EP4174240A1 - System with releasably interconnectable members - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) with at least two elements (2), in particular elongate components, which are designed to be attached to one another in a form-fitting and detachable manner, for which purpose one element (2) has a projection ( 3) constant cross-section, which, considering an X-Y sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, is formed in a dovetail-like manner, and the other element (2) has a groove (4) formed corresponding to the projection (3), the projection (3) and the groove (4) is designed in such a way that the projection (3) fits positively into the groove as part of a pivoting movement about a pivot axis (5) extending in the Z direction and formed by an outer edge of the groove (4). (4) can be used and released from this.

Description

The present invention relates to a system comprising at least two elements, in particular elongate structural elements, which are designed to be positively and releasably attached to one another, to which one element has a projection extending in a Z-direction and of constant cross-section which, an X-Y sectional view perpendicular viewed in the Z-direction, is designed in a dovetail-like manner, and the other element has a groove designed to correspond to the projection. "Corresponding to the projection" is to be understood in such a way that at least the opposite side walls of the groove correspond in terms of their position and orientation in space to the position and orientation of the opposite side walls of the projection, with the distance and the length of the side walls of the groove naturally being somewhat different must be larger than those of the side walls of the projection, so that the projection can be used in a form-fitting manner in the groove. The following explanations are also based on this understanding.

Systems with elements that can be detachably attached to one another via a dovetail-like connection are known in the prior art in a wide variety of configurations. Dovetail joints are used herein to mean joints in which the projection and groove each have opposing sidewalls which are inclined in opposite directions, with the projection increasing in width outwards and the groove increasing in width inward. Dovetail connections are characterized by a secure form fit. However, there is a disadvantage in that the elements can only be slid onto one another in the Z direction, ie in the direction in which the groove extends, which is not always desirable during assembly. In particular, elements that have a great length in the Z-direction, such as beams or the like, can be difficult or impossible to fasten to one another if only little mounting space is available. In these cases, other connection techniques are regularly used, such as the use of screws or the like. Alternatively, simple plug-in connections can be used, which, however, have a further degree of freedom in the plug-in direction compared to dovetail-type connections and for this reason usually require additional securing using dowels or the like in order to achieve a stable structure.

Proceeding from this state of the art, an object of the present invention is to create an alternative system of the type mentioned at the outset.

To solve this problem, the present invention provides a system of the type mentioned, which is characterized in that the projection and the groove are designed in such a way that the projection within the scope of a pivoting movement about a pivot axis extending in the Z direction, which is an outer edge of the groove is formed, can be positively inserted into the groove and released from it. In contrast to a conventional dovetail-like connection formed by a projection and a corresponding groove, the elements of the invention can not only be connected to one another by the projection being pushed into the groove in the Z direction, but also by the projection being pushed laterally in the Y direction. Direction is partially used in the groove and then pivoted about the pivot axis. Similarly, elements positioned side-by-side in the Y-direction can be connected together, resulting in significantly fewer space is required for assembly. Compared to a simple plug-in connection, there is the advantage that the elements cannot be easily separated from one another in the plug-in direction. Rather, a more complex pivoting movement is required to release the connection, which in most cases makes additional safeguards unnecessary.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the opposite side walls of the projection, viewed in an X-Y sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, are offset from one another in relation to a straight line extending in the X-direction, in particular such that the first side wall ends where the opposite second side wall begins. Accordingly, the side wall of the projection that protrudes further in the Y-direction can first be easily inserted into the associated groove in order to then insert the other side wall of the projection into the groove as part of the pivoting movement about the pivot axis.

Advantageously, considering an X-Y sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, the length and orientation of the first sidewall of the protrusion correspond to the length and orientation of a base side of an equilateral triangle in which, considering the interconnected state of two elements, the first side of the two equal sides extending from the pivot axis to the outer terminus of the first side wall of the projection and the second side of the two equal sides extends from the pivot axis to the inner terminus of the first side wall of the projection. This geometric shape ensures that the first side wall can be swiveled into the groove without any problems.

Preferred is the length of the opposite side walls of the protrusion when viewed in an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z direction identical, resulting in a simple construction using only a few materials.

Advantageously, looking at an X-Y sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, an angle that the first side wall of the projection makes with a straight line extending in the Y-direction corresponds to an angle that the opposite second wall makes with the same straight line. In this way, a very good hold of the projection within the groove is achieved.

According to an aspect of the present invention, as viewed in an X-Y sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, the length of the first side wall and/or the second side wall of the protrusion is between 10mm and 40mm. This is particularly advantageous for large elements, such as large beams used in house construction, to ensure a secure connection.

Preferably, as viewed in an X-Y sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, the projection and the groove are formed such that there is a predetermined clearance therebetween when the projection is positively fitted into the groove. Such play serves primarily to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the manufacture of the elements or the projection and the groove and/or a distortion of the same.

The game is advantageously provided in the form of a predetermined gap size to ensure an even balance.

The system preferably has compensating elements made of elastic material which, taking into account the predetermined gap size, are designed in such a way that they can be inserted between adjacent elements during assembly, with the compensating elements acting as sealing elements can be executed. Such compensating elements can be used to eliminate play that is not required, with play fluctuations being compensated for when the elements are assembled, for example as a result of temperature changes or play fluctuations caused by moisture. By designing the compensating elements as sealing elements, for example by suitably selecting the material and shaping the compensating elements, a watertight and/or moisture-tight and/or gas-tight connection can be achieved.

Advantageously, viewing an X-Y sectional view perpendicular to the Z direction, the projection and/or the groove is provided with at least one incision that extends continuously in the Z direction and, viewing an X-Y sectional view perpendicular to the Z direction, transversely, is arranged in particular perpendicular to a straight line extending in the X-direction. Such an incision increases the elasticity of the projection and/or the groove, as a result of which the establishment of a connection between two elements can be facilitated, in particular if this or its projection or groove has manufacturing inaccuracies or has become distorted. Also, regardless of the material used, thanks to such an incision, the projection can be designed in relation to its dimensions such that when inserted into the groove it presses against the side walls of the groove, generating a prestress, which in some cases can be desirable to avoid a heavier achieve a detachable connection between the elements.

Looking at an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, the at least one incision preferably has a depth of between 10 mm and 40 mm and/or a width of between 1 mm and 3 mm. This is particularly advantageous for large elements, such as large beams used in building houses, in order to achieve the desired effect.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the projection is provided with a first cut and the groove is provided with a second cut, the first cut and the second cut being aligned with each other. Such a structure is particularly effective in terms of the intended effect of the incisions.

Each element preferably has at least one projection and at least one corresponding groove, which are arranged on different sides of the element, in particular on opposite sides. In this way, a large number of elements can be connected to one another in series.

The elements can include or consist of wood and/or plastic and/or metal.

The at least one projection and/or the at least one groove is/are preferably integrally formed on the element. "Moulded on" means here that the elements, including their projections and grooves, each form a solid body made of a uniform material. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to form the projections and grooves, for example, on strips and to attach this strip to the actual elements, for example using screws, adhesive or the like.

• Figur 1 eine X-Y-Schnittansicht zweier miteinander verbundener Elemente eines Systems gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Figur 2 eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Ausschnitts in Figur 1;
• Figur 3 eine X-Y-Schnittansicht der in Figur 1 gezeigten Elemente während des Herstellens einer Verbindung;
• Figur 4 eine X-Y-Schnittansicht dreier miteinander verbundener Elemente eines Systems gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• Figur 5 eine schematische X-Y-Schnittansicht von vier miteinander verbundener Elemente eines Systems gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. inside is

• figure 1 an XY sectional view of two interconnected elements of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• figure 2 an enlarged view of a detail in figure 1 ;
• figure 3 an XY sectional view of the in figure 1 items shown while establishing a connection;
• figure 4 an XY sectional view of three interconnected elements of a system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and
• figure 5 a schematic XY sectional view of four interconnected elements of a system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

figure 1 Figure 12 shows two interconnected elements 2 of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elements 2 are elongate wooden beams which extend in a Z-direction and have a substantially circular cross-section. However, it should be pointed out that the elements 2 can in principle also have a different shape and/or consist of a different material. The elements 2 are designed to be positively and releasably attached to one another. For this purpose, the elements 2 each have a projection 3 of constant cross-section, which extends in the Z-direction and which, in figure 1 XY sectional view shown, is designed in a dovetail-like manner, and has a groove 4 designed to correspond to the projection 3 and which is arranged on the side of the corresponding element 2 opposite the projection 3 . In the present case, the projections 3 and grooves 4 extend along the entire length of the elements 2 in the Z-direction. They are each integrally formed on the elements 2 .

The projections 3 and the grooves 4 are each formed in such a way that a projection 3 of one element 2 is pivoted about a pivot axis 5 extending in the Z direction, which is formed by an outer edge of the associated groove 4 of the other element 2 is used positively in this groove 4 and can be solved from this. Each projection 3 has two opposite side walls 6 and 7, which are offset from one another in the Y direction in relation to a straight line 8 extending in the X direction, in this case such that the first side wall 6 ends where the opposite second Side wall 7 begins. The lengths of the side walls 6 and 7 are identical in this case. Alternatively, the side walls 6 and 7 can also have a length that differs from one another. The length and orientation of the first side wall 6 of the projection correspond to the length and orientation of a base side c of an equilateral triangle 9 shown in figure 1 indicated by dashed lines and in figure 2 is shown on an enlarged scale. In this equilateral triangle 9, the first side a of the two sides a and b of equal length extends from the pivot axis 5 to the outer corner of the first side wall 6 of the projection 3 and the second side b of the two sides a and b of the same length extends from the pivot axis 5 to the inner corner of the first side wall 6 of the projection 3. The angle α, which the first side wall 6 of the projection 3 encloses with a straight line 10 extending in the Y-direction, can be determined depending on the selected length of the first side wall 6 of the projection 3, based on the calculate the geometric ratios of an isosceles triangle as follows: $$\mathrm{a}=90°-\arcsin \left(\frac{\surd \left(4a^2-c^2\right)}{2a}\right)$$

The angle β, which the second side wall 7 of the projection 3 encloses with a straight line 11 extending in the Y-direction, is equal to that in the present case Angle α chosen. The angle β would then deviate from the angle α if the length of the second side wall 7 of the projection 3 were chosen to be different from the length of the first side wall 6 of the projection 3 . In principle, the lengths of the first side wall 6 and the second side wall 7 of the projection 3 can be freely selected. In the case of larger elements 2, such as the wooden beams shown, the length of the first side wall 6 and/or the second side wall 7 of the projection 3 is/are preferably between 10 mm and 40 mm. The groove 4 is designed to correspond to the projection 3 at least with regard to the side walls 6 and 7 of the projection 3 . In the present case, the projection 3 and the groove 4 are designed in such a way that there is a predetermined play between them when the projection 3 is inserted into the groove 4 in a form-fitting manner. In the exemplary embodiment shown, play is provided in the form of a predetermined gap size S of a gap 12 extending between the elements 2, which gap is suitably selected depending on the material and the dimensions of the elements 2. In particular, manufacturing tolerances of the elements 2 and the tendency to warp the same due to external influences, such as due to fluctuating temperatures, humidity or the like, must be taken into account. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 3 are each provided with an incision 13 which extends continuously in the Z-direction and, looking at the XY sectional view, is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a straight line extending in the X-direction. In principle, the depth T and the width B of the incision 13 can be freely selected. In the case of elements 2 in the form of the wooden beams shown, a depth T of between 10 and 40 mm and/or a width B of between 1 mm and 3 mm is preferred.

For mounting the in figure 1 Elements 2 shown are as shown in figure 3 is shown, the elements 2 are initially positioned next to one another in such a way that a projection 3 of one element 2 points to the groove 4 of the other element 2 . Then the in figure 3 Element 2 shown on the left within the XY plane and the second side wall 7 of the projection 3 is pushed into the groove 4 in such a way that the side wall 7 comes into line contact with the associated side wall of the groove 4 . Then there is a pivoting movement in the direction of the arrow P of the left-hand element about the pivot axis 5, optionally paired with a slight movement of an element 2 in the Y-direction. The first side wall 6 of the projection 3 is also inserted into the groove 4 during this pivoting movement. In this way, a secure positive connection between the elements 2 is achieved.

This in figure 1 The system 1 shown here includes compensating elements 14 made of an elastic material, which are designed taking into account the predetermined gap size S in such a way that they can be inserted between the adjacent elements 2 during assembly. Thanks to such compensating elements 14, superfluous play between the elements 2 in the interconnected state can be compensated. In the present case, the compensating elements 14 are provided in the form of elongate strips with a rectangular, constant cross section made of rubber-like material, which extend over the entire length of the elements 2 in the Z-direction. Thus, the compensating elements 14 also form sealing elements.

After the elements 2 have been joined together, the gap 12, as shown in figure 1 is shown, are sealed with a sealing compound 15 in particular on both sides, for example with a natural resin or the like.

figure 4 shows three elements 2 of the system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Elements 2 differ from those in figure 1 Elements 2 shown that these have a rectangular cross section. Furthermore, both the projections 3 and the grooves 4 are provided with an incision 13, the incision 13 a projection 3 is aligned with the incision 13 of an associated groove 4. In the present case, the incisions 13 are positioned approximately centrally in relation to the projection 3 in the X-direction. However, it should be clear that off-center positioning is also possible.

figure 5 shows elements 2 of a system 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The middle elements 2 differ from that in figure 1 Elements 2 shown that the projection 3 and the groove 4 of a single element are not directly opposite each other but are arranged slightly at an angle to each other within the XY plane, whereby a rounding occurs when the elements 2 are assembled. The inside and/or outside of the individual elements 2 can be flat in the Z-direction, as indicated by the dashed line 16 . The two outer elements 2 are different from the middle elements 2 on the one hand formed only with a projection 3 and on the other hand only with a groove 4 and form corresponding end elements.

The system 1 according to the invention is characterized in that, thanks to the specific design of the projections 3 and the grooves 4, the elements 2 can be manually assembled very easily, taking up a small assembly space, without additional fasteners and producing a secure form-fitting connection. The incisions 13 are advantageous in that they can be used to compensate for manufacturing inaccuracies and distortion of the elements 2 within certain limits. Although the provision of such cuts 13 is considered preferable, they are optional. The same applies to the compensating elements 14 and the sealing compound.

It should be clear that those in the figures 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 Elements 2 shown can also represent components of a single system according to the invention, insofar as all elements 2 with matching projections 3 and Grooves 4 are provided. The elements 2 can in principle have any shape and size, even if the dovetail connection according to the invention is considered to be particularly suitable for larger elements 2 which are used, for example, to produce building floors, walls and ceilings, fences or the like. The material from which the elements 2 are made can in principle also be freely selected. The elements 2 can include or consist of wood and/or plastic and/or metal, with the dovetail-like connection according to the invention being considered to be particularly suitable for elements 2 made of wood. In the previously described embodiments, the projections 3 and the grooves 4 are formed onto the elements 2, that is to say they are formed in one piece with them. However, they can also be formed on strips, which are then connected to the actual elements 2, for example by means of screws and/or adhesives or the like, as is shown in figure 4 is indicated by the dashed lines 17.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments described above serve only as examples and are not to be understood as limiting. On the contrary, modifications and/or changes are possible without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

reference number list

1

system

2

element

3

head Start

4

groove

5

pivot axis

6

first side wall

7

second side wall

8th

Straight

9

triangle

10

Straight

11

Straight

12

gap

13

incision

14

compensation element

15

sealant

16

dashed line

17

dashed line

ABC

sides of isosceles triangle 9

a

angle

β

angle

P

Arrow

s

gap size

T

depth

B

Broad

Claims (15)

System (1) with at least two elements (2), in particular elongate components, which are designed to be positively and releasably attached to one another, for which one element (2) has a projection (3) of constant cross-section extending in a Z-direction, which, looking at an X-Y sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, is formed in a dovetail-like manner, and the other element (2) has a groove (4) formed corresponding to the projection (3), the projection (3) and the groove (4) are designed in such a way that the projection (3) inserts itself positively into the groove (4) during a pivoting movement about a pivot axis (5) extending in the Z direction, which is formed by an outer edge of the groove (4) and can be solved from this. System (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the mutually opposite side walls (6, 7) of the projection (3), viewed in an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z direction, relative to a straight line (8 ) are arranged offset to one another, in particular such that the first side wall (6) ends where the opposite second side wall (7) begins. System (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that , looking at an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z direction, the length and orientation of the first side wall (6) of the projection (3) corresponds to the length and orientation of a base side (c) of an equilateral Corresponding triangle (9), in which, considering the interconnected state of two elements (2), the first side (a) of the two equally long sides (a, b) from the pivot axis (5) to the outer end point of the first side wall (6) of the projection (3) and the second side (b) of the two equally long sides (a, b) extends from the pivot axis (5) to the inner end point of the first side wall (6) of the projection (3). System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , considering an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, the length of the opposite side walls (6,7) of the projection (3) is identical. System (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that , looking at an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z direction, an angle (α) which the first side wall (6) of the projection (3) forms with a Lines (10,11) extending in the Y direction correspond to an angle (β) which the opposite second wall (7) encloses with the same line (10,11). System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , considering an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, the length of the first side wall (6) and/or the second side wall (7) of the projection (3) is between 10 mm and is 40mm. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , considering an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z direction, the projection (3) and the groove (4) are formed in such a way that there is a predetermined play between them, when the projection (3) is positively inserted into the groove (4). System (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the play is provided in the form of a predetermined gap dimension (s). System (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that it has compensating elements (14) made of elastic material which, taking into account the predetermined gap size (s), are designed in such a way that they can be inserted between adjacent elements (2) during assembly, wherein the compensating elements (14) can be designed as sealing elements. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , considering an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, the projection (3) and/or the groove (4) is provided with at least one incision (13) which extends continuously in the Z-direction and, looking at an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z-direction, is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a straight line (8) extending in the X-direction. System (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that , looking at an XY sectional view perpendicular to the Z direction, the at least one incision (13) has a depth (T) between 10mm and 40mm and/or a width (B) between 1mm and 3mm. System (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the projection (3) is provided with a first incision (13) and the groove (4) is provided with a second incision (13), the first incision (13) and the second incision (13) are aligned with one another. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each element (2) has at least one projection (3) and at least one corresponding groove (4) arranged on different, in particular on opposite sides of the element (2). are. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elements (2) have or consist of wood and/or plastic and/or metal. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one projection (3) and/or the at least one groove (4) is/are integrally formed on the element (2).

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