Connecting hardware

Abstract

The present invention provides a connecting fitting that can connect components even if there are manufacturing or installation errors in the components to be connected. [Solution] The furniture 100 comprises a first metal fitting member 23a connected to a first member 10 having a surface facing the front-to-back direction X, a second metal fitting member 23b connected to a second member 20 of the furniture 100 having a surface facing the left-to-right direction Y, a third metal fitting member 23c connected to a third member of the furniture 100 having a surface facing the vertical direction Z, and a fourth metal fitting member 23d integrally formed from one end of the first metal fitting member 23a in the left-to-right direction Y and one end of the second metal fitting member 23b in the front-to-back direction X, wherein a space 23j is formed between the first member 10, the second member 20, and the fourth metal fitting member 23d in a plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connecting fittings.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a cabinet having a back plate arranged along the left - right direction and a side plate arranged along the front - back direction, which are connected by a connecting fitting, is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Furniture such as cabinets is constructed by connecting a curtain plate, side plates, and a top plate with connecting fittings. When manufacturing errors or mounting errors occur in the members constituting the furniture, the shape of the mounting position is different from the shape of the connecting fitting, and the connecting fitting cannot be attached. In particular, a connecting fitting having three or more mounting surfaces reduces the number of parts for constructing furniture and improves work efficiency, but has a problem of being easily affected by manufacturing errors or mounting errors of the members.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a connecting fitting that can be connected even when manufacturing errors or mounting errors occur in the connected members.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connecting fitting according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a first fitting member connected to a first member of furniture having a surface facing in the front-rear direction; a second fitting member connected to a second member of furniture having a surface facing in the left-right direction; a third fitting member connected to a third member of furniture having a surface facing in the vertical direction; and a fourth fitting member integrally formed from one end of the first fitting member in the left-right direction and one end of the second fitting member in the front-rear direction, wherein a space is formed between the first plate member, the second plate member, the third plate member, and the fourth fitting member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a kitchen unit in one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing a VV cross-section of a kitchen unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the state in which the connecting fitting, support member, and side wall member of one embodiment are fixed together. [Figure 4] This is a front perspective view of a connecting fitting according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a rear perspective view of a connecting fitting in one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a front perspective view of a metal fitting cover according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a rear perspective view of a metal fitting cover according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the state in which the metal fitting locking portion of one embodiment is inserted into the locking hole. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a metal fitting cover of one embodiment in a state where it is locked to a connecting fitting. [Figure 10] This is a front perspective view showing an inverted connecting fitting in one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the connecting fittings and furniture of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 1-10. The following embodiments represent one aspect of this disclosure and are not limiting, and can be modified at will within the scope of the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. In addition, in the following drawings, the scale and other aspects of each structure differ from the actual structure in order to make each structure easier to understand.

[0009] In the following embodiments, an example is described in which the cabinet of the present disclosure is a kitchen unit. The X, Y, and Z axes are shown in the drawings as appropriate. The direction along the Z axis is the vertical direction. The direction along the X axis is one of the horizontal directions perpendicular to the vertical direction. The direction along the Y axis is one of the horizontal directions perpendicular to the vertical direction that is perpendicular to the X axis. In the following description, the direction along the X axis will be called the "front-back direction X", the direction along the Y axis will be called the "left-right direction Y", and the direction along the Z axis will be called the "vertical direction Z". In the vertical direction Z, the side in which the Z-axis arrow points is the upper side (+Z side), and the side opposite to the side in the vertical direction Z is the lower side (-Z side). In the front-back direction X, the side in which the X-axis arrow points is the front side (+X side), and the side opposite to the side in the front-back direction X is the rear side (-X side). In the left-right direction Y, the side the Y-axis arrow points to is the right side (+Y side), and the side opposite to the direction the Y-axis arrow points to is the left side (-Y side).

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the kitchen unit 100 of the embodiment comprises a kitchen unit body 100a, legs 3, a plurality of drawers 60, a stove 51, a kitchen sink 52, and a dishwasher 53. The kitchen unit 100 corresponds to the "furniture" in the claims.

[0011] The kitchen unit body 100a is mounted on the wall surface WS, with a gap above the floor surface FS. The floor surface FS is the floor surface of the room where the kitchen unit 100 is installed. The floor surface FS is the surface facing upwards. The wall surface WS is the side wall surface of the room where the kitchen unit 100 is installed, and is the surface along the vertical direction Z. The wall surface WS is the surface facing forwards.

[0012] The kitchen unit main body 100a is formed with a storage portion 70. A plurality of storage portions 70 are provided side by side in the left - right direction Y. At least a part of the interior of each storage portion 70 exposes a portion of the wall surface WS that is located on the rear side, which is the - X side of the kitchen unit main body 100a. The kitchen unit main body 100a is not provided with a back plate that covers the interior of each storage portion 70 from the rear side.

[0013] Three storage portions 70 are provided, namely a first storage portion 70a, a second storage portion 70b, and a third storage portion 70c. The first storage portion 70a and the second storage portion 70b are storage portions 70 in which the drawer portion 60 is stored. A part of the stove 51 is stored in the first storage portion 70a. A part of the kitchen sink 52 is stored in the second storage portion 70b. A dishwasher 53 is stored in the third storage portion 70c. The third storage portion 70c is located between the first storage portion 70a and the second storage portion 70b in the left - right direction Y. The number of storage portions 70 can be set as appropriate.

[0014] The kitchen unit main body 100a has a plurality of side wall members 20, a top plate member 25, and a curtain plate member 26. The side wall member 20 corresponds to the "second member" in the claims. The top plate member 25 corresponds to the "third member" in the claims.

[0015] The plurality of drawer portions 60 include a first drawer portion 61 and a second drawer portion 62. The first storage portion 70a is provided with the first drawer portion 61 and the second drawer portion 62. The second drawer portion 62 is disposed above the first drawer portion 61 (on the +Z side). The first drawer portion 61 is provided in the second storage portion 70b.

[0016] The first drawer portion 61 and the second drawer portion 62 are box - shaped and open on the upper side (+Z side). The dimension of the first drawer portion 61 in the left - right direction Y is larger than the dimension of the second drawer portion 62 in the left - right direction Y. The number and shape of the first drawer portion 61 and the second drawer portion 62 can be set as appropriate.

[0017] The top plate member 25 is a member in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate that is long in the left-right direction Y. The plate surface of the top plate member 25 faces the vertical direction Z. Openings (not shown) are formed in the top plate member 25 at the locations where the stove 51 and the kitchen sink 52 are to be installed respectively. The stove 51 and the kitchen sink 52 are installed in the openings.

[0018] The top plate member 25 is disposed above the plurality of side wall members 20. The top plate member 25 is supported from below by the plurality of side wall members 20.

[0019] The legs 3 support the kitchen unit main body 100a. The legs 3 are fixed to the lower end portions of the front parts of the surfaces of the plurality of side wall members 20 facing the respective storage portions 70.

[0020] The curtain plate member 26 covers the upper part of the inside of the second storage portion 70b of the kitchen unit main body 100a from the front side (+X side). The curtain plate member 26 is disposed above the drawer portion 60 (+Z side).

[0021] The curtain plate member 26 is a member in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate that is long in the left-right direction Y. The plate surface of the curtain plate member 26 faces the front-rear direction X. The plate surface of the curtain plate member 26 is arranged along the left-right direction Y. The kitchen sink 52 is covered from the front side (+X side) by the curtain plate member 26.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the kitchen unit body 100a has a plurality of support members 10. The support members 10 correspond to the "first plate member" in the claims. The support members 10 are fixed to the wall surface WS. The support members 10 have an upper support portion 10a and a lower support portion 10b that extend in the left-right direction Y. The upper support portion 10a and the lower support portion 10b are substantially rectangular plate-shaped members that extend in the left-right direction Y. The plate surfaces of the upper support portion 10a and the lower support portion 10b face in the front-back direction X. The upper support portion 10a and the lower support portion 10b are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction Z. The upper support portion 10a and the lower support portion 10b are located above the floor surface FS. The upper support portion 10a is located above the lower support portion 10b. The upper support portion 10a and the lower support portion 10b are each fixed to the wall surface WS by, for example, multiple screw members.

[0023] Each of the multiple side wall members 20 is fixed to both the upper support portion 10a and the lower support portion 10b. The upper (+Z side) end of each of the multiple side wall members 20 is fixed to the upper support portion 10a. The lower (-Z side) end of each of the multiple side wall members 20 is fixed to the lower support portion 10b. The multiple side wall members 20 protrude forward (+X side) from the support member 10. The multiple side wall members 20 are spaced apart in the left-right direction Y, which is the intersecting direction that intersects the vertical direction Z. The multiple side wall members 20 are separated upward from the floor surface FS. There are five side wall members 20: a first side wall member 20a, a second side wall member 20b, a third side wall member 20c, a fourth side wall member 20d, and a fifth side wall member 20e.

[0024] The first side wall member 20a is the leftmost (-Y side) of the multiple side wall members 20. The first side wall member 20a is fixed to the left (-Y side) end of the upper support 10a and the left (-Y side) end of the lower support 10b. The second side wall member 20b is the rightmost (+Y side) of the multiple side wall members 20. The second side wall member 20b is fixed to the right (+Y side) end of the upper support 10a and the right (+Y side) end of the lower support 10b. The third side wall member 20c is located between the first side wall member 20a and the second side wall member 20b in the left-right direction Y. The fourth side wall member 20d is located between the third side wall member 20c and the second side wall member 20b in the left-right direction Y. The fifth side wall member 20e is located between the first side wall member 20a and the third side wall member 20c in the left-right direction Y.

[0025] The first side wall member 20a and the second side wall member 20b are a pair of side wall members 20 that form the portions of the outer wall of the kitchen unit body 100a located on both sides in the left-right direction Y. The first side wall member 20a forms the portion of the outer wall of the kitchen unit body 100a located on the left side (-Y side). The second side wall member 20b forms the portion of the outer wall of the kitchen unit body 100a located on the right side (+Y side).

[0026] The first side wall member 20a and the third side wall member 20c are side wall members 20 that form the portion of the first storage section 70a located in the left-right direction Y. The first side wall member 20a forms the wall portion located on the left side of the first storage section 70a. The third side wall member 20c forms the wall portion located on the right side of the first storage section 70a. The fifth side wall member 20e is a side wall member 20 that partitions a portion of the interior of the first storage section 70a.

[0027] The second side wall member 20b and the fourth side wall member 20d are side wall members 20 that form the portion of the second storage section 70b located in the left-right direction Y. The second side wall member 20b forms the wall portion located on the right side (+Y side) of the second storage section 70b. The fourth side wall member 20d forms the wall portion located on the left side (-Y side) of the second storage section 70b.

[0028] The third side wall member 20c and the fourth side wall member 20d are side wall members 20 that form the portion of the third storage section 70c located in the left-right direction Y. The third side wall member 20c forms the wall portion located on the left side (-Y side) of the third storage section 70c. The fourth side wall member 20d forms the wall portion located on the right side (+Y side) of the third storage section 70c. The third side wall member 20c and the fourth side wall member 20d are side wall members 20 that partition the interiors of adjacent storage sections 70 in the left-right direction Y. The third side wall member 20c is a side wall member 20 that partitions the interior of the first storage section 70a and the interior of the third storage section 70c. The fourth side wall member 20d is a side wall member 20 that partitions the interior of the second storage section 70b and the interior of the third storage section 70c.

[0029] Rail members 22 extending in the front-rear direction X are provided on the surfaces of the side wall member 20 facing each storage section 70. The rail members 22 are members that support the drawer section 60 so that it can move in the front-rear direction X. The first drawer section 61 and the second drawer section 62 are each provided so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction X with respect to the rail members 22 attached to the side wall member 20 in which they are located.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the side wall member 20 includes a rail member 22 and a connecting fitting 23. The side wall member 20 is a plate-shaped member with its surface facing the left-right direction Y. The side wall member 20 is a rectangular plate shape that is long in the vertical direction Z. The rear (-X side) end of the side wall member 20 is in contact with the left side surface of the support member 10 and the wall surface WS. The left (-Y side) side surface of the support member 10 includes the left (-Y side) side surface of the upper support portion 10a and the left (-Y side) side surface of the lower support portion 10b. The rear (-X side) end of the side wall member 20 may be positioned away from the wall surface WS towards the front (+X side).

[0031] The connecting fittings 23 are fixed to the left-right direction Y of the side wall member 20, the front-rear direction X of the support member 10, and the vertical direction Z of the top plate member 25. The connecting fittings 23 are covered by fitting covers 24. The upper support portion 10a and the lower support portion 10b of the support member 10 are fixed to each of the multiple side wall members 20 via at least one or more connecting fittings 23.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the connecting fitting 23 is a metal member made by processing a plate-shaped member. The material constituting the connecting fitting 23 is not particularly limited and may be a material other than metal. The connecting fitting 23 has a support-side fitting portion 23a, a side wall-side fitting portion 23b, a top plate-side fitting portion 23c, a space-side fitting portion 23d, and a fitting locking portion 23h. The support-side fitting portion 23a corresponds to the "first fitting member" in the claims. The side wall-side fitting portion 23b corresponds to the "second fitting member" in the claims. The top plate-side fitting portion 23c corresponds to the "third fitting member" in the claims. The space-side fitting portion 23d corresponds to the "fourth fitting member" in the claims.

[0033] The support-side fitting portion 23a is the part that is fixed to the upper support portion 10a or the lower support portion 10b. The support-side fitting portion 23a has a support-side plane 231a. The support-side plane 231a is a roughly rectangular plate that is long in the vertical direction Z and faces in the front-rear direction X. The support-side plane 231a is formed in a rectangular shape consisting of four sides: the support-side upper side 232a, the support-side lower side 233a, the support-side right side 234a, and the support-side left side 235a. The support-side upper side 232a is a side that extends in the left-right direction Y and is located at the upper end of the support-side plane 231a. The support-side lower side 233a is a side that extends in the left-right direction Y and is located at the lower end of the support-side plane 231a. The support-side right side 234a is a side that extends in the vertical direction Z and is located at the right end of the support-side plane 231a. The left side 235a of the support side is a side that extends vertically in the Z direction and is located at the left end of the support side plane 231a. The shape of the support side fitting portion 23a is not particularly limited.

[0034] The support-side fitting portion 23a has a support-side through-hole 23e formed therein. The support-side through-hole 23e is a circular hole. The number and position of the support-side through-holes 23e are not particularly limited.

[0035] The side wall fitting portion 23b is the part that is fixed to one of the multiple side wall members 20. The side wall fitting portion 23b has a side wall plane 231b. The side wall plane 231b is a roughly rectangular plate that is long in the vertical direction Z and faces in the left-right direction Y. The side wall plane 231b is formed in a rectangular shape consisting of four sides: the upper side wall side 232b, the lower side wall side 233b, the front side wall side 234b, and the rear side wall side 235b. The upper side wall side 232b is a side that extends in the front-rear direction X and is located at the upper end of the side wall plane 231b. The lower side wall side 233b is a side that extends in the front-rear direction X and is located at the lower end of the side wall plane 231b. The front side wall side 234b is a side that extends in the vertical direction Z and is located at the front end of the side wall plane 231b. The rear side of the side wall 235b is a side extending vertically Z, located at the rear end of the side wall plane 231b. In the vertical direction Z, the upper side of the side wall plane 231b 232b is formed at the same height as the upper support side of the support plane 231a 232a. In the vertical direction Z, the upper side of the side wall plane 231b 232b is formed at the same height as the lower support side of the support plane 231a 233a. The shape of the side wall fitting portion 23b is not particularly limited.

[0036] Multiple support-side through holes 23e are formed in the side wall-side metal fitting portion 23b. The side wall-side through holes 23f are circular holes. The number and position of the side wall-side through holes 23f are not particularly limited.

[0037] The top plate side fitting portion 23c is a part that is fixedly provided to the top plate member 25. The top plate side fitting portion 23c has a top plate side plane 231c. The top plate side plane 231c is plate-shaped, protruding in the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y, is positioned horizontally, and faces the vertical direction Z. The top plate side plane 231c has left and right protruding edges 232c, front and rear protruding edges 233c, front and rear receding edges 234c, left and right receding edges 235c, and a side wall side upper edge 232b. The left and right protruding edges 232c have one end located at the corner of the side wall side plane 231b, which is formed by the side wall side upper edge 232b and the side wall side front edge 234b, and the other end extends so as to protrude to the right (+Y side). The front and rear protruding edges 233c have one end located at the corner of the support-side plane 231a, which is formed by the support-side upper edge 232a and the support-side right edge 234a, and the other end extends to protrude forward (+X side). The other ends of the left and right protruding edges 232c and the other end of the front and rear protruding edges 233c are perpendicular to each other, forming one corner of the top plate-side plane 231c. The front and rear receding edges 234c have one end located slightly to the left (-Y side) of one end of the front and rear protruding edges 233c, and the other end extends to recede backward (-X side). The front and rear receding edges 234c and the front and rear protruding edges 233c are formed parallel to each other. The other end of the front and rear receding edges 234c is formed at approximately the same position as the center of the support member 10 in the front-rear direction X. One end of the left and right receding edges 235c is perpendicular to the other end of the front and rear receding edges 234c and forms one corner of the top plate-side plane 231c. The other ends of the left and right receding edges 235c extend to the left (-Y side). The side wall side plane 231b and the top plate side plane 231c are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the side wall side upper edge 232b. The side wall side upper edge 232b of the top plate side plane 231c extends so that one end recedes to the rear (-X side). One end of the side wall side upper edge 232b and the other end of the left and right receding edges 235c are perpendicular to each other, forming one corner of the top plate side plane 231c. The shape of the top plate side metal fitting portion 23c is not particularly limited.

[0038] The metal fitting portion 23c on the top plate side has through holes 23g formed therein. The through holes 23g on the top plate side are circular holes. The number and position of the through holes 23g on the top plate side are not particularly limited.

[0039] The space-side fitting portion 23d is the portion on which a space 23j is provided on the back. The space-side fitting portion 23d has a space-side plane 231d. The space-side plane 231d is a roughly rectangular plate that is long in the vertical direction Z. The space-side plane 231d is formed in a rectangular shape consisting of four sides: the space-side upper edge 232d, the space-side lower edge 233d, the support-side left edge 235a, and the side-wall-side rear edge 235b. The space-side plane 231d and the support-side plane 231a are surfaces formed integrally so as to have the same side, the support-side left edge 235a. The space-side plane 231d and the side-wall-side plane 231b are surfaces formed integrally so as to have the same side, the side-wall-side rear edge 235b. The space-side upper edge 232d is located at the upper end of the space-side plane 231d. The upper edge 232d on the spatial side is formed such that one end is perpendicular to the left side 235a on the support side and the other end is perpendicular to the rear side 235b on the side wall side. The upper edge 232d on the spatial side is formed slightly lower in the vertical direction Z than the upper edge 232a on the support side and the upper side 232b on the side wall side. On the upper side (+Z side) of the spatial plane 231d, a rectangular metal fitting opening 23i is formed, enclosed by the upper edge 232d on the spatial side, the top plate plane 231c, the left side 235a on the support side, and the rear side 235b on the side wall side. The lower edge 233d on the spatial side is located at the lower end of the spatial plane 231d. The lower edge 233d on the spatial side is formed such that one end is perpendicular to the left side 235a on the support side and the other end is perpendicular to the rear side 235b on the side wall side. The lower edge 233d on the space side is formed in the same position as the lower edge 233a on the support side and the lower edge 233b on the side wall side in the vertical direction Z. The shape of the fitting portion 23d on the space side is not particularly limited.

[0040] The interior angle formed by the space-side plane 231d and the support-side plane 231a is 135 degrees in plan view. The interior angle formed by the space-side plane 231d and the side wall-side plane 231b is also 135 degrees in plan view. On the back of the space-side fitting portion 23d, a space 23j is formed in plan view, which is a right-angled isosceles triangle shape, enclosed by the space-side plane 231d, the support member 10, and the side wall member 20. The space-side plane 231d is a plane that is inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the corner of the space 23j, that is, the corner formed by the connection between the side wall member 20 and the support member 10. The angles of the interior angles in plan view between the space-side fitting portion 23d and the support-side fitting portion 23a and the side wall-side fitting portion 23b are not particularly limited.

[0041] The metal fitting locking portion 23h is the part that locks into the locking hole 13 provided in the support member 10. The locking hole 13 is a circular hole formed on a surface of the support member 10 perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The locking hole is located in the center of the support member 10 in the front-rear direction X. The support member 10 has the locking hole 13 at a position opposite to the metal fitting locking portion 23h. The metal fitting locking portion 23h is a substantially rectangular plate shape extending in the vertical direction Z. One side of the upper end of the metal fitting locking portion 23h is formed integrally with the central part of the left and right rearward sides 235c of the top plate side plane 231c. The metal fitting locking portion 23h is formed perpendicular to the top plate side plane 231c and parallel to the support side plane 231a. The shape and position of the locking hole 13 and the metal fitting locking portion 23h are not particularly limited.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3, 6, and 7, the metal fitting cover 24 is a component made of resin and has substantially the same shape as the connecting fitting 23 in a plan view. The material constituting the metal fitting cover 24 is not particularly limited and may be a material other than resin. The metal fitting cover 24 has a support-side cover portion 24a, a side wall-side cover portion 24b, a top plate-side cover portion 24c, a space-side cover portion 24d, a lower end-side cover portion 24e, an upper locking claw 24f, and a lower locking claw 24g.

[0043] The support-side cover portion 24a is the part that covers the support-side metal fitting portion 23a. The support-side cover portion 24a has a roughly L-shape in plan view. The support-side cover portion 24a has a support-side first plane 241a and a support-side second plane 242a.

[0044] The first support plane 241a is a roughly rectangular plate that is elongated in the vertical direction Z and oriented in the left-right direction Y. The first support plane 241a has a first support lower edge 245a, a support outer edge 246a, and a support middle edge 247a. The first support lower edge 245a is an edge that extends in the front-rear direction X and is located at the lower end of the first support plane 241a. The support outer edge 246a is an edge that extends in the vertical direction Z and is located at the rear end of the first support plane 241a. The middle support edge 247a is an edge that extends in the vertical direction Z and is located at the front end of the first support plane 241a. The upper part of the first support plane 241a is formed integrally with the top plate side cover portion 24c.

[0045] The second support plane 242a is a roughly rectangular plate that is long in the vertical direction Z and oriented in the front-to-back direction X. The second support plane 242a is formed in a rectangular shape consisting of four sides: the upper support side 243a, the second support side lower side 244a, the middle support side 247a, and the inner support side 248a. The upper support side 243a is a side that extends in the left-to-right direction Y and is located at the upper end of the second support plane 242a. The second support side lower side 244a is a side that extends in the left-to-right direction Y and is located at the lower end of the second support plane 242a. The inner support side 248a is a side that extends in the vertical direction Z and is located at the left end of the second support plane 242a. The middle support side 247a is a side that extends in the vertical direction Z and is located at the right end of the second support plane 242a. The first support-side plane 241a and the second support-side plane 242a are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the middle support-side side 247a. The shape and position of the support-side cover portion 24a are not particularly limited, as long as they can protect the support-side metal fitting portion 23a.

[0046] The side wall cover portion 24b is the part that covers the side wall fitting portion 23b. The side wall cover portion 24b has a roughly L-shape in plan view. The side wall cover portion 24b has a side wall first plane 241b and a side wall second plane 242b.

[0047] The first sidewall plane 241b is a roughly rectangular plate that is elongated in the vertical direction Z and oriented in the front-to-back direction X. The first sidewall plane 241b has a first sidewall lower edge 245b, a sidewall outer edge 246b, and a sidewall middle edge 247b. The first sidewall lower edge 245b is an edge that extends in the left-to-right direction Y and is located at the lower end of the first sidewall plane 241b. The sidewall outer edge 246b is an edge that extends in the vertical direction Z and is located at the left end of the first sidewall plane 241b. The middle sidewall edge 247b is an edge that extends in the vertical direction Z and is located at the right end of the first sidewall plane 241b. The upper part of the first sidewall plane 241b is formed integrally with the top plate cover portion 24c.

[0048] The second sidewall plane 242b is a roughly rectangular plate that is elongated in the vertical direction Z and oriented in the left-right direction Y. The second sidewall plane 242b is formed in a rectangular shape consisting of four sides: the upper sidewall side 243b, the second lower sidewall side 244b, the middle sidewall side 247b, and the inner sidewall side 248b. The upper sidewall side 243b is a side that extends in the front-to-back direction X and is located at the upper end of the second sidewall plane 242b. The second lower sidewall side 244b is a side that extends in the front-to-back direction X and is located at the lower end of the second sidewall plane 242b. The inner sidewall side 248b is a side that extends in the vertical direction Z and is located at the rear end of the second sidewall plane 242b. The middle sidewall side 247b is a side that extends in the vertical direction Z and is located at the front end of the second sidewall plane 242b. The first sidewall plane 241b and the second sidewall plane 242b are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the middle sidewall 247b. The shape and position of the sidewall cover portion 24b are not particularly limited, as long as they can protect the sidewall fitting portion 23b.

[0049] The top-side cover portion 24c is the part that covers the top-side metal fitting portion 23c. The top-side cover portion 24c has a top-side first plane 241c, a top-side second plane 242c, a top-side third plane 243c, and a top-side extension plane 244c.

[0050] The top plate side first plane 241c is plate-shaped, protruding in the front-to-back direction X and the left-to-right direction Y, positioned horizontally, and facing the vertical direction Z. The top plate side first plane 241c is formed in a pentagonal shape consisting of the front-to-back protruding lower edge 245c, the left-to-right protruding lower edge 246c, the top plate side middle edge 247c, the support side upper edge 243a, and the side wall side upper edge 243b. The front-to-back protruding lower edge 245c has one end located at the corner of the support side second plane 242a, which is formed by the support side upper edge 243a and the support side middle edge 247a, and the other end extends to protrude forward (+X side). The left-to-right protruding lower edge 246c has one end located at the corner of the side wall side second plane 242b, which is formed by the side wall side upper edge 243b and the side wall side middle edge 247b, and the other end extends to protrude to the right (+Y side). The other end of the front and rear protruding lower edge 245c and the other end of the left and right protruding lower edge 246c are perpendicular to each other, forming one corner of the top plate side first plane 241c. The support side second plane 242a and the top plate side first plane 241c are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the support side upper edge 243a. The side wall side second plane 242b and the top plate side first plane 241c are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the side wall side upper edge 243b. The top plate side middle edge 247c is the edge connecting one end of the support side second plane 242a and one end of the side wall side second plane 242b.

[0051] The second top-side plane 242c is a roughly rectangular plate that is short in the vertical direction Z and oriented in the left-right direction Y. The second top-side plane 242c is formed to extend vertically in the Z direction from the front and rear protruding lower edge 245c. The second top-side plane 242c has a front and rear protruding lower edge 245c and a front and rear protruding upper edge 248c. The front and rear protruding upper edge 248c is an edge that extends in the front-to-back direction X and is located at the upper end of the second top-side plane 242c. The first top-side plane 241c and the second top-side plane 242c are surfaces formed integrally so as to have the same side, the front and rear protruding lower edge 245c. The front end of the second top-side plane 242c and the left end of the third top-side plane 243c are surfaces formed integrally so as to have the same side. The rear side (-X side) of the second plane 242c on the top plate side is formed integrally with the upper part of the first plane 241a on the support side.

[0052] The top-side third plane 243c is a roughly rectangular plate that is short in the vertical direction Z and oriented in the front-to-back direction X. The top-side third plane 243c is formed to extend vertically in the Z direction from the left and right protruding lower edges 246c. The top-side second plane 242c has left and right protruding lower edges 246c and left and right protruding upper edges 249c. The left and right protruding upper edges 249c are edges that extend in the left-to-right direction Y and are located at the upper end of the top-side third plane 243c. The top-side first plane 241c and the top-side third plane 243c are surfaces formed integrally so as to have the same left and right protruding lower edges 246c. The left side (-Y side) of the top-side third plane 243c is formed integrally with the upper part of the side wall side first plane 241b.

[0053] The top plate side extension plane 244c is plate-shaped and oriented in the vertical direction Z, and is positioned horizontally. The top plate side extension plane 244c extends backward (-X side) and to the left (-Y side) from the middle portion of the top plate side middle edge 247c of the top plate side first plane 241c. One end of the top plate side extension plane 244c is integrally formed with the middle portion of the top plate side middle edge 247c of the top plate side first plane 241c. An upper locking claw 24f is provided at the other end of the top plate side extension plane 244c. The shape and position of the top plate side cover portion 24c are not particularly limited, as long as they can protect the top plate side metal fitting portion 23c.

[0054] The space-side fitting portion 23d is the portion that covers the space-side fitting portion 23d. The space-side fitting portion 23d has a space-side plane 241d.

[0055] The spatial plane 241d is a roughly rectangular plate that is long in the vertical direction Z. The spatial plane 231d is formed in a rectangular shape consisting of four sides: the spatial lower side 242d, the top plate middle side 247c, the support side inner side 248a, and the side wall side inner side 248b. The spatial lower side 242d is located at the lower end of the spatial plane 241d. The spatial lower side 242d is formed such that one end is perpendicular to the support side inner side 248a and the other end is perpendicular to the side wall side inner side 248b. The spatial lower side 242d is formed in the same position as the support side second lower side 244a and the side wall side second lower side 244b in the vertical direction Z. The spatial plane 241d and the support side second plane 242a are surfaces formed integrally so as to have the same side, the support side second lower side 244a. The spatial-side plane 241d and the second side wall-side plane 242b are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the inner side wall-side edge 248b. The spatial-side plane 241d and the first top plate-side plane 241c are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the middle side top plate-side edge 247c. The shape and position of the spatial-side metal fitting portion 23d are not particularly limited, as long as the spatial-side metal fitting portion 23d can be protected.

[0056] An upper release hole 243d and a lower release hole 244d are formed in the spatial plane 241d. The upper release hole 243d and the lower release hole 244d are formed in a substantially identical rectangular shape, shorter in the vertical Z direction. The upper release hole 243d is formed on the upper side (+Z side) of the spatial plane 241d. The lower release hole 244d is formed on the lower side (-Z side) of the spatial plane 241d. The shape and position of the upper release hole 243d and the lower release hole 244d are not particularly limited. The upper release hole 243d and the lower release hole 244d correspond to the "release hole" in the claims.

[0057] The lower end cover portion 24e is the part that covers the lower end of the connecting fitting 23. The lower end cover portion 24e has a lower end plane 241e and a lower end extending plane 242e.

[0058] The lower end plane 241e is plate-shaped, receding in the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y, positioned horizontally, and facing the vertical direction Z. The lower end plane 241e is formed from seven sides: the front-rear receding side 243e, the left-right receding side 244e, the first support side lower side 245a, the second support side lower side 244a, the first side wall side lower side 245b, the second side wall side lower side 244b, and the space side lower side 242d. The lower end plane 241e and the first support side plane 241a are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the first support side lower side 245a. The lower end plane 241e and the second support side plane 242a are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the second support side lower side 244a. The lower end plane 241e and the side wall first plane 241b are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the side wall first lower edge 245b. The lower end plane 241e and the side wall second plane 242b are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the side wall second lower edge 244b. The lower end plane 241e and the space side plane 241d are integrally formed surfaces having the same side, the space lower edge 242d. The left and right receding edges 244e have one end located at the corner of the support side first plane 241a, which is formed by the support side first lower edge 245a and the support side outer edge 246a, and the other end extends to the left (-Y side) so as to recede. The front and rear receding edges 243e have one end located at the corner of the first sidewall plane 241b, which is formed by the first lower sidewall 245b and the outer sidewall 246b, and the other end extends backward (towards the X side). The other end of the left and right receding edges 244e and the other end of the front and rear receding edges 243e are perpendicular to each other, forming one corner of the lower side plane 241e.

[0059] The lower end extension plane 242e is plate-shaped and oriented vertically in the Z direction, and is positioned horizontally. The lower end extension plane 242e is formed within the lower end plane 241e by a pair of notches 245e. The pair of notches 245e extend backward (-X side) and to the left (-Y side) from the center of the lower end plane 241e. Inside the pair of notches 245e, the lower end extension plane 242e is formed, which is elastically deformable independently of the lower end plane 241e. A lower locking claw 24g is provided at the tip of the lower end extension plane 242e. The upper locking claw 24f and the lower locking claw 24g are formed to be the same shape in plan view. The shape and position of the lower end cover portion 24e are not particularly limited, as long as they can protect the lower end of the connecting fitting 23.

[0060] The upper locking claw 24f is a locking claw with a hook shape that faces downwards, provided at the tip of the top plate side extending plane 244c. The upper locking claw 24f is formed in a position opposite the fitting opening 23i of the space side fitting portion 23d. When facing the fitting opening 23i, the upper locking claw 24f is formed to be slightly smaller than the fitting opening 23i and is provided to be insertable. When inserted into the fitting opening 23i, the upper locking claw 24f locks on the back surface of the space side fitting portion 23d. The upper locking claw 24f performs insertion into the fitting opening 23i and locking onto the space side fitting portion 23d with elastic deformation. The shape and position of the upper locking claw 24f are not particularly limited as long as they can be locked onto the connecting fitting 23.

[0061] The lower locking claw 24g is a locking claw that has a hook shape directed upwards and is provided at the tip of the lower end extending plane 242e. The lower locking claw 24g is formed at approximately the same height as the lower end of the connecting fitting 23. The lower locking claw 24g locks onto the lower end of the space-side fitting portion 23d when the lower end cover portion 24e covers the lower end of the connecting fitting 23. The lower locking claw 24g locks onto the lower end of the space-side fitting portion 23d with elastic deformation. The shape and position of the lower locking claw 24g are not particularly limited as long as it can lock onto the connecting fitting 23.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3-7, with the connecting fitting 23 covered by the fitting cover 24, the support-side right edge 234a of the support-side fitting portion 23a abuts against the support-side outer edge 246a, and the support-side lower edge 233a abuts against the left and right receding edges 244e. The side-wall-side front edge 234b of the side-wall-side fitting portion 23b abuts against the side-wall-side outer edge 246b, and the side-wall-side lower edge 233b abuts against the front and rear receding edges 243e. The left and right protruding edges 232c of the top plate-side fitting portion 23c abut against the left and right protruding upper edges 249c, and the front and rear protruding edges 233c abut against the front and rear protruding upper edges 248c.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the side wall side fitting portion 23b of the connecting fitting 23 is fixed to the side wall member 20 by a plurality of screw members 81 such that the height of the top plate side fitting portion 23c is approximately the same as the height of the side wall end portion 21, which is one end of the side wall member 20. The plurality of screw members 81 are inserted through the side wall side through hole 23f of the side wall side fitting portion 23b. The fitting locking portion 23h of the connecting fitting 23 fixed to the side wall member 20 is arranged parallel to the left-right direction Y and facing the locking hole 13 provided in the support member 10. The side wall member 20 is locked by the fitting locking portion 23h of the connecting fitting 23 being inserted into the locking hole 13.

[0064] The support-side fitting portion 23a of the connecting fitting 23 is fixed to the support member 10 by a plurality of screw members 81 such that the height of the top plate-side fitting portion 23c is approximately the same as the height of the support end portion 11, which is one end of the support member 10, with the fitting locking portion 23h locked in the locking hole 13. The plurality of screw members 81 are inserted through the support-side through hole 23e of the support-side fitting portion 23a. The support member 10 is fixed to the side wall member 20 via the connecting fitting 23. The support end portion 11 may have a step approximately the same as the thickness of the top plate-side fitting portion 23c so as to form a horizontal surface when fixed to the top plate-side fitting portion 23c.

[0065] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the top plate side fitting portion 23c of the connecting fitting 23 fixed to the rear (-X side) and upper (+Z side) of the side wall member 20 is fixed to the top plate member 25 by a screw member 81. The screw member 81 is inserted through the top plate side through hole 23g of the top plate side fitting portion 23c. The top plate member 25 may have a step approximately the same thickness as the top plate side fitting portion 23c so that it abuts against the support end 11 when fixed to the top plate side fitting portion 23c. The top plate side fitting portion 23c of the connecting fitting 23 fixed to the rear (-X side) and lower (-Z side) of the side wall member 20 is not fixed to the top plate member 25.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, the metal fitting cover 24 is fixed to the connecting fitting 23 by the upper locking claw 24f and the lower locking claw 24g while the connecting fitting 23, the side wall member 20, and the support member 10 are fixed. The upper locking claw 24f is inserted through the opening 23i of the fitting and locks on the upper side (+Z side) of the back of the fourth side wall member 20d. The tip of the upper locking claw 24f is located in the space 23j on the back of the fourth side wall member 20d. The lower locking claw 24g is positioned to abut against the lower end of the fourth side wall member 20d and locks on the lower side (-Z side) of the back of the fourth side wall member 20d. The tip of the lower locking claw 24g is located in the space 23j on the back of the fourth side wall member 20d. The connecting fitting 23 is covered by the fitting cover 24 with the upper locking claw 24f and lower locking claw 24g locked on the back surface of the fourth side wall member 20d.

[0067] The upper release hole 243d and lower release hole 244d of the space-side cover portion 24d can be used to insert a rod-shaped tool, such as a flathead screwdriver. When a rod-shaped tool is inserted into the upper release hole 243d while the upper locking claw 24f is locked to the fourth side wall member, it elastically deforms upward (+Z side) and the lock is released. When a rod-shaped tool is inserted into the lower release hole 244d while the lower locking claw 24g is locked to the fourth side wall member, it elastically deforms downward (-Z side) and the lock is released.

[0068] As shown in Figure 2, the lower support portion 10b and the first side wall member 20a and the fifth side wall member 20e are fixed together by a connecting fitting 23B that is positioned inverted in the vertical direction Z. As shown in Figure 10, the connecting fitting 23B is formed in the same shape as the connecting fitting 23 inverted in the left-right direction Y, that is, in the same shape as the position of the fitting locking portion 23h being reversed. The lower end of the lower support portion 10b has a locking hole 13 at the fixing point with the first side wall member 20a and the fifth side wall member 20e. The fitting locking portion 23h of the connecting fitting 23B is inserted into the locking hole 13 from below upward and locked. The connecting fitting 23B is covered by a fitting cover 24. The fitting covers 24 of connecting fittings 23 and 23B are the same shape. The orientation and position of the connecting fitting 23, the fitting locking portion 23h, and the locking hole 13 are not particularly limited as long as they can be locked.

[0069] In the kitchen unit 100 configured in this way, the side wall side fitting portion 23b of the connecting fitting 23 is fixed to the side wall member 20 by a plurality of screw members 81 such that the height of the top plate side fitting portion 23c is approximately the same as the height of the side wall end portion 21, which is one end of the side wall member 20. The support side fitting portion 23a of the connecting fitting 23 is fixed to the support member 10 by a plurality of screw members 81 such that the height of the top plate side fitting portion 23c is approximately the same as the height of the support end portion 11, which is one end of the support member 10, with the fitting locking portion 23h locked in the locking hole 13. The top plate side fitting portion 23c of the connecting fitting 23 is fixed to the top plate member 25 by screw members 81. The connecting fitting 23 has a space 23j surrounded by the back of the fourth side wall member 20d, the support member 10, and the side wall member 20. Since the connecting fitting 23 does not come into contact with the corner formed by the connection of the support member 10, the side wall member 20, and the top plate member 25, the members can be connected even if there are manufacturing errors or installation errors in the members to be connected.

[0070] Since the connecting fitting 23 is covered by the fitting cover 24, it is possible to prevent injuries to users of the kitchen unit 100 from coming into contact with the fitting, and it also looks good.

[0071] Since the connecting fitting 23 has a fitting locking portion 23h that locks into the locking hole 13 of the support member 10, the side wall member 20 and the support member 10 can be temporarily fixed together during the assembly of the kitchen unit 100, resulting in improved work efficiency.

[0072] Since the connecting fitting 23 is covered by the fitting cover 24 by the locking of the locking claws, the fitting cover 24 can be easily attached without using fasteners or the like, resulting in good workability and a good appearance.

[0073] The connecting fittings 23 are made by processing plate-shaped components and can be stacked for storage, resulting in high productivity and low storage and transportation costs.

[0074] Since the connecting fitting 23 has a right-angled isosceles triangle-shaped space 23j on the back of the fourth side wall member 20d in plan view, it can more effectively fix the three members without being affected by manufacturing errors or installation errors.

[0075] The connecting fitting 23 is positioned such that its locking portion 23h is parallel to the left-right direction Y and faces the locking hole 13 provided in the support member 10. This distributes the load generated in the locking hole 13 and prevents damage to the support member 10.

[0076] The connecting fitting 23 is covered by the fitting cover 24 because the upper locking claw 24f and lower locking claw 24g lock with the back surface of the space-side fitting part 23d, thus preventing the fitting cover 24 from falling off and ensuring a stable connection.

[0077] The connecting fitting 23 is designed so that the locking is released when a rod-shaped tool is inserted into the upper release hole 243d and the lower release hole 244d while the upper locking claw 24f and the lower locking claw 24g are locked to the space-side fitting part 23d. This allows for easy attachment and detachment of the fitting cover 24, resulting in good workability.

[0078] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to these examples. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above examples are just examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0079] In the embodiments described above, a kitchen unit 100 was used as an example of furniture, but the invention is not limited to this. It could also be a hanging cabinet or a desk with storage built on top of the kitchen unit 100.

[0080] In the embodiment shown above, the connecting fitting 23 is fixed to the plate-shaped members (support member 10, side wall member 20, top plate member 25) that make up the furniture, but is not limited to this. It may also be fixed to furniture such as a clock, or it may be directly fixed to the wall surface WS or the floor surface FS.

[0081] In the embodiment shown above, the connecting fitting 23 is fixed by a screw member 81, but is not limited to this. The connecting fitting 23 may also be fixed by a connector or engagement such as a screw.

[0082] In the embodiment shown above, the connecting fitting 23 is formed from a single plate-shaped member, but it is not limited to this. The connecting fitting 23 may also be formed by processing a rectangular member.

[0083] In the embodiment shown above, two types of connecting fittings, 23 and 23B, are used, but the invention is not limited to these. All plate-shaped members constituting the furniture (support member 10, side wall member 20, top plate member 25) may be fixed with only one type of connecting fitting 23.

[0084] This disclosure includes the following aspects:

[0085] (1) A connecting fitting comprising: a first metal fitting member connected to a first member of furniture having a surface facing in the front-to-back direction; a second metal fitting member connected to a second member of furniture having a surface facing in the left-to-right direction; a third metal fitting member connected to a third member of furniture having a surface facing in the vertical direction; and a fourth metal fitting member integrally formed from one end of the first metal fitting member in the left-to-right direction and one end of the second metal fitting member in the front-to-back direction, wherein in a plan view, a space is formed between the first member, the second member, and the fourth metal fitting member.

[0086] (2) The connecting fitting according to (1), comprising a fitting cover that covers the first fitting member, the second fitting member, the third fitting member, and the fourth fitting member.

[0087] (3) The connecting fitting according to (2), wherein the third fitting member has a fitting locking portion that locks with the fitting locking portion provided on the first member.

[0088] (4) The connecting fitting according to (3), wherein the fitting cover has a cover locking portion that locks with a cover locking portion provided on the fourth fitting member.

[0089] (5) The connecting fitting described in (4), wherein the first fitting member, the second fitting member, the third fitting member, the fourth fitting member, and the fitting locking portion are formed in a plate shape.

[0090] (6) The connecting fitting according to (1), wherein, in a plan view, the first fitting member and the second fitting member are formed at a right angle, the fourth fitting member has a plane that is inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the first fitting member and the second fitting member, and the space is formed in the shape of a right-angled isosceles triangle.

[0091] (7) The connecting fitting according to (5), wherein the fitting locking portion is a locking hole formed vertically in the first member, and the fitting locking portion is formed parallel to the first fitting member and is inserted through the locking hole.

[0092] (8) The connecting fitting according to (7), wherein the cover locking portion is the back surface of the fourth metal fitting member, the fourth metal fitting member has a metal fitting opening formed in the thickness direction, and the cover locking portion comprises an upper locking claw that is inserted through the metal fitting opening and locks with the back surface of the fourth metal fitting member, and a lower locking claw that locks with the lower end of the back surface of the fourth metal fitting member.

[0093] (9) The connecting fitting according to (8), wherein the fitting cover has locking release holes formed on the lower side of the upper locking claw and on the upper side of the lower locking claw. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10 Support member (first member), 13 Locking hole, 20 Side wall member (second member), 23, 23B Connecting fittings, 23a Support side fitting part (first fitting member), 23b Side wall side fitting part (second fitting member), 23c Top plate side fitting part (third fitting member), 23d Space side fitting part (fourth fitting member), 23i Fitting opening, 23j Space, 24 Fitting cover, 24f Upper locking claw, 24g Lower locking claw, 25 Top plate member (third member), 100 Kitchen unit (furniture), 243d Upper release hole, 244d Lower release hole, X Front / back direction, Y Left / right direction, Z Vertical direction

Claims

1. A first metal fitting member is connected to a first furniture component having a surface facing in the front-to-back direction, A second metal fitting member is connected to a second member of the furniture having a surface facing left or right, A third metal fitting member is connected to a third member of the furniture having a surface facing vertically, A fourth metal fitting member is integrally formed from one end of the first metal fitting member in the left-right direction and one end of the second metal fitting member in the front-rear direction, A connecting fitting in which, in a plan view, a space is formed between the first member, the second member, and the fourth metal fitting member.

2. The connecting fitting according to claim 1, comprising a fitting cover that covers the first fitting member, the second fitting member, the third fitting member, and the fourth fitting member.

3. The connecting fitting according to claim 2, wherein the third fitting member has a fitting locking portion that locks with a fitting locking portion provided on the first member.

4. The connecting fitting according to claim 3, wherein the fitting cover has a cover locking portion that locks with a cover locking portion provided on the fourth fitting member.

5. The connecting fitting according to claim 4, wherein the first fitting member, the second fitting member, the third fitting member, the fourth fitting member, and the fitting locking portion are formed in a plate shape.

6. In plan view, The first metal fitting member and the second metal fitting member are formed at a right angle, The fourth metal fitting member has a plane that is inclined at a 45-degree angle with respect to the first metal fitting member and the second metal fitting member. The connecting fitting according to claim 1, wherein the space is formed in the shape of a right-angled isosceles triangle.

7. The aforementioned locking portion of the metal fitting is a locking hole formed vertically in the first member. The connecting fitting according to claim 5, wherein the fitting locking portion is formed parallel to the first fitting member and is inserted into the locking hole.

8. The cover locking portion is the back surface of the fourth metal fitting member, The fourth metal fitting member has a metal fitting opening formed in the thickness direction, The connecting fitting according to claim 7, wherein the cover locking portion comprises an upper locking claw that is inserted through the opening of the fitting and locks with the back surface of the fourth fitting member, and a lower locking claw that locks with the lower end of the back surface of the fourth fitting member.

9. The connecting fitting according to claim 8, wherein the fitting cover has release holes formed on the lower side of the upper locking claw and on the upper side of the lower locking claw, respectively, for releasing the locking.

Images