Panel support
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024793751
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-31
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-09
AI Technical Summary
The existing assembly process for aperture carriers on drawer panels is complex, especially for narrow structures, making it difficult to ensure proper positioning and secure fastening of the carrier.
A U-shaped aperture carrier design with a sectioned assembly line, side plates, and fasteners that include a pre-assembly provision to ensure correct positioning of fasteners before assembly, simplifying the installation process and allowing for narrower constructions.
This design simplifies the assembly of aperture carriers, ensures secure fastening, and allows for the creation of particularly narrow aperture carriers and side frames, while also enabling the installation of heavier panels due to the design flexibility of the fasteners.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024079274_08052025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Panel carrier
[0002] The invention relates to a panel carrier according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0003] Such a panel support for a drawer panel is known from EP 2 747 599 B1.
[0004] Based on the known prior art, the object of the invention is to simplify the assembly of the panel support on a panel for a drawer, in particular when the panel support has a very narrow structure.
[0005] The invention solves this problem by the subject matter of claims 1, 18 and 19.
[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.
[0007] The invention provides a panel support for a connecting device for connecting a panel to a side frame of a drawer, wherein the panel support has the following: a. a support element which is at least partially U-shaped and which has a mounting strip for securing the support element to the panel, as well as two side plates; b. two or more fastening means, each consisting of a fastening means head and a fastening means shaft, which are designed to secure the mounting strip to the panel, c. wherein the fastening means, in their maximum inserted state (final assembly position), each pass through a corresponding through-hole in the mounting strip with the fastening means shaft and protrude into the panel, in particular into an envelope surface of the panel, wherein they fix the mounting strip to the panel directly - or optionally indirectly via at least one intermediate fastening element, d.wherein the diameter of at least one or more of the fastening means heads is greater than an inner distance between the side plates, and e. wherein the side plates, in the region in which the fastening means head of the respective fastening means of the preceding feature lies when they are fully inserted in a final assembly state, each have a window-like opening into which the respective fastening means head engages with an edge region, f. and wherein the side plates are designed such that the at least one fastening means according to feature d) can be brought into a pre-assembly position between the side plates, in which it lies at least partially or substantially completely above the corresponding through-hole in alignment or substantially in alignment with the corresponding through-hole of the mounting strip, so that it can be brought from this pre-assembly position into the final assembly position.
[0008] This ensures good pre-positioning of the one or more fasteners to be held between the side panels in the pre-assembly position. This simplifies the overall installation of the panel support to the panel and thus contributes to the realization of a particularly narrow panel support, which in turn facilitates the realization of particularly narrow side frames. Furthermore, it is possible to install even relatively heavy panels, since the fasteners can be designed to be relatively long.
[0009] The features are to be interpreted broadly. The support element according to feature a) can be designed to directly or indirectly secure the support element to the panel. It can therefore rest on the panel itself or it can rest there via an intermediate element. The side plates can be formed in multiple pieces, i.e., provided separately from one another. However, they can also be formed in one piece from a larger, provided plate, which has been bent, for example, into an LI shape, and into which the support strip has been inserted or which is placed on top of the support strip. Overall, the support element is still U-shaped.
[0010] One or more additional fastening means may be provided to the side of the one or more fastening means to be positioned between the side plates, which can be inserted directly into the mounting strip without colliding with the side plates during installation.
[0011] According to an advantageous variant, it can be provided that at least one or more of the fastening means shanks are provided entirely or in sections with a surface structure. This surface structure is designed in such a way that it supports a secure fit in the panel or the intermediate fastening means. According to a preferred embodiment, it is then provided that at least one or more of the fastening means is / are designed as a screw, wherein the respective surface structure is designed as a screw thread. These screws are easy to install and easily ensure a secure fit in the panel or the intermediate fastening means. Alternatively, the surface structure could consist of grooves or teeth or the like.
[0012] According to a further preferred variant, it is provided that one or more of the intermediate fastening elements are provided on the mounting strip, which in a final assembly position are penetrated by a respective one of the fastening means and which in the final assembly state engage in the envelope surface of the panel, so that the respective fastening means indirectly fasten the mounting strip very securely to the panel via the respective intermediate fastening element.
[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the two side panels are aligned substantially parallel to one another and are fastened to the mounting strip or are connected thereto in one piece. It is also possible for the side panels to be joined together first and then for the mounting strip to be inserted. It is also conceivable for the side panels to be connected in one piece, so that they already have an LI shape, and for them to be fixed to the mounting strip as a unit. In this respect, a wide variety of advantageous process variants can be implemented. According to a further advantageous embodiment, which contributes to a narrow construction of the panel support, it can further be provided that the side panels each consist of a metal sheet. This also facilitates the realization of particularly narrow side frames.
[0014] According to a first embodiment variant, it can advantageously be provided that a device for introducing one or more of the fastening means into a pre-assembly position is designed as at least one pre-assembly contour in one or both of the side plates.
[0015] The pre-assembly contour allows for pre-positioning of the respective fastener between the side plates in such a way that the respective fastener is pre-assembled between the side plates on the support element – preferably supported by self-alignment – in alignment with the corresponding through hole. This ensures a very good fit of the respective fastener to be held between the side plates in the pre-assembly position, which greatly simplifies assembly.
[0016] According to a second embodiment, which may further develop the first, it can advantageously be provided that the pre-assembly contour comprises at least one groove in one of the two side plates or one groove in each of the side plates, wherein the respective groove is aligned flush or substantially flush or corresponding / concentric with the respective through hole of the mounting strip. Thus, with the pre-assembly contour in a corresponding pre-assembly position, a good fit of the respective fastening means to be held between the side plates is ensured, as well as good alignment with the through hole.
[0017] According to a third embodiment, which can further develop the first and second variants, it is provided that at least one or both of the pre-assembly contours, in particular the one or more grooves, have a step, in particular in the manner of a respective taper, on which the respective fastener head rests in the pre-assembly position. This ensures a particularly secure fit of the respective fastener to be held between the side plates in the pre-assembly position. This also ensures a very good fit of the respective fastener to be mounted and held between the side plates in the pre-assembly position, which greatly simplifies assembly.
[0018] According to a fourth embodiment, which can also be provided in combination with the first, second, and third variants, the pre-assembly contour has at least one recess, in particular an edge recess, in one or both of the side plates, into which the fastener head of one of the fasteners engages in the pre-assembly position. This also ensures a good fit of the respective fastener in the pre-assembly position, which greatly simplifies assembly.
[0019] It can additionally be advantageously provided that the two side plates are resiliently movable in such a way that their distance can be increased at least in sections when the fastening means is introduced from the pre-assembly position into the final assembly position and / or when the fastening means is introduced into the pre-assembly position in such a way that the fastening means head can be guided into the openings in the side plates.
[0020] It can then be provided that at least one or both of the window-like openings in the side plates are dimensioned parallel to the insertion direction in such a way that the respective corresponding fastening means can be brought laterally through the respective opening into the area between the side plates and can be inserted into the corresponding through-hole.
[0021] The mounting strip in all variants can have intermediate mounting elements connected to the through holes, such as circumferentially closed or segmented rings similar to sleeves / dowels, which are used for clamping in the panel. Both fasteners with a structured surface (e.g. thread) and fasteners without a structured surface, such as bolts / pins, and for linear pressing can be used here. The pre-assembly position of the fasteners can be ensured entirely or additionally by ribs in the through holes. In the final assembly position, the fasteners, preferably screws / pins, press the intermediate fastener apart, but themselves only penetrate into the hole of the ring-like intermediate fastener and only indirectly with it into the panel, or not at all.
[0022] A tapered through-hole is also conceivable as a pre-assembly contour in order to ensure a press fit of the fastener.
[0023] The invention also provides a panel for a drawer, to which at least one or more panel supports according to one of the related claims is / are attached, as well as a drawer with such a panel. For mounting the panel to a drawer, the panel support has at least one fastening strut, e.g., a bolt, which fixes the panel to the drawer via a catch mechanism in the side frame. Even when using a single fastening strut in the panel support, high stability can be ensured, even with a high panel height, thanks to the almost full-surface design of the side panels. The use of multiple fastening struts for attachment to multiple catch mechanisms is also conceivable.
[0024] According to claim 18, the invention further provides a method for mounting a panel support on a panel, characterized by the following steps:
[0025] Step A): a panel support, fully or partially assembled or unassembled - at least comprising the mounting strip and the side panels - and the associated fastening means as well as a panel are provided; Step B): at least one or more fastening means, the fastening means of which engage in the openings of the side panels in the final assembly position, are brought into a pre-assembly position on the support element;
[0026] Step C): at least one or more fastening means from step B) are moved into their final assembly position in a step C), wherein they engage directly or indirectly via an intermediate fastening element in the panel or in an envelope surface of the panel.
[0027] Here, advantages analogous to claim 1 are achieved through a simple and safe assembly process.
[0028] According to an advantageous and easy-to-implement embodiment of this method, it can be provided that the fastening means are first fastened in the mounting strip and that the side plates are then fastened to the mounting strip, wherein the fastening means heads then engage in a respective pre-assembly contour of the side plates.
[0029] According to another advantageous embodiment, however, it can also be provided that the side plates are fastened to the mounting strip and that the fastening means are then arranged in the pre-assembly contour.
[0030] The pre-assembly contour can be constructed according to one or more of the claims relating thereto.
[0031] The final assembly state is the state in which the fastening elements protrude completely through the mounting strip and can also protrude in sections directly or into an intermediate fastening element into the envelope surface of the panel.
[0032] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings using exemplary embodiments that show one, several, or all of the features of the claims. The invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. It is particularly possible to combine individual or several features of the following exemplary embodiments to form other, equally advantageous exemplary embodiments. They show:
[0033] Fig.1 is a perspective view of a drawer;
[0034] Fig. 2a - c in Fig. 2a) a rear view of a known arrangement with a front panel with two panel supports, in Fig. 2b) a side view of the arrangement from Fig. 2a) and in Fig. 2c) a perspective view of the arrangement from Fig. 2a);
[0035] Fig. 3a - b in Fig. 3a) a perspective view of a first embodiment of a panel support with fastening means, here designed as fastening screws and in Fig. 3b) an exploded view of the arrangement from Fig. 3a);
[0036] Fig. 4a-d in Fig. 4a) to Fig. 4d) four successive steps for mounting the panel carrier from Fig. 3a) on a panel, the panel not being shown; Fig. 4a) to Fig. 4d) each show the panel carrier in two side views rotated by 90° to each other, and Fig. 4c) additionally shows a sectional view along a line A-A perpendicular to the image plane;
[0037] Fig. 5a - b in Fig. 5a) a perspective view of a second embodiment of a panel support with fastening means, here designed as fastening screws and in Fig. 5b) an exploded view of the arrangement from Fig. 5a);
[0038] Fig. 6a - c in Fig. 6a) to Fig. 6c) three successive steps for mounting the panel carrier from Fig. 5a) on a panel, the panel not being shown; wherein in Fig. 6a) to Fig. 6c) the panel carrier is shown in two side views rotated by 90° to each other, wherein in Fig. 6b) a sectional view along a line CC perpendicular to the image plane is additionally shown;
[0039] Fig. 7a - b in Fig. 7a) a perspective view of a third embodiment of a panel carrier with fastening means, here designed as fastening screws and in Fig. 7b) an exploded view of the arrangement from Fig. 7a); Fig. 8a - c in Fig. 8a) to Fig. 8c) three successive steps for mounting the panel carrier from Fig. 7a) on a panel, wherein the panel is not shown and wherein in Fig. 8a) to Fig. 8c) the panel carrier is shown in two side views rotated by 90° to each other, wherein in Fig. 8b) a sectional view along a line AA perpendicular to the image plane is additionally shown;
[0040] Fig. 9a -9b in Fig. 9a) a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a panel support with fastening means, here designed as fastening screws and in Fig. 9b) an exploded view of the arrangement from Fig. 9a);
[0041] Fig. 10a -10b in Fig. 10a) to Fig. 10b) two successive steps for mounting the panel carrier from Fig. 9a) on a panel, wherein the panel is not shown and wherein in Fig. 10a) to Fig. 10b) the panel carrier is shown in two side views rotated by 90° to each other;
[0042] Fig. 11a -11b in Fig. 11 a) a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a panel support with fastening means, here designed as fastening screws and in Fig. 11 b) an exploded view of the arrangement from Fig. 11 a);
[0043] Fig. 12a -12b in Fig. 12a) to Fig. 12b) two different mounting options of the panel carrier from Fig. 11 a) on a panel, wherein the panel is not shown and wherein in Fig. 12a) to Fig. 12b) the panel carrier is shown in two side views rotated by 90° to each other;
[0044] Fig. 13a -13b in Fig. 13a) a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a panel support with fastening means, here designed as fastening screws and in Fig. 13b) an exploded view of the arrangement from Fig. 13a);
[0045] Fig. 14a -14b in Fig. 14a) to Fig. 14b) two successive steps of a first variant of mounting the panel carrier from Fig. 13a) and 13b) on a panel, the panel not being shown;
[0046] Fig. 15a -15b in Fig. 15a) a perspective view of a further embodiment of a mounting strip with fastening means, and in 15b) a perspective view of a further embodiment of a panel support with fastening means, here designed as fastening screws, mounted in an assembly sequence before mounting the remaining panel support;
[0047] Fig. 16a -16b in Fig. 16a) a perspective view of a further embodiment of a mounting strip with fastening means, and in 16b) a perspective view of a further embodiment of a panel support with fastening means, here designed as fastening screws, mounted in an assembly sequence after assembly of the remaining panel support;
[0048] Fig. 17a -17d in Fig. 17a) a front view and in Fig. 17b) a side view of the sixth embodiment of the panel support with fastening means, and in c) and d) a sectional view of a section AA from Fig. 17a), once with and once without fastening means;
[0049] Fig. 18a - c in Fig. 18a and 18b) different perspective views of a further variant of a panel carrier and in c) an enlarged detail of the area A from Fig. 18b); and
[0050] Fig. 19a - d in Fig. 19a) to 19c) various views of yet another variant of a panel carrier, which discloses features of possible embodiments of the invention, and in d) an enlarged detail of the area B from Fig. 19c).
[0051] Fig. 1 shows a drawer 1 for a piece of furniture (not otherwise shown). The drawer has two side frames 101, 102, a base 103, a rear wall 104, and a panel 105. The side frames 101, 102, the rear wall 104, and the panel 105 are connected to each other to form a rectangular frame.
[0052] To connect the panel 105 to the side frames 101, 102, at least one connecting device is provided for each side frame 101, 102, which connects the panel 105 to the side frame 101, 102.
[0053] According to the prior art and also according to the invention, the respective connecting device comprises at least one panel support 2, which can also be referred to as a panel connector (see Fig. 2a, b). It further comprises at least one corresponding suspension device (not shown here) in / on the respective side frame. By suspending the side frames 101, 102 with the respective suspension device into the corresponding panel supports 2, the side frames 101, 102 can be connected to the panel 105. This is known per se. Purely by way of example, reference is made to the generic prior art or to EP 2 747 599 A1 or DE 20 2018 107 032 U1, which show exemplary suspension devices.
[0054] The respective panel support 2 is thus designed to engage from the panel 105 into the respective side frame 101, 102 when assembled. For this purpose, it is advantageous if it is relatively narrow.
[0055] The panel support 2 has a substantially U-shaped support element 201 and fastening means 210 for fixing (“fastening”) the support element 201 to the panel 105.
[0056] The support element 201 has a mounting strip 202 for placing on the panel 105 and for fastening to the panel, as well as two side plates 203, 204, which essentially—that is, largely in terms of their surface area—run parallel to each other. The side plates 203, 204 can be made of sheet metal.
[0057] The mounting strip 202 and the side plates 203, 204 can be formed in multiple pieces or in one piece. If they are formed in multiple pieces, they are firmly connected to one another to form the support element 201. The connection is made, for example, by riveting, welding, clinching, or similar methods. In this respect, reference is made to the non-inventive embodiment in Figs. 19a) to 19d), in which the side plates 203, 204 are directly connected to one another, here by joining, whereby the mounting strip 202 can advantageously be fixed by the joining (Fig. 19d), here by one of the side plates 204 being guided in sections through a slot 2022 in the mounting strip 202.
[0058] The side plates 203, 204 have a distance X1 on their inner sides facing each other and a distance X2 on their outer sides facing away from each other, which is the sum of the inner distance X1 and the wall thicknesses of the two side plates 203, 204.
[0059] The two side plates 203, 204 can each be connected to the mounting strip 202 in an edge region. The two side plates 203, 204 can also have essentially the same shape, although this is not mandatory. In this case, the mounting strip 202 can be longer in a Y direction parallel to the panel 105 than the two side plates 203, 204. The two side plates 203, 204 are perpendicular to the mounting strip 202, in the Z direction, preferably higher than the latter, at least in sections. The mounting strip 202 itself can be located partially or entirely between the side plates 203, 204.
[0060] The two side plates 203, 204 can be connected to the mounting strip 202 by means of one or more fastening elements. These fastening elements can be designed as connecting pins 205, which penetrate the mounting strip 202 and the two side plates 203, 204 and connect them to one another. For this purpose, the mounting strip 202 can be provided with transverse openings 207, in particular designed as elongated holes, which extend parallel to the panel and parallel to its longitudinal extension in the Y direction and penetrate the mounting strip 202 in a direction X. If elongated holes are provided, a height adjustment can be implemented in conjunction with other elements such as an adjustment element 208 (which will not be described further here).
[0061] One or more—here two—of the connecting pins 206 can also be arranged in a region of the two side plates 203, 204 further away from the mounting strip 202 and connect the side plates 203, 204 to one another in this region. The two opposite ends of the connecting pins 206 can, for example, engage with respective smaller-diameter end regions in holes 220 of the side plates 203, 204 and ensure spacing between these two side plates 203, 204 with a central region of larger diameter.
[0062] This one or more additional connecting pins 206 can also be used to suspend the respective corresponding suspension device of the respective corresponding side frame 102, 103.
[0063] The respective support element 201 is fastened to the panel 105 by means of one or more preferably bolt-like fastening means 210, each of which can have a fastening means shaft 211 and a fastening means head 212 that has a larger diameter than the fastening means shaft 211. The fastening means shaft 211 can be provided with a surface structure, either entirely or in sections. The respective surface structure can be designed as a screw thread. In this case, this fastening means 210 forms a screw. The mounting strip 202, which is aligned in a Y direction on the panel 105, the main extension plane of which is the X / Y plane, can have one or more through holes 209 for the insertion of a respective fastening means shaft 211, which can be inserted, here screwed, into the panel (the latter not visible here).When mounted, these through holes 209 are aligned perpendicular to the aperture 105 in the Z direction.
[0064] The diameter of the respective fastener heads 212 can be larger than the inner distance X1 of the two side plates 203, 204 in direction X. The through holes 209 run in direction Z between the side plates 203, 204.
[0065] In the present case, it is intended to fix the web-like mounting strip 202 to the panel 105 with preferably three or four fastening means 210, in this case to screw it to the panel 105.
[0066] In this case, one or more, here two, of the fastening means 210 can penetrate through holes 209 of the mounting strip 202 in its two end regions, in particular in end regions in which the mounting strip 202 is longer than the side plates 203, 204. These fastening means 210 therefore do not engage between the side plates 203, 204. Their assembly can therefore be implemented essentially without problems.
[0067] One or more of the fastening means 210, in particular one or two fastening means 210 that are central relative to the mounting strip, penetrate the mounting strip 202 in an area in which their fastening means heads 212, at least in the fully inserted, here screwed-in, state, engage with edge regions in window-like openings 213, 214 in the two side plates 203, 204. It is preferably provided that the two fastening means heads 212 each engage in these window-like openings 213, 214 with two sections that are circular segments in cross-section. The two window-like openings 213, 214 should be as small as possible in order to have as little adverse an impact as possible on the stability of the side plates 203, 204. They can therefore be less than 30% of the area, in particular less than 10% of the area of the side plates 203, 204.They only need to be dimensioned in such a way that the fastener heads 212 can engage laterally with some play.
[0068] Due to the narrow frame, the panel support must also be designed to be correspondingly narrow. This means that the fastener heads 212 of the fasteners 210 mounted between the side panels 203, 204—here, the middle fastener 210—are wider than the mounting strip 202. This may vary in some sections, for example, if a ledge 2021 engages one of the openings 213. However, the mounting strip 202 is essentially narrower.
[0069] In this way, the width of the respective fastener head 212, which lies between the side plates 203, 204 in the fully screwed-in state, can be greater than the inner distance X1 between the two side plates 203, 204, although the fastener heads 212 lie virtually within the area defined and surrounded by the outer edge of the side plates 203, 204.
[0070] The width of this or these fastening means heads 212 is on the one hand greater than the inner distance X1 of the two side plates 203, 204 from each other but on the other hand preferably not greater than the outer distance X2 of the two side plates 203, 204, i.e. the distance between the two outer sides of the side plates 203, 204 facing away from each other.
[0071] In this way, fastening heads 212 with a larger diameter than the inner distance X1 of the side plates 203, 204 can also be used in a simple manner to fasten the panel support to the panel.
[0072] Thus, it is provided that the two side plates 203, 204 each have one or more corresponding - i.e., mutually aligned - openings 213, 214, into which lateral regions of the fastener head 212 can engage, at least in the final assembly state. The final assembly state is the state in which the fasteners protrude as far as possible through the mounting strip 202 and can further protrude into an enveloping surface of the panel, which they fix to the panel 105 directly or indirectly via at least one intermediate element. In this state, the regions of the respective fastener head 212, which have a circular segment-like cross-section, can then engage in the openings 213, 214. Such a circular segment of the cross-section of the fastener head 212 is delimited by a circular arc and a chord. This is known per se from the prior art.
[0073] Such solutions are particularly suitable for narrow side frames, which can be made, for example, from sheet steel. In order to be able to install these fastening means 210 particularly well, it can be additionally provided, according to the further Figures 3 ff., that the side plates 203, 204 are designed such that this one or more fastening means 210 can be guided into a pre-assembly position between the side plates 203, 204, in which it lies above, in particular completely above, the corresponding through-hole 209 of the mounting strip 202 in alignment with this through-hole 209, so that it can be screwed from this position into its fully screwed-in position - its final assembly position.
[0074] Such solutions are particularly suitable for very narrow side frames, which can be made of sheet steel and can be less than 14 mm wide, e.g. 10 mm or less.
[0075] For this purpose, a device for introducing one or more of the fastening means 210 into a pre-assembly position between the side plates 203, 204 is preferably formed in or on one or both of the side plates 203, 204, in which the one or more fastening means 210, which in the final assembly state engage with their fastening means head 212 into the openings 213, 214 of the side plates 203, 204, is / are aligned corresponding to the respective through-hole 209 before being brought into the final assembly position between the side plates 203, 204.
[0076] The device for introducing one or more of the fastening means 210 into the pre-assembly position, which also preferably allows a defined pre-positioning of the fastening means 210 in the pre-assembly position, from which it can be screwed into the panel 105, is designed according to Fig. 3a and 3b and Fig. 4a to 4d and also Fig. 5a and 5b and Fig. 6a to 6c as well as according to further figures, in each case as at least one pre-assembly contour which is formed in one or both of the side plates 203, 204. The one or more of the pre-assembly contours is / are designed to hold the respective fastening means 210, which in the final assembly state engages with its fastening means head 212 into the openings 213, 214 of the side plates 203, 204, substantially aligned with the through hole 209 of the mounting strip 201 pre-assembled on the side plates 203, 204. This makes it possible for the support element 201 and at least these fastening means 210 and, if applicable,Further fastening means 210, in particular all of the fastening means 210, together form a pre-assembled unit. This significantly simplifies assembly, since the fastening means 210 are securely pre-assembled in the correct alignment above the through-hole 209.
[0077] As already explained, the mounting strip 202 can be located partially or entirely between the side plates 203, 204. However, it can also engage in places, e.g., with a projection-like shoulder 2021, into one or more of the openings 213, 214 or the like (see Fig. 5a and b), which can further stabilize the panel support 2.
[0078] According to the first and second embodiments of Figs. 3a and 3b and Figs. 4a to 4d or Figs. 5a and 5b and Figs. 6a to 6c, a groove 215, 216 is formed in each of the side plates 203, 204 as a pre-assembly contour. The respective groove 215, 216 can be designed in the manner of a half-channel with a circular segment in cross-section. It can be formed by embossing into the side plates 203, 204. Such a groove can also be formed in only one of the two side plates 203, 204. However, it is preferred to provide two of the grooves 215, 216 in the two side plates 203, 204, which complement each other to form a kind of hollow channel into which the corresponding fastening means 210 can be inserted in alignment with its corresponding through-hole 209 and held, for example, by clamping. The respective pre-assembly contour can thus have a substantially circular orcylindrical channel which is oriented perpendicular to the aperture 105 and which is aligned with the associated fastening means 210 and the associated through-hole 209.
[0079] In this way, a fastening means 210 can be pre-assembled and clamped between the side plates 203, 204 before being screwed into the panel 105. The grooves 215, 216 can extend to the openings 213, 214.
[0080] The assembly of the panel carrier 2 on the panel 105 is carried out according to the embodiment Fig. 4a-d preferably according to a variant of the assembly method according to the invention with at least the following steps:
[0081] Step A'): a panel carrier 2 with the carrier element 201 and the associated fastening means 210 as well as a panel 105 are provided (Fig. 4a, without panel 105);
[0082] Step B'): at least one or more fastening means 210, whose fastening means heads 212 engage in the openings 213, 214 of the side plates 203, 204 in the final assembly position, are brought into a pre-assembly position on the support element 201, here already between the side plates 203, 204 pre-assembled on the support strip 202 (Fig. 4b, c);
[0083] Step C'): at least the one or more fastening means 210 from step B') are moved into their final assembly position in a step C') and screwed completely into the cover 105 (Fig. 4d).
[0084] It can be provided - see Figs. 5a and 5b as well as Figs. 6a to 6c - that one or both of these grooves 215, 216 additionally have a step in the form of a taper 217, in which the diameter of the respective groove 215, 216 is reduced in a step-like manner. This step-like taper 217 is designed such that the fastening means 210, with its fastening means head 212, can be particularly well suspended in a defined pre-assembly position between the side plates 203, 204. The fastening means head 212 then initially lies on the side of the taper 217 facing away from the mounting strip 202.
[0085] This design with the stepped taper 217 thus offers the advantage that the fastening means 210 can first be hooked between the side plates 203, 204 at a defined position and can thereby align itself automatically, in particular in alignment with the through hole 209. The step can also be designed in a different way than a taper and can also be formed on mounting contours other than a groove 215, 216.
[0086] In this way, a particularly advantageous device for introducing at least one of the fastening means 210 into a pre-assembly position is realized in a simple manner, in which it is held particularly securely in a form-fitting and, if necessary, clamped manner between the side plates 203, 204 on the support element 201, in which it preferably does not yet protrude from the through-hole 209 of the mounting strip 202 of the panel support 2 corresponding to it.
[0087] When inserting these (middle) fasteners 210, the side plates 203, 204 spring up once, allowing the fastener head 212 to slide over the tapered portion 217. The respective fastener 210 can then be moved into the panel 105 into its final assembly position, engaging directly or indirectly via an intermediate fastening element 221, such as an expandable, dowel-like sleeve or the like, in the envelope surface of the panel. In this state, the edge portions of the respective fastener head 212 then engage in the respective corresponding opening 213, 214.
[0088] The pre-assembly position of the fastening means 210 can be secured entirely or additionally by internal ribs 222 in the through holes 209, for example, even if the fastening means 210 have no surface structure, such as a thread or serration, or only in one area. However, a fully threaded screw can also be secured in this way.
[0089] In the final assembly position, the fastening means 210, i.e. preferably screws / pins, preferably press the intermediate fastening means 221 apart, but themselves only penetrate into the bore of the ring-like intermediate fastening means 221 and thus only penetrate indirectly with it into the cover or an envelope surface of the cover 105.
[0090] The assembly of the panel carrier 2 on a panel 105 is carried out according to the embodiment Fig. 6a - Fig. 6c again according to the steps A') to C') described above as a variant of the method according to the invention.
[0091] The device designed as a pre-assembly contour for introducing at least one of the fastening means 210 into an assembly position can also be designed in another way.
[0092] The following essentially describes deviations from the previously discussed designs. Otherwise, reference can be made to the description of the previous designs.
[0093] Thus, Figs. 7a-7b and 8a-8c illustrate a third embodiment variant in which a recess, in particular an edge recess 218, is formed in at least one of the two side plates 203, 204 above the through holes 209 as pre-assembly contours. These pre-assembly contours, formed as recess(es), in particular edge recess(es) 218, in turn make it possible to position the respective fastening means 210 in a pre-assembly position in which the threaded part 211 is suspended between the side plates 203, 204 in alignment with the corresponding through hole 209. For this purpose, the mounting strip 202 is preferably aligned horizontally. In any case, the respective threaded part 211 can then be inserted in alignment with the through hole 209 between the side plates 203, 204 in the area of the edge recess(es) 218 until the respective fastener head 212 is hooked into the edge recess(es) 218.
[0094] It may also be the case that a bevel 219, e.g. formed as a chamfer, is provided on the edge of one or both of the side plates 203, 204 in order to facilitate the insertion of the fastener head 212 (Fig. 18a - c).
[0095] It can also be provided that the respective edge recess 218 in one or both of the side plates 203, 204 has the bevel 219, e.g. formed as a chamfer, in order to facilitate the insertion of the fastener head 212.
[0096] When this (middle) fastener 210 is inserted, the side plates 203, 204, which are preferably designed as side panels, spring back once again, allowing the fastener head 212 to slide toward the through-hole 209. In this way, the fastener 210 can be inserted into the panel 105 until it reaches its final assembly position. In this state, the edge portions of the respective fastener head 212 engage in the respective corresponding openings 213, 214.
[0097] The assembly of the panel carrier 2 on the panel 105 can also be carried out according to Fig. 8a - Fig. 8c with the steps A') to C') described above as a variant of the method according to the invention.
[0098] The pre-assembly contours can also be designed as a different embossing or recess than shown in the figures.
[0099] According to Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b as well as Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b, in a fourth embodiment variant, one or both of the window-like openings 213, 214 in the side plates 203, 204 are designed to be so long, parallel to the screw-in direction, that the respective fastening means 210 can be guided laterally through a respective opening 213 and / or 214 into the area between the side plates 203, 204, so that it can be held in a pre-assembly position in which it lies above the through-hole 209 or substantially so that it briefly engages therein, and can be inserted into the corresponding through-hole 209. According to Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b as well as Fig. 12a and Fig.12b, in a fifth embodiment, it is provided that one or both of the window-like openings 213, 214 in the side plates 203, 204 are designed to be so long, parallel to the screw-in direction, that the respective fastening means 210 can be guided laterally through a respective opening 213 and / or 214 into the area between the side plates 203, 204 and inserted into the corresponding through-hole 209. In addition, a pre-assembly contour is formed in one or both of the side plates 203, 204. The one or more of the pre-assembly contours are designed to hold the respective fastening means 210 pre-assembled on the side plates 203, 204 substantially aligned with the through-hole 209 of the mounting strip 202. Here, this pre-assembly contour is again designed as an edge recess 218.
[0100] In this way, the fastening means 210 can be pre-assembled either from above (Fig. 12a) or from the side (Fig. 12b).
[0101] The assembly of the panel support 2 on the panel 105 is also carried out according to Fig. 10a - Fig. 10b or Fig. 12a - Fig. 12b, again with steps A') to C'). During the lateral insertion of the fastening means 210 into the gap between the side plates 203, 204, steps B') and C') can merge directly into one another, i.e., the respective fastening means 210 is threaded in laterally, engaging in the corresponding through-hole 209 and then screwed tight.
[0102] It should also be noted that other variants are also conceivable.
[0103] On the one hand, the pre-assembly measures described above can each be provided for two or more fastening means 210.
[0104] In addition, if several fastening means 210 are provided for each carrier element 201, different pre-assembly devices can also be provided for each fastening means 210, for example a pre-assembly contour for one fastening means 210 and a very long laterally opening 213, 214 (not shown) for the other fastening means 210.
[0105] In all variants discussed up to this point, the fastening means 210 fix the panel support 2 directly to the panel 105. In this case, this was done by screwing the ends of the fastening means 210 directly into the panel 105. However, it can also be provided that the fastening means 210 fix the panel support 2 indirectly to the panel, in which case the intermediate fastening element 221 can be provided between the respective fastening means 210 and the panel 105. This intermediate fastening means 221 can be ring-shaped, and it can be circumferentially closed or not. It is preferably designed such that it widens when the respective fastening means 210 is inserted - for example, screwed in - and in particular widens like a dowel. The preferably ring-shaped intermediate fastening means 221 can be directly aligned orbe arranged essentially in alignment with a respective through-hole 209 on the side of the support element 201 facing away from the side plates 203, 204. In the assembled state, the intermediate fastening means 221 then engage completely or partially in the cover 105, and the ends of the fastening means 210 engage concentrically in the cover, or better, in the envelope surface of the cover 105. In a plate-like cover 105, the envelope surface is the outer surface of the plate, without functional contours in the plate, such as holes for inserting the intermediate fastening means 221, being taken into account when forming this envelope surface.
[0106] The pre-assembly position can also be a partially screwed-in position in the through holes 209 of the mounting strip 202. Such a configuration is illustrated in Figs. 14a) and b) and 15a) and b). The fastening means 210 are preferably not yet inserted so far that they penetrate the intermediate fastening elements 221.
[0107] A few further variants are discussed below. Reference can be made to the previous description of the previously discussed embodiments. The following describes the main deviations from these.
[0108] A particularly advantageous embodiment can be seen in Fig. 13 a) - b) and Fig. 14 a) - b) as well as Fig. 15a), b), 16a), b), 17a), b) and 18a), b). The relatively large openings 213, 214 provided here in the side plates 203, 204, in deviation from Fig. 4a) to d), serve to ensure that the fastener head 212 is held freely even in a pre-assembly position without the influence of the side plates 203, 204. The large openings 213, 214 are dimensioned such that engagement in these openings 213 and 214 is ensured even in the pre-assembly position and also in the final assembly position. The side plates 203, 204 may spring up (not in Fig. 15a), b), more on this later) slightly or only at the beginning when inserting the fastening means 210, so that the respective fastening means 210 can reach the pre-assembly position.In the pre-assembled position, the fastener head 212 is visible so that it is also easily recognizable for the engaging tool when the tool engagement is “searched” on the fastener head 212.
[0109] In a number of the variants shown, the side plates 203, 204 are already fixed to the mounting strip 202 at the moment in which the fastening means 210 are positioned in the pre-assembly position (see, for example, Fig. 4a) to d) or, for example, Fig. 16a) and 16b) or Fig. 17a) and b)).
[0110] However, the fastening means 210 can also first be fixed to the mounting strip 202 (Fig. 15a) and 15b)), whereupon the side plates 203, 204 are then fixed to the mounting strip 202, in particular in such a way that the fastening means heads 212 are then introduced into one or one of the several openings 213, 214 or one or more similar contours in the side plates 203, 204 when the side plates 203, 204 are attached and engage in these (Fig. 15a, b).
[0111] This variant also enables a very simple and secure attachment of a very narrow panel support 2 to a panel 105. This assembly sequence can be implemented alternatively in the illustrated embodiments, even if different assembly sequences have been illustrated in each case. As already mentioned elsewhere, the pre-assembly position of the fastening means 210 can be secured entirely or additionally by internal ribs 222 (see Fig. 17a) to d)) in the through holes 209, for example, even if the fastening means 210 have no surface structuring such as a thread or serration, or only in one area. However, a mounting of a screw with a full thread is also conceivable in this way.
[0112] For Fig. 13a) to 18b) please refer to the description of the previous variants.
[0113] It should also be noted that the respective fastener head 212 can have a torque transmission geometry for attaching a tool, for example a polygon socket or a screwdriver or the like.
[0114] It should also be noted that in all embodiments, the fastening means 210 can be designed in the manner of a screw. However, it can also be configured differently, for example, have a different surface structure in the area of the fastening means shaft 211 or have no such structure. The fastening can then be performed not by screwing, but in another way, for example, by linear translational pressing or the like. List of Reference Symbols
[0115] Drawer 1
[0116] Side frames 101 , 102
[0117] Floor 103
[0118] Rear wall 104
[0119] Aperture 105
[0120] Panel carrier 2
[0121] Support element 201
[0122] Mounting strip 202
[0123] Sales 2021
[0124] Schlitz 2022
[0125] Side panels 203, 204
[0126] Connecting pins 205, 206
[0127] Transverse breakthroughs 207
[0128] Adjustment element 208
[0129] Through holes 209
[0130] Fasteners 210
[0131] Fastener shaft 211
[0132] Fastener head 212
[0133] Breakthroughs 213, 214
[0134] Gutters 215, 216
[0135] Rejuvenation 217
[0136] Recesses 218
[0137] Bevel 219
[0138] Holes 220
[0139] Intermediate fastening element 221
[0140] Ribs 222
[0141] Distances X1 , X2
[0142] Directions X, Y; Z
Claims
Claims 1. A panel support for a connecting device for connecting a panel (105) to a side frame (101, 102) of a drawer, wherein the panel support (2) comprises the following: a. a support element (201) which is at least partially U-shaped and which has a mounting strip (202) for securing the support element (201) to the panel (105), as well as two side plates (203, 204); b. two or more fastening means (210), each consisting of a fastening means head (212) and a fastening means shaft (211), which are designed to fix the mounting strip (202) to the panel (105), wherein the fastening means (210) in their maximum inserted state with the fastening means shaft (211) each pass through a corresponding through-hole (209) of the mounting strip (202) and protrude into an envelope surface of the panel (105), wherein they are directly - or if necessaryindirectly via at least one intermediate fastening element (221) - fix the mounting strip (202) to the panel (105), c. wherein the diameter of at least one or more of the fastening means heads (212) is greater than an inner distance (X1) between the side plates (203, 204), characterized in that d. the side plates (203, 204) in the region in which the fastening means head (212) of the respective fastening means (210) of feature c) lies, when they are completely inserted in a final assembly state, each have a window-like opening (213, 214), in which the respective fastening means head (212) engages with an edge region, e.the side plates (203, 204) are designed such that the at least one fastening means (210) according to feature d) can be brought into a pre-assembly position between the side plates (203, 204), in which it lies at least partially or completely above the corresponding through-hole (209) in alignment or substantially in alignment with the corresponding through-hole (209) of the mounting strip (202), so that it can be brought from this pre-assembly position into the final assembly position.
2. Panel support according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one or more of the fastening means shafts (211) of the respective fastening means (210) are provided entirely or in sections with a surface structuring.
3. Panel support according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one or more of the fastening means (210) is / are designed as a screw, wherein the respective surface structuring is designed as a screw thread.
4. Panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of the intermediate fastening elements (221) are provided on the mounting strip (202), which in a final assembly position are penetrated by a respective one of the fastening means (210) and which in the final assembly state engage in the envelope surface of the panel (105), so that the respective fastening means (210) indirectly fasten the mounting strip (202) to the panel (105) via the respective intermediate fastening element (221).
5. A panel support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two side plates (203, 204) are aligned parallel or substantially parallel to each other and are fastened to the mounting strip (202) or are connected thereto in one piece.
6. A panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side plates (203, 204) each consist of a metal sheet.
7. Panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device is provided for introducing one or more of the fastening means (210) into a pre-assembly position.
8. Panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective device for introducing one or more of the fastening means (210) into a pre-assembly position is designed as at least one pre-assembly contour in one or both of the side plates (203, 204), which pre-positions the respective fastening means (210) between the side plates (203, 204) in such a way that the respective fastening means (210) between the side plates (203, 204) is pre-assembled on the support element (201) and is aligned and held in alignment with the corresponding through-hole (209) or at least partially engages in the through-hole (209).
9. Panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that preferably the at least one pre-assembly contour comprises at least one groove (215, 216) in one of the two side plates (203, 204) or one groove each (215, 216) in the two side plates (203, 204), wherein the respective groove (215, 216) is aligned parallel to the through hole (209) of the mounting strip (202).
10. Panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that preferably the at least one pre-assembly contour comprises a step on which the respective fastening means head (212) rests in the pre-assembly position. 11 . Panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one or both of the grooves (215, 216) have a taper (217) as the step, on which the respective fastening means head (212) rests in the pre-assembly position.
12. Panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-assembly contour has at least one recess, in particular an edge recess (218), in one or both of the side plates (203, 204), into which the fastening means head (212) of one of the fastening means (210) engages in the pre-assembly position.
13. Panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or both of the side plates (203, 204) have a bevel (219) on which or which the fastening means head (212) can be guided between the side plates (203, 204).
14. Panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two side plates (203, 204) are resiliently movable in such a way that their distance when the fastening means (210) is introduced into the Pre-assembly position and / or from this into the final assembly position can be enlarged at least in sections in such a way that the fastening means head (212) can be guided into the openings (213, 214) in the side plates (203, 204) during further insertion.
15. A panel support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one or both of the window-like openings (213, 214) in the side plates (203, 204) is or are dimensioned parallel to the screwing direction such that the respective fastening means (210) can be brought laterally through the respective opening (213 and / or 214) into the area between the side plates (203, 204) and can be inserted into the corresponding through-hole (209).
16. Panel support according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pre-assembly position of the fastening means (210) is realized entirely or additionally by internal ribs (222) in the through holes (209).
17. Panel for a drawer (1), characterized in that at least one or more panel supports (2) according to one of the preceding claims are / are attached to it.
18. Drawer, characterized by a panel (105) according to claim 17.
19. Method for mounting a panel support (2) on a panel (105) according to claim 17, characterized by the following steps: Step A): a panel support (2) - fully or partially assembled or unassembled - at least comprising the mounting strip (202) and the side plates (203, 204) - and the associated fastening means (210) as well as a panel (105) are provided; Step B): at least one or more fastening means (210), the fastening means heads (212) of which engage in the openings (213, 214) of the side plates (203, 204) in the final assembly position, are brought into a pre-assembly position; Step C): at least one or more fastening means (210) from step B) are brought into their final assembly position in a step C), wherein they engage directly or indirectly via an intermediate fastening element (221) in the panel (105) or an enveloping surface of the panel (105).
20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that in step B) the fastening means (210) are first fastened in the mounting strip (202) and that the side plates (203, 204) are then fastened to the mounting strip (202) after step B), the fastening means heads (212) then engaging in a respective opening in the side plates (203, 204).
21. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the side plates (203, 204) are fastened to the mounting strip (202) before step B) and that the fastening means (210) are then arranged in the pre-assembly contour.