Item of furniture comprising a furniture body which can be closed by a flap

Abstract

The invention relates to an item of furniture comprising a furniture body (1) which has an upper panel (2) and two opposite side parts (4) protruding above the upper panel (2), wherein a flap fitting (6), which comprises a housing, is fastened, directly or indirectly, to the furniture body (1) on the upper side of the upper panel (2), on which flap fitting a flap (3) is pivotably held, by means of which flap an access opening of the furniture body (1) can be closed, wherein an adjusting device (8) for adjusting the position of the flap (6) is arranged in a holding device (7') of the flap fitting (6), the design being such that the adjusting device (8) of the flap fitting (6) is positioned on the front in the region of the access opening of the furniture body (1), wherein the adjusting device (8) is exposed so that an actuating element can be accessed when the flap (3) is in the pivoted-open or partially pivoted-open position.

Description

[0001] Furniture with a cabinet that can be closed by a flap.

[0002] The invention relates to a piece of furniture according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Furniture, especially kitchen furniture or home furnishings such as base cabinets or wall cabinets, generally has a front-opening cabinet body to which movable furniture parts are mounted, guided by fittings. Particularly in the case of wall cabinets, the cabinet body can be closed on its access side by a flap held in place by at least one flap fitting arranged on a side panel of the cabinet body, preferably with two flap fittings arranged laterally.

[0004] A piece of furniture of this type is described in DE 10 2022 101 400 A1. This design proposes positioning the flap fittings on the upper, i.e., the outer, surface of the top panel, outside the usable interior of the cabinet. The side panels of the cabinet project beyond the top panel, so that each flap fitting is visibly concealed by the respective overhang of the side panel.

[0005] The flap fitting comprises a holding device and a connection unit. The holding device and the connection unit can be attached to each other directly or indirectly. The flap fitting includes a holding device connected to the side panel and / or the top panel, i.e., fixed in place, and a connection unit that is adjustable relative to the holding device by means of an adjustment mechanism located on the holding device. The flap is connected to the connection unit and can be moved in at least one spatial direction via the adjustment mechanism, and / or the opening angle of the flap fitting can be determined by the adjustment mechanism. The holding device and the connection unit can be connected reversibly or irreversibly.

[0006] The connection unit typically consists of a housing that optionally accommodates functional elements, such as a damping unit and / or force unit; a lever mechanism that is optionally connected to the functional elements and the housing; and a pot attached to the flap or at least partially recessed into the flap, which in turn is connected to parts of the lever mechanism. The functional elements act on the lever mechanism to improve the opening and closing movement of the flap.

[0007] The lever mechanism of the flap fitting is usually designed as a multi-part, multi-joint system, connecting a mounting unit of the flap fitting to a flap attached to it. However, a single-joint design of the lever mechanism is also conceivable.

[0008] To enable a combined pivoting and sliding movement, seven-joint lever mechanisms are frequently used, whose links are coupled to each other and to the holding device or connection unit along seven axes. At least two links of the lever mechanism transmit the torque exerted by the flap in an open position to the lever mechanism itself. The flap fitting typically incorporates a force storage device that counteracts the torque, thus holding the flap in the open or partially open position. Optionally, a damping unit acting on the lever mechanism is also provided, which slows the flap's approach to at least one of its end positions.

[0009] German patent DE 10 2019 118 322 A1 discloses a piece of furniture with a flap fitting integrated into a functional wall. This fitting has an adjustment mechanism for positioning the flap, using a screwdriver as the actuating element. To access the adjustment mechanism, the screwdriver must be inserted into a small, difficult-to-reach area of ​​the flap fitting. Furthermore, manufacturing such an integrated flap fitting is complex, as it requires modification of the side panel of the furniture carcass.

[0010] EP 3 289 158 B1 discloses a flap fitting with a power storage device that counteracts the torque in order to hold the flap in the open position. However, the positioning of the flap fitting is disadvantageous in that the fittings are visible when the flap is open, which is often perceived as bothersome. To counteract this, the entire flap fitting is covered with a cover cap. Naturally, this involves costs that conflict with the constant demands for cost optimization. The invention is based on the objective of creating a piece of furniture of the generic type in which neither the flap associated with the furniture body nor parts of a lever mechanism collide with elements that may be arranged above the furniture body when the flap is opened, and in which the position of the flap relative to the furniture body can be easily adjusted in at least one spatial direction.the opening area of ​​the flap is given.

[0011] This problem is solved by a piece of furniture with the features of claim 1.

[0012] According to the invention, the adjustment mechanism of the flap fitting is positioned on the front side in the area of ​​the access opening. This creates a gap between the top panel and the flap when it is in the open or partially open position, through which an actuating element can be inserted to engage the adjustment mechanism. When the flap is closed, however, it protrudes above the top panel.

[0013] It is particularly noteworthy that the aforementioned positioning of the flap fitting or adjustment mechanism allows the interior of the furniture carcass to be fully utilized without any obstructing components. In addition to the increased usable space, a cover for the flap fitting can also be omitted, as the flap, when closed, projects far enough beyond the top panel to conceal the fitting from the front. This is preferably achieved by the side panels of the furniture carcass as well. Furthermore, no complex processing of the side panel is necessary.

[0014] The overhang of the side panels relative to the top can be achieved by using the side panels as furniture components, but it is also conceivable to provide a separate wall, for example as a metal frame or a (wooden) cornice, which allows a furniture manufacturer to use a standard furniture carcass.

[0015] The inventive design of the furniture is particularly suitable when another piece of furniture is placed on top of the furniture, which does not allow direct access to the adjustment device from above.

[0016] Depending on the design variant of the adjusting device, the gap formed between the top and the flap is assigned to the top or bottom of the flap when it is fully or partially opened, with the adjusting devices being modified in such a way that an actuating element for engaging the adjusting device can be inserted through the respective gap.

[0017] A gap also occurs when another piece of furniture is placed on top, with the underside of the placed piece covering the flap fittings, while the outer walls of the placed piece rest on the sides of the lower piece. In this case, the gap is formed between the underside of the underside and the top of the flap when it is in the open or partially open position.

[0018] Alternatively, a furniture construction similar to the attached furniture variant can be achieved by using one-piece side walls while still incorporating several flaps to divide the interior. The entire interior is then subdivided into usable storage space and areas for the hardware by several intermediate shelves, with the flaps concealing both the storage space and the hardware areas. In this variant, a gap can be formed between one of the intermediate shelves, which separates the storage space from the hardware area, and the flap. This intermediate shelf is thus to be understood as the top or bottom shelf within the meaning of the patent application.

[0019] The adjustment device can be designed such that a tool, preferably a screwdriver, can be inserted into a corresponding opening in the adjustment device as an actuating element. In any case, openings remain unobstructed on either the top or bottom of the flap.

[0020] According to a further variant of the invention, the actuating element can be formed by a finger of an assembly person, wherein the adjusting device is then rotatable, for example as a wheel or as a wheel segment, the contact surface of which can be profiled to enable easy handling.

[0021] As has been demonstrated, the optimal gap width for the insertion of the operating element, whether a tool or a finger, is achieved when the flap is opened at an angle between 60° and 85° relative to the front of the furniture. The aforementioned profile of the adjustment mechanism for finger operation ensures good force transmission, especially since the installer only has one finger available for adjustment, which must reach through the gap.

[0022] The flap fitting is designed such that the flap remains in any opened position within a desired and definable opening angle range, preferably within a range that is optimal for accessing the adjustment mechanisms. This is achieved, for example, by means of a force storage device in the connection unit of the flap fitting, allowing the actuating element to be easily inserted into the adjustment mechanism. To prevent damage to the adjustment mechanism when inserting the actuating element, particularly a tool, a guide can be provided for the tool, enabling precise engagement.

[0023] Due to the movement of the flap, the distance between a front upper edge of the top surface facing the flap and a rear upper edge of the flap facing the furniture body is smaller when the flap is partially or fully open than when the flap is closed.

[0024] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims.

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] They show:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a piece of furniture according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0028] Figures 2 - 4 each show a partial section of the furniture according to the invention in a perspective view with an actuating element;

[0029] Figures 5 and 6 each show a partial section of the furniture according to the invention in a perspective view; Figure 7 shows a partial section of the furniture according to the invention with a different actuating element and

[0030] Figures 8a and 8b each show a cutaway side view of the furniture in the area of ​​the top surface.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a piece of furniture, which could be, for example, a wall cabinet of a kitchen unit.

[0032] This piece of furniture has a cabinet 1, with a top panel 2, a opposite bottom panel 5 and side panels 4. The side panels 4 clearly extend beyond the top panel 2 in such a way that two flap fittings 6, which are positioned on the outside of the top panel 2, are covered by the side panels 4, so to speak, as a screen.

[0033] Each flap fitting 6 has a holding device 7' connected to the associated side part 4 and / or the top panel 2 on its upper side, as well as a connecting unit 7 held thereon, to which a flap 3 is pivotably connected, with which a front access opening of the furniture body 1 can be closed.

[0034] The connection unit 7 consists of a housing that accommodates functional elements 17, e.g., a damping unit and / or a force unit, a lever mechanism 18 which is optionally connected to the functional elements 17 and the housing, and a pot 19 attached to the flap 3 or at least partially recessed in the flap 3, which in turn is connected to parts of the lever mechanism 18. The functional elements 17 act on the lever mechanism 18 to improve the opening and closing movement of the flap 3.

[0035] The lever mechanism 18 is connected to the holding device 7' of the respective flap fitting 6 and is operatively connected to the flap 3. Furthermore, the holding device 7' has an adjustment device 8, which, according to the invention, is positioned on the front side in the area of ​​the access opening of the furniture body 1. In the open or partially open position of the flap 3, the adjustment device 8 is exposed for the engagement of an actuating element. Due to the arrangement of the flap fittings 6 on the outside of the top panel 2, a gap 10 is created between the inside of the flap 3 (facing the interior of the furniture body 1 in the closed position) and the outside of the top panel 2 when the flap 3 is open or partially open. An actuating element can be inserted through this gap to engage the adjustment device 8.

[0036] Such a situation is shown in Figures 2 and 3, where the actuating element is formed by a screwdriver 11 which engages in an adjusting opening 9 of the adjusting device 8.

[0037] Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which another piece of furniture 12 is placed on top, wherein a base 16 of the placed furniture 12 covers the flap fittings 6, while outer walls 13 stand on the side parts 4 of the lower furniture body 1.

[0038] In the open position of the flap 3, the adjusting device 8 is freely accessible for the actuating element through the gap 10 formed between the base 16 of the mounted furniture 12 and the flap 3, specifically above the open flap 3.

[0039] In the example shown in Figures 5 to 7, the adjusting device 8 has wheels 14 with extensive profiling to optimize haptics when, as can be seen in Figure 7, a finger 15 rests against the adjusting device 8 as an actuating element. Thus, in Figures 6 and 7, access to the wheels 14 from the underside of the flap 3 is shown.

[0040] Figures 1-7 show the flap 3 in a fully opened or partially opened position. In the closed position (Figure 8a), i.e., when the furniture body 1 is closed on the access side, the flap 3 covers the flap fittings 6, resulting in a completely closed front for the viewer, with the upper edges of the side panels 4 and the flap 3 being almost flush. In one embodiment of the invention, the flap fittings 6 are arranged such that the adjustment mechanism 8 facing the flap 3 is almost flush with the edge of the top panel 2 facing the flap 3.

[0041] Figure 8a shows the furniture with the top panel 2 having a front upper edge 2' and the flap 3 having a rear upper edge 3' when closed. The rear upper edge 3' of the flap 3 projects beyond the front upper edge 2' of the top panel 2 by a distance A when closed. Figure 8b shows the furniture cutout in a position where the flap 3 is fully open.

[0042] The adjustment is made by the adjusting device 8 in a partially or fully open state of the flap 3 through the gap 10 formed by the front upper edge 2' of the top surface 2 and the rear upper edge 3' of the flap 3. The distance A' in the partially or fully open state of the flap 3 is less than the

[0043] Distance A in the closed state.

[0044] Reference symbol list

[0045] 1 furniture carcass

[0046] 2 Topsoil

[0047] 2' front top edge

[0048] 3 flap

[0049] 3' rear top edge

[0050] 4 side panel

[0051] 5 Underbody

[0052] 6 flap fittings

[0053] 7 Connection unit

[0054] 7' Holding device

[0055] 8 Adjustment device

[0056] 9 Adjustment opening

[0057] 10 columns

[0058] 11 tools

[0059] 12 pieces of furniture

[0060] 13 Exterior wall

[0061] 14-inch wheel

[0062] 15 fingers

[0063] 16 Underbody

[0064] 17 Functional element

[0065] 18 Lever Mechanism

[0066] 19 pots

Claims

Claims 1. Furniture, comprising a furniture body (1) having a top panel (2) and two opposing side panels (4) projecting beyond the top panel (2), wherein a flap fitting (6) is attached directly or indirectly to a housing above the top panel (2) on the furniture body (1), on which a flap (3) is pivotably held, with which an access opening of the furniture body (1) can be closed, wherein an adjustment device (8) for adjusting the position of the flap (6) is arranged in a holding device (7') of the flap fitting (6), characterized in that the adjustment device (8) of the flap fitting (6) is positioned on the front side in the area of ​​the access opening of the furniture body (1), wherein in the flap (3) is pivoted open or partially pivoted open, the adjustment device (8) is free for access of an actuating element.

2. Furniture according to claim 1, characterized in that the opposing side parts (4) of the furniture body (1) extend beyond the top surface (2) in such a way that the flap fittings (6) are covered on the visible side.

3. Furniture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjustment device (8) is aligned or nearly aligned with the front edge of the top surface (2).

4. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a gap (10) for the insertion of the actuating element is formed between the pivoted or partially pivoted flap (3) and the top surface (2).

5. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the flap (3) and the underside (16) of a further piece of furniture mounted on top, when the flap (3) is pivoted open or partially pivoted, the gap (10) for the insertion of the actuating element is formed.

6. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tool (11) or finger (15) of an assembly person can be used as an actuating element.

7. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (8) has at least one adjusting opening (9) into which the actuating element, in the form of a tool (11), can be inserted.

8. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment opening (9) is provided on the side facing the front edge of the top surface (2).

9. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (8) has at least one manually adjustable actuating element, for example a rotatable wheel (14).

10. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element has a profile, preferably circumferentially in the form of a wheel (14).

11. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper edge of the flap (3) in the swung-away position is almost flush with the upper edges of the side parts (4).

12. Furniture according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that a distance (A') between a front upper edge (2') of the top (2) facing the flap (3) and a rear upper edge (3') of the flap (3) facing the furniture body (1) is smaller in the partially opened or fully opened state of the flap (3) than a distance (A) when the flap (3) is closed.

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