EP1449459B1 - Connecting element - Google Patents

Abstract

The element can be inserted between the outer ends of four bars or boards (2), accommodating each end between one stationary (3) and one movable jaw (4), protruding axial from the housing (5).Two elliptical elements are positioned on top of each other inside the housing (5) acting on the diagonally positioned movable jaws (4) when operated with an Allen key, clamping or releasing the boards (2) as required.

Description

The invention relates to a connecting element for the detachable connection of adjacent components, in particular for shelving systems.

Such fasteners are mainly used for the connection of furniture parts such as wall and floor panels, for example, in shelf or exhibition. Conventional fasteners are, for example, angles that are fastened with screws or nails to the parts to be joined. This is time consuming; In addition, the components are irreversibly damaged in these conventional connection systems by screwing in the screws or the hammering of the nails. The release of once connected components is problematic. In particular, in a frequent construction or dismantling of building systems, for example in exhibition construction, bring the conventional fasteners considerable disadvantages.

A fastener without screws or nails is e.g. from document GB-A-1359480.

Object of the present invention is to provide a connecting element for connecting adjacent components available, in which the individual components can be quickly and reliably connected and disconnected without the components are damaged by it. In this case, the connecting element according to the invention should be characterized by cost-effective production and simple operation.

This object is achieved in that the connecting element has a plurality of oriented in different directions jaws, each with 2 jaws for receiving a component against each other are braced by at least one jaw is adjustably mounted on the connecting element and this jaw with a leg in the interior of the Protruding connecting element and there is in operative connection with an actuator, the is to operate from the outside in the sense of bracing or loosening of the jaw.

With the connecting element according to the invention, it is possible to connect the plates of a rack system without nails, screws and the like. Each component is inserted between two opposing jaws of the connecting element, wherein the distance of the jaws is selected so that the components with sufficient clearance between the jaws fit. Then the jaws are braced against each other. For this purpose, the position of at least one jaw on the connecting element is varied. This jaw can be pivotally mounted about a rotation axis, which may also be a fictitious axis of rotation, which is formed essentially by supports on adjacent parts. The adjustment of the jaw is done by means of an actuator, which is located in the interior of the connecting element. In this case, the actuator acts on a leg which is attached to the jaw and projects into the interior of the connecting element. The leg is pivoted about the said axis of rotation, and the respective component is clamped or released between the corresponding jaws.

It is conceivable in principle that both corresponding jaws are adjustable. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, the adjustable jaws each face a rigid jaws. When you press the actuator then presses the adjustable jaw the component against the rigid jaw or releases it to release again.

It is particularly advantageous to use as an actuator rotatably mounted eccentric, which can undergo a self-locking jamming with the leg by turning. By pressing the eccentric on the leg, the jaw is pivoted in the direction of the component. If the eccentric is turned in the opposite direction, the jamming loosens and the jaw is granted more play again.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the eccentric with two legs operatively connected, which are associated with different jaws. Thus, two jaws can be actuated simultaneously by turning one eccentric. In this way it is possible in one step two components between clamp two pairs of jaws. The eccentric presses on the legs of the adjustable jaws of the respective pair of jaws and pivots the legs about their axis of rotation, so that two components are fixed simultaneously. It is advisable to store the actuator rotatable about circular cylindrical surfaces in the connecting element and to dimension this bearing with a radial bearing clearance of about 0.4 millimeters to about 1 millimeter. This has the advantage that with two opposing components with possibly different thickness takes place automatically compensation, because the actuator can dodge sideways something. As a result, differently thick plates are thus held by one and the same actuator with approximately equal clamping force between the jaws.

Of course, the actuator can also act on more than two jaws.

It has proved to be particularly favorable when the legs engage diagonally opposite sides of the eccentric. By turning the eccentric then diagonally arranged jaws are pressed simultaneously, which press the components against the associated fixed jaws. In this way, successive components can be connected in a flight.

With the connecting element according to the invention, it is also possible to connect two mutually perpendicular components. Furthermore, four cross-shaped converging components can be connected to the device. In this case, the connecting element has two approximately coaxially arranged one above the other eccentric. By pressing the first eccentric, the components tapering from left to right are clamped between the respective pairs of jaws; By pressing the second eccentric the front and rear or from top to bottom converging components are clamped.

Thus, the eccentric act only on the legs associated with them, the legs relative to the eccentric not assigned to him a return, so that the eccentric when turning there not in contact can come. As a rule, the recess extends over a region which corresponds to the thickness of the unassigned eccentric.

The operation of the eccentric is preferably carried out with Innenkant-, in particular hexagon wrenches. In the case of two eccentrics arranged one above the other, one eccentric can be actuated through an opening in the other eccentric. The superimposed eccentrics are actuated by differently sized inner key. The key opening of the upper eccentric is larger than the key opening of the lower eccentric so that you can reach through the opening of the upper eccentric to operate the lower eccentric with the smaller Allen key. When turning the lower eccentric of the key runs with sufficient clearance within the opening of the upper eccentric, so that while the upper eccentric is not twisted. To rotate the upper eccentric, the larger key is used, which is inserted into the large opening of the upper eccentric until it stops against the lower eccentric. The leadership of the key can be supported by a lid with matching opening.

So that the connecting element can also be used for components with large differences in wall thickness, it is recommended that, where appropriate, spacers can be clamped or latched on the jaws. These spacers may for example comprise the jaws laterally or be held in recesses of the jaw.

Furthermore, it is recommended that these spacers partially have at their edge an angled extension. This extension is used for back wall mounting and saves separate elbows.

Instead, the spacers may also have a hinge with a pivotable tab at its edge, this tab being used to fasten door elements.

Figur 1:

Eine perspektivische Ansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Elements bei der Verbindung von kreuzförmig aufeinander zulaufenden Platten;

Figur 2:

Eine Draufsicht auf ein kreuzförmiges Verbindungselement ohne Platten;

Figur 3:

Eine Draufsicht auf ein kreuzförmiges Verbindungselement mit zwei Platten und daneben die zugehörigen Distanzstücke;

Figur 4:

Eine Ansicht von unten auf ein kreuzförmiges Verbindungselement;

Figur 5:

Eine Seitenansicht auf ein kreuzförmiges Verbindungselement;

Figur 6:

Einen Horizontalschnitt durch das Verbindungselement entlang der B-B Achse aus Figur 5;

Figur 7:

Einen Horizontalschnitt durch das Verbindungselement entlang der C-C Achse aus Figur 5;

Figur 8:

Einen Vertikalschnitt durch das Verbindungselement entlang der A-A Achse aus Figur 2;

Figur 9:

Eine Darstellung der Exzenter in Wirkverbindung mit den Schenkeln

Figur 10:

Eine Darstellung der Schenkel aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven und teilweise als Schnitt;

Figur 11:

Eine Seitenansicht von dem Gehäuse des Verbindungselements;

Figur 12:

Einen Schnitt durch das Gehäuse entlang der D-D Achse aus Figur 11;

Figur 13:

Einen Schnitt durch das Gehäuse entlang der A-A Achse aus Figur 12;

Figur 14:

Einen Schnitt durch das Gehäuse entlang der B-B Achse aus Figur 12;

Figur 15:

Einen Schnitt durch das Gehäuse entlang der C-C Achse aus Figur 12;

Figur 16:

Ein T-förmiges Verbindungselement;

Figur 17:

Ein L-förmiges Verbindungselement.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments with reference to the figures and from the figures themselves. It shows

FIG. 1:

A perspective view of the element according to the invention in the connection of cross-shaped converging plates;

FIG. 2:

A plan view of a cross-shaped connecting element without plates;

FIG. 3:

A plan view of a cross-shaped connecting element with two plates and next to the associated spacers;

FIG. 4:

A view from below of a cross-shaped connecting element;

FIG. 5:

A side view of a cross-shaped connecting element;

FIG. 6:

A horizontal section through the connecting element along the BB axis of Figure 5;

FIG. 7:

A horizontal section through the connecting element along the CC axis of Figure 5;

FIG. 8:

A vertical section through the connecting element along the AA axis of Figure 2;

FIG. 9:

A representation of the eccentric in operative connection with the thighs

FIG. 10:

A representation of the thighs from different perspectives and partly as a section;

FIG. 11:

A side view of the housing of the connecting element;

FIG. 12:

A section through the housing along the DD axis of Figure 11;

FIG. 13:

A section through the housing along the AA axis of Figure 12;

FIG. 14:

A section through the housing along the BB axis of Figure 12;

FIG. 15:

A section through the housing along the CC axis of Figure 12;

FIG. 16:

A T-shaped connecting element;

FIG. 17:

An L-shaped connecting element.

In Figure 1 it can be seen that four cross-shaped converging components are connected in the form of plates 2 with the connecting element 1 according to the invention. The plates 2 are clamped between rigid jaws 3 and movable jaws 4. The rigid jaws 3 are part of the housing 5 of the connecting element. 1

The entire connecting element can be made of metal; It is advisable to coat the jaws on their sides facing the plates 2 with flexible plastic or to install there detachable plastic plates to protect the components to be braced. Of course, the jaws as well as the other parts of the connecting element but also directly made of plastic.

In Figure 2, the connecting element 1 is shown in a plan view. It can be seen that the housing 5 protrude from the four rigid jaws 3. Compared with the rigid jaws 3, the four movable jaws 4 are pivotally mounted on the housing 5. Between the respective pair of jaws the plates to be joined 2 are clamped. The plates 2 abut against the housing 5 of the connecting element 1 and fill the gap between the jaws 3, 4 from. In the housing 5 there are two coaxially superimposed rotatably mounted eccentric 6, 7 with which the movable jaws 4 can be adjusted. The eccentrics 6, 7 have in the center of their axis of rotation an opening 8, in which a hexagon socket key can be inserted to thereby rotate the eccentric 6, 7. The opening 8 of the lower eccentric 6 is smaller than the opening 8 of the upper eccentric 7. The housing 5 is closed with a cover 9, so that the eccentric 6, 7 can not fall out. Of the Cover 9 can be pressed by press fitting into the housing 5. It may be glued or welded instead or additionally to the housing 5.

In Figure 3, the connecting element 1 is shown with plates 2 as a plan view. The jaws 3, 4 are provided with spacers 10. The spacers 10 have a nose 11 which can be pressed into a recess 12 of the jaws 3, 4, whereby a stop and an exact positioning of the spacers 10 on the jaws 3, 4 is ensured. It is also possible to combine several spacers 10 with each other. For this purpose, they are provided on their back with a recess 13 into which the nose 11 of another spacer 10 fits. Characterized a fixation is ensured with each other in the combination of a plurality of spacers 10. By using spacers 10, it is possible to clamp plates of different thickness into the connecting element 1 by filling the optionally remaining space between the respective plate 2 and the jaws 3, 4 with spacers 10.

In Figure 4, the connecting element 1 is shown from below. It can be seen that the housing 5 is firmly closed on its underside.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the connecting element 1. It can be seen the legs 14 of the movable jaws 4, which are pivotally mounted on the housing 5 of the connecting element 1. The legs 14 are thickened relative to the movable jaws 4 and do not extend over the entire width of the jaws 4 but only in the central region.

FIG. 6 shows a section along the BB line from FIG. 5. It can be seen the upper eccentric 7 which is rotatably mounted in the connecting element 1. The eccentric 7 has in its center a hexagonal opening 8, into which an Allen key inserted and thereby the eccentric 7 can be rotated. The legs 14 of the movable jaws 4 are integrated in recesses 15 of the housing 5. At its axis of rotation, the legs 14 are provided with a bore 16 through which a pin 17 is guided. The pin 17 extends at its upper and lower ends in holes 18 on the housing 5. The movable jaws 4 are thus rotatably mounted around the pin 17 on the housing 5.

The eccentric 7 can simultaneously act on the diagonally opposite right and left legs 14. When turning the eccentric 7 in a clockwise direction, the left and right movable jaws 4 are pivoted in the direction of the opposing rigid jaws 3. It comes to a self-locking jamming between the eccentric 7 and leg 14. By turning the eccentric 7 counterclockwise, the deadlock is released again, so that the movable jaw 4 can be opened again.

FIG. 7 shows a section along the C-C line from FIG. 5. One recognizes the lower eccentric 6, which is in operative connection with the front and rear diagonally opposite legs 14. The opening 8 of the lower eccentric 6 is smaller than the opening 8 of the upper eccentric 7. The Allen key for operating the lower eccentric 6 can be performed through the opening 8 of the upper eccentric 7. Conversely, the lower eccentric 6 serves as a stop for the key to operate the upper eccentric. 7

Figure 8 shows a section through the housing 5 along the A-A line of Figure 2 in an exploded view. The eccentrics 6, 7 are inserted into the housing 5 and abut against the bottom 19 of the housing 5. The eccentrics 6, 7 are subdivided into a circular guide section 20 and an active section 21. The circular guide sections 20 are slightly smaller in diameter than The cylindrical interior 22 of the housing 5. This allows the eccentric 6, 7 rotate in the housing 5 and are performed at the same time in this. The eccentric bear with its circular guide portion 20 at the bottom 19 and the lid 9 and border with the front side of its active portion 21 to each other. Furthermore, it can be seen in Figure 8, the pins 17 for attachment of the movable jaws 4 on the housing fifth

In Figure 9, the upper eccentric 7 in side view, top view and in operative connection with the movable jaws 4 is shown. It can be seen the circular guide portion 20 and the active portion 21 of the eccentric. The active section 21 has two flattened sides 23 and two eccentrically rounded sides 24. The diameter of the eccentrically rounded sides 24 decreases continuously starting from the diameter of the circular guide section 20 in the clockwise direction. The rounded sides 24 are the left and facing right thighs 14. When rotating the eccentric 7, there is thus no interaction with these legs 14 while the front and rear legs remain unaffected because they are in operative connection with the other eccentric 6.

FIG. 10 shows the movable jaws 4 with their legs 14 from several perspectives. The legs 14 are thickened relative to the movable jaws 4. The largest thickness, the leg 14 at its transition to the movable jaw 4. The thickness then initially remains constant in the longitudinal direction of the leg 14 and then decreases in a flattening course. The flattened portion 25 of the leg 14 is divided along its width into two areas 26, 27, wherein area 26 is more flattened and thus thinner than area 27. In the leg 14 shown in Figure 10, the area 27 with the upper eccentric 7 in operatively connected. Region 26 adjoins the lower eccentric 6. Due to the return of region 26 relative to region 27, however, an interaction with the unassigned, lower eccentric 6 is avoided. FIG. 10 also shows the bores 16, by means of which the legs 14 can be fastened to the housing 5 with the aid of pins 17.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the empty housing 5. The recesses 15 on the housing 5 serve for the average of the legs 14.

Figure 12 shows a section through the housing 5 along the D-D axis of Figure 11. In the interior 22 of the housing 5, the two eccentrics 6, 7 are inserted, the lower eccentric 6 is seated on the bottom 19 of the housing 5. The housing 5 can be closed with a cover 9, which is inserted into the region 29 of the housing 5 and abuts against the inner walls 30 of the housing.

FIG. 13 shows a section through the housing 5 along the AA axis from FIG. 12 and the cover 9 for closing the housing 5. The rigid jaws 3 are integrally formed on the housing 5. The diameter of the cylindrical interior 22 is slightly larger than the diameter of the eccentric 6, 7, so that they fit into the inner space 22 and are simultaneously guided by the inner walls 30 of the housing. The holes 18 are used for receiving the pins 17 with which the legs 14 are attached to the housing 5. The cover 9 has in its center a bore 31 so that the eccentric 6, 7 can be operated even with the lid closed with the Allen keys.

FIG. 14 shows a section through the housing 5 along the B-B axis shown in FIG. The recesses 15 are again used to hold the legs 14 which are rotatably mounted about the axis 32.

FIG. 15 shows a section through the housing 5 along the C-C axis shown in FIG. It can be seen the cylindrical interior 22 of the housing 5, in which the lower eccentric 6 rotatably rests on the bottom 19 of the housing 5. Furthermore, one recognizes the holes 18 for receiving the pins 17, by means of which the legs are fastened to the housing 5.

Figures 16 and 17 show two alternative embodiments of the connecting element according to the invention. FIG. 16 shows a T-shaped connecting element which can be used to connect three panels, for example as an edge profile of a furniture construction system. Figure 17 shows an L-shaped connecting element for connecting two plates as a corner profile.

Claims (18)

1. Connecting element (1) for the releasable connection of adjacent components (2), especially for shelving systems,
   characterised in that
   the connecting element (1) has a plurality of jaws (3, 4) oriented in different directions, a jaw (3) and a jaw (4) being clampable relative to one another to accommodate a component (2), at least one jaw (4) being mounted displaceably on the connecting element (1) and that jaw (4) having a limb (14) that projects into the interior of the connecting element (1) where it is in operative connection with an actuating element (6, 7) which is operable from the outside for the purpose of clamping or releasing the jaw (4).
2. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   by operation of the limb (14) the associated jaw (4) is pivotable about a pivot axis (32) on the housing (5) of the connecting element (1).
3. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the actuating element (6, 7) is a pivotally mounted eccentric (6, 7).
4. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the actuating element is pivotally mounted in the connecting element (1) by means of cylindrical guide faces (20).
5. Connecting element (1) according to claim 4,
   characterised in that
   the mounting of the guide faces (20) is effected with radial play of from approximately 0.4 millimetre to approximately 1 millimetre.
6. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the actuating element (6, 7) enters into self-locking clamped engagement with the said limb (14).
7. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the actuating element (6, 7) is in operative connection with two limbs (14) which are associated with different jaws (4).
8. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the limbs (14) engage diagonally opposite sides of the actuating element (6, 7).
9. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   each displaceable jaw (4) is located opposite a fixed jaw (3).
10. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    it has two actuating elements (6, 7) arranged at least approximately coaxially one above the other.
11. Connecting element (1) according to claim 10,
    characterised in that
    one actuating element (6) is operable through an opening (8) in the other actuating element (7).
12. Connecting element (1) according to claim 10,
    characterised in that
    the actuating elements (6, 7) are operable by differently sized polygonal wrenches.
13. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    it has, on the operation side of the at least one actuating element (6, 7), a cover (9) with an opening which serves for guiding a wrench for displacing the actuating element (6, 7).
14. Connecting element (1) according to claim 10,
    characterised in that
    the limb (14) has a cut-out (26) opposite the eccentric (6, 7) with which it is not associated.
15. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    spacers (10) are clampable or lockable to the jaws (3, 4).
16. Connecting element (1) according to claim 15,
    characterised in that
    the spacers (10) are clampable in recesses (12) of at least one jaw (3, 4).
17. Connecting element (1) according to claim 15,
    characterised in that
    the spacers (10) have partly along their edge an angled extension.
18. Connecting element (1) according to claim 15,
    characterised in that
    the spacers (10) have partly along their edge a hinge with a pivotable flap.

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