CONNECTING ASSEMBLY, DRAWER CONNECTING DEVICE, AND DRAWER

Abstract

The disclosure relates to the field of panel connection technology and particularly discloses a connecting assembly, a drawer connecting device, and a drawer. Herein, the connecting assembly comprises the base plate, the rotatable latch, and the elastic component. The rotatable latch is connected to the base plate and rotatable about the first axis to enter the unlocking or locking state. The rotatable latch is provided with the slot that has an opening at one end. When the insert is inserted into the connecting assembly in the first direction, the lock component of the insert can be engaged into the slot through the opening, allowing the rotatable latch and the insert to form the locking state. Furthermore, the insert and the rotatable latch can remain in the locking state in which the insert cannot be withdrawn from the rotatable latch. The disclosure has a simple structure, and is safe and reliable.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202510243656.4 filed on Mar. 3, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to the field of panel connection technology, more particularly to a connecting assembly, a drawer connecting device, and a drawer.

BACKGROUND

Panels are connected usually by connectors. For example, during assembly of a drawer, connectors are utilized to connect the side panel of the drawer with the front panel. It not only facilitates the assembly of the front panel and the side panel, but also allows convenient positional adjustment between the side panel and the front panel to enable adjustment of their relative positions. Typically, a connector comprises a connecting assembly connected to one of the panels and an insert connected to another one of the panels. The insert and the connecting assembly can cooperate to achieve the assembly between the panels.

However, existing connectors with complicated structures have complex mounting procedures, which require additional screws or other locking members for positioning and fastening and are laborious and time-consuming. Moreover, the locking force between the panels connected by the connector is insufficient. In such a case, once one of the panels is pulled, the latch element or lock element of the connector may be displaced, thereby leading to panel looseness or even separation between panels and affecting user experience. For example, Chinese Patent Publication CN107684259A, titled “Connecting Adjustment Device for Panel of Drawer and Drawer”, provides a connector, wherein the front connecting portion and the rotatable latch of the adjuster need to be locked by a thumb screw after being engaged, to prevent loosening between the front connecting portion and the rotatable latch and thus ensure that the drawer front panel does not easily become loose. It has complicated structures and complex assembly processes.

SUMMARY

The disclosure is to provide a connecting assembly, a drawer connecting device, and a drawer, to solve the technical problem of complex mounting procedures of existing connectors.

In order to achieve the above goal, the first aspect of the disclosure provides a connecting assembly, for coordination with an insert which is provided with a lock component, to connect a side panel with a front panel, the connecting assembly comprises:

• • a base plate;
  • a rotatable latch that is rotatably connected to the base plate, rotatable about a first axis to an unlocking or a locking state, and provided with a slot having an opening at one end; and
  • an elastic component having one end connected to the rotatable latch and another end connected to the base plate;
  • wherein, during insertion of the insert into the connecting assembly in the first direction, the lock component is engaged into the slot through the opening such that the rotatable latch and the insert form the locking state; and
  • in the locking state, an angle θ between a first reference line, which is defined by a line passing through a center of the lock component and extending in the first direction, and a first connecting line, which is defined by a line passing through the center of the lock component and perpendicularly intersecting the first axis, satisfies 0°≤θ≤θ_k, wherein θ_k refers to a critical angle where the rotatable latch and the insert remain in the locking state and the insert cannot be withdrawn from the rotatable latch.

In some preferred embodiments, in the locking state of the rotatable latch, the elastic component may exert a force on the rotatable latch to rotate the rotatable latch in the locking direction;

In the unlocking state of the rotatable latch, the elastic component may exert a force on the rotatable latch to rotate the rotatable latch in the unlocking direction, or, the elastic component may exert a force on the rotatable latch in a direction towards the first axis.

In some preferred embodiments, the slot may have a first inner wall and a second inner wall that are arranged opposite to each other, the second inner wall may be disposed closer to the first axis than the first inner wall; during insertion of the insert into the connecting assembly in the first direction, the lock component may push the rotatable latch, along the second inner wall, to rotate in the locking direction, and in the locking state, the first inner wall may abut against the lock component.

In some preferred embodiments, in the locking state, an abutting segment may be defined as a portion of the first inner wall which can abut against the lock component, a second reference line may be defined as a line extending in a direction opposite to the first direction and intersecting the first axis, and an angle α between a tangent line at any point of the abutting segment and the second reference line may satisfy 50°≤α≤90°.

In some preferred embodiments, an end of the slot away from the opening may be closed, the first inner wall may extend in a direction from the end of the slot that is closed, to the opening;

• • an abutting segment may be defined as a portion of the first inner wall that can abut against the lock component in the locking state, and in the direction in which the first inner wall extends, a distance between the abutting segment and the first axis may gradually increase; or
  • in the direction in which the first inner wall extends, a distance between the abutting segment and the first axis may be constant.

In some preferred embodiments, the abutting segment may be an arc-shaped wall or a plane wall.

In some preferred embodiments, the abutting segment may be an arc-shaped wall having a center deviated from the first axis.

In some preferred embodiments, an end of the slot away from the opening may be closed, the second inner wall may extend in a direction from the end of the slot that is closed, to the opening;

The second inner wall may be a straight line extending obliquely, and in the direction in which the second inner wall extends, a distance between the second inner wall and the first axis may gradually increase.

In some preferred embodiments, the rotatable latch may be provided with a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface; the base plate may be provided with a first stop surface and a second stop surface;

• • wherein the rotatable latch may be rotated to enter the unlocking state once the first limiting surface abuts against the first stop surface; and
  • the rotatable latch may be rotated to enter the locking state once the second limiting surface abuts against the second stop surface.

In some preferred embodiments, it may further comprise a limiting portion, which is provided with a groove for limiting the insert that is inserted in the first direction.

In some preferred embodiments, a center of the lock component may lie on a central line of the groove when the insert is inserted into the connecting assembly in the first direction.

In some preferred embodiments, it may further comprise a fixed plate and a first adjusting member; wherein the base plate is slidably connected to the fixed plate in the second direction, the first adjusting member is connected to both the fixed plate and the base plate, and the first adjusting member is configured to adjust a relative position between the base plate and the fixed plate in the second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

In order to achieve a same goal, the disclosure further provides a drawer connecting device, which comprises the insert and the abovementioned connecting assembly, wherein the insert is configured to connect the front panel, and the connecting assembly is configured to connect the side panel.

In some preferred embodiments, it may further comprise a second adjusting member; wherein the second adjusting member may be disposed on the insert, to adjust a relative position between the insert and the base plate in the third direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be perpendicular to each other in pairs.

In order to achieve a same goal, the disclosure further provides a drawer, which comprises the side panel, the front panel, and the abovementioned drawer connecting device; wherein the front panel is connected to the insert, and the side panel is connected to the connecting assembly.

The connecting assembly, the drawer connecting device, and the drawer according to the disclosure have advantages as follows. The connecting assembly of the disclosure has a simple structure, and is safe and reliable and is easy to mount. When the insert is inserted into the connecting assembly in the first direction, the lock component can be engaged into the slot through the opening, allowing the rotatable latch and the insert to form the locking state and achieve self-locking. In the locking state, a line passing through the center of the lock component and extending in the first direction is defined as the first reference line, a line passing through the center of the lock component and perpendicularly intersecting the first axis is defined as the first connecting line. The angle θ between the first connecting line and the first reference line satisfies 0°≤θ≤θ_k, wherein θ_k refers to the critical angle that enables the rotatable latch and the insert to remain in the locking state and the insert cannot be withdrawn from the rotatable latch. If such relationship is satisfied, when the insert is pulled in a direction opposite to the first direction, the force exerted on the rotatable latch in the rotational direction by the insert is relatively small and insufficient to drive the rotatable latch to rotate in the unlocking direction. Consequently, without the need for bolts or other fastening members for fastening, the insert and the rotatable latch can remain in the locking state and the insert cannot be pulled out from the slot.

When the connecting assembly is used in the assembly of the drawer, the insert is connected to the front panel, and the connecting assembly is connected to the side panel. The rotatable latch and the insert can be utilized to lock the side panel and the front panel, preventing relative displacement between them. This ensures that when the front panel is pulled, no looseness occurs between the front panel and the side panel, thereby preventing the front panel from separating from the side panel. In this way, user experience can be enhanced, and a safe and reliable operation of the drawer can be ensured.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be explained in the following description, or apparent from the following description, or conceivable through practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a structural schematic view of a drawer of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the area A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a structural schematic view of a connecting assembly of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a connecting assembly and an insert of the disclosure being fitted together;

FIG. 5 is an exploded schematic view of a drawer connecting device of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a connecting assembly and an insert of the disclosure being in an unlocking state;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a connecting assembly and an insert of the disclosure being in a type of locking state;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the area B in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a connecting assembly and an insert of the disclosure being in a further type of locking state;

FIG. 10 is a structural schematic view of a rotatable latch of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a structural schematic view of a first adjusting pin of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating an angle θ between a first connecting line and a first reference line of the disclosure being greater than 0;

In the drawings, 10. front panel; 20. side panel; 30. drawer connecting device;

• • 100. insert; 110. lock component;
  • 200. connecting assembly; 210. base plate; 211. limiting portion; 2111. first wall; 2112. second wall; 2113. groove; 2114. third wall; 2115. fourth wall; 2116. access hole; 212. rotary shaft; 213. first stop surface; 214. second stop surface; 220. elastic component; 221. spring body; 222. first torque arm; 223. second torque arm; 230. rotatable latch; 231. slot; 232. opening; 233. first inner wall; 233a. abutting segment; 233b. guiding segment; 234. second inner wall; 235. first limiting surface; 236. second limiting surface; 237. unlocking slot; 240. fixed plate; 241. adjusting slot; 242. snap fit; 300. first adjusting member; 310. first adjusting pin; 311. protruding portion; 400. second adjusting member; 410. second adjusting pin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in detail, and some examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals used through the text refer to the same or similar elements or the elements with the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are illustrative and for purposes of explanation rather than limitation.

It should be understood that the terms, such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, and “right” as used in the description herein to illustrate position and orientation, refer to position and orientation relationships as shown in the drawings for convenience of description and for the purpose of simplicity. They are not intended to indicate or hint a limitation in terms of specific orientation or configuration and operation with specific orientation to the described device or element, and should not be regarded as a limitation to the present disclosure.

In the description herein, the term “several” refers to one or more, the term “plurality” refers to two or more, the terms such as “greater than”, “less than”, and “exceed” are regarded as excluding the number itself, and the terms such as “above”, “below”, and “within” are regarded as including the number itself. The terms “first” and “second”, if used herein, are intended to distinguish the elements from one another and are not intended to indicate or hint relative importance or imply the quantity of elements or imply the precedence relationship of elements.

Unless defined otherwise, the terms such as “dispose”, “mount” and “connect” used herein are intended to have meanings commonly understood in a broad sense. The particular meanings of the terms used herein can be reasonably determined by those skilled in the art in accordance with specific conditions of the technical solutions.

Referring to FIGS. 1-12, the first direction refers to the direction X, and the first direction X indicates the rearward direction of the drawer; the second direction refers to the direction Y, and the second direction Y indicates the upward direction of the drawer; the third direction refers to the direction Z, and the third direction Z indicates the rightward direction of the drawer; the unlocking direction refers to the direction Q, the locking direction refers to the direction S; the first axis is indicated by U, the first reference line is indicated by V, the second reference line is indicated by H, the third reference line is indicated by J, the first connecting line is indicated by W, and the central line of the groove 2113 is indicated by P. Herein, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other in pairs.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a drawer according to an embodiment of the disclosure comprises the front panel 10, the side panel 20 and the drawer connecting device 30, and the drawer connecting device 30 comprises the insert 100 and the connecting assembly 200.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the connecting assembly 200 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can coordinate with the insert 100 to achieve the connection between the side panel 20 and the front panel 10. The insert 100 is connected to the front panel 10, and the connecting assembly 200 is connected to the side panel 20. Herein, the insert 100 includes the lock component 110, and the connecting assembly 200 comprises the base plate 210, the rotatable latch 230, and the elastic component 220.

Referring to FIGS. 3-9, the rotatable latch 230 is connected to the base plate 210 and is rotatable about the first axis U to enter an unlocking state or a locking state. The rotatable latch 230 is provided with the slot 231, one end of the slot 231 is provided with the opening 232 and the other end is closed. The slot 231 has the first inner wall 233 and the second inner wall 234 opposite to each other, and the second inner wall 234 is disposed closer to the first axis U than the first inner wall 233. The rotatable latch 230 is rotatably connected to the base plate 210 via the rotary shaft 212. Herein, the first axis U indicates the central line of the rotary shaft 212, and the rotatable latch 230 can be rotated about the first axis U to enter the unlocking state or the locking state. The direction in which the rotatable latch 230 is rotated about the first axis U to enter the unlocking state is the unlocking direction Q, and the direction opposite to the unlocking direction Q is the locking direction S.

The elastic component 220 has one end connected with the rotatable latch 230 and another end connected with the base plate 210. The elastic component 220 serves to provide an elastic force to the rotatable latch 230, so as to drive the rotatable latch 230 to rotate in the unlocking direction Q or the locking direction S.

Accordingly, when the insert 100 is inserted into the connecting assembly 200 in the first direction X, the lock component 110 can push the rotary latch 230, along the second inner wall 234, to rotate in the locking direction S. In such a case, the lock component 110 can be engaged into the slot 231 through the opening 232, allowing the rotatable latch 230 and the insert 100 to form the locking state and achieve self-locking. The locking state refers to a condition where the insert 100 cannot be pulled out from the rotatable latch 230 when it is pulled in the direction opposite to the first direction X.

The rotary shaft 212 (or the first axis U) is positioned in front of the slot 231 in the first direction X. Furthermore, in the unlocking state, the opening 232 is obliquely opposite to the first direction X, to facilitate the insertion of the insert 100.

The connecting assembly 200 according to the embodiments of the disclosure has a simple structure, and is safe and reliable and is easy to mount. Referring to FIGS. 6-9 and 12, in some embodiments, the first direction X indicates the insertion direction, and the opposite direction of the first direction X indicates the withdrawal direction. In the locking state, a line passing through the center of the lock component 110 and extending in the first direction X is defined as the first reference line V. In other words, the first reference line V is parallel with the first direction X and passes through the center of the lock component 110. A line that passes through the center of the lock component 110 and perpendicularly intersects the first axis U is defined as the first connecting line W. The first reference line V and the first connecting line W lie in the same plane parallel with the first direction X. The angle between the first connecting line W and the first reference line V is indicated by θ, where 0°≤θ≤θ_k. θ_k refers to the critical angle that enables the rotatable latch and the insert to remain in the locking state, such that the insert cannot be withdrawn from the rotatable latch. In such a case that θ satisfies the said relationship, the lock component 110 and the rotary shaft 212 are substantially arranged behind one another along the first direction X, the force M exerted on the rotatable latch 230 in the rotational direction by the insert 100 is relatively small and insufficient to overcome the inertia of the rotatable latch 230 and/or the elastic force exerted on the rotatable latch 230 by the elastic component 220, thereby failing to drive the rotatable latch 230 to rotate in the unlocking direction Q. Consequently, without the need for bolts or other fastening members for fastening, the insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230 can remain in the locking state and the insert 100 cannot be withdrawn in the withdrawal direction. The angle θ between the first connecting line W and the first reference line V is preferably not so large. The closer θ is to 0°, the smaller the force M exerted on the rotatable latch 230 in the rotational direction by the insert 100 becomes, and the easier it is to maintain the locking state of the insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230. Preferably, θ=0°, and the first connecting line W coincides with the first reference line V. In such a case, the locking state of the insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230 is the most stable. It should be noted that, even when the first connecting line W does not coincide with the first reference line V, the locking state of the insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230 can still be maintained and the insert 100 cannot be withdrawn from the rotatable latch 230 under the action of the elastic force exerted on the rotatable latch 230 by the elastic component 220 or under the action of the inertia of the rotatable latch 230 itself. In such cases, θ_k is relatively small and typically does not exceed 15°. As shown in FIG. 12, the θ in FIG. 12 is greater than 0° but less than 15°. In such a case, the rotatable latch 230 and the elastic component 220 can cooperate to keep the insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230 in the locking state.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the insert 100 is connected to the front panel 10, the connecting assembly 200 is connected to the side panel 20, and the front panel 10 is inserted into the side panel 20 in the first direction X, such that the insert 100 is inserted into the connecting assembly 200 in the first direction X. In such a case, the lock component 110 pushes the rotatable latch 230, along the second inner wall 234, to rotate in the locking direction S, such that the lock component 110 slides in the slot 231 until the front panel 10 abuts against the side panel 20. Under the action of the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 abutting against each other, the lock component 110 of the insert 100 abuts against the first inner wall 233, thereby enabling the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 to form the locking state. By using the rotatable latch 230 and the insert 100 to securely lock the side panel 20 and the front panel 10, the relative displacement between the side panel 20 and the front panel 10 can be avoided, ensuring that the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 will not become loose when the front panel 10 is pulled by a user, and thus preventing the front panel 10 from separating from the side panel 20. In this way, user's experience can be enhanced, and safe and reliable use of the drawer can be ensured.

Referring to FIGS. 6-10, in some embodiments of the disclosure, when the lock component 110 is engaged in the slot 231 through the opening 232, the lock component 110 can push the rotatable latch 230, along the second inner wall 234, to rotate in the locking direction until the rotatable latch 230 enters the locking state. The second inner wall 234 extends from the closed end of the slot 231 towards the opening 232. The second inner wall 234 is a straight line extending obliquely, and the distance between the second inner wall 234 and the first axis U gradually increases in the extending direction of the second inner wall 234. Consequently, when the lock component 110 acts on the second inner wall 234, the second inner wall 234 has a guiding effect on the lock component 110, thereby making it easier for the lock component 110 to push the rotatable latch 230 to rotate.

In further embodiments, the second inner wall 234 extends beyond the first inner wall 233 on the outer side of the opening 232 to form an extension portion. In the unlocking state, the extension portion faces the first direction X, and preferably the length of the extension portion is greater than the diameter of the lock component 110. This ensures that, when the insert 100 is inserted into the connecting assembly 200, the lock component 110 can directly act on the extension portion of the second inner wall 234, so as to push the rotatable latch 230 to rotate.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the first inner wall 233 has the guiding segment 233b and the abutting segment 233a. The guiding segment 233b has one end connected to the abutting segment 233a, and the other end extending to the opening 232. The guiding segment 233b is a straight line extending obliquely, and the distance between the guiding segment 233b and the first axis U gradually increases in the direction away from the abutting segment 233a, thereby facilitating smooth entry of the lock component 110 into the opening 232.

In the locking state, the abutting segment 233a abuts against the insert 100 and is fixed relative to the insert 100. In particular, when the insert 100 is pulled in the withdrawal direction, the lock component 110 of the insert 100 abuts against the abutting segment 233a. A line that extends in the withdrawal direction (which is opposite to the first direction X) and intersects the first axis U is defined as the second reference line H. In other words, the second reference line H is parallel with the first direction X and intersects the first axis U. In the locking state, the angle between the tangent line at any point of the abutting segment 233a and the second reference line H is indicated by α, where 50°≤α≤90°. In such a case, when the front panel 10 is pulled in the locking state such that the insert 100 is pulled in the direction opposite to the first direction X, the abutting segment 233a can abut against the lock component 110 and be fixed relative to the lock component 110, thereby forming a state of force balance between the rotatable latch 230 and the insert 100, or among the three of the rotatable latch 230, the insert 100, and the elastic component 220, and preventing the rotatable latch 230 from being rotated. In this way, the locking state of the rotatable latch 230 and the insert 100 can be well maintained.

The closer the angle α is to 90°, the closer the force M exerted on the rotatable latch 230 in the rotational direction by the insert 100 is to 0. Consequently, without the action of the elastic component 220, the state of force balance between the rotatable latch 230 and the insert 100 can be constituted, such that the rotatable latch 230 cannot be rotated in the unlocking direction Q and the lock component 110 cannot be withdrawn from the slot 231.

When the insert 100 is pulled, the elastic force of the elastic component 220 can be utilized to counteract the force M transmitted to the rotatable latch 230 in the rotational direction by the insert 100, thereby maintaining the locking state of the rotatable latch 230. In particular, when the rotatable latch 230 is in the locking state, the elastic component 220 exerts the elastic force F on the rotatable latch 230, for driving it to rotate in the locking direction S. Such elastic force F can counteract the force M that is transmitted to the rotatable latch 230 to drive it to rotate in the unlocking direction Q by the insert 100. Consequently, the rotatable latch 230 will not be rotated when the insert 100 is pulled, ensuring that the front panel 10 will not become loose when it is pulled, and thus preventing the front panel 10 from separating from the side panel 20. In this way, user's experience can be enhanced, and safe and reliable use of the drawer can be ensured.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, referring to FIGS. 6-10, the first inner wall 233 extends from the closed end of the slot 231 towards the opening 232. In the extending direction of the first inner wall 233, the distance between the abutting segment 233a and the first axis U remains constant, or alternatively gradually increases.

If the distance between the abutting segment 233a and the first axis U remains constant, the abutting segment 233a may have a shape of an arc with the first axis U as its center.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, if the distance between the abutting segment 233a and the first axis U gradually increases, a compensation distance L may be provided to facilitate the adjustment of the assembly clearance between the insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, during assembly of the drawer, the assembly clearance particularly allows the adjustment of the distance between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20, enabling the compensation for the machining or assembly tolerance between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20, and achieving a tighter connection between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 and a smaller gap between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20. In particular, when the rotatable latch 230 is rotated in the locking direction S, the distance between the contact point, between the insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230, and the first axis U is gradually decreased, such that the insert 100 gradually gets closer to the first axis U and the front panel 10 and side panel 20 which are accordingly connected gradually get closer to each other, thereby reducing the clearance between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 to be connected to eliminate the fitting error. Referring to FIGS. 7-8, in such a case that the assembly clearance between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 that need to be connected is relatively small, the lock component 110 may be moved to the middle portion of the slot 231 or the front portion near the opening 232 to achieve the connection and firm locking of the front panel 10 and the side panel 20. As shown in FIG. 9, in such a case that the assembly clearance between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 that need to be connected is relatively large, the lock component 110 may need to be moved to the middle or rear portion of the slot 231, or the closed end, to achieve the firm locking of the front panel 10 and the side panel 20.

Referring to FIG. 10, the minimum distance between the abutting segment 233a and the first axis U is indicated by L₁, the maximum distance is indicated by L₂, and the compensation distance L=L₂−L₁, where 1.5 mm≤L≤4 mm. If L is less than 1.5 mm, it does not allow the adjustment of the assembly tolerance between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 of the drawer; If L is greater than 4 mm, the rotatable latch 230 will have a relatively large size and thus greater weight. In such a case, the load on the elastic component 220 is increased, which may affect the service life of the elastic component 220 and make the structural arrangement inappropriate. If it satisfies 1.5 mm≤L≤4 mm, it can compensate the assembly tolerance between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 without increasing the load on the elastic component 220. Preferably, 2 mm≤L≤3 mm.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the abutting segment 233a may be an arc-shaped wall or a plane wall. If the abutting segment 233a is an arc-shaped wall with the distance from the first axis U gradually increasing, the trajectory of the abutting segment 233a may be an asymptotic trajectory, an involute trajectory, a circular arc trajectory, or an Archimedean spiral trajectory. Various trajectories may be used depending on the actual situation.

Referring to FIGS. 3-10, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the abutting segment 233a is preferably an arc-shaped wall that has an arc trajectory, and the center of this arc-shaped wall is deviated from the first axis U and positioned away from the first axis U. With such arrangement, the distance between the abutting segment 233a and the first axis U gradually increases in the direction toward the opening 232. When the rotatable latch 230 is rotated in the unlocking direction Q, the connecting point between the insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230 gradually gets closer to the first axis U, and thus the distance between the insert 100 and the first axis U is reduced. As a result, the gap between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 can be decreased, and the fitting error can be eliminated. In this way, the assembly gap between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 can be adjusted.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the locking direction S refers to the clockwise direction. In the case that the abutting segment 233a is an arc-shaped wall, the center of the abutting segment 233a is located below the first reference line V, and thus the distance between the abutting segment 233a and the first axis U gradually increases in the extending direction of the first inner wall 233. In addition, during the rotation of the rotatable latch 230, the abutting segment 233a has an eccentric circular trajectory. As the center of the abutting segment 233a is located below the first reference line V, it can ensure that the angle α between the tangent line at any point of the abutting segment 233a and the second reference line H satisfies 50°≤α≤90° during the rotation of the abutting segment 233a. Hence, when any point of the abutting segment 233a abuts against the lock component 110, the insert 100 can be locked and prevented from disengaging from the opening 232 of the rotatable latch 230, thereby maintaining the locking state and preventing loosening between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 of the drawer.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the unlocking state of the rotatable latch 230, the elastic component 220 in some embodiments of the disclosure has a first force application state and a second force application state. In practical use, it may be configured by selecting one of the two force application states.

The first force application state is illustrated as follows. When the rotatable latch 230 is rotated to enter the unlocking state, the force exerted on the rotatable latch 230 by the elastic component 220 is applied in the direction towards the first axis U. In other words, the force exerted on the rotatable latch 230 by the elastic component 220 goes through the first axis U. That is, the elastic component 220 applies the force in the direction perpendicularly intersects the first axis U. In such a case, the elastic component 220 cannot apply any torque force to the rotatable latch 230 in any direction. Consequently, the rotatable latch 230 is in the state of rotational balance, and the rotatable latch 230 can remain in the unlocking state in the absence of any other external forces.

The second force application state is illustrated as follows. Referring to FIG. 6, when the rotatable latch 230 is rotated to enter the unlocking state, the elastic component 220 exerts a force on the rotatable latch 230, for driving it to rotate in the unlocking direction Q. That is, the force exerted on the rotatable latch 230 by the elastic component 220 in such a case causes the rotatable latch 230 to tend to rotate in the unlocking direction Q. Thus, it is necessary to provide a component for limiting the rotation of the rotatable latch 230, to prevent the rotatable latch 230 from running over the unlocking state, and keep the rotatable latch 230 in the unlocking position.

Herein, referring to FIG. 6, when the insert 100 is inserted into the rotatable latch 230 along the first direction X, the insert 100 pushes the rotatable latch 230 via the second inner wall 234 to rotate in the locking direction S, so as to overcome the torsion force exerted on the rotatable latch 230 by the elastic component 220 and cause both the elastic component 220 and the rotatable latch 230 to rotate together in the locking direction S. As the elastic component 220 and the rotatable latch 230 rotate a certain angle in the locking direction S, the direction of the force exerted on the rotatable latch 230 by the elastic component 220 changes, and the rotatable latch 230 is pushed to rotate in the locking direction S. Further in cooperation with the first inner wall 233, the distance between the insert 100 and the first axis U can be gradually reduced, such that the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 can gradually get closer and thus the fit clearance can be reduced.

It should be noted that the elastic component 220 may be an element, such as a torsional spring, an extension spring, or a compression spring, which is elastically deformable to provide an elastic force. In particular, referring to FIGS. 3-7 and 9, the elastic component 220 in some embodiments is a torsional spring which can assist in the movement of the rotatable latch 230 and enable the rotatable latch 230 to remain in the locking state or the unlocking state. The torsional spring comprises the spring body 221, the first torque arm 222, and the second torque arm 223. Both the first torque arm 222 and the second torque arm 223 are connected to the spring body 221, the first torque arm 222 is connected to the base plate 210, and the second torque arm 223 is connected to the rotatable latch 230.

Herein, the perpendicular line connecting the connecting point between the first torque arm 222 and the base plate 210 with the first axis U is defined as the third reference line J. Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, the right side of the third reference line J is the locking side, and the left side of the third reference line J is the unlocking side. In FIGS. 7 and 9, the connecting point between the second torque arm 223 and the rotatable latch 230 lies on the locking side of the third reference line J, and the elastic component 220 provides a force to rotate the rotatable latch 230 in the locking direction S. In FIG. 6, the connecting point of the second torque arm 223 and the rotatable latch 230 lies on the unlocking side of the third reference line J, and the elastic component 220 provides a force to rotate the rotatable latch 230 in the unlocking direction Q.

In the unlocking state, when the elastic component 220 is in the aforementioned first force application state, as the force exerted on the rotatable latch 230 by the elastic component 220 is applied in the direction towards the first axis U, the connecting point between the second torque arm 223 and the rotatable latch 230 lies on the third reference line J, enabling the rotatable latch 230 to achieve a rotational balance state. When the insert 100 is inserted into the slot 231 in the first direction X, it pushes the rotatable latch 230, causing the connecting point between the second torque arm 223 and the rotatable latch 230 to rotate in the locking direction S and move to the locking side of the third reference line J. Consequently, the elastic component 220 can exert a force on the rotatable latch 230, for rotating it in the locking direction S. In cooperation with the insert 100 together, it achieves the rotation of the rotatable latch 230 in the locking direction S.

In the unlocking state as shown in FIG. 6, when the elastic component 220 is in the aforementioned second force application state, it exerts a force on the rotatable latch 230, for rotating it in the unlocking direction Q. Consequently, the connecting point between the rotatable latch 230 and the second torque arm 223 lies on the unlocking side of the third reference line J, driving the rotatable latch 230 to rotate in the unlocking direction Q. When the insert 100 is inserted into the slot 231 in the first direction X, it pushes the rotatable latch 230 to rotate, causing the connecting point between the second torque arm 223 and the rotatable latch 230 to rotate in the locking direction S and cross the third reference line J to the locking side of the third reference line J. Thus, the direction of the force exerted on the rotatable latch 230 by the elastic component 220 changes. Consequently, the elastic component 220 can exert a force on the rotatable latch 230, for rotating it in the locking direction S. In cooperation with the insert 100 together, it achieves the rotation of the rotatable latch 230 in the locking direction S.

Referring to FIGS. 3-9, the rotatable latch 230 in some embodiments of the disclosure is provided with the first limiting surface 235 and the second limiting surface 236. The base plate 210 is provided with the first stop surface 213 and the second stop surface 214. When the first limiting surface 235 abuts against the first stop surface 213, the rotatable latch 230 is rotated to the unlocking state; When the second limiting surface 236 abuts against the second stop surface 214, the rotatable latch 230 is rotated to the locking state. In other words, the first stop surface 213 and the second stop surface 214 are utilized to limit the rotation angle of the rotatable latch 230, ensuring that the rotatable latch 230 which is rotated to the unlocking state or the locking state will not overshoot, thereby facilitating subsequent unlocking or locking operations. It should be noted that the rotatable latch 230 can be in the locking state even when the second limiting surface 236 does not abut against the second stop surface 214, as shown in FIG. 7. In such a case, the rotatable latch 230 and the lock component 110 can be locked to prevent loosening between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 when the front panel 10 is pulled.

It should be noted that, referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the rotatable latch 230 in some embodiments is provided with the unlocking slot 237, to facilitate subsequent unlocking of the rotatable latch 230. This allows a user to insert a screwdriver into the unlocking slot 237 and drive the rotatable latch 230 to rotate by using the screwdriver, thereby achieving the purpose of unlocking or locking. The unlocking slot 237 is preferably a cross slot or a straight slot. Preferably, the unlocking slot 237 may be located between the connecting point of the elastic component 220 and the rotatable latch 230, and the slot 231, and furthermore, the connecting point of the elastic component 220 and the rotatable latch 230, the unlocking slot 237, and the slot 231 are all positioned on or slightly offset from the trajectory of the unlocking slot 237 rotating about the first axis U. Consequently, the force required to drive the rotatable latch 230 to rotate in the unlocking direction or the locking direction can be reduced, and the forces exerted on the rotatable latch 230 by the elastic component 220, the insert 100, and the screwdriver can be reduced.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, referring to FIGS. 3-9, the connecting assembly 200 further comprises the limiting portion 211. The limiting portion 211 can be fixedly provided on the base plate 210 or fixedly provided on the side panel. The limiting portion 211 is provided with the groove 2113 for limiting the insert 100 that is inserted in the first direction X. The width of the groove 2113 in the second direction Y fits the width of the insert 100, so as to facilitate the insertion of the insert 100 into the connecting assembly 200 in the first direction X. Once the insert 100 is inserted into the groove 2113, it cannot move in the second direction Y and can only move in the first direction X or the third direction Z, thereby ensuring that the insert 100 is inserted or withdrawn in a fixed direction and reducing waggle.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, the limiting portion 211 in some embodiments of the disclosure comprises the first wall 2111 and the second wall 2112, which are arranged opposite each other and extend in the first direction X. The groove 2113 for allowing insertion of the insert 100 is defined between the first wall 2111 and the second wall 2112. The first wall 2111 and the second wall 2112 are arranged opposite each other along the second direction Y, to limit the insertion of the insert 100 in the first direction X.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, in some embodiments of the disclosure, when the insert 100 is inserted into the groove 2113 in the first direction X, the center of the lock component 110 lies on the central line P of the groove 2113. The insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230 of such configuration are easy to manufacture and have smaller machining error. In this way, the assembly accuracy between the insert 100 and the connecting assembly 200 can be improved. Preferably, both the center of the rotary shaft 212 and the center of the lock component 110 lie on the central line P of the groove 2113, as shown in FIGS. 6-9, such that the lines P, V, and H coincide with each other.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 11, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the connecting assembly 200 further comprises the fixed plate 240 and the first adjusting member 300. The base plate 210 is slidably connected to the fixed plate 240 in the second direction Y. The first adjusting member 300 is connected to both the fixed plate 240 and the base plate 210, and allows the adjustment of the relative position between the base plate 210 and the fixed plate 240. The fixed plate 240 is connected to the side panel 20, which means that the first adjusting member 300 allows the adjustment of the relative position between the base plate 210 and the fixed plate 240, thereby enabling the adjustment of the positions of the connecting assembly 200 and the side panel 20 in the second direction Y by the first adjusting member 300.

In particular, referring to FIGS. 5 and 11, the fixed plate 240 is provided with a plurality of adjusting slots 241. The first adjusting member 300 comprises the first adjusting pin 310. The first adjusting pin 310 is rotatably connected to the base plate 210. The first adjusting pin 310 is provided with the protruding portion 311 that is helical shaped. The plurality of adjusting slots 241 are sequentially arranged in the up and down direction. The protruding portion 311 can be disposed in the adjusting slots 241, such that, by rotating the first adjusting pin 310, the relative position between the fixed plate 240 and the base plate 210 in the second direction Y can be adjusted, and thus the positions of the connecting assembly 200 and the side panel in the second direction Y and further the relative height between the connecting assembly 200 and the insert 100 can be adjusted, to allow alignment of the insert 100 and the connecting assembly 200. In addition, the first adjusting member 300 may also employ other adjusting members, such as an eccentric rivet, to adjust the relative position between the base plate 210 and the fixed plate 240 in the second direction Y. Furthermore, the fixed plate 240 is provided with the snap fit 242, and the base plate 210 is slidably connected to the snap fit 242 such that it can slide in the second direction Y on the fixed plate 240.

Referring to FIGS. 4-9, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the drawer connecting device further comprises the second adjusting mechanism 400. The second adjusting mechanism 400 is disposed on the insert 100 and serves to adjust the relative position between the insert 100 and the base plate 210 in the third direction Z, thereby enabling adjustment of the relative position between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 in the left-right direction.

In particular, referring to FIGS. 4-9, the second adjusting mechanism 400 in the embodiment comprises the second adjusting pin 410. The insert 100 is provided with a threaded hole. The limiting portion 211 has the third wall 2114 and the fourth wall 2115 that are opposite each other and arranged in the third direction Z. Herein, the first wall 2111, the second wall 2112, the third wall, and the fourth wall together enclose the groove 2113. When the limiting portion 211 is disposed on the base plate 210, the base plate 210 can serve as the fourth wall 2115 of the limiting portion 211. The third wall 2114 is provided with the access hole 2116 that is arranged opposite to the second adjusting pin 410. The second adjusting pin 410 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole. The end of the second adjusting pin 410 away from the pin head is used to abut against the third wall 2114 and the fourth wall 2115 of the groove 2113. The second adjusting pin 410 which extends in the direction parallel to the third direction Z can pass through the access hole 2116 to rotate the second adjusting pin 410, so as to adjust the relative position between the side panel 20 and the front panel 10 in the left-right direction.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the third aspect of the disclosure provides a drawer, which comprises the side panel 20, the front panel 10, and the aforementioned drawer connecting device 30. The front panel 10 is connected to the insert 100, and the side panel 20 is connected to the connecting assembly 200. By coordination of the insert 100 and the connecting assembly 200, the connection between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 can be achieved.

In summary, referring to FIGS. 1-11, the working principle of the drawer, the drawer connecting device 30, and the connecting assembly 200 in the embodiment is explained as follows.

The insert 100 is connected to the front panel 10, and the connecting assembly 200 is connected to the side panel 20. During assembling of the front panel 10 and the side panel 20, the front panel 10 can be moved closer to the side panel 20 in the first direction X, to allow the insert 100 to align with the groove 2113 and to be inserted in the first direction X.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the insert 100 is ready to be inserted into the connecting assembly 200, the rotatable latch 230 is still in the unlocking state. At this moment, the elastic component 220 exerts a force on the rotatable latch 230 to rotate it in the unlocking direction Q. The lock component 110 pushes the rotatable latch 230, along the second inner wall 234, to rotate in the locking direction S. The connecting point between the elastic component 220 and the rotatable latch 230 rotates in the locking direction S, leading to a change in the direction of the force exerted by the elastic component 220 on the rotatable latch 230, thereby resulting in that the elastic component 220 exerts a force on the rotatable latch 230 to rotate it in the locking direction S and cooperates with the insert 100 to rotate the rotatable latch 230 in the locking direction S.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, when the front panel 10 abuts against the side panel 20, the lock component 110 is engaged into the slot 231 and abuts against the abutting segment 233a of the first inner wall 233 due to the abutment interaction between the front panel 10 and the side panel 20, such that the insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230 achieve self-locking and the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 form the locking state. In such a case, the elastic component 220 exerts a force on the rotatable latch 230 to rotate it in the locking direction S; due to the self-locking action of the insert 100 and the rotatable latch 230, the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 remain in the locking state, and the front panel 10 and the side panel 20 will not become loose when the front panel 10 is pulled.

When unlocking is required, a screwdriver can be inserted into the unlocking slot 237 and rotated to drive the rotatable latch 230 to rotate in the unlocking direction Q. When the rotatable latch 230 is rotated to a certain angle in the unlocking direction Q, the connecting point between the elastic component 220 and the rotatable latch 230 is rotated in the unlocking direction Q, leading to a change in the direction of the force exerted by the elastic component 220 on the rotatable latch 230, and resulting in that the elastic component 220 exerts a force on the rotatable latch 230 to rotate it in the unlocking direction Q, enabling the rotatable latch 230 to reach the unlocking state and remain in the unlocking state. At this moment, the insert 100 can be withdrawn from the rotatable latch 230, to allow separation of the front panel 10 and the side panel 20.

The connecting assembly 200 of the disclosure has a simple structure, and is safe and reliable and is easy to mount.

All the above are merely some preferred embodiments of the disclosure. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may obtain modifications and equivalents without departing from the technical principle of the disclosure. The disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A connecting assembly, for coordination with an insert which is provided with a lock component, to connect a side panel with a front panel, characterized in that, the connecting assembly comprises:

a base plate;

a rotatable latch that is rotatably connected to the base plate, rotatable about a first axis to an unlocking or a locking state, and provided with a slot having an opening at one end; and

an elastic component having one end connected to the rotatable latch and another end connected to the base plate;

wherein, during insertion of the insert into the connecting assembly in the first direction, the lock component is engaged into the slot through the opening such that the rotatable latch and the insert form the locking state; and

in the locking state, an angle θ between a first reference line, which is defined by a line passing through a center of the lock component and extending in the first direction, and a first connecting line, which is defined by a line passing through the center of the lock component and perpendicularly intersecting the first axis, satisfies 0°≤θ≤θk, wherein θk refers to a critical angle where the rotatable latch and the insert remain in the locking state and the insert cannot be withdrawn from the rotatable latch.

2. The connecting assembly according to claim 1, wherein, in the locking state of the rotatable latch, the elastic component exerts a force on the rotatable latch to rotate the rotatable latch in the locking direction; and

in the unlocking state of the rotatable latch, the elastic component exerts a force on the rotatable latch to rotate the rotatable latch in the unlocking direction, or, the elastic component exerts a force on the rotatable latch in a direction towards the first axis.

3. The connecting assembly according to claim 1, wherein

the slot has a first inner wall and a second inner wall that are arranged opposite to each other, the second inner wall is disposed closer to the first axis than the first inner wall; during insertion of the insert into the connecting assembly in the first direction, the lock component pushes the rotatable latch, along the second inner wall, to rotate in the locking direction, and in the locking state, the first inner wall abuts against the lock component.

4. The connecting assembly according to claim 3, wherein, in the locking state, an angle α between a tangent line at any point of an abutting segment which is defined as a portion of the first inner wall which allows abutment against the lock component, and a second reference line, which is defined as a line extending in a direction opposite to the first direction and intersecting the first axis, satisfies 50°≤α≤90°.

5. The connecting assembly according to claim 3, wherein an end of the slot away from the opening is closed, the first inner wall extends in a direction from the end of the slot that is closed, to the opening; and

in the direction in which the first inner wall extends, a distance between an abutting segment, which is defined as a portion of the first inner wall abuts against the lock component in the locking state, and the first axis, gradually increases; or

in the direction in which the first inner wall extends, a distance between the abutting segment and the first axis is constant.

6. The connecting assembly according to claim 5, wherein the abutting segment is an arc-shaped wall or a plane wall.

7. The connecting assembly according to claim 6, wherein the abutting segment is an arc-shaped wall having a center deviated from the first axis U.

8. The connecting assembly according to claim 3, wherein an end of the slot away from the opening is closed, the second inner wall extends in a direction from the end of the slot that is closed, to the opening; and

the second inner wall is a straight line extending obliquely, and in the direction in which the second inner wall extends, a distance between the second inner wall and the first axis gradually increases.

9. The connecting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable latch is provided with a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface; the base plate is provided with a first stop surface and a second stop surface;

the rotatable latch is rotated to enter the unlocking state once the first limiting surface abuts against the first stop surface; and

the rotatable latch is rotated to enter the locking state once the second limiting surface abuts against the second stop surface.

10. The connecting assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a limiting portion, which is provided with a groove for limiting the insert that is inserted in the first direction.

11. The connecting assembly according to claim 10, wherein a center of the lock component lies on a central line of the groove when the insert is inserted into the connecting assembly in the first direction X.

12. The connecting assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a fixed plate and a first adjusting member; wherein the base plate is slidably connected to the fixed plate in the second direction, the first adjusting member is connected to both the fixed plate and the base plate, and the first adjusting member is configured to adjust a relative position between the base plate and the fixed plate in the second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

13. A drawer connecting device, characterized by comprising the insert and the connecting assembly according to claim 1, the insert is configured to connect the front panel, and the connecting assembly is configured to connect the side panel.

14. The drawer connecting device according to claim 13, further comprising a second adjusting member; wherein the second adjusting member is disposed on the insert, to adjust a relative position between the insert and the base plate in the third direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other in pairs.

15. A drawer, characterized by comprising the side panel, the front panel, and the drawer connecting device according to claim 13; wherein the front panel is connected to the insert, and the side panel is connected to the connecting assembly.