WO2013120611A1 - Connector element and connector element system - Google Patents

Description

 Connector element and connector element system

The present invention relates to a connector element system for connecting furniture body elements of a modular furniture system and individual such connector elements.

In his cultural history, mankind has recognized furniture as a useful aid and developed it in many different forms: stools and later chairs and benches for sitting, straw sacks and later mattresses on beds for sleeping, chests and later chests of drawers, cabinets and shelves for storage, only a few To give examples. At least since the last century, in the furniture industry, designs have been created which are modular and manufactured as a system of elements - and can thus be adapted to the site in their final shape, without having to be custom-made. Examples of these are, in particular shelf systems, in which, for example, shelves of different width and / or depth with cheeks and / or support posts of different heights (and other elements such as doors or drawers) can be combined to make it an adapted to its purpose and location shelf assemble and assemble. Another example of such a modular furniture system are seating groups, which can be composed of different widths armchairs and couches (and other elements such as table, backrest or box elements) and assemble.

Usually, such a known modular furniture system becomes more complex in its elements, the more versatile its adaptability is provided. Because it is often and usually associated with an overwhelming number of elements. The need to be not only designed by the supplier of the furniture kit system, but also kept ready, so manufactured, stored and transported.

The object of the present invention is to provide suitable connector elements for a modular construction system of as low complexity and versatility as possible.

This object is solved by a connector element having the features of claim 1 and by a connector element system having the features of claim 8. Preferred embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

The modular furniture system for which the connector element according to the invention or the connector element system according to the invention is preferably intended has

1

CONFIRMATION COPY Furniture body elements, preferably namely different plate elements, namely plate elements of different shape and different connector elements, namely connector elements of different shape for connection between the plate elements.

Despite their different shape, the connector elements of the connector element system according to the invention all have at least two connecting ends of the same connecting contour. The different shape of the connector elements results from different numbers of connection ends and / or different angles between the connection ends.

The connector element according to the invention is arranged to connect furniture body elements to one another, which have connection points which are set up for connection to the connection contour shape of the connection ends. For this purpose, the connecting contour shape of the connecting ends for connection to the connection points of the furniture body elements is established.

The connecting contour shape of the connecting ends of the connector element according to the invention preferably has the following shape:

a plane surface in which two (preferably perpendicular to the surface) pins are arranged - then the joints of the furniture body elements, for connection with which the connecting contour shape of the connecting ends of the connector element is arranged, preferably the shape of a flat surface in which two (preferably perpendicular to the surface) holes are arranged; or

- A flat surface in which a first anti-rotation contour is arranged - then the connection points of the furniture body elements preferably have the shape of a flat surface in which a complementary to the first anti-rotation contour Verdrehsicherungskontur is arranged; or

- A first flat surface, in which a pin is arranged, and a second planar surface, which is arranged at an angle (preferably perpendicular) to the first - then the connection points of the furniture body elements preferably have the shape of a first flat surface in which a bore arranged and a second planar surface which is disposed at the same angle (preferably at right angles) to the first one; or

- Two flat surfaces which are arranged at an angle (preferably at right angles) to each other - then preferably have the joints of the furniture body elements the shape of two flat surfaces which are arranged at the same angle (preferably at right angles) to each other; or

- A tongue with two plane-parallel outer walls at a certain distance from each other through which at least one bore is arranged - then the joints of the furniture body elements preferably have the shape of a slot with two plane-parallel slot walls of the same distance through which at least one bore is arranged.

At least one connector element of the modular furniture system according to the invention may have at least two connection ends oriented towards one another in such a way that the connection ends connect the same number (at least two) plate elements, with whose connection points the connection ends are respectively connected in a right angle to one another.

At least one connector element may have at least one pair of connection ends oriented relative to one another such that the pair connects two plate elements with whose connection points the pair is connected in an aligned manner.

At least one connector element may have at least two connection ends oriented relative to one another in such a way that the connection ends connect this same number of plate elements, with whose connection points the connection ends are in each case connected at an angle of 120 ° to one another.

At least one connector element may have at least two connection ends oriented relative to one another in such a way that the connection ends have the same number of plate elements with whose connection points the connection ends are respectively connected by an angle slightly greater than 90 °, in particular approximately between 95 ° and 105 ° connect oriented.

The joints of the plate members are preferably arranged for connection to and / or securing by means of screws (for connection to the connection ends of the connector elements).

The panel elements of the modular furniture system for which the connector element or the connector element system according to the invention is preferably intended, despite their different shape, all have a plurality of connection points, which are all arranged for connection to the connecting contour shape of the connection ends and all have a same orientation to each other. The different ones Shape of the plate elements results from different shapes of the plate elements between the aligned in this one orientation to each other joints. It should be noted that the modular furniture system may also have other types of plate elements that do not meet this definition, so for example, although one or more of the joints have, but are not oriented in this one orientation to each other. Such different plate elements then complement the inventive system - without this out of the subject of this application.

Using these panel elements connected by at least one of the connector elements can be fully functional by means of the furniture modular system according to the invention: at least one form of chair without armrests and at least one form of chair with armrests and at least one form of bench and at least one form of stool and at least one form of shelf and at least one form of table.

The plate elements are not referred to in the strict sense of the word, but to the point of view as "plates" elements: the word "plate" element is illustrative because it shines on closer inspection lights that, for example, square plates (ie square surfaces as plate elements ), which are connectable with each other by the connector elements according to the invention, can be composed of the above-enumerated preferred minimum group of furniture. Nonetheless, under panel member of the preferred modular furniture system, each of the furniture body members (namely, the "panel" members) span the plurality of connection points, which are all adapted to be connected to the connection contour shape of the connection ends of the connector members, so that they are all the same orientation to each other However, how then the shape of the "plate" elements between the joints is configured is not fixed, so not necessarily (even if this shape is preferred) plate-shaped. For example, this shape can then also be frame-shaped. This can preferably be a square frame, which in turn is filled with various structures: in the frame, for example, as a seat padding be maintained, the frame can remain unfilled as pure connection structure between the joints, in the frame but can also be more complex technical structures such as one or more drawers, doors, speakers, monitors, hotplates, sinks or shower trays, just to give examples call. But also any other spatial shape that spans the joints in the same orientation to each other is preferred.

 Nevertheless: Particularly preferably, the plate elements despite their different shape as already said a square basic shape as an outer contour - preferably a plate-shaped, so somewhat flat overall shape.

The preferred modular furniture system preferably has at least one plate element which has a device for performing a technical function: for example, at least one smooth flat surface (for example as a table or other horizontal storage surface), a transparent, translucent, woven, braided and / or Screen and / or lattice-shaped surface, a light source, stove top, shower tray, upholstery, drawer slide, writing board and / or at least one hinge, in particular door and / or flap hinge, a sink, fitness training device and / or at least one speaker, monitor, electrical supply - and / or data line connector.

These and other advantages and features of the invention will be further described with reference to the following figures of embodiments of the invention. Show in it

1 plan views of various connector elements according to the invention,

2 is a perspective view of a connector element according to the invention,

3a and b is a perspective view of each of a plate element according to the invention,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a compound according to the invention between two

 Plate elements according to Fig. 3a by means of two connector elements, and

5, 6, 7 and 8 are spatial views of various furniture, which are assembled by means of the modular furniture system according to the invention,

9 shows plan views of various panel elements according to the invention,

Fig. 10 are plan views of still other different inventive

 Connector elements of the system of connector elements of Fig. 1 and 2,

Fig. 1 1 spatial views of still different to the invention

 Connector elements of the system of connector elements.

A modular furniture system has, according to FIGS. 3 a and b as well as FIG. 9, various furniture body elements 2, namely plate elements 2 a to 0 o and, for example, according to FIG. 1 and 2 different connector elements 4a to o for connection between the plate elements. 2

The connector elements 4 of the connector element system according to FIGS. 1, 2 and 10, despite their different shape, all have at least two connecting ends 6 of the same connection contour. The connecting contour shape consists here of two parallel through holes 8 of certain diameter and at a certain distance from one another for fastening screws 9 (FIG. 4). The different shape of the connector elements 4 results from different numbers of the connecting ends 6 and / or different angles (for example α = 90 °, β = 120, κ = 90 °, γ> 90 °, δ = <120 ° ε = 180 or arbitrary other angles φ) between the connecting ends 6 and / or spatial orientations (three connecting ends 6 are shown in FIGS. 1b, d, f, g and 10f only in one plane at different angles to one another or according to FIG. 2 and FIG. 10g, for example also in two planes) between the connecting ends 6.

The plate elements 2 according to FIG. 3, despite their different shape (for example in the form of a frame in accordance with FIG. 3 a or as a full-surface square plate according to FIG. 3 b), all have a plurality of connection points 10. The connection points 10 are all for connection to the connection contour of the connection ends 6 (consisting from the two parallel through holes 8 of certain diameter and at a certain distance from each other) set. For this purpose, the connection points 10 here threaded holes 12 in the certain distance from each other for the fastening screws 9 (Fig. 4).

The four connection points 10 on each of the plate elements 2 (also visible in Fig. 3) on the plate elements 2 all have a same orientation to each other: The four connection points 10 are distributed over the four corners of each of the plate elements 2. There are two connection points 10th arranged on the same edge surface 14 of the plate member 2, so that so are the two edge surfaces 14 to which all four joints 10 of each plate member 2, mirror each other with respect to each other. Accordingly, only two connection points 10 of the plate element 2 are visible in Fig. 3, the other two connection points 10 are concealed on the (in the view of FIG. 3 back) opposite edge.

FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of a rectangular connection between two of the plate elements 2a according to FIG. 3a by means of two connector elements 4a according to FIG. 1a. In this case, two connection points 10 on each mirror-symmetrically opposite edge surfaces 14 of each of the two plate elements 2 each by two Fixing screws 9 connected to the connector elements 4a. These two fastening screws 9 are, as shown in this exploded view, through the two through holes 8 each of a connecting end 6 of the respective connector element 4a screwed into the two threaded holes 12 each have a connection point 10 of the respective plate member 2.

This connection with a third frame-shaped plate element 2a (not shown) repeated at the trailing edge of the horizontal plate element 2a in Fig. 4 by means of the two connection points 10 'there, results in a stool 20 or small side table 20 about the type shown in FIG the horizontal plate member is replaced by a plate member suitable as a seat (for example, the plate member 2b of Fig. 3b).

Using only the plate elements 2 (according to Figs. 3a and b and Fig. 9 and any other plate element following the preferred definition, namely several - in this system four - junctures 10, all for connection to the connection contour shape of the connection ends 6 of the connector elements 4 are arranged and all have the same orientation to one another as explained for Fig. 3 a and b) and connected by a certain number of at least one of the connector elements can be shown in FIG. 5, 6, 7 and 8 by means of the illustrated Furniture modular system at least the following furniture fully functional: several chair shapes 24, 25, 26 without armrests and several chair shapes with armrests 28 and several seat forms 21, 23, 27, 36 and several stool shapes 20 and a plurality of shelf shapes 38 to 42 and a plurality of table forms 20, 21, 34, 35, 44. Recognizable in these schematic representations of FIGS. 5 to 8 are only black dots 4 as a symbol for the various connector elements 4, which (depending on the number, angle and orientation of the respectively to be connected plate elements 2), for example, one of the forms shown in FIG. 1 and 2. The system may also include ancillary elements, such as glass table tops 48, 49 (Figures 8b to d), which do not conform to the above definition of the preferred plate element.

The modular furniture system has shown in Fig. 3 a, b and 9 a plurality of plate elements, each having a different device for performing a technical function: namely smooth flat surfaces (for example, as Tisch- or anderwärte horizontal shelf), for example in the plate elements 2b to d (and, for example, structured and decorated in the plate element 2f made of wood and in the plate element 2e and 2j), a transparent (for example in the plate element 2c), translucent (for example in the Plate element 2c), woven, braided and / or screen and / or lattice-shaped surface (for example in the plate element 2g and i), a light source, for example in the form of light-emitting diodes in the plate elements 2h, 2n and o, hot plate (in the plate element 21) , Shower tray (in the plate element 2m), upholstery (in the plate element 2g), a fitness training device and / or at least one speaker (for example in the plate element 2o). Also plate elements (not shown) with drawer guide, writing board and / or at least one hinge, in particular door and / or flap hinge, a sink, monitor, electrical supply and / or data line connector belong to the system.

The different shape of the plate elements according to FIG. 8 thus results from different shapes of the plate elements 2 between the connection points 6, which are all oriented in the one orientation according to FIGS. 3 and 4 to each other.

Despite their different shape, the plate elements 2 according to FIG. 9 all have a square basic shape as an outer contour - with a plate-shaped, that is, in some way substantially flat overall shape.

At least one connector element of the modular furniture system can, according to FIGS. 1 a to 2 d, have at least two connection ends oriented toward one another in such a way that the connection ends have the same number (at least two) plate elements, with whose connection points the connection ends are respectively connected in accordance with FIG connect at right angles to each other. Such a connection by means of two of the connecting elements according to FIG. 1 a is shown spatially in FIGS. 4 and 11.

At least one connector element may, according to FIGS. 1c, d, 10a, b, d and e, have at least one pair of connection ends oriented relative to one another such that the pair connects two plate elements with whose connection points the pair is connected in an aligned manner.

At least one connector element can, according to FIG. 1 g, h, 10 a and b, have two connection ends oriented toward one another in such a way that the connection ends connect this same number of plate elements, with whose connection points the connection ends are respectively connected at an angle of 120 ° to one another ,

At least one connector element may, according to FIGS. 1b, e, f, h, 2, 10e and f, have at least two connection ends oriented towards one another in such a way that the connection ends have the same number of plate elements, with their connection points the connection ends are each connected in accordance with the device, at an angle slightly greater than 90 °, in particular approximately between 95 ° and 105 °, mutually oriented connect.

As shown in Fig. 4, the joints of the plate members (for connection with the connection ends of the connector members) are adapted for connection by means of screws. Conversely, connection ends of the connector elements (for connection to the connection points of the plate elements) are also adapted for connection by means of screws.

Alternatives to the shape of the connector elements 4 in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 are shown in Fig. 11: The connection contour of the connection ends in Fig. 11 has connector elements (always using the example of a "right angle" connector element fitted with two mutually perpendicular connection ends to connect two furniture body elements 2 at right angles as shown in FIG. 4) the following shapes:

- In Fig. I Ia (initially again in the figure corresponding to FIG. 4, but in the schematic perspective as in all other figures of FIG. 1 1) a flat surface 80 which is adapted to abut the connection points 10 of the furniture body elements 2 and in which two (perpendicular to the surface) holes 8 are arranged - correspondingly have the joints 10 of the furniture body elements 2 (as shown in Figures 3 and 4, for connection to which the connecting contour shape of the connecting ends 6 of the connector element 4a is set) Shape of a flat surface 10, in which two (vertical to the surface) holes 12 are arranged for fastening screws 9; or

 - In Fig. Ib on the connector element 400b a flat surface 80 in which two (vertical to the surface 80) pins 8b are arranged - correspondingly have the joints 10 of the furniture body elements 2, the shape of a flat surface 10, in the two (to the surface vertical) bores 12 are arranged for the pins 8b (at the same distance as the pins and after the connection against withdrawal secured by locking screws 9b); or

1c on the connector element 400c, a first planar surface 80, in which a pin 8c is arranged, and a second flat surface 82, which is arranged at right angles to the first, with a bore 84 - correspondingly have the connection points 10c of the furniture body elements 2 preferably has the shape of a first planar surface 10c in which a bore 12c is disposed, and a second planar surface 86 which is also disposed at a right angle to the first planar surface 10c, also with a bore 88: for connection the two second flat surfaces 82, 86 on top of each other, and then when the two first flat surfaces 10, 80 abut each other for making the connection, the pin 8c is aligned and inserted in the bore 12c, and the two holes 84 and 88 are aligned, so that through the bore 84 screws a locking screw 9c into the bore 88; or

- In Fig. 1 ld to the connector elements 400d ', "and"' three planar surfaces 80, 90, 92, which are arranged perpendicular to each other - accordingly, the connection points 10 of the furniture body elements 2 also have the shape of three flat surfaces 10th , 94, 96, which are arranged at right angles to each other: for joining the two first flat surfaces 10, 80 to each other, and then for making the connection, the two second flat surfaces 90, 94 against each other and the two third levels Surfaces 92, 96 against each other, can be the connector element 400d by mutually aligned pairs of holes 12d in the furniture body elements 2 and in the connector element 400d or by at least one to a bore 12d '(in the furniture body elements 2) aligned pin 8d with at least one locking screw 9d on the furniture body element 2 shows (FIG. 1 ld shows three alternative such connector elements 400d once each to two Furniture body elements 2 mounted and dismantled twice and mirrored to each other); or

 In Fig. 1 le on the connector element 400e a tongue with two plane-parallel outer walls 80e at a certain distance from each other through which two holes 8e are arranged at a certain distance from each other - then the joints of the furniture body elements preferably have the shape of a slot lOe with two plane-parallel slot walls the same distance (as the plane-parallel outer walls 80e) through which two holes 12e is arranged with the same distance as the holes 8e: for connection, the tongue 80e inserted in the slot Loe, and for making the connection, the holes 8e and 12e aligned in pairs and are each secured with a locking screw 9 e in the furniture body element 2.

Claims

claims A connector element for connecting furniture body elements [in particular panel elements] of a modular furniture system, characterized in that: - The connector element has at least two connecting ends of the same connecting contour shape and - The connector element is arranged to furniture body elements having connection points, which are adapted for connection to the connecting contour shape of the connection ends to connect to each other by the connecting contour shape of the connection ends is arranged for connection to the connection points of the furniture body elements. The connector element according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection contour shape of the connection ends of the connector element has the following shape: a plane surface in which two pins [perpendicular to the surface] are arranged, or a flat surface in which an anti-rotation contour is arranged, or a first planar surface in which a pin is arranged and a second planar surface which is arranged at right angles to the first, or  - At least two mutually [right] angled flat surfaces, or  - A tongue with two plane-parallel outer walls through which at least one bore is arranged.  3. Connector element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection points of the furniture body elements, for connection to which the connecting contour shape of the connecting ends of the connector element is arranged, have the following shape: - a flat surface in which two holes [perpendicular to the surface] are arranged, or  a flat surface in which an anti-rotation contour is arranged, or a first planar surface in which a bore is disposed, and a second planar surface which is disposed at right angles to the first, or at least two mutually perpendicular surfaces, - A slot with two plane-parallel slot walls through which at least one bore is arranged. 4. The connector element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector element oriented at least two connection ends to each other so that the connection ends, the same number of plate elements, with the connection points of the connection ends are connected according to the device, at a right angle (a) to each other connect. 5. The connector element according to claim 1, wherein the connector element has at least one pair of connection ends oriented relative to one another in such a way that the pair connects two plate elements, with whose connection points the pair is connected in an aligned manner (ε). 6. The connector element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector element at least two connection ends oriented to each other so that the connection ends, this same number of plate elements, with their connection points, the connection ends are connected according to the device, at an angle of 120 ° (ß , δ) connected in an oriented manner. 7. The connector element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector element at least two connection ends oriented to each other so that the connection ends this same number of plate elements, with their connection points the connection ends are respectively connected by means, at an angle (γ) slightly larger connect as 90 °, in particular approximately between 95 ° and 105 °, oriented towards each other.  8. Connector element system for connecting furniture body elements [in particular panel elements] of a modular furniture system, characterized in that: the system comprises connector elements of different shapes, having at least two connecting ends of the same connecting contour and having different numbers of connecting ends and / or different angles between the connecting ends, and the system is arranged to interconnect furniture body elements having connection points adapted to be connected to the connection contour shape of the connection ends by the connection contour shape of Connecting ends for connection to the connection points of the furniture body elements is set up.