CN114127375A

CN114127375A - Partition wall system, method for installing a partition wall system

Info

Publication number: CN114127375A
Application number: CN202080034975.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 尤里斯·雍克尔; 萨纳克·霍尔斯特曼-佩法; 卡洛斯·曼纽尔·马蒂内斯·弗洛雷斯; 杰弗里·罗伯特·萨尔瓦多; 尼迪·徳利普·达塔尼
Original assignee: Maars Holding BV
Current assignee: Maars Holding BV
Priority date: 2019-04-05
Filing date: 2020-04-03
Publication date: 2022-03-01
Also published as: CA3135950A1; WO2020204717A1; EP3947842A1; US20230243150A1; NL2022880B1

Abstract

A dividing wall system, the dividing wall system comprising: at least two struts configured to be erected vertically; at least one profile which can be removably connected to the post in a horizontal manner; wherein the horizontal profiles are arranged at their respective ends with a connecting element arranged to be removably connected to a corresponding connecting element in the pillar, such that mating of the corresponding connecting elements provides a removable connection.

Description

Partition wall system, method for installing a partition wall system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a partition wall system.

Background

Dividing walls are known and are often used in interior construction, for example for office buildings, utility buildings (such as airports or hospitals), industrial buildings, institutional institutions, schools, laboratories, hotels and the like. Such walls are designed and used as permanent constructions that, once installed, form a permanent part of the interior of the building. Such walls typically include horizontal struts fixedly mounted to the floor and ceiling, with wall elements fixed between the horizontal struts. The vertical pillars are arranged between adjacent wall elements.

Because of the permanent nature of these structures, reorganizing the space in a building requires renovation work to remove permanent walls and install new walls. The renovation job requires the engagement of specialized construction workers because users of the construction typically do not have the skills or tools to remove the wall and install a new wall. The removed wall is often not reusable. This not only impairs the flexibility of the user to use the building to a great extent, but also impairs the flexibility of the architect to design the internal construction. Screens are known that can temporarily shade a portion of a space in a building, however, such screens have neither the appearance nor the function of a wall. Therefore, a more flexible wall system is needed.

Disclosure of Invention

To this end, the invention provides a dividing wall system according to claim 1.

By providing a system with at least two upright built-up pillars and at least one horizontal profile which can be removably connected between the pillars, a flexible and modular system can be provided which can be installed inside a building. The upright-built stanchions, once installed, are oriented substantially vertically, and for simplicity of description, may be considered to be vertical stanchions. The horizontal profile can be connected to the vertical post without the use of any tools or implements, for example by using a simple snap connection or a pen-hole connection. In this way, no workers are required to build the partition wall system, nor are any tools or implements required to connect the horizontal profiles to the vertical posts. This not only reduces costs, but also adds flexibility and versatility to the user.

The wall system may comprise a further profile which may be connected horizontally to the vertical pillar. At least two horizontal profiles are connected one above the other so that a gap is present between the at least two horizontal profiles. The horizontal profile can be connected to the vertical post without the use of any tools or implements, for example by using a simple snap connection or a pen-hole connection. In this way, no workers are required to build the dividing wall system, nor are any tools or implements required to connect another profile to the vertical post. Furthermore, a panel may be provided which is mountable to and between at least two horizontal profiles, which are connected one above the other. In this way, the gap between at least two horizontal profiles can be filled. By positioning a plurality of panels above each other, a closed wall can be obtained. The panels can be connected to the horizontal profile without using any tools or implements, for example using a simple snap connection, a pen-hole connection or a magnetic connection. In this way, the construction of the dividing wall system does not require a worker, the installation of the panels to and between at least two horizontal profiles, which are connected one above the other, nor any tools or appliances.

Advantageously, the vertical pillars are built between the floor and the ceiling in the interior of the building. The vertical post is at least releasably secured to the floor to provide a secure connection with the floor at one end and to enable flexibility and modularity at the other end by providing a releasable securement to the floor. To this end, the column may be arranged with adjustable feet, which can be releasably fixed to the floor. Advantageously, the fixing to the ceiling may be performed in a similar manner to the fixing to the floor, for example by using the same or similar feet that can be releasably fixed to the ceiling. In another aspect of the wall system, the vertical post may be fixed to the floor, but does not extend up to the ceiling and thus has a free upper end. Advantageously, the pillar may have a hollow cross-section. In this way, the support column can be manufactured relatively easily from metal, preferably from steel, which is preferably manufactured by rolling. Furthermore, the adjustable foot may be a separate element that can be inserted into the hollow end of the post, and thus may be connected to the post and provide fixing of the post to the floor and/or ceiling. Thus, the support post and/or the foot can be manufactured separately, enabling flexibility in manufacturing, storage and installation.

Advantageously, two or more profiles may be connected between adjacent vertical pillars. The panels may be mounted between horizontal struts arranged above each other. By providing a plurality of panels above each other, the space between adjacent vertical pillars can be closed and a closed wall is obtained. However, the user and/or architect may choose to close one or more gaps between the respective horizontal struts, thus having great flexibility in how the dividing wall system is filled with panels.

Furthermore, since the panels can be removably joined to the horizontal profile, the panels can be easily exchanged, removed or replaced by another panel. Advantageously, the panel comprises a frame having a panel body. The panel body may be any kind of material, such as metal, textile, plastic, composite, fabric, wood, etc. Alternatively and/or additionally, the panel and/or panel body may have various shapes and/or appearances. For example, the panel and/or panel body may be a cabinet, or a shelf, or a green panel comprising plants, etc. The panel and/or panel body may comprise a display, a touch screen, or a television screen, etc. Many variations of the panel and/or panel body are possible.

Advantageously, the horizontal profile is arranged with at least one protruding flange, wherein the flange is arranged to engage with the panel, in particular with a lower or upper edge of the panel. In this way, the panel can be easily joined to the profile and can be supported at the lower end by the projecting flange.

In an example, the horizontal profile has a hollow cross section, advantageously a cross-shaped cross section. By providing such a cross-shaped cross-section, there are two horizontally extending projecting flanges or arms, and two vertically extending projecting ribs. In this way, the cross-shaped cross-section enables the panels to be joined at both sides of the horizontal profile, i.e. one panel may be joined to the profile at one side of the horizontal profile and the other panel may be joined to the profile at the opposite side of the horizontal profile. Furthermore, the protruding flange may provide support for the panel, while the rib may facilitate mounting of the panel to the profile, against which the panel may abut. Advantageously, the profile has a cross section as follows: the cross-section is symmetrical with respect to a first axis of symmetry and/or symmetrical with respect to a second axis of symmetry. In this way, the manufacture and/or installation of the profile can be made simpler, since the profile can be connected to the vertical pillar in any way due to the symmetry. When the profile is of hollow construction, the profile may be manufactured, for example, by steel rolling. It will be appreciated that other materials and/or manufacturing methods are possible, such as metal extrusion or composite extrusion, or sheet welding, etc.

The vertical strut and the horizontal profile may have the same cross-section, for example may have the same hollow cross-shaped cross-section. Thus, in use, the arms of the cross-shaped cross-section of the profile extend horizontally and, for the strut, the arms of the cross-shaped cross-section may extend vertically in use. Providing posts and profiles with the same cross-section allows for simpler and more cost-effective manufacture and storage of the posts and profiles. In practice, therefore, it is advantageously possible to manufacture the longitudinally extending shape by rolling of steel, which can then be cut to the specified length for the pillar or profile.

Advantageously, the panel is arranged with an engagement element for engagement to the horizontal profile. An engagement element may be provided for the cooperation of the panel with the horizontal profile. For example, the engagement element may comprise a magnetic element. The engaging elements may be arranged in the lower edge and/or the upper edge of the panel and may also be implemented in different ways, for example as protrusions engaging in grooves or pen portions engaging in slots or the like. The engaging elements may engage with the profile, for example with a vertical rib of the profile, and the upper edge and/or the lower edge of the panel may abut with the vertical rib of the profile. The profile may be arranged with corresponding magnetic elements or may be made of a magnetizable material, e.g. a metallic material, preferably steel. Alternatively, the profile is arranged with engagement elements for engagement with the panels when mounted to the profile. By providing a magnetic element as the joining element, the panel and the profile can be joined in a simple and reliable manner without the use of any tools. This tool-less engagement facilitates assembly by the user.

The panel may include a frame and a panel body. The frame may include an upper edge and a lower edge, and in addition, the frame may include side edges. Advantageously, the panel main body is included inside the frame, and may have various modifications, such as a wood panel main body, a whiteboard panel main body, or a display panel main body, or a television screen panel main body, etc. By having the panel also have side edges, the side edges can be joined to the vertical pillars when mounting the panel to the horizontal profile. The side edges may also be provided with engagement elements, advantageously magnetic engagement elements, or engagement elements different from the upper and lower edges. Advantageously, when the post and the profile have the same cross-sectional shape, the panel may be joined to the post in the same or similar manner as the panel is joined to the profile. This facilitates the simplicity of assembly by a single person without the use of any tools or implements. Furthermore, providing a panel comprising a frame having an upper edge, a lower edge and side edges improves the visual appearance of the panel mounted to the posts and profiles.

The profile is removably connectable to the post. For this purpose, at both ends of the profile, the profile is arranged with connecting elements. The post is further arranged with a corresponding connecting element such that the cooperation of the corresponding connecting element provides a removable connection of the profile to the post. Such a connection may be a snap-fit connection, or a pin-hole connection, or a snap-finger connection, or a pin-slot connection, etc. Many variations are possible. The connecting element and the corresponding connecting element are configured to establish the connection in a tool-less manner (i.e. without using any tool or implement, such as a screwdriver or a wrench, such as a hex wrench). This provides for a simple, easy and/or reliable assembly without the need for a skilled person.

Advantageously, the connecting element of the profile comprises a joint insertable into an end of the profile. The joint may be a composite element that can be inserted into the hollow end of the profile. The corresponding connecting element in the strut may comprise a pen portion engageable to the joint. Holes (e.g., through holes) may be disposed in the posts to receive the pen portions, or aligned openings in opposite sides of the posts may be disposed in the posts to receive the pen portions when the posts are hollow. Thus, the pen can be inserted into the joint through a hole or opening in the pillar to provide a connection between the profile and the pillar. By providing a joint which can be inserted into the open end of the profile and a pen which can be connected to the post, the profile can be connected to the post in a simple, reliable and tool-free manner, and this can also be done by technically unskilled laymen. The pen section may be attached into an opening in the post, or the pen section may be integrated into the post itself. By providing the pillar with a pen section, it is easier to join a joint inserted in the end of the profile to the pen section. For example, a profile with a joint may approach the pen from above and may be lowered until the joint engages the pen. The pen-mountable opening in the post may be configured as a slot-like opening, or a keyhole-shaped opening, or a V-shaped opening, or any other shaped opening that can receive a pen.

The pen part itself may for example comprise two parts, which may be connected to each other by a screw connection. The two parts may for example have identical or similar ends, such as knobs serving as stops to prevent the pen section from sliding through the bore of the post. Thus, the two parts can be inserted into the holes from one end of the holes, respectively, and can be connected to each other by a screw connection to form a pen portion inserted into the stay. The knobs at each end of the pen part may serve as a protrusion on which a joint may be mounted, such that the joint may hook to the pen part and a secure yet releasable connection may be obtained. Alternatively, the pen section may be a one-piece component, or may be integral to the post.

Advantageously, the joint is arranged with a receiving slot in which the pen part can be received. Preferably, the receiving slot is arranged in a transverse wall of the joint, preferably in a transverse wall of the joint that faces the outside when inserted into the profile. The receiving slot may be V-shaped or keyhole-shaped or otherwise shaped such that it can receive the pen portion. Advantageously, the receiving slot is shaped to guide the pen portion towards the closed end of the slot, which may be V-shaped or keyhole-shaped. Thus, the receiving slot may also provide a "seek" function when approaching the pen section from above. This makes it easier for the joint of the profile to engage with the pen of the post.

The transverse wall comprising the receiving slot may be an outer wall of the joint or may be arranged in a slightly retracted position relative to the outer wall of the joint, such that the transverse wall, when inserted into the profile, is positioned in a slightly retracted position inside the profile. By positioning the transverse wall retracted with respect to the outer contour of the joint, a part of the pen can be enclosed by the joint and the profile in the connected state. In this way the profiles can be joined relatively close to the pillar, which improves the visually smooth appearance.

Advantageously, the transverse wall of the joint, which after insertion faces outwards, is slightly inclined at an inclination angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the profile. The transverse wall may have an inclination of about 1 degree to about 10 degrees, preferably about 5 degrees. Advantageously, the inclined transverse wall comprises a receiving slot for receiving the pen portion of the prop. By providing the transverse wall with an inclination, the profile can be tightly fitted to the pen section and the pillar when the opening is moved over the end of the pen section. In this way a tight fit of the profile to the pillar is obtained. Furthermore, due to the inclination of the transverse walls, the transverse walls may provide some search of the connecting elements with respect to the stanchions when mounting the horizontal profile to the stanchions. Thus, a reliable positioning of the connecting element relative to the pillar may be obtained. By providing the transverse wall with an inclination, the joint can be pulled towards the peg during engagement of the pen section with the peg. Due to this "pull", the joint and the profile can be relatively close to the pillar, and the joint between the pen and the joint can also be relatively strong. Due to the inclination of the transverse wall, the engagement between the pen and the joint may be in tension in the connected state and thus relatively firm. This enables a reliable and stable connection to be formed.

The transverse wall is further arranged with an opening as a receiving slot, which opening can be fitted around the end of the knob or joint. Advantageously, the opening or receiving slot is a slit or a V-shaped opening in which the pen portion (in particular, the end of the pen portion) can be hooked. When the profile is mounted to the post, the joint of the profile engages a pen inserted through the post. Thus, the profile and the joint will approach the pen from above in a downward movement. When the pen portion engages in the opening or slot of the transverse wall of the adapter, the adapter moves over the pen portion as the adapter is moved further downward until the pen portion abuts the end of the opening. When the transverse wall is slightly inclined, the pen pulls the joint towards the pillar as the joint is moved further downwards, so that a relatively tight, stable and reliable connection is obtained. Furthermore, when the opening in the transverse wall is V-shaped, the receiving width of the opening at the bottom is wider than the width of the opening at the top end, thereby providing a tight grip or restriction of the fitting to the transverse wall. In addition, the wider bottom opening enables some "hunting" of the joint to find the pen portion, enabling easy assembly by layperson users. Furthermore, the inclination of the transverse wall, i.e. the lower side of the transverse wall extends further outwards with respect to the joint than the upper side of the transverse wall, facilitates the search for the strut. When mounting the profile to the pillar, the bottom side of the transverse wall may first contact the pillar. Due to the inclination of the transverse wall, a stable path of the joint towards the pen section and the stanchion may be followed, providing a reliable and relatively simple connection.

Furthermore, a locking element may be provided to secure the panel to the horizontal profile. The locking element may be arranged on the panel and/or the profile. The locking element may be arranged as a clip which is insertable into a joint of a connecting element which is connected to an end of the profile. To this end, the joint may be arranged with a cavity for receiving the locking element, and the profile may be arranged with a hole through which the clamping element may be inserted into the cavity of the joint. The chuck may be arranged to be manually and tool-lessly inserted into the cavity of the joint. In this way, the fixing of the panels to the horizontal section bar can be done by a layman without any tools or appliances. In an example, the clip may be arranged with at least one laterally extending finger configured to engage with the panel. In another example, two laterally extending fingers may be arranged, advantageously one finger on each side of the locking clamp, to engage with one panel at each side of the horizontal profile. The fingers may be, for example, snap-fit fingers that are joined to the panel by a snap-fit connection. In this way, the panel is not only connected to the profile by means of the engaging elements, but is also fixed to the profile by means of the locking elements. This is advantageous for the user, since the wall system is intended to be used in buildings where people work or live, the fixed connection of the panels to the profiles prevents accidental loosening of the panels, thereby improving the safe and reliable use of the wall system.

Advantageously, the locking clip comprises an upper portion insertable into the profile connecting element, at least one downwardly extending finger located in the lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion, and a transverse or snap-in finger arranged at a lower free end of the downwardly extending finger. This provides a simple clip construction which can be easily inserted into the profile connecting element. This also provides a simple clip construction that is easily and tool-lessly removed when disassembling the wall system. The locking clip may further comprise at least one leg arranged to cooperate with the profile connecting element such that the clip can be removably connected to the profile connecting element. The legs may also extend downwards from the upper part and may be arranged with grooves which may snap fit with protrusions of the profile connecting element. Thus, in effect, the upper portion is a bridge portion or base portion from which the at least one leg and the at least one finger extend downwardly. Advantageously, the downwardly extending legs are arranged more outwardly with respect to the downwardly extending fingers, seen in the longitudinal direction of the profile connecting element, preferably both the downwardly extending legs and the downwardly extending fingers face towards the side to which the panel can be connected. The clamping elements can also be configured symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the profile connecting element. Thus, two legs may extend downwards from the upper portion, the two legs being arranged to be removably connected with the profile connecting element. In addition, two fingers may extend downwardly from the upper portion, the fingers being arranged with transverse or snap-in fingers to secure to the panel. When providing such a symmetrical locking clamp, it is possible to fix two panels, one on each side of the profile, joined to the same horizontal profile simultaneously in the same way. This may provide a compact mounting and mounting of a plurality of panels to the profile. In another embodiment, the locking clamp may be embodied as a box-shaped insert, and the two downwardly extending fingers of the box-shaped insert may be arranged as two opposite sides of the box-shaped insert from which the snap-fit fingers for engaging the panel may extend laterally. The two downwardly extending legs may be arranged as two further opposite sides of the box-shaped insert from which the flanges may extend laterally for cooperation with the profile.

By providing a wall system in which all components can be removably or releasably connected to each other and the vertically built studs can be releasably fixed to at least the floor, a versatile, flexible and modular system can be provided. The wall system can be easily extended by additional studs, profiles and panels. The adjustment of the wall system does not require the engagement of builders or the use of tools. Furthermore, by positioning the studs in a configuration that enables the wall system to have an angled configuration, a universal configuration of the wall system is possible. Alternatively and/or additionally, the panels may have a straight or curved design, enabling many configurations of the wall system.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for installing such a partition wall system is provided. In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of customizing such a partition wall system by removing and/or replacing panels is provided. In another aspect, a method of repositioning a dividing wall system by releasing the securement of the studs and securing the studs to at least the floor in another position is provided.

Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

Drawings

These and other aspects will be further explained with reference to the drawings comprising figures of exemplary embodiments. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements. Shown in the drawings are:

FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic view of a partition wall system;

FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic view of the connection of a horizontal profile and a vertical post;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a panel joined to a horizontal profile;

FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic view of an adjustable foot for a vertical post;

fig. 5 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a connecting element for profiles;

FIG. 6 is a schematic side perspective view of a panel joined to a horizontal profile with a connecting joint and a locking element;

fig. 7 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a locking element and a horizontal profile with a connecting joint;

fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking element engaged to a connecting joint of a horizontal profile.

Fig. 9 is a perspective schematic view of another embodiment of a locking element.

It should be noted that the drawings are given by way of illustrative example and are not limiting of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 gives an exploded schematic representation of a partition wall system 1. The partition wall system 1 comprises at least two uprights 2. Furthermore, the dividing wall system 1 comprises at least one profile 3, which can be removably connected to two adjacent vertical posts 2. In the example of fig. 1, there are three horizontal profiles 3 between the left and middle vertical pillars 2 and two horizontal profiles 3 between the right and middle vertical pillars 2. More or fewer horizontal profiles may be provided. The horizontal profiles 3 are connected to the pillar 2 one above the other so that there is a gap 4 between the horizontal profiles. The panel 5 may be arranged between the upper profile and the lower profile 3. The panels 5 can be engaged with the lower profiles 3 and the upper profiles 3 so that the gaps 4 between the respective profiles 3 can be filled.

The pillars 2, or so-called upright pillars or vertical pillars, may be built up between the floor 6 and the ceiling 7, or may be fixed only to the floor 6. In order to fix the stanchion 2 to the floor 6 and/or the ceiling 7, a fixing element 8 is provided. The fixing element 8 may be an adjustable foot 8 comprising a post insert 9 and a foot base 10. Fig. 4 shows the fastening element 8 in an exploded view. The cross-sectional shape of the prop insert 9 corresponds to the cross-section of the prop 2, at least to the cross-section of the upper end or the cross-section of the lower end of the prop 2. In the column insert 9, a hole 11 is arranged, into which a foot base 10 (in particular a threaded body 12) can be screwed. The holes 11 may be arranged with corresponding threads or may be unthreaded. The hole 11 may be a through hole, as shown in fig. 4, or may be a hole having a closed end. The height of the post 2 can be adjusted by adjusting the foot base 10 relative to the post insert 9. The foot base 10 can be a plastic part or a metal part, advantageously the stud insert 9 is made of plastic material, but can have a metal threaded insert in the hole 11 to receive the threaded body of the foot base 10. The foot base 10 is further arranged with two slit openings 13. Screws can be inserted through these openings to fix the foot base 10 to the floor 6 or ceiling 7. Alternatively, such screws may be omitted. Alternative embodiments of the adjustable foot are possible, for example, the foot as an insert in the vertical pillar may be pinned through a hole, or adjusted by a rack and pinion system or by a finger cooperating with a saw tooth or the like.

The profile 3 can be connected to the uprights 2 by means of connecting elements 14, advantageously the uprights 2 are provided with corresponding connecting elements 15. Various examples of connecting

elements

14, 15 are possible. For example, the connecting element 14 may be arranged as a protrusion fitting in a cut-out connecting element 15 of the strut 2. Alternatively, the connecting element 14 of the profile 3 may be a hook, which may hook on or in a corresponding projection or opening of the strut 2. Alternatively, the connecting element 14 may be a pin with a head, i.e. a mushroom-shaped element, which may be inserted into a keyhole-shaped opening of the pillar 2, as shown in fig. 2. The advantage of the above example is that no tools or implements are required to connect the profile 3 to the post 2. The opposite configuration is also possible, for example, the struts can be arranged with pins as connecting elements 15, which can be fitted into openings of the profiles 3. In the example shown in fig. 1, the connecting elements 14 are schematically shown, as are the corresponding connecting elements 15. It is clear that a plurality of connecting elements is possible, which makes it possible to establish a movable connection between the profile 3 and the pillar 2.

In order to align the connecting elements 15 of adjacent pillars 2, the height of the pillars 2 may be adjusted with the adjustable legs 8.

Advantageously, the profile 3 has a hollow cross-section and can be made of metal (for example steel), so the profile can be a rolled steel profile. As shown in the cross-section of fig. 3, the profile 3 has a cross-shaped cross-section in this example. The cross-shaped cross-section comprises two protruding

flanges

16, 17 and two protruding

ribs

18, 19. Alternative shapes such as T-shaped or L-shaped are also possible. Advantageously, the cross section of the profile 3 is symmetrical with respect to a first axis of symmetry S1, which is a vertical axis in use, so that the projecting

flanges

16, 17 are symmetrical. In a further embodiment, the profile 3 may be symmetrical with respect to a second axis of symmetry S2, which is a horizontal axis in use. In this way, the profile 3 can be handled easily, and the direction as to how to connect the profile 3 to the post 2 can be relatively free. More advantageously, the prop 2 has the same shape and/or the same cross section as the profile 3, preferably it has the same hollow cross section as the profile. This may make the manufacture of the post 2 and the profile 3 simpler and more cost-effective, since the same shape may be used for both the profile and the post. For example, in fig. 2 it is schematically shown that the profile 3 and the pillar 2 have the same shape. The above description of the cross section of the profile 3 applies equally to the cross section of the pillar 2, when the pillar 2 and the profile 3 have the same shape.

The protruding

flanges

16, 17 may provide support for the panel 5, which may be joined to the profile 3. More specifically, the

ribs

18, 19 may provide the engagement of the panel 5 to the profile 3. The panel 5 (in particular the upper edge 20 and/or the lower edge 21) may be arranged with engaging elements 22, 23. The engaging elements 22 of the upper edge 20 and the engaging elements 23 of the lower edge 21 may be identical, but may also be different. For example, the engagement elements 23 of the lower edge 21 may be projections that fit into grooves of the flange 16, while the engagement elements 22 of the upper edge 20 may be pins or snap-fit fingers that fit into openings of the ribs 19. In another example, the two engagement elements 22, 23 may be identical, such as snap-fit fingers that engage in openings in the

ribs

19, 18. The joining elements 22, 23 are embodied here as identical elements, i.e. as magnetic elements which are connected to the upper edge 20 and the lower edge 21 of the panel, respectively. However, the magnetic elements may also be connected to the

ribs

18, 19. The magnetic elements 22, 23 can be attached to the outside of the panel 5 and/or the profile 3 or can be mounted on the inside of the panel 5 and/or the profile 3.

Advantageously, the profile 3 is made of a magnetizable material (for example steel). Alternatively and/or additionally, the upper edge 20 and/or the lower edge 21 of the panel 5 may also be of a magnetizable material. In the embodiment, the panel 5 includes a frame 51 and a panel main body 52. The upper edge 20 and the lower edge 21 may provide a frame 51. The frame 51 may also further include side edges. As shown in the embodiment of fig. 3, the panel body 51 may be integral to the frame 51, but may also be separate from and attachable to the frame. For example, the panel body 52 may be made of textiles, plants, fabrics, composite or plastic materials, wood, etc., and/or may include shelves, cabinets, displays, etc. Many variations of the panel or panel body are possible.

By providing the magnetic elements 22, 23 as engaging elements, the engagement of the panel 5 with the profile 3 can be relatively simple. The panel 5 is first supported on the flange 16 of the lower profile 3, preferably at the corner between the flange 16 and the rib 18. The panel 5 can then be rotated towards the upper profile 3 until the upper edge 20 of the panel 5 engages the rib 19. Then, due to the magnetic force of the magnetic elements 22, 23, a firm connection can be established. On the opposite side of the profile 3, another panel 5 can also be joined to the profile 3, as schematically shown in fig. 3.

The panel 5 may further be arranged with side edges in a similar way as the upper edge 20 and the bottom edge 21. The side edges can then engage with the arms of the post 2 in a similar way as the upper and lower edges engage with the

arms

18, 19 of the profile 3. In fact, the section of the system parallel to the uprights, taken in the vertical plane, shown in figure 3, is equally applicable to the possible sections of the system parallel to the horizontal section, in the horizontal plane through the panel, when the section and the uprights have the same cross section and the side edges of the panel are similar to the upper and lower edges.

The upper and lower edges of the panel may form a frame for the panel. The frame, if present, may further include side edges.

Fig. 5 shows a bottom view of an alternative connecting element 14 for connecting a profile 3 to a post 2. Here, the connection element 14 comprises a joint 24 and the corresponding connection element 15 may comprise a pen portion 25. The joint 24 is insertable in the hollow end of the profile 3 and has a shape corresponding to the shape of the cross-section of the profile 3. Here, the joint 24 is approximately cross-shaped. The corresponding connecting element 15 of the pillar 2 further comprises a through hole through which the pen portion 25 can extend. In the case of a hollow-shaped strut, the through-holes may be embodied as aligned openings in opposite sides of the strut.

The pen part 25 here comprises two

pen parts

25a, 25b, which can be connected to each other by means of screw threads. The pen part 25a is arranged with a threaded rod 26, while the other pen part 25b is arranged with a threaded hole into which the threaded rod can be screwed. The two

pen sections

25a, 25b have the same or similar end shape, i.e. comprise a knob 27, a turn 28 and a rib 29 connected to a pen body 30. The turn 28 may have a diameter smaller than that of the pen portion, and may form a space between the knob 27 and the rib 29. Advantageously, the

pen sections

25a, 25b are integrally manufactured as a single component part, for example from metal or composite material.

The joint 24 may be arranged with a transverse wall 31 in which an opening 32 is arranged. Advantageously, the transverse wall 31 fits in the space provided by the turn 28 between the knob 27 and the rib 29. Preferably, the opening 32 is V-shaped so that the pen section 25 can be relatively easily found and a tight connection can be obtained when moving the joint 24 down on the pen section 25.

The pillar 2 is advantageously arranged with pre-drilled holes 15 through which the

pen parts

25a, 25b can be inserted and interconnected to form the pen 25. In this way, the pen section 25 may be connected to the support post 2 at a position corresponding to the user's preference. When the pen section 25 is inserted into the support post 2, the profile 3 can be mounted on the pen section 25. In particular, the joint 24 inserted in the end of the profile 3 can be mounted on the pen 25. More particularly, the transverse wall 31 of the fitting 24 may be mounted in the space formed by the turn 28.

The opening 32 in the transverse wall 31 may be keyhole shaped to fit tightly with the pen section, in particular with the turn section 28, when in the engaged position. Furthermore, as can be seen in fig. 6, the transverse wall 31 may have a slight inclination with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the joint 24, the inclination angle α being comprised between about 1 degree and about 10 degrees, preferably about 5 degrees.

The fixing between the panel 5 and the profile 3 is also shown in fig. 6. This fixing is obtained by means of a locking element 33, the locking element 33 comprising snap-in fingers 34 for fixing the connection between the panel 5 and the section bar 3. Only the connection between the panel 5 and the profile 3 has been established by means of the joining element 23, for example the magnetic element 23. In order to obtain a secure, reliable and firm connection, a locking element 33 is provided. The snap fingers 34 are engageable in openings 35 in the panel 5. The panel 5 is here arranged with an upper edge 20 and a panel body 51, the depth D of which is greater than the depth D of the upper edge 20 and which is also greater than the depth of the lower edge 21. In this way, a shoulder 52 is obtained, in which shoulder 52 an opening 35 can be arranged, in which opening the snap-in finger 34 of the locking element 33 can be snapped in. By making the depth D of the panel body 51 greater than the depth D of the upper edge 20 or lower edge 21, a recess 36 is obtained between the profile 3 and the panel body 51 when engaged. Typically, in this recess, the user's fingers can cooperate with the user's fingers capable of holding the panel 5 to join the panel to the profile 3. Furthermore, when disengaging the panel 5, the user can push the snap fingers 34 inwards, which can release the fastening of the snap fingers 34 to the openings 35, so that the panel 5 can be removed from the profile 3.

Fig. 7 shows the locking element 33 in a perspective view. The locking element 33 is arranged as a locking clip that can be inserted into the joint 24. For this purpose, the joint 24 and the profile 3 are provided with an opening 37 through which the locking clamp 33 can be inserted to be tightly clamped to the joint 24. The joint 24 is arranged with a projection 38 which fits in a recess 39 of the chuck 33. The recesses 39 are arranged on two outwardly and downwardly extending legs 41. The locking clip 33 includes a bridge 42 or base portion from which legs 41 extend downwardly. Upon moving the legs 41 toward each other, the recess 39 may be disengaged from the projection 38, and the clip 33 may be removed from the fitting 24. Advantageously, the leg 41 has, at its lower end, a transverse arm 43 for cooperating with the profile 3. The user can easily engage with the transverse arms 43 to move the legs 41 towards each other, so as to disengage the locking element 33 from the joint 24 and from the profile 3.

Further inwardly with respect to the legs 41, two fingers 44 extend downwardly from the bridge 42 of the locking clip 33. Here, the downwardly extending fingers 44 are also embodied as legs and are arranged for engagement with the panel 5. The bridge or base portion 42 is actually the upper portion from which the legs 44 extend. By the

legs

41, 44 extending from the base bridge 42, some resilience is provided, enabling some movement of the legs relative to each other. Such resilience and/or movement may provide for engagement and disengagement of the locking pinches 33 with the profiles 3 and/or panels 5. The legs 44 terminate in laterally extending snap fingers 34. Due to the L-shaped configuration of the leg 44 with the snap fingers 34, flexibility is provided to the locking element 33, enabling the snap fingers 34 to move downward, thereby enabling the snap fingers 34 to disengage from the openings 35 in the panel 5. The locking element 33 not only provides a firm and reliable connection of the panel 5 to the profile 3, but the locking element itself is also designed to be removable. This enables the wall system to have great flexibility and versatility for the user. In the example of the locking pinches 33 shown in fig. 7 and 8, the locking pinches 33 are symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane S coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the joint 24 of the profile connecting element 14.

In this example it is shown that the locking clip 33 has two legs 44 and two fingers 41 extending downwards from the bridge 42 so that two panels 5 are simultaneously fixed to the horizontal profile 3, one panel 5 on each side of the profile 3. However, in another example, the locking pincher 33 may comprise a single leg 44 and a single finger 41 for fixing the panel 5 at one side of the horizontal profile 3 only. The locking clip 33 as shown in fig. 6 and 7 may be manufactured by 3D printing or by injection moulding with a composite plastic material.

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of a locking element 33 in a perspective view. The locking element 33 is arranged as a locking insert which can be inserted into an opening 37 of the horizontal profile 3, which opening is here arranged as a rectangular opening 37. The insert 33 is box-shaped here and can engage in a recess in the joint through an opening 37 in the profile 3. The insert 33 includes a rectangular base 42 from which the legs 41 and fingers 44 extend downwardly as sides of the insert 33. The legs 41, the fingers 44 are embodied here as flat-plate-shaped side faces of the box-shaped insert 33. Two legs 41 extend from two opposite edges of the base 42 and are arranged to cooperate with the profile 3. Two legs 44 extend from the other two opposite edges of the base 42 and are arranged to engage with the panel 5. The leg 41 includes a snap finger 60 and a laterally extending flange 43 at the lower end of the leg 41. Thus, the

leg portions

41, 44 may form the sides of the box-shaped insert 33. The snap fingers 60 are arranged to engage with the edges of the opening 37, thereby securing the insert 33 to the horizontal profile 3. Advantageously, the leg 41 has a transverse arm 43 at its lower end. The user can easily engage with the transverse arms 43 to move the legs 41 towards each other for disengaging the locking insert 33 from the profile 3. Two further legs 44, which are oriented transversely with respect to the legs 41, have snap-in fingers 34 at their lower ends. The hook-like shape of the snap fingers 34 enables the snap fingers 34 to receive and fix the upper edge 20 or the lower edge 21 of the panel 5, depending on whether the insert 33 is inserted on the top side or on the bottom side of the horizontal profile 3. The hook-like shape of the snap fingers 34 (in particular the outer faces 62 forming a slight obtuse angle with the upper faces 64) enables some rotational movement of the panel 5, for example so that the upper edge 20 of the panel 5 can be rotated towards the horizontal profile 3 when the lower edge 21 has engaged the snap fingers 34. Further, the

faces

62, 64 forming the snap fingers 34 may be shaped to provide engagement from a user who can push the snap fingers to engage or disengage the snap fingers with or from the panel 5. However, a snap-in finger 34 joined to the upper edge 20 of the panel 5 may prevent rotational movement of the panel 5 enabled by another snap-in finger 34 joined to the lower edge 21, whereas a snap-in finger 34 joined to the lower edge 21 of the panel 5 may also prevent rotational movement of the panel 5 enabled by another snap-in finger 34 joined to the upper edge 20. In this manner, the panel 5 may be fixedly engaged between the plurality of snap fingers 34.

The locking clip 33 shown in figure 9 may be made from sheet steel, for example spring steel, to provide some resilience to the clip. In particular, the

legs

41, 44 may have some elasticity with respect to the base 42, so as to be able to engage to and/or disengage from corresponding recesses of the panel and/or profile.

For example, the panel 5 may be arranged with four recesses, one on each corner, to engage with four locking clips 33, two at the top side of the panel and two at the bottom side of the panel. Alternatively, only the top side of the panel 5 may be engaged with the locking pinches 33 to be connected to the horizontal profiles 3. A locking clip as shown in fig. 7 may be used, or a locking clip 33 as shown in fig. 9 may be used.

In an embodiment of the invention, the insert 33 may be used as the primary or sole connection between the horizontal profile 3 and the panel 5. In other words, the insert 33 may function as an engagement element 23 even though it is still possible to couple the insert 33 with, for example, the magnetic element 23.

As seen in various examples, the dividing wall system and all of its components are configured to be removable, detachable, reusable, repositionable, etc. By simply disconnecting or disconnecting the connecting or disconnecting elements, all connections arranged between the components of the dividing wall system are easily removable or releasable without the need for any tools or appliances. Furthermore, the locking element can be easily inserted into the profile with one hand and without tools. Thus, the system is relatively simple and straightforward to use, and can be easily modified, expanded, adapted, customized, etc. according to the user's preferences. For example, in one case, a certain color of upright wall is desired, while in another case, the desired color is different. Thus, the wall panel is easily removed and replaced with a panel of a different color and/or color pattern. In another example, a wall from floor to ceiling is required in one application, while in another application, a high shoulder separation is required. Thus, the top panel can simply be removed from the wall system. The lower panel may be replaced with a cabinet-shaped panel or a shelf-shaped panel. In another example, when the wall system is configured in an L-configuration, the following wall system is sufficient: the studs of the wall system do not extend as far as the ceiling but end, for example, at the height of the shoulders. The panels can be mounted on both sides of the studs and profiles, allowing versatility and flexibility in both sides of the wall system. Furthermore, the elements of the partition wall system can be connected to each other without the use of any tools or appliances (i.e. without tools). Connecting the profiles to the uprights, or the panels to the profiles, can be relatively simple and direct, in fact, a person (in particular, a layman) can assemble the dividing wall system himself without tools or appliances and without the help of others. Many variations and configurations are possible.

In another aspect, a partition wall system is provided, which comprises at least two vertical pillars that can be erected vertically, and on each pillar a support element can be arranged. The panels may be mounted to adjacent vertical pillars which are supported on respective support elements. The support elements may be adjustable relative to the posts, for example by an intra-hole joint connection, to ensure that the support elements in adjacent posts are at substantially the same height to receive the panel in a substantially horizontal manner. Here, the panels may be arranged with side edges comprising engaging elements for engaging to corresponding vertical pillars. Similar to the above description, the engagement element is preferably a magnetic element. The vertical struts preferably have a hollow cross-section, more preferably a hollow cross-shaped cross-section. In this way, the side edges of the panel may be joined to the arms of the cross-shaped strut. The support element may be relatively simple and may be a pen mounted through a through hole of the post or, in the case of a hollow post, through aligned openings in opposite sides of the post. Other variations of the support elements, such as snap fingers or hooks, are also possible. In another example, the support element may be a horizontal profile as described above.

For clarity and conciseness of description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it should be understood that the claims and the scope of the present disclosure may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the described features. It is to be understood that the embodiments shown have identical or similar components, except where described differently.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words "a" and "an" should not be construed as limiting "only one" but rather are used to mean "at least one" and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A partition wall system comprising

-at least two posts configured to be erected;

-at least one profile which can be removably connected to the post in a horizontal manner;

-wherein the horizontal profiles are arranged with connecting elements at their respective ends, which connecting elements are arranged to be removably connected to corresponding connecting elements in the pillars, such that the mating of the corresponding connecting elements provides a removable connection.

2. A dividing wall system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a further horizontal profile which can be removably connected to the post in a horizontal manner, wherein at least two horizontal profiles can be connected to the post one above the other.

3. A dividing wall system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a panel mountable to and between the at least two horizontal profiles.

4. A dividing wall system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the horizontal profile is arranged with at least one protruding flange arranged to engage with a lower edge and an upper edge of the panel respectively.

5. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the horizontal profile has a hollow cruciform cross-section.

6. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the horizontal profile has a cross-section as follows: the cross-section is symmetrical with respect to a first axis of symmetry and/or symmetrical with respect to a second axis of symmetry, which is perpendicular to the first axis of symmetry.

7. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the panels are arranged with engagement elements for engagement to the horizontal profiles.

8. A dividing wall system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the engagement elements are magnetic elements.

9. A dividing wall system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the panels are arranged with upper and lower edges, the engaging elements being mounted to the upper and lower edges.

10. A dividing wall system as claimed in any of claims 3 to 9, further comprising a further panel mounted to the profile at the other side of the profile.

11. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the panel comprises a frame and a panel body arranged in the frame, preferably wherein the frame comprises an upper edge and a lower edge of the panel.

12. Dividing wall system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal profile is magnetizable and preferably is made of a metallic material.

13. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the studs and/or profiles are manufactured from steel, preferably the studs and/or profiles are manufactured by steel rolling.

14. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the corresponding connecting elements of the studs are configured as holes through the studs, or in the case of hollow studs, as aligned openings in opposite sides of the studs.

15. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connecting elements of the horizontal profiles comprise a joint insertable into an end of the profile.

16. A dividing wall system according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the corresponding connecting element of the stud further comprises a pen portion engageable with a connecting element of the profile, in particular the pen portion is engageable with the joint.

17. A dividing wall system as claimed in claim 15 and claim 16, wherein the pen section is engageable to a transverse wall of the junction.

18. A partition wall system of claim 17, wherein the transverse walls of the joint are inclined at an oblique angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joint.

19. A dividing wall system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the tilt angle is between about 1 degree to about 10 degrees.

20. A dividing wall system as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the pen section is engageable to a cut-out of the transverse wall, preferably the cut-out is a V-shaped cut-out.

21. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a locking element for securing the panel to the horizontal profile.

22. A dividing wall system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the locking element is arranged as a locking clip comprising an upper portion insertable into the connecting element of the profile and at least one laterally extending finger at a lower portion of the locking clip, wherein the laterally extending finger is configured to engage with the panel to secure the panel to the profile.

23. A dividing wall system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the locking clip further comprises at least one leg arranged to cooperate with a connecting element of the profile such that the clip can be removably connected to the profile connecting element.

24. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the studs are releasably securable to a floor and/or ceiling.

25. A dividing wall system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the studs are arranged with adjustable feet, preferably the feet are releasably securable to the floor and/or ceiling.

26. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the studs have a hollow cross-section.

27. A dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the studs and profiles have the same cross-section, preferably a hollow cross-section, more preferably a hollow cross-shaped cross-section.

28. A method for installing a dividing wall system as claimed in any preceding claim, the method comprising:

-building at least two vertical pillars;

-connecting at least one profile horizontally to the vertical pillar.

29. The method of claim 28, the method further comprising:

-connecting another profile horizontally to the vertical pillar at a distance from the installed horizontal profile;

-joining a panel to the horizontal profile.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein joining the panel to the horizontal profile further provides securing the panel to the horizontal profile with a locking element.

31. A method for customizing a dividing wall system according to any of claims 1 to 27, the method comprising: a mounting dividing wall system as claimed in any of claims 28 to 30, removing a panel from the dividing wall system and replacing the removed panel with a different panel.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising providing a plurality of horizontal profiles and joining a panel to a predefined one of the horizontal profiles.

33. A method for repositioning a dividing wall system according to any of claims 1 to 27, the method comprising: installing the dividing wall system of any of claims 28 to 30, disassembling the dividing wall system by removing the panels, disconnecting the horizontal profile from the post and releasing the post from its current position, erecting the post at another position, and connecting the horizontal profile with at least one panel.