020] To prevent unauthorized access to the drawer contents, the locking system can include a lock connected to the operating element in such a way that a rotary motion of a key inserted into the lock is transmitted to the operating element. Alternatively, a lock can release a lever or similar mechanism to rotate the operating element. This is particularly relevant if the lock is electronic and can be opened, for example, with a code or a smartphone. If the locking system is primarily intended for transport security, a simple rotary knob is sufficient to set the operating element in motion.

[0021] The first interlocking section can be designed, for example, as a projection (e.g., in the form of a nose or an angle), a straight pin, or a curved hook, and the second interlocking section as an opening, eyelet, recess, or also as an angle. Of course, the reverse arrangement is also possible, i.e., the first interlocking section is designed as an opening or recess, and the second as a projection or hook. The design of the interlocking sections simply requires that, in the closed position, the sections engage and a positive connection between them prevents the respective drawer from being pulled out. In the open position, the interlocking sections either do not touch at all or only in such a way that pulling out the drawer remains possible.

[0022] The invention also relates to a drawer cabinet with the locking system described above.

[0023] The drawers of the drawer unit can have a strip on their back, on which the second interlocking section is formed. However, the second interlocking section can also be formed directly on the drawer body by means of edging or similar.

[0024] If the lifting element has multiple recesses, openings, protrusions or other positive locking elements that define possible mounting positions for the locking elements, then the mounting heights of the drawers should be adapted to the mounting positions for the locking elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 Parts of a drawer cabinet with a locking system according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b a section A from the Fig. 1, wherein a lifting element of the locking system is in an open or closed position; Fig. 3 the individual parts of the in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 locking systems shown in an exploded view; Fig. 4 that in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 Locking systems shown in assembled state without the drawer cabinet; Fig. 5 the conversion mechanism for coupling the actuating element with the lifting element in an enlarged perspective view; and Fig. 6 A bottom view of a single locking element and the lifting element. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXAMPLES

[0026] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a drawer cabinet 10 with five drawers 12 arranged one above the other, all of which are the same height in the illustrated embodiment. Only one side panel 16, two front columns 18a, 18b, an upper front panel 20, and a lower front panel 22 of the cabinet housing 14 are shown. The two front panels 20, 22 extend between the vertical front columns 18a, 18b and, together with them, form a frame that encloses the front panels 19 of the drawers 12.

[0027] The drawer cabinet 10 is equipped with ball-bearing full-extension slides with backstop for guiding the drawers 12, which are arranged in the for clarity of the Fig. 1 are not shown.

[0028] The fittings of the drawer cabinet 10 also include a locking system 24, which comprises an elongated lifting element 26. This extends vertically across all five drawers 12 at the rear of the drawer cabinet 10 and can be moved vertically between a closed position and an open position.

[0029] To effect a displacement of the lifting element 26, the locking system 24 has an actuating element 28 in the form of a rod, which is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis 30. A conversion mechanism 32 couples the actuating element 28 to the lifting element 26 in such a way that a rotation of the actuating element 28 is converted into a lifting movement of the lifting element 26. In this way, the lifting element 26 can be moved back and forth between the closed position and the open position by rotating the actuating element 28.

[0030] The locking system 24 also includes a pin tumbler lock 34, which is attached to the upper front panel 20 of the drawer cabinet 10. The locking cylinder of the pin tumbler lock 34 is connected to the actuating element 28, so that a rotation of the locking cylinder using a suitable key effects the transition between the closed position and the open position of the lifting element 26.

[0031] Several locking elements 36 are clipped onto the lifting element 26, so that the locking elements 36 follow the lifting movements of the lifting element 26. Each drawer 12 is assigned one locking element 36, such that each locking element 36 is located at the height of its assigned drawer 12.

[0032] The Fig. 2a shows section A from the Fig. 1 in an enlarged view. The lifting element 26 is located as in the Fig. 1 in the open position, in which the drawers 12 can be pulled out of the housing 14 of the drawer cabinet 10. In the enlarged view of the Fig. Figure 2a shows that the lifting element 26 is designed as a profile with an L-shaped cross-section, the legs of which are of different lengths. The profile is provided with recesses 38 at regular intervals at the ends of its two legs, with pairs of recesses 38 being located at the same height. The pairs of recesses 38 serve for the positive-locking and releasable attachment of the locking elements 36 to the lifting element 26 by clipping them on, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to the Fig. Section 6 is explained.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the drawers 12 is adapted to the regular arrangement of the recesses 38 such that when the five locking elements 36 are attached to every third pair of recesses 38, each drawer 12 is at the height of its corresponding locking element 36. The distance between two adjacent pairs of recesses 36 corresponds to the lowest possible drawer height that can be installed in the drawer cabinet 10.

[0034] The locking elements 36 each have two upward-pointing lugs 40. These engage in the Fig. In the closed position shown in Figure 2b, the lifting element 26 engages from below into openings 42 formed on a downwardly open U-profile strip 41, which is attached to the rear sides of each drawer 12. The U-profile strips 41 each have an upwardly projecting web 46 in which the openings 42 are formed. Since the relative arrangement between the locking elements 38 and the U-profile strips 41 is the same for all drawers 12, the engagement of the lugs 40 in the openings 42 occurs simultaneously for all drawers 12 when the lifting element 26 is raised. The lugs 40 and the openings 42 thus form positive locking sections that secure the drawers 12 when the lifting element 26 is in the closed position and therefore engaged. If the positive locking sections are disengaged, the drawers 12 can be pulled out.

[0035] To guide the lifting element 26, a bracket 48 is provided at its lower end, which is screwed to the housing 14 of the drawer cabinet 10. The bracket 48 is provided with two slot-shaped slots 50a and 50b arranged at right angles, through which the legs of the lifting element 26 extend. For this purpose, the profile from which the lifting element 26 is made is provided at its lower end in the area of ​​the edge with a longitudinal slot 52, through which the legs can be released and inserted into the slots 50a and 50b. At its upper end, the lifting element 26 is guided in a slot 53 in a component of the transfer mechanism 32, which is screwed to the housing 14, as shown in the Fig. 3 is recognizable.

[0036] The one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The drawer cabinet 10 shown in Figure 2 can be easily adapted to different drawer heights. This simply requires clipping the locking elements 36 into the correct vertical positions of the lifting element 26. Since this connection is detachable in the illustrated embodiment, the drawer cabinet 10 can also be modified later.

[0037] As already mentioned, the grid of the lifting element 26, which is defined by the spacing of the recesses 38, is adapted to the possible mounting heights of the drawers. If, for example, the drawer cabinet 10 is to be configured so that the middle of the five drawers 12 is replaced by three shallower drawers, then only two additional locking elements 36 need to be clipped onto the lifting element 26 above the middle locking element in the area of ​​the recesses 36 provided there.

[0038] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows the locking system 24 in an exploded view or in its assembled state. A key 54 for the lock 34 is also visible. A mounting plate 56 receives the pin tumbler lock 34 and covers an opening in the front panel 20 of the housing 14, as is also shown in the Fig. 1 is recognizable.

[0039] The Fig. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the conversion mechanism 32 for the [unclear text] in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. The lifting element 26 is provided on its upper side with a flattened portion 60 that extends in a horizontal plane. A cam 62 engages the flattened portion 60 from below and is formed or attached to the actuating element 28 in a rotationally fixed manner. In the embodiment shown in the Fig. In the closed position shown in Figure 5, the cam 62 holds the lifting element 26 in its upper position. When moving to the open position, the actuating element 28 rotates counterclockwise, i.e., in the Fig. 5 to the left, rotated. This causes the cam 62 to lower and engage in an opening 64 formed at the upper end of the lifting element 26. Due to its own weight, the lifting element 26 lowers until it reaches the open position. If the downward movement of the lifting element 26 should be slightly blocked, with continued rotation of the actuating element 28, another cam 62' comes to rest against the upper surface of the flattened area 60 and pushes the lifting element 26 downwards. This design of the reversing mechanism 32 ensures that the height of the lifting element 26 is precisely defined in both the closed and open positions. This guarantees that the drawers 12 are reliably locked in the closed position of the lifting element 26 and can be pulled out in the open position without significant resistance.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a bottom view of a locking element 36 and the lifting element 26. To clip it on, the locking element 36 is removed from the part in the Fig. The starting position shown in section 6 is rotated clockwise, with the axis of rotation at the point shown in the Fig.The contact point is 6. After a spring tongue 65 formed on the locking element 36 comes into contact with the lifting element 26, the spring tongue 65 is deflected and only released when a projecting arm 66 of the locking element 36 rests flat against the lifting element 26. In this position, the spring tongue 65 snaps back, thereby locking the locking element 36 in the manner of a snap fastener. The recesses 38 on the locking element 36 ensure that the locking element 36 is positively locked to the lifting element 26 at a vertical height. If necessary, the spring tongue 65 can be deflected again using a screwdriver or another simple tool to release the snap connection and remove the locking element 36. 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 200 15 566 U1

[0004]

Claims

A locking system (24) for jointly locking several drawers (12) arranged one above the other in a drawer cabinet (10), comprising: an elongated lifting element (26) extending vertically over several drawers (12) and which can be mounted vertically displaceable between a closed position and an open position on the drawer cabinet (10); an elongated actuating element (28) which can be rotatably mounted on the drawer cabinet (10) about a horizontal axis of rotation (30); a conversion mechanism (32) which is arranged between the lifting element (26) and the actuating element (28) and is configured to convert a rotary movement of the actuating element (28) into a vertical lifting movement of the lifting element (26) and thus to move the lifting element (26) from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, characterized in that the locking system (10) further comprises: several locking elements (26),which can be variably attached at different heights to the lifting element (26), each locking element (26) having a first positive locking section (40) which is configured to engage with a second positive locking section (42) formed on the respective drawer (12) and to lock the drawer when the lifting element (26) is in the closed position, and to be disengaged from the second positive locking section when the lifting element (26) is in the open position. Locking system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting element (26) is a rod or a profile element, in particular a steel profile or a structural profile made of aluminium. Locking system according to claim 2, characterized in that the lifting element (26) has several recesses (38), openings or projections that define possible fastening positions for the locking elements (36). Locking system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the lifting element (26) is guided in the conversion mechanism (32) and in a holder (48) which can be attached to the drawer cabinet (10) at the lower end of the lifting element (26). Locking system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the locking elements (36) can be attached to the lifting element (26) by latching. Locking system according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking of the locking elements (36) on the lifting element (26) is effected by a rotary movement. Locking system according to claim 6, characterized in that during the rotational movement a spring tongue (65) formed on the locking element (36) comes into contact with the lifting element (26), whereby the spring tongue (65) is deflected and is only released when a projecting arm (66) of the locking element (36) lies flat against the lifting element (26). Locking system according to claim 7, characterized in that recesses (38) are provided on the locking elements (36) which ensure that the respective locking element (36) is positively locked to the lifting element (26) at a vertical height. Locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting element (26) is arranged behind the drawers along an extension direction of the drawers (12). Locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (28) can be operated from a front of the drawer cabinet (10). Locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a lock (34) which is connected to the actuating element (28) in such a way that a rotary movement of a key (54) inserted into the lock is transmitted to the actuating element. Locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first positive locking section is designed as a projection (40) or hook and the second positive locking section as an opening (42) or recess, or that the first positive locking section is designed as an opening or recess and the second positive locking section as a projection or hook. Drawer cabinet (10) with a locking system (24) according to one of the preceding claims. Drawer cabinet according to claim 13, characterized in that the lifting element (26) has several openings, recesses (36), projections or other positive locking elements that define possible fastening positions for the locking elements (36), and that the mounting heights of the drawers (12) are adapted to the fastening positions for the locking elements (36).

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