Patent Description:
From the state of the art drawer units, in particular panels, are known, which are movable for an insertion into a cabinet. Moreover, snap-in connections or locking connections are also known to fix the drawer unit in cabinet. Such a drawer unit is known e.g. from the document <CIT>.

The objective of the invention is, in particular, to provide a fixing unit with improved characteristics regarding flexibility, construction and/or a fixation. The objective is achieved, according to the invention, by the features of claims <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, while advantageous implementations and further developments of the invention may be gathered from the dependent claims.

The invention is based on a fixing unit for fixing a movable unit in at least one guiding rail. It is proposed that the fixing unit is movable parallel to a move direction of the movable unit into a release position in order to release the movable unit from the guiding rail.

By means of the invention an enhanced flexibility, construction and/or a fixation can be achieved. In particular a flexible mechanism for fixing a movable unit can be achieved. Moreover, a compact embodiment can be achieved. This allows achieving a particularly flexible drawer system, in particular a cable management, without affecting other movable units and/or further movable units during movement of one movable unit and/or fixing the movable unit. Furthermore, a handling can be simplified as the fixing unit is intended for reversibly fixing the movable unit in at least one guiding rail. In addition, a comfort, in particular a user comfort, can be increased. Additionally, in turn of a fixing unit which is movable parallel to a move direction of the movable unit, a simple and efficient fixation and/or releasing can be provided. Due to the fixing unit which is movable parallel to the move direction, preferably at least two mechanism options for releasing the movable unit can be provided for the user, in particular pushing and pulling the fixing unit.

At least the fixing unit can be part of a moveable assembly. Further, the moveable assembly can comprise the movable unit, in particular which is embodied as a drawer unit. A drawer system is to be understood, in this context, as a modular construction system, which comprises a certain number of elements and units to provide a system with at least the moveable assembly. In particular, the drawer system comprises a base unit. Preferably, the base unit comprises at least the moveable assembly. In particular, the moveable unit is movable relative to the base unit and can be inserted and pulled out of the base unit. Particularly preferably, the movable unit is embodied as a drawer unit. For example, the drawer system can be part of a household system. The household system can comprise at least one item of household furniture and/or household appliance. "Household system" is to be understood in this connection as a system for use in a household environment and/or for use with household objects, which in particular comprises at least one, in particular at least one partially electronic, item of household furniture, such as for example a food store and/or a spice rack, a cutlery cabinet and/or a tableware cabinet, and/or at least one household appliance, for example a household refrigeration appliance and/or a wine cooler and/or a cooking appliance and/or a washing appliance, like a washing machine and/or a dishwasher. The base unit can be at least one of this said items of household furniture and/or household appliance or at least a part of it. Further, the drawer system, in particular at least base unit and/or the movable assembly, can be used for example in a pharmacy and/or in a workshop and/or in a doctor's office and/or in a medical practice and/or in a hospital. In particular, the drawer system, in particular the movable assembly, can be used wherever a drawer system, in particular a movable assembly, is needed.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention the drawer system is a cable management system. A "cable management system" is to be understood, in this context, as a modular construction system, which comprises a certain number of elements to build preferably in a modular way a unit or device which is configured to execute at least one function in at least one operational state. The cable management system is a system, preferably for use in a fiber optic network, in particular a data center. In particular, the cable management system is configured for terminating at least one cable and preferably a plurality of cables, in particular patch cables and/or for supporting an interconnection between a plurality of cables, in particular patch cables. Herein, the cable management system is preferably embodied as an optical distribution frame. Moreover, the cable management system may also comprise at least one cable, preferably optical waveguide cable. The drawer system can comprise at least one carrier unit, which may preferably be embodied as a rack and which is in particular configured for fastening the base unit at least indirectly and/or directly. Preferably, the base unit is embodied as a cable management unit. A "cable management unit" is to be understood, in this context, as a unit which is, in at least one operational state, configured for managing, in particular guiding, connecting, coupling, terminating and/or distributing, cables, in particular patch cables, in particular the plurality of cables, in particular the plurality of patch cables, preferably optical waveguide cables.

In particular, the base unit comprises at least one frame unit, in particular a chassis and/or an exterior housing, which can preferably be fastened to the carrier unit of the drawer system, in particular the cable management system, and which is configured to at least partly and preferably at least largely delimit at least one receiving space for receiving at least the moveable assembly and/or at least one further moveable assembly and preferably a plurality of moveable assemblies and/or further moveable assemblies, in particular at least two, preferably at least three and most preferably at least six moveable assemblies and/or further moveable assemblies. Preferably, the frame unit is an optical distribution frame unit.

Moreover, the base unit, in particular the cable management unit, could be embodied, for example, as an ETSI insert in particular with a standard width of <NUM>, as a <NUM>-inch insert and/or as any other insert, in particular for connecting to an, in particular standard, ETSI rack, <NUM>-inch rack and/or any other rack. However, the base unit is advantageously embodied as a <NUM>-inch insert, in particular for connecting to an, in particular standard, <NUM>-inch rack. Furthermore, the base unit is advantageously configured to support at least <NUM> fiber connections, in particular at least <NUM> LC simplex port connections whereby each two LC simplex port connections can be used as one LC double port connection, per height unit. Preferably, a port density of the base unit is at least <NUM> port connections, in particular, at least <NUM> port connections, advantageously at least <NUM> port connections, preferably at least <NUM> port connections, particularly preferably at least <NUM> port connections or at least <NUM> port connections per one height unit.

Preferably the frame unit is configured for receiving up to six moveable assemblies and/or further moveable assemblies wherein each of the moveable assemblies and/or further moveable assemblies received in the frame unit is preferably individually movable, in particular with respect to any other moveable assemblies and/or further moveable assemblies and in particular with respect to the frame unit. Moreover, a "moveable assembly" is to be understood as an, in particular movably mounted, unit which is located in a storage position in particular in the receiving space and which is preferably configured for providing and/or supporting a connection functionality and/or a connection capability. In particular, the moveable assembly is embodied as a drawer assembly. Preferably, the moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly is configured for guiding, connecting, coupling, terminating and/or distributing at least one cable. Advantageously, the moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly extend at least largely over a half width of the base unit. In particular in the storage position the moveable assembly and/or further moveable assembly are arranged at least substantially in a same plane in a side by side position. In addition, the moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly could in particular have a height between <NUM> % and <NUM> %, preferably between <NUM> % and <NUM> % and particularly preferably between <NUM> % and <NUM> %, of a height of the base unit. However, preferably the moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly has a height of <NUM> % of a height of the base unit. In addition, the moveable assemblies and/or the further moveable assemblies are preferably located in particular in two columns adjacent to each other and in three rows particularly preferably one above the other. The moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly has/have in particular each a modular structure. By the expression "having a modular structure" is herein to be understood, in particular, that the moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly itself and/or at least one structural component of the moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly has a modular structure and/or is implemented in such a way that it can be assembled modularly, for example like in a construction kit. In particular, herein at least one structural component of the moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly can be replaced by at least one further structural component.

Particularly preferably, at least the moveable assembly and at least the further moveable assembly, in particular the plurality of moveable assemblies and/or further moveable assemblies, are releasable from, connectable to and/or replaceable by each other individually and which can be at least largely embodied at least substantially identical to each other. Advantageously, the moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly are herein extendable and/or reducible in any required way.

The base unit can comprise at least one guiding unit. The guiding unit can be a part of the frame unit. Advantageously, the guiding rail is part of the guiding unit. The guiding unit can comprise at least two guiding rails, in particular a plurality of guiding rails. However, preferably the guiding unit comprises at least three guiding rails. In particular, the guiding unit has as many guiding rails as moveable assemblies can be arranged about one another inside the frame unit. Preferably the guiding unit is configured for receiving at least the moveable assembly and/or at least the further moveable assembly, wherein each of the moveable assemblies received in the guiding unit is preferably individually movable parallel to an insertion direction of the moveable assembly along at least the guiding rail, in particular with respect to any other moveable assembly and in particular with respect to the guiding unit. Preferably, the move direction of the movable unit is parallel to the insert direction. In particular, the move direction can be formulated as an insert direction of the movable unit.

Particularly preferably, the cable management has at least one further guiding unit, which is constructed identical to the guiding unit. In particular, the guiding unit and the further guiding unit delimit the receiving space for the moveable assembly and/or at least the further moveable assembly. In particular, in the storage position the moveable assembly and/or the at least further moveable assembly is/are arranged between the guiding unit and the further guiding unit. The further guiding unit can have at least a further guiding rail. In the storage position, the moveable assembly can be arranged in the guiding rail and the further guiding rail. In particular, the moveable assembly is moveable parallel to the insertion direction along the guiding rail and the further guiding rail.

By the expression that the fixing unit is movable "parallel to the move direction, in particular to the insertion direction" is herein to be understood, that the fixing unit is movable in the direction of move, in particular insertion, and against the direction of move, in particular insertion. The insert direction is a direction in which the moveable assembly, in particular the movable unit and/or the fixing unit, is inserted into at least the guiding rail, in particular into at least the guiding unit, preferably into the frame unit. Furthermore, by a "storage position" is to be understood, in particular, an in particular mechanically defined position, preferably with respect to the frame unit, of the moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly, in which a normal operation takes place and/or in which a processing, e.g. a maintenance, a new cabling, a patching and/or a splicing, is limited to a large extent. In particular, in the storage position the moveable assembly and/or the further moveable assembly is at least largely and preferably completely located and/or inserted in the receiving space of the base unit. In particular, in the storage position the moveable assembly is fixed and/or locked in at least the guiding rail. Advantageously, if the moveable assembly is in the storage position, the fixing unit is in a rest position. Preferably, the rest position, is a position, in which at least the movable unit is fixed in at least the guiding rail.

The fixing unit is used for a reversibly fixing the movable unit in the guiding rail. The moveable assembly can comprise at least a further fixing unit for reversibly fixing the movable unit in at least the further guiding rail. In particular, instead of the rest position, in the release position the movable unit is unfixed in the guiding unit. Particularly preferably, in the release position the movable unit is only partly located and/or inserted in the receiving space.

In this context, "configured" is to mean specifically programmed, designed and/or equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function, it is to be understood that the object fulfills and/or implements this certain function in at least one application state and/or operating state.

An extension of the fixing unit can be smaller than an extension of the movable unit. For the purpose of improving a comfort, in particular a handling for a user, and/or a construction, it is proposed that the extension of the fixing unit is greater than the extension of the movable unit when viewed in depth direction. In particular, the extension of the fixing unit is by at least <NUM> %, advantageously by at least <NUM> %, preferably by at least <NUM> %, particularly preferentially by at least <NUM> % and especially advantageously of maximally <NUM> % greater than the extension of the movable unit. In particular, the extension of the movable unit and/ or the fixing unit is a longitudinal extension. In this case. a "longitudinal extension" of an object is to be understood as an extension of the object in a longitudinal extension direction of the object. Herein, the "longitudinal direction" of the object is a direction which is parallel to a longest edge and/or side of a smallest, in particular imaginary, cuboid which just encloses the object.

Further, it is proposed that the fixing unit has at least one operating element, which can be pulled or pushed parallel to the move direction, in namely the insertion direction, to release the movable unit from the guiding rail. In this way, a flexibility, construction and/or a fixation can be further improved. Moreover, due to an operating element, which can be pulled or pushed, a comfort, in particular a handling for a user, can be optimized. This in turn can provide a simple and efficient releasing of the movable unit from the guiding rail.

The operating element can be designed as a front handle. Preferably, the operating element extends beyond the movable unit when viewed in depth direction. By pushing or pulling the operating element, the movable unit can be movable from the storage position into the release position. The expressions "above", "under", "front", "rear", "side", "left", "right", "top", "bottom" are to be understood with respect to an orientation of the base unit and/or the movable assembly, in particular the movable unit and/or the fixing unit, in the storage position.

Advantageously, the fixing unit has at least one further operating element, which is arranged relative to the operating element on an opposite side of the movable unit. Thereby, an improved flexibility and/or comfort may be achieved, wherein a fixing unit in particular be individually usable and/or adapted to different needs of users. Due to two operating elements on different sides of a movable unit, a flexibility of the user to release the movable unit from the guiding rail can be improved. In addition, preferably at least four mechanism options for releasing the movable unit can be provided for the user, in particular pushing and pulling the fixing unit parallel to an insertion direction.

The further operating element can be pulled or pushed parallel to the insertion direction to release the movable unit from the guiding rail. Advantageously, the further operating element is designed as a rear handle. By pushing or pulling the further operating element, the movable unit can be movable from the storage position into the release position.

Particularly preferably, a mechanism for releasing the movable unit from the guiding rail comprises at least four options; front pull, front push, rear pull and rear push. For example, the operating element and the further operating element could be simultaneously pushed or pulled. Preferably, it is sufficient that only one of the operating elements, in particular the operating element or the further operating element, has to be pushed or pulled to release the movable unit from the guiding rail.

The operating element and the further operating element can be at least substantially identical objects. The phrasing "at least substantially identical objects" is to mean, in this context, objects which advantageously have the same structure but may at least partially differ in particular as regards their functionality and/or their arrangement on another object. However, preferably the at least substantially identical objects are identical aside from manufacturing tolerances and/or within the range of standardized tolerances.

It is proposed that the operating element can only be pulled parallel to the move direction to release the movable unit in a pull direction, wherein if the movable unit is in a storage position and the operating element is pushed parallel to the move direction, the operating element is intended to block a movement of the movable unit in a push direction. This can prevent a movable unit from falling out/pulling back in an uncontrolled manner. Further, in this way a safety and user comfort can be increased. Moreover, a thin, small and compact design of a fixing unit can be provided.

The fixing unit can comprise at least one blocking element. The blocking element can be flexible for deforming by pushing and/or pulling the operating element and/or the further operating element. By pulling the operating element in the pull direction, the blocking element can be stretched and the movable unit can be released from the guiding rail. In particular, by pulling the operating element in the pull direction, the movable unit can be released from the storage position. Preferably, by pulling the operating element parallel to the move direction, the movable unit can be transferred from the storage position into a service position. In particular, in the service position the moveable assembly is at least partially arranged between the guiding unit and the further guiding unit. In the service position the movable unit can be at least partially inserted in the guiding rail and at least partially protrude from the guiding rail, in particular be pulled out of the guiding rail. If the movable unit is in the service position, a comfortable access to the movable unit can be provided while minimizing physical disturbance of the surrounding cables. Further, an easy and comfortable handling of cables can be achieved, wherein cables, in particular patch cables, in particular the plurality of cables, can be pulled out or pushed in the movable unit while the movable unit is in the service position.

Advantageously, the movable unit is locked in the service position, in particular an uncontrolled movement of the movable unit is blocked. For transferring the movable unit from the service position into the storage position, the operating element can be pushed in the push direction, in particular parallel to the move direction. By pushing the operating element, the movable unit can slide along at least the guiding rail and can be transferred from the service position to the storage position. When the movable unit is in the storage position, the movable unit can be transferred in the service position by pulling the operating element in the pull direction. By pulling the operating element the movable unit can slide along at least the guiding rail and can be transferred from the storage position to the service position.

By pushing the operating element in the push direction, the blocking element can be compressed for blocking the movement of the movable unit, when the movable unit is in the storage position. The blocking element can comprise a blocking nose. When the movable unit is in the storage position and the operating element is pushed in the push direction, the blocking element can be deformed, preferably compressed, and the blocking nose can block the movement of the movable unit in the push direction and thus prevents the movable unit from slipping out and/or falling out from the guiding rail in the push direction. Preferably, the guiding rail comprises at least one notch. The notch can be arranged on a bottom side of the guiding rail. In particular, when the movable assembly is at least partially arranged in the receiving space, in particular in the service and/or the storage position, the movable unit is arranged between two guiding bars of the guiding unit, advantageously between an upper bar and a lower bar. Preferably, the upper bar comprises at least the notch. Further, the movable unit can contact the lower bar, in particular can lay on the lower bar, when the movable unit is at least partially arranged in the receiving space, in particular in the service and/or the storage position. When the movable unit is in the storage position and the operating element is pushed in the push direction, the blocking element can be deformed, preferably compressed, and the blocking nose can contact the notch and can stick in the notch for blocking the movement of the movable unit in the push direction.

In a preferred implementation of the invention, it is proposed that the fixing unit is bar-shaped. In this way, a compact, narrow and/or efficient construction and/or design can be provided. In particular, the fixing unit is plate-shaped. By the fact that an object is "bar-shaped/plate-shaped", in particular, it is to be understood that at least one smallest possible geometric cuboid, which just completely encloses the object, is bar-shaped/plate-shaped. Advantageously, the longitudinal extension of the fixing unit is greater than a width extension of the fixing unit. In particular, the longitudinal extension of the fixing unit is by at least <NUM> %, advantageously by at least <NUM> %, preferably by at least <NUM> %, particularly preferentially by at least <NUM> % greater than the width extension of the fixing unit.

Further, it is proposed that a total width extension of the fixing unit is maximum <NUM>. In this way, a compact, narrow and/or efficient construction and/or design of at least a fixing unit, in particular a movable assembly, can be provided. Advantageously, the fixing unit has a width extension, in particular a thickness, of maximally <NUM>, particularly advantageously of maximally <NUM>. A "width extension" of an object shall be understood in this context, as an extension of the object in a width direction of the object. The "width direction" of the object is a direction which is parallel to a second longest edge and/or side of a, in particular of said, smallest, in particular imaginary, cuboid which just encloses the object.

Additionally, it is proposed that the fixing unit comprises a resetting unit for transferring the fixing unit from the release position into a rest position. In this way, a fixation can be improved, wherein a movable unit can be securely locked in a guiding rail. Moreover, a compact, narrow and/or efficient construction and/or design can be provided. The fixing unit can be arranged in a housing element of the movable unit. Advantageously, the fixing unit and the housing element, which surrounds the fixing unit at least in sections, have a width extension, in particular a thickness, of maximally <NUM>, particularly advantageously of maximally <NUM>, preferably of maximally <NUM> and particularly preferably of maximally <NUM>. The resetting unit can cooperate with the housing element or with at least one element of the housing element for transferring the fixing unit from the release position into a rest position. In particular, the movable unit is made in a one-piece embodiment.

For the purpose of improving a fixation and/or a flexibility, it is proposed that the resetting unit comprises at least one spring element, which is implemented for transferring the fixing unit from the release position into the rest position. Advantageously, at least the spring element is an elastic, in particular spring-elastic element. The spring element can be made at least partially or to a great part or completely from a mineral and/or a plastic and/or a metal, in particular spring steel or a stainless steel. In particular, the spring element cooperates with the housing unit. The housing unit can have at least one stopping element. Preferably, the spring element is arranged around the stopping element. The spring element can cooperate with the stopping element for transferring the fixing unit from the release position into the rest position. In particular, the spring element is flexible and/or movable.

Preferably, the resetting unit comprises at least one further spring element, which is implemented for transferring the fixing unit from a further release position into the rest position. In this way, the fixation and/or a flexibility can be further improved. In addition, a simple and compact construction and/or design can be provided, which allows transferring a fixing unit from a further release position into a rest position. In particular, the further spring element cooperates with the housing unit. The housing unit can have at least one further stopping element. Preferably, the further spring element is arranged around the further stopping element. The further spring element can cooperate with the further stopping element for transferring the fixing unit from the further release position into the rest position. In particular, the further spring element is flexible and/or movable. Advantageously, at least the further spring element is an elastic, in particular spring-elastic element. The further spring element can be made at least partially or to a great part or completely from a mineral and/or a plastic and/or a metal, in particular spring steel or a stainless steel. Possibly, the spring element and further spring element could be formed differently. Particularly preferably, the spring element and the further spring element are at least substantially identical objects.

Moreover, it is proposed that the fixing unit comprises a latch, which is arrangeable in a recess of the guiding rail for fixing the movable unit to the guiding rail. In this way, a securely and preferably automatically locking/fixing of a movable unit in a guiding rail can be provided, so that in general fixation can be further improved. In addition, a simple and compact construction and/or design can be provided and furthermore, a security and/or a comfort, in particular a user comfort, can be increased. Due to the arranged latch in the recess, the fixing unit can fix the movable unit in the guiding rail. In particular, if the movable assembly is in the storage position, the latch is arranged in the recess and fixed the movable unit in the guiding rail. Preferably, is the movable assembly in the storage position, the fixing unit is in the rest position. In the rest position and in the storage position, the movable unit can be locked in at least the guiding rail. By insertion the movable assembly, in particular at least the movable unit, along the insertion direction into at least the guiding rail, the movable assembly can be automatically locking with the guiding rail. For example, a user has to slide the movable assembly both forwards or backwards until feeling a "click" and impossibility to move it further. In particular, this means the movable assembly is automatically and securely locked in-place, and particularly preferably, the latch is arranged in the recess.

For the purpose of improving a flexibility and/or a simple and/or efficient and/or compact construction, it is proposed that the fixing unit comprises at least one flexible arm connected to the latch and to a body element of the fixing unit. The fixing unit can have a further flexible arm connected to the latch and to the body element. In particular, the further flexible arm is arranged relative to the flexible arm on an opposite side of the latch. Advantageously, the latch is held by the flexible arm and the further flexible arm. Preferably, the latch and the body element are not directly connected to each other. In particular, the latch and the body element are arranged contactless to each other in the rest position.

Further, it is proposed that the flexible arm is deformed when the fixing unit is in the release position. In this way, a simple and/or efficient way of releasing a fixing unit can be provided. Thereby an enhanced flexibility can be achieved. In particular, the flexible arm is being compressed due to the front push and/or rear pull. Advantageously, due to the front push and/or rear pull the latch is movable out of the recess. By deforming at least the flexible arm the latch can be movable out of the recess. If the latch is lifted in the release position, the movable unit can be movable out of at least the guiding rail. In particular, the further flexible arm is being compressed due to the front pull and/or rear push. Advantageously, due to the front pull and/or rear push the latch is movable out of the recess. By deforming at least the further flexible arm the latch can be movable out of the recess.

It is also proposed that the fixing unit is made in a one-piece embodiment. In this way, a construction can be further improved. By such a design/construction of a fixing unit, an efficiency, in terms of product and/or labor and/or assembly and/or manufacturing and/or cost efficiency, can be increased. By "made in a one-piece embodiment" is in particular to mean, connected at least by substance-to-substance bond, for example by a welding process, a gluing process, an injection-molding process, and/or another process that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art and/or advantageously formed in one piece, like for example by a production from a cast and/or by a production in a one-component or multi-component injection-molding procedure, and advantageously from a single blank.

Furthermore, it is proposed that, the fixing unit is symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane, which is perpendicular to the insertion direction. Thereby a simple, efficient and/or and comfortable construction can be provided. Further, an improved flexibility and/or user comfort may be achieved, wherein a fixing unit may in particular be individually usable to different needs of users. Moreover, efficiency in a manufacturing process can be increased, as this symmetry is for the DFM (Design For Manufacturability) and can reduce costs. Due to the symmetrically fixing unit, preferably at least four mechanism options for releasing the movable unit can be provided for the user, in particular pushing and pulling the fixing unit parallel to an insertion direction. The term that a plane is perpendicular to another plane is to be understood, that the plane and the other plane include a <NUM>° angle and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than <NUM>°, advantageously less than <NUM>° and especially advantageously less than <NUM>°. In particular, the fixing unit is symmetrical with respect to the latch. The latch can be the center of a symmetry axis inside the symmetry plane.

In another aspect of the invention, which can in particular be considered in combination with as well as separately from other aspects of the invention, a method for releasing a movable assembly, in particular the above-mentioned movable assembly, from a guiding rail of a base unit, in particular the above-mentioned base unit, wherein a fixing unit is moved parallel to a move direction, in particular an insertion direction, of a movable unit into a release position in order to release the movable unit from a guiding rail of the base unit. By means of such a method an enhanced flexibility regarding a releasing and/or a fixation can be achieved. This allows achieving a particularly flexible movable assembly, in particular without affecting other movable assemblies and/or further movable assemblies during movement of one movable assembly and/or fixing the movable assembly. Furthermore, a handling can be simplified. In addition, a comfort, in particular a user comfort, can be increased. Additionally, in turn of a fixing unit which is movable parallel to an insertion direction of the movable unit, a simple and efficient fixation and/or releasing can be provided. Due to the fixing unit which is movable parallel to the insertion direction, preferably at least two mechanism options for releasing the movable unit can be provided for the user, in particular pushing and pulling the fixing unit.

Herein the drawer system and/or the fixing unit and/or the moveable assembly and/or the base unit and/or the method is/are not to be limited to the application and implementation described above. In particular, for the purpose of fulfilling a functionality herein described, the drawer system and/or the fixing unit and/or the moveable assembly and/or the base unit and/or the method may comprise a number of respective elements, structural components and/or units and/or method steps that differs from the number mentioned herein. Furthermore, regarding the value ranges mentioned in this disclosure, values within the limits mentioned are to be understood to be also disclosed and to be used as applicable.

Further advantages may become apparent from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings two exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. The person having ordinary skill in the art will purposefully also consider the features separately and will find further expedient combinations.

If there is more than one specimen of a certain object, only one of these is given a reference numeral in the figures and in the description. The description of this specimen may be correspondingly transferred to the other specimens of the object.

The following figures are schematic and not true-to-scale representations.

<FIG> schematically shows a drawer system <NUM> which is embodiment in this present case as a cable management system. Alterative and/or additional the drawer system <NUM> can be part of a household system, wherein the household system can comprise at least one item of household furniture and/or household appliance. Moreover, the drawer system <NUM> can be used for example in a pharmacy and/or in a workshop and/or in a doctor's office and/or in a medical practice and/or in a hospital. The drawer system <NUM> can be used wherever a drawer system is needed. In this present case, the description of the invention is carried out on the basis of a drawer system <NUM> embodied as the said cable management system (cf.

The drawer system <NUM> is implemented as a network cabinet <NUM> with a rack <NUM>. The drawer system <NUM> is configured for managing cables, which can be embodied as optical waveguide cables. However, it is also conceivable to use cables that differ from optical waveguide cables, e.g. electric cables.

The drawer system <NUM> comprises at least one base unit <NUM>. In this present case the base unit <NUM> is embodied as a cable management unit. In the present case for the sake of clarity, only one base unit <NUM> is shown, but the drawer system <NUM> can also comprise a plurality of base units <NUM>. If the drawer system <NUM> comprises the plurality of base units <NUM>, the base units <NUM> can be located one above the other and can be at least substantially identical to each other. Moreover, the base units <NUM> can be releasable from, connectable to and/or replaceable with each other individually. The following description will be restricted to one of the base units <NUM>, wherein, due to the at least substantially identical construction of the base units <NUM>, the following description may also apply to possible other base units <NUM>.

The base unit <NUM> is in the present case embodied as a <NUM>-inch insert. The base unit <NUM> is intended to be used in a carrier unit <NUM> of the drawer system <NUM>, in the present case in the rack <NUM>. Herein, the base unit <NUM> is installed horizontally. The base unit <NUM> has a height of one height unit (U). The base unit <NUM> comprises a fiber connection density of at least <NUM> connections per height unit (U), wherein other values of connections per height unit are possible, such as at least <NUM> port connections, at least <NUM> port connections, at least <NUM> port connections or at least <NUM> port connections.

Furthermore, <FIG> shows that the base unit <NUM> comprises at least one moveable assembly <NUM>. In this present case, the moveable assembly <NUM> is embodied as a drawer unit for insertion into the base unit <NUM>. The base unit <NUM> can also comprise at least one further moveable assembly <NUM>, wherein the base unit <NUM> can have a plurality of moveable assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, in particular a plurality of moveable assemblies <NUM> and/or further moveable assemblies <NUM>. In the present case, the base unit <NUM> comprises six moveable assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> in total, wherein for the sake of clarity in <FIG> only one moveable assembly <NUM> and one further moveable assembly <NUM> comprise a reference numeral. The moveable assembly <NUM> and the further moveable assembly <NUM> are located adjacent to each other. The moveable assembly <NUM> and the further moveable assembly <NUM> are at least substantially identical to each other. Moreover, the moveable assembly <NUM> and the further moveable assembly <NUM> are individually releasable, connectable to and/or replaceable. The following description will be restricted only to the moveable assembly <NUM>, wherein, due to the at least substantially identical construction of the moveable assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, the following description may also apply to possible other moveable assemblies.

In a storage position at least the moveable assembly <NUM> is arranged in a receiving space <NUM> of the base unit <NUM>. The base unit <NUM> comprises a frame unit <NUM> (cf. The frame unit <NUM> is embodied as a chassis. The frame unit <NUM> forms an outer housing of the base unit <NUM>. The frame unit <NUM> is in the present case made of metal, in particular metal sheets. Alternatively, the frame unit <NUM> may be made at least partly of a plastic material.

The base unit <NUM> has six receiving spaces <NUM> (cf. The six receiving spaces <NUM> are arranged in two columns besides each other. The frame unit <NUM> defines and/or delimits the receiving spaces <NUM>. The receiving space <NUM> is configured for receiving one moveable assembly <NUM> or one further moveable assembly <NUM>. The receiving spaces <NUM> have the same dimensions. The moveable assembly <NUM> fits into the receiving space <NUM>. The further movable unit <NUM> fits also into the receiving space <NUM>. The frame unit <NUM> is configured for receiving up to three moveable assemblies <NUM> and up to three further drawing units <NUM>. The moveable assemblies <NUM> and/or the further moveable assemblies <NUM> received in the frame unit <NUM> are positioned in a storage position. The moveable assemblies <NUM> and/or the further moveable assemblies <NUM> received in the frame unit <NUM> are positioned over and/or besides each other.

In the present case three moveable assemblies <NUM> are placed one above each other in a stack (cf. Further, three further moveable assemblies <NUM> are placed one above each other in a stack. As shown in <FIG>, all moveable assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are in the storage position.

The frame unit <NUM> comprises at least one guiding unit <NUM>. Further, the frame unit <NUM> has at least one further guiding unit <NUM>. In the present case, the guiding unit <NUM> and the further guiding unit <NUM> defines and/or delimits the receiving spaces <NUM>. The frame unit <NUM> can comprise a plurality of guiding units <NUM>, <NUM>, at least four guiding units <NUM>, <NUM> in total. The base unit <NUM> is symmetrical. Therefore, the following description will be restricted to the guiding unit <NUM> and the further guiding unit <NUM>.

In this case the guiding unit <NUM> and the further guiding unit <NUM> defines and/or delimits the receiving spaces <NUM> for at least the moveable assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> at least the moveable assembly <NUM> is arranged between the guiding unit <NUM> and the further guiding unit <NUM>. The base unit <NUM> comprises at least one guiding rail <NUM>. The guiding rail <NUM> is a part of the guiding unit <NUM>. In the present case, the guiding unit <NUM> comprises three guiding rails <NUM>, wherein for the sake of clarity only one of the guiding rails <NUM> comprises a reference numeral. Further, the guiding unit <NUM> comprises at least two bars <NUM>, <NUM>. The guiding rail <NUM> comprises the two bars <NUM>, <NUM>, namely an upper bar <NUM> and a lower bar <NUM>. When the movable assembly <NUM> is at least partially arranged in the receiving space <NUM>, the movable assembly <NUM> is at least partially arranged between the upper bar <NUM> and the lower bar <NUM>.

The base unit <NUM> comprises at least one further guiding rail <NUM>. The guiding rail <NUM> is a part of the further guiding unit <NUM> (cf. <FIG> and <FIG>). In the present case, the further guiding unit <NUM> comprises three further guiding rails <NUM>, wherein for the sake of clarity only one of the further guiding rails <NUM> comprises a reference numeral.

The moveable assembly <NUM> received in the frame unit <NUM>, in particular in the guiding unit <NUM> and in the further guiding unit <NUM> is movable from the storage position into a release position and vice versa. Each of the moveable assemblies <NUM> and/or the further moveable assemblies <NUM> is individually movable with respect to any other moveable assemblies <NUM> and/or the further moveable assemblies <NUM>. Each of the moveable assemblies <NUM> and/or the further moveable assemblies <NUM> is individually movable with respect to the frame unit <NUM>, from a storage position (cf. <FIG>) into the release position and vice versa.

The moveable assembly <NUM> is movable in a linear motion with respect to the frame unit <NUM>. The moveable assembly <NUM> is movable parallel to an insertion direction <NUM>. This means, that the moveable assembly <NUM> is movable in the insertion direction <NUM> and against the insertion direction <NUM>. The moveable assembly <NUM> is movable parallel to an insertion direction <NUM> along the guiding rail <NUM>. The moveable assembly <NUM> is movable parallel to an insertion direction <NUM> along the further guiding rail <NUM> (cf. For a better understanding a coordination cross, in particular a height direction <NUM>, a width direction <NUM> and a depth direction <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. The insertion direction <NUM> is parallel to the depth direction <NUM> (cf. <FIG> and <FIG>).

The moveable assembly <NUM> comprises at least one movable unit <NUM> and at least one fixing unit <NUM> for reversibly fixing the movable unit <NUM> in the guiding rail <NUM>. The fixing unit <NUM> is movable parallel to the insertion direction <NUM> of the movable unit <NUM> into the release position in order to release the movable unit <NUM> from the guiding rail <NUM> (cf.

The moveable assembly <NUM> comprises at least one further fixing unit <NUM> for reversibly fixing the movable unit <NUM> in the further guiding rail <NUM>. The further fixing unit <NUM> is movable parallel to the insertion direction <NUM> of the movable unit <NUM> into the release position in order to release the movable unit <NUM> from the further guiding rail <NUM> (cf. The following description will be restricted to the fixing unit <NUM>, wherein, due to the at least substantially identical construction of the fixing unit <NUM> and the further fixing unit <NUM>, the following description may also apply to possible at least the further fixing unit <NUM>. Further, it is conceivable that the fixing unit <NUM> and the further fixing unit <NUM> are connected by a link or handle joining of the moveable assembly <NUM>. This would allow a movement of one of the fixing units <NUM>, <NUM> to be transferred to the other fixing unit <NUM>, <NUM> in each case.

As shown in <FIG>, an extension <NUM> of the fixing unit <NUM> is greater than an extension <NUM> of the movable unit <NUM> when viewed in depth direction <NUM>. The fixing unit <NUM> has at least one operating element <NUM>, which can be pulled or pushed parallel to the insertion direction <NUM> to release the movable unit <NUM> from the guiding rail <NUM>. The operating element <NUM> is designed as a front handle. The fixing unit <NUM> has at least one further operating element <NUM>, which is arranged relative to the operating element <NUM> on an opposite side of the movable unit <NUM>. The further operating element <NUM> can be pulled or pushed parallel to the insertion direction <NUM> to release the movable unit <NUM> from the guiding rail <NUM>. The further operating element <NUM> is designed as a rear handle. In this case, the mechanism for releasing the movable unit <NUM> from the guiding rail <NUM> comprises four options; front pull, front push, rear pull and rear push (cf. <FIG> and <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the fixing unit <NUM> is bar-shaped. The fixing unit <NUM> is made in a one-piece embodiment. The fixing unit <NUM> is arranged in a housing element <NUM> of the movable unit <NUM> on a side of the movable unit <NUM>. Further, the fixing unit <NUM> including the housing element <NUM> has a thickness <NUM> of maximally <NUM>, advantageously of maximally <NUM>, particularly advantageously of maximally <NUM>. The fixing unit <NUM> is in the present case made at least partly of material plastic. Alternatively, the fixing unit <NUM> may be made at least partly of material metal.

The fixing unit <NUM> comprises a resetting unit <NUM> for transferring the fixing unit <NUM> from the release position into a rest position. <FIG> and <FIG> show the rest position of the resetting unit <NUM>. The resetting unit <NUM> comprises at least one spring element <NUM>, which cooperates with the movable unit <NUM> for transferring the fixing unit <NUM> from the release position into the rest position. Whereas <FIG> shows only the fixing unit <NUM>, <FIG> shows the fixing unit <NUM> arranged in the housing element <NUM> of the movable unit <NUM>, wherein the housing unit <NUM> is sliced. The movable unit <NUM> comprises a stopping element <NUM>. In this case, the stopping element <NUM> is part of the housing element <NUM>. The spring element <NUM> is arranged around the stopping element <NUM>. The spring element <NUM> cooperates with the stopping element <NUM> for transferring the fixing unit <NUM> from the release position into the rest position.

The resetting unit <NUM> comprises at least one further spring element <NUM>, which cooperates with the movable unit <NUM> for transferring the fixing unit <NUM> from a further release position into the rest position. The movable unit <NUM> comprises a further stopping element <NUM>. In this case, the stopping element <NUM> is part of the housing element <NUM>. The spring element <NUM> is arranged around the further stopping element <NUM>. The further spring element <NUM> cooperates with the further stopping element <NUM> for transferring the fixing unit <NUM> from the further release position into the rest position.

The fixing unit <NUM> comprises a latch <NUM>, which is arrangeable in a recess <NUM> of the guiding rail <NUM> for fixing the movable unit <NUM> to the guiding rail <NUM> (cf. <FIG> shows the situation when the latch <NUM> is arranged in the recess <NUM> of the guiding rail <NUM>, so that the moveable assembly <NUM> is in the storage position. When the moveable assembly <NUM> is in the storage position, the fixing unit <NUM> is in the rest position (cf. In the rest position and in the storage position, the movable unit <NUM> is locked in at least the guiding rail <NUM>. By insertion of the moveable assembly <NUM> along the insertion direction <NUM> into at least the guiding rail <NUM>, the moveable assembly <NUM> is automatically locking with the guiding rail <NUM>.

A user has to slide the moveable assembly <NUM> both forwards or backwards until feeling a "click" and impossibility to move it further. This means the moveable assembly <NUM> is automatically and securely locked in-place. Moreover, this means that the latch <NUM> is arranged in the recess <NUM>.

The fixing unit <NUM> comprises at least one flexible arm <NUM> connected to the latch <NUM> and to a body element <NUM> of the fixing unit <NUM> (cf. <FIG> and <FIG>). Furthermore, the fixing unit <NUM> comprises at least one further flexible arm <NUM> connected to the latch <NUM> and to the body element <NUM> of the fixing unit <NUM>. The further flexible arm <NUM> is arranged relative to the flexible arm <NUM> on an opposite side of the latch <NUM>. The fixing unit <NUM> is symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane, which is perpendicular to the insertion direction <NUM>. In this case, the fixing unit <NUM> is symmetrical with respect to the latch <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic diagram of a method for releasing the moveable assembly <NUM> from the guiding rail <NUM>, wherein a fixing unit <NUM> is moved parallel to the insertion direction <NUM> of the movable unit <NUM> into the release position in order to release the movable unit <NUM> from the guiding rail <NUM> of the base unit <NUM>. The method for releasing the moveable assembly <NUM> from the guiding rail <NUM> comprises a releasing step <NUM>, by means of which the method is described in this case.

<FIG> and <FIG> are intended to illustrate the method for releasing. The mechanism for releasing the movable unit <NUM> from the guiding rail <NUM> comprises four options; front pull, front push, rear pull and rear push. For example, <FIG> shows the option of front push, in particular if the operating element <NUM> is pushed along the insert direction <NUM>. Moreover, <FIG> shows the option of front pull, in particular if the operating element <NUM> is pulled against the insert direction <NUM> but parallel to the insertion direction <NUM>.

The latch <NUM> and the body element <NUM> are arranged contactless to each other in the rest position (cf. first picture of <FIG> and <FIG>). The flexible arm <NUM> is being deformed when the fixing unit <NUM> is in the release position. <FIG> shows that the flexible arm <NUM> is being compressed due to the front push. This makes the latch <NUM> movable out of the recess <NUM>. In the last picture of <FIG>, it is shown that the latch <NUM> is lifted, so that the movable unit <NUM> can be movable out of at least the guiding rail <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the option of front pull to release the moveable assembly <NUM> from the guiding rail <NUM>. In this case, the further flexible arm <NUM> is being deformed when the fixing unit <NUM> is in the further release position. <FIG> shows that the further flexible arm <NUM> is being compressed due to the front pull. This makes the latch <NUM> movable out of the recess <NUM>. In the last picture of <FIG>, it is shown that the latch <NUM> is lifted, so that the movable unit <NUM> can be movable out of at least the guiding rail <NUM>.

For a better understanding of working force to the flexible arm <NUM>, the further flexible arm <NUM> and/or the latch <NUM> during deformation, <FIG> and <FIG> shows different shaded areas which represent areas with different strong deformation forces. A greater force acts on areas with more dots/stronger shading.

Both described options of mechanism for releasing the movable unit <NUM> from the guiding rail <NUM> can be transferred to the rear side of the fixing unit <NUM>. The rear pull and the rear push have the same effect to a deforming of the flexible arm <NUM> and/or the further flexible arm <NUM>.

<FIG> show a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The following description is substantially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein regarding structural elements, features and functions that remain the same the description of the other exemplary embodiment, in particular the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, may be referred to. For distinguishing the exemplary embodiments, the letter "a" has been inserted into the reference signs in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>. Regarding structural elements having the same denomination, namely regarding structural elements having the same reference signs, principally the drawing and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiment, in particular of the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, may be referred to.

<FIG> shows a movable assembly 16a which comprises at least one movable unit 18a and at least one fixing unit 20a for reversibly fixing the movable unit 18a in at least one guiding rail 26a of a guiding unit 50a (c. The fixing unit 20a is movable parallel to a move direction 28a of the movable unit 18a into the release position in order to release the movable unit 18a from the guiding rail 26a. While <FIG> and <FIG> show the movable assembly 16a comprising the fixing unit 20a arranged in a housing element 98a of the movable unit 16a on a side of the movable unit 18a, <FIG> shows a single and detailed view of the fixing unit 20a. Further <FIG> shows a detailed view of the guiding unit <NUM>.

The embodiment "a" of the <FIG> distinguishes from the embodiment of <FIG> by the design and shape of the fixing unit 20a and by a design of the guiding unit 50a.

One difference between these two embodiments is that at least one operating element 53a of the fixing unit 20a can only be pulled parallel to the move direction 28a to release the movable unit 18a in a pull direction 94a, wherein if the movable unit 18a is in a storage position and the operating element 53a is pushed parallel to the move direction 28a, the operating element 53a is intended to block a movement of the movable unit 18a in a push direction 96a.

In this embodiment, the fixing unit 20a comprises a blocking element 102a. The blocking element 102a is flexible for deforming by pushing and/or pulling the operating element 53a and/or a further operating element 56a of the fixing unit 20a. By pulling the operating element 53a in the pull direction 94a, the blocking element 102a is stretched and the movable unit 18a can be released from the guiding rail 26a. Further, by pulling the operating element 53a in the pull direction 94a, the movable unit 18a can be released from the storage position.

The movable unit 18a is arrangeable in a service position. By pulling the operating element 53a parallel to the move direction 28a, the movable unit 18a can be transferred from the storage position into the service position. In the service position the moveable assembly 16a is at least partially arranged between the guiding unit 50a and at least one further guiding unit (not shown). In the service position the movable unit 18a is at least partially inserted in the guiding rail 26a and at least partially protrudes from the guiding rail 26a. If the movable unit 16a is in the service position, a comfortable access to the movable unit 16a can be provided while minimizing physical disturbance of surrounding cables. Further, an easy and comfortable handling of cables can be achieved, wherein cables, in particular patch cables, in particular the plurality of cables, can be pulled out or pushed in the movable unit 16a while the movable unit 16a is in the service position.

The movable unit 16a is locked in the service position and an uncontrolled movement of the movable unit 16a is blocked. For transferring the movable unit 16a from the service position into the storage position, the operating element 53a can be pushed in the push direction 96a, in particular parallel to the move direction 28a. By pushing the operating element 53a, the movable unit 16a slides along at least the guiding rail 26a and can be transferred from the service position to the storage position. When the movable unit 16a is in the storage position, the movable unit 16a can be transferred in the service position by pulling the operating element 53a in the pull direction 94a. By pulling the operating element 53a the movable unit 18a slides along at least the guiding rail 26a and can be transferred from the storage position to the service position.

When the movable unit 16a is in the storage position and the operating element 53a is pushed in the push direction 96a, the blocking element 102a is compressed for blocking the movement of the movable unit 16a. The blocking element 102a comprises a blocking nose 104a. When the movable unit 16a is in the storage position and the operating element 53a is pushed in the push direction 96a, the blocking element 102a is deformed, preferably compressed, and the blocking nose 104a blocks the movement of the movable unit 18a in the push direction 96a. This can prevent the movable unit 18a from slipping out and/or falling out from the guiding rail 26a in the push direction 96a in an uncontrolled manner.

<FIG> shows that the guiding rail 26a comprises at least one notch 112a. When the movable assembly 16a is at least partially arranged in the service and/or the storage position, the movable unit 18a is arranged between two guiding bars of the guiding unit 50a, advantageously between an upper bar 106a and a lower bar 108a. In this present case, the upper bar 106a comprises at least the notch 112a. Further, the movable unit 18a contacts the lower bar 108a, in particular can lay on the lower bar 108a, when the movable unit 16a is at least partially arranged in the receiving space 83a, namely in the service and/or the storage position. When the movable unit 16a is in the storage position and the operating element 53a is pushed in the push direction 96a, the blocking element 102a is deforming, preferably compressing, and the blocking nose 104a is contacting the notch 112a and sticks in the notch 112a for blocking the movement of the movable unit 16a in the push direction 96a.

The fixing unit 20a comprises a latch 76a, which is arrangeable in a recess 78a of the guiding rail 26a for fixing the movable unit 18a to the guiding rail 26a in the storage position. The guiding rail 26a comprises a further recess 110a. In this present case, the further recess 110a defines the service position. The latch 76a of the fixing unit 20a is arrangeable in the further recess 110a for arranging the movable unit 18a in the service position. Further, the guiding rail 26a comprises at least one relief element 114a. When the movable unit 18a is arranged in the service position, namely the latch 76a is arranged in the further recess 110a, the relief element 114a is intended for relieving stress on the blocking element 102a. <FIG> shows that the guiding unit 50a is symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane, which is perpendicular to the move direction 28a.

Claim 1:
A movable assembly (<NUM>, 16a), which is embodied as a drawer unit, comprising a movable unit (<NUM>, 18a) and further comprising at least one fixing unit (<NUM>,20a) for reversibly fixing the moveable unit (<NUM>, 18a) in at least one guiding rail (<NUM>, 26a), wherein the fixing unit (<NUM>, 20a) is moveable parallel to a move direction (<NUM>, 28a), namely an insertion direction, which is a direction in which the movable unit (<NUM>, 18a) and/or the fixing unit (<NUM>, 20a) is inserted into at least the guiding rail (<NUM>, 26a), of the moveable unit (<NUM>, 18a) into a release position in order to release the moveable unit (<NUM>, 18a) from the guiding rail (<NUM>, 26a), characterized in that the fixing unit (20a) comprises at least one operating element (53a), which can be pulled or pushed parallel to the move direction (28a) and which can only be pulled parallel to the move direction (28a) to release the moveable unit (18a) from the guiding rail (26a) in a pull direction (94a), wherein if the moveable unit (18a) is in a storage position and the operating element (53a) is pushed parallel to the move direction (28a), the operating element (53a) is intended to block a movement of the moveable unit (18a) in a push direction (96a).