LATERAL WALL FOR A DRAWER

Abstract

A drawer sidewall includes a connecting device for connecting a front panel to a drawer sidewall. The connecting device includes a base body fitted into the drawer sidewall and a fitting portion configured to be fixed to the front panel. The base body of the connecting device includes a holding device for holding the fitting portion, and the base body of the connecting device is firmly connected to the drawer sidewall in a first area of the base body. The drawer sidewall includes a stabilizing device configured to stabilize a relative position of the base body relative to the drawer sidewall at least in a direction extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the drawer sidewall. The stabilizing device is arranged in a second area of the base body spaced apart from the first area of the base body in a height direction of the drawer sidewall.

Claims

1. A drawer sidewall for a drawer, the drawer sidewall comprising: at least one connecting device for, preferably releasably, connecting a front panel to the drawer sidewall, the connecting device including at least one base body fitted into the drawer sidewall and at least one fitting portion configured to be fixed to the front panel, wherein the base body of the connecting device includes at least one holding device for, preferably releasably, holding the fitting portion, wherein the base body of the connecting device is firmly connected to the drawer sidewall in a first area of the base body, wherein the drawer sidewall includes at least one stabilizing device configured to stabilize a relative position of the base body relative to the drawer sidewall at least in a direction extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the drawer sidewall, the stabilizing device being arranged in a second area of the base body, wherein the second area of the base body is spaced apart from the first area of the base body in a height direction of the drawer sidewall.

2. The drawer sidewall according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizing device includes at least one recess and at least one protrusion configured to be engaged in the recess, preferably wherein the at least one recess is arranged on the drawer sidewall and the at least one protrusion is arranged on the base body or is configured to be inserted in the base body.

3. The drawer sidewall according to claim 1, wherein the first area of the base body is the lower region of the base body in the mounted position and/or wherein the second area of the base body is the upper region of the base body.

4. The drawer sidewall according to claim 2, wherein the at least one recess is arranged on the front-end region of the drawer sidewall and/or is arranged on an upper side of the drawer sidewall.

5. The drawer sidewall according to claim 1, wherein the fitting portion includes at least one holding section which, in a held condition of the fitting portion, is at least partially received within the base body, preferably wherein the at least one holding section, in the held condition, is substantially entirely arranged within the drawer sidewall.

6. The drawer sidewall according to claim 5, wherein the connecting device includes at least one support device separate from the holding device and separate from the holding section, the at least one support device being configured to support a position of the fitting portion relative to the base body in the held condition at least in a direction extending transversely to a longitudinal direction of the drawer sidewall.

7. The drawer sidewall according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fitting portion: is made substantially entirely of plastic, and/or is arranged substantially entirely within the base body in a mounted condition, and/or includes at least one central support element configured to bear against the front panel, and/or includes at least one pre-mounted screw, preferably at least two pre-mounted screws, to be fixed to the front panel.

8. The drawer sidewall according to claim 1, wherein a side adjustment device is provided for adjusting a position of the fitting portion in a direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the drawer sidewall, preferably wherein the side adjustment device includes at least one rotatable adjustment wheel, preferably made of metal.

9. The drawer sidewall according to claim 6, wherein the at least one support device includes at least one boom which is received in at least one opening.

10. The drawer sidewall according to claim 9, wherein the at least one boom: projects upwardly or downwardly from the holding section of the fitting portion in a mounted condition, and/or is received with a play in the at least one recess in a mounted condition, the play preferably being between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.

11. The drawer sidewall according to claim 9, wherein the at least one boom is arranged on the at least one fitting portion, and the at least one recess is arranged on the base body.

12. The drawer sidewall according to claim 6, wherein the support device includes at least two booms spaced apart from each other in the height direction, preferably wherein the at least two booms are spaced apart from each other by a holding section of the fitting portion, wherein the holding section, in a held condition of the fitting portion is at least partially received in the base body.

13. The drawer sidewall according to claim 1, wherein the drawer sidewall is configured as a hollow-chamber profile.

14. The drawer sidewall according to claim 1, wherein the holding device includes at least one spring-loaded latch for holding the fitting portion, preferably wherein the spring-loaded latch is linearly displaceably supported.

15. The drawer sidewall according to claim 1, wherein the at least one base body: is substantially entirely made of plastic, and/or is fitted into the drawer sidewall in a form-locking manner, and/or is at least partially honeycomb-shaped, and/or includes at least one coupling device for releasably coupling to a drawer pull-out guide, preferably wherein the at least one coupling device includes at least one pivotable coupling lever for releasably coupling to an extendable rail of a drawer pull-out guide, and/or includes at least one groove for receiving an edge of a drawer bottom, and/or includes at least one support limb for supporting a drawer bottom, and/or is at least partially made of, preferably fiber-reinforced, polyamide.

16. The drawer sidewall according to claim 1, wherein the drawer sidewall includes at least one groove for receiving an edge of a drawer bottom.

17. A drawer comprising at least one drawer sidewall according to claim 1.

18. A method for producing a drawer sidewall according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: fitting the base body into the drawer sidewall in a first step, firmly connecting the base body in a first area to the drawer sidewall in a further step, stabilizing the base body relative to the drawer sidewall in a second area of the base body with the aid of the stabilizing device in a further step.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further details and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0015] FIGS. 1a, 1b are perspective views of a drawer and a drawer sidewall,

[0016] FIGS. 2a, 2b show the connecting device with the base body and the fitting portion in a separated condition and in a connected condition with each other,

[0017] FIG. 3a-3c are a perspective view, a front view, and an enlarged detail view of the connecting device, and

[0018] FIG. 4a-4b show the drawer sidewall with the stabilizing device in two different embodiments so as to stabilize a relative position of the base body relative to the drawer sidewall in a direction extending parallel to the longitudinal direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] FIG. 1a shows a drawer 1 to be displaceably supported relative to a furniture carcass via a drawer pull-out guide. The drawer 1 includes two drawer sidewalls 2, a front panel 3, a rear wall 4 and a drawer bottom 5.

[0020] The drawer sidewall 2 can be releasably coupled to an extendable guide rail of a drawer pull-out guide via a coupling device 12 (FIG. 1b). The coupling device 12 can include at least one coupling lever 12a (FIG. 4b) pivotable about a vertical axis, the coupling lever 12a being configured to be releasably coupled to the extendable guide rail of the drawer pull-out guide.

[0021] FIG. 1b shows a drawer sidewall 2 in a perspective view. The drawer sidewall 2 includes at least one hollow profile 2a, preferably made of a metallic material.

[0022] On the rear end of the drawer sidewall 2, a rear wall adaptor 6 for releasably fixing the rear wall 4 is arranged. In the shown embodiment, the rear wall adaptor 6 includes at least one pivotally supported lever 6a configured to clampingly fix the rear wall 4, preferably made of a wood material.

[0023] The drawer sidewall 2 includes at least one groove 9 for receiving an edge of a drawer bottom 5, the groove 9 extending in a longitudinal direction L.

[0024] For fixing the drawer bottom 5, a plurality of fastening elements 10, for example in the form of claws, is provided. The fastening elements 10 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L, and/or are combined to at least one group or a plurality of groups spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L. The fastening elements 10 are partially arranged within the groove 9 and are configured to bear against an underside of the drawer bottom 5.

[0025] A base body 7a of a connecting device 7 is fitted into a front-end of the drawer sidewall 2. The connecting device 7 is provided for, preferably releasably, connecting the front panel 3 to the drawer sidewall 2. The base body 7a of the connecting device 7 includes an insertion opening 8 in which the fitting portion 7b (FIG. 2a) to be fixed to the front panel 3 is to be introduced, and the fitting portion 7b can be held by a holding device 14 (FIG. 2a) of the connecting device 7.

[0026] The connecting device 7 can further include at least one coupling device 12 for releasably coupling to an extendable guide rail of a drawer pull-out guide. The coupling device 12 can include at least one pivotable coupling lever 12a (FIG. 4b) for releasably coupling the drawer sidewall 2 to the extendable guide rail of the drawer pull-out guide.

[0027] A release device 13 is provided to allow the coupling device 12 to be releasable. For example, the release device 13 can include a movable release element 13a. Preferably, the release element 13a is linearly displaceable in the longitudinal direction L. The coupling between the drawer sidewall 2 and the guide rail of the drawer pull-out guide is releasable by a movement of the release element 13a, preferably by a linear movement of the release element 13a in the longitudinal direction L of the drawer sidewall 2.

[0028] The base body 7a of the connecting device 7 includes at least one support limb 11 for supporting the drawer bottom 5. The support limb 11 is spaced apart from an inner side of the drawer sidewall 2 in a lateral direction. The drawer bottom 5, in a mounted condition, is partially received within the groove 9 of the drawer sidewall 2 and can be supported by the at least one support limb 11 spaced apart from the groove 9.

[0029] FIG. 2a shows the front-end region of the drawer sidewall 2, in which the base body 7a of the connecting device 7 is fitted in a form-locking manner. The base body 7a is substantially entirely made of plastic and includes at least one holding device 14 for, preferably releasably, holding a fitting portion 7b of the connecting device 7. For example, the holding device 14 can include at least one spring-loaded latch 14a for releasably holding the fitting portion 7b. The fitting portion 7b of the connecting device 7 is to be fixed to the rear side of the front panel 3.

[0030] The fitting portion 7b includes a holding section 15 to be inserted into the insertion opening 8 of the base body 7a. In a held condition of the fitting portion 7b, the holding section 15 is at least partially received within the base body 7a and is configured to be connected to the holding device 14 of the base body 7a.

[0031] According to possible embodiments, the at least one fitting portion 7b: [0032] is made substantially entirely of plastic, and/or [0033] is arranged substantially entirely within the base body 7a (FIG. 2b) in a mounted condition, and/or [0034] includes at least one central support element 16 configured to bear against the front panel 3, and/or [0035] includes at least one pre-mounted screw 17, preferably at least two pre-mounted screws 17, to be fixed to the front panel 3.

[0036] The connecting device 7 includes at least one support device 20 separate from the holding device 14 and separate from the at least one holding section 15. The at least one support device 20 is configured to support a position of the fitting portion 7b relative to the base body 7a in a held condition at least in a direction extending transversely to a longitudinal direction L of the drawer sidewall 2. By the at least one support device 20, a relative movement between the drawer sidewall 2 and the fitting portion 7b can be impeded in a direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L.

[0037] In the shown embodiment, the at least one support device 20 includes at least one boom 20a which is received in at least one recess 22. For example, the at least one boom 20a is arranged on the at least one fitting portion 7b, and the at least one recess 22 is arranged on the base body 7a. In a kinematic reversal, it is also possible to arrange the at least one boom 20a on the base body 7a and the at least one recess 22 on the fitting portion 7b.

[0038] According to possible embodiments, the at least one boom 20a: [0039] projects upwardly or downwardly in a height direction H from the holding section 15 of the fitting portion 7b in a mounted condition, and/or [0040] is received with a play X (FIG. 3c) in the at least one recess 22 in a mounted condition, the play X preferably being between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0041] The provision of a play X between the base body 7a and the fitting portion 7b in a direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L has the purpose to allow a side adjustment of the fitting portion 7b (and therewith a side adjustment of the front panel 3) by a side adjustment device 18. By the side adjustment device 18, a position of the fitting portion 7b relative to the base body 7a is adjustable in a direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the drawer sidewall 2.

[0042] Preferably, the side adjustment device 18 includes at least one rotatable adjustment wheel 18a, preferably made of metal, in particular of zinc. The rotatable adjustment wheel 18a can include a receiving contour for a tool, preferably for a screwdriver. A position of the fitting portion 7b relative to the base body 7a is adjustable in a direction extending at a right angle to the height direction H by rotating the receiving contour with the aid of the tool. The adjustment wheel 18a of the fitting portion 7a can be actuated through an opening 19 of the drawer sidewall 2 with the aid of a tool. Preferably, the opening 19 is arranged on an inner side of the drawer sidewall 2.

[0043] According to possible embodiments, the at least one boom 20a is supportable, on a first side, on the at least one base body 7a and, on a second side, on the drawer sidewall 2 and/or on the at least one base body 7a. The first side and the second side are spaced apart from each other in a direction extending transversely to a longitudinal direction L of the drawer sidewall 2. The at least one boom 20a has a longitudinal direction extending parallel to a vertical in a mounted condition.

[0044] In the shown embodiment, the support device 20 includes at least two booms 20a spaced apart from each other in the height direction H. The at least two booms 20a can be spaced apart from each other by the holding section 15 of the fitting portion 7b. The more the free ends of the two booms 20a are spaced apart from each other, the better the drawer sidewall 2 can be supported relative to the fitting portion 7b.

[0045] Further, the fitting portion 7b can include at least one recess 21 arranged between the holding section 15 and the at least one boom 20a. As a result, material, in particular plastic material, can be saved when the fitting portion 7b is produced. In the shown embodiment, at least two recesses 21 are provided, each of the recesses 21 being arranged between the holding section 15 and a boom 20a.

[0046] FIG. 2b shows the drawer sidewall 2 according to FIG. 2a, in which the base body 7a of the connecting device 7 and the fitting portion 7b of the connecting device 7 are connected to each other via the holding device 14.

[0047] The holding section 15 of the fitting portion 7b, in a held condition, is substantially entirely arranged within the drawer sidewall 2. Preferably, the fitting portion 7b is received with a play X within the recesses 22, the play X being between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm, in a direction extending at a right angle to the height direction H.

[0048] The holding device 14 can include a spring-loaded latch 14a, and the connection between the base body 7a and the fitting portion 7b is releasable by manually exerting a force to the latch 14a against its resilient action.

[0049] In the shown embodiment, the latch 14a is pressurized by at least one compression spring (not shown here), so that the latch 14a has to be pressed vertically upwardly in order to release the connection between the base body 7a and the fitting portion 7b.

[0050] FIG. 3a shows the connecting device 7 in a perspective view, in which the fitting portion 7b is held on the base body 7a via the holding device 14.

[0051] According to possible embodiments, the at least one base body 7a: [0052] is fitted into the drawer sidewall 2 in a form-locking manner, and/or [0053] is at least partially honeycomb-shaped, and/or [0054] includes at least one coupling device 12 (FIG. 2a) for releasably coupling to a drawer pull-out guide, and/or [0055] includes at least one groove 9 for receiving an edge of a drawer bottom 5, and/or [0056] includes at least one support limb 11 for supporting a drawer bottom 5, and/or [0057] is at least partially made of, preferably fiber-reinforced, polyamide.

[0058] FIG. 3b shows the connecting device 7 according to FIG. 3a in a view from the front.

[0059] FIG. 3c shows the encircled region of FIG. 3b in an enlarged view. The boom 20a of the support device 20, in a mounted condition, is received in the at least one recess 22 with a play X. For example, the play X is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0060] FIG. 4a shows the front-end region of the drawer sidewall 2 in a perspective view.

[0061] When using high front panels 3, it may occur that the base body 7a of the connecting device 7 is moved upon an actuation of the front panel 3 due to the large leverage effect. This undesired relative movement between the base body 7a and the drawer sidewall 2 in the longitudinal direction L of the drawer sidewall 2 can be restrained by a stabilizing device 23.

[0062] The base body 7a of the connecting device 7 is firmly connected to the drawer sidewall 2 in a first area 24a of the base body 7a. Preferably, the first area 24a of the base body 7a is the lower end region of the base body 7a in the mounted position. For example, the firm connection between the first area 24a of the base body 7a and the drawer sidewall 2 can be produced by at least one neck joint 28.

[0063] In general, when producing a neck joint 28, a material of the drawer sidewall 2 is pierced by a stamp, for example by a steel pin. As a result, a neck is formed on the drawer sidewall 2, the neck pressing against the base body 7a. The neck formed in this way establishes the firm connection between the drawer sidewall 2 and the base body 7a.

[0064] In the shown embodiment, a plurality of neck joints 28 spaced apart from each other is arranged in the first area 24a. Preferably, the neck joints 28 are partially arranged within the groove 9 for receiving the drawer bottom 5.

[0065] As an alternative or in addition thereto, the firm connection between the base body 7a and the drawer sidewall 2, in the first area 24a, can be established by screwing, riveting or gluing.

[0066] The drawer sidewall 2 includes at least one stabilizing device 23 configured to stabilize a relative position of the base body 7a relative to the drawer sidewall 2 at least in a direction extending parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0067] The stabilizing device 23 is arranged in a second area 24b of the base body 7a, the second area 24b of the base body 7a being spaced apart from the first area 24a of the base body 7a in a height direction H of the drawer sidewall 2. Preferably, the second area 24b of the base body 7a is the upper end region of the base body 7a in the mounted position.

[0068] The stabilizing device 23 includes at least one recess 23a and at least one protrusion 23b configured to be engaged in the recess 23a. For example, the at least one recess 23a is formed in the drawer sidewall 2, and the at least one protrusion 23b is formed in the base body 7a or can be inserted in the base body 7a.

[0069] In the shown embodiment, the drawer sidewall 2 includes a substantially rectangular cross-section. The at least one recess 23a is arranged on the front-end region of the drawer sidewall 2 and/or on an upper side 2b of the drawer sidewall 2.

[0070] This has the particular advantage that a force resulting from a movement of the front panel 3 when opening and closing the drawer 1 can be directly introduced into the drawer sidewall 2 via the stabilizing device 23, preferably via the protrusion 23b engaging the recess 23a, so as to reduce or prevent an occurring play between the front panel 3 and the drawer sidewall 2.

[0071] According to FIG. 4a, the protrusion 23b and the base body 7a are configured as components separate from each other. The protrusion 23b is insertable in the base body 7a, after the base body 7a has been fitted into the front-end region of the drawer sidewall 2.

[0072] FIG. 4b shows the base body 7a with the stabilizing device 23 in a slightly modified embodiment, in which the protrusion 23b and the base body 7a are formed together so as to have an integral one-piece configuration.

[0073] Here, the protrusion 23b is a resilient snapper configured to be urged in a direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L against its resilient action when the base body 7a is fitted into the drawer sidewall 2. When the recess 23a and the protrusion 23b are aligned flush with each other, the protrusion 23b can lock from the inside into the recess 23a of the drawer sidewall 2.

[0074] The holding device 14 with the latch 14a can be recognized, the latch 14a being linearly displaceably supported in the height direction H and being configured to be pressurized by a spring 25 in a direction of a position in which the fitting portion 7b can be locked.

[0075] When the holding section 15 of the fitting portion 7b is introduced into the insertion opening 8 of the base body 7a, the holding section 15 urges the spring-loaded latch 14a of the holding device 14 in the height direction H in an upward direction so as to load the spring 25. For this purpose, the holding section 15 can include at least one inclined surface for urging the spring-loaded latch 14a.

[0076] Upon a further insertion movement, the holding portion 15 of the fitting portion 7b can be automatically locked by a force of the loaded spring 25. Such holding devices 14 are known according to the prior art in a large number of embodiments and need not to be further described in detail here.

[0077] The base body 7a includes a support limb 11 for supporting the drawer bottom 5 and at least one entrainment member 26 which, in a mounted condition, engages into a corresponding recess, preferably into a cylindrical bore, of the drawer bottom 5. By the entrainment member 26, the drawer 1 can be coupled to a movement of an extendable guide rail of a drawer pull-out guide on the one hand. On the other hand, a horizontal relative movement between the drawer 1 and the extendable guide rail can be restricted or prevented by the entrainment member 26.

[0078] The method for producing a drawer sidewall 2 is characterized by the following steps: [0079] fitting the base body 7a into the drawer sidewall 2 in a first step, [0080] firmly connecting the base body 7a in a first area 24a to the drawer sidewall 2 in a further step, [0081] stabilizing the base body 7a relative to the drawer sidewall 2 in a second area 24b of the base body 7a with the aid of the stabilizing device 23 in a further step.

[0082] By a coupling device 12, preferably comprising a pivotable coupling lever 12a, the drawer sidewall 2 can be coupled to an extendable guide rail of a drawer pull-out guide. The pivotable coupling lever 12a is pressurized by at least one spring element in a direction in which the guide rail can be locked.

[0083] By a release device 13, preferably comprising a release element 13a in the form of a slider linearly displaceable in the longitudinal direction L, the coupling device 12 is releasable. By a movement of the release element 13a in the extension direction of the drawer 1, the coupling lever 12a is resettable against a force of the spring element.

[0084] A further spring element 27, preferably made of plastic, is arranged on the release element 13a, the further spring element 27 being supportable, preferably stationarily, on the drawer sidewall 2. This spring element 27 guarantees the correct position of the release element 13a. When the release element 13a is manually pulled in the extension direction of the drawer 1, the coupling lever 12a is movable into a release position in which the guide rail of the drawer pull-out guide is releasable.