EP0842621B1 - Connecting fitting - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connecting fitting for tables and / or table tops, consisting of at least two, each on a table or a table top attachable components and at least one connecting element for Connection of the components.

So far, so-called multi-area workplaces were used to connect the rigid desk connections are usually used for individual desk surfaces. This have the task of being as stable, viable, exact and permanent as possible To ensure alignment of the table tops to each other. Lately be the desks are more and more often adjustable in height. There is one Constructions in which the entire table construction e.g. by means of a crank and a gear is adjustable in height; far more common because it’s cheaper, However, are versions in which each table leg separately in the Height is set. With this type of setting, however, occur temporarily Tilting of the tables and table tops and thus among other things Angular stresses on the connection fittings. It also comes through the mutual support of the plates to overstretch the connection with then gaping open.

The connection fittings known to date allow such stresses not or only to a small extent due to their inherent elasticity. That's where it comes from to damage, bending, pulling out screws etc., if not either the connection fittings are loosened beforehand or the height adjustment the table combination only takes place in many small steps.

The office furniture industry has so far given little importance to this problem, because the height adjustment of the tables because of the relatively large effort or mostly cumbersome handling in practice so far is carried out. Lately, however, have been very effective, quickly adjustable Mechanisms have become known which are a usable, safe solution of the problem mentioned.

The most common connection fittings so far are simple sheet metal plates, which are screwed on from below across the joint surface of adjacent table tops and ensure that the table tops are not only in their position, but are also exactly aligned in height. With an angle change they are stretched upwards, usually using the fastening screws ripped out.

Another widely used method is the supporting base the tables are firmly connected in different ways and the table tops fixed on the frames without any direct connection between them. There is also a risk of tearing and deformation of the Rack connection.

In a third method, the main tables are on the frames stable support structures attached to which the connecting plates are directly attached. There is also a risk of deformation here with subsequent gaping of the plates.

Furthermore, many methods are known, especially in the seminar table area, where Panels and / or tables are only briefly and releasably connected together become. Constructions are known here in which the tables with clasps, Tensioners, hooks, bolts or the like. be connected, some connections have a certain flexibility. However, there are either additional ones Handles necessary to tension or loosen the connection, or it occurs permanently a game in the connection.

Furthermore, panel connections by means of piano tapes, hinges or Band hinges or special fittings known. These allow changes in angle until the panels are completely folded, but usually one way only. Only with tapered, triangular ones Slab edges are flexible in both directions; however such edges are expensive to manufacture, they restrict universal use of office tables and are therefore not in the standard office furniture area common.

Finally, so-called swing door fittings are known. They allow changes in angle of the plates connected to them in both directions however on both sides over the panels, so that they can be used as connecting fittings cannot be used for tables.

The connection fittings listed above are either unsuitable at all, compensate for changes in angle that occur, or complex and expensive, take up a lot of space, cut-outs or housings, or are visible or impair the table surfaces. In any case, they are not special for the Angle compensation designed during a height adjustment.

The object of the invention is to eliminate these disadvantages and a connection fitting to create that is invisible from the table top, the Angle changes of the connected plates in both directions are allowed, however at the same time positioned exactly to each other and there is no gap between the plates leaves. The connection fitting should also be simple to set up and manufacture and thus be inexpensive and highly resilient, even on existing ones Tables with usual, vertical plastic edges easily without reworking be mountable, permanent and therefore universally applicable and as low as possible and be flat so that it can be attached under the table tops without the Restrict and impair the leg space of the user.

The task is set with a connection fitting of the type specified Art solved on the one hand that according to the invention the one component at least one hook-shaped extension and the other component at least two has hook-shaped extensions, each with an extension of the one component can be used across two extensions of the other component is that the connecting element is elastically deformable and between the extensions of the two components can be used and in the inserted state of the extensions are partially encompassed, whereby at the tables or tabletops assembled connection fitting the connecting element while exercising a tension force on the extensions is elastically deformed and the two Components are clamped to each other.

The invention provides a connection fitting that allows height adjustment assembled tables and / or table tops allows without hiebei the Tabletops or the connecting fitting can be damaged and the Table tops must be cleared. The one consisting of only three parts Connection fitting can be simple and therefore cost-effective are manufactured, whereby also unskilled laborers for assembly can be used. It has an extremely low overall height, so that the leg space under the table top is practically unaffected and offers even a practically smooth underside, which prevents injuries are. Furthermore, it is highly resilient and facilitates the assembly of Table tops with tables insofar as the component attached to the table as Can serve as a support for the table top.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the extensions of the two Components to be complementary to each other. In particular, the the two components are constructed identically and fit into one another on the cover be, which results in manufacturing simplifications.

It is also advantageous if the two components are each in the form of a plate a flat contact surface are configured, the extensions with respect to the plate are cranked and the free ends of the extensions essentially in the plane of the contact surface. Thus, the components can be made from flat material, the free ends serve as a support for a table top.

Alternatively, the two components can each be in the form of a plate with a be flat contact surface and the free ends of the extensions in lie a predetermined distance from the plane of the contact surface. To this Way, the free ends can serve as a support for a table top, the Thickness deviates from the thickness of the table top to be connected by this distance.

It is advantageous if the extensions are wider than you in the area of their free ends mutual distance, because then the shear stress of the connecting element is significantly reduced. It is advantageous if the extensions in Area have their free ends laterally projecting rectangular lugs, because it will achieve the greatest reduction in shear stress.

Furthermore, the connecting element can be designed as a rubber cord and the Width of the channel delimited by the extensions of both components and the height the extensions of the thickness of the rubber cord to be adjusted. That way the connecting element not only simply between the extensions be used by stretching the length and thus thinning it, but also the rubber cord for gentle support of a table top can be exploited.

The mutual spacing of the extensions of each component is advantageously located on the order of the thickness of the rubber cord because then the rubber cord remains practically straightforward.

Furthermore, the mutual distance between the extensions of each component can be considerable be larger than their width and the connecting element is designed to be flexible be, preferably made of spring steel. This enables easy Design of the components with relatively few extensions.

It is advantageous if the connecting element has a constant round cross section, because then the extensions can consist of curved flat material.

Alternatively, the connecting element can have a constant rectangular or trapezoidal shape Have cross-section, which creates a wide contact surface for a Table top results.

Furthermore, the connecting element can be formed by a helical spring.

Another alternative is characterized in that the connecting element is designed as a strip with a row of openings, their size and arrangement correspond to those of the extensions of the assembled components. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the components with extensions pointing away from the table top.

Furthermore, the connecting element can consist of several, preferably one below the other same parts exist, which are either arranged side by side and / or are sized together and essentially over the entire length range of the connecting element. This is an advantage if relatively large Tensioning forces are desired, where appropriate the individual parts of the connecting element can be attached one after the other.

For simple and easy attachment of the connecting element, this can be attached each end be provided with a handle.

Finally, the two components can be assembled but not assembled Condition of the connection fitting different from the position of use Include angles.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments explained, which are illustrated in the drawings; 1 shows a table with attached table top in normal position and two positions during a height adjustment, Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of the two components of the connection fitting in a diagrammatic view, Fig. 3 one of these Components in plan view, Fig. 4, the two components in the assembled state and the connecting element in a diagrammatic view, Fig. 5. the connecting fitting in a perspective view, Fig. 6 shows a cross section through the connecting fitting in a perspective view, Fig. 7 shows a section through two table tops connected to the connecting fitting in normal position as well during a height adjustment, Fig. 8 shows a section through two with one Variant of the connecting fitting connected table tops, Fig. 9 a Section through two with a further variant of the connection fitting connected table tops and FIGS. 10 and 11 each a top view of another Embodiment of the connection fitting.

Fig. 1 shows a table 1 with a mounted on height-adjustable feet 2 Table top 3, on which one by means of a connection fitting 4 height-adjustable feet 2 mounted table top 3 'is connected, however has no feet in the area of the connection point. The table combination is shown in the upper part of Fig. 1 in the normal position, in the middle and lower Part in each case in a position in which the table top 3 of the table 1 by means of Feet 2 is only raised or lowered at the connection point. As can be seen with a height adjustment, the table tops 3, 3 'tilt towards each other Location one that with conventional connection fittings to the beginning problems described leads.

2 to 6 show two components 5, 5 of a first embodiment of the Connection fitting according to the invention, which are designed the same and themselves in sections or over the entire length of the common side edges extend two table tops to be connected. Every component 5 consists of a plate 6 which can be attached to a table top, the one rectilinear row laterally arranged, cranked with respect to the plate plane, has hook-like curved extensions 7, the free ends of which in the Table top facing surface of the plate 6 ends and the slightly are bent back (Fig. 7, 8).

The mutual spacing of the extensions 7 corresponds to the width of the extensions 7, so that the extensions 7 of a component 5 between the extensions 7 of the other component 5 fit with little play. The extensions 7 are on their free ends with laterally projecting rectangular lugs 8 so that they are wider at their free ends than their mutual distance.

Fig. 4 shows the two components 5 in the assembled state, what by Arrange the extensions 7 one above the other and then move them vertically to the plate level. In this state, the extensions 7 overlap two components 5 each other in the manner of a hinge, so that one between them rectilinear channel is limited. Because of the overlapping noses 8 of the Extensions 7 of the two components 5 can be the same in the plate plane no longer move apart. In addition, the lugs 8 limit the area the mutual pivotability of the two components 5, 5, since they are on the plate Strike 6.

Furthermore, a connecting element 9 is shown in the form of a rubber cord that to connect the components 5 in the direction of the arrow in the channel between the extensions 7 of the assembled components 5 is used. As from Fig. 5 to 8, the thickness of the rubber cord corresponds to the width of the channel as well the height of the extensions 7. However, the thickness of the rubber cord is slight larger than the width of the channel.

In Fig. 5 the assembled connection fitting is shown, which in Fig. 6 is shown in cross section. Because the rubber cord is slightly thicker than that Width of the channel, it is elastically deformed when inserted and exercises a Clamping force on the extensions 7, which pulls the two components 5, 5 towards each other. This contraction is due to the stop of the extensions 7 at the bottom the spaces between the extensions 7 of the other component 5 limited. The rubber cord can be inserted either by pushing it in, expediently pivoting the two components 5, 5 relative to one another in this way be that the channel is widest, or by length pull the rubber cord, which becomes thinner. To make this easier can handle the rubber cord at its ends with thickening or the like. be provided, which also serve as end covers of the channel can be trained. Since the extensions 7 are bent back, the Rubber cord overlapped by them and is therefore securely held in place.

The rubber cord is squeezed through the lugs 8 on the one hand, on the other hand stressed on shear, but to a relatively small extent is reduced because the lugs 8 of the two components 5, 5 face each other. The large number of stress points creates a special one large resulting clamping force, which holds the components 5, 5 together. The Squeezed rubber gives way to the middle of the gaps between the extensions 7, resulting in a sinusoidal course of the Rubber cord sets. This deflection is a third component of the resulting one Tension because the rubber cord to return to its original position inclines. The design of the components 5, 5 practically results in a low overall height smooth bottom view without protrusions and edges so that the user is not affected becomes.

Since the free ends of the extensions 7 essentially in the plane of the contact surface the plate 6 are, they serve as a support or to support the side adjacent table top, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. This gives an exact Alignment of the table tops to be connected in the height direction.

Now folds a table top 3 down during a height adjustment (Fig. 7 middle), the two components 5, 5 by one by the mutual Stopping points of the two components 5, 5 axis 10 mutually pivoted like a hinge, which squeezes the rubber cord even more becomes what further increases the tension. The lugs 8 are with of the rubber cord between them is pressed together and delimited so the swivel angle so that the rubber cord cannot be sheared off.

Kinks a table top 3 during a height adjustment (FIG. 7 below), the pivot axis 10 lies on the top of the table tops 3, 3 'and therefore at a distance from the connecting fitting, so that the two components 5, 5 pulled apart and the rubber cord also squeezed even more becomes what again increases the tension. The same will be the lugs 8 pressed together with the rubber cord in between and also limit the swivel angle so that the rubber cord does not can be sheared off.

The relatively small pivoting possibility of the two components 5, 5 is in practice perfectly adequate. On the one hand, the tables can be adjusted in height, without having to clear them, so that larger inclinations do not make sense are. On the other hand, the maximum adjustment range of the tables also limits the Angular range.

During assembly, the connection fitting is first fitted with a component 5 one table top, whereupon the other table top on the above another component 5 is placed. In the subsequent attachment of the another component 5, the plates 6, 6 of the two components 5, 5 into one brought common level, which is another squeeze of the rubber cord causes and thus generates a high clamping force in the normal position.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rubber cord has rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section (Fig. 8), being wider than high. Through it can on the one hand, the connection fitting should be built lower, on the other hand, the extensions 7 of the two components 5, 5, a larger mutual distance, which increases the swivel range. In addition, the table tops can be positioned in height by direct contact with the rubber cord, which is why a system of the extensions 7 on the table top and any Damage from scratches is avoided. Eventually an increase occurs Tension compared to a round cord because of an initial flattening the round cross section is omitted.

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which the hook-like Extensions 7 without cranking simply by turning the plate are. This embodiment has the advantage that the rubber cord also after the assembly of components 5, 5 placed on the table tops from below or can be removed. However, this shape has lower clamping forces and is therefore more suitable for mobile or temporary use, for example at Seminar tables. The vertical alignment of the table tops is done here whose support on the back of the extensions 7, which are in one plane with the Support surface of the plate 6 are.

Since the extensions 7 are exposed here, the mutual is in a variant of the invention Distance of the extensions 7 larger than their width and the connecting element 9 formed as a strip with a series of openings, the size and Arrangement of those of the extensions 7 of the assembled components 5, 5 correspond. The thickness of the strip is advantageously as large as that Height of the extensions 7 so that they are covered by the strip. Furthermore, the openings can be blind holes, whereby the extensions 7 of the Stripes are covered.

A helical spring can also be used instead of the rubber cord.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is 9 a spring wire or a spring band (Fig. 11) is provided. Metal springs usually only stressed on bending. Depending on the spring characteristic, the Extensions 7 at greater mutual intervals than in the above described embodiments may be arranged.

Alternatively, a spring rod made of metal is preferably used as the connecting element 9 lying elongated cross section provided (Fig. 11), which only is biased in a single arc. One component 5 has only two in Large mutual spacing extensions 7 and the other component 5 only one, but preferably two lying between these extensions 7 Appendages. This design allows even the highest with the flattest construction achievable clamping forces and large changes in angle, the spring rod too is subjected to torsion.

The clamping force can also be achieved by a larger distance between the extensions 7 of the two Components 5, 5 and thus by increasing the amplitude of the sinusoidal Arches of the connecting element are enlarged. Furthermore, also several spring wires in parallel or a package of spring wires or spring bands be provided, with which an individual selectability of the clamping forces is achieved.

Furthermore, connecting elements with preformed arches can also be used in this way be provided that the arches flattened when stressed and at most be bent out in the opposite direction. This can shorten the time Spring elements are encountered with increasing arc amplitude.

Furthermore, several individual, short connecting elements can be connected in series be arranged in a long connecting fitting.

In a variant of the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 to 8, the extensions have one component has a larger offset than that of the other Component, whereby different thickness or different heights Table tops can be connected to each other.

Claims (16)

1. Connection fitting for tables and/or table tops, comprising at least two components, which can each be fitted on a table or a table top, and at least one connecting element for connecting the components, characterized in that one component (5) has at least one hook-like extension (7) and the other component (5) has at least two hook-like extensions (7), it being possible for in each case one extension (7) of one component (5) to be inserted between two extensions (7) of the other component (5) such that they engage one over the other, in that the connecting element (9) is of elastically deformable design, can be inserted between the extensions (7) of the two components (5, 5) and, in the inserted state, has the extensions (7, 7) partially engaging over it, wherein, with the connection fitting mounted on the tables or table tops, the connecting element (9) is elastically deformed, the extensions (7, 7) being subjected to a bracing force in the process, and the two components (5, 5) are braced in relation to one another.
2. Connection fitting according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the extensions (7) of the two components (5, 5) are designed to complement one another.
3. Connection fitting according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two components (5, 5) are of the same construction and designed to fit one into the other once turned round in relation to one another.
4. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two components (5, 5) are each configured in the form of a plate (6) with a planar abutment surface, in that the extensions (7) are angled in relation to the plate (6), and in that the free ends of the extensions (7) are located substantially in the plane of the abutment surface.
5. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two components (5, 5) are each configured in the form of a plate (6) with a planar abutment surface, and in that the free ends of the extensions (7) are located at a predetermined spacing from the plane of the abutment surface.
6. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the extensions (7), in the region of their free ends, are wider than their mutual spacing.
7. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the extensions (7) have laterally projecting noses (8) in the region of their free ends.
8. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting element (9) is designed as a rubber band, and in that the width of the channel bounded by the extensions (7, 7) of the two components (5, 5) and also the height of the extensions (7) are adapted to the thickness of the rubber band.
9. Connection fitting according to Claim 8, characterized in that the spacing between the extensions (7) of each component (5) is in the order of magnitude of the thickness of the rubber band.
10. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the spacing between the extensions (7) of each component (5) is considerably greater than the width of said extensions, and in that the connecting element (9) is of flexurally elastic design, and preferably consists of spring steel.
11. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the connecting element (9) has a constantly round cross section.
12. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connecting element (9) has a constantly rectangular or trapezoidal cross section.
13. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the connecting element is formed by a helical spring.
14. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the connecting element is designed as a strip with a row of openings, of which the size and arrangement correspond to those of the extensions of the assembled components.
15. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the connecting element parts which are arranged either one beside the other and/or one against the other and extend substantially over the entire length of the connecting element.
16. Connection fitting according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the connecting element is provided with a handle at each of its ends.

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