EP0945088A1 - Auto- locking structure for shelves, library or display case - Google Patents

Abstract

The self-locking structure comprises two uprights (1a) and a shelf (2). Each upright has a tenon (3a) and the shelf has corresponding mortises (4a). The tenons have a concavity in a plane along the upright axis.

Description

The subject of the invention is a self-locking structure, especially shelving, shelves, bookcase or display stand. Shelves or shelves or panels (horizontal or inclined) are blocked on the uprights of the structure thanks to a new assembly system.

Shelving, bookcases and other furniture including bottom and side uprights are known since a long time. For the installation of shelves, you can use a completely fixed system (with screws and cleats) or on the contrary a completely removable system (the tablet resting freely on tabs arranged regularly in height on the uprights). The solution fixed, if it offers a certain solidity, prevents any modularity. The removable solution naturally allows modularity, but solidity remains very uncertain: cleats too small, tablets moving, etc. We also thought use a hybrid solution; but which in itself presents already manufacturing problems. For example, the Häfele company offers the "grazing" system, which includes the fixing in the upright of a cylinder, the axis thereof being parallel to the upright, and having on the other hand a flat in contact with the upright. The tablet then presents a corresponding recess. This system has the major drawback that the tablet rests on this cylinder by only part of its thickness; the tablet is therefore weakened at the level of contact.

The invention provides a solution to the problems raised above, the structure according to the invention offering both solidity and modularity. The structure according to the invention is self-locking.

Thus, the invention provides a self-locking structure comprising at least two uprights (1a, 1b, 1c) and at least one shelf (2) in contact with these uprights, the uprights each having at least one stud (3a, 3b, 3c) and the tablet with corresponding mortises (4a, 4b, 4c), characterized in that the pins have, compared to the amounts on which they are fixed, a concavity in a plane along the axis of the upright, the tablet mortises having a corresponding shape substantially to that of the post in order to cooperate with it to create a pulling effect, said post being a volume of revolution (which can be total or only partial), the axis of revolution being perpendicular to the amount on which said post is fixed.

According to one embodiment, the volume of revolution is not truncated or truncated in a plane comprising the axis of fixing or not.

According to one embodiment, the fixing axis of the post is offset from the axis of revolution of the volume of revolution.

According to one embodiment, the post is a sphere coming into contact with the post on which the post is fixed.

According to one embodiment, the volume of revolution forming a post has a flat at the level of contact with the amount.

According to one embodiment, the mortise is a recess whose depth, along the axis of attachment of the associated post, corresponds to the dimension of said post according to this axis.

According to one embodiment, the mortise is a recess whose depth in the thickness of the tablet is between 0.25 and 0.75 times the thickness of the associated post, measured parallel to the amount on which it is fixed.

According to one embodiment, the mortise is a recess corresponding substantially identically to the half of the tenon of revolution.

According to one embodiment, the post is a sphere, having a flat in contact with the amount on which it is fixed, which is further truncated in a plane including the fixing axis or not, and the mortise is a recess in the form of a sphere, these two spheres presenting roughly the same diameter, the depth of the recess in the thickness of the shelf is such that the post will come flush with the surface of the tablet.

According to one embodiment, the structure comprises a bottom upright and at least two side uprights, forming at least one box, each post including a tenon for the corresponding tablet, said tablet comprising three mortises.

According to yet another embodiment, the tenon is a sphere, possibly having a flat in contact with the amount on which it is fixed, and the mortise is a sphere-shaped recess, these two spheres having substantially the same diameter, the depth of the recess, along the axis of attachment of the post associated, corresponding to the dimension of said sphere forming a post along this axis, and the depth of the recess, in the thickness of the shelf is included between 0.4 and 0.6 times the diameter of the sphere, advantageously about the radius thereof.

The structure according to the invention can in particular form shelving, shelves, bookcase or display.

la figure 1 est une vue, en coupe, du système d'assemblage selon l'invention;

la figure 2 est une vue, en coupe, du système d'assemblage selon l'invention, représentant les différences forces intervenant;

les figures 3A et 3B sont des vues en coupe, selon un angle différent, du système d'assemblage selon l'invention;

les figures 4A et 4B sont des vues de dessus de la structure selon l'invention;

la figure 5A est une vue de face d'une structure selon l'invention, tandis que la figure 5B est une vue de côté de la même structure, en coupe selon la ligne AA;

la figure 6 est une vue de dessus d'une variante de la structure selon l'invention;

les figures 7A, 7A', 7B, 7B', 7C, 7C', 7D, 7D', 7E et 7E' représentent diverses façons de fixer les tenons sur les montants;

The invention will now be described in more detail in the following description, and with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of the assembly system according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the assembly system according to the invention, showing the differences in forces involved;

Figures 3A and 3B are sectional views, at a different angle, of the assembly system according to the invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are top views of the structure according to the invention;

FIG. 5A is a front view of a structure according to the invention, while FIG. 5B is a side view of the same structure, in section along the line AA;

Figure 6 is a top view of a variant of the structure according to the invention;

Figures 7A, 7A ', 7B, 7B', 7C, 7C ', 7D, 7D', 7E and 7E 'show various ways of attaching the studs to the uprights;

Figures 8A to 8E show various variants tenons and mortises according to the invention, with the top towards the bottom of the figure a view from the top of the post, a view side of the tenon, a front view of the mortise and a view in section of the mortise.

Figure 1 is an enlarged sectional view of the system assembly according to the invention. We have represented here a upright (the) vertical, a shelf (2) horizontal, as well as the tenon (3a) and the mortise (4a) according to the invention. The post (3a) is fixed to the upright, for example by through a screw. The principle of the invention is as the shelf or shelf (2), resting on the tenon (3a) in the shape of a ball, through the mortise (4a) hollowed out according to a corresponding sphere, will come block against the amount.

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the system assembly according to the invention, representing the differences in forces involved. The situation represented in Figure 2 is a situation during assembly. The tablet (2) is presented, at the level of the mortise (4a), slightly offset from the tenon ball (3a) as it happens in reality during the phase mounting shelving or library. We notice the vertical force F1, which results either from the pressure applied by the user during assembly, either from the pressure resulting from the charge on the tablet during use, even the weight of the tablet itself. This F1 force (action force) results from the contact between the ball (3a) and the mortise (4a), into a force F2 (reaction force) which has tendency to press the shelf (2) on the upright (la). We gets a "pulling" effect. The point of contact between the tenon and mortise is located in (c), namely at the level of the concavity formed by the post and the amount, by the specific shape of the post. We notice that the mortise presents, in section, along the vertical plane passing through the axis of the tenon, an arc whose corresponding arrow can be horizontal (or parallel to the axis of the tablet). The mortise acts like a hook, cooperating with the concave part delimited by the post (and the amount associated).

Figure 3A is another sectional view, along a different angle. The face of the tablet shown is the one in contact with the upright. The fine line in the tablet represents the interior recess of mortise 4a corresponding to the sphere forming a post 3a. We note a excellent contact between the mortise of the tablet and the tenon sphere. The state shown in figure 3 corresponds to the one of figure 1, after the state represented figure 2. We therefore notice that the weight is evenly distributed, which therefore allows the shelf to rest on the whole of its height (the arrows are distributed in the volume). Another variant is shown in Figure 3B; he this is the case where the diameter of the mortise is slightly lower than the tenon. The latter case is shown with a post 3a, slightly larger in diameter than that mortise. The weight will then be distributed over the crown at the level of which the contact takes place the tenon and the mortise, again the weight is supported throughout the thickness of the tablet (the arrows are here over the entire thickness. This variant can be advantageous since the standards of industrial manufacturing are not always very precise and also insofar as wear (inevitable) is then compensated, without leading to a game.

Figure 4A is a top view of the structure according to the invention. We recognize the amounts (1a, 1b and 1 C). The amount (1a) is the bottom amount, while the uprights (1b and 1c) are the side uprights. The tablet (2) is indicated by dotted lines. The tenons in the shape of There are three balls (3a, 3b and 3c). In the configuration shown, the bottom amount is inserted between the two side uprights; this has the advantage better aesthetics at the side uprights. Optional grooves (11a and 12a) can allow block the bottom post in depth. A post (3a) on the bottom upright provides an additional support point central for the tablet, thus avoiding a sagging of this one. In addition, three support points lead to necessarily a stable shelf (a support for three points is not necessarily wobbly). In the case of a bottom upright between the two side uprights and grooves, the bottom post could possibly not not understand a post (3a): the tablet would then maintained by bracing and the amount will nevertheless fixed because blocked by the side uprights (1b, 1c) of a part, and by the tablet (2) on the other hand. However, we prefer that this post (3a) is present at the level of the bottom amount (1a). Note that in the configuration shown, the shelves are horizontal; he is however, the shelves may be tilted, way of a display. In this case, the amount of the fund (blocked by the side uprights and by the grooves) may not include a post, the tablet coming naturally be supported by bracing. Figure 4B is a view similar to that of FIG. 4A, but according to the initial mounting configuration: the arrows indicate the forces that apply during assembly and in the case deformation. We notice again immediately that the structure according to the invention is self-locking.

FIG. 5A is a front view of a structure according to the invention, while Figure 5B is a side view of the same structure, in section along line AA. We recognize the uprights (1a, 1b and 1c) as well as the shelves (2a), the studs (3a, 3b and 3c) in the shape of a ball.

Figure 6 is a top view of a variant of the structure according to the invention. According to this variant, the structure includes two lateral uprights (1b and 1c), on which are present two studs each time. The tablet includes four mortises which come to cooperate with these studs. Such a structure is prevented in warping in a horizontal plane. The thickness of each tablet prevents warping in the plane vertical. Such a structure is notably obtained by insertion of shelves in a previously obtained box from uprights and boards from above and below of sufficient thickness.

The previous figures clearly show the self-locking character of the assembly system according to the invention, which could be considered a system removable self-locking dovetail (without limitation of the trapezoidal shape of the dovetail).

Various structures can be obtained, which all have a very high stability, especially under load, as well as great modularity, each tablet can be removed as easily as if it were simply placed on cleats. So each tablet can be adjusted in height independently of the others. In particular, it is possible to adjust the height of the feet of the structure. The amounts of a structure according to the invention can be perpendicular two by two, or on the contrary form a different angle. In fact, the invention allows all possible fantasies in terms of projected shape of the structure (rectangle, trapezoid, double trapezoid, rounded, etc.).

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the tenon is truncated (in the direction leading to a flat according to the plan of the shelf and not according to the plan of the amount), there is then possible to obtain (i) an aesthetic effect particular in the sense that the post will come flush with the surface of the tablet, which will also lead to (ii) a technical effect in the sense that the space under the shelf will be completely released, in particular to allow the insertion of a flush drawer. This aesthetic effect can be reinforced if the post and shelf have the same finish. We then obtain a junction substantially invisible.

Figures 7A, 7A ', 7B, 7B', 7C, 7C ', 7D, 7D', 7E and 7E 'represent various ways of fixing the tenons in ball shape (or other). These figures represent two by two a front view and a 90 ° view.

According to Figures 7A and 7A ', a screw embedded by force in the ball (3a) or with double screw thread is simply screwed into the upright, with or without pilot hole. The tenon and the screw can also be monobloc if they are in the same material.

According to Figures 7B and 7B ', the ball (3a) comprises a no screw into which a screw is screwed, said screw having two longitudinal grooves receiving a wire, this wire forming a loop blocked on the other side of the amount by a washer, so that the screwing action will cause tensioning of the wire and by tightening.

Figures 7C and 7C 'show the mode of realization where the pins are present on both sides of the amount, as for example in the case of a library with several boxes. The two balls are connected between them by a wire forming a loop as before.

According to Figures 7D and 7D ', the uprights have T-shaped facing grooves (also called rebate), in which a washer (folded in half according to an angle corresponding to that of the post groove) can slide. This washer works the same way than that used in the embodiment of the figures 7B and 7B '. The ball (3a) is also the same, the wire forming always a loop. Two amounts are combined here according to what embodiment, the maintenance being ensured by pinching. This embodiment also allows, with a few quarter turns to clear the ball, then a translational movement, then tightening of the ball, a modularity.

Figures 7E and 7E 'show the mode of realization where the pins are present on both sides of the amount, as for example in the case of a library with several boxes. The two balls are connected between them by a threaded rod (with single screw thread or multiple, over its entire length or not).

• la figure 8A représente une sphère coupée en deux selon une ligne horizontale. La mortaise est un évidement sphérique;
• la figure 8B représente aussi une sphère, mais tronquée selon une autre variante. La mortaise reste un évidement sphérique;
• la figure 8C représente un cône de révolution tronqué, dont la plus petite face est côté montant. La mortaise est alors un évidement de forme conique correspondante;
• la figure 8D représente une sphère aplatie, de section sensiblement elliptique, le grand axe étant perpendiculaire à l'axe de la vis de fixation. La mortaise est alors un évidement de forme elliptique correspondante;
• la figure 8E représente un tenon régulier hexagonal évasé. La mortaise correspondante est aussi un hexagone régulier évasé.

FIGS. 8A to 8E represent various variants of the tenons and mortises according to the invention, with from the top to the bottom of the figure a view from the top of the tenon, a side view of the tenon, a front view of the mortise and a view in section of the mortise.

• FIG. 8A represents a sphere cut in two along a horizontal line. The mortise is a spherical recess;
• FIG. 8B also represents a sphere, but truncated according to another variant. The mortise remains a spherical recess;
• FIG. 8C represents a truncated cone of revolution, the smallest face of which is on the rising side. The mortise is then a recess of corresponding conical shape;
• FIG. 8D represents a flattened sphere, of substantially elliptical section, the major axis being perpendicular to the axis of the fixing screw. The mortise is then a recess of corresponding elliptical shape;
• FIG. 8E represents a regular hexagonal flared tenon. The corresponding mortise is also a regular flared hexagon.

Generally speaking, there are a very large number of tenons and mortises that can be combined. All tenon presenting, in relation to the amount on which it is fixed and in the upright plane (vertical plane), a concavity is adapted. Any mortise presenting, in section according to the plane passing through the axis of the post and along the axis of uprights, an arc whose corresponding arrow can be horizontal (or parallel to the axis of the tablet) is adapted; arc whose arrow is horizontal therefore means that the mortise can act like a hook, cooperating with the concave part delimited by the post (and the associated amount), thus producing a pulling effect on the amounts. Appropriate studs are in particular those which are regular and correspond to regular polygons (see Figure 8E). Appropriate studs are also especially those who are revolutionary (later truncated in a plane including the axis of attachment or not), preferably not truncated. The preferred post is the sphere, but any other form as defined above is adapted. Although the description is given for a sphere, it applies mutatis mutandis to any tenon according to the invention. The sphere or ball (or other tenon) can be fixed to the upright by means of a part cylindrical or rod or other, thus leaving a space free between it and the amount, or on the contrary be applied against the amount. This sphere can also be truncated along a plane perpendicular to the fixing axis, the flat thus obtained coming into contact with the upright.

In the case of a sphere, for example not truncated, pressed against the upright, the mortise will be obtained by reproducing in the tablet a cylindrical imprint such as: the depth of the imprint, along the axis of fixation of the post (sphere), is at least equal to the radius of the sphere; preferably this depth is equal to the length (here the diameter) of the spherical post which exceeds amount (the shelves are then joined with the amount). The depth of the imprint in the thickness of the tablet, is chosen so as to be sufficient for ensure the "hook" effect mentioned above. Through example, the depth can be of the order of at least the half the radius of the sphere, preferably about the radius of the sphere. We can also predict that the depth of the imprint is such that a free space is obtained between the shelf and the upright, providing an effect additional aesthetics or space to accommodate wing of a stage.

A particular embodiment corresponds to that Figures 8A and 8B, in which the fixing axis of the tenon (for example the screw) is offset from the axis of revolution of the volume of revolution (before this one is truncated).

We can combine cylindrical and spherical shapes in the case of mortises for large tablets thickness. We may take into account a slight characteristic clearance and dimensions of the mortises will then be adapted according to those of the post associated. In general, and preferably, mortises according to the invention are blind (i.e. the tablet is not crossing).

The materials used to make the posts are classic, and include wood, glass, brass, steel, plastic, etc. Similarly, the materials of the uprights are classic and include wood (chipboard, medium, solid, etc.), plastic, glass, metal, etc.

The dimensions of the uprights, shelves, etc. are classics: height of the structure for example from 20 to 400 cm; width and depth of the box from 5 to 80 cm; height between two shelves 5 to 80 cm. For example, for an achievement in the form of interior furnishings classic, we can retain the following dimensions: height of the structure from 50 to 250 cm, width and box depth from 15 to 60 cm, height between two shelves from 15 to 60 cm. The thickness of the uprights and shelves is variable, between 8 mm (for example for glass) and 50 mm. Variations are of course possible.

The dimensions of the tenons and mortises are such that the structure is effectively self-locking. Through example, in the case of a tenon in the form of a sphere, the diameter thereof is between 12 mm and 30 mm, while the corresponding mortise will be a sphere of one corresponding diameter.

The manufacture of specific tenons and mortises the invention poses no problem to those skilled in the art. Through example, in the case of a sphere-shaped post, the mortise will be obtained using a strawberry similar to that of the post.

EXAMPLE

We realize a structure including a bottom upright and two side uprights, arranged according to the figure 4, each 19 mm thick and 220 cm high. The cabinet width is 80 cm while the depth is 35 cm. 7 shelves 19 mm thick are evenly spread, the first starting 10 cm above the ground, and the last flush with the upper end. Each upright includes, per shelf, a shaped post a sphere 25 mm in diameter, truncated at the level of the fixing screws to form a flat 10 mm in diameter; this post is fixed in the upright by simple screwing in a pilot hole. Each tablet includes three mortises formed by a spherical recess, the depth along the axis fixing the post corresponding substantially to the sphere forming a post, the depth in the thickness of the shelf being approximately 12 mm. The structure is assembled by one person in less than a minute. Once installed and under load (books, trinkets, and others), the stability is perfect in all directions.

Claims (11)

Self-locking structure comprising at least two uprights (1a, 1b, 1c) and at least one shelf (2) in contact with these amounts, the amounts each at least one post (3a, 3b, 3c) and the tablet having corresponding mortises (4a, 4b, 4c), characterized in what the studs present, compared to the amounts on which they are fixed, a concavity in a plane according to the axis of the upright, the mortises of the tablet presenting a shape corresponding substantially to that of the post so to cooperate with it to create a pulling effect, said post being a volume of revolution, the axis of revolution being perpendicular to the amount on which is fixed said post. The structure of claim, wherein the volume of revolution is not truncated or truncated in a plane including the axis of attachment or not. Structure according to claim 1 or 2, in which the pin fixing axis is offset from to the axis of revolution of the volume of revolution. Structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the post is a sphere coming into contact with the post on which the post is fixed. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the volume of revolution forming a post has a flat at the level of contact with the amount. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mortise is a recess whose depth, along the axis of attachment of the associated post, corresponds to the dimension of said post according to this axis. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mortise is a recess whose depth in the thickness of the tablet is between 0.25 and 0.75 times the thickness of the associated post, measured parallel to the amount on which it is fixed. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mortise is a recess corresponding substantially identically to the half of the tenon of revolution. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the post is a sphere, presenting a flat in contact with the upright on which it is fixed, which is further truncated in a plane including the fixing axis or not, and the mortise is a recess in the form of a sphere, these two spheres presenting roughly the same diameter, the depth of the recess in the thickness of the shelf is such that the post will come flush with the surface of the tablet. Structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising a substantive amount and two side uprights, at least, forming at least one box, each post including a post for the tablet corresponding, said tablet comprising three mortises. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, forming shelving, shelves, library or display stand.

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