Assembly composed of a container and at least one drive unit and mounting process of the assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly composed of a container (1), in particular a drawer, and at least one drive unit (2) for moving, automatedly at least in parts, the container (1) relative to a stationary furniture part (3), in particular furniture carcass, comprising an electric motor (4), which preferably can be supplied with 230 V, and an open-loop and / or closed-loop control device (5) for controlling the electric motor (4), wherein the electric motor (4), preferably the at least one drive unit (2), is disposed on the container (1) and / or on a guide device (9) for the container (1) such that the electric motor (4) is coupled, with respect to motion, to the container (1), and the at least one drive unit (2) comprises a connection device (14) for the electric motor (4), by means of which the electric motor (4) can be or is releasably coupled to the at least one drive unit (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a container, in particular a drawer, and at least one drive unit for the at least partially automated movement of the container relative to a stationary furniture part, in particular a furniture carcass, comprising an electric motor, preferably supplied with 230 V, and a control and / or regulating device for controlling the electric motor. The invention further relates to a piece of furniture with such an arrangement. The invention also relates to a method for assembling such an arrangement.

[0002] In the furniture industry, containers are typically moved manually relative to stationary furniture parts. Conventional drive units for containers usually either use only a temporary force transmission to the container or – particularly due to the problem of a secure electrical connection with movable furniture parts – are stationary and mounted on a cabinet rail of a guide device for the container in order to move a drawer rail of the guide device relative to the cabinet rail.

[0003] Such an arrangement is already known from document WO 2012 / 112998 A1, wherein an electric motor arranged behind the container on the guide system transmits force to a rack for moving the container.

[0004] A disadvantage of the current technology is the significant assembly effort required to mount the electric motor on the guide system. This necessitates ensuring a power supply across the entire extension path, and the power supply is limited to the electric motor. Maintenance of the electric motor is not user-friendly, and replacing it to adapt to changing requirements or for retrofitting is not easily achievable.

[0005] Further arrangements consisting of a container and a drive unit are already known from US 2022 / 265046 A1, WO 2010 / 107195 A2, WO 2017 / 084805 A1 and IT 2021 0000 4862 A1. Document US 2022 / 265046 A1 corresponds to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] The objective technical object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved arrangement and method compared to the prior art, in which the disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially eliminated, and which are characterized in particular by a particularly convenient connection of the electric motor and the possibility of using the power supply of the electric motor in a variety of ways.

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0008] This enables the electric motor to be modularly attached to the container as a detachable add-on, either directly or indirectly. This allows for various uses of the power supply to the electric motor, and / or facilitates easy replacement or retrofitting of the electric motor to existing guide devices / drive units. The detachable connection can be understood as a tool-free coupling / decoupling mechanism for the connection to the container. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to permanently connect the electric motor to the drive unit.

[0009] For example, the connection device – either as an alternative or in addition to the electric motor – can be equipped with technologies separate from the electric motor to act as a current sink. For instance, in addition to the electric motor, a locking device can be coupled to the container, or a portion of the current flowing through the connection device can be used by another current sink – such as the locking device. Current sinks located away from the electric motor can generally be supplied by current not flowing through the connection device. In general, the connection device can be used solely to connect the electric motor to the drive unit or the container – without directly transferring current.

[0010] Preferably, the at least one drive device and / or the electric motor for coupling the movement with the container is detachably mounted on the guide device and / or the container without tools and / or behind a container rear wall, wherein it may optionally be provided that, following the coupling of the movement, a fixing of the at least one drive device and / or the electric motor is carried out for additional securing against unintentional loosening of the at least one drive device and / or the electric motor by means of a tool (for example for a screw connection).

[0011] In addition, the container has the advantage of being quickly and easily attached or suspended from the guide system without requiring a direct electrical connection. For example, the container can be fitted with a mounting strip that also conducts current into and / or to the container, preferably with the mounting strip being in electrically conductive contact with the connection device.

[0012] The number of electric motors for the drive unit is generally arbitrary; for example, two electric motors can be arranged in the area of ​​two side walls of the container. Preferably, exactly one electric motor is provided in the area of ​​one side wall of the container, with the area of ​​the second side wall being used for a current sink. Uniform force application to the container with a single-sided electric motor can be ensured by a synchronization rod – preferably via two racks or toothed belts.

[0013] The container is designed to be wide enough to also encompass other movable furniture components such as shelves or steps. The connection device allows the electric motor and / or the container to be flexibly supplied with power from the power source.

[0014] As stated at the beginning, protection is also sought for a piece of furniture with at least one such arrangement.

[0015] Preferably, at least one current interface for supplying at least one current sink (such as the electric motor) with energy is arranged motion-coupled with the container on the guide device and / or the container, wherein the at least one current interface is arranged behind the rear wall of the container and / or side walls of the container in the operating position of the arrangement.

[0016] It is particularly preferred that at least one current interface is arranged on the guide device in such a way that, during assembly or disassembly of the container on the guide device, the container can be automatically coupled or decoupled with the at least one current interface by aligning the at least one current interface, and / or at least one current interface comprises at least one magnet or magnetic contact with which at least one current sink can be electrically connected to a current source of the stationary furniture part.

[0017] This significantly simplifies the assembly of the arrangement – ​​particularly the container and an electric motor of a drive unit – as an installer can conveniently place the container on the guide device and move it towards the current interface to automatically generate a conductive connection between the power source and the current sinks located on the container. Preferably, the container is positioned along the guide device and parallel (opposite direction) to the coupling direction of the at least one current interface. Similarly, the container can be removed from the guide device with a single movement, and the conductive connection via the at least one current interface is automatically disconnected – without requiring any intervention from a user of the furniture.

[0018] In addition, there is the positive feature that a user-friendly connection of the container and / or the guide device to a local power grid can be efficiently ensured, whereby power from a power source (generally a power grid) can be individually and versatilely or modularly forwarded or distributed to a wide variety of power sinks - such as power sinks arranged on the container, an electric motor of a drive unit, a locking device for the container or the guide device - via at least one power interface.

[0019] For example, a power cable routed over the stationary furniture component or the guide device can be connected via a cable tray and a magnetically supported click connection to a power interface on the guide device at the rear of the container. Power can then be distributed to a power interface that can be equipped with either an electric motor or a locking device (as a power sink of the guide device) and / or to a power interface that can be automatically coupled to the container. Within the container, power can be further distributed to power sinks via power interfaces on the side walls or the rear wall of the container.

[0020] For example, three current interfaces can be provided on a connection device of the guide assembly. An electric motor can be arranged at one current interface, the connection to the power source is generated via a second current interface, and current sinks of the container are supplied with current via the third current interface. Preferably, at least two current interfaces have different relative orientations to the guide assembly. For example, one current interface can point upwards in the operating position of the arrangement, and another current interface can be oriented orthogonally to it, towards the connection of the container. It is advantageous that the current-conducting connection of the electric motor can be independent of the current-conducting connection of the container (and vice versa) and / or the connection to the power source.

[0021] As stated at the outset, protection is also sought for a method of assembling such an arrangement, wherein the following process steps are carried out: The container and at least one drive unit are provided and the electric motor is detachably arranged on the connection device of the container, in particular by being plugged in or connected via a magnetic connection, such that the electric motor is coupled to the container in the event of a relative movement between the container and a stationary part of the furniture.

[0022] This allows for particularly efficient assembly of furniture, where, for example, the electric motor is attached to a drive unit for the container located on the guide device, or connected via magnets, and the container is placed on the guide device to ensure kinematic interaction with the drive unit. Disconnecting or connecting power lines is not strictly necessary for this.

[0023] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electric motor is arranged on a container rear wall and / or in the operating position of the arrangement, preferably concealed by the container rear wall, behind the container rear wall and / or force can be mediated from the electric motor to a loading rail of a guide device arranged on the container via the at least one drive unit for the relative movement of the loading rail relative to a body rail of the guide device.

[0025] The electric motor can, for example, be attached to the container via the drive unit adjacent to the container's rear wall and transmit force via a synchronization rod to a rack connected to a cabinet rail (fixed to the stationary furniture part), so that a drawer rail, on which the container is arranged - in particular via a container rail - is moved relative to the cabinet rail.

[0026] If the electric motor is coupled to the container's movement and concealed by the container's back wall, a particularly aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture can be achieved, as the storage space of the container and the space remaining behind the container are not visually affected by the presence of the electric motor.

[0027] The back of the container can generally be provided by a panel that defines the storage space of the container at the rear, so that the back of the container does not necessarily have to be the back wall closest to the fixed part of the furniture.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to position the electric motor at least partially below a bottom wall of the container, thereby reducing the structural size of the fixed furniture part and / or increasing the storage space of the container.

[0029] Advantageously, it is provided that the at least one drive unit is in a continuous force-mediated connection with the container essentially over an extension path of the container or at least over one third of the extension path of the container and / or that the container can be subjected to force by the at least one drive unit essentially over an extension path of the container or at least over one third of the extension path of the container.

[0030] This allows the container to be driven by the at least one drive unit – unlike known ejection or retraction devices – from any position along the extension path or at the guide device towards a closed or open position. Generally, however, it is not necessary to provide a drive via the at least one drive unit all the way to the closed or open position, as partial force transmission, for example depending on the container's load or weight, friction conditions at the guide device, or force applied by a user, may be sufficient to move the container into a final position with remaining momentum.

[0031] Preferably, a physical model of the container and / or the guide device is stored in the at least one drive unit, or the at least one drive unit determines such a physical model in the control and / or regulation device. Particularly preferably, the at least one drive unit comprises at least one sensor for determining the speed and / or position of the container along its extension path. For example, a fail-safe determination of the container's position relative to the stationary furniture part can be generated by a preferably unambiguous determination of the relative rotation angles of at least two gears and / or rotary potentiometers as sensors. The use of distance sensors via lasers is also conceivable.

[0032] It has proven advantageous to provide two racks or toothed belts, preferably arranged parallel and / or stationary relative to a possibly existing cabinet rail, which can be connected or linked via a synchronization rod, for synchronizing and / or laterally stabilizing a movement of the container relative to the stationary furniture part, wherein the synchronization rod can be driven by the electric motor of the at least one drive unit, preferably directly, so that the container can be moved along the two racks or toothed belts, wherein it is preferably provided that the at least one drive unit is arranged indirectly via one of the two racks or toothed belts on a cabinet rail and / or the synchronization rod comprises a gear meshing with one of the two racks or toothed belts and / or the electric motor.

[0033] In the prior art, synchronization rods are typically used for stabilization or to prevent tilting or uneven loading. In this embodiment, the synchronization rod is used directly for drive via the at least one drive device – driven by the electric motor. It is also generally possible to provide a rack in conjunction with a toothed belt as an alternative to two racks or two toothed belts. The rack is particularly preferably designed to be flexible and / or elastic, which allows for a particularly reliable coupling and / or particularly effective noise reduction.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting device comprises at least one magnet or magnetic contact for securing the electric motor to the at least one drive unit, or vice versa.

[0035] A magnet or magnetic contact ensures the secure positioning of the electric motor at the mounting device of at least one drive unit. Furthermore, the magnet or magnetic contact can serve a dual purpose: conducting current to the electric motor or other current sinks. This allows the mounting device to act both as a fixation point for the electric motor and as a power supply (to the electric motor or additional current sinks).

[0036] According to the invention, it is provided that current can be supplied to the electric motor via the connection device, preferably via the at least one magnet or magnetic contact that may be present, and / or that at least one current sink separate from the electric motor, preferably arranged on the container, can be supplied with current via the connection device.

[0037] The connection device can therefore have a dual function, whereby this dual function, or simply the power supply, can also be used for other current sinks. The magnetic contact can form a click connection.

[0038] It is particularly preferred that the connecting device is coupled to the container in a movement-coupled manner and / or, preferably via a power line or cable carrier, is coupled to a power source of the stationary furniture part, preferably automatically, wherein it is preferably provided that the container can be removed or mounted from the stationary furniture part, particularly preferably by decoupling or coupling via the connecting device, and / or that the power line, cable carrier or power source is guided on a cabinet rail or, if applicable, a rack and pinion or toothed belt.

[0039] A cable guide ensures that a sufficient length of power cable is available for supplying power at every position along the extension path, thus reducing wear and tear on the power cable. The cable guide can be electrically connected to the connection device via a click connection and / or a magnetic contact.

[0040] The power source can generally be located on the stationary part of the furniture or arranged on the cabinet rail or a rack.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a power source arranged on the stationary furniture part, a power line arranged at least partially on the container, and a current sink arranged on the container are provided, wherein the power line runs over a cabinet rail arranged on the stationary furniture part and / or the power line runs, preferably directly, between two cabinet rails and / or racks or toothed belts of the stationary furniture part.

[0042] The current sink can generally be arranged on the guide device, either as an alternative or in addition to the guide device. For example, a lighting device arranged on the drive unit illuminates a further container located below the container in the operating position of the arrangement, provided that the further container is moved from the closed position. Movement detection can be generated by a displacement measuring device, with the power supply of the electric motor being particularly preferably used for the sensor and / or the lighting device.

[0043] Decoupling the container from the guide system can preferably be achieved without disconnecting an electrical connection. Decoupling the electric motor can preferably be achieved by disconnecting the connection to the mounting device (without disconnecting a power line). Decoupling the guide device can preferably be achieved by disconnecting a connection analogous to the magnetic connection of the mounting device or a plug connection to the power source.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the current sink is provided to be in the form of of the electric motor for the at least one drive unit and / or a lighting device, preferably a lamp and / or an LED strip and / or an LED surface, and / or a camera and / or a socket and / or a, preferably wireless, charger, preferably an induction charger, and / or a locking device and / or a lid for the container and / or a base step and / or a shelf and / or a sensor and / or a data transfer module, preferably arranged on a side wall of the container, and / or a temperature control device and / or a disinfection device for the container.

[0045] In the context of the present invention, the socket and the charger can be considered as current sinks, without, for example, an electronic terminal device being connected to the socket or the charger.

[0046] A camera can be used, for example, to check the condition of food – especially in a vacuum-sealed and / or temperature-controlled and / or sterilized container – or to remotely identify the contents of a container. The current sink can also be in the form of a footrest or a lid for a container, which can be locked or essentially sealed airtight via an electric current in a movement relative to the container or guide device.

[0047] A storage space of the container can be illuminated by a lighting device – in particular integrated into a floor wall or arranged above a floor wall – whereby, for example, areas separated by a separating device can be individually illuminated.

[0048] It has proven advantageous that the current sink is arranged on a front and / or a rear wall and / or a side wall and / or a bottom wall and / or a top wall of the container and / or the fixed furniture part, wherein it is preferably provided that the movable furniture part and / or the container includes at least one separating means for dividing a storage space, on which the current sink and / or the current line is arranged.

[0049] The positioning of the current sink is generally arbitrary, although it is particularly preferably located directly on the container. The power supply can be routed, for example, via the guide device, preferably a housing rail and / or a cable tray, or distributed by the connection device. A separate power source for the respective current sink – such as a battery or accumulator – is generally not required, and a standard regional mains voltage – preferably 230 V – can be used.

[0050] Other possible applications for the power supply include, for example, a container lock for the guide device or the container itself, a base step, a freshness lid, etc.

[0051] Preferably, the power supply is routed via a side wall of the container. For example, the side wall can include a mounting strip that conducts current from the rear wall of the container towards the front. The mounting strip itself can include at least one current sink – such as at least one light source – and, for example, at least one sensor and / or at least one data transfer module for communication with an electronic device, for example, to form a merchandise management system. The mounting strip can be electrically connected to the electric motor and / or the connection device via a click connection and / or a magnetic contact. The mounting strip can also be connected to the rear wall of the container via a click connection and / or a magnetic contact.

[0052] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the power line is guided from the stationary furniture part via the connection device for an electric motor or a locking device and / or via a side wall, preferably a top rail, of the container to a front of the container, preferably on an upper side of the side wall in the container's operating position and / or at least partially within the side wall, wherein it is preferably provided that the container, particularly preferably the side wall or a bottom wall, includes a power line or cable tray to provide a power line section during movement of the container.

[0053] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one drive unit comprises a locking device for inhibiting movement of the container relative to the stationary furniture part, wherein the locking device can be arranged on the connecting device, preferably by means of the magnet or magnetic contact of the connecting device, or comprises a magnet or magnetic contact for arrangement on the connecting device.

[0054] At least one locking device, to be installed on the connection device in addition to the electric motor, can prevent unauthorized access to the stored goods. A locking device acting as a lock can prevent movement of the container or obstruct access to the storage space. A locking device acting as a stop can be used to fix a shelf in the open position relative to the stationary part of the furniture. The locking device can also generally be used as vibration and / or earthquake protection.

[0055] Preferably, the at least one drive unit includes a data interface and / or a storage unit and / or a computing unit and / or a, preferably direct, power connection between two cabinet rails arranged on the stationary part of the furniture.

[0056] The data interface allows information to be obtained about the movement sequences of the container or about the goods stored in the container, or data about the electric motor or the locking device.

[0057] By connecting the electrical components between the cabinet rails (or racks or drawer rails), a power source attached to both sides of the guide device can be dispensed with, whereby energy can be passed directly from one side of the guide device to the other side of the guide device.

[0058] It is particularly preferred that the container is driven by the at least one drive unit from a closed position, an open position or a position between the closed position and the open position completely or only partially in the direction of the open position or the closed position via the electric motor.

[0059] The at least one drive unit allows for varying movement trajectories of the container, whereby, for example, a speed profile can be adjusted depending on the positioning of the container on the guide device and / or the acceleration of the container by an operator.

[0060] The electric motor can be activated by a pushing motion and / or simply by touching a front of the container. Preferably, the container is movable along its extension path in a free-running range – without any force being transmitted from the electric motor to the container. For example, a free-running clutch can be used for this purpose. An overload clutch can be integrated into the electric motor, although this is not strictly necessary.

[0061] It is particularly preferred that the container is suspended on the stationary furniture part via a guide device and / or connected to a power source of the stationary furniture part, preferably automatically, wherein, if necessary, the container is simultaneously separated from the power source and the stationary furniture part in a single disassembly process step in a subsequent process step.

[0062] The connection device allows both disassembly and assembly of the container to be carried out in a single process step. A separate connection of a power cable to the container or to the electric motor is not required.

[0063] Further details and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the description of the figures and the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. These show: Fig. 1a, 1 a leg arrangement according to a preferred embodiment, mounted on a furniture body and insulated from the furniture body with an enlarged detail section in the area of ​​a current sink, in perspective view, Fig. 2a-2 a leg arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment in perspective views with enlarged detail sections in the area of ​​the connection of the electric motor, Fig. 3 a leg arrangement according to the embodiment according to Fig. 1b in perspective view with enlarged detail section in the area of ​​another current sink, Fig. 4a-4i Illustrations of a connection of a drive unit to a guide device with enlarged detail sections in the area of ​​a shop rail and a cabinet rail in perspective views.

[0064] Fig. 1a shows a piece of furniture with arrangements consisting of a container 1 in the form of a drawer and a fixed furniture part - designed as a furniture body.

[0065] The container 1 can be driven by a drive unit 2 from a closed position 38, an open position 39 or a position between the closed position 38 and the open position 39 completely or only partially in the direction of the open position 39 or the closed position 38.

[0066] In Fig. 1b It is evident that the container 1 can be driven by an electric motor 4 of the drive unit 2.

[0067] The electric motor 4 is mounted on the rear wall 6 of the container 1 and, in the operating position 7 of the arrangement, is concealed behind the rear wall 6 of the container, whereby the electric motor 4 may be slightly spaced from the rear wall 6 of the container. Force can be transmitted via the drive unit 2 from the electric motor 4 to a drawer rail 8 of a guide device 9 mounted on the container 1, causing the drawer rail 9 to move relative to a body rail 10 of the guide device 9.

[0068] The arrangement comprises the drive unit 2, which is for the at least partially automated movement of the container 1 relative to the stationary furniture part 3, wherein the electric motor 4 of the drive unit 2 can be supplied with 230 V and includes a control and / or regulating device 5 for controlling the electric motor 4.

[0069] The electric motor 4 and the drive unit 2 are arranged on the container 1 via a guide device 3 such that the electric motor 4 is coupled to the container 1 in a motional manner, the drive unit 2 comprising a connection device 14 for the electric motor 4, via which the electric motor 4 can be detachably coupled to the drive unit 2. The electric motor 4 can be plugged or placed onto the drive unit 2 for fixation and connects to a power supply via the drive unit 2 via a magnetic contact 15.

[0070] The connecting device 14 comprises a magnet in the magnetic contact 15 for securing the electric motor 4 to the drive unit 2, wherein the magnetic contact 15 can be provided on the electric motor 4 alternatively or additionally.

[0071] A current sink 16 in the form of a lighting device 20 (lamp) is arranged on a front 24 of the container. The lamp is supplied with current via a mounting strip 40 located on the top 33 of a side wall 25 of the container 1. The current for the lighting device 20 is drawn from the mains power supply and guided via the guide device 9.

[0072] The drive unit 2 is in a continuous force-mediated connection with the container 1 over the entire extension path 11 of the container 1, wherein the container 1 can be acted upon by the electric motor 4 of the drive unit 2 over the extension path 11 of the container 1 with force from the drive unit 2.

[0073] Three exemplary positions for current sinks 16 in the form of cameras 21 are schematically indicated on the container 1. The container 1 can include a separating device for dividing a storage space, or a separate separating device can be arranged on the container 1, wherein current sinks 16 can be arranged on the separating device, which are electrically connected to the side wall 25 or the connection device 14 via a power line 17.

[0074] The housing of the electric motor 4 includes a data interface 35, which can transmit digital data sets wirelessly or via cable to an end device (e.g., a smartphone). The housing of the electric motor 4 includes a storage unit 36 ​​and a processing unit 37. The storage unit 36, the processing unit 37, or the data interface 35 can generally be located at any position on the drive unit 2 or, for example, on the side wall 25.

[0075] A current sink 16 in the form of a sensor 45 and a current sink 16 in the form of a data transfer module 46 are arranged on the side wall 25 of the container 1. Further current sinks 16 can be provided, for example, as a lockable lid for the container, as a base step, or as a shelf. For example, a current sink 16 in the form of a temperature control device can be used to cool or heat the storage space of the container, while a current sink 16 in the form of a disinfection device can protect the storage space from contamination or provide a clean atmosphere for the storage space. For example, the temperature control device (generally any current sink 16) can supply the storage space in sections or individually – for example, depending on a control and / or regulating device and / or via a separation device.

[0076] The current sinks 16, in the form of the data transfer module 46 and the sensor, are located directly on the side wall 25. The current sink 16, in the form of the camera 21, is indirectly connected to the power source via the rear wall 6 of the container. The current sink 16, in the form of the lamp 20, is indirectly connected to one of the two side walls 25 and the rear wall 6 of the container via a power line 17.

[0077] Fig. 2a Figure 1 shows an area between the mounting rail 40 (mountable or attachable – optionally spaced from a top surface 33 of the side wall 25) and the lighting device 20, wherein a power line 17 is routed from the mounting rail 40 of the side wall 25 to the power sink 16 as a lamp in a front 24 of the container 24. Generally, the power connection to the lamp can be located outside the front 24, with the lamp being adjustable in height relative to a bottom wall 26 along the front 24. The bottom wall 26 defines a top wall 27 for a further container arranged below the container 1, wherein the top wall 27 can generally also be formed by the fixed furniture part 3.

[0078] Fig. 2b The container 1 comprehensively shows the drive unit 2 with the electric motor 4, with the enlarged detail section showing the connection of the electric motor 4 to the drive unit 2 and the transmission of current from a power source. The current can be transmitted via the guide device 9 or the container 1 (the side wall 25 or the rear wall 6 of the container).

[0079] Fig. 2c, 2d und 2e The connection device 14 with electric motor 4, a locking device 32 connected as an alternative to the electric motor 4, and a desired motion technology for the container are illustrated. In general, the locking device 32 can also be provided in combination with the electric motor 4 or at a different position in the arrangement. If manual operation of the container 1 is desired, a locking device 32 can, for example, be connected (conducting current) to the connection device as an alternative to the electric motor 4.

[0080] The connection device 14 and the power interface 41 are suitable for connecting varying motion technologies or power sinks 16 to the container 1 in a modular fashion or for connecting them electrically to the container 1.

[0081] In Fig. 2c It is evident that the electric motor 4 partially surrounds the side wall 25 in the area of ​​a mounting strip 40, the electric motor being electrically connected to the connecting device via a magnetic contact 15 and to the mounting strip 40 of the side wall 25 via a magnetic contact 15. The mounting strip 40 is electrically connected to the rear wall 6 of the container via a magnetic contact 15, although this is not strictly necessary and current transmission to the side wall 25 can also be omitted. The electrical connection can generally also exist without a magnetic connection.

[0082] In Fig. 2d It is evident that the power line 17 is routed from the stationary furniture part 3 via the connection device 14 for the electric motor 4 or the locking device 32 to the locking device 32 (or an electric motor 4 arranged on the connection device 14) or is routed via the top strip 40 over the side wall 25 of the container 1 to the front 24 of the container 1.

[0083] The current is routed along an upper surface 33 of the side wall 25 in the operating position 7 of the container 1 and at least partially within the side wall 25, with a current connection existing between the extension strip 40 of the side wall 25 and the rear wall 6 of the container, which is designed as a plug connection. If the extension strip 40 is pivoted towards the storage space of the container, a current connection is established via the rear wall 6 of the container to the second side wall 25 (of the second extension strip 40). The connection process of the current lines 17 is generally arbitrary.

[0084] The locking device 32 of the drive unit 2 is designed to prevent movement of the container 1 relative to the stationary furniture part 3.

[0085] Fig. 2e Figure 14 shows that the connection device 14 includes a magnetic contact 15, via which the electric motor 4 can be attached to the drive unit 2 and supplied with power. The magnetic contact 15 or a magnet can alternatively or additionally be arranged on the locking device 32 or the electric motor 4.

[0086] Fig. 2f shows that a power line 17 is connected to the side wall 25 and arranged below the bottom wall 26 within a cable tray 18 to provide a power line section during movement of the container 1.

[0087] The arrangement comprising the two side walls 25 and the rear wall 6 of the container 1, as well as the guide device 9, is designed such that a power interface 41 (for example, for the electric motor 4 or the locking device 32) is provided on the guide device 9 at the connection device 14, and four power interfaces 41 are provided on the container 1 for the two side walls 25 and the current-conducting connection of the rear wall 6 of the container arranged between the side walls 25. Generally, the number of power interfaces 41 for the container 1 is arbitrary, with, for example, current only being transferred from the power interface 41 arranged on the connection device 14 to one side wall 25. It is also conceivable to omit the power interface 41 of the connection device 14 and to transfer current directly to the side wall 25 or the rear wall 6 of the container.

[0088] The power interfaces 41 are provided for supplying energy to current sinks 16 and are motion-coupled with the container 1, wherein the power interfaces 41 are arranged behind the rear wall 6 of the container in the operating position 7 of the arrangement. The two power interfaces 41 belonging to the side walls 25 are arranged at the end face behind the respective side walls 25, wherein the power interfaces 41 of the rear wall 6 of the container are arranged adjacent to the side walls 25.

[0089] A current interface 41 is arranged on the guide device 9 such that, when the container 1 is mounted or dismounted on the guide device 9, the container 1 is automatically electrically coupled to the current interface 41 by the alignment of the current interface 41.

[0090] The current interfaces 41 include a magnetic contact 15, with which current sinks 16 can be electrically connected to a current source of the stationary furniture part 3.

[0091] Fig. 2g Figure 1 shows a power sink 16 in the form of a socket 22, which is arranged on the rear wall 6 of the container and projects through the rear wall 6. The power for the socket 22 can generally be supplied from the connection point 14, via the side wall 25 or the rear wall 6 of the container, or from a power source – optionally guided by a power line 17 arranged on the guide device 3. Power lines 17 can generally lead from the socket 22 to other power sinks 16.

[0092] In Fig. 3 A wireless charger 23 in the form of an induction charger is shown schematically. For example, the area can also be used to illuminate the area of ​​the container 1 via a current sink 16 in the form of an LED, an LED strip or an LED panel.

[0093] Fig. 4a The guide device 9 with the attached side surfaces 25 and container back wall 6 is shown, with one of two racks 13 visible in the enlarged detail section, which can also be designed as a toothed belt, for example.

[0094] In this embodiment, it is provided that two racks 13, connected via a synchronization rod 12 and arranged parallel and stationary relative to the body rails 10, are provided for synchronizing and laterally stabilizing a movement of the container 1 relative to the stationary furniture part 3 via the synchronization rod 12.

[0095] The synchronization rod 12 is driven directly by the electric motor 4 of the drive unit 2, so that the container 1 can be moved along the two racks 13. The electric motor 4 of the drive unit 2 (hidden for clarity) is indirectly arranged on a cabinet rail 10 via one of the two racks 13.

[0096] Fig. 4b Figure 14 shows an enlarged view of the area of ​​the connection device 14, whereby when the electric motor 4 is connected to the drive unit 2, a power connection to the power system is automatically established via the magnetic contact 15.

[0097] The power interface 41 of the connection device 14 is electrically connected to the power interface 41 for the side wall 25, allowing current to be conducted to the lamp 20 via the side wall 25. A mounting strip 40 of the side wall 25 is provided for this purpose, although this is not strictly necessary. The side wall 25 has a side wall power interface 44 on a side wall end face 42 (here, a mounting strip end face) corresponding to the power interface 41 for the electrically conductive connection of the side wall 25 to the assembly.

[0098] In general, current can be supplied directly from the power source or indirectly via the current interface 41 of the connection device 14 to the rear wall of the container 6. An embodiment is shown in which the current interface 41 of the mounting strip 40 (of the side wall 25) is in conductive connection with the current interface 41 of the rear wall of the container 6. For this purpose, the rear wall of the container 6 has a rear wall current interface on both end faces 45 corresponding to the side wall current interface for the conductive connection of the rear wall of the container 6 to the arrangement.

[0099] The power line 17 for the current sink 16 is routed through the side wall 25 to the front 24 of the container 1 and to the current sinks 16 arranged on the container. In this embodiment, a direct electrical connection exists between the two side walls 25 via the rear wall 26 of the container.

[0100] All current interfaces 41 include a magnetic contact 15 for detachable current-conducting coupling of the current sinks 16, although this is not strictly necessary.

[0101] Generally, the power source is located on the stationary furniture part 3.

[0102] The power interfaces 41 are electrically connected to the power source via a power line 17 or cable haul 18 over the entire extension path 11 of the container 1 along the guide device 9.

[0103] The power interface 41 of the connection device 14 is provided for fixing the electric motor 4 or the locking device 32 via a magnetic connection. The connection device 14 includes an additional power interface 41 for the electrical connection to the side wall 25.

[0104] The power line 17 or cable haul 18 is electrically connected to the connection device 14 via a magnetic contact 15 and current can be passed through the connection device 14 into the container 1.

[0105] Fig. 4c differs from Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b simply by expanding the enlarged detail section.

[0106] The synchronization rod 12 is in direct contact with the connecting device 14 via the housing and in direct force-transmitting interaction with the electric motor 4.

[0107] The cable guide 18 is aligned along its longitudinal extent with its wider side parallel to the synchronization rod 12, so that the arrangement is particularly compact in the vertical direction and the thickness of the cable guide 18 can be guided below the synchronization rod 12, thus reducing the risk of collision with the synchronization rod 12.

[0108] The cable haul 18 is connected to a current interface 41 of the connection device 14 via a magnetic contact 15, with current being passed to the current interface 41 for the electric motor (or the locking device 32) and (within the connection device 14) to the current interface 41 for the current sinks 16 of the container 1. The connection device 14 acts, so to speak, as a current distributor of current supplied from the power source via the cable haul 18 to different current sinks 16, with the container 1 generally functioning analogously as a current distributor via the other current interfaces 41.

[0109] In Fig. 4d The guide device 9 is shown from a viewpoint of the rear of the container. The enlarged detail view reveals that the connecting device 14 is motion-coupled with the container 1 and can be automatically electrically connected to a power source of the stationary furniture part 3 via a power line 17 in the cable tray 18, provided the cable tray 18 is electrically connected to the power source of the stationary furniture part 3. The power source does not need to be directly accessible for connecting the electric motor 4 or for mounting the container 1.

[0110] The container 1 can be removed or mounted from the fixed furniture part 3 by decoupling or coupling via the connecting device 14.

[0111] The power cable 17 and the cable tray 18 are guided along the cabinet rail 10 in conjunction with the rack 13. The power source located on the stationary furniture part 3 can generally be guided along the cabinet rail 10.

[0112] The connection device 14 includes a power interface 41 for the cable carrier 18, a power interface for the electric motor 4 (or a locking device 32) and a power interface 41 for automatic power coupling when the container 1 is mounted.

[0113] In operating position 7 of the arrangement, one current interface 41 is oriented vertically upwards and another current interface 41 is oriented orthogonally to it.

[0114] Preferably, at least two power interfaces 41 are provided on the connection device 14.

[0115] The side wall 25 includes a side wall power interface for connection to the connection device 14 for power supply via the power source and a power interface 41 for connection to the container rear wall 6 via a container rear wall power interface of the container rear wall 6.

[0116] In Fig. 4e The cable tray 18, comprising the power line 17, is shown enlarged, whereby generally only one cable tray 18 is required and power to the opposite side of the guide device 9 can be provided via another power line 17 as a direct connection. The direct power connection can also generally be provided via the synchronization rod 12.

[0117] Fig. 4f Figure 18 shows that the cable haul 18 can be detached from the guide device 9 and is in conductive connection with the connection device 14 in order to transport energy from a conductive connection via the guide device 9 to the power source and the electric motor 4. The power source can be permanently connected to the stationary furniture part 3. The power source can be designed as a socket or a plug connection, and a magnetic contact 15 is also possible.

[0118] The connection device 14 includes a further magnetic contact 15, with which current can be transferred from the power source to the side wall 25 – particularly when the mounting strip 40 is connected. Alternatively or additionally, the side wall 25 can be connected to a magnetic contact 15 of the electric motor 4.

[0119] Fig. 4g shows the component parts involved in the transmission of motion for the conversion of the force generated by the electric motor 4 via the rack 13 to the loading rail 8.

[0120] The synchronizing rod 12 comprises two gears 34, each meshing with one of the two racks 13, with one of the two gears 34 being designated for coupling to the electric motor 4. In general, however, the design of the output from the electric motor 4 to the synchronizing rod 12 is arbitrary and can, for example, be achieved via a belt. A meshing gear 34 associated with the electric motor 4 for power transmission to the synchronizing rod 12 is also possible. It is also conceivable that the electric motor 4 transmits power directly to the rack 13.

[0121] Fig. 4h This shows that current can be supplied to the electric motor 4 and current to the side wall 25 for current sinks 16 (preferably arranged on the container 1) via two magnetic contacts 15 through the connection device 14. The magnetic contact 15 associated with the side wall 25 can be omitted if current is routed to the side wall 25 (or the rear wall 6 of the container) via the electric motor 4.

[0122] The guide device 9 comprises the two cabinet rails 10, the two drawer rails 8 which are movable relative to the cabinet rails 10, the synchronization rod 12 driven by the electric motor 4 of the drive unit 2 and the two racks 13, wherein the synchronization rod 12 and the two racks 13 can also be assigned to the drive unit 2.

[0123] Fig. 4iFigure 9 shows the guide device, with an enlarged detail section showing an adapter for the side wall 25 of the container 1 for the power supply. For clarity, the socket 22 is shown away from its intended position on the guide device 9, with the meshing gear 34 visible on the side of the guide device 9 opposite the electric motor 4.

[0124] The connection device 14 for the electric motor 4 is visible in the upper right of the illustration, while a coupling device of the mounting strip 40 for conducting current into the side wall 25 and the rear wall of the container 6 is shown in the upper left of the illustration.

[0125] Starting from a power source arranged on the stationary furniture part 3, a power line 17 arranged on the container 1 and a current sink 16 arranged on the container 1 are provided, wherein the power line 17 runs over a cabinet rail 10 arranged on the stationary furniture part 3, wherein the power line 17 can run directly between the two cabinet rails 10 or racks 13 in conjunction with the stationary furniture part 3.

[0126] An exemplary method for assembling the arrangement can be explained as follows: The container 1 and the drive unit 2 are provided, wherein the electric motor 4 is detachably arranged on the connection device 14 of the container 1 by means of a magnetic connection, such that the electric motor 4 is coupled to the container 1 during any relative movement between the container 1 and the stationary furniture part 3. Further current sinks 16 of the container can be continuously supplied with current from the power source located on the stationary furniture part along the extension path 11.

[0127] The container 1 can be suspended from the stationary furniture part 3 via the guide device 9 in a single assembly step and automatically connected to a power source of the stationary furniture part 3, whereby the container 1 is simultaneously disconnected from the power source and the guide device 9 of the stationary furniture part 3 in a single disassembly process step.

[0128] Another exemplary method for assembling the arrangement can be carried out as follows: The side wall 25, the container rear wall 6 and the guide device 9 are provided, wherein the current interface 41 for supplying the current sink 16 is arranged on the guide device 9 or the container 1 such that when the container 1 is moved, the current interface 41 is moved along with it and the current interface 41 is arranged behind the container rear wall 6 or the side wall 25 in the operating position 7 of the arrangement.

[0129] A conductive connection between the electrical interface 41 and the container's rear wall 6 or side wall 25 – for example, from the side wall 25 to the container's rear wall 6 – can be established by connecting the container's rear wall 6 or side wall 25 to the container 1. For example, the conductive connection between the electrical interface 41 and the container's rear wall 6 can be established by attaching the side wall 25, whereby the side wall 25 or an extension strip 40 of the side wall 25 is pivoted onto the container 1. Similarly, the container's rear wall 6 can be attached by pivoting to establish a conductive connection within the assembly or into the container.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a container (1), in particular a drawer, and at least one drive unit (2) for the at least partially automated movement of the container (1) relative to a stationary furniture part (3), in particular a furniture carcass, comprising an electric motor (4), preferably supplied with 230 V, and an open-loop and / or closed-loop control device (5) for controlling the electric motor (4), wherein the electric motor (4), preferably the at least one drive unit (2), is disposed on the container (1) and / or a guide device (9) for the container (1) in such a way that the electric motor (4) is coupled, with respect to motion, to the container (1), and the at least one drive unit (2) comprises a connection device (14) for the electric motor (4), by means of which the electric motor (4) is releasably couplable or coupled to the at least one drive unit (2), characterized in that by means of the connection device (14) power can be supplied to the electric motor (4) and / or at least one current sink (16) which is separate from the electric motor (4) can be supplied with power via the connection device (14).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein - the electric motor (4) is disposed on a container rear wall (6) of the container (1) and / or behind the container rear wall (6) in a use position (7) of the assembly, preferably concealed by the container rear wall (6), and / or force from the electric motor (4) can be transmitted to a drawer rail (8) of a guide device (9) disposed on the container (1) for the relative movement of the drawer rail (9) with respect to a carcass rail (10) of the guide device (9) by means of the at least one drive unit (2), and / or - the at least one drive unit (2) is in continuous forcetransmittable connection with the container (1) substantially over a pull-out path (11) of the container (1) or at least over a third of the pull-out path (11) of the container (1) and / or force from the at least one drive unit (2) can be applied to the container (1) by the at least one drive unit (2) substantially over a pull-out path (11) of the container (1) or at least over a third of the pull-out path (11) of the container (1), and / or - two toothed racks (13) or toothed belts, which can be connected or are connected by means of a synchronization rod (12), preferably disposed in parallel and / or stationary relative to a possibly present carcass rail (10), are provided for synchronizing and / or lateral stabilizing a movement of the container (1) relative to the stationary furniture part (3), wherein the synchronization rod (12) is drivable, preferably directly, by the electric motor (4) of the at least one drive unit (2), such that the container (1) is movable along the two toothed racks (13) or toothed belts, wherein preferably the at least one drive unit (2) is disposed indirectly by means of one of the two toothed racks (13) or toothed belts on a carcass rail (10) and / or the synchronization rod (12) comprises a gear wheel (34) meshing with one of the two toothed racks (13) or toothed belts and / or the electric motor (4), and / or the synchronization rod (12) is in direct interaction with the connection device (14) and / or the electric motor (4).

3. The assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the connection device (14) comprises at least one magnet or magnetic contact (15) for securing the electric motor (4) to the at least one drive unit (2), or vice versa, and / or - via at least one magnet or magnetic contact (15) for securing the electric motor (4) to the at least one drive unit (2), the electric motor (4) can be supplied with power and / or, via the connection device (14), at least one current sink (16) separate from the electric motor (4) and arranged on the container (19) can be supplied with power.

4. The assembly according to one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one current sink is disposed, preferably directly, on at least one side wall (25) and / or a container rear wall (6) of the container (1) and / or, preferably indirectly by means of at least one power cable (17), is electrically connected to at least one side wall (25) and / or the container rear wall (6).

5. The assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection device (14) is coupled, with respect to motion, to the container (1) and / or is coupled, preferably by means of a power cable (17) or cable carrier (18), preferably automatically, in a current-conducting manner to a power source of the stationary furniture part (3), wherein it is preferably provided that the container (1) can be removed from or installed at the stationary furniture part (3) by decoupling or coupling by means of the connection device (14), and / or the power cable (17), cable carrier (18), or power source is guided on a carcass rail (10) or, if present, a toothed rack (13) or toothed belt.

6. The assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a power source disposed on the stationary furniture part (3), a power cable (17) disposed at least in sections on the container (1) and a current sink (16) disposed on the container (1) are provided, wherein the power cable (17) runs over a carcass rail (10) disposed on the stationary furniture part (3) and / or the power cable (17) runs, preferably directly, between two carcass rails (10) and / or toothed racks (13) or toothed belts of the stationary furniture part (3), wherein it is preferably provided that the current sink (16) is present in the form of - the electric motor (4) for the at least one drive unit (2), and / or - a lighting device (20), preferably a lamp and / or LED strip and / or LED surface, and / or - a camera (21), and / or - an outlet (22), and / or - a, preferably wireless, charger (23), preferably an induction charger, and / or - a locking device (32) and / or a lid for the container (1), and / or - a base step and / or a shelf, and / or - a sensor (46) and / or a data transfer module (47), preferably disposed on a side wall (25) of the container (1), and / or - a temperature control device and / or a disinfection device for the container (1).

7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein - the current sink (16) is disposed on a front (24) and / or a container rear wall (6) and / or a side wall (25) and / or a bottom wall (26) and / or a top wall (27) of the container (1) and / or on the stationary furniture part (3), wherein it is preferably provided that the container (1) and / or the stationary furniture part (3) comprises at least one separating means for dividing up a storage space at which the current sink (16) and / or the power cable (17) is disposed, and / or - the power cable (17) is conducted from the stationary furniture part (3) via the connection device (14) for an electric motor (4) or a locking device (32) and / or via a side wall (25), preferably an attachment strip (40), of the container (1) to a front (24) of the container (1), preferably on an upper side (33) of the side wall (25) in the use position (7) of the container (1) and / or at least in regions within the side wall (25), wherein it is preferably provided that the container (1), particularly preferably the side wall (25) or a bottom wall (26), comprises a power cable (17) or cable carrier (18) for providing a power cable section during a movement of the container (1).

8. The assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the at least one drive unit (2) comprises a locking device (32) for inhibiting a movement of the container (1) relative to the stationary furniture part (3), wherein the locking device (32) can be disposed on the connection device (14), preferably by the magnet or magnetic contact (15) of the connection device (14), or comprises a magnet or magnetic contact (15) for arrangement on the connection device (14), and / or - the at least one drive unit (2) comprises a data interface (35) and / or a memory unit (36) and / or a computing unit (37) and / or there is a, preferably direct, power connection between two carcass rails (10) disposed on the stationary furniture part (3).

9. The assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (1) comprises two side walls (25) and a container rear wall (6) and a guide device (9) is provided for a relative movement of the container (1) with respect to the stationary furniture part (3), wherein at least one current interface (41) for supplying at least one current sink (16) with energy is disposed on the guide device (9) and / or the container (1) in a motion-coupled manner with the container (1), wherein, in the use position (7) of the assembly, the at least one current interface (41) is disposed behind the container rear wall (6) and / or the side walls (25), preferably at the front behind one of the two side walls (25) of the container (1), wherein it is preferably provided, that - at least one current interface (41) is disposed on the guide device (9) such that the container (1) can be automatically coupled to or decoupled in an electrically conductive manner from the at least one current interface (41) during installation or removal of the container (1) on / from the guide device (9) by aligning the at least one current interface (41), and / or - at least one current interface (41) comprises at least one magnet or magnetic contact (15) with which at least one current sink (16) can be electrically connected to a power source of the stationary furniture part (3), and / or - the at least one current interface (41) is electrically connected to at least one of the two side walls (25), preferably to an attachment strip (40) of the side wall (25), wherein preferably at least one power cable (17) is conducted through at least one of the two side walls (25) to a front (24) of the container (1) and / or to the at least one current sink (16) and / or there is a direct power connection between the two side walls (25), particularly preferably via the container rear wall (6), and / or - the at least one current interface (41) comprises at least one magnet or magnetic contact (15) for releasable current-conducting coupling of the at least one current sink (16) to a current source, preferably disposed on the stationary furniture part (3), and / or - the at least one current interface (41) is connected in a current-conducting manner to a power source disposed on the stationary furniture part (3) by means of at least one power cable (17) and / or cable carrier (18), preferably over an entire pull-out path (11) of the container (1) along the guide device (9), and / or - the at least one current interface (41) is disposed on the connection device (14) for an electric motor (4) or a locking device (32), wherein it is preferably provided that the at least one optionally present power cable (17) and / or cable carrier (18) is connected in a current-conducting manner to the connection device (14), particularly preferably by means of at least one magnet or magnetic contact (15).

10. A piece of furniture having at least one assembly according to one of the preceding claims.

11. A method for installing an assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the following method steps: - providing the container (1) and the at least one drive unit (2) and - releasably disposing the electric motor (4) on the connection device (14) of the container (1), in particular plugging it on or connecting it by means of a magnetic connection, such that the electric motor (4) is coupled, with respect to motion, to the container (1) during a relative movement between the container (1) and a stationary furniture part (3).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the container (1) is driven by the at least one drive unit (2) from a closed position (38), an open position (39), or a position between the closed position (38) and the open position (39) completely or only partially towards the open position (39) or the closed position (38) by means of the electric motor (4).

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the container (1) is hung into the stationary furniture part (3) by means of a guide device (9) and / or is connected, preferably automatically, to a power source of the stationary furniture part (3), wherein the container (1) is optionally disconnected from the power source and the stationary furniture part (3) simultaneously in a single removal process step of a subsequent process step.

14. The method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one current interface (41) for supplying the at least one current sink (16) is disposed on the guide device (9) or the container (1) in such a way that, when the container (1) moves, the at least one current interface (41) is moved along and the at least one current interface (41) is disposed behind the container rear wall (6) and / or the side wall (25) in the use position (7) of the assembly.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the container rear wall (6) and / or a side wall (25) is disposed on the container (1) such that a current-conducting connection is established between the at least one current interface (41), preferably a connection device (14) disposed on the guide device (9), and the container rear wall (6) and / or the side wall (25), preferably from the side wall (25) to the container rear wall (6), wherein it is preferably provided that the current-conducting connection between the at least one current interface (41) and the container rear wall (6) is established by connecting the side wall (25), and / or the side wall (25), particularly preferably the attachment strip (40), is pivoted towards the container (1).

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