FR3101924A1 - Mechanical connector for assembling a module with another module, or an external support, within a removable structure, module provided with at least one such connector, and structure comprising at least one such module. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (100) for assembling a module with another module, or an external support, within a removable structure, said connector (100) comprising: a body (102), a rod (120) provided a grip head; and a receiving housing (110) comprising at least one retaining lip (116); characterized in that said rod (120) is free in translation, in said receiving housing (110), in the longitudinal direction (126) of said rod (120), between: a deployed position in which said attachment head (122) protrudes from said receiving housing (110) past said at least one retaining lip (116), and said rod (120) occupies said receiving housing; and a retracted position in which said hooking head (122) is set back from said receiving housing (110) so as to release the at least one retaining lip (116) Figure: Fig. 1a

Description

Mechanical connector for assembling a module with another module, or an external support, within a removable structure, module provided with at least one such connector, and structure comprising at least one such module.

The present invention relates to a mechanical connector for assembling a module to another module, or to an external support, within a removable structure, such as for example a temporary exhibition structure of the exhibition stand type. . It also relates to a module provided with at least one such connector, and a removable structure comprising at least one such module.

The field of the invention is the field of mechanical connectors used for fixing modules, in particular basic unitary modules, for the production of removable temporary stands, of the exhibition stand type, advertising walls, etc.

State of the art

Modules are used for the construction of temporary exhibition structures, advertising structures or even covering or decoration structures, and more generally any removable structure.

Such structures can be in the form of a flat wall or not, self-supporting or not, or a more complex shape formed by several walls. To achieve such structures, the modules are fixed together, or on external supports, by connectors.

Each module can be a profile, a frame, a two- or three-dimensional unit module, closed or open. The modules can include a visual support in the form of a covering fabric, a rigid panel or an electronic screen, a means of lighting, a means of sound diffusion, a camera, etc.

Each module can be made by assembling individual profiles, or in one piece, for example by molding or 3D printing.

The mechanical connectors provided for attaching a module to another module, or to an external support, do not offer satisfactory flexibility as regards the method of attachment and the attachment position. This makes the construction of a structure time-consuming, inflexible and not very modular, because the nature and position of each module forming the structure must be planned in advance so that the connectors of a module are positioned opposite other connectors, while being compatible with these other connectors.

An object of the present invention is to remedy at least one of these drawbacks.

Another object of the invention is to propose a mechanical connector making it possible to produce a more flexible and more modular assembly.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a connector for a module, making it possible to make the design and construction of a removable structure simpler, less time-consuming, and more flexible.

• un corps,
• une tige comportant, au niveau d’une extrémité, dite distale, une tête d’accroche prévue pour s’engager, et venir en prise, avec au moins une lèvre de retenue du côté de l’autre module ou du support externe ; et
• un logement d’accueil comportant au moins une lèvre de retenue ;

caractérisé en ce que ladite tige est libre en translation, dans ledit logement d’accueil, dans la direction longitudinale de ladite tige , entre :

• une position déployée dans laquelle ladite tête d’accroche sort dudit logement d’accueil au-delà de ladite au moins une lèvre de retenue, et ladite tige occupe ledit logement d’accueil ; et
• une position rétractée dans laquelle ladite tête d’accroche se trouve en retrait dudit logement d’accueil de façon à libérer l’au moins une lèvre de retenue.

The invention makes it possible to achieve at least one of these aims by means of a mechanical connector for producing an assembly by clamping of a module with another module, or an external support, within a removable structure, in particular a exhibition structure, for example of the exhibition stand type, said connector comprising:

• a body,
• a rod comprising, at one end, called the distal end, a hooking head provided to engage, and come into engagement, with at least one retaining lip on the side of the other module or of the external support; And
• a receiving housing comprising at least one retaining lip;

characterized in that said rod is free in translation, in said receiving housing, in the longitudinal direction of said rod, between:

• a deployed position in which said attachment head emerges from said reception housing beyond said at least one retaining lip, and said rod occupies said reception housing; And
• a position retracted in which said attachment head is set back from said reception housing so as to release the at least one retaining lip.

• soit comme un connecteur mâle en utilisant la tête d’accroche avec la tige dans position déployée ;
• soit comme un connecteur femelle, avec la tige en position rétractée.

The connector according to the invention can therefore be used, on the fly:

• either as a male connector using the attachment head with the stem in the extended position;
• or as a female connector, with the rod in the retracted position.

Thus, to assemble two modules together with the connector according to the invention, it is not necessary to determine in advance which of these modules must include a male connector or a female connector, since the connector according to the invention can be used, either as a male connector or as a female connector, on the fly at any time. Consequently, the assembly of two modules becomes more flexible, more modular, and the design of a demountable structure becomes simpler, less time-consuming, and more flexible.

In addition, for a given module, it is possible to use the connector according to the invention which equips it as a male connector within a first structure, and as a female connector within another structure: which allows flexible use, or reuse, of a module in different structures over time without having to change the connectors that equip it.

In the retracted position, the attachment head may no longer be in the receiving housing.

Alternatively, in the retracted position the attachment head can still be in the receiving housing. In this case, the attachment head is set back and a distance from the at least one retaining lip such as the attachment head of another connector, in particular identical to the connector according to the invention.

According to a particularly advantageous feature, the attachment head and the receiving housing of the connector according to the invention can have functionally compatible shapes that can engage together and create a tight grip.

• la tête d’accroche peut s’engager et venir en prise serrée avec le logement d’accueil d’un autre connecteur qui lui est identique ; et
• le logement d’accueil peut accueillir et venir en prise serrée avec la tête d’accroche d’un connecteur qui lui est identique.

In other words, in the connector according to the invention:

• the attachment head can engage and come into tight engagement with the receiving housing of another connector which is identical to it; And
• the receiving housing can accommodate and come into tight engagement with the attachment head of a connector which is identical to it.

The connector according to the invention can therefore be assembled with a connector which is identical to it.

Thus, in the context of two modules to be assembled, each of the two modules can be equipped with connectors according to the invention: which makes the design of a removable structure simpler and less time-consuming.

The gripping head may comprise at least one bearing tooth projecting from the rod in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said rod.

In particular, the gripping head may comprise two support teeth, projecting from the rod in the first direction, in opposite directions. Thus, the gripping head can achieve a stronger and more balanced grip and tight grip with gripping teeth on either side of the rod.

Advantageously, the, or each, gripping tooth may have a dimension smaller than or equal to the dimension of the rod in a second direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rod and to the first direction.

More generally, the attachment head may have, in the first direction, a dimension, or a width, greater than its dimension in the second direction.

In addition, the width of the grip head in the second direction can be smaller than or equal to the width of the rod in this second direction.

Under these conditions, the reception housing may comprise a passage groove, extending in the first direction, and allowing the reception head to enter and leave the reception housing.

• dans ladite première direction : la largeur de la rainure est supérieure à la largeur de la tête d’accroche, et
• dans ladite deuxième direction : la largeur de la rainure est supérieure à la largeur de la tête d’accroche et de la tige.

The passage groove may have a width in the second direction less than its width in the first direction. Of course, to allow the rod to enter and exit the housing:

• in said first direction: the width of the groove is greater than the width of the gripping head, and
• in said second direction: the width of the groove is greater than the width of the gripping head and of the rod.

Advantageously, the receiving housing may include a first passage groove, on the side of the retaining lip, to allow the attachment head to enter and leave the housing on the side of said retaining lip, when the rod is close to its deployed position.

In addition, the reception housing may include a second passage groove, on the side opposite the retaining lip, to allow the attachment head to enter and exit the reception housing on the side opposite said at least a retaining lip, when the rod is close to its retracted position.

• une première orientation angulaire permettant l’introduction de la tête d’accroche au-delà d’au moins une lèvre de retenue de l’autre module ou du support externe, et
• une deuxième orientation angulaire permettant l’accroche de la tête d’accroche contre ladite au moins une lèvre de retenue externe de l’autre module ou du support externe.

According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, at least in its deployed position, the rod can also be rotatable in the receiving housing, between:

• a first angular orientation allowing the attachment head to be inserted beyond at least one retaining lip of the other module or of the external support, and
• a second angular orientation allowing the attachment of the attachment head against said at least one external retaining lip of the other module or of the external support.

In particular, the rod can be rotatable around its longitudinal direction.

Advantageously, the rod can be rotatable only when it is in its deployed position. Thus, the handling of the rod is facilitated for the user.

In particular, in the first orientation, the first direction (which corresponds to the direction in which the support tooth or teeth protrude from the rod) can be aligned with, or parallel to, the direction in which the at least one retaining lip of the other module or of the external support.

In the second orientation, the first direction can form a non-zero angle with, and in particular normal to, the direction in which the at least one retaining lip of the other module or of the external support extends.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the rod can be in the first angular orientation over/during its entire translational travel between its retracted position and its deployed position.

According to a preferred characteristic, the first and second angular orientations can be separated by 90°, that is to say by a quarter turn, which makes it possible to achieve a simple, ergonomic and intuitive assembly for the user.

Advantageously, the connector according to the invention may comprise a mechanism for guiding the rod, relative to the body, in at least part of its movement between the retracted position and a hooking position.

Thus, the manipulation of the rod with a view to making, or undoing, an assembly is facilitated, even for an inexperienced user. The user cannot be mistaken when handling the rod, which reduces the risks associated with improper handling of the rod on the one hand, and the handling time of the rod on the other.

The guide mechanism can be of any known type.

• une rainure prévue sur la tige, et
• un doigt prévu sur le corps du connecteur, et plongé dans ladite rainure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the guide mechanism may comprise:

• a groove provided on the rod, and
• a finger provided on the body of the connector, and immersed in said groove.

Such a guide mechanism has a simple architecture and a reduced cost.

Of course, the groove can be on the body of the connector and the finger on the stem.

The finger can be removable or non-removable. In particular, the finger can be formed by a screw screwed into the body of the connector and protruding from the body towards the rod.

The groove may advantageously comprise a first portion, extending in the longitudinal direction of the rod, and guiding the rod in its translational movement between the retracted position and the deployed position.

This first portion can be found over the entire length of the stem.

Alternatively, this first portion can only extend between the retracted position and the deployed position of the rod, so that the rod is movable in translation only between these two positions.

When the rod is rotatable in its deployed position, the groove may comprise a second portion guiding the rod in its rotational movement.

This second portion may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rod.

This second portion can be located over the entire periphery of the rod, so that the rod is rotatable over its entire periphery.

Alternatively, this second portion can only extend between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation of the rod, so that the rod is rotatable only between these angular orientations.

The second portion may communicate with, or be continuous with, the first portion so that the groove is continuous.

Thus, according to an optional, but particularly advantageous characteristic, it is possible to guide the rod over its entire movement, so that if the rod is not in the first angular orientation, it is not mobile in translation. Translation of the rod is only allowed if it is in the first angular orientation.

Similarly, when the rod is not in the deployed position, it is not movable in translation. Spindle rotation is only permitted if it is in the deployed position.

The connector according to the invention may comprise a mechanism for clamping the rod, in a hooking position so as to create a clamp.

In particular, the clamping mechanism can be provided to apply a tensile force to the rod, in the longitudinal direction of the rod, so that the gripping head comes against the outer retaining lip and exerts a force against the lip external restraint.

The clamping mechanism can be of any type.

For example, the tightening mechanism can apply tightening by screwing, manual or not, applying a pulling force on the rod, in the direction entering the rod from the distal end.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the clamping mechanism may comprise a tongue, integral with the rod and which is raised by a lever, or a part, in rotation around the rod.

According to a particular embodiment, the clamping mechanism may comprise, on the side of a so-called proximal end of the rod opposite its distal end, an eccentric in rotation about an axis perpendicular to the rod and integral with the rod , and resting on the body of the connector, directly or via a support piece.

The use of such an eccentric allows easy handling for the user while allowing effective tightening.

In particular, the eccentric can be operated manually, for example a lever integral with said eccentric. More particularly, and in no way limiting, the eccentric can be carried out by part of a manual lever.

The connector according to the invention may further comprise a spring, or more generally an elastically deformable expansion member, associated with the rod, and which is compressed in the deployed position of the rod, and relaxed in the retracted position in the rod.

Such a spring, a trigger member, makes it possible to push the rod back into its retracted position. Thus, the rod is always in the retracted position when not in use, which facilitates handling of the connector according to the invention, in particular when the connector according to the invention is used as a female connector, or when disassembly of the connector according to the invention when it is used as a male connector.

Preferably, the housing can be formed in a part of the body of the connector.

The receiving housing can be any housing comprising at least one retaining lip and which has behind said at least one retaining lip sufficient free space to receive a gripping head.

According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the housing may comprise two retaining lips, arranged facing each other, and separated by a space allowing the introduction of a gripping head behind said lips in a first angular orientation , then its rotation in a second angular orientation in which the attachment head bears against said retaining lips.

In particular, the housing may be formed by a groove comprising at least one, in particular two retaining lips.

In particular, the reception housing can be formed by one or more removable parts, attached to the body of the connector.

According to a particularly advantageous exemplary embodiment, at least one retaining lip of the receiving housing can be formed by a part, in particular removable, fixed to the body of the connector.

Thus, it is possible to use a different material, and in particular more robust, to form each retaining lip.

It is also possible to modify the size and shape of each retaining lip.

The body of the connector according to the invention can be formed by a single part or by assembly of several parts.

At least a part of the body of the connector can be formed in one piece, for example by molding or by 3D printing, with a part of a frame, or with a frame, of the module.

Indeed, the connector according to the invention can be used as a male connector and as a female connector, it may be advantageous to form at least one non-moving part of the connector with a frame, or a part of a frame, of the module. In this case, this fixed part will remain permanently in the module.

This fixed part may comprise part or all of the body of the connector, or part or all of the receiving housing.

The connector according to the invention can be made of any material that can be used for mechanical assembly, and in particular of metal, aluminum, hard plastic, etc.

According to another aspect of the invention, a removable structure module is proposed, equipped with at least one connector according to the invention.

The module according to the invention may have a frame comprising at least one edge and forming the backbone of said module.

In particular, the or each connector equipping the module according to the invention can be arranged on a part of a frame of said module.

The frame can have a closed shape or an open shape.

The frame can have a two-dimensional shape, for example rectangular, square, circular, triangular, or a three-dimensional shape, for example parallelepipedal, pyramidal, etc.

As specified above, at least a part of the body of at least one, or of each, connector fitted to the module according to the invention can be formed in one piece with a part of said module, and in particular with a frame or a part of a frame, of said module.

Alternatively, at least one, and in particular each, connector can be manufactured entirely independently of the module, then fixed to the module in a removable manner or not.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the module according to the invention can exclusively comprise identical connectors, that is to say only connectors according to the invention.

According to one embodiment, the module according to the invention may comprise at least one connector according to the invention on each of its edges used for fixing said module.

According to one embodiment, the module according to the invention may comprise at least one connector according to the invention on each of its edges. Thus, the module according to the invention can be fixed to another module or to an external support at each of its sides.

Whatever the embodiment, given that each connector according to the invention can be used as a male connector or a female connector, it is not necessary to provide different types of connectors on different edges of the module according to the invention.

The module according to the invention can be a construction module of a removable structure such as an exhibition stand, an advertising wall, a wall covering a surface of a wall of a floor or a ceiling, etc.

The module according to the invention may comprise a frame and a display element integral with said frame.

In this case, the module according to the invention is a display module.

The display element can be attached to the frame of the module directly or via a mounting bracket.

The display element can be an electronic display screen such as one or more electronic display tiles, such as LED technology tiles.

Alternatively, the display element may be fabric, or the like.

Alternatively, the display element can be a covering element.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is proposed a removable structure, of the exhibition stand type, comprising at least one module according to the invention or frame parts assembled together with at least one connector according to the invention.

The structure according to the invention can be in the form of a partition, flat or not, or a three-dimensional one comprising several partitions.

The structure according to the invention can be a structure open in all directions or a structure closed in at least one direction.

The structure according to the invention can be a partition, a cube, a parallelepiped, a cylinder, a sling shape, etc.

The structure according to the invention may or may not be self-supporting.

Description of figures and embodiments

• les FIGURES 1a-1d sont des représentations schématiques, selon différentes vues, d’un exemple de réalisation non limitatif d’un connecteur mécanique selon l’invention ;
• la FIGURE 2 est une représentation schématique d’un exemple de réalisation non limitatif d’une tige pouvant être utilisée dans un connecteur selon l’invention ;
• la FIGURE 3 est une représentation schématique, selon un vue de derrière, d’un exemple de connecteur non limitatif selon l’invention monté sur un cadre représenté très partiellement ;
• la FIGURE 4 est une représentation schématique d’un exemple de deux connecteurs selon l’invention assemblés entre eux ;
• la FIGURE 5 est une représentation schématique d’un exemple de réalisation non limitatif d’un module équipé de connecteurs selon l’invention ; et
• la FIGURE 6 est une représentation schématique d’un exemple de réalisation non limitatif d’une structure démontable selon l’invention.

Other advantages and characteristics will appear on examination of the detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment, and of the appended drawings in which:

• FIGURES 1a-1d are schematic representations, according to different views, of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a mechanical connector according to the invention;
• FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting embodiment of a rod that can be used in a connector according to the invention;
• FIGURE 3 is a schematic representation, according to a rear view, of an example of a non-limiting connector according to the invention mounted on a frame shown very partially;
• FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of an example of two connectors according to the invention assembled together;
• FIGURE 5 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting embodiment of a module equipped with connectors according to the invention; And
• FIGURE 6 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a removable structure according to the invention.

It is understood that the embodiments which will be described below are in no way limiting. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of characteristics described below isolated from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from other the prior state of the art. This selection includes at least one preferably functional feature without structural details, or with only part of the structural details if this part is only sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior state of the art.

In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

FIGURES 1a-1d are schematic representations of a non-limiting embodiment of a mechanical connector according to the invention.

In particular, connector 100 is shown in sectional view in FIGURES 1a and 1b, in side view in FIGURE 1c, and in isometric view and in FIGURE 1d. In FIGURES 1a and 1b, connector 100 is shown in an assembled configuration, and in FIGURES 1c and 1d connector 100 is shown in an exploded configuration.

The connector 100 comprises a body 102. In the example shown, the body 102 is formed from two parts 104 and 106, fixed between by screws 108. Alternatively, the body 102 can be formed from a single piece.

The two parts 104 and 106 forming the body of the connector 100 can be made from the same material. Alternatively, part 106 can be made of a sturdier material, such as aluminum.

The parts 104 and 106 can each be produced by molding, by 3D printing or by machining.

The connector 100 includes a receiving housing 110 arranged in the body 102, better visible in FIGURES 1a and 1b.

In the example shown in FIGURES 1a-1d, the reception housing 110 is mainly made in part 106 attached to part 104.

In the example of FIGURES 1a-1d, the reception housing 110 comprises a passage 112 to allow the introduction of a hook part of another connector, into the reception housing 110. This passage 112 may be formed by an opening, or a groove, of oblong shape, bordered or not in the longitudinal direction.

The reception housing 110 further comprises an interior space 114 to receive said attachment piece. This interior space 114 is wide and deep enough for the attachment part of another connector to be able to move in said interior space 114.

The reception housing 110 is provided with two retaining lips 116, forming the edges of the passage 112, in the transverse direction. These retaining lips 116 are provided so that the attachment part of another connector, once introduced into the interior space 114, comes into engagement and rests on said retaining lips 116, in order to create a mechanical connection .

Connector 100 further includes stem 120, visible in FIGURES 1a-1d.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of said rod, alone.

The rod provided with a hook head 122 on the side of an end 124, called distal. In the example shown, the attachment head 122 forms the distal end 124 of the rod 120.

• une position, dite déployée, dans laquelle la tige 120 occupe l’espace intérieur 114 du logement d’accueil 110, et la tête d’accroche 122 sort du connecteur 100, du côté logement d’accueil 110, pour venir en prise et en accroche avec un autre connecteur ou un support externe ; et
• une position, dite rétractée, dans laquelle la tige 120 n’occupe pas le logement d’accueil 110, et la tête d’accroche 122 se trouve dans le corps 102 du connecteur, en retrait du logement d’accueil 110 : dans cette position, les lèvres d’accueil 116 et l’espace intérieur 114 du logement d’accueil 110 sont libérés de sorte qu’une pièce d’accroche externe peut s’introduire dans le logement d’accueil 110, par le passage 112, et venir en prise avec les lèvres de retenue 116, comme décrit plus haut.

The rod 120 is movable in translation, relative to the body 102, in its longitudinal direction, denoted 126 in the FIGURES, between:

• a position, called deployed, in which the rod 120 occupies the interior space 114 of the reception housing 110, and the attachment head 122 comes out of the connector 100, on the reception housing 110 side, to come into engagement and hangs with another connector or an external support; And
• a position, called retracted, in which the rod 120 does not occupy the reception housing 110, and the attachment head 122 is located in the body 102 of the connector, set back from the reception housing 110: in this position , the receiving lips 116 and the interior space 114 of the receiving housing 110 are released so that an external attachment part can be introduced into the receiving housing 110, through the passage 112, and come engages retaining lips 116, as described above.

FIGURE 1a shows connector 100 with stem 120 in the extended position and FIGURE 1b shows connector 100 with stem in its retracted position.

The gripping head 122 is provided to come into engagement, then clamping, on a surface, or lips, external to the connector 100, for example gripping lips provided on another connector.

In the example shown, the attachment head 122 comprises two support teeth 128 which project from either side of the rod 100, in a first direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 126 of the rod 120. Each bearing tooth 128 is intended to be placed behind a surface or a gripping lip, and coming against and resting on this surface, or gripping lip, to achieve a fixing by clamping.

In the first direction, the grip head 122 has a thickness greater than that of the rod 110, while in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and to the longitudinal direction 126 of the rod 120, the grip head 122 has a thickness equal to that of the stem.

Thus, the attachment head 122 can be introduced into a reception housing, similar or identical to the reception housing 110, provided with two retaining lips separated by an oblong opening, in a first angular orientation in which the first direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the oblong opening, so that the gripping head 122 can pass between said retaining lips. Then, when the attachment head 122 is in said receiving housing, the attachment head 122 can be positioned in a second angular orientation in which the support teeth are positioned behind the retaining lips. The first and second angular orientations can be separated by a quarter turn, that is to say by 90°.

To do this, the rod 120 is rotatable, around its longitudinal direction, at least when it is in its deployed position, shown in FIGURE 1a, and at least between the first angular orientation, and the second angular orientation. in which the rod 120 is in the hooking position.

In the example shown, the rod 120 can be in the first angular orientation over its entire translational travel between its retracted position and its deployed position.

In addition, the connector 100 is provided with a mechanism for clamping the rod 120 when it is in its attachment position, that is to say in its deployed position and in the second angular orientation.

According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the clamping mechanism is arranged on the side of a so-called proximal end 132 of the rod 120.

The clamping mechanism 130 comprises an eccentric 134 secured to the rod 120 and rotatable relative to the rod 120 around an axis 136 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rod 120.

In the hooking position, the eccentric comes to bear on the body 102 of the connector 100, and in particular on the part 104, via a seal 138 and a washer 140. The rotational movement of the eccentric 134 applies a tensile force on the rod 120, in the direction going from its distal end 124 towards its proximal end 132. The joint 138 is a part which makes it possible to transmit the tightening force. The seal 138 is made of a material with a lower hardness than the eccentric 134 and the body 104, to deform and guarantee tightening.

In other words, the force applied by the eccentric 134 pulls the attachment head 122 of the rod 120 towards the body 102 of the connector, so that the retaining lips with which the attachment head 122 is engaged are clamped between said attachment head 122 and the body 102 of the connector, in particular the part 106.

The eccentric 134 is manipulated using a lever 142 secured to said eccentric 134.

In addition, the connector 100 is provided with a mechanism for guiding the rod in its translation between the retracted and deployed positions, and in its rotation between the first and second angular positions, which is better visible in FIGURES 2 and 3.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic representation, according to a rear view, of the connector 100, mounted on a frame shown very partially.

• une première portion 146 se prolongeant dans la direction longitudinale de la tige 120 ; et
• une deuxième portion 148, communicant avec la première portion 146 du côté de l’extrémité proximale de la tige 120.

In the example shown, the guide mechanism comprises a groove 144 provided on the rod 120 and comprising:

• a first portion 146 extending in the longitudinal direction of the rod 120; And
• a second portion 148, communicating with the first portion 146 on the side of the proximal end of the rod 120.

First groove portion 146 communicates with second groove portion 148 so that groove 144 is continuous.

The guide mechanism further comprises and a screw 150, provided integral with the body 102, and in particular with the part 104, and plunging into the groove 144.

Thus, the rod 120 is guided in translation by the screw 150 which cooperates with the first groove portion 146 and in rotation by the screw which cooperates with the second groove portion 148.

It should be noted that the first groove portion 146 extends only between the retracted and deployed portions so that, in the longitudinal direction, the rod cannot move in translation beyond these positions, in one direction as in the other. In other words, the translation of the rod is limited by each of said positions, and can only take place between these two positions.

In addition, the second groove portion 148 extends only between the first and second angular orientations so that, around the longitudinal direction, the rod can only move in rotation between these two angular positions, with a single direction of rotation. rotation from each of said angular orientations.

Moreover, when the rod is not in the first angular orientation, it is not mobile in translation. Translation of the rod is only allowed if it is in the first angular orientation.

Similarly, when the rod is not in the deployed position, it is not movable in translation. Spindle rotation is only permitted if it is in the deployed position.

The connector 100 shown in FIGURES 1a-1d and 3 may optionally include a spring 152, best seen in FIGURES 1a-1d (and not shown in FIGURE 3), associated with stem 120, and which is compressed in the deployed position of the rod 120, and relaxed in the retracted position in the rod 120.

The spring 152 is positioned around the rod 120, between the washer 140 and a stop piece 154, integral with the body 102.

Spring 152 pushes rod 120 back into its retracted position. Thus, the rod 120 is always in the retracted position when it is not used, which facilitates the handling of the connector according to the invention, in particular when the connector according to the invention is used as a female connector, or when the dismantling of said connector when it is used as a male connector.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation, according to a sectional view, of two connectors according to the invention which are assembled together.

In particular, FIGURE 4 shows a first connector 100 ₁ in tight engagement with a second connector 100 ₂ .

Connectors 100 ₁ and 100 ₂ are identical.

Each connector 100 ₁ and 100 ₂ can be the connector shown in FIGURES 1a-1d and 3.

FIGURE 4 clearly shows that the same connector according to the invention can be used as a male connector or as a female connector.

In particular, in FIGURE 4, connector 100 ₁ is used as a female connector. To do this, the rod of the connector 100 ₁ is in its retracted position so that the reception housing and the retaining lips of the connector 100 ₁ are released to receive the attachment head of the connector 100 ₂ .

Conversely, connector 100 ₂ , identical to connector 100 ₁ , is used as a male connector. To do this, the rod of the connector 100 ₂ is in its deployed position, and in the second angular orientation, so that it is in the receiving housing, and in engagement with the retaining lips, of the connector 100 ₁ .

Alternatively, connector 100 ₂ could have been used as a female connector and connector 100 ₁ could have been used as a male connector.

In FIGURE 4, the connector 100 ₁ equips a module 402 and the connector 100 ₂ equips a module 404. Thus, the assembly of the connectors 100 ₁ and 100 ₂ makes it possible to assemble, by tightening, the modules 402 and 404.

FIGURE 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a module equipped with connectors according to the invention.

The module 500, shown in FIGURE 5, is in the form of a rectangular module comprising a rectangular frame 502 made in one piece, for example by molding, or by assembling several parts, for example longitudinal sections.

The frame 502 is equipped with connectors according to the invention 100 ₃ -100 ₆ , identical, and in particular identical to the connector 100 of FIGURES 1a-1c, and 3.

Each connector 100 ₃ -100 ₆ can be used as a male connector or as a female connector with a connector which is identical to it, or not.

The module 500 is a display module and further comprises one or more electronic display tiles 504 ₁ -504 ₃ , generally called tiles, such as for example LED tiles.

Of course, module 500 may not be an electronic display module. It can be a passive display module comprising a covering element of the fabric or rigid panel type. It can alternatively be a building module of a structure, of a framework of a structure, removable, such as an exhibition or exhibition structure of the stand type, or else a structure of the advertising wall type, or still a covering structure of a wall such as a wall, a ceiling or even a floor.

FIGURE 6 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting embodiment of a removable structure according to the invention.

Structure 600, shown in FIGURE 6, is a collapsible structure such as an exhibition stand.

The structure 600 is obtained by assembling, between them, different modules 602 ₁ -602 ₅ according to the invention, and using only connectors according to the invention for this assembly, for example connectors identical to the connector 100.

The modules are of different type: rectangular triangular, polygonal, "L" shaped, "H" shaped, circular, rounded, curved, etc.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples detailed above.

Claims (15)

Mechanical connector (100) for making a clamp assembly of a module (500; 602₁-602₅) with another module, or an external support, within a removable structure (600), in particular an exhibition structure, for example of the exhibition stand type, said connector (100) comprising:

• a body (102),
• a rod (120) comprising, at one end (124), called the distal end, a gripping head (122) provided to engage, and come into engagement, with at least one retaining lip of the other module or external media; And
• a reception housing (110) comprising at least one retaining lip (116);

characterized in that said rod (120) is free in translation, in said receiving housing (110), in the longitudinal direction (126) of said rod (120), between:

• a deployed position in which said attachment head (122) exits said reception housing (110) beyond said at least one retaining lip (116), and said rod (120) occupies said reception housing; And
• a position retracted in which said attachment head (122) is set back from said receiving housing (110) so as to release the at least one retaining lip (116).

Connector (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the attachment head (120) and the receiving housing (110) have functionally compatible shapes that can engage together and create a tight grip. Connector (120) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping head (120) comprises at least one support tooth (128) projecting from the rod (120) in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (126) of said rod (120). Connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at least in its deployed position, the rod (120) is also rotatable in the receiving housing (110) between:

• a first angular orientation allowing the attachment head (122) to be inserted beyond at least one retaining lip of the other module or of the external support, and
• a second angular orientation allowing the attachment of the attachment head (122) against said at least one retaining lip of the other module or of the external support.

Connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mechanism for guiding the rod (120), relative to the body (102), in at least part of its movement between the position retracted and a hanging position. Connector (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the guiding mechanism comprises:

• a groove (144) provided on the rod (120), and
• a finger (150) provided on the body (102) of the connector (100), and immersed in said groove (144).

Connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mechanism (130) for clamping the rod (120), in its attachment position so as to create a clamp. Connector (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tightening mechanism (130) comprises, on the side of a so-called proximal end (132), of the rod (120) opposite its distal end (124), an eccentric (134) in rotation about an axis (136) perpendicular to the rod (120) and integral with the rod (120), and resting on the body (102) directly or via a piece of support (138,140). Connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a spring (152) associated with the rod (120) and:

• compressed in the deployed position of the rod (120), and
• relaxed in the retracted position in the rod (120).

Connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving housing (110) comprises two retaining lips (116), arranged opposite each other, and separated by a space (112 ) allowing the introduction of a gripping head behind said retaining lips (116), in a first angular orientation, then its rotation in a second angular orientation in which the gripping head comes to rest on said lips retained (116). Module (500; 602 ₁ -602 ₅ ) of removable structure equipped with a connector according to any one of the preceding claims. Module (500; 602 ₁ -602 ₅ ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least a part of the body of at least one connector is formed in one piece with a part of the said module, and in particular of a frame, or part of a frame, of said module. Module (500; 602 ₁ -602 ₅ ) according to any one of Claims 11 or 12, characterized in that it is equipped exclusively with identical connectors according to any one of Claims 1 to 10. Module (500) according to any one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a frame (502) and a display element (504 ₁ -504 ₃ ) integral with said frame (502). Removable structure (600), of the exhibition stand type, comprising at least one module (602 ₁ -602 ₅ ) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, and/or at least one connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10.