Furniture front and furniture

Abstract

A furniture front (1) comprises a plate-shaped base body (2) and a handle element with a handle section (5) attached to the plate-shaped base body (2), wherein a groove (6, 37) is formed on the handle section (5), and wherein at least one functional part (10, 20, 40) is detachably fixed in the groove (6, 37) of the handle section (5). This allows the at least one functional part (10, 20) to be flexibly fixed at the desired position of the handle section (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a furniture front with a plate-shaped base body to which a handle element with a handle portion is fixed, which is attached to the plate-shaped base body, wherein a groove is formed on the handle portion, and to a piece of furniture.

[0002] EP 2 730 198 B1 discloses a front panel for furniture with a handle element that is fixed to one end of the front panel. A groove is milled into the front panel, into which a web of the handle element is inserted. The strip covers the handle element on an upper side for stable fixation. This allows different handle elements to be fixed to the front panel under the strip. This method of attaching the handle elements has proven itself to be effective, but the handle element is usually only used to move one piece of furniture. Especially in cramped kitchens, there is a need to make optimal use of the installation space.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a furniture front that enables improved use of the installation space.

[0004] This problem is solved with a furniture front having the features of claim 1.

[0005] The furniture front according to the invention comprises a plate-shaped base body, for example a plate made of a wood-based material that is decoratively coated, to which a handle element, in particular an elongated handle strip, is fixed. The handle strip is attached to the plate-shaped base body by means of a handle section, wherein a groove is formed on the handle section and at least one functional part is releasably fixed in the groove of the handle section. As a result, the handle element fixed to the plate-shaped base body can be used for additional purposes, wherein the functional part can be used, for example, for hanging objects, for lighting or other technical accessories, or as a holder for kitchen utensils. The at least one functional part can be freely positioned along the groove of the handle section and releasably fixed. The handle section can be used in the remaining area simply to open or close the furniture front.

[0006] The groove is preferably undercut, and the functional part is held in the groove by a sliding block. The groove can, for example, have two groove walls that are either aligned at an angle to one another or are angular or curved, so that the sliding block can be moved along the groove but cannot be pulled out of the groove perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In a further embodiment, it is possible to clip the at least one functional part into the groove, whereby appropriate locking means, in particular spring bars, can be provided for this purpose. The at least one functional part is then inserted into the groove in this way and not pushed in from the side. This makes it possible to insert functional parts even in handle strips whose ends do not allow lateral insertion.

[0007] A handle element in the form of a handle strip is preferably fixed to the base body on one end face and at least partially covers the end face with a holding section. Instead of an elongated strip, the handle element can also be designed as a recessed grip, eyelet or with another shape. The handle strip can be attached to the end face and arranged in the plane of the base body. The base body is extended by the handle strip. It is also possible to let a handle strip into the base body in an opening or recess. Alternatively, the handle element can be designed as a handle strip which is arranged with a holding section on the end face and with a handle section protruding from the plate-shaped base body.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the functional part can be moved in a grid so that it can lock into predefined positions. The groove can be designed such that a number of profiles, holes, or receptacles placed lengthwise along the handle bar allow for a grid arrangement. The functional part can be designed such that, for example, a resilient, hemispherical section in the functional part fits into a hole when moved, thereby holding its position. With a small but noticeable amount of force, the functional part can be moved to a different position.

[0009] The functional part is preferably suspended downwards and preferably comprises a vertical web that protrudes downwards from the handle element, in particular the handle bar. The handle bar can be arranged either on the underside of the plate-shaped base body, for example, in a wall cabinet, or on the top side of a plate-shaped base body, for example, in a drawer.

[0010] A number of functional parts can be attached to the handle section side by side along the length of the handle bar. The handle bar is preferably made of an extruded metal profile. By constructing the handle bar from metal, the functional part can, in a preferred embodiment, be attached to the handle section via at least one magnet. The at least one magnet can be used in addition to a mechanical fixation or alternatively without any further mechanical fixation to releasably fix a functional part to the handle section.

[0011] Additionally, the functional part can be attached to the handle element via an adapter profile that is inserted into the groove. This can compensate for different groove contours or be positioned in the groove as a magnetic component.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the functional part is clamped in the groove by at least one elastic element. For example, an elastic element can be provided on a sliding block, which, upon compression, makes it difficult for the functional part to move along the groove, thus ensuring improved adhesion of the functional part to the handle section.

[0013] The functional part preferably comprises at least one hook or hanger so that objects can be hung on it, for example towels, waste bins, kitchen rolls or other objects.

[0014] Furthermore, the functional part can also contain electronic components that enable additional functions either independently or in conjunction with other components. Such functional parts can comprise a lighting device, for example a light strip with a sensor or switch that can be used to turn the light on or off. Other sensors, for example for measuring temperature, CO2 levels or impurities, can also be provided on the functional part. Furthermore, the functional part can comprise at least a clock, a charging station for mobile phones and / or radio transmitters and receivers. The type and function of the functional parts can differ for upper and lower cabinets in furniture.While hooks for towels can be useful for base cabinets, wall cabinets can have functional elements that are important to have at eye level, such as a small clock, a tablet holder for displaying recipes, or other functional elements. The respective functional element can have a display or marking that provides information about the items located behind the base unit. If the handle bar is located on a furniture front for a cutlery drawer, the functional element can be provided with a cutlery symbol or marking, for example.

[0015] The holding section and the grip section are preferably aligned at an angle to one another, for example at an angle between 0° and 40°, preferably between 10° and 30°. Due to the angular alignment, an underside of the grip section can be concealed when viewed horizontally, so that the attachment of the functional part is in a non-visible area. The base of the groove is thus preferably aligned at an angle to the holding section. The grip section preferably protrudes diagonally downwards, regardless of whether the holding section is fixed to a top side or a bottom side of the plate-shaped base body. Instead of an angular alignment of the grip section, a bent or curved shape of the grip section is also possible, for example semicircular.

[0016] For stable attachment to the front of the base body, the holding section can have a fastening web, preferably a harpoon web, which is inserted into a groove on the front. The groove can be milled and extend, for example, over the entire length of the front. In this case, the holding section preferably also extends over the entire length of the front so that the groove is covered. Alternatively, the handle element can also be fixed to a front or rear side of the base body using fastening means, for example, screws that penetrate the base body.

[0017] The furniture front according to the invention is preferably used in furniture in which a movable furniture part is attached to the furniture body. The furniture front can be fixed, for example, to a drawer or a pivoting door. Furthermore, the handle strip can also be used on the underside of a furniture front on a wall unit, where the furniture front is pivotably mounted via a flap fitting. The plane of the furniture front is usually vertically aligned in the installed position.

[0018] The invention will be explained in more detail below using several exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a furniture front according to the invention; Fig. 2 a side view of the furniture front of the Figure 1 ; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the handle bar of the Figure 1 without the plate-shaped base body; Fig. 4 a side view of the furniture front of the Figure 1without the functional part; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the functional part of the furniture front of the Figure 1 ; Fig. 6 a side view of a handle part with a modified functional part; Fig. 7 a perspective view of the functional part of the Figure 6 ; Fig. 8A to 8C several views of a modified embodiment of a furniture front with a modified handle element; Fig. 9A to 9C several views of a further embodiment of a furniture front with a modified handle element; Figure 10 a perspective view of a furniture front with different functional parts; Figure 11 a side view of a modified handle bar; Figure 12 a side view of a further embodiment of a handle bar; Figures 13A and 13B two views of a furniture front with a lock on a handle bar, and Figures 14A and 14B two perspective views of a further handle bar with functional parts.

[0019] A furniture front 1 comprises a plate-shaped base body 2, for example made of a wood-based material, to which a handle element in the form of a handle strip 3 is fixed on one end face. The handle strip 3 comprises a web-shaped holding section 4 that covers the end face of the base body 2 and a handle section 5 that protrudes from the holding section 4 and the base body 2. The plate-shaped base body 2 is short perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding section 4 for a simplified illustration, but usually has a significantly greater extension in the vertical direction. In the assembled position, the furniture front 1 covers an opening on a furniture carcass on a front face.

[0020] As in Figure 2As shown, the handle portion 5 extends at an angle to the holding portion 4, for example at an angle between 10° and 30°, wherein the handle portion 5 is oriented obliquely downwards in the mounted position, so that a free end is arranged lower than the holding portion 4. As a result, the underside of the handle portion 5 can be gripped by a user in order to move the furniture front 1 relative to a furniture body.

[0021] On the underside of the handle section 5, there is a groove 6, which is delimited at the free end of the handle section 5 by a diagonally downwardly projecting web 7 and on the side of the base body 2 by a web 9. The web 9 is formed at a right angle to the holding section 4 and is arranged on a front side of the base body 2. The webs 7 and 9 are aligned at an angle to one another, so that the groove 6 is undercut, i.e., a groove bottom has a greater extent than a tapered section between the free ends of the webs 7 and 9.

[0022] A functional part 10 is fixed in the groove 6 with a sliding block 11, which is inserted in the longitudinal direction of the groove 6. Two vertical webs 12 are formed on the sliding block 11 and are connected to one another via a bracket 13. The bracket 13 can be firmly connected to the two webs 12 or detachably, for example to be used as a roll holder. The bracket 13 can be used to hang objects such as towels or other components. Optionally, the bracket 13 can also be used as an additional handle element to improve handling when moving the furniture front 1. The bracket 13 hangs essentially vertically downwards from the handle section 5. The sliding block 11 is formed integrally with the webs 12, but can also be manufactured as a separate component and attached to the webs 12.

[0023] In Figure 3An underside of the handle bar 3 is shown, and it can be seen that a fastening web 8 protrudes vertically from the holding section 4, which, in the mounted position, is inserted into a groove on the front side of the base body 2. The base body 2 preferably consists of a panel made of a wood material, and the fastening web 8 can be glued or clamped into the groove.

[0024] The handle section 5 is shorter in the longitudinal direction of the holding section 4 and serves to accommodate one or more functional parts 10. The handle bar 3 can be made of an extruded material, preferably metal. By constructing the handle bar 3 from metal, the functional part 10 can be secured to the handle section 5 via magnets, in addition to or as an alternative to mechanical fastening means. The handle bar 3 can also be made of aluminum or plastic.

[0025] In Figure 4The handle bar 3 is shown on the base body 2 without the functional part 10. On the underside of the handle section 5, which is oriented diagonally downwards, a groove 6 is formed into which one or more functional parts 10 can be inserted in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] In Figure 5 The functional part 10 is shown in detail. The functional part 10 comprises a strip-shaped sliding block 11, which can be inserted into the undercut groove 6 and is secured there against falling out. The sliding block 11 is fixed to the handle section 5 in such a way that the webs 12 are arranged hanging essentially vertically downwards, so that a predetermined distance is provided between the bracket 13 and the plate-shaped base body 2 at its front. Alternatively, the bracket 13 can also protrude diagonally forward to facilitate gripping.

[0027] In Figure 6is a handle bar 3, which is designed as in the previous embodiment and has a horizontal holding section 4 and a handle section 5 oriented diagonally downwards. A modified functional part 20 is fixed to the handle section 5 and is held in the groove 6 between the webs 7 and 9 by a sliding block 21. A hook 22 for hanging objects is formed on the sliding block 11. Furthermore, a receptacle for inserting an elastic element 23 is provided on the sliding block 21, so that the sliding block 21 can be held in a clamped manner in the groove 6. As a result, the functional part 20 can be moved along the groove 6 when the clamping forces are overcome, but is secured against unintentional displacement by the elastic element 23.

[0028] In Figure 7The functional part 20 is shown in detail, which is formed on the sliding block 21 without a receptacle for an elastic element. However, the sliding block 21 can also be coated with an elastic material to ensure a clamping fixation in the groove 6.

[0029] Instead of the two illustrated functional parts 10 and 20, additional functional parts can also be attached to the handle section 5, for example, hooks for towels, holders for waste bins, and / or a holder for kitchen rolls. One or more locking points can be provided along the groove 6 to arrange the functional parts at predetermined intervals. In addition, stoppers can be provided at the ends of the groove 6 or at other positions to prevent accidental slipping out.

[0030] Other functional components can also be provided in the groove 6 of the handle bar 3, such as light strips, switches, sensors, or display elements such as clocks, timers, or thermometers. A tablet holder or a charging station for mobile phones can also be provided as functional components.

[0031] In the Figures 8A to 8C A modified handle bar 3' is shown with an opening 24 in the protruding handle section 5 of the handle bar 3'. This allows the handle bar 3' to be gripped more easily from above. A bar-shaped projection 25 is formed on an upper side of the handle section 5, which reinforces a free end of the handle section 5. Adjacent to the opening 24 are two functional parts 20 with a hook 22, which are held in the groove 6 on the underside of the handle section via a sliding block 21. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to the previous embodiments.

[0032] In Figures 9A to 9C A further embodiment of a handle bar 30 is shown, which has a C-shaped cross-section and a lower leg 31, a vertical connecting web 32, and an upper leg 33. A downwardly projecting fastening web 36 is formed on the lower leg 31 and is fixed in a groove in the plate-shaped base body 2. The handle bar 30 forms an undercut groove 37, for which purpose a downwardly angled web 34 is formed on the upper leg 33 and an upwardly angled web 35 is formed on the lower leg 31.

[0033] In the installed position, the handle bar 30 protrudes from a front edge of the base body 2 and is arranged in the same plane as the base body 2.

[0034] Inserted into the groove 37 is a functional part 40, which is supported on the connecting web 32 via an upper spacer 41 and a lower spacer 42. The functional part is essentially C-shaped in cross-section and has two receptacles 43 on a vertical connecting web, into which the angled webs 34 and 35 are inserted.

[0035] In Figure 10 1 shows a furniture front 1 with a plate-shaped base body 2, to whose upper end a handle bar 3 is fixed. The handle bar 3 covers the upper end with a web-shaped holding section 4 and comprises a protruding handle section 5, on the underside of which a groove is formed between two webs 7 and 9. On the left side of the handle section 5, a functional part 20 in the form of a hook 22 is shown, which is held hanging from the handle section 5 by a sliding block 21.

[0036] Furthermore, a functional part 50 in the form of a bracket is held hanging on the handle section 5, wherein a towel 51 is suspended in the functional part 50.

[0037] A further functional part 60 is designed as a container, for example as a waste bin, and comprises an upper opening 61 within a frame 62, which is held on the handle section 5 via a sliding block. A lid for closing the container can optionally be provided on the opening 61. Furthermore, two angular holders 63 are fixed to the groove of the handle section 5, which hold a roll 64 at a free end, for example with kitchen towels or other objects. In addition to the functional part 60, a further roll 64 is shown as an example, in which the holders 63' are shortened, so that the roll 64 is held hanging on the handle section 5 via two angular holders 63'.

[0038] In Figure 11A handle bar with a modified holding section 4' is fixed to the plate-shaped base body 2. The handle bar has a greater width and protrudes beyond an upper end face of the base body 2. This creates a gap between a groove on the protruding handle section 5 and the front side of the base body 2, and the web 9' arranged on the base body 2 on the underside of the handle section 5 is also spaced apart from the front surface of the base body 2. The functional parts described above can be fixed in the groove on the underside of the handle section 5.

[0039] In Figure 12A modified handle bar is shown, which rests with a holding section 4 on the upper side of the plate-shaped base body 2, wherein a groove 18 is formed only at the end of the obliquely downwardly projecting handle section 5, which groove has two spaced-apart groove walls 17 and 19. The groove walls 17 and 19 are curved and serve to fix a functional part, for example a hook 22, which can be inserted into the groove 18 with a bead. The hook 22 is arranged at a distance from a front side of the base body 2. The groove 18 also enables a pivotable and / or displaceable suspension of functional parts.

[0040] In the Figures 13A and 13B is another embodiment of a handle bar 30 according to the Figures 9A to 9Cwhich is arranged with a lower leg 31 on the upper side of a plate-shaped base body 2. A groove between the lower leg 31 and the upper leg 33 is undercut and serves to accommodate a functional part 55, which comprises a sensor 56. The sensor 56 can be designed, for example, as an optical sensor for detecting a fingerprint and is equipped with a lock 52 with a bolt 53 for locking the base body 2 to a furniture carcass. The functional part 55 can be inserted into the groove and fixed in place, as described above. The sensor 56 is provided with a power supply, for example a battery, which is arranged on the back of the functional part 55, and the bolt 53 can be moved from a locking position to an opening position and vice versa via the sensor 56.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, displays may also be provided on the handle bar 30, for example, displaying information about the items located behind the base body. If the handle bar 30 is arranged, for example, on a furniture front for a cutlery drawer, corresponding symbols or markings that are understandable to the user can be provided on an insert or functional part, so that it is immediately recognizable that cutlery is located inside. Other symbols or markings may also be provided on the handle bar 30.

[0042] In Figure 14AA further embodiment of a handle bar 30 is shown, which is composed of several sections and in which a groove between the lower leg 31 and the upper leg 33 is largely concealed by functional parts 70 and 72. The functional parts 70 and 72 have the same length as the individual sections of the handle bar 30, but can also be of different lengths. The functional part 70 has an opening 71, which can serve as a handle opening and is circular. The plate-shaped functional part 72 has an elongated opening 73, which can also serve as a handle opening. As a result, the opening of the groove is largely closed, which is also visually appealing.

[0043] In Figure 14BThe handle bar 30 is formed continuously over its entire length, preferably in one piece. The functional parts 70 and 72 are also formed from a single-piece bar that extends over the same length as the handle bar 30. Optionally, the handle bar 30 can be formed in one piece and accommodate several functional parts 70 and 72 distributed along its length, or conversely, the handle bar consists of several sections and a single-piece functional part is held to it.

[0044] The above examples can be combined with each other as desired. Any functional parts can be combined with each other on the respective handle bars 3, 3', or 30. These can have different lengths and fill the handle bar completely or in sections. List of reference symbols

[0045] 1Furniture front 2Base body 3, 3'Handle bar 4, 4'Holding section 5Handle section 6Groove 7Bar 8Fastening bar 9, 9'Bar 10Functional part 11Slot nut 12Vertical bars 13Bracket 17Groove wall 18Groove 19Groove wall 20Modified functional part 21Slot nut 22Hook 23Elastic element 24Opening 25Protrusion 30Handle bar 31Lower leg 32Connecting bar / leg 33Upper leg 34Angled bar 35Angled bar 36Fastening bar 37Groove 40Functional part 41Upper spacer 42Lower spacer 43Receptacle 50Functional part 51Towel 52Lock 53Latch 55Functional part 56Sensor 60Functional part 61Opening 62Frame 63, 63'Holder 64Roller 70Functional part 71Opening 72Functional part 73Opening

Claims

1. Furniture front (1) with a plate-shaped base body (2) and a handle element with a handle section (5) which is attached to the plate-shaped base body (2), wherein a groove (6, 37) is formed on the handle section (5), characterized in that at least one functional part (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70) is releasably fixed in the groove (6, 37) of the handle section (5).

2. Furniture front according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (6) is undercut and the functional part (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70) is held in the groove (6) by a sliding block (11, 21).

3. Furniture front according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the base body (2) on one end face a handle element in the form of a handle strip (3, 3') is fixed, which at least partially covers the end face with a holding section (4).

4. Furniture front according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional part (10, 20) is fixed hanging downwards.

5. Furniture front according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional part (10, 20) contains electronic components which enable additional functions independently or together with other components.

6. Furniture front according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several functional parts (10, 20, 50, 60, 70) are held next to each other on the handle section (5).

7. Furniture front according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle element is made as a handle bar (3) from an extruded metal.

8. Furniture front according to claim 7, characterized in that the functional part (10, 20) is held on the handle section (5) via at least one magnet.

9. Furniture front according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional part (20) is clamped in the groove (6) via at least one elastic element (23).

10. Furniture front according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatone or more locking points are provided along the groove (6) in order to be able to lock one of the functional parts (10, 20, 40) in predetermined positions on the handle bar (3, 3').

11. Furniture front according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional part (20, 50) comprises at least one hook or bracket.

12. Furniture front according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the holding section (4) and the handle section (5) are aligned at an angle to each other.

13. Furniture front according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 11, characterized in that a groove is formed on the front side of the base body (2) into which a fastening web (8) on the holding section (4) is inserted.

14. Furniture front according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the handle element is fixed to a front or rear side of the base body (2) by means of fastening means.

15. Furniture with a furniture body and at least one movable furniture front (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the furniture front (1) is fixed to a drawer or is designed as a pivoting door.

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