DEVICE FOR FASTENING A FRONT PANEL TO A SIDE FRAME OF A DRAWER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drawer with a side frame and a front panel, which is fixed to the side frame of the drawer by means of a device for fastening the front panel, which device has a support fixed to a front panel and an adapter fixed to the side frame, on which adapter the support is adjustably held, wherein the support can be inserted into a receptacle on the adapter by means of a holding web and can be fixed via a locking element, wherein the at least one locking element is designed as a flexible spring which engages behind a projection on the holding web with at least one leg.

[0002] DE 20 2010 002 617 U1 discloses a fastening system for securing a front panel to a side wall of a drawer. An engaging element can be inserted into the side frame, in which a loop-shaped spring element is arranged. The spring element can be tensioned via a double-armed fastening lever to fix a hook of the engaging element in the side frame. While this enables effective installation, the holding force of the spring element is limited. Furthermore, depending on the position of the hook, the tension force is difficult to adjust with the fastening lever.

[0003] CN 21 1186 460 discloses a device for attaching a front panel to a drawer side frame with a locking mechanism in which two latches can be moved in opposite directions. The latches are connected to each other via pivoting levers that are preloaded into a locking position by a spring. By pivoting the levers, the latches can be moved into a release position.

[0004] DE 10 2016 116 178 discloses a device for releasably fastening a front panel to a drawer, in which a clamping device with a flexible wire is used to fix a retaining part to a front panel. The clamping device can be moved into a release position by an eccentric by spreading the two legs of the wire.

[0005] WO 2013 / 025181 discloses a locking mechanism with a holding element that can be gripped by two claws. The claws are preloaded by a spring and pivotably mounted.

[0006] WO 2017 / 103049 discloses a device for releasably securing a front panel to a side frame, in which two levers, each with a latch, can be pivoted. A retaining part can be secured to the side frame via the latch.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a drawer with a compact device for fastening a front panel, which provides high holding forces.

[0008] This object is achieved with a drawer having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The drawer according to the invention with a side frame and a front panel, which is fixed to the side frame by means of a device for fastening the front panel, which device has a support fixed to the front panel and an adapter fixed to the side frame, wherein the support can be inserted into a receptacle on the adapter by means of a retaining web and can be fixed there by means of a locking element. This locking element comprises, according to the invention, at least one flexible spring, which engages behind a projection on the retaining web with at least one leg. As a result, by inserting the retaining web, fixing can be achieved by locking the at least one leg behind the projection, so that a further assembly step, such as tightening a loop, is eliminated. This facilitates assembly, and in addition, high holding forces can be provided via the locking element.

[0010] Preferably, the retaining bar is clamped to the locking element. This prevents rattling noises and ensures a secure fit of the carrier to the adapter.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one flexible spring is designed as a leaf spring. The spring can also have two legs that engage around the retaining web on opposite sides. This ensures centering of the retaining web between the two legs of the spring. For particularly high holding forces, the at least one projection on the retaining web can have a run-up bevel that is inclined to an insertion direction and against which one end of a leg of the flexible spring rests. The leg of the spring can be arranged at an angle to the run-up bevel, for example at an angle between 60° and 120°, in particular between 70° and 110°, so that when tensile forces act on the carrier, the leg is subjected to pressure and withdrawal of the carrier is prevented.However, pivoting the leg during assembly can be achieved easily, which can be achieved by angularly aligning the leg to the insertion direction, for example, if the legs are inclined at an angle between 10° and 40° to the insertion direction. The leaf spring can be designed as a U-shaped bent part, in which the two legs of the U each have a bent-back leg to secure the projection, so that the two legs are aligned with their edges toward the base of the spring.

[0012] The device comprises a release lever on the adapter, which is pivotably mounted and by means of which the at least one flexible spring can be pulled off the retaining web. The release lever can close an opening for receiving the projection in the locking position. To open, the release lever is then pivoted, according to the invention, about an axis that is vertical in the assembled position. The at least one flexible spring is preferably fixed to the release lever and is thereby moved together with the release lever to be pulled off the projection.

[0013] The adapter is preferably constructed in multiple parts and comprises a stationary housing that can be secured to the side frame and a slide that is displaceably mounted within the housing. The housing can be inserted into a holding part of the side frame and is preferably U-shaped to accommodate the slide in a central region. The holding web of the support is preferably fixed to the slide on which the receptacle is formed. The slide is preferably displaceable relative to the housing via a device for height adjustment. For this purpose, appropriate guide means are provided between the slide and the housing, wherein the adjustment can be effected via an eccentric, screws, worm gears, or other rotary or linear adjustment means.

[0014] For a lateral adjustment in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, the retaining web is preferably held with play in a receptacle of the adapter, in particular in the slide of the adapter, so that the position of the retaining web relative to the adapter, in particular the slide, can be adjusted via a lateral adjustment, such as an eccentric, a worm, a screw or another mechanical adjustment element.

[0015] The support with the holding web can be designed in one or more parts, whereby the holding web is designed to transmit high holding forces.

[0016] In a further embodiment, two locking elements are mounted on the release lever, both of which are locked to the projection of the retaining web. To achieve higher holding forces, both locking elements can be designed as leaf springs, which are locked to the projection of the retaining web with at least two, preferably four, legs. The locking elements can be loop-shaped and can be attached to a retaining projection on the release lever.

[0017] The device is used primarily on a drawer to secure the front panel to a side frame, with the front panel being secured to two side frames. For tall front panels, multiple fastening devices can also be provided. The upper devices can optionally be mounted without height adjustment, as this is achieved by the lower device.

[0018] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drawer according to the invention; Figure 2 is a detailed view of the drawer of the Figure 1 in the area of ​​fastening the front panel to the side frame; Figures 3A and 3B two views of a device for fastening a front panel to a side frame during assembly; Figures 4A and 4B two views of the device of Figure 3 in a release position; Figures 5A and 5B two views of the device of the Figure 3 in a disassembled position; Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the device for fastening a front panel to a side frame; Figures 7A to 7C show several views of the device for Figure 6 during assembly with a view of the locking element; Figures 8A to 8C show several views of the device of the Figure 6in different adjustment positions; Figures 9A to 9C show several views of the device of the Figure 6 in different adjustment positions in lateral direction; Figure 10 a perspective view of a second device for fastening a front panel to a side frame; Figure 11 an exploded view of the device of the Figure 10 ; Figure 12 a perspective view of the device of Figure 10 in an unlocking position; Figure 13 an exploded view of a modified device for fastening a front panel to a side frame; Figures 14A to 14C several views during assembly of the carrier to the housing of the Figure 13 ; Figures 15A and 15B show two views of the support of the device of Figure 13; Figures 16A and 16B show two views of a modified support for a device for fixing the front panel; Figures 17A and 17B show two views of a modified support for a device for fixing the front panel, and Figures 18A and 18B show two views of a further support for a device for fixing the front panel.

[0019] A drawer 1, in particular for furniture, comprises a front panel 2 held by two side frames 3. The side frames 3 connect the front panel 2 to a rear wall 4 and hold a base 5. On each side frame 3, a device 6 according to the invention for fixing the front panel 2 to the side frame 3 and a further device 7 for fixing the front panel 2 are provided.

[0020] As in Figure 2As can be seen, the device 6 comprises an adapter with a housing 10, which is fixed to the side frame 3, for example by being inserted into a receptacle of a core on the side frame 3. A support 8, to which the front panel 2 is attached, is fixed to the adapter. The further device 7 is arranged above the device 6 and comprises a modified housing 9, which is attached to the side frame 3.

[0021] In Figure 3Athe device 6 is shown without side frame 3 and front panel 2. The support 8 comprises a retaining web 20 which, on the side facing the adapter, has a widening projection 21. A lateral adjustment 22 is provided on the retaining web 20. The support 8 is made from a U-shaped bent sheet metal, to which the retaining web 20 is integrally formed. However, the support 8 can also be made from plastic or with a different geometry. Openings are provided on the support 8, through each of which a screw 23 is passed in order to fix the front panel 2 to the support 8, for example using dowels or threaded sleeves. The support 8 and the retaining web 20 can also be produced as two individual components which are connected before or during assembly by form, force and / or material connection.

[0022] The adapter comprises an outer housing 10 that can be secured to the side frame 3. The housing is essentially U-shaped and in which a slide 11 is slidably mounted. A release lever 12 is provided on the slide 11, which, in the closed position, closes a receptacle 14 for inserting the retaining web 20. The release lever 12 can be locked to the slide 11 via locking means, for example, locking hooks.

[0023] To mount the front panel 2 to the side frame 3, the support 8 with the front panel (not shown) is moved toward the adapter so that the retaining bar 20 is inserted into the receptacle 14 and locked there. Once locked, the front panel 2 is fixed to the side frame 3 and can now be adjusted in height and / or in a lateral horizontal direction. For this purpose, a height adjustment 13 is provided on the housing 10 to enable the slide 11 to be moved vertically along the housing 10.

[0024] In Figures 4A and 4B the release lever 12 was moved from the locking position according to Figure 3B pivoted into an unlocking position. By pivoting the release lever 12, the retaining web 20 with the projection 21 is unlocked and can now be pulled out of the receptacle 14. The release lever 12 is pivoted about an axis that is vertical in the assembly position. Figures 5A and 5B The carrier 8 with the retaining web 20 has been pulled out of the receptacle 14. It can be seen that a locking element 30 in the form of a flexible spring is held on the release lever 12.

[0025] In Figure 6The device 6 is shown in detail. The carrier 8 comprises an opening 24 on the plate-shaped retaining web 20, into which a lateral adjustment 22 is inserted. The lateral adjustment 22 can be designed as a screw, worm, or other adjustment element in order to adjust the retaining web 20 laterally relative to the carriage 11. The projection 21 comprises, on a rear side facing the carrier 8, a bevel 25, which is used for locking during assembly.

[0026] A receptacle 14 for inserting the retaining web 20 is formed on the carriage 11. This receptacle is essentially bowl-shaped and in which the retaining web 20 is arranged with clearance. To form an insertion opening for the retaining web 20, a bracket 15 is provided, which is inserted and mounted with its edge-side legs into slots 16 on the carriage 11. An opening 17 is formed on the bracket 15, through which the lateral adjustment 22 is accessible for a tool.

[0027] A receptacle 18 for guiding the carriage 11 is formed on the housing 10, into which receptacle a guide web of the carriage 11 can be inserted, so that the carriage 11 is guided on the housing 10 in the vertical direction. The housing 10 is U-shaped and comprises a receptacle 18 on each of its two legs. The housing 10 also has a height adjustment 13, into which an adjustment element 35 is inserted in order to be able to rotate the height adjustment 13. The height adjustment 13 is designed here as an eccentric which rests against an eccentric receptacle 36 on the carriage 11, so that by rotating the height adjustment 13 the carriage 11 can be displaced in the vertical direction along the housing 10. Instead of an eccentric, a screw, worm or other adjustment element can also be provided.

[0028] The release lever 12 is pivotally mounted on the carriage 11, with the release lever 12 having two axes 19 that engage in bearing receptacles on the carriage 11. In the mounted position, the release lever 12 is pivotable about a substantially vertical axis.

[0029] The locking element 30 is fixed to at least one receptacle on the release lever 12, for example by clamping or locking. The locking element 30 is designed as a flexible spring, in particular as a U-shaped leaf spring, having a base and two legs 31, with each leg 31 having a bend to form a leg 31 for locking the retaining web 20. Each leg 31 has an end 32 facing the base of the spring. The design as a one-piece leaf spring allows for easy installation on the release lever 12 and secure fixation of the retaining web 20.

[0030] In the Figures 7A to 7CThe mounting of the retaining web 20 on the locking element 30 is shown. The retaining web 20 is inserted into the receptacle 14 on the slide 11 in an insertion direction, wherein the insertion direction in the mounted position is aligned perpendicular to the plane of the front panel 2. The retaining web 20 presses the two legs 31 of the locking element 30 outwards with the widened projection 21, as shown in Figure 7Bis shown. The projection 21 slides in a clamped manner between the two legs 31, which are bent outwards. As a result of the further insertion movement, the projection 21 moves behind the legs 31 and locks there. The legs 31 now spread out again inwards towards the holding web 20 and come with one end 32 against a run-on bevel 25 of the projection 21. The angle between a leg 31 and the run-on bevel 25 is preferably in a range between 60° and 120°, so that when tensile forces act on the holding web 20, the legs 31 are subjected to pressure and can therefore provide high holding forces. The projection 21 can have fine knurling at the top and bottom in the contact area with the legs 31, which further increases the holding forces. By positioning the holding web 20 between the two legs 31, centering in the vertical direction is achieved.In this embodiment, the two legs 31 each have a recess for securely receiving the projections 21. Alternatively, in a further embodiment, it is possible to lock the retaining web 20 via only a single leg 31 and not via two legs 31.

[0031] In the Figures 8A to 8C A height adjustment of the support 8 on the adapter is shown. The height adjustment 13 is held on the housing 10, which Figure 8A is arranged in a central position. By turning the height adjustment 13, an eccentric is rotated along the eccentric mount 36 and thus ensures a linear displacement of the carriage 11 in the vertical direction, which is guided by guide webs on the mounts 18. In Figure 8B the slide 11 is shown with the release lever 12 in an upper position, while the slide 11 with the release lever 12 in Figure 8Cis arranged in a lower position. The adjustment can be made continuously or in increments within an adjustment range of, for example, between 2 mm and 30 mm, in particular 3 mm and 15 mm.

[0032] In the Figures 9A to 9C the device 6 is shown in different lateral positions. In Figure 9A The carrier 8 is shown in a central position, in which the retaining bar 20 is arranged centrally in the receptacle 14 and there is play on both sides, right and left. By adjusting the lateral adjustment 22, the retaining bar 20 is moved to the left until it rests against a wall of the carriage 11. This is the maximum left adjustment position. If the lateral adjustment 22 is rotated in the opposite direction, the retaining bar 20 comes into contact with the bracket 15, which limits further movement.

[0033] In a drawer 1, a single device 6 for fixing the front panel 2 to the side frame 3 can be provided for each side frame 3. For front panels 2 with a greater height, at least one further device 7 can be optionally provided, which has a housing 9 that can be fixed to the side frame 3. Such a device 7 is shown in the Figures 10 to 12shown. A carriage 11 is also displaceably mounted on the housing 9, although, unlike in the device 6, no height adjustment element is provided. The carriage 11 is thus displaced along the housing 9 via guide webs, as was described for the device 6, without the carriage 11 being actively moved via an adjustment element. A modified receptacle 14' is provided on the carriage 11, into which a holding web 20 of a second carrier 8 can be inserted. This carrier 8 is designed as described above and includes a lateral adjustment 22, which has no function in this exemplary embodiment. The carriage 11 has ribs in the area in which the projection 21 rests to increase lateral stability. The locking is carried out as in the lower device 6. An upper region of a front panel 2 can be fixed to the side frame 3 via the device 7.

[0034] In Figure 12an unlocking position of the device 7 is shown, in which the release lever 12 releases the receptacle 14' so that the holding web 20 can be pulled out of the receptacle 14' on the carriage 11.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, a one-piece leaf spring is provided as the locking element 30.

[0036] In Figure 13 A modified embodiment of the device 6 for fastening a front panel 2 is shown, in which a two-part locking element 30' is provided. Each locking element 30' is designed as a spring that is fixed to the release lever 12. Each locking element 30' is bent into a loop shape and has a first leg 31 with an end 32 and a second leg 33, which are arranged at an angle to one another. The locking elements 30' are received in a receptacle 14 of the housing 10.

[0037] On the support 8 are Figure 13two screws that can be screwed into dowels 26 that are inserted into holes on the front panel 2. The support 8 has a retaining web 20, on the end of which the projection 21 with a locking receptacle 27 is provided.

[0038] In Figures 14A to 14C The mounting of the carrier 8 on the housing 10 of Figure 13 is shown. The locking elements 30' are each plugged onto a retaining projection 34 on the release lever 12. The retaining web 20 is inserted in an insertion direction into the receptacle 14 on the slide 11. The retaining web 20 presses the two first legs 31 of the locking element 30' outwards with the widened projection 21, as shown in Figure 14B As shown, the projection 21 slides in a clamping manner between the two first legs 31, which are bent outward. The two second legs 33 are also contacted and bent by the projection 21.

[0039] In Figure 14Cthe locking position is shown, which is obtained by the further insertion movement of the projection 21. The first legs 31 are arranged on the rear side of the projection 21 and rest with one end 32 against a run-on bevel 25 of the projection 21. The angle between one leg 31 and the run-on bevel 25 is preferably in a range between 60° and 120°. The two second legs 33 are each locked into the groove-shaped locking receptacle 27 on the projection 21 and can thus provide additional holding forces. In the two-part spring, the two legs 31 and 33 can therefore be shaped such that there is a second locking position for each locking element 30' for safety reasons. The carrier 8 can have a second locking receptacle 27 in the region of the projection 21.

[0040] In the Figures 15A and 15B is the carrier 8 of the device 6 of the Figure 13shown in detail. The support 8 comprises a U-shaped bent strip with embossings 80 that interact with embossings 28 on the separately manufactured retaining web 20 to clamp it to the support 8. The retaining web 20 is provided with a projection 21 with a locking receptacle 27. The projection has a bevel 25, which is provided with a ribbing to allow the leg 31 to be locked along the ribbing and to provide greater holding forces.

[0041] Figures 16A and 16Bshow a modified support 8', which has a strip-shaped body, in particular a cast part made of plastic or metal, with a slot-shaped receptacle 81 and openings 82 for screws 23. One end of the retaining web 20 is inserted into the slot-shaped receptacle 81 and fixed. For this purpose, the retaining web 20 can be joined to the strip-shaped body and connected in a force-locking manner. Alternatively or additionally, an adhesive bond or a material connection can also be provided.

[0042] Figures 17A and 17B show a modified carrier 8" with a strip-shaped body of a slot-shaped receptacle 83 into which one end of the holding web 20 is inserted. Lateral stops 29 are formed on the holding web 20, which limit the insertion depth. The holding web 20 can be connected to the strip-shaped body in a force-fitting or material-fitting manner.

[0043] Figures 18A and 18Bshow a one-piece support 8 made from a bent steel sheet. Two eyelets 84 are formed on the support web 20, into which screws 23 can be passed. Embossed portions 28 are formed between the two eyelets 84. The projection 21 is formed at the end of the support web and can be configured as in the previous embodiments. List of reference symbols

[0044] 1 Drawer 2 Front panel 3 Side frame 4 Rear wall 5 Base 6 Fixture 7 Fixture 8, 8', 8" Support 9 Housing 10 Housing 11 Slide 12 Release lever 13 Height adjustment 14, 14' Receptacle 15 Bracket 16 Slot 17 Opening 18 Receptacle 19 Axis 20 Retaining web 21 Projection 22 Side adjustment 23 Screw 24 Opening 25 Bevel 26 Dowel 27 Locking receptacle 28 Embossing 29 Stop 30, 30' Locking element 31 Leg 32 End 33 Second leg 34 Retaining projection 35 Adjustment element 36 Eccentric receptacle 80 Embossing 81 Slot-shaped receptacle 82 Openings 83 Slot-shaped receptacle 84Eyelet

Claims

1. Drawer having a side frame (3) and a front panel (2), which is fastened to the side frame (3) by means of a device (6) for fastening the front panel (2) to the side frame (3), said device (6) having a support (8, 8', 8") which can be fixed to the front panel (2) and an adapter (10, 11) which is fixed to the side frame (3) and on which the support (8, 8', 8") is held adjustably, the support (8) can be inserted with a retaining web (20) into a receptacle (14) on the adapter (10, 11) and be fixed by means of at least one latching element (30), the at least one latching element (30, 30') being designed as a flexible spring which engages with at least one leg (31) behind a projection (21) on the retaining web (20), characterized in that a release lever (12) is mounted on the adapter (10, 11) pivotably around an axis which is arranged vertically in the mounted position that can be used to pull the flexible spring off the retaining web (20).

2. Drawer according to claim 1, characterised in that the retaining web (20) is fixed in a clamping manner to the latching element (30, 30').

3. Drawer according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the bendable spring is designed as a leaf spring.

4. Drawer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bendable spring comprises two legs (31) which embrace the retaining web (20) on opposite sides.

5. Drawer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one projection (21) on the retaining web (20) comprises a run-up slope (25) which is oriented inclined to an insertion direction and against which one end (32) of a leg (31) of the bendable spring bears.

6. Drawer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the release lever (12) closes an opening to the receptacle (14) in the locking position.

7. Drawer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bendable spring is fixed to the release lever (12).

8. Drawer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adapter comprises a stationary housing (9, 10) which can be fixed to the side frame (3) and a slider (11) which is displaceably mounted in the housing (9, 10).

9. Drawer according to claim 8, characterised in that the retaining web (20) is fixed to the slider (11) on which the receptacle (14, 14') is formed.

10. Drawer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retaining web (20) is held in the receptacle (14) of the adapter (10, 11) so as to be adjustable in a lateral horizontal direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the retaining web (20) via a lateral adjustment (22).

11. Drawer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retaining web (20) is adjustable in height via a height adjustment (13) on the adapter (10, 11).

12. Drawer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two latching elements (30') are held on the release lever (12), which are latched on the projection (21) of the retaining web (20).

13. Drawer according to claim 12, characterised in that the two latching elements (30') are latched to the projection (21) with four legs (31, 33).