JP2020032041A - cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cabinet having a convenient auxiliary opening means, a cabinet which suppresses unintended actuation of the auxiliary opening means at the time of opening the drawers even with a start switch exposed outside.SOLUTION: The cabinet includes: a fixed frame body; drawers; an auxiliary opening means; a start switch having a detection part exposed outside the cabinet; a power unit which supplies power to the auxiliary opening means; and an electric connection means which electrically connects the detection part with an opening maintenance means only when the drawers are closed. The auxiliary opening means electrically connected to the detection part through an electric connection means is actuated by the operation of the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to cabinets.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a cabinet provided with opening assist means for assisting opening of a drawer in response to a switch operation by a user. For example, a configuration in which a drawer door is provided with a switch for activating an opening assisting unit that assists opening of the drawer, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, is known.

Japanese Patent No. 5202322

  However, in the configuration as in Patent Literature 1, the start switch for activating the opening assisting means is always in an operable state, so that the opening assisting means operates even when the drawer is opened without intending to use the opening assisting means. There is a possibility that a load is applied to the opening assisting means. Further, for example, when the user operates the start switch by mistake when closing the drawer, there is a possibility that the push-out portion of the opening assisting means is damaged.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a cabinet with easy-to-use opening assist means that suppresses unintended activation of the opening assist means when the drawer is opened even if the start switch is exposed to the outside.

The cabinet of the first invention is a fixed frame, a drawer movably provided on the fixed frame, and opening assist means provided on the fixed frame to assist in opening the drawer, Opening auxiliary means having an extruding part for pushing out the drawer from the fixed frame, a start switch having a detecting part exposed outside the cabinet, a power supply unit for supplying power to the opening auxiliary means, and only when the drawer is closed, Electrical connection means for electrically connecting the detection section and the opening assisting means. The opening assisting unit electrically connected to the detection unit through the electrical connection unit is activated by an operation of the detection unit.
According to the first aspect, even when the user operates the detection unit unintentionally when the drawer is opened when it is not necessary to activate the opening assisting means, it is possible to prevent the opening assisting means from being activated. Such suppression of useless operation of the opening assisting means reduces the load on the opening assisting means and improves durability. In addition, useless power consumption can be suppressed.
In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the detection unit is provided on a door of the drawer, and the electrical connection unit includes a first electrical contact provided on a back surface of the drawer, A second electric contact provided on a front surface of the fixed frame body facing the electric contact, wherein the first electric contact and the second electric contact are interlocked with opening and closing of the drawer. Connect or separate from each other. Here, the back surface of the drawer represents the back surface of the component of the drawer, for example, the back surface of the door or the back surface of the back plate. The front surface of the fixed frame represents the front of the components of the fixed frame, and is, for example, the front of the side plate or the front of the back plate.
According to the second aspect, since the signal transmission between the detection unit and the opening assisting unit is turned ON / OFF in conjunction with the opening / closing of the drawer, the open / closed state detection sensor detects the open / closed state of the drawer. It is not necessary to separately provide such components, and the unintended activation of the opening assist means when the drawer is opened can be suppressed with a simple configuration, and the usability can be improved.
In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the back surface of the drawer provided with the first electrical contact is a back surface of the door of the drawer.
According to the third aspect, there is no need to directly wire from the detection unit provided on the drawer door to the far side of the drawer.
In a fourth aspect based on the second or third aspect, the electrical connecting means is means for assisting the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact to exert a force in a direction approaching each other. Have.
According to the fourth aspect, even if the size of the gap between the fixed frame body and the drawer in the closed state varies, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be reliably brought into contact. it can.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the cabinet of this invention, even if it is a start switch exposed to the outside, unintended start of the opening assist means at the time of drawer opening can be suppressed, and usability can be improved.

It is a perspective view of the cabinet concerning an embodiment. It is a perspective view of a fixed frame concerning an embodiment. It is a schematic cross section of the drawer closed state in the cabinet concerning embodiment. It is a schematic cross section of the drawer open state in the cabinet which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic cross section of the electric connection means in the cabinet concerning embodiment. It is a schematic cross section of the drawer closed state in the cabinet concerning embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible in each drawing, and redundant description will be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cabinet 1 according to the embodiment.

  The cabinet 1 has a fixed frame 10 and drawers 40 and 50 movably provided on the fixed frame 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two drawers, a first drawer 40 and a second drawer 50 located below the first drawer 40, are shown, but the number of drawers is one or three or more. You may.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fixed frame body 10 with the top plate 11 shown in FIG. 1 removed.

  The fixed frame 10 includes a top plate 11 (shown in FIG. 1), a bottom plate 12, a back plate 13, and two side plates 14. The fixed frame 10 has a space surrounded by the top plate 11, the bottom plate 12, the back plate 13, and the two side plates 14, and the drawers 40 and 50 can be stored in the space.

The front surface of the fixed frame body 10 is opened and an opening 16 is formed. Through the opening 16, the drawers 40 and 50 are slidably attached to the fixed frame 10. The slide of the drawers 40 and 50 is guided by a slide rail 17 provided on the inner surface of the side plate 14.
In the specification of the present application, “front” indicates the direction in which the drawers 40 and 50 are pulled out from the fixed frame 10, and “rear” indicates that the drawers 40 and 50 are stored in the fixed frame 10. Pointing in the direction.

On the front surface of the back plate 13, an opening assisting means 30 is provided. Two opening assisting means 30 are provided corresponding to the number of the drawers 40 and 50. The opening assisting means 30 has an extruding part 31 for pushing out the drawers 40 and 50 from the fixed frame 10, and assists in opening the drawers 40 and 50.
The opening assisting means 30 pushes the drawers 40 and 50 forward in the vicinity of the closed position of the drawers 40 and 50 against the closing assist means that attempts to pull the drawers 40 and 50 backward, against the urging force of the closing assist means. Refers to means.

  At the upper end of the opening 16, a frontage reinforcing member 15 is provided in the frontage direction (the direction connecting the pair of side plates 14). The frontage reinforcing member 15 extends between the pair of side plates 14 with the same width as the width of the opening 16, and both end portions of the frontage reinforcing member 15 are fixed to the side plates 14.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the cabinet 1. FIG. 3 shows the drawer closed state in which the drawers 40 and 50 are stored inside the fixed frame 10.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drawer open state in which the drawers 40 and 50 have been pulled out from the fixed frame 10.

  Each drawer 40, 50 has a door 21, a back plate 22, a bottom plate 23, and two side plates 24, and the upper surface is open.

  In the closed state of the drawers 40 and 50, the opening assisting means 30 is located between the back plate 13 of the fixed frame 10 and the back plate 22 of the drawers 40 and 50.

  A power supply unit 80 is provided on the front surface of the back plate 13 of the fixed frame 10. The power supply unit 80 is connectable to a commercial power supply, and converts AC power of the commercial power into DC power.

  The opening assisting means 30 is connected to the power supply unit 80 via a power supply line 81, and receives power supply from the power supply unit 80 through the power supply line 81.

  The opening assisting means 30 for assisting the opening of the first drawer 40 is activated by operating the start switch 60 provided on the first drawer 40, and the opening assisting means 30 for assisting the opening of the second drawer 50 includes: It is started by operating a start switch 60 provided on the second drawer 50. Each start switch 60 has a detection unit 61 that detects a user operation. The start switch 60 includes a control unit 74 that receives an operation signal from the detection unit 61 and outputs a control signal to the opening assisting unit 30.

The detection unit 61 is provided to be exposed outside the cabinet 1 so as to be easily operated by a user. For example, the detection unit 61 is provided at the upper end of the door 21 of the drawers 40 and 50, and extends in the width direction of the door 21 (the frontage direction). The detection unit 61 also has a portion exposed on the back surface of the door 21 of the drawers 40 and 50. As described above, the detection unit 61 for assisting the opening of the first drawer 40 has an inverted L-shape, and has a surface in contact with the lower surface of the top plate 11 and a surface in contact with the signal line 73 (details will be described later). ,have.
Therefore, even if the detection unit 61 located between the lower surface of the top plate 11 and the drawer 40 is provided thin in consideration of design, connection with the signal line 73 becomes easy.

  The detection unit 61 has, for example, a touch sensor that generates an electric signal when touched by a user. This touch sensor is, for example, an electrostatic sensor in which the capacitance changes through the fingertip when the fingertip approaches or touches the detection unit 61. When the door 21 is made of metal, the door 21 can also serve as a touch sensor type detection unit. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be a piezoelectric sensor having a piezoelectric element that converts an applied force into a voltage.

  The detection unit 61 of the start switch 60 can be electrically connected to the opening assist unit 30 through the electric connection unit 70.

  The electric connection means 70 includes a first electric contact 71, a second electric contact 72, a signal line 73, and an electric wiring 75. The control unit 74, the signal line 73, and the electric wiring 75 are provided on the side plate 14 of the fixed frame 10, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first electrical contact 71 is provided on the back surface of the detection unit 61 exposed on the back surface of the door 21 of the drawers 40 and 50. The second electric contact 72 is provided on the front surface of the side plate 14 of the fixed frame 10 so as to face the first electric contact 71.

  The second electric contact 72 is electrically connected to the control unit 74 by a signal line 73. The control section 74 is electrically connected to the opening assisting means 30 by an electric wiring 75. The electric wiring 75 doubles as a power supply line and a signal line. The control unit 74 receives power supply from the power supply unit 80 through the power supply line 81 and the electric wiring 75.

  The operation signal of the detection unit 61 is transmitted to the opening assisting unit 30 through the first electric contact 71, the second electric contact 72, the signal line 73, the control unit 74, and the electric wiring 75. The control unit 74 receives the operation signal of the detection unit 61 and sends a control signal for activating the opening assist unit 30 to the opening assist unit 30.

  The second electric contact 72 is provided on the fixed frame 10 which is a fixed-side element, whereas the first electric contact 71 is provided on the door 21 of the drawers 40 and 50 which are the movable-side elements. I have. Therefore, the first electrical contact 71 and the second electrical contact 72 are connected or separated from each other in conjunction with opening and closing of the drawers 40 and 50.

  That is, only when the drawers 40 and 50 shown in FIG. 3 are closed, the first electric contact 71 and the second electric contact 72 are connected to each other, and the start switch 60 is detected by the electric connecting means 70 including them. The part 61 and the open holding means 30 are electrically connected.

  When the user operates the detection unit 61 (for example, touches the detection unit 61 which is a touch sensor) in a state where the detection unit 61 and the opening assist unit 30 are electrically connected in this manner, an operation signal is generated. The signal is transmitted to the opening assisting means 30 through the connecting means 70. Upon receiving this operation signal, the opening assisting means 30 is activated. That is, the push-out unit 31 operates to push the back plate 22 in a direction in which the drawers 40 and 50 are pulled out from the fixed frame 10.

  After the opening assisting means 30 is activated, for example, when a predetermined time elapses, the pushing section 31 automatically returns to the original position, and the opening assisting means 30 enters an operation standby state.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the open state where the drawers 40 and 50 are pulled out of the fixed frame 10, the first electrical contacts 71 provided on the drawers 40 and 50 are connected to the second electrical contacts 71 provided on the fixed frame 10. And the electrical connection between the detection unit 61 and the opening assisting means 30 is cut off. In this state, even if the user operates (touches) the detection unit 61, the opening assisting means 30 is not activated.

  Therefore, even if the user operates the detection unit 61 unintentionally (even if the user touches it) when the drawer is opened without the need to activate the opening assisting means 30, it is possible to prevent the opening assisting means 30 from being activated. it can. Such suppression of useless operation of the opening assisting means 30 reduces the load on the opening assisting means 30 and improves durability. In addition, useless power consumption can be suppressed.

  Further, when the user closes the drawers 40 and 50 from the open state, the pushed-out portion 31 of the activated opening assisting means 30 and the back plate 22 of the drawers 40 and 50 interfere with each other, and the opening assisting means 30 and the drawers 40 and 50 50 can be prevented from being damaged. This also improves the durability of the opening assisting means 30. As described above, according to the embodiment, while the detection unit 61 of the start switch 60 is configured to be exposed to the outside, unintended activation of the opening assist unit 30 when the drawer is opened can be suppressed, and the usability can be improved.

  Further, according to the embodiment, since the signal transmission between the detection unit 61 and the opening assisting means 30 is turned ON / OFF in conjunction with the opening and closing of the drawers 40 and 50, the opening and closing of the drawers 40 and 50 are performed. It is not necessary to separately provide an open / closed state detection sensor or the like for detecting the state, and it is possible to suppress unintended activation of the opening assisting means 30 when the drawer is opened with a simple configuration, thereby improving the usability.

  The power supply unit 80 is provided in a space behind the drawers 40 and 50 which are generally dead spaces in the cabinet. The power supply unit 80 is wired and connected to a second electrical contact 72 provided on the front side of the cabinet 1. There is no need to wire directly from the detection unit 61 provided on the door 21 of the drawers 40 and 50 to the far side of the drawers. Since the wiring is on the fixed side and is not noticeable even when the drawers 40 and 50 are opened, the appearance is not spoiled. There is no need to perform any work such as embedding the wiring so as not to be seen and not to come into contact with other parts. A part of the door 21 can be used as the detection unit 61, or the door 21 itself can be used as the detection unit, so that the degree of freedom in design is high and the design is excellent.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a connection structure between the first electrical contact 71 and the second electrical contact 72. FIG.

  The electric connection means 70 includes means 90 for assisting the first electric contact 71 and the second electric contact 72 to apply a force in a direction approaching each other. This means 90 has a case 91 and a conductive spring 92 housed in the case 91.

  The case 91 is fixed to, for example, the side plate 14 of the fixed frame 10. The spring 92 is provided in the case 91 so as to be able to expand and contract. One end of the spring 92 is connected to the control unit 74 through the signal line 73 described above, and the other end of the spring 92 is connected to the second electric contact 72. The second electrical contact 72 and the signal line 73 are electrically connected through a conductive spring 92.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B both show a state in which the drawers 40 and 50 are closed. In the closed state, FIG. 5A shows a case where the gap (play) between the fixed frame 10 and the doors 21 of the drawers 40 and 50 is larger than that in FIG.

  When the spring 92 expands and contracts, the second electrical contact 72 fixed to the spring 92 moves in the sliding direction of the drawers 40 and 50. When the first electrical contact 71 contacts the second electrical contact 72 in the closed state, the second electrical contact 72 is pressed against the first electrical contact 71 by the restoring force of the spring 92. Even if the size of the gap between the fixed frame body 10 and the door 21 in the closed state varies due to the movement of the second electrical contact 72, the second electrical contact 72 and the first electrical contact 71 Can be surely brought into contact.

  Alternatively, a magnetic material is used for the first electrical contact 71 and the second electrical contact 72 so that the magnetic attractive force acts in a direction in which the first electrical contact 71 and the second electrical contact 72 approach each other. Thereby, the first electrical contact 71 and the second electrical contact 72 can be reliably contacted.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a cabinet 2 according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the drawer closed state in which the drawers 40 and 50 are stored inside the fixed frame 10.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, first electrical contacts 71 are provided on the back surface of the back plate 22 of the drawers 40 and 50. A control unit 74 is provided behind the back plate 22 of the drawers 40 and 50 in the closed state, and the second electric contact 72 is connected to the first electric contact 71 near the control unit 74 or integrally with the control unit 74. They are provided to face each other. The detection unit 61 of the start switch 60 is electrically connected to the first electrical contact 71 through a signal line 76 provided on the drawers 40 and 50. The second electric contact 72 is electrically connected to the control unit 74 through a signal line. Alternatively, the second electric contact 72 is provided on a substrate of the control unit 74. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6 as well, the second electric contact 72 is provided on the fixed frame 10 which is a fixed-side element, whereas the first electric contact 71 is provided on the drawer 40 which is a movable-side element. 50 doors 21 are provided. Therefore, the first electrical contact 71 and the second electrical contact 72 are connected or separated from each other in conjunction with opening and closing of the drawers 40 and 50.

  That is, only when the drawers 40 and 50 are closed, the first electrical contact 71 and the second electrical contact 72 are connected to each other, and the electrical connection means 70 including the first electrical contact 71 and the second electrical contact 72 allows the detection unit 61 of the start switch 60 and the open holding means 30 are electrically connected.

  The first electrical contact 71, the second electrical contact 72, and the control unit 74 are provided at a position behind the back plate 22 of the drawers 40 and 50 (a position that is not visible even when the drawers 40 and 50 are opened). It does not detract from aesthetics.

  In a configuration in which a handle is provided on the door 21 of each of the drawers 40 and 50, the detection unit 61 of the start switch 60 may be provided on the handle. Since the start switch 60 can be designed as a handle, the design is excellent. Further, when the drawers 40 and 50 are opened, the opening assist of the drawers 40 and 50 is activated from the moment when the handle is put on the handle, so that the drawer opening assist force can be obtained by a natural operation.

  Further, the start switch 60 may have a configuration in which a control unit 74 is integrally provided on the back side of the push button type detection unit 61.

  The embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to them, and various modifications are possible based on the technical idea of the present invention.

  1, 2 cabinet, 10 fixed frame body, 21 door, 30 opening assist means, 31 extrusion unit, 40, 50 drawer, 60 start switch, 61 detection unit, 70 electrical connection unit, 71 .., First electrical contact, 72, second electrical contact, 74, control unit, 80, power supply unit

Claims (4)

A fixed frame,
A drawer movably provided on the fixed frame,
Opening assisting means provided on the fixed frame body and assisting opening of the drawer, the opening assisting means having an extruding portion for pushing out the drawer from the fixed frame body,
A start switch having a detection unit exposed outside the cabinet;
A power supply unit for supplying power to the opening assist means;
Only when the drawer is closed, electrical connection means for electrically connecting the detection unit and the opening assist means,
With
The cabinet, wherein the opening assisting unit electrically connected to the detection unit through the electric connection unit is activated by an operation of the detection unit. The detection unit is provided on the drawer door,
The electrical connection means has a first electrical contact provided on a back surface of the drawer, and a second electrical contact provided on a front surface of the fixed frame body facing the first electrical contact. And
The cabinet according to claim 1, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are connected or separated from each other in conjunction with opening and closing of the drawer.   The cabinet according to claim 2, wherein the rear surface of the drawer provided with the first electrical contact is a rear surface of the door of the drawer.   4. The cabinet according to claim 2, wherein the electrical connection unit includes a unit that assists the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact to apply a force in a direction approaching each other. 5.

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