DE202004010746U1 - Connector element for joining two plates or plate-shaped components comprises a rear plate which radially protrudes from a middle piece only over a part of the middle pieces's circumference - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector element (1) for joining two plates or plate-shaped components comprises a front plate (10), a middle piece (30) and a rear plate (20) which radially protrudes from the middle piece only over a part of the middle pieces's circumference. An independent claim is also included for a cardboard packaging unit closable by means of the proposed connector element.

Description

The The invention relates to a connecting element for plates or plate-shaped components, in particular cardboard sheets, plastic or plastic multi-skin sheets, Chipboard or wood panels, Plasterboard, composite panels or the like.

Further The invention relates to a cardboard packaging with such Connecting element.

cardboard packaging have a firm position in the packaging industry and are in the sense of sorted material disposal and reusability designed so that a material separating and / or non-destructive Disassembly possible is.

cardboard packaging are also increasingly used to package large and heavy goods in the industrial sector used. For example, a machine to be packaged on put a pallet and surround it with a square cardboard sleeve, on which a cardboard lid is then placed. The cardboard tube can doing so from an elongated Cardboard strips are made by using the two ends of the strip in an overlap area be connected to each other. The connection of the two layers of cardboard usually happens by gluing or stitching or by special connecting elements made of plastic, which in prefabricated Recesses in the box are inserted and cover both layers and connect in the process. Also for attaching a lid, e.g. at so-called slip lid boxes, are such connecting elements in use. The thickness of the cardboard (e.g. multilayer corrugated cardboard) ranges from a few millimeters to centimeters.

Also in the display and presentation area for the Task "non-destructive detachable connection solutions of different thicknesses ".

bonds like stapling have the disadvantage of being disassembled usually at least partial damage to the connected parts has the consequence.

at available on the market one- or multi-part connecting elements are on the back via film hinges one or more wings (Angle) attached by a snap from the front Cover part can be spread and then the back of the connected plates. A disadvantage of this type of fasteners is a limited shelf life and recyclability due to the mechanically weak on the one hand, but on the other hand heavily loaded film hinges. An essential aspect of this Connection elements are characterized in that in the installation area, in particular, a space is required behind the connecting element, about the pivoting movement of the wings to enable. This swivel space is not available in many applications usable filling volume is lost or made, for example, in packaging the use of Styropor® inserts difficult or their design is complex.

The Joining panels of different thicknesses currently requires to those available Recesses adapted recesses not more uniform Shape and dimensions.

The connecting elements also used on the basis of a screw connection require the inside packaging or back connection area accessible is.

In front Against this background, it was an object of the present invention Connection element for plates to provide which is primary is one-piece and easy to use and the main disadvantages the currently available solutions minimized or eliminated. In addition, low-cost production should be guaranteed his.

This Task is through a connecting element with the features of Claim 1 and a cardboard packaging with the features of Claim 21 solved. Advantageous refinements are contained in the subclaims.

The connecting element for cardboard plates according to the invention, Plastic or plastic multi-skin sheets, chipboard or wooden sheets, Plasterboard, composite panels, or the like essentially contains three functional components:

• - On Centerpiece, which, when in use, the panels to be joined by one reaches through to the other side, with the direction of the Penetration as an "axial" direction and more perpendicular directions referred to as "radial" directions on the middle piece be designated. The center piece is preferably cylindrical on the outside or overall tubular, where in this case the terms "axial" and "radial" correspond to the geometry of the cylinder.
• - A back plate, which is attached to a first axial end of the middle piece and protrudes in the radial direction over the cross-sectional area of the middle piece, the back plate only projecting radially over the cross section of the middle piece in a partial circumferential area. The backplate can be made through a non-circular hole that is complementary to its outer contour connecting plates are inserted and, once it protrudes over the back of the plates, reach behind the hole in the plates by rotation to anchor the connecting element against retraction.
• - One Front panel, which is in principle a mirror image of the rear panel is arranged at the other (second) axial end of the center piece and radially over the Cross section of the center piece survives. The The front plate lies in the state of use of the connecting element the front of the panels to be connected and thus prevents the further insertion of the connecting element into the hole in the plates.

The described connecting element allows a simple and safe Connection of panels by passing through a non-circular hole in the Plates inserted and after reaching the full insertion depth one (less than full) turn is locked. It is advantageous making sure there is no swivel space on the back or front of the Plates needed becomes. Furthermore, the connecting element can be manufactured in one piece be what reduces the manufacturing costs and the risk of Avoids loss of individual parts and quick handling guaranteed. Because the connecting element is not loaded moving Contains parts or hinges, it is very durable and common reusable. Other advantages are that the connecting element is applicable from one side of the panels to be connected and that an adaptation to different thicknesses of sheets by one easy extension of the centerpiece possible is.

Independent of the number or thickness of the panels to be joined, i.e. independent of Clamping distance between the front and rear plate of the connecting element, the required recess can have exactly the same contour exhibit.

How already mentioned the middle piece be tubular. In this case, it preferably has one of Inner wall to inner wall of the tube extending handle on which a user with two Fingers can be securely gripped to move the connecting element and e.g. can be locked by turning in multi-layer plates.

The backplate preferably has two diametrically opposite, radially over the Cross section of the middle piece protruding Cross tabs, one tab sufficient for the principle of operation is, more than two tabs represent an alternative design. Through these cross brackets, the connecting element can be used safely and be attached symmetrically in a breakthrough of plates.

According to one another development of the connecting element has the back plate in the area of their radial projection (e.g. on the aforementioned Cross brackets) to the center piece directional spring elements whose spring forces act in the axial direction. The spring elements are in the use state of the connecting element against the back wall of the connected plates and thus ensure an elastic prestress, with which on the one hand the tolerances of the thickness of the plates are compensated as they are especially when punching holes in cardboard or corrugated cardboard may occur and on the other hand make sure that the front panel is always flush the connected outer plate is applied.

The Front plate is preferably circular or ring-shaped, this means with the same radial overhang over the center piece. hereby is for an even distribution of forces catered to the front of connected panels. One of the back plate of the connecting element identical or different contour of the front panel is also possible.

Of Furthermore, the front panel can optionally have at least one in the area of the radial projection to centerpiece have directed locking lug. This latch is preferably with a flat and a steep flank in the direction of rotation (related on the axis of the middle piece seen), so that they slide into different surfaces when sliding over a plate surface Direction of rotation of the connecting element of different levels of resistance offers. Furthermore, the latch is preferably in one area arranged, which in the final Condition of use of the connecting element over an opening of the connected Plates are seated so that the catch engages in this opening and the connecting element against loosening but especially over-tightening can secure.

According to one another development of the connecting element has the back plate and / or in particular the front panel is connected via a predetermined breaking point, radially protruding locking tab. This securing tab can be in the Meaning of a seal in the final Condition of use of the connecting element firmly on the surface of a of the connected plates, e.g. be glued to it. At an opening the connecting element must then be detached, what leaves visible traces, or the safety tab breaks at the predetermined breaking point, what is also directly detectable.

In a further development of the invention, which also serves as security, the connecting element has locking means which are activated in the closed position prevent loosening of the connecting element, whereby the activated state can also be secured by a sealing agent. The locking means can comprise, for example, a pin which, after the final seat of the connecting element has been reached, is connected to the latter and secured by a lead seal and at the same time engages in a hole in the connected plates in such a way that the connecting element is prevented from being loosened (turned).

The In principle, the connecting element can be made of all suitable materials getting produced. It is preferably made of plastic, e.g. Made of polystyrene, polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene or one Mix of these. Manufacturing in one is special inexpensive Injection molding process possible.

The The invention further relates to a cardboard packaging, the following Components contains:

• - One Cardboard plate or several cardboard plates.
• - An overlap area the (bent) cardboard plate with itself or several Cardboard sheets, being in the overlap area an overall not circular Breakthrough is formed. The breakthroughs in the individual cardboard sheets have to not similar in shape and size typically are.
• - On Connecting element of the type described above, the center piece of which penetrates the opening and its back plate on the back side of the overlap area and its front panel on the front of the overlap area rests to fix the cardboard plates against each other.

The Cardboard packaging shows the one with a connecting element of the above described achievable advantages. Regarding the details, advantages and further developments of the cardboard packaging is therefore based on the above Description referred.

in the In the following the invention will be exemplified with reference to the drawings explained in more detail. It demonstrate:

1 a perspective view of a connecting element according to the invention from the front,

2 a perspective view of the connecting element from behind,

3 an exploded view of two plates to be connected and a connecting element used for this purpose prior to its installation,

4 a rear perspective view of the plates of 3 in the stacked state with the connecting element inserted but not yet locked,

5 a view accordingly 4 with the connecting element in the locked state rotated by 90 °,

6 a perspective view of the front of the connected plates in the state of 5 .

7 a further developed embodiment of the connecting element, in which a locking pin can be inserted and secured by a sealing wire,

8th 2 shows a perspective view of the front of an alternative embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention,

9 a rear view of the alternative embodiment according to 8th , and

10 the alternative embodiment according to the 8th and 9 when assembled, but not yet locked.

The 1 to 7 show a preferred embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention 1 separately and its application for connecting two panels. The same reference numerals refer to identical parts and are therefore only explained once.

1 first shows a perspective view of the front of the one-piece connecting element 1 , A functional three-part structure with a tubular, cylindrical center piece can be seen 30 , at the axially front end of an annular front plate 10 and at its axially rear end a back plate 20 is arranged.

In its hollow interior, the middle piece shows 30 a diagonal handle 31 on which the connecting element 1 can be gripped and rotated with two fingers. The handle bar 31 is for ergonomic reasons compared to the cross plates to be explained 21 on the back plate 20 offset by approx. 45 °.

The front plate, which is basically ring-shaped 10 has two diametrically opposed, manufacturing-related recesses 11 on. Also on the front surfaces of the front panel 10 symbols 12 for an unlocked position, symbols 13 for a locked position and arrows for the directions of rotation attached (eg plastically molded). In addition, the front panel shows 10 one radial protruding locking tab 15 in the form of a small plate, with the securing tab 15 at a right angle to the cross brackets 21 the back plate stands, whereby the connection is conceivable at any point on the circumference. The securing tab 15 is over a predetermined breaking point 14 to the edge of the front panel 10 coupled. You can in the locked state of the connecting element 1 For example, can be fixed to the surface of the connected plate by means of an adhesive tape that cannot be removed without damage, so that when unlocking, either the adhesive tape is destroyed or the securing tab 15 at the predetermined breaking point 14 is separated.

The back plate 20 is in 2 in the perspective view of the back of the connecting element 1 more recognizable. The back plate 20 has two diametrically opposed cross straps 21 on which over the circular cross-sectional area of the center piece 30 project radially. At the center piece 30 directed surfaces of these cross brackets 21 are one-piece spring elements or tongues 22 trained, which lie against the back wall of panels to be connected in the state of use and provide an elastic bias.

Similarly, in 2 also on the back of the front panel 10 attached, diametrically opposite locking lugs 16 to recognize which a very flat and a very steep, essentially vertical flank (in each case relative to the surface of the front plate 10 ) exhibit. The height of the latches 16 is usually only a few millimeters.

The function of the parts of the connecting element listed above 1 becomes from the following description of the application of the connecting element 1 with the help of 3 to 6 easier to understand. 3 shows an exploded view of the initial state before connecting two plates 2a . 2 B , The plates can be different individual components or just different areas of a coherent, bent plate. Furthermore, of course, more than two such panels can also be connected to one another or other sheet-like structures such as, for example, cardboard or corrugated cardboard, plastic multi-wall panels, composite panels, chipboard, plasterboard panels or the like. The plates 2a . 2 B each have a breakthrough 3a . 3b on which is out of round (that is, not circular). In the example shown, the opening has the shape of a double keyhole with a circular area, which is centrally overlaid with a rectangle, the long side of which is larger and the short side of which is smaller than the diameter of the circle. The geometry and size of the breakthroughs 3a . 3b corresponds to the area from the back plate 20 of the connecting element 1 is taken. When the openings are aligned 3a . 3b can the connecting element 1 hence with the back plate 20 through the openings until it emerges on the back of the connected plates. This state is in 4 in view of the back of the panels 2 B . 2a shown.

To the connector 1 in the panels to be connected 2a . 2 B To lock it, it must be rotated (approx.) 90 ° so that the transverse pockets 21 the back plate 20 the breakthroughs 3a . 3b reach behind and on the back of the back plate 2 B rest. This state is in 5 shown. 6 shows the same condition in a view of the front of the plates 2a . 2 B , Because the axial length of the center piece 30 exactly the common thickness of the two plates 2a . 2 B corresponds to the back plate 20 and the front panel 10 on the respective outside of the panels 2a . 2 B and press them firmly against each other. The spring elements also come 22 on the cross straps 21 to the effect, which provide a certain elastic preload.

by virtue of the spring force increases the frictional resistance when turning, so that the possibility an unintentional, self-employed Loosening minimized becomes.

In the 2 recognizable locking lugs 16 on the back of the front panel 10 slide into the recess in the locking direction during the 90 ° rotation 3a , depending on the direction of rotation, the steeply falling edge of a wedge abuts against the edge of the cutout (no deflection is possible due to the pretensioning by means of the tongues). This forms an end stop for the locking movement, which is also illustrated by corresponding embossed symbols. In contrast, the wedges do not impede the movement in the unlocking direction.

Not shown cams can form an initial resistance, which is an unintentional, independent turning and thus loosening prevent.

7 shows a detail of a further developed connecting element, in which on the front panel 10 protruding, aligned eyelets or brackets 17 are provided, between which the front panel 10 has a breakthrough. Through the breakthrough mentioned, a locking pin 18 be plugged, whereby it preferably lies in an opening behind the hole of one or more plates to be connected (alternatively, the locking pin could 18 can also be drilled into the plate). A loosening of the connecting element is then by the locking pen 18 prevented.

Like the right part of 7 shows the locking pin 18 continue with a sealing wire 19 be secured in its locked position. The locking pin 18 in this regard has a head with a through hole, the sealing wire 19 through this hole as well as the temples 17 can be performed. The connecting element 1 can be secured in this way so that it is no longer without destroying the sealing wire 19 can be unlocked. If the connecting element is used as a packaging closure, goods can thus be labeled as "originally packed".

The mechanism described can of course be modified in different ways. For example, different numbers of hangers could be used 17 be provided or the locking pin could have a plate-shaped head of appropriate size, over which only a sealing means is fixed.

In the 8th to 10 an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. Parts which have essentially the same effect are provided with the same reference numerals as in the above description, each of which is supplemented by a dash. In the alternative embodiment shown, in contrast to the rotational movement described above, the locking takes place by means of a sliding movement. The panels to be connected 2a ' . 2 B' each have T-shaped openings 3a ' . 3b ' on. The connecting element 1' has a centerpiece 30 ' with a rectangular cross section. On the back plate 20 ' are two diametrically opposed cross brackets 21 ' intended. How out 10 can be seen, the connecting element 1' in the breakthroughs 3a ' . 3b ' used and then moved in the direction of the arrows shown in the figure. The front panel 10 ' dominates the centerpiece 30 ' on one side across to the orientation of the cross brackets 21 ' , so that the front plate then covers (not shown) the locking recess formed by the openings. One or more latches 16 ' snap into the recess at the end of the displacement path and in this way bring about a locking of the connecting element against unintentional opening. A recess 32 allows the latches 16 ' to open to open.

1; 1'

connecting element

2a, 2 B; 2a ', 2b'

to connecting plates

3a, 3b; 3a ', 3b'

breakthroughs

10; 10 '

front panel

11; 11 '

window

12

unlock icon

13

lock icon

14

Breaking point

15

securing tab

16; 16 '

locking lug

17; 17 '

hanger

18

locking pin

19

sealing wire

20; 20 '

backplate

21; 21 '

transverse tab

22

spring element

30; 30 '

centerpiece

31; 31 '

Connecting bridge

32

recess

Claims (21)

Connecting element ( 1 ) for plates or plate-shaped components ( 2a . 2 B ), in particular cardboard panels, plastic or plastic web panels, chipboard or wood panels, plasterboard panels, composite panels or the like, containing a center piece ( 30 ) and a front panel ( 10 ) and a back plate ( 20 ), which at each axial end of the middle piece ( 30 ) are arranged, and which each protrude radially over the cross section of the center piece, the rear plate only radially over a cross section of the center piece in a partial circumferential region ( 30 ) survives. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer contour of the back plate ( 20 ) is not circular. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the central piece ( 30 ) is made of solid material or as a tubular hollow part. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the central piece ( 30 ) has an open or closed - in particular an anchor-shaped or a polygonal or a round - cross-sectional profile. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the central piece ( 30 ) at least one, preferably internal handle bar ( 31 ) having. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the back plate ( 20 ) at least one, preferably two diametrically opposed cross straps ( 21 ), the cross plate or the cross plates radially across the cross section of the central piece ( 30 ) survives. Connecting element ( 1 ) after at least one egg nem of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the back plate ( 20 ) in the area of a radial projection ( 21 ) at least one to the middle piece ( 30 ) directed spring element ( 22 ) with an essentially axial spring action. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the front plate ( 10 ) is completely closed or partial recesses ( 11 ) having. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the front plate ( 10 ) in the area of the radial overhang to the center piece ( 30 ) at least one locking element ( 16 ), preferably a wedge-shaped latch. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the front plate ( 10 ) and / or the back plate ( 20 ) at least one over a predetermined breaking point ( 14 ) coupled, radially protruding securing tab ( 15 ) having. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that this locking means ( 17 . 18 ) which, in the activated state, prevent the connecting element from being released, the activated state being sealed by a sealing agent ( 19 ) can be secured. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it consists of plastic, preferably of polystyrene, polyethylene, polyamide and / or polypropylene. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it is formed in one or more pieces. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is designed to connect at least two plate-shaped components ( 2a . 2 B ) that attaches to the connecting element ( 1 ) customized opening ( 3a . 3b ) have to lock against each other by a rotary movement of the connecting element. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the outer contour of the back plate ( 20 ) is circular, but the center of this circular area is not on the axis of the center piece ( 30 ), so that the back plate for connecting at least two plate-shaped components ( 2a . 2 B ) forms an eccentric bolt. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the central piece ( 30 ) is designed as a cylindrical tube with an axially variable wall thickness. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the front plate ( 10 ) is disc-shaped or annular. Connecting element ( 1' ) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is designed to connect at least two plate-shaped components ( 2a ' . 2 B' ) that attaches to the connecting element ( 1' ) customized opening ( 3a ' . 3b ' ) have to be locked against each other by a translatory sliding movement of the connecting element. Connecting element ( 1' ) according to claim 18, characterized in that the central piece ( 30 ' ) has a substantially rectangular profile that the back plate ( 20 ' ) two diametrically opposed, radially projecting cross brackets ( 21 ' ) and that the front panel ( 10 ' ) the middle piece ( 30 ' ) transverse to the orientation of the cross brackets ( 21 ' ) towered over at least on one side. Connecting element ( 1' ) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that it is designed in a substantially T-shaped recess ( 3a ' . 3b ' ) of at least two stacked plate-shaped components ( 2a ' . 2 B' ) to be inserted, and to lock them against each other by means of a translational sliding movement. Cardboard packaging containing - one or more cardboard sheets ( 2a . 2 B ); - an overlap area of the cardboard plate or cardboard plates ( 2a . 2 B ) in which a non-circular breakthrough ( 3a . 3b ) is formed, and - a connecting element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 20, the center piece ( 30 ) the break through ( 3a . 3b ) reaches through and its back plate ( 20 ) or front panel ( 10 ) lie on opposite sides of the overlap area.