LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS AND CABINET OR BOX FURNITURE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a locking arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a cabinet or cabinet piece of furniture. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] There are cabinets or storage units where access to the interior can be locked. In addition to conventional doors, there is also the option of using locking devices such as blinds, as disclosed in DE 73 24 944 U and DE 20 2006 006 100 U1, or locking devices consisting of interlinked or coupled slatted elements.

[0003] The materials used for the slat elements in such locking assemblies with slatted elements range from wood-based materials to glass and plastics. Wood-based materials or glass are generally relatively rigid materials in the thicknesses used. If slat elements are made of plastic, they are relatively flexible along their main longitudinal direction. In a closed locking assembly, i.e. when the opening leading into the interior of a cupboard or cabinet is closed by a locking assembly, pressure on the closed locking assembly can bend the slats, especially when using plastic slat elements. This is particularly impractical if, for example, the locking assembly is to be cleaned from the outside. This can cause the front of the slats to bend inwards.

[0004] Of course, this effect can occur not only with plastic slat elements, but with slat elements made of any material, provided they are sufficiently thin. For example, EP 0 635 620 A1 discloses permanently coupled slats with stiffening elements intended to prevent sagging, whereby such stiffening adds additional weight to the slat elements.

[0005] The disadvantage of such locking arrangements is that the elements are permanently and firmly coupled to one another and, in order to open them, must be rolled up as a unit or guided behind the storage space at the top or bottom, which significantly reduces the storage space.

[0006] DE 10 2017 000 214 A1 discloses a locking arrangement in which adjacent slats are coupled to each other in such a way that each slat is suspended in a slide rail, which, when closed, is arranged on the slat above it. When opened, the lower slat in the upper area of ​​the opening slides in front of the one above it, so that the slats in the upper area are inserted into the cabinet lying one in front of the other, thus reducing the space required.

[0007] Closure arrangements according to the preamble of claim 1 are known from WO 99 / 61742 A1, DE 298 05 697 U1 and BE 503 221 A. THE INVENTION

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to further develop a closure arrangement in such a way that the disadvantages described do not occur.

[0009] This object is achieved by a locking arrangement having the features of claim 1 and a cabinet or cabinet furniture having the features of claim 12. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the respective subclaims.

[0010] The closure assembly according to the invention comprises a plurality of interconnected slat elements. The coupling can be a single or multiple linkage, for example, but the slat elements can also be connected to one another, for example, via a scissor mechanism. In the closed state, the slat elements lie next to one another in an opening and closing direction (X). In this state, the narrow sides of adjacent slat elements face each other, thus forming a butt area or butt joint.

[0011] According to the invention, at least one or a plurality of the slat elements each comprise at least one stiffening section. This stiffening section extends over at least part of the associated slat element, in particular in a direction transverse to the opening and closing direction (X).

[0012] By stiffening the slat elements transversely to the opening and closing direction (X) over at least one or more parts thereof, deflection of the closure arrangement formed from the slat elements under external force can be prevented or at least reduced. Advantageously, it is also provided that the butt region or butt joint has a main longitudinal extension direction (Y) that is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the opening and closing direction (X).

[0013] According to the invention, it is further provided that the stiffening section overlaps the butt area or the butt joint between adjacent slat elements in such a way that it comes into operative connection with at least one coupling element which is arranged on the adjacent slat element.

[0014] In addition, the invention provides that in the open state, the coupling elements are separated from one another, and in the closed state, the coupling elements interact with one another and thus ensure a connection between adjacent slat elements. In the closed state of the curtain arrangement according to the invention, further stability can be added by achieving not only the overlapping and supporting of the adjacent slat element but also a physical coupling between adjacent slat elements. In this context, "active connection" means that there is a physical interaction between one slat element or the bridging section or the at least one coupling element attached thereto, on the one hand, and the adjacent slat orthe at least one coupling element attached thereto, on the other hand, is adjusted in such a way that the fastening of adjacent slats to one another is supported or established when the closure assembly is closed. Such an arrangement allows the permanent stiffening section to be made smaller and thus lighter, since the coupling in the closed state represents additional reinforcement, which counteracts loads that occur particularly when the closure assembly is closed.

[0015] To further improve the stiffening effect, it can be provided that at least one lamella element or the stiffening section has a bridging section that projects beyond the narrow side of the lamella element facing the adjacent lamella element and bridges the butt area or the butt joint. This bridging section acts as additional support in the butt area or in the butt joint area when the closure arrangement according to the invention is closed. As a result, one lamella element is stiffened in the manner described above, and the adjacent lamella element also receives additional support in the butt joint or in the butt area. This also further increases the stability of the entire closure arrangement according to the invention, in particular if such a feature is provided in the area of ​​several or all of the existing butt joints.Of course, the stiffening effect of the stiffening section according to the invention is not only effective when the shutter is closed. Rather, the individual slat elements are also stiffened when the closure assembly is open.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one first coupling element is arranged on the bridging section, and at least one second coupling element, which magnetically interacts with the first coupling element, is arranged on a region of the adjacent lamella element located in the closed state of the closure arrangement in operative proximity to the first coupling element. The magnetic interaction has the advantage that it is possible to fix or secure adjacent lamellae relative to one another without the need for force-locking connections.

[0017] It may be advantageous if at least one coupling element has at least a partial coating and / or a coating element. This coating element can, for example, comprise flocking, a felt element, or another element made of (noise-)damping material, so that engagement noises or the like are avoided when the two coupling elements engage due to the magnetic interaction in the closed state.

[0018] The stiffening section can be formed integrally with the associated slat element. Advantageously, the stiffening section is further provided as a separate component attached, in particular glued, to the associated slat element. Of course, other attachment options are also conceivable; in particular, a force-fit mount can be realized by screwing, clipping, or attaching the stiffening section to the slat element, for example.

[0019] The stiffening section can be attached directly to the slat element. It is also possible, of course, for it to be spaced from the slat element by at least one spacer element. This creates additional installation space for attaching the coupling elements to the stiffening element on the one hand and to the adjacent slat element on the other. Of course, such a spacer element can be omitted under certain circumstances, for example, if the coupling elements are recessed, inserted, or otherwise integrated into the respective slat elements or the respective stiffening element.

[0020] If the stiffening section is designed as a separate component, it can be provided, in particular, that the stiffening section comprises or consists of a metal material, in particular aluminum or iron, and / or a plastic material. For example, if a ferromagnetic metal material is used, such as iron, the coupling element according to the invention is integrated into the stiffening section or formed integrally therewith. Accordingly, within the meaning of the invention, the coupling element does not have to be a separate component, but can be part of the lamella element or the stiffening section.

[0021] Preferably, the stiffening section is one or more profile elements, which are / are designed, in particular, as T-profiles or L-profiles. This achieves particularly good stabilization and stiffening effects. Of course, other profile shapes are also conceivable.

[0022] When the stiffening section is designed as a profile element, at least one profile leg is oriented at an acute, preferably right angle to a broad side of the associated slat element. The angled design, in particular the right-angled design, ensures maximum stabilizing or stiffening effect of the stiffening section.

[0023] In the manner described, a locking arrangement is created which has clear advantages over the arrangements according to the prior art, especially when forces act on the closed locking arrangement from the outside, and in particular enables the use of relatively thin and flexible slat elements, for example those made of plastic, particularly when wider cabinet or box furniture are to be equipped with a locking arrangement according to the invention.

[0024] The invention further relates to a piece of cabinet or storage furniture having a locking arrangement as described above. This is designed to make the interior of the cabinet or storage furniture accessible via an opening when opened and to close the opening when closed. The locking arrangement thus replaces a door or flap. Preferably, the locking arrangement has a rear side facing the interior of the cabinet or storage furniture, wherein the at least one stiffening section is arranged on the rear side of the associated slatted element. In this way, the at least one stiffening section or sections do not impair the external appearance of the furniture. The same also applies to any coupling elements that may be present. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0025] The invention is described below with reference to Figures 1A to 6 explained in more detail. Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a piece of cabinet or box furniture according to the invention with a locking arrangement according to the invention in the closed state. Figure 1B shows a perspective view of a piece of cabinet or box furniture according to the invention with a locking arrangement according to the invention in the partially open state. Figure 1C shows a perspective view of a piece of cabinet or box furniture according to the invention with a locking arrangement according to the invention in the open state. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view through a locking arrangement according to the invention in the region of two adjacent slat elements according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view through a locking arrangement according to the invention in the region of two adjacent slat elements according to a second embodiment of the invention.Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through a locking arrangement according to the invention in the region of two adjacent slat elements according to a third embodiment of the invention. Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view through a locking arrangement according to the invention in the closed state. Figure 5B shows a cross-sectional view through a locking arrangement according to the invention in the partially open state. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a cabinet or box according to the invention with a locking arrangement according to the invention in the partially open state, with part of the furniture cut away for clarity. BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] In the Figures 1A to 1C1 shows a cabinet or storage unit 10 according to the invention. This has, in addition to a body 11, a locking arrangement 12 according to the invention, which comprises a plurality of slatted elements. This locking arrangement serves to close an opening through which the interior 13 of the cabinet or storage unit 10 is accessible. The locking arrangement 12 can be moved by displacing the slatted elements in an opening and closing direction X. Opening and closing direction X means in the sense of the invention that the slatted elements can be displaced parallel to the direction X for opening and closing the locking arrangement 12 according to the invention. The opening and closing direction X corresponds in the Figures 1A to 1Cshown example of the vertical direction of the cabinet or cabinet furniture 10. Y denotes the transverse direction, which here preferably runs perpendicular to the direction X and in particular also perpendicular to the depth direction Z of the cabinet or cabinet furniture 10; in the example shown, this direction Y also corresponds to the main longitudinal extension direction of the slat elements of the closure arrangement 12 according to the invention.

[0027] The slat elements of the closure assembly 12 according to the invention are coupled to one another. The slat elements can be connected to one another in an articulated manner, or linked to one another, for example, via a scissor-type fitting. The manner in which the slat elements are coupled to one another is thus at the discretion of the person skilled in the art.

[0028] In the Figures 2-4 a detail of the closure arrangement according to the invention is shown in cross section.

[0029] In Figure 2Two adjacent slat elements 1 and 2 are shown, between which a butt area or a butt joint 8 is formed in the closed state (shown here). On the rear side of the closure arrangement 12 according to the invention, which in the example shown is located to the right of the two slat elements 1 and 2, a stiffening section 3 is arranged, which in the example shown is an L-shaped angle profile. This stiffening section 3, designed as an angle profile, has a first leg 3a and, in the example shown, a second leg 3b which is angled thereto and, in particular, is perpendicular. The stiffening section 3 is attached to the slat element 2, in this embodiment spaced apart by a spacer element 4. It can be glued, but other force-fitting or material-fit connections are also conceivable. The angle profile 3 preferably extends over a substantial part of the transverse direction Y (cf. Figure 1A-1C) of the slat element 2 (preferably also on all other slat elements of the closure arrangement according to the invention), so that good stiffening is achieved in the transverse direction Y, which counteracts bending of the slat elements 1, 2. The angled profile shape also stiffens the stiffening element 3 itself, in particular in the direction of the second, protruding leg 3b, so that pressure on the slat elements 1, 2 in the butt area 8 leads to at most minimal deformation and also to the generation of a visually appealing appearance through uniform / equally wide butt areas or butt joints 8 between the slat elements 1, 2 of the closure arrangement 12 according to the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the slat elements 1, 2 are designed in the butt area or in the area of ​​the butt joint 8 such that the opposing narrow sides are designed at an acute angle, for example 45°.

[0030] Essentially, the first leg 3a of the stiffening section 3 is fastened to the slat element 2, with this leg protruding slightly beyond the upper edge or the upper margin of the slat element 2, such that it overlaps the butt area or the butt joint 8 and extends into the area of ​​the rear of the adjacent slat element 1. In this overlapping area, a first coupling element 5 is arranged on the leg 3a of the stiffening section 3, which, in the closed state of the closure arrangement according to the invention shown here, is operatively connected to a second coupling element 6, which in turn is attached to the adjacent slat element 1. The coupling elements 5 and 6 are preferably designed such that they interact with one another in a magnetically attractive manner. For this purpose, one of the coupling elements 5, 6 must comprise at least one magnetizable material, and the other a magnetic material.Preferably, the two coupling elements 5, 6 are permanent magnets that, when closed, face each other with opposite poles and thus attract each other. Due to the space required to accommodate such magnets, it is possible to mount the stiffening section 3 at a certain distance from the lamella element 2 by means of a spacer element 4.

[0031] In Figure 3 A slight modification of the closure arrangement according to the invention is shown in FIG. Here, the second coupling element 6 is partially embedded into the material / wall of the lamella element 1, so that the spacer element 4 is less thick. Furthermore, the stiffening section 3 is smaller than in the embodiment of FIG. Figure 2on the side of leg 3b facing away from leg 3a, resulting in an overall T-shaped profile. This provides additional stability. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the slat elements 1, 2 are formed at right angles on their opposite narrow sides in the butt area or in the area of ​​the butt joint 8.

[0032] Of course, it is also possible to completely dispense with a spacer element, for example, by making the stiffening section 3 itself from a magnetic or magnetizable material, such as iron. In this case, the stiffening section 3 simultaneously forms the first coupling element. This would then, as in Figure 4shown, can be fastened directly to or by means of a material receptacle or in a groove in the associated slat element 2; in particular, this can be done using a fixing element 7 such as an adhesive tape. The installation depth is thereby reduced, in particular if the second coupling element 6 is also embedded in the corresponding slat element 1. Furthermore, for additional stiffening of the closure arrangement 12 according to the invention, for example on the slat element 1, as shown in the figure, at least one further stiffening section 3 can be arranged, for example, via a fixing element 7 designed as an adhesive tape. The slat elements 1, 2 are preferably made of plastic; of course, other materials such as glass, metal or wood materials can also be used as material for the slat elements 1, 2.

[0033] In the Figures 5A and 5Bis a section of the closure arrangement according to the invention in cross section in the closed position ( Figure 5A ) and in a partially open position ( Figure 5B ) is shown.

[0034] One can see the stiffening sections 3 arranged on the back, which are attached here to the top of each slat element 1, 2.

[0035] When opened ( Figure 5B ) the coupling elements are separated from each other and the magnetic interaction is cancelled, while in the closed state ( Figure 5A ) the slats lie against each other with their narrow sides forming butt joints and the two coupling elements (not shown) interact with each other and thus ensure a connection between adjacent slat elements 1, 2.

[0036] Figure 6shows a perspective view of a cabinet or box furniture 10 according to the invention with a locking arrangement 12 according to the invention in the partially opened state, wherein a part of the cabinet or box furniture 10 is cut away for the sake of clarity.

[0037] This shows a partial section of the cabinet or storage unit 10 according to the invention, showing the closure assembly 12 according to the invention in a largely open state, viewed from the rear. Here, the corresponding stiffening sections 3 can be seen on the upper narrow sides of the slat elements 1, 2. In the example shown, these extend essentially over the entire length of the slat elements 1, 2 viewed in the transverse direction Y, so that maximum stiffening of the individual slat elements 1, 2 and thus of the entire closure assembly 12 can be achieved.

[0038] However, it is within the scope of the invention that the stiffening sections 3 are arranged as individual elements, partially as individual stiffening sections spaced from one another in the transverse direction Y, between which the rear side of the respective slat elements 1, 2 can be seen.

Claims

1. Closure arrangement (12), in particular for a cabinet or case furniture item (10), comprising a plurality of slat elements (1, 2) coupled to one another, wherein the slat elements (1, 2) in the closed state lie adjacent to one another viewed in an opening and closing direction (X) and in this state the short sides of adjacent slat elements (1, 2) face one another and thereby form a butt zone or a butt joint (8), wherein at least one or a plurality of the slat elements (1, 2) each comprises / comprise at least one stiffening portion (3), which extends over at least a part of the associated slat element (1, 2), in particular in a direction transverse to the opening and closing direction (X), characterised in that the stiffening portion (3) overlaps the butt zone or the butt joint (8) between two adjacent slat elements (1, 2) in such a way that it enters into operative connection with at least one coupling element (5, 6), which is arranged on an adjacent slat element (1), wherein in the open state the coupling elements (5, 6) are separated from one another and in the closed state the coupling elements (5, 6) interact with one another and thus ensure a connection of adjacent slat elements (1, 2).

2. Closure arrangement (12) according to claim 1, characterised in that the butt zone or the butt joint (8) has a main direction of longitudinal extent (Y), which lies transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the opening and closing direction.

3. Closure arrangement (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one slat element (1, 2) or a stiffening portion (3) has a bridging portion (3a), which projects beyond the narrow side of the slat element (2) facing the adjacent slat elements (1) and bridges the butt zone or the butt joint (8).

4. Closure arrangement (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one first coupling element (5) is arranged on the bridging portion (3a) and at least one second coupling element (6), magnetically interacting with the first coupling element (5), is arranged on a region of the adjacent slat element (1) disposed in the vicinity of the action of the first coupling element (5) in the closed state of the closure arrangement (12).

5. Closure arrangement (12) according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one coupling element (5, 6) has, at least in part, a coating and / or a coating element.

6. Closure arrangement (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stiffening portion (3) is formed in one piece with the associated slat element (1, 2).

7. Closure arrangement (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the stiffening portion (3) is attached, in particular adhered, as a separate component to the associated slat element (1, 2).

8. Closure arrangement (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stiffening portion (3) is arranged spaced apart from the slat element (1, 2) via at least one spacer element (4).

9. Closure arrangement (12) according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the stiffening portion (3) comprises or consists of a metal material, in particular aluminium or iron, and / or a plastics material.

10. Closure arrangement (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stiffening portion (3) is a profile element, which in particular is formed as a T-profile or L-profile.

11. Closure arrangement (12) according to claim 10, characterised in that when forming the stiffening portion (3) as a profile element, at least one profile limb (3b) is oriented at an acute, preferably right angle to a broad side of the associated slat element (1, 2).

12. Cabinet or case furniture item (10), having a closure arrangement (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is configured, in the open state, to make the interior (13) of the cabinet or case furniture item (10) accessible via an opening and, in the closed, to close the opening.

13. Cabinet or case furniture item (10) according to claim 12, characterised in that the closure arrangement (12) has a rear side pointing towards the interior (13) of the cabinet or case furniture item (10), wherein the at least one stiffening portion (3) is arranged on the associated slat element (1, 2) on the rear side of the latter.