DE102012101563A1 - Connector for connecting furniture elements with swivel door, has connecting body inserted into both recesses in form fit manner, and shaped bodies fixed in position against each other by connecting body comprising spherical molding - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector (1) has a shaped body (5) with a recess that is assigned to a furniture element (3) and another shaped body (7) with another recess that is assigned to another furniture element (4). An insertable connecting body is inserted into both the recesses in a form fit manner. The shaped bodies are fixed in a position against each other by the connecting body. The connecting body comprises a spherical molding partially and a material portion such stainless steel. The connecting body forms a hinge joint in the recess for swivel-movable connection of the shaped bodies.

Description

The invention relates to a connecting element comprising a first molded body having a first recess, which is associated with a first furniture element, and a second molded body having a second recess, which is associated with a second furniture element, as well as a simultaneously insertable in both recesses connecting body, the two Shaped body in a fixed position by the connecting body surface against each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a furniture element having a plurality of moldings connected by such connecting elements.

Such a connection element is already generally known from the prior art and thus belongs to the state of the art due to obvious prior use. For example, substantially cylindrical connecting body are used as dowel pins to fix shelves in accordance with a grid of existing recesses in different positions can. For this purpose, the cylindrical connecting body are preferably inserted positively in the same plane in each case designed as a bore recess and thus serve as a support for the shelf. The shelf and a respective side surface of the furniture thereby form moldings, wherein the shelf along its end surface rests flat against the side surface.

Furthermore, pin joints in furniture are well known, depending on the configuration, only the positioning or additionally also the fixation of several furniture elements are used. Such pin joints could be made of wood or metal and optionally have a fixation forces improving outer nature. For example, by means of such pins essays can be reliably positioned on cabinets, so as to achieve an optimal relative alignment.

A disadvantage is the handling effort so equipped with recesses for pins furniture elements, which is required to align the aligned by the connecting element recesses, so coaxially and to perform a corresponding joining movement. This type of connection is particularly cumbersome when the furniture elements to be joined together are difficult to access or have a high weight. It is understandable that in the case of the typically more parallel connecting bodies used in practice, the assembly effort increases, because geometric overdetermination occurs. In case of incorrect relative positioning also damage to the receptacle or the connecting element can not be excluded.

There are also already known fasteners that have a spherical basic shape. Each of the spherical connectors has six circumferentially equally spaced threaded receivers that can be selectively connected to up to six mutually perpendicular tubes. The spherical shape follows essentially design advantages. However, the assembly or disassembly of the structure consisting of balls and rods requires in addition to appropriate expertise and special tools, so that the handling is almost impossible for laymen.

Such a connection element is for pipe structures from the DE 102 10 885 C1 known. The connection of the tubes with a node element takes place here by means of intermeshing, deviating from the cylindrical shape contact surfaces. As such contact surfaces, for example, pins and holes can serve with elliptical cross section, wherein the large diameter of the pin is larger than the small diameter of the bore. When turning the two components against each other creates a frictional connection.

Furthermore, spherical connecting elements are known which are non-positively fixed in a correspondingly concave clamping shell and thereby allow a continuously adjustable orientation. The flexible orientation is made possible in that the moldings do not bear against each other, but the clamping shells are arranged projecting relative to the surface of the moldings.

For example, the DE 92 02 301 U1 to a construction system in which the connection is achieved by two interconnected balls, which can be fixed in a respective shell. This results in two ball joints.

The DE 33 02 312 C2 relates to a furniture hinge with a mounting plate. On a threaded pin a holding head is attached in the form of a ball. A longitudinal groove in the mounting plate accommodates the ball appropriately, wherein the diameter of the longitudinal groove in its circular cross-section-shaped region is slightly larger than the diameter of the ball. As a result, a considerably larger Einstellhub to be achieved.

The DE 32 41 877 A1 refers to connector components with a plurality of angularly or coaxially arranged push-in sleeves for pipes and rods for building shelves. The main body of the connector component consists of four plug-in sleeves and two opposing, pivotally mounted push-in sleeves, which sit with a hemispherical portion in each case in a spherical-section-shaped recess of the connector component.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a tool-free usable with little effort connecting element for fixing various furniture elements, which also allows easy handling, especially for a layman. Furthermore, a fixed by appropriate fasteners furniture element to be created.

The first object is achieved with a connecting element according to the features of claim 1. The further embodiment of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, therefore, a connecting element is provided whose connecting body has an at least partially spherical shape. According to the invention, a spherical overdetermination is prevented by the spherical or spherical segment-shaped shaping, so that tolerances in the arrangement of a plurality of receptacles on the same furniture element are compensated. As a result, the positioning is much easier. In addition, it is advantageous for the user that due to the spherical shape the shaped bodies can roll or slide on one another in order to reach the predetermined relative position by a relative displacement in the contact plane of the molded bodies until the corresponding recesses assume a congruent position. In contrast to the prior art, which requires a joining movement transversely to the contact plane, the fixation is made much easier by the displacement in the contact plane. The positioning does not depend on the skill of the installer or the installation situation. The spherical shape prevents damage to the surfaces of the moldings.

It proves to be particularly advantageous if the connecting body is spherical. Due to the point-symmetrical design assembly errors are reliably excluded. In addition, the spherical shape allows easy rolling on the molding for positioning, so that the assembly process is further facilitated. In addition, the connecting body can if necessary also take over the function of a bottom roller, so that the furniture element can be moved easily on a surface without additional floor rolls. It proves to be an advantage that the aesthetic overall impression, in contrast to additional floor rolls is not affected by the barely visible to the viewer arrangement of the spherical connecting body.

The connecting body could consist of a wood material, for example a hardwood. Preferably, the connecting body as a substantial proportion of material, a metal, in particular stainless steel. As a result, damage to the connecting body is almost impossible even at high loads. In addition, the friction and thereby, for example, the occurrence of frictional resistances in the recess as well as adhesions on the surface of the connecting body can be reduced to a minimum by a smooth, in particular polished metal surface.

It proves to be particularly advantageous if at least one of the recesses is delimited by a concave or tubular insert element fixed in the respective shaped body and which receives the connecting body in a form-fitting manner. As a result, the use of the connecting element according to the invention is made possible regardless of the material properties of the molded body by the forces occurring in the connection area are transmitted by means of the insert element to the respective shaped body. In this case, the insert element is defined in a simple variant by a pipe piece or a sleeve which is open at least at one end. By contrast, the outer surface facing the shaped body can have almost any desired texture matched to the properties of the shaped body. For example, the insert element may have peripheral projections for secure fixation on the molded body.

Preferably, additional functional elements can be fixed to the furniture element by means of the connecting body. Such functional elements can be formed for example by reinforcing struts, side or rear walls, possibly also with intermediate levels, or rods for producing a hinge joint, wherein the connecting element allows the relative pivoting movement and the rods can be connected to a door leaf.

Another, also particularly useful variant is achieved in that the shaped bodies are movable against an elastic restoring force from the mutually opposite fixing position in a mutually spaced mounting position. The receptacles are arranged, for example, on parallel shaped bodies forming the limbs of a U-shaped basic element, which are deformed counter to the restoring force, so that further functional elements can be inserted between the legs. This allows the Ball shape, the subsequent insertion of the functional element, because in the state of elastic deformation, a coaxial alignment of all recesses, namely the recess of the two legs and the recess of the functional element, is almost excluded at opposite end portions. Again, the spherical shape supports the joining process by the shaped body of the furniture elements similar to a ball bearing roll on each other until the predetermined position is reached.

In a further, likewise particularly practical variant of the connecting body is held captive in a recess by means of a fixing means, wherein the fixing means selectively secures the connecting body only against accidental falling out or immovably fixes the connecting body in the recess.

Particularly preferably, the recesses each have a depth which is dimensioned such that the connecting body extends in the fixing position each half in the first and in the second recess. The depth of the recesses thus corresponds at least substantially to the radius of the connecting body. This ensures that the connecting body is held almost free of play in both recesses, so that the relative position of the molded body can be reproduced with high accuracy.

The second-mentioned object of providing a furniture element fixed by connecting elements is achieved by a furniture element having a plurality of molded bodies connected by at least one connecting element, wherein a first molded body is provided with a first recess and a second molded body is provided with a second recess, with a form-fitting at the same time two recesses circumferentially enclosed connecting body, wherein the two moldings lie flat against each other in a fixed position by the connecting body position and wherein the connecting body has an at least partially spherical shape.

The invention allows for various embodiments. To further clarify its basic principle, one of them is shown in the drawing and will be described below. This shows in each case in a perspective view in

1 a realized by two interconnected furniture elements piece of furniture;

2 an upper furniture element of the 1 furniture shown;

3 a lower furniture element of the 1 furniture shown;

4 a variant of the lower furniture element with an additional reinforcing element;

5 a variant of a closed furniture element with a hinged door;

6 a connecting element of in 1 shown furniture in an enlarged view.

A through an inventive connecting element 1 realized piece of furniture 2 from two furniture elements 3 . 4 will be described below on the basis of 1 to 4 explained in more detail. The piece of furniture shown by way of example only 2 is by a simple construction of a modular system of versatile combinable furniture elements 3 . 4 realized from individual modules, as in particular in the 2 and 3 are shown. Every furniture element 3 . 4 has a U-shaped basic shape. In the illustrated variant, the furniture elements 3 . 4 constructed asymmetrically, resulting in particular in connection with selectively usable, not shown compensating elements results in a high design freedom. The fixation of the furniture elements 3 . 4 serving connecting element 1 includes a first furniture element 3 associated first molded body 5 with a non-recognizable recess and a second furniture element associated second molded body 7 with an in 4 shown recess 6 , In the in 1 shown connected position of the two furniture elements 3 . 4 lie the moldings 5 . 7 flat against each other. This attacks the in 4 recognizable, spherical connecting body 9 at the same time in both recesses 6 a positive fit. By a connecting body 9 has a spherical shape, tolerances at multiple recesses 6 on the same furniture element 3 . 4 balanced and positioning much easier. In addition, it is advantageous for the user that the molded body 5 . 7 due to the spherical shape of the connecting body 1 can roll or slide on each other by the predetermined relative position by a relative displacement in the contact plane 8th the molded body 5 . 7 to reach up to the corresponding recesses 6 take a congruent position. The positioning does not depend on the skill of the installer or the installation situation. This prevents the spherical shape of the connecting body 1 Damage to the surfaces of the moldings 5 . 7 ,

In addition, in the 4 and 5 exemplified two variants, in almost any way with in the 2 and 3 shown furniture elements 3 . 4 can be combined. As in 4 recognizable, has the furniture element 4 in a rear area, a reinforcing element connecting the side cheeks 10 which is the additional stiffening, for example, to accommodate high loads.

5 shows a further variant of the lower furniture element 4 in the 1 shown furniture 2 , This variant corresponds to the in 4 shown furniture element 4 including the rod-shaped reinforcing element 10 , For the illustrated design form is the furniture element 4 however, used in a horizontal, 90 ° tilted orientation. A hinged door between the side bolsters 11 is doing it alone by means of in 6 recognizable connecting body 9 held pivotally. For this purpose, the connection body 9 in an end portion of the tubular pivot axis 12 the swing door 11 one.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been 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.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10210885 C1 [0006]
• DE 9202301 U1 [0008]
• DE 3302312 C2 [0009]
• DE 3241877 A1 [0010]

Claims (10)

Connecting element ( 1 ) comprising a first shaped body ( 5 ) with a first recess, the first furniture element ( 3 ), and a second shaped body ( 7 ) with a second recess ( 6 ), a second furniture element ( 4 ), as well as one in both recesses ( 6 ) positively insertable connection body ( 9 ), wherein the two shaped bodies ( 5 . 7 ) in a through the connecting body ( 9 ) fixed position abut flat against each other, characterized in that the connecting body ( 9 ) has an at least partially spherical shape. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting body ( 9 ) is spherical. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting body ( 9 ) has as a substantial proportion of material, a metal, in particular stainless steel. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the recesses ( 6 ) is bounded by a concave and / or tubular, fixed in the respective shaped body insert element which the connecting body ( 9 ) receives positively. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the connecting body ( 9 ) additional functional elements on the furniture element ( 3 . 4 ) are fixable. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting body ( 9 ) in the recess ( 6 ) a hinge joint for the pivotable connection of the moldings ( 5 . 7 ). Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaped bodies ( 5 . 7 ) are movable against an elastic restoring force from the mutually opposite fixing position in a spaced-apart mounting position. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting body ( 9 ) in a recess ( 6 ) is held captive by means of a fixing agent. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses ( 6 ) each have a depth that is dimensioned such that the connecting body ( 9 ) in the fixing position in half in both recesses ( 9 ). Furniture element ( 3 . 4 ) with several by at least one connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims associated moldings ( 5 . 7 ), each with a recess ( 6 ) are equipped, as well as with a form-fitting at the same time of both recesses ( 6 ) peripherally enclosed connecting body ( 9 ), wherein the two shaped bodies ( 5 . 7 ) in a through the connecting body ( 9 ) fixed position lie flat against each other and wherein the connecting body ( 9 ) has an at least partially spherical shape.

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