Item of furniture

Abstract

An item of furniture (1, 1', 31) comprises a furniture carcass (2, 32) and a first sliding element (3, 3', 33) which is held movably relative to the furniture carcass (2, 32) and which has a front panel (4, 4', 34), and a second sliding element (5, 5', 35) which is held movably relative the furniture carcass (2, 32) and which, in a closure position of the first sliding element (3, 3', 33), is arranged in the direction of movement at least partially behind the front panel (4, 4', 34) of the first sliding element (3, 3', 33), and a coupling mechanism with which the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) is able to be coupled to the second sliding element (5, 5', 35) at least over part of the path of movement, in order to move it in a pull-out direction, wherein the coupling mechanism has at least one flexible tension element (6, 16, 36) with which the second sliding element (5, 5', 35) can be driven by the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) in the pull-out direction when the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) is moved at least partially in the pull-out direction. This simplifies handling.

Description

[0001] Furniture

[0002] The present invention relates to a piece of furniture with a furniture body and a first sliding element which is held so as to be movable relative to the furniture body and which has a front panel, and a second sliding element which is held so as to be movable relative to the furniture body and which, in a closed position of the first sliding element in the direction of travel, is arranged at least partially behind the front panel of the first sliding element, and a coupling mechanism with which the first sliding element can be coupled to the second sliding element at least over part of the travel path in order to move the latter in the extension direction.

[0003] EP 3 698 093 B1 discloses a device for storing objects, in which two sliding elements can be connected via a coupling mechanism and moved together. Via the coupling mechanism, the second sliding element is moved at the same speed as a center rail of a drawer guide for moving the first sliding element. Thus, the two sliding elements can be coupled for a joint movement, whereby it is not possible for the user to influence the opening speed of the second sliding element.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a piece of furniture in which the handling of the movement of two sliding elements is designed to be more flexible.

[0005] This problem is solved by a piece of furniture having the features of claim 1.

[0006] In the piece of furniture according to the invention, two sliding elements can be coupled to one another via a coupling mechanism over at least part of their travel path in order to be movable in the extension direction, wherein the coupling mechanism has at least one flexible pulling element with which the second sliding element can be driven in the extension direction by the first sliding element when the first sliding element has been moved at least partially in the extension direction. As a result, the user can initially move the first sliding element from the closed position in the opening direction independently of the second sliding element until the second sliding element can be driven in the extension direction by the first sliding element via the flexible pulling element. The second sliding element is therefore not driven in the opening direction over the entire range of movement of the first sliding element, but only from a predetermined opening position of the first sliding element.This allows the user to influence the speed of the second sliding element in the extension direction via the first sliding element, depending on how hard the first sliding element is pulled to drive the second sliding element, making handling more flexible. When opening the first sliding element, the user can influence whether the second sliding element remains in the closed position, is partially moved in the extension direction, or is fully extended.

[0007] The offset opening of the second sliding element only when the first sliding element is already in an opening position, for example only after an opening travel of at least 10 cm, has the advantage that when opening the first sliding element only the force of a first self-closing mechanism for the first sliding element needs to be overcome and only then does the force to pull up a second self-closing mechanism on the second sliding element need to be applied. This avoids having to pull up both self-closing mechanisms at the same time, which is very force-intensive. The self-closing mechanisms each comprise a driver that can be moved along a curved guide and pre-tensioned by an energy accumulator, which can be locked at an end section of the curved guide.

[0008] The term "furniture" used here includes furniture for storing objects, such as cabinets or kitchen furniture. However, the furniture can also be designed as household appliances, thus forming a piece of furniture with an additional function, such as heating or cooling objects or food. The term "furniture" is intended to include such household appliances as well.

[0009] Preferably, the at least one flexible tension element is fixed to the first thrust element and the second thrust element or held along a guide, for example, a sliding guide or a roller guide. The at least one flexible tension element can be designed as a cable or band, for example, as a wire cable for transmitting high forces or as a slightly elastic cable or band to reduce shock loads.

[0010] The first pushing element can preferably tension the at least one flexible pulling element from a downwardly hanging loop-shaped position into a linear shape during a movement in the opening direction. In this case, the at least one flexible pulling element can be aligned substantially parallel to the direction of travel in the tensioned position in order to avoid transverse forces on the second pushing element, which can be moved linearly, for example, on pull-out guides. Alternatively, the flexible pulling element can be wound up in a pre-tensioned manner by at least one energy accumulator, in particular a roller spring, in the retracted position on a body, e.g. a drum, from which it is unwound during the movement of the first pushing element until it reaches the tensioned position. Other types of accumulators are of course also conceivable which prevent loop-shaped sagging.This storage, in particular rope storage, can be installed on both the first and the second part of the furniture.

[0011] Furthermore, the flexible pulling element can be fixed in a length-adjustable manner between a first connecting part and a second connecting part, so that the user can set from which extension position the first pushing element drives the second pushing element.

[0012] In a first embodiment, the flexible tension element can be fixed via a first connecting part in the rear area, in particular on a rear wall, of the first sliding element, for example in a central area between two side walls of the sliding element. In addition, the flexible tension element can be fixed via a second connecting part in the rear area, in particular on a rear wall or the base of the second sliding element, with the force preferably also being introduced centrally. The orientation of the flexible tension element in the tensioned position can be adjusted via the connecting parts, with the first and / or the second connecting part being designed to be height-adjustable for this purpose. By arranging the flexible tension element in the rear area of ​​the sliding elements, these are not visible to the user, even when the sliding elements are opened.

[0013] In a second embodiment, the at least one flexible pulling element is fixed at opposite ends to the second pushing element and is connected to the first pushing element via a sliding guide. In this case, two flexible pulling elements can preferably be provided, by means of which the second pushing element can be driven by the first pushing element. The two pulling elements can, for example, be arranged in the region of the side frames of the pushing elements, and the length of the two pulling elements is coordinated with one another such that the second pushing element is preferably pulled out of the closed position by both pulling elements simultaneously. This embodiment has the advantage that the second pushing element can also be driven in the closing direction via the at least one flexible pushing element, without a front panel or another driver component of the first pushing element striking the second pushing element.

[0014] The second drawer element is preferably designed as an internal drawer. This internal drawer can be arranged behind the front panel of the first drawer element, with the first drawer element being guided optionally below, above, or next to the second drawer element via one or more pull-out guides.

[0015] The invention will be explained in more detail below using several exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a piece of furniture in the

[0017] Closed position;

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the furniture of Figure 1 with the first drawer element in the opening position;

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the furniture of Figure 1 with both drawer elements in the opening position;

[0020] Figures 4A and 4B show two detailed views of the guide for the flexible tension element;

[0021] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the fixing of the flexible tension element;

[0022] Figure 6 is a side view of two push elements according to a second embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 is a view of the push elements of Figure 6 with the first push element in the open position;

[0024] Figure 8A is a rear view of the thrust elements of Figure 6 with the

[0025] Connecting parts; Figure 8B shows a rear view of thrust elements with an alternative design of the connecting parts;

[0026] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the connecting part for the second thrust element;

[0027] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the connecting part for the first thrust element;

[0028] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a piece of furniture according to a third embodiment;

[0029] Figure 12 is a view of the furniture of Figure 11 with opened

[0030] Shear elements;

[0031] Figure 13 a view of the drawer elements of the furniture of the figure

[0032] 11 , and

[0033] Figures 14-17 show several views of the thrust elements of Figure 13 in different positions.

[0034] A piece of furniture 1 comprises a furniture body 2 in which a first drawer element 3 is mounted for movement via pull-out guides. The first drawer element 3 has a front panel 4 on its front side, which protrudes upwards beyond the first drawer element 3 and, in the closed position, as shown in Figure 1, conceals a second drawer element 5 arranged above the first drawer element 3. The first drawer element 3 is connected to the second drawer element 5 via a coupling mechanism with a flexible tension element 6.

[0035] In Figure 2, the first sliding element 3 has been moved into an opening position in front of the furniture body 2, so that the first sliding element 3 is accessible, but is not yet in its maximum opening position. The second sliding element 5 is still in the closed position, and a sliding guide 8 on the first sliding element 3, which is fixed to a railing 7, has been moved along the flexible pulling element 6. If the first sliding element 3 is now moved further in the opening direction, the sliding guide 8 pulls the flexible pulling element 6 and thus the second sliding element 5 in the opening direction. Depending on the force applied, the second sliding element 5 can be moved over the first sliding element 3 in the extension direction at different speeds.

[0036] Figure 3 shows the position of the piece of furniture 1 in which both the first sliding element 3 and the second sliding element 5 are arranged in the maximum opening position. By opening the second sliding element 5, the sliding guide 8 has been moved again along the pulling element 6 and is now located in a rear area of ​​the flexible pulling element 6. If the first sliding element 3 is now moved again in the closing direction, the sliding guide 8 pulls the flexible pulling element 6 and thus also the second sliding element 5 in the closing direction. Optionally, the second sliding element 5 can also be moved via a stop or driver, whereby the movement of the second sliding element 5 is effected via the sliding guide 8 to avoid impact noises.

[0037] Figures 4A and 4B show in detail the sliding guide 8 on the first thrust element 3. The sliding guide 8 is designed as a clamp or guide that is fixed to the railing 7 on a side wall of the first thrust element 3. For this purpose, a clamping device 9 is provided so that the sliding guide 8 is easily adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the railing 7 in order to be able to set the position when the first thrust element 5 is pulled in the opening or closing direction via the sliding guide 8. The flexible pulling element 6, which is designed as a cable, is guided between the sliding guide 8 and the railing 7. Optionally, instead of a sliding surface on the sliding guide, a roller or cylinder can also be provided to reduce frictional forces.

[0038] Figure 5 shows one of the two fixations 10 for securing the flexible tension element 6 to the second thrust element 5. Each fixation 10 comprises a first part 11, which is fixed to a base of the second thrust element 5, and a second part 12, such that the flexible tension element 6 can be passed between the two parts 11 and 12 and clamped there. For this purpose, openings 13 are provided in the parts 11 and 12, into which fastening means can be screwed. The length of the flexible tension element 6 can be adjusted using the two fixations 10. In addition, the position of the fixation 10 can be selected to ensure optimal handling of the coupling mechanism. However, the fixation 10 can also be designed in one piece and clamp the flexible tension element 6 directly against the second thrust element 5.Figure 6 shows a modified piece of furniture 1' with a first sliding element 3' and a second sliding element 5', which are movably mounted in a furniture carcass (not shown). The first sliding element 3' has a front panel 4' which, viewed in the horizontal direction, covers the second sliding element 5'. A coupling mechanism is provided on a rear side of the two sliding elements 3' and 5', wherein a first connecting part 15 is fixed to the first sliding element 3' and a second connecting part 14 is fixed to the second sliding element 5'. The connecting parts 14 and 15 are each attached substantially centrally to a rear wall and connected to one another via a flexible tension element 16, for example a rope or strap.

[0039] Figure 7 shows the first sliding element 3' in an opening position when the flexible pulling element 16 is held taut between the first connecting part 15 and the second connecting part 14. In the taut position, the flexible pulling element 16 is aligned substantially parallel to the extension direction of the first sliding element 3' in order to avoid transverse forces when the second sliding element 5' is pulled out. The second sliding element 5' can now be driven in the opening direction via the first sliding element 3' using a pulling movement. If the second sliding element 5' is in the maximum opening position, the first sliding element 3' can now be used to also move the second sliding element 5' in the closing direction. Unlike in the first exemplary embodiment, the front panel 4' or another driver moves the second sliding element 5' in the closing direction.In this exemplary embodiment, the second connecting part 14 projects downwards over the second sliding element 5', and the first connecting part 15 projects upwards over the first sliding element 3'. When the first sliding element 3' is moved in the closing direction, the first connecting part 15 engages with the second connecting part 14, whereby the second sliding element 5' is also moved in the closing direction. To ensure that the engagement is dampened, the first and / or second connecting part can have a damping element 140, for example an elastomer. Alternatively, a separate driver, preferably dampened, can be arranged on the first sliding element 3' or on the second sliding element 5', in particular in the region of the rear wall, so that the second sliding element 5' is driven along during a movement in the closing direction of the first sliding element 3'. An example of a separate, height-adjustable driver 150 on the first sliding element 3' is shown, for example, in Figure 8B.Also visible here is a damping element 140 on the second connecting part 14, which engages with the driver 150. Additionally or alternatively, a damping element 140 can also be arranged on the first connecting part 15.

[0040] Figure 8A shows the two sliding elements 3' and 5' in the area of ​​the rear walls. The second connecting part 14 protrudes downward from the rear wall of the second sliding element 5' and has a slot 17 through which the flexible tension element 16 is guided. The first connecting part 15 on the first sliding element 3' also has a slot into which the flexible tension element 16 is inserted. The flexible tension element 16 can be designed so that its length can be adjusted. This allows the user to decide at what extension distance of the first sliding element 3' the second sliding element 5' is engaged. If the flexible tension element 16 with a shorter length connects the two sliding elements 3' and 5', the second sliding element is engaged earlier.The adjustability of the flexible tension element 16 can be achieved by designing the tension element 16 in such a way that balls or other shaped bodies are attached to the tension element 16 at a specific distance. The tension element 16 can be pushed onto the connecting parts 14 and 15 in the spaces between the balls. If the length needs to be changed, the tension element 16 can simply be pulled out of the slot and pushed back in at a different distance.

[0041] Figure 9 shows the second connecting part 14 on the second sliding element 5' in detail. The second connecting part 14 comprises a mounting plate 18, which can be fixed to the rear wall of the second sliding element 5' using fastening means. Several slots 21 and openings 22 for fastening means are cut out on the mounting plate 18. The second connecting part 14 further comprises a guide part 19, which is U-shaped and has projections 20 on both legs of the U, which can be inserted into the slots 21 on the mounting plate 18. The projections 20 can be inserted into different slots 21 to adjust the height of the guide part 19. In addition, openings 23 are cut out in the guide part 19 for fastening means. This allows the guide part 19 to be fixed in different positions on the rear wall of the second sliding element 5'.

[0042] Figure 10 shows in detail the first connecting part 15 for fixing to the rear wall of the first sliding element 3'. The first connecting part 15 comprises a holder 24 having a downwardly projecting web 25 that can be placed against an inner side of the rear wall. A second fastening part 26 is angled and can be inserted with one leg 28 under an angled wall of the rear wall on the first sliding element 3'. A slot 27 is formed on the other leg for inserting the flexible tension element 16. Other multi-part or single-part connecting parts 14 or 15 can also be used to fix the flexible tension element 16 to the sliding elements 3' or 5'.

[0043] Figure 11 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a piece of furniture 31 according to the invention, which has a furniture body 32 on which a first drawer element 33 with a plate-shaped front panel 34 is movably held. The front panel 34 projects laterally beyond the first drawer element 33 and, viewed in the horizontal direction, covers a further front panel 39 of a second drawer element 35. The drawer elements 33 and 35 are not arranged one below the other, but next to one another. In this exemplary embodiment, on the left-hand side of the body, as viewed from the front, there is a drawer element 33 with two drawers arranged one above the other, which are coupled to one another by the front panel 34. Each drawer is held movably in the furniture body 32 via pull-out guides 30, as can be seen in the open position in Fig. 12.Likewise, on the right-hand side, as seen from the front, there is a drawer element 35 with two drawers arranged one above the other, which are connected to each other by a front panel 39. In this exemplary embodiment, both drawer elements 33, 35 are approximately the same width. However, it is also possible for one of the drawer elements 33, 35 to be wider than the other. The drawer elements 33, 35 are arranged in the carcass 32 such that the front panel 39 approximately corresponds to the width of the drawer elements 35, whereas the width of the front panel 34 approximately corresponds to the carcass width. Such an arrangement of drawer elements 33, 35 in a furniture carcass 32 is particularly useful if the piece of furniture 31 is positioned against a wall in such a way that the drawer element 33 is only easily accessible from the side on which the drawer element 35 is arranged in the furniture carcass 32. The furniture carcass 32 can be designed as a base cabinet, wall cabinet, or tall cabinet.Of course, the sliding elements 33, 35 can also be present in the mirrored arrangement in the furniture body 32 if the furniture 31 is arranged on a different interfering edge.

[0044] In Figure 13, the drawer elements 33 and 35 are shown without the furniture body 32. The first drawer element 33 comprises two drawers arranged one above the other, which are connected to each other via the front panel 34. The second drawer element 35 also comprises two drawers, which are connected to each other via a further front panel 39. The drawer elements 33 and 35 can be opened like a medicine cabinet and then have one or more compartments one above the other. Instead of the two drawers or compartments shown, more drawers or compartments can also be provided.

[0045] Figure 14 shows a plan view of the two drawer elements 33 and 35 in a closed position, in which the front panel 34 covers an opening in the furniture body 32. In the rear area, a first connecting part 37 is fixed to the first drawer element 33 and a second connecting part 38 is fixed to the second drawer element 35, with one connecting part 37 or 38 preferably being fixed to each drawer of the drawer elements 33 and 35.

[0046] If the first sliding element 33 is moved in the opening direction by pulling on the front panel 34, a flexible tension element 36 is stretched between the first connecting part 37 and the second connecting part 38, as shown in Figure 15. The second sliding element 35 is still in the closed position, and the flexible tension element 36 is stretched parallel to the extension direction. In this position, the user can now move the first sliding element 33 further in the opening direction and, by applying force, influence how quickly the second sliding element 35 is moved in the opening direction. Figure 15 clearly shows that, in this case, good access to the sliding element 33 is possible from the right-hand side.

[0047] In Figure 16, the first push element 33 is shown in the maximum opening position, while the second push element 35 is arranged in a middle opening position. The flexible tension element 16 between the first connecting part 37 and the second connecting part 38 is no longer taut, but hangs downward in a loop. This loop, however, is not visible to the user, since this loop is arranged behind the first push element 33.

[0048] The second sliding element 35 can now be manually moved further in the opening direction until the second sliding element 35 is also positioned in the maximum opening position, as shown in Figure 17. The front panel 34 on the inside or the front panel 39 on the outside can be provided with an elastomer to cushion the impact of the two front panels 34, 39 against each other. Alternatively or additionally, anti-pinch devices can also be provided.

[0049] In order to move the sliding elements 33 and 35 in the closing direction again, the first sliding element 33 on the front panel 34 is pressed in the closing direction, for example via a handle element not shown, whereby the second sliding element 35 is then also moved in the closing direction, either via the contact through the front panel 34 against the front panel 39 and / or the stop of the two connecting parts 37 and 38 against each other.

[0050] Particularly in this exemplary embodiment, it is advisable to pretension the flexible tension element 36 by means of at least one energy storage device, in particular by means of a coil spring, which, in the retracted position, winds the flexible tension element 36 onto a body, e.g., a drum, from which it can be unwound during the movement of the first push element until it reaches the tensioned position. This prevents the flexible tension element 36, in its looped state, from becoming caught on another component in a space-limited constriction. This storage device, in particular a cable storage device, can be installed on either the first or the second furniture part.

[0051] The above embodiments can be combined with each other as desired. For example, the connecting parts 37 and 38 can be provided with adjustment options to change the arrangement and orientation of the flexible tension element 36. Furthermore, the length of the flexible tension element 36 can be adjusted.

[0052] The described solution is particularly suitable for furniture with an inner drawer with inner panels made of glass or with a glossy finish, since the inner panel is neither visually impaired by a conventional glued or mechanical catch, nor are fingerprints left on the glass from opening or closing the inner drawer.

[0053] Even if the first drawer cannot be fully opened without moving the second drawer in the opening direction, the user still has full access to the contents of the first drawer, as the contents can be accessed diagonally from the front via the front panel. The user can still reach all the way to the back of the first drawer, although the last few centimeters may always be covered by the second drawer if it is positioned above the first drawer.

[0054] List of reference symbols

[0055] 1 , V Furniture

[0056] 2 furniture body

[0057] 3, 3' thrust element

[0058] 4.4' front panel

[0059] 5.5' thrust element

[0060] 6 Tension element

[0061] 7 railing

[0062] 8 Sliding guide

[0063] 9 Clamping device

[0064] 10 Fixation

[0065] Part 11

[0066] Part 12

[0067] 13 Opening

[0068] 14 Connecting part

[0069] 15 Connecting part

[0070] 16 Tension element

[0071] 17 Slot

[0072] 18 Mounting plate

[0073] 19 Guide part

[0074] 20 lead

[0075] 21 slot

[0076] 22 Opening

[0077] 23 Opening

[0078] 24 holders

[0079] 25 jetty

[0080] 26 Fastening part

[0081] 27 slot

[0082] 28 legs

[0083] 30 drawer guides

[0084] 31 furniture

[0085] 32 Furniture body

[0086] 33 Shear element

[0087] 34 front panel

[0088] 35 Shear element

[0089] 36 Tension element

[0090] 37 Connecting part

[0091] 38 connecting part

[0092] 39 Front panel

[0093] 140 Damping element

[0094] 150 carriers

Claims

Claims for furniture (1, 1', 31) with a furniture body (2, 32) and a first sliding element (3, 3', 33) movable relative to the furniture body (2, 32) and having a front panel (4, 4', 34), and a second sliding element (5, 5', 35) movable relative to the furniture body (2, 32) and which, in a closed position of the first sliding element (3, 3', 33), is arranged at least partially behind the front panel (4, 4', 34) of the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) in the direction of travel, and a coupling mechanism by which the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) can be coupled to the second sliding element (5, 5', 35) at least over part of the travel path in order to move the latter in the extension direction, characterized in that the Coupling mechanism has at least one flexible tension element (6, 16, 36) with which the second thrust element (5, 5', 35) is driveable in the extension direction by the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) when the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) has moved at least partially in the extension direction. Furniture according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one flexible pull element (6, 16, 36) is fixed to the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) and the second sliding element (5, 5', 35) or held along a guide. Furniture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one flexible pull element (6, 16, 36) is designed as a rope or strap. Furniture according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one flexible pull element (6, 16, 36) is driven by the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) during movement in the opening direction. 36) is tensionable. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one flexible tensioning element (6, 16, 36) is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of travel in the tensioned position. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible tensioning element (16, 36) is connected via a first connecting- Furniture according to claim 6, characterized in that the flexible pull element (16, 36) is fixed in the rear area, in particular on the back wall, of the first sliding element (3', 33). Furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one flexible pull element (6) is fixed at opposite ends to the second sliding element (5) and is connected to the first sliding element (3) via a sliding guide (8). Furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible pull element (16) is fixed in a length-adjustable manner between a first connecting element (15, 37) and a second connecting element (14, 38).Furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible pull element (16, 36) is wound onto the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) and / or the second sliding element (5, 5', 35) with pretension via at least one energy storage device. Furniture according to claim 10, characterized in that two flexible pull elements (6) are provided by which the second sliding element (5) can be driven by the first sliding element (3). Furniture according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the second sliding element (5) can be driven in the closing direction via the at least one flexible pull element (6). Furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sliding element (5, 5', 35) is designed as an inner drawer. Furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sliding element (3, 3', 33) is guided under or next to the second sliding element (5, 5', 35) via at least one extension guide (30).

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