DE202021104160U1 - Connection device for pieces of furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

Connecting device (1) for connecting two panels (F, B) of a piece of furniture, the connecting device (1) comprising the following:
- A body element (2) extending along a first axis (EE), which can be connected to the first plate (F) at a first end section (3) in an insertion receptacle (10) formed in a first plate (F) and to a second The end section (4) can be received in a first recess (20) formed in the layer thickness of a second plate (B),
- Adjustment means (5) which can be received in the second plate (B) and which comprise a tensioning element (7) which extends along a second axis (XX) arranged perpendicular to the first axis (EE) and which can interact with a bevel to create a tensile force to apply to the body element (2) along the first axis (EE) and to reuse the clearances between the plates (F, B), characterized in that the first end portion (3) of the body element (2) is formed by a bolt which is connected to a widened countersunk end head (3B) is provided, an expansion bushing (8) formed from elastically deformable material being pushed onto the bolt (3) and in response to a relative tensile force applied by the body element (2) via the adjusting means (5) caused displacement of the end head (3B) can be spread.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a connecting device which is used to reliably connect two panels of a piece of furniture. This connecting device can be used particularly advantageously to connect a first panel of an item of furniture, e.g. a side panel, to at least a second panel of an item of furniture, e.g. the top, the floor or a shelf.

BASIC TECHNOLOGY OF THE INVENTION

Connecting devices are known which serve to connect two panels of a piece of furniture, such as side panels or inner partition panels or shelf or top panels, orthogonally to one another in abutment. The simplest connecting devices are designed as L-curved brackets, which are fastened to the side or shelf surfaces by means of fastening means, so that they are completely visible in the interior of the piece of furniture. Furthermore, such devices do not allow a certain voltage to be applied to the connection between two plates.

In the prior art, connection devices are also known which are essentially "pushable", i.e. can be pushed into the layer thickness of the panels, and have suitable means for tensioning two orthogonal panels, so that a firm, reliable connection is created.

Among other things, a connecting device is known which comprises a tightening bolt, which can be connected at a first end to a receptacle formed in a first, vertically arranged (for example, a side part of the piece of furniture) plate, while the opposite end of the bolt is suitable for a second, for example the shelf of the piece of furniture forming plate to be received in the region of the abutting edge of the second plate.

The tightening bolt is provided with a continuous connection opening with an internal thread, which can interact with an adjusting element, such as a screw, which can be inserted through an adjusting opening formed on the second plate in order to form the connection between the first and second plate . In particular, the adjusting screw is provided with a countersunk head which can interact with the edges, possibly with the countersunk edges, of the adjustment opening to create a connection at bevels which applies a tightening force to the bolt and thus enables the tension to be adjusted.

Although such a connecting device works sufficiently well, the holding of the first end of the tightening bolt inserted in the receptacle provided in the vertical plate is not always reliable, so that in some cases undesired decoupling of the plates can occur.

Another type of known connecting device, as for example in the document WO03 / 027510 described, comprises a tension element which can be inserted with a first end head slidably received in an expandable dowel inside the receptacle formed on the first plate and is provided at the opposite end with a second end head, which is suitable for having a cylindrical, in the layer thickness of a second plate receivable drum provided with an inner shaped recess to cooperate to form an eccentric.

In particular, the rotation of the drum by means of a tool entrains the second insertion head of the pulling element into the eccentric and thus pulls it towards the interior of the second plate. This creates a relative displacement between the first end head of the tension element and the expandable dowel, whereby the latter is expanded radially. This radial expansion ensures that the connection between the two plates is held firmly.

However, the tension applied by the eccentric is quite strong and difficult to adjust. Too high a tensile stress could destroy both the expandable dowel and the insertion receptacle and thus undesirably damage the plate.

Furthermore, this connecting device cannot be preassembled on the panels to be connected, but must be installed by the end user.

It would therefore be desirable, and the main object of the present invention, to provide a connecting device for connecting two plates which avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art, in that the tensile stress between the two plates can be applied and adjusted by reusing the play between them .

It is an object of the present invention within the scope of the above-mentioned main object to specify a connecting device which enables the detachable connection of two plates safely and reliably, and thus the Provides the possibility of pre-assembling the connecting device on the plates to be connected, so that the final assembly is simplified for the end user. Furthermore, this invention has the further object of providing a connecting device which solves the above-mentioned main object and objects at competitive production costs in such a way that its use is advantageous and economical, and which can be produced with the customary and known systems, machines and equipment.

The main object and objects indicated above and further objects that are better described below are achieved by a connecting device according to claim 1. Further advantageous features of the connecting device according to the invention are then specified in the subsequent claims.

Figure list

• - 1 zeigt eine Explosionsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung;
• - 2 zeigt eine Explosionsdarstellung der Verbindungsvorrichtung nach vorangegangener Figur in einem teilweise zusammengebauten Zustand bei Montage an den entsprechenden Platten;
• - 3A und 3B zeigen jeweils einen Quer- und einen Längsschnitt einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung, wenn diese in einem dem Anfangsschritt der Plattenmontage entsprechenden Ruhezustand mit Platten eines Möbelstückes verbunden ist;
• - 4A und 4B zeigen jeweils einen Quer- und einen Längsschnitt einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung in einem operativen Zugspannungszustand, bei dem die Platten sicher verbunden sind.

Advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description by way of example but not limitation with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

• - 1 shows an exploded view of a connecting device according to the invention;
• - 2 shows an exploded view of the connecting device according to the previous figure in a partially assembled state when mounted on the corresponding plates;
• - 3A and 3B each show a transverse and a longitudinal section of a connecting device according to the invention when it is connected to panels of a piece of furniture in a state of rest corresponding to the initial step of panel assembly;
• - 4A and 4B each show a transverse and a longitudinal section of a connecting device according to the invention in an operative tensile stress state in which the plates are securely connected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the aforementioned figures, in particular to 1 and 2 , is a connecting device according to the invention 1 for connecting panels of pieces of furniture, which connect two preferably orthogonally butt jointly connectable panels of a piece of furniture and can apply a certain tensile stress (or "tension") to the connection between the same to reuse the corresponding games.

In particular, the connecting device 1 can advantageously be used to connect a first panel F (e.g. a side part or an inner partition of a piece of furniture that can be placed perpendicular to a support surface, such as a floor) with a second, butt orthogonal to the first panel F (i.e. in Essentially parallel to the support surface) connectable plate B to be securely connected, for example in the area of the lower edge portion of the first plate, in order to form the base or the convertible top but also a shelf of the piece of furniture.

In the following description, terms such as "above", "below", "upper", "below", "above", "below", "anteriorA / order- / frontal-", "rear / rear / Back “or similar on a connecting device 1 and a piece of furniture in its normal (ie usual) operating position, ie in normal use, as shown in the accompanying figures.

The device 1 comprises a preferably one-piece body element extending along a first axis EE (ie the tension axis) 2 at a first end portion 3 firmly connected to the first plate F and at a second end portion 4th can be coupled to a second plate B.

Preferably the first end portion is 3 essentially shaped around a cylindrical shaft 3A comprehensive bolt, which at the free end with an advantageously widened, lowered towards the end insertion head 3B and is connected at the opposite end to a mounting body which has an advantageously cylindrical shape and a cross section which is larger than the cross section of the shaft 3A is, wherein the mounting body is the second end portion 4th of the body part 2 forms.

The mounting element 4th can in a first recess 20th are introduced, which is formed in the layer thickness of the second plate B and is accessible through an access hole formed on the abutment edge thereof, and thus it is positioned such that the bolt 3 protrudes over the abutting edge.

So can the bolt 3 in a bringing-in recording 10 which are recorded on a surface F1 of the first plate F is formed at a desired area to be butted with the second plate B.

Furthermore, the connecting device comprises 1 advantageous adjustment means 5 that are associated with the body member 2 can cooperate in such a way that its axial position changes during use and the tensile stress between the two plates F, B is made possible.

The adjustment means 5 can in a second recess 30th are received, which is formed in the layer thickness of the second plate B and with the first recess 20th is connected, and are advantageous through an adjustment opening 31 introduced which on a first surface B1 the second plate B is arranged. The adjustment means run and operate particularly advantageously 5 along a second axis XX, ie the adjustment axis, which is essentially orthogonal to a plane P of the body element comprising the first axis EE 2 is.

The adjustment means 5 preferably comprise a clamping sleeve 6th , which in the second recess 30th can be received and held in use and is preferably formed as a cylindrical body substantially, the body having a first internally threaded through hole 61 which, in use, runs along the second axis XX.

Inside the first through hole 61 can advantageously be a clamping element 7th , such as in particular a threaded pin, to be screwed in with one end 7A and with an expediently tapered (eg essentially conical) adjusting head located at the opposite end 7B is provided.

According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, the adjustment head 7B with one on the body member 2 , and especially on the assembly body 4th , formed bevel cooperate to a tensile stress on the bolt 3 to apply along the first axis EE, whereby the bolt into the interior of the first recess 20th is tightened and the play between the first and second plates F, B is reused.

In particular, the bevel is preferably provided by countersunk edges 41A formed a side opening 41 (preferably a blind opening), which on the mounting body 4th is formed and is advantageously located lower relative to the outer surface of the body.

Preferably, the clamping bush 6th within the second recess 30th held so that it is not rotatable about the second axis XX. For this purpose, it is advantageous with a second through hole 62 provided that transversely to the first hole 61 runs, and within which the assembly body 4th can be slidably received, so that the side opening 41 at least partially of the first bore 61 is facing.

By screwing in the threaded pin 7th in the first through hole 61 the clamping bush 6th , eg by pressing the end of the setting 7A With the help of a suitable tool, the threaded pin 7th along the second axis XX, and thus the lower position of the adjustment head 7B adjusted, this by contacting the countersunk edges 41A the opening 41 the application of tension to the body member 2 enables.

According to an advantageous feature of the present invention, the connecting device further comprises 1 a substantially tubular expansion bushing 8th , which is preferably formed in one piece and made of an elastically deformable polymer material and on the bolt 3 can be pushed on in such a way that it has both its shaft 3A as well as the countersunk end head 3B takes up by being inside with an axially extending coupling receptacle 81 is provided, which is adapted to its shape.

It follows that the coupling recording 81 includes inclined surfaces, which with the surface of the countersunk end head 3B of the bolt 3 can work together to spread the socket 8th through which to the body element 2 via the setting means 5 applied tension in response to relative displacement between the bolt 3 and the socket 8th to effect.

The expansion bushing preferably has 8th an assembly opening 83 on which through the entire length of the socket 8th runs and with the coupling recording 81 connected to snap into place with the bolt 3 to enable.

When assembled, the socket 8th on the bolt 3 positioned so that the countersunk head 3B essentially flush with their first end 8A is while the opposite end 8B essentially in the stop against the assembly body 4th is.

Furthermore preferably comprises the socket 8th at least one the second opening 8B preferably axially protruding reference nose 82 , which positively engages with a corresponding reference recording 42 can be brought, the latter preferably on an edge portion of the mounting body 4th is designed to ensure the correct assembly of the socket 8th to enable the later spreading essentially along the in 1 The main direction indicated by the arrow Y takes place.

The main spreading direction Y is advantageous in the same positional plane P of the body element 2 of the device, but transversely and preferably orthogonally to the first axis EE of the extent of the body element 2 . Preferably, in use, the main spreading direction Y is substantially horizontal.

As the connecting device 1 could be used to connect a first, a side part of the piece of furniture forming plate F with a second, in particular the bottom or the top of the piece of furniture forming plate B, there is a very small distance between the insertion receptacle 10 and the respective lower or upper abutting edge of the plate F. The sleeve is then expanded 8th in a wrong direction (ie in a direction orthogonal to the above-mentioned main spreading direction Y) direction, the plate F can be destroyed.

The reference nose is preferably 82 on a section of the beech tree 8th formed, which is diametrically opposite to the portion on which the mounting opening 83 is formed, the reference recording 42 on the same side of the assembly body 4th is provided where the side opening 41 is located as from 1 evident.

The socket also includes 8th at least one slot 84 , which can support their spreading along the main spreading direction Y. The slot preferably runs 84 elongated and essentially aligned with the reference nose 82 .

The assembly of the various components of the connector 1 on the corresponding furniture panels comprises the following steps: First, the clamping bush 6th with the one in their first through hole 61 at least partially screwed in grub screw 7th into the second recess 30th the second plate B added. You can do this, for example, via the on the surface B1 the second plate formed adjusting opening 31 be pressed in.

Then the body element 2 partially in the first recess 20th inserted and positioned so that the assembly body 4th slidable in the second through hole 62 the clamping bush 6th is added and the bolt 3 on which the expansion bushing 8th is pushed into place, the abutting edge of the second plate B protrudes.

The side sack opening is in this state 41 essentially part of the first hole 61 the socket 6th facing and thus not aligned with the adjustment axis XX.

Now is the connecting device 1 advantageously completely assembled and connected to the second plate B, in which case it can be transported and delivered to the end user.

In order to connect both panels F, B, the bolt protruding from the abutting edge of the second panel B is used 3 into the insertion receptacle formed on the surface of the first plate F. 10 introduced so that the outer surface of the expansion bushing 8th cooperatively adheres to the insertion receptacle inner wall.

In this in 3A and 3B The initial state of assembly shown is the connection between the plates F, B through the partial insertion of the threaded pin head 7th in the side opening 41 of the assembly body 4th ensured, however, there is still some play.

Now the grub screw 7th , e.g. B. with the help of one on its adjustment head 7A attached tool, rotating about the second axis XX, and by the meshing of the internal thread of the adjustment bushing 6th and the external thread of the threaded pin 7th can lower the adjustment head 7B be managed. By placing the adjustment head against the countersunk edges 41A the side opening 41 , the latter is arranged axially aligned with the axis XX, and thereby the body element 2 towards the interior of the first recess 20th dressed. By doing that the bolt 3 in the insertion recording 10 is held, the retraction force causes a relative displacement between the bolt and the expansion bushing 8th The latter due to the adhesion to the wall of the insertion receptacle 10 remains non-positively connected to the first plate F and thus a certain "tensile stress" is applied to the connection between the two plates F, B.

This causes the relative displacement of the bolt 3 to the socket 8th the interaction of the countersunk head in the pulling direction 3B with the sloping surfaces of the corresponding one in the socket 8th provided coupling recording 81 , and thus the bushing is pressed against the abutting edge of the second plate B and thereby spread.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention in particular, this movement is brought about by the special design of the connecting device 1 that the expansion bushing 8th is spread mainly along the main spreading direction Y, that is, in use, preferably in a horizontal direction.

As in the 4A and 4B As can be seen, this causes an increased retention of the engagement of the bolt 3 in the insertion recording 10 . The plates F, B are essentially non-positively connected to one another, but at the same time the risk of damage to the first plate F is reduced as a result.

It goes without saying that the threaded pin turns 7th in the direction opposite to the screwing-in direction, a rearward adjustment of the pin along the second axis XX, whereby the on the body element 2 applied tensile force is reduced. This makes it possible to set the desired tension and, if necessary, the connecting device 1 apart so that the first and second panels F, B can be separated.

1. a) Vorbereiten der Einstellmittel 5 in der zweiten Platte B entlang der zweiten Achse X-X;
2. b) Einführen des zweiten Endabschnittes 4 des Körperelementes 2 entlang der ersten Achse E-E in eine erste, in der Lagendicke der zweiten Platte B ausgebildete Ausnehmung 20, so dass der erste Endabschnitt 3, auf dem die Spreizbuchse 8 aufgeschoben ist, die Stoßkante der zweiten Platte B überragt und das Spannelement 7 in das Körperelement 2 so eingreift, dass letzteres in der ersten Ausnehmung 20 in Position gehalten wird;
3. c) Verbinden des ersten Endes 3 des Körperelementes 2 mit einer ersten Platte F, wodurch die Spreizbuchse 8 zusammenwirkend in der Einbringaufnahme 10 eingebracht wird;
4. d) Betätigen der Einstellmittel 5 entlang der zweiten Achse X-X, damit das Spannelement 7 mit der Schrägung zusammenwirkt, um eine Zugkraft an das Körperelement 2 entlang der ersten Achse E-E anzulegen, so dass eine relative Verschiebung zwischen des Endkopfes 3B und der Spreizbuchse 8 bewirkt und die Spreizbuchse 8 in der Einbringaufnahme 10 gespreizt wird.

A method for structurally connecting a first and a second plate F, B by means of a connecting device according to the invention advantageously comprises the following steps in succession:

1. a) Prepare the setting means 5 in the second plate B along the second axis XX;
2. b) inserting the second end section 4th of the body part 2 along the first axis EE into a first recess formed in the layer thickness of the second plate B. 20th so that the first end section 3 on which the expansion bushing 8th is pushed, the abutting edge of the second plate B protrudes and the clamping element 7th into the body element 2 so engages that the latter in the first recess 20th is held in position;
3. c) joining the first end 3 of the body part 2 with a first plate F, whereby the expansion bushing 8th cooperating in the bringing-in recording 10 is introduced;
4. d) actuation of the setting means 5 along the second axis XX so that the clamping element 7th cooperates with the bevel to create a tensile force on the body member 2 along the first axis EE, so that a relative displacement between the end head 3B and the expansion bush 8th causes and the expansion bushing 8th in the insertion recording 10 is spread.

The connecting device is advantageous 1 arranged so that the spreading of the socket 8th according to step d) along a preferably in the plane P of the body element 2 Contained main spreading direction Y takes place, but transversely and preferably orthogonally to the first axis EE. The main spreading direction Y is particularly preferably essentially horizontal in use.

It should also be noted that steps a) and b) advantageously involve completely disassembling the connecting device 1 allow the device to be securely preassembled on the second plate B. Steps a) and b) can then optionally be carried out before the transport or before the assembly of the piece of furniture by the end user, the assembly being completed simply and quickly by carrying out steps c) and d).

In conclusion, it can be seen from this that the present invention fulfills the objects and advantages defined at the outset. Thus, a connecting device for connecting two plates was invented, which can avoid the disadvantages known from the prior art, in that the tensile stress between the two plates can be applied and adjusted by reusing the play between them without damaging the plates.

Furthermore, a connecting device according to the invention advantageously enables the connection of the two plates to be released from one another safely and reliably, with the device being able to be preassembled on one of the plates so that the end-user can quickly and easily assemble the plates.

It goes without saying that the present invention can be subject to a large number of applications, changes or variants without thereby going beyond the limits of the scope of protection according to the appended claims. Furthermore, materials and devices, as well as shapes and dimensions of the individual components, which are best suited to the specific needs, can be used to manufacture the present invention.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• WO 03/027510 [0007]

Claims (9)

Connecting device (1) for connecting two panels (F, B) of a piece of furniture, the connecting device (1) comprising: - a body element (2) which extends along a first axis (EE) and which at a first end section (3) Can be connected to the first plate (F) in an insertion receptacle (10) formed in a first plate (F) and can be received at a second end section (4) in a first recess (20) formed in the layer thickness of a second plate (B) - Adjusting means (5) which can be received in the second plate (B) and which comprise a tensioning element (7) which extends along a second axis (XX) which is perpendicular to the first axis (EE) and which can cooperate with a bevel to create a To apply tensile force to the body element (2) along the first axis (EE) and to reuse the games between the plates (F, B), characterized in that the first end portion (3) of the body element (2) is formed by a bolt t, which is provided with a widened countersunk end head (3B), wherein an expanding bushing (8) formed from elastically deformable material is pushed onto the bolt (3) and in response to a relative, through which the body element (2) via the adjustment means ( 5) applied tensile force caused displacement of the end head (3B) can be spread. Connection device (1) according to Claim 1 , the bushing (8) being arranged and designed in such a way that a first end (8A) is essentially flush with the end head (3B) and a second end (8B) is in abutment against a mounting body formed by the second end section (4), which has a cross section which is larger than the cross section of the bolt (3). Connection device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the expansion bushing (8) is essentially tubular and comprises a coupling receptacle (81), which is adapted to the shape of the bolt (3), and a mounting opening (83) connected to the coupling receptacle (81) in order to make the snap-in connection with to enable the bolt (3). Connection device (1) according to Claim 3 , wherein the expanding bushing (8) comprises at least one reference nose (82) which can be brought into positive engagement with a corresponding reference receptacle (42) formed on the assembly body 4 so that the expanding bushing (8) takes place along a main expanding direction (Y) . Connection device (1) according to Claim 4 wherein the at least one reference lug (82) protrudes from an edge portion of the second end (8B) of the socket (8) which is diametrically opposite to the end having the mounting opening (83), wherein a slot aligned with the at least one reference lug (82) (84) is provided on the expanding bushing (8). Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment means (5) comprise a clamping sleeve (6) formed by a body having a first, internally threaded, in use extending along the second axis (XX) Through bore (61) is provided, within which the clamping element (7) can be screwed, wherein the clamping sleeve (6) can be received and held in a second recess (30) formed on the second plate (B) and with the first recess (20) is connected. Connection device (1) according to Claim 6 wherein the clamping bush (6) comprises a second through-hole (62) extending transversely to the first through-hole (61), into which the second end section (4) of the body element (2) can be slidably inserted. Connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bevel is formed by the countersunk edges (41A) of a lateral opening (41) formed on the second end section (4) of the body element (2). Connection device (1) according to Claim 8 the tensioning element (7) comprising a threaded pin provided with a tapered end (7B) adapted to cooperate with the countersunk edges (41A) of the lateral opening (41).

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