SE534277C2 - Locking system for screen walls and screen wall systems - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the invention, a locking component (1a; 1b) intended for screen walls is provided which can be connected to an edge part (2) of a screen wall (3). substantially U-shaped profile with two crotch parts (5,5 ') extending from a base part (6), the U-shaped profile being adapted to receive the edge part (2) in such a way that the crotch parts (5, 5') extend extends over each opposite main surface (7, 7 ') of the hose wall element and the edge part (6) extends over an edge surface (4) of the hose wall element. In addition, a locking system is provided comprising two-lock components adapted to cooperate, a screen wall system comprising the locking component connected to a wall element and a screen wall system comprising the locking system connected to several wall elements. Selected for publication: Figure 1c

Description

20 25 30 534 277 Disassembly, if fl surface and assembly of wooden screen walls of this type is labor intensive and is destructive to the wall elements. Wooden wall elements are also heavy, which makes them difficult to move and relocate.

Summary of the invention In view of this, the object of this description is to present a solution on how the problems according to the prior art can be overcome or at least alleviated. A more specific purpose is to present a solution that facilitates interconnection of multiple screen wall elements.

The invention is defined in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments are apparent from the dependent claims and from the following description and drawings.

These and other objects and advantages, which will become apparent from the following description, are thus achieved in one aspect by means of a locking component which can be connected to the edge portion of a screen wall element, the locking component extending in a longitudinal direction and having a perpendicular cross-section towards the longitudinal direction, a substantially U-shaped profile with two crotch parts extending from a base part, the U-shaped profile being adapted to receive the edge part in such a way that the crotch parts extend over each opposite main surface of the wall element and the base part extends over an edge surface of the wall element.

According to another aspect, a locking system for connecting screen wall elements is provided, comprising a first locking component and a second locking component, the first locking component having at least a first locking element arranged on at least one of its crotch parts, and the second locking component having a second locking element arranged on one of their ends, the first and second locking elements being arranged to be connected to each other in such a way that the first locking component and the second locking component are interconnected with each other. By "interconnected" is meant here that they lock each other, ie. that they prevent or restrict the movement of the locking components away from each other.

When the locking components are connected to the respective screen wall elements, the screen wall elements will also be connected. The wall elements can thus be made simple and do not have to be physically modified to be connected securely.

The interconnection may be in at least one, preferably both of the longitudinal directions of the first and second locking components, when the first and second locking components are in substantially perpendicular relationship to each other and the first and second locking elements are connected to each other. The perpendicular arrangement provides stability and is often a desirable way of arranging wall elements that are to stand upright on a floor, for example to form a corner or a T-junction. However, the stability can be adversely affected if one wall element can be moved from the other, something which is counteracted by the interconnection. At least one first locking element may be located on at least one of a central part and an end part of the first locking component, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the first locking component, preferably there are at least two first locking elements, one at the middle part and at least one at the end part. A center position is preferred to form a T-junction of wall elements, while an end position is preferred to form a corner. It is thus advantageous that there is at least a first locking element at both of these positions, since this means that the same locking element can be used to form both corners and T-junctions.

The first locking element may comprise a recess in the crotch part, preferably a through hole and preferably located next to the base part; and the second locking element may comprise a projecting part extending from the end, preferably from the base part, in the longitudinal direction of the second locking component, wherein the locking recess and the projecting part may be arranged so that the projecting part fits into the recess in 534 27? the branch part, whereby the first locking component and the second locking component are interconnected in at least the longitudinal direction of the first locking component when the projecting part is fitted in the locking part recess. This provides a simple and at the same time efficient connection and enables a simple and cost-effective assembly of the locking components.

The protruding part may be provided with a projection arranged to hook into a locking surface of the first locking component when the protruding part is fitted into the locking recess, in such a way that the first and the second locking component are also connected in the longitudinal direction for the other lock component. The projecting part thus participates in the interconnection in two directions, which, when the locking components are connected to wall elements, takes place along the floor and in plane with the respective wall elements, ie. the directions in which a locking is particularly desirable in order to prevent inadvertent separation of the wall elements.

The protrusion may project out of the plane of, preferably perpendicular to, the base portion of the second locking component, the reading surface of the first locking component being an edge surface in a recess in the base portion, preferably a through hole adapted to receive the protrusion.

The projection may further be extended a distance outside the projecting part, which distance is longer than the distance from the locking recess to the base part of the first locking component. In this way, when the protruding part is received in the locking recess but the protrusion is not (yet) received in the recess in the base part, the protrusion can adjoin the base part, thereby preventing the second locking component from reaching a perpendicular relationship to the first locking component, whereby the the second locking component assumes an inclined or raised position relative to the first locking component until the projection has fitted into the base section. When the locking system is connected to the upper edge portions of the wall elements, this function facilitates connection of the wall elements as follows: The second locking component is temporarily attached, in a sloping raised manner, to the first locking component already connected to an upper edge portion of a wall element . Thereafter, an additional wall element can be added and held in place, after which the second locking component is moved so that the projection fits into the recess and so that the second locking component can be pushed down and receive edge parts of the additional wall element, i.e. connect this to the other locking component. The handling of the second locking component can be performed with one hand while the same person with his other hand holds the additional cutting wall element in place.

The projection can also be extended in a plane of the base part of the second locking component, the projecting part having a larger width in cross section than the smallest width of an opening in the locking recess of the first locking component. The projection in plane allows the protruding part to be rotated "in the plane" into the locking recess of the first locking component so that the second locking component has to achieve a perpendicular relationship to the first locking component, the protruding part being fl displaced only in the plane of the base part of the first locking component . This "in the plane" movement is advantageous especially when the locking system is to be connected to the lower edge parts of the wall elements, where the floor and / or a wall element which is already connected to the first locking component can prevent movement in other directions.

The first locking component may further be provided with a second locking element corresponding to the second locking element of the second locking component, and the second locking component is further provided with a first locking element corresponding to the first locking element of the first locking component. That is, the first and second locking components may be substantially identical in shape or at least with respect to the locking elements. An advantage that this entails is that you only have to manufacture one instead of two types of locking components and that there is one component type less to choose from for connecting the screen wall elements. 10 15 20 25 30 534 27? At least one, preferably both locking components comprise locking elements which may be symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry in the middle of the at least one locking component. Such symmetry facilitates both manufacture and connection of wall elements because a locking component can be used to connect wall elements in two directions, and it becomes less important how the locking component is oriented to be able to connect another locking component or a wall element to the locking element. At least one locking component may have at least one crotch portion provided with at least one clamping component facing an inside of the U-shaped profile, the at least one clamping component being flexible in a rear-spring direction perpendicular to the at least one crotch portion.

This provides a secure and tight connection of the locking component at the edge part of the wall element and no further devices are needed to connect and anchor the locking component as such to the wall element.

The locking component can simply be fastened by pressing or switching on the locking component to make the edge part fit into the U-shaped profile and the clamping component to grip the edge part of the wall element. The clamping component prevents, or at least limits, sliding movement of the wall element fitted in the U-shaped profile of the locking component.

The at least one clamping component may be located at an end portion of at least one of the locking components, and preferably the at least one clamping component is at least two clamping components, one at each end portion of the at least one locking component. The term "at an end portion" may mean closer to the end of the locking component than 1/4 of the total length of the locking component. A clamping component at one end makes it possible to temporarily attach the locking component to the upper edge part of the wall element, in an inclined manner; then another wall element can be moved there and held in place, after which the free end of the inclined locking component can be slid down to also receive upper edge parts of the further wall element, thereby connecting the wall elements in series. The free end can be pushed down with one hand by the same person who with the other hand holds the additional screen wall element in place.

The at least one clamping component can furthermore be at least two clamping components located on opposite crotch parts, preferably facing each other, the at least one clamping component can extend from the crotch part so that in the U-shaped profile a minimum width is formed which is less than the thickness of the edge part in the screen wall element to be fitted therein. The at least one clamping component can be formed by a cut-out in the crotch part.

According to a further aspect, a screen wall system is provided comprising: a first locking system, which is a locking system as described above; and a first and second wall element, the first locking component in the first locking system being connected to an upper or a lower edge part of the first wall element and the second locking component in the first locking system being connected to a corresponding upper or lower edge part of the second wall element.

The screen wall system may further comprise a second locking system which is a locking system as described above, the first locking system being an upper locking system, and wherein the first and second locking components of the system are connected to their respective upper edge portions of the first and second wall elements, and wherein the second The locking system is a lower locking system, the first and second locking components in the system being connected to their respective lower edge part of the first and second wall elements.

According to a further aspect, a screen wall system is provided, comprising: a first locking component which is a locking component as described above; and a first wall element, the first locking component being an upper locking component which is connected to an upper edge portion of the first wall element. The screen wall system may further comprise a second wall element, the first locking component also being connected to an upper edge portion of the second wall element, thereby connecting the two wall elements in series.

The screen wall system may further comprise: a second locking component, the first and second locking components forming a locking system as described above; and a third wall element, the second locking component being connected to an upper edge portion of the third wall element and to the first locking component.

The wall elements can be based on cardboard material, e.g. Re-board®.

Brief Description of the Drawings What is set forth herein as well as other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by the following illustrative and non-limiting description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying schematic drawings.

Figure 1a is a side view of a screen wall system comprising two wall elements connected by means of upper and lower locking components.

Figure 1b is a top view of the partition wall system of Figure 1a.

Figure 1c is a vertical section, marked A-A, of the screen wall system in Figure 1a.

Figure 1d is a top view of the screen wall system, where a further third wall element has been connected perpendicularly by means of locking components, and forms a screen wall T-junction.

Figure 1e is a top view of another screen wall system comprising two wall elements that are perpendicularly connected by means of locking components to form a screen wall corner. Figure 2a is a top view of a first embodiment of a lower locking component.

Figure 2b is a side view of the lower locking component of Figure 2a.

Figure 2c shows vertical cross sections, marked A, B and C, of the lower locking component in Figure 2a and Figure 2b.

Figure 2d is a vertical cross-section of a first embodiment of a lower locking system, comprising two lower locking components according to Figures 2a-2c, and illustrates a situation where the locking components are interconnected.

Figure 3a is a top view of a second embodiment of a lower locking component.

Figure 3b is a side view of the lower locking component of Figure 3a.

Figure 3c shows vertical cross sections, marked A and B, of the lower locking component in Figure 3a and Figure 3b.

Figure 3d is a vertical cross-section of a second embodiment of a lower locking system, comprising two lower locking components according to Figures 3a-3c, and illustrates a situation where the locking components are interconnected.

Figure 4a is a top view of a first embodiment of an upper locking component.

Figure 4b is a side view of the lower locking component of Figure 4a.

Figure 4c shows vertical cross sections, marked A, B and C, of the upper locking component in Figure 4a and Figure 4b.

Figure 4d is a vertical cross-section of a first embodiment of an upper locking system, comprising two upper locking components according to Figures 4a-4c, and illustrates a situation where the locking components are interconnected.

Figures 5a-5c show in top and side views how and in what order wall elements can be connected using upper and lower locking components. 10 15 20 25 30 534 277 10 In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same, similar or corresponding elaborated features, even when the reference numerals refer to elaborated features in different embodiments.

Detailed description Figure 1a is a side view of a screen wall system comprising two wall elements 3,3 'connected in series by means of upper and lower locking components 1a, 1b. The locking components 1a, 1b are connected to edge parts 2a, 2a ', 2b, 2b' of both screen wall elements 3,31 and thereby connect the wall elements in series. Figure 1b is a top view of the screen wall system of Figure 1a. Figure 1c is a vertical cross section, marked A-A, of the screen wall system of Figure 1a. Each locking component 1a, 1b is designed as an open channel, i.e. it extends in a longitudinal direction z and has a substantially U-shaped profile. Each locking component 1a, 1b has two branch surfaces 5, 5 ', respectively, extending from a base surface 6. The U-shaped profile of each of the locking components 1a, 1b is adapted to receive the upper and lower edge portions 2a and 2, respectively. 2b of the screen wall element 3, 3 'in such a way that the two branch surfaces 5, 5' extend over opposite main surfaces 7, 7 'of the wall elements 3, 3'. and the base surface 6 extends over an edge surface 4a, 4b of the wall elements 3, 3 '.

Screen wall elements can be connected at an angle to a wall formed by screen wall elements which are connected in series, thereby forming intersections or corners.

Figure 1d is a top view of a screen wall system similar to that illustrated in Figures 1a-1c, but where a further third wall element 3 "has been connected perpendicular to the system by means of a still second upper locking component 1a", thereby forming a screen wall system. The second upper locking component 1a "which is connected to the third wall element 3" has an end part which is connected to a branch surface 5 at a central part of the first upper locking component 1a ', and corresponds to Although not shown in Figure 1d, there are also corresponding lower locking components connected to the lower edge portions of the wall elements 3, 3 ', 3 ". Figure 1e is a top view of another screen wall system which comprises two wall elements 3 ', 3 "perpendicularly connected by means of upper locking components 1a', 1a" ', whereby a screen wall corner is formed. Here, a second upper locking component 1a "which is connected to a second wall element 3" has an end part connected to a branch surface 5 at an end part of a first upper locking component 1a '. Even if it is not shown, the corresponding lower light components are also connected to the lower edge parts of the wall elements 3 ', 3 ”.

Figures 2a-2b are a view from above resp. from the side of a first embodiment of a lower locking component 1b.

Figure 2c shows vertical cross sections marked A, B and C, of the lower locking component 1b in fi gures 2a and 2b. The lower locking component 1b can e.g. be any of the lower locking components described above in connection with Figures 1a-1d.

The lower locking component 1b in Figures 2a-2c usually has a length in the longitudinal direction in the range 200-800 mm, preferably 300-600 mm, the crotch parts 5, 5 'being usually arranged at a distance from each other with a width w, which is typically within the range 10-50 mm, preferably 15-40 mm.

The width is adapted to a thickness t of the edge part of the wall element and must fit between the crotch parts 5, 5 '. The width w preferably has at least the same thickness as the wall element, but is preferably slightly wider, e.g. one or a few millimeters wider. The thickness of the U-shaped profile, ie. the material thickness of the crotch parts 5, 5 'and the base part 6 should be sufficient to provide a functional and durable component. It is clear that the person skilled in the art in a specific case can determine a suitable thickness based on this description, the use intended for the locking component in the specific case and based on the material of the locking component. However, the thickness is usually in the range 0.5-4 mm, preferably 1-2 mm. The locking component 1 is preferably formed of a single sheet of material, preferably metal, e.g. iron or steel, which can be cut, punched and bent to achieve the developed features of the locking component 1. This enables relatively simple and cost-effective manufacture of durable and cost-effective locking components 1.

The open end of the U-shaped profile of the locking component 1b according to the first embodiment is funnel-shaped, with the upper open ends of the branch surfaces 5b, 5b 'sloping outwards with an angle som which is typically in the range 5-80 °, preferably 20-40 °. The funnel shape makes it easier to attach and connect the locking component 1b to the edge part 2b of the wall element.

The lower locking component 1b according to the first embodiment is further provided with floor anchoring element 37, here through holes in the base part 6, adapted to anchor the locking component 1b to the floor, by means of e.g. a nail, screw or other fastening device.

The lower locking component 1b according to the first embodiment is provided with first locking elements which are through holes 21 in the surface 5b, 5b ', the through holes 21 being substantially rectangular and elongated in the longitudinal direction z of the locking component 1b. The through holes 21 are located next to the base surface 6 at the middle part and at an end part of the locking component 1 in relation to the longitudinal direction z. -25 mm, and in the range 1-15 mm on a short side, preferably about 2-10 mm.

The lower locking component 1b according to the first embodiment is further provided with a second locking element, here a projecting part 22 extending in longitudinal direction z from one end of the locking component 1b, wherein it is 534 27? The protruding part 22 is an extension of the base part 6. The protruding part 22 has a width w1 and a thickness t; which is less than the respective height t; and the width w2 of the through holes 21, so that the projecting part 22 can fit in such a through hole 21.

Figure 2d is a vertical cross-section of a first embodiment of a lower locking system comprising a first and a second lower electronic component 1b ', 1b ", each of which may be a locking component 1b according to Figures 2a-2c.

The figure shows a situation where the locking components are connected and interconnected, wherein a projecting part 22 of the second locking component 1b "is inserted into a through hole 21 of the first locking component 1b '. the edge surfaces 11 of the through hole 21 in an attempt to move the locking components 1b ', 1b "away from each other in the longitudinal direction z' of the first locking component 1b '.

According to other embodiments of the locking system, there may be e.g. a first locking component 1b 'having a locking member 21 but no end locking member 22 and a second locking component 1b "having an end locking member 22 but no locking member 21.

Still referring to Figures 2a-2d, the protruding portion 22 includes a protrusion 26 which extends and has a curved shape in a plane of the protruding portion 22 and in the plane of the base portion 6, the protrusion 26 causing the protruding portion 22 to extend. has a greater width w3 in a cross section than the width w2 of the through holes 21. The in-plane curved projection 26 allows the projecting part 22 of the second locking component 1b "to be inserted by means of a rotating" in-plane "movement into in the through hole 21 of the first locking component 1b ', during which movement only the width w1 of the projecting part must pass the through hole 21, despite the larger cross-sectional width w3. when the locking components 1 ', 1 "are perpendicularly oriented relative to each other, the larger cross-sectional width w3 will provide a further locking between the locking components 1b', 1b ", and prevent linear movement of the protruding part 22 out of the through hole 21 because the projection 26 of the second locking component 1b" will hook into a locking surface 44 of the first locking component 1b ', here an inner surface of the crotch part 5, adjacent the through the hole 21. Further interconnection is thus also provided in the longitudinal direction z "of the second locking component 1b".

As can be seen, the through holes 21 in the locking parts 5, 5 'according to the first embodiment, since they are adjacent to the base surface 6, reduce the risk of undesired hooking between the projecting part 22 of the second locking component 1b "and a wall element connected to the first locking component 1b ', when the protruding portion 22 is inserted into the through hole 21 of the first locking component 1b'. this can not happen, an inner surface of the base part 6 according to the first embodiment is provided with shim 35, in this case bridged in the base part 6, which extends between the crotch parts 5,5 '. in places where there are no through holes 21. A wall element connected to the first locking component 1 'will be adjacent to the spacer the washers, which leads to a space between the edge surface 4 of the wall element and the base part 6 of the locking element, in which space the projecting part 22 of the second locking component 1b "can be inserted and remain without risk of getting caught in the wall element.

The curved projecting part 22 in the grooves 2a-2d is further provided with a first connecting element 48, here a bridging which can be formed by punching, which first connecting element 48 is shaped to fit and adapted to engage a second connecting element 43 in the base part 6, 10 15 20 25 30 534 277 15 here a through hole, but can be any type of recess.

When the projecting part 22 of the second locking component 1b "is inserted into the through hole 21 of the first locking component 1b ', the first and second connecting elements 48, 43 will fit and engage each other when the first and second locking components are present in perpendicular relationship, thereby making it easier to achieve and maintain this relationship. When the connecting elements 48, 43 engage each other, this also contributes to the interconnection of the two longitudinal directions z ', z ".

Figures 3a-3b are top views resp. from the side of a second embodiment of a lower locking component 1b.

Figure 3c shows vertical cross sections marked A and B, of the lower locking component 1b in Figures 3a and 3b. The lower locking component 1b can e.g. be any of the lower locking components described above in connection with Figures 1a-1d.

The locking component 1b according to the second embodiment has many similarities and elaborate features in common with the lower locking component 1b according to the first embodiment, as discussed earlier and shown in Figures 2a-2d, which e.g. can be recognized by the person skilled in the art on the basis of the drawings.

In order not to burden the person skilled in the art with superfluous information, the following description will focus on differences between the first and second embodiments.

The main difference between the first and the second embodiment of the lower locking component 1b relates to the first and second locking elements and how these interact.

The lower locking component 1b according to the second embodiment is also provided with first locking elements which are through holes 21 which are substantially identical to the through holes 21 according to the first embodiment and placed in corresponding places. The lower locking component 1b according to the first embodiment is also provided with a second locking element, here a projecting part 22 extending in longitudinal direction z from one end of the locking component 1b, the projecting part 22 being a extension of the base part 6. Here, however, the projecting part 22 is a tapered end and a maximum width w4 and a maximum height h1 which is less than the respective height t; and the width w; of the through holes 21, so that the projecting part 22 can be inserted straight into such a through hole 21.

Figure 3d is a vertical cross-section of a second embodiment of a lower locking system comprising first and second lower locking components 1b ', 1b ", each of which may be a locking component 1b according to Figures 3a-3c. In the same manner as for the first embodiment, the figure shows a situation where the locking components 1b ', 1b "are connected and interconnected.

The interconnection is performed by hooking the edge surfaces 12 of the projecting part 22 in the edge surfaces 11 of the through holes 21 in an attempt to move the locking components 1 ', 1 "away from each other in the longitudinal direction z' of the first locking component 1 '.

Still referring to Figures 3a-3d, the protruding portion 22 includes a protrusion 26 extending from the protruding portion out of the plane, here perpendicular to the base portion 6. In the second embodiment, the protrusion 26 is equipped with and adapted to hook into a recess, here a through hole 33 in the base part 6. When the projecting part 22 of the second locking component 1 "is fully inserted into the through hole 21 of the first locking component 1 'and the locking components 1', 1" are perpendicularly oriented relative to each other, fits the protrusion 26 into the through hole 33. This provides further interconnection between the locking components 1 ', 1 ", and prevents linear movement of the protruding portion 22 out of the through hole 21 as the protrusion 26 of the second locking component 1" will hook into a locking surface of the first locking component 1b ', here an inner surface 34 of the through-hole 10 15 20 25 30 534 277 17 33. Further interconnection is provided also in the longitudinal direction z "for the second locking component 1b". Since the locking component 1b according to the second embodiment is a lower locking component, i.e. intended for placement on a floor with the base part 6 facing the floor, the projection 26 should be dimensioned and adapted so that the base parts 6 of the first and second locking components 1b ', 1b "can be in the same plane, i.e. the floor plane, when the locking components 1b' 1b "are connected and the projection 26 is present in the through hole 33. In the embodiment shown, this is achieved by the projecting part 22 which is shaped like a hook, the projecting part 22, which is an extension of the base part 6, being first extended out. out of the plane from the base part 6, and then in a parallel plane to this and then again out of the plane and ending in the plane of the base part.

Corresponding to the first embodiment, the second embodiment comprises shim 35 so that the projecting part 22 and the projection 26 of the second locking element can co-operate with respective through holes 21, 33 of the first locking element 1b 'without this interfering with any of the wall elements which received therein.

Figures 4a-4b are a view from above resp. a side view of a first embodiment of an upper locking component 1a.

Figure 4c shows vertical cross sections, marked A, B and C of the upper locking component 1a in Figure 3a and Figure 3b. The upper locking component 1a can e.g. be any of the upper locking components previously described in connection with the gurus 1a-1d.

The upper locking component 1a has many similarities and developed features in common with the lower locking component 1b according to the first and the second embodiment as discussed earlier and shown in Figures 2a-2d and 3a-3d, such as e.g. can be understood by those skilled in the art under the guidance of the drawings.

In order not to burden the person skilled in the art with superfluous information, the following description is primarily focused on differences between embodiments of the first and second locking components.

The width w between the crotch parts 5 ', 5 "of the upper locking component 1a should preferably correspond to the thickness of the wall element instead of being slightly wider, as is the case with the lower locking component 1b.

The main difference between the embodiment of the upper locking component 1a and the first and second embodiments of the lower locking component 1b has to do with the first and second locking components and how they interact. Also in the embodiment of the upper locking component 1a there is the first locking element which is through holes 21, which are substantially identical to the through holes according to the first embodiment and placed in corresponding places.

As can be seen from the gures 4a-4c, the upper locking component 1a is also provided with a second locking element, here a projecting part 22 extending in longitudinal direction z from one end of the locking component 1a, the projecting part 22 being an extension of the base part 6. The protruding part has a maximum width w., Which is smaller than the respective width w; for the through holes 21, but here the projecting part 22 has a maximum height h1 which is greater than the respective height t; of the through hole 21.

The embodiments of the upper locking component 1a further comprise clamping components 23, which here are partially cut-out parts from the crotch parts 5, 5, the cut-out parts extending from and facing the inside of the channel, i.e. they face an inside of the U-shaped profile. The cut-out parts 23 are flexible in a rear-spring direction which is perpendicular to the crotch parts. According to other embodiments, other more complicated and / or separate clamping components may be used, e.g. a separate flexible component or element attached to the inside of a crotch member.

The clamping components 23 are shown distributed along the upper locking component 1a on both sides of the channel. According to other embodiments, there may be fewer clamping components 23, and the clamping components 23 need not be evenly or symmetrically distributed. However, it is usually advantageous to have at least one clamping component at at least one end of the upper locking component 1a, since this makes it possible to temporarily attach this end of the upper locking component ia to the upper edge part of a wall element in an inclined, raised manner, which as will be described very briefly later, may be advantageous during mounting of the screen walls. It is also advantageous to have at least two clamping components 23, one at each end part of the upper locking component 1a, which means that the locking component 1a can be connected to and hold two wall elements in series, i.e. connect them edge to edge, connecting the end parts of the locking component to each wall element.

As can be seen from Figure 4c, the clamping components 23 extend from their respective branch part 5, 5 'so that in the U-shaped profile a minimum width wmin is formed which is less than a thickness t of the edge part of the screen wall element to be fitted therein.

According to other embodiments, an upper locking component 1a may be present without any clamping component and there may also be a lower locking component comprising a clamping component. As will be discussed very briefly later, during mounting of the cutting wall, it is usually advantageous to have a lower locking component having a channel width which is slightly larger than the wall element to be fitted therein. This means that no clamping components are usually needed inside a lower locking component and it is usually sufficient to prevent a wall element from moving in the channel by means of an upper locking component which comprises a clamping component. Figure 4d is a vertical cross-section of an embodiment of an upper locking system comprising a first and a second upper locking component 1a ', 1a ", each of which may be a locking component 1a according to Figures 4a-4c.

The locking components 1a ', 1a ", are connected and interconnected, but still only in the longitudinal direction z' of the first locking component 1a '. try to move the locking components 1 ', 1 "away from each other in the longitudinal direction z' of the first locking component 1'a.

Still referring to Figures 4a-4d, the protruding portion 22 includes a protrusion 26 extending from the protruding portion in a direction out of the plane, here perpendicular, relative to the base portion 6. The protrusion 26 is shaped and adapted to engage a recess, here a through hole 24 in the base part 6. In the situation shown in Figure 1d, the projecting part 22 of the second locking component 1a "is still not fully inserted into the through hole 21 of the first locking component 1a '. the locking component 1a "is in an elevated position relative to the first upper locking component 1a 'and at an angle ß greater than 90 °, preferably substantially equal to or greater than 100 °, 110 °, 120 °, 130 °, 140 ° or 150 °. The inclination or uplift is the result of extending from the projection 26 a distance h1 from the projecting part 22, which is greater than a distance h; from the edge of the locking recess 21 to the base part 6 of the first upper locking component 1a 'and greater than the height t; for the through hole 21. Depending on the latter, the protruding part 22 must be inserted into the through hole 21 under inclination, with the end of the projection 26 foremost. The end of the projection 26 will then reach the base part 6, thereby preventing the second locking component 1a "from reaching a perpendicular relationship with the first locking component 1a ', whereby the second part remains inclined, or raised, with the angle ß in relation to the the first locking component 1a ', until the protrusion 26 is fitted into the base part recess 24. When the protrusion is fitted into the base part recess 24, the locking components 1a', 1a "can achieve a perpendicular relationship to each other and a further interconnection is achieved, which prevents linear movement of the projecting part 22 out of the through hole 21, since the projection 26 of the second locking component 1a "will then hook into a locking surface of the first locking component 1a ', here an inner surface 25 of the through hole 24 Additional interconnection is also provided in the longitudinal direction z "for the second locking component 1a".

It can be noted that there are no shims according to the embodiment of the upper locking component 1a which existed according to the bending shapes of the lower locking component 1b. Corresponding function is provided here, however, by means of the base part 6 which bulges out at the through hole 21, and thereby provides a space between the base part 6 and an upper edge surface of a wall element which is connected to the upper locking component 1a, in which space the projecting part 22 can be inserted without disturbing the wall element.

Similar to the embodiments in Figures 2a-2d, the projecting part 22 in Figures 4a-4d is provided with a first connecting element 28, also here a bridge which can be formed by punching, and which first connecting element 48 is shaped and adapted to hook in a second connecting element 43 in the base part 6, here a recessed part in the bulging part of the base part 6. When the projecting part 22 of the second locking component 1a "is inserted into the through hole 21 of the first locking component 1a ', and the projection 26 is fitted in the through hole 24 through the base part, the first and second connecting elements 48, 43 will hook into each other and thereby facilitate the achievement and maintenance of a perpendicular relationship between the first and the second locking component. also for interconnection in the two longitudinal directions z ', z ".

According to an embodiment other than that shown above, there may be first locking elements which, instead of being recesses, are projecting parts, which extend from the crotch parts, the second locking element being a recess at one end of the locking component. , the recess being adapted to receive such a projecting part.

According to a further embodiment, a first or a second locking element may have a projecting part which is arranged to engage in a structure of the second locking element, the structure of which has a locking surface which the projecting part can engage to effect the locking. for example by snap coupling.

According to a further embodiment, the first and second locking elements can both involve projecting parts which are arranged to be connected to each other directly or indirectly. According to one embodiment, the first and second locking elements can be connected and / or connected by means of a separate locking part which cooperates with the two locking elements to connect them and effect the interconnection.

Figures 5a-5c show in top and side views how and in what order wall elements 3 can be connected using upper and lower locking components 1a, 1b.

Referring to Figure 5a, a first wall element 3 has first upper and lower locking components 1a 'and 1b 'connected to upper and lower edge parts 2a resp. 2b. The upper locking component 1a is fixed in a raised position by means of clamping components at the end of the first upper locking component 1a. A second wall element 3 'for fl is then inserted into the channel of the first lower locking component 1b', after which the first upper locking component 1a 'is pushed down to also receive the upper edge part of the second wall element, the clamping components in the upper locking element gripping and anchoring the wall elements 3, 3 'at the first locking components 1a', 1b ', whereby the first and second wall elements 3, 3' are securely connected to each other. With further reference to Figures 5b-5c, a third wall element 3 ”is now connected to the screen wall. The second upper and lower locking components 1a ", 1b" are perpendicularly connected to the first upper and the lower locking components 1a ', 1b', the second locking components 1a ", 1b" being interconnected with the first locking components 1a ', 1b'. The second upper locking component 1a "is temporarily attached in the raised position to the first upper locking component 1a '. The third wall element 3' is then moved into the channel of the second lower locking component 1b", after which the second upper locking component 1a "is pushed inwards and downwards to receiving an upper edge portion of the third wall element 3 ", the clamping components of the second upper locking element 1" gripping and anchoring the third wall element 3 "to the second locking components 1a ', 1b', whereby the third wall element is securely connected to the screen wall and a T-junction has been formed.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the simplicity of mounting the wall elements and that the mounting can be done by a single person without the need for additional equipment or tools.

Conventionally, a screen wall element usually has a height of about 2.40 m, and a width of about 1 m, or a height of about 3.20 m and a width of about 1.5 m.

The wall elements should preferably have a size that is at least in the same order of magnitude, and has, for example, an area in the range 2-7 m2, a height in the range 2-3 m and a width in the range 0.5-3 m, usually about 2.40 m.

Dimensioning of parts that make up the screen that is built up can be done with the choice of material in mind. Ideally, no single wall element that is to be connected to a wall section that is mounted on site should weigh more than about 15 kg. In this way, heavy lifting can be avoided and it is easier to mount a wall section of just one person.

The wall elements are preferably based on a lightweight material that can be produced in a cost-effective manner. The wall element is preferably based on a sheet of cardboard material, e.g. Re-board®, which is manufactured by current applicants, and which has a high specific strength, is comparatively durable, recyclable and can be produced in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. A 22 mm Re-board® board can, for example, be compared to a 16 mm chipboard in terms of flexural stiffness and strength, but weighs only 1/3 as much as a chipboard. Using a technique for printing large areas during the manufacture of Re-boards, a wall section or wall element can be easily manufactured with almost any type of appearance, for example to be adapted to specific exhibition spaces, to any particular type of exhibition. and / or to a specific exhibitor.

It should be noted that the symmetry exhibited by many of the parts described herein is mainly to facilitate manufacture, reduce the total number of parts required for mounting a screen wall and to achieve a symmetrical, discreet and appealing appearance, but that the purpose and the function of several of the parts can also be achieved by using parts which are more asymmetrical.

All illustrations and descriptions in the drawings and in this description are to be considered as examples and not as limitations. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

The present invention is defined in the claims and variations of the described embodiments can be understood and practiced by a person skilled in the art who applies the patented invention, for example by studying the drawings, the accounts and the claims. Use of the word "comprising" in the specification does not exclude other elements or steps; and the use of the article "one" or "one" does not preclude diversity. The existence of functions in the various subordinate requirements does not in itself preclude a combination of these functions. All reference marks in the requirements are for increasing understanding and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the requirements.

Claims (26)

1. A screen wall locking member (1a;1b) connectable to an edge portion(2) of a screen wall element (3), wherein the screen wall locking member extends in a longitudinal direction (z) andhas, in a cross-section to said longitudinal direction, a substantially U-shapedprofile with two branch portions (5, 5') extending from a base portion (6), saidU-shaped profile being adapted to receive the edge portion (2) in such waythat the branch portions (5, 5') extend over a respective opposite principalsurface (7, 7') of the wall element and the base portion (6) extends over anedge surface (4) of the wall element.

2. A screen wall locking system for connection of screen wall elementcomprising: a first screen wall locking member (1a';1b') as claimed in claim 1; and a second screen wall locking member (1a";1b" ) as claimed in claim 1; whereinthe first screen wall locking member (1 ') has at least one first locking element(21) arranged on at least one of its branch portions (5, 5'), and the secondscreen wall locking member (1 ") has a second locking element (22) arrangedon an end of the second screen wall locking member, said first and secondlocking elements (1a',1a";1b',1b") being arranged to connect to each otherin such way that the first screen wall locking member (1 a';1b') and the second screen wall locking member (1a";1b") interlock with each other.

3. The screen wall locking system as claimed in claim 2, wherein theinterlock is in a least one, preferably both, of the respective longitudinaldirections (z',z" ) of the first screen wall locking member (1a';1b) and secondscreen wall locking member (1a";1b"), when the first and second screen walllocking members are in substantially perpendicular relationship to each otherand the first locking element (21) and second locking element (22) areengaging each other. 26

4. The screen wall locking system as claimed in any one of claims 2-3,wherein the at least one first locking element (21) is located at at least one ofa center portion and an end portion of the first screen wall locking member(1a';1b') in relation to the longitudinal direction (z') of the first screen walllocking member, preferably there are at least two first locking elements (21),one at the center portion and at least one at one end portion.

5. The screen wall locking system as claimed in any one of claims 2-4,wherein the at least one first locking element (21) comprises a branch portionrecess, preferably a through hole, and preferably located adjacent to the baseportion (6); and the second locking element (22) comprises a protruding part extendingfrom the end, and preferably from the base portion (6), in the longitudinaldirection (z") of the second screen wall locking member (1a";1b"), the branch portion recess and the protruding part being arranged sothat the protruding part fits the branch portion recess, whereby the first screenwall locking member (1a';1b') and second screen wall locking member(1a";1b") are interlocked in at least the longitudinal direction (z') of the firstscreen wall locking member (1a';1b') when the protruding part is received inthe branch portion recess.

6. The screen wall locking system as claimed in claim 5, wherein theprotruding part (22) is provided with a protrusion (26) arranged to engage witha lock surface (25; 34; 44) of the first screen wall locking member (1a';1 b)when the protruding part is received in the branch portion recess, in such waythat the first and second screen wall locking members (1a_',1a";1b',1b") areinterlocked in also the longitudinal direction (z") of the second screen walllocking member (1a";1b").

7. The screen wall locking system as claimed in claim 6, wherein theprotrusion (26) extends out of plane of, preferably perpendicular to, the baseportion (6) of the second screen wall locking member (1a";1b"), and the lock 27 surface (25;34) of the first screen wall looking member (1a';1b') is an edgesurface of a base portion recess (24; 33), preferably a through hole, adaptedto receive the protrusion.

8. The screen wall looking system as claimed in claim 7, wherein theprotrusion (26) extends a distance (h1) from the protruding part (22), whichdistance (h1) is greater than a distance (hg) from an edge of the branchportion recess to the base portion (6) of the first screen wall looking member(1a';1b').

9. The screen wall looking system as claimed in claim 6, wherein theprotrusion (26) extends in a plane of the base portion (6) of the secondscreen wall looking member (1a";1b"), whereby the protruding part (22) hasa greater width (w3) in a cross section than a smallest width (wg) of anopening of the branch portion recess of the first screen wall looking member(1a';1b').

10. The screen wall looking system as claimed in any one of claims 2-9,wherein the first screen wall looking member (1a';1b') is additionally providedwith a second looking element (22) corresponding to the second lookingelement of the second screen wall looking member, and the second screenwall looking member is additionally provided with a first looking element (21)corresponding to the first looking element of the first screen wall looking member.

11. The screen wall looking system as claimed in any one of claims 2-10,wherein at least one, preferably both, of the screen wall looking members(1a', 1a";1b, 1b") comprises looking elements that are symmetrioal inrelation to a symmetry plane in the center of the at least one screen walllooking member.

12. At least one of the screen wall looking members (1a) as claimed in anyone of claims 1-11, having at least one branch portion (5, 5') provided with at 28 least one clamping member (23) facing an inside of the U-shaped profile, saidat least one clamping member (23) being resilient in a spring-back directionthat is perpendicular to the at least one branch portion (5, 5').

13. The at least one of the screen wall locking members as claimed inclaim 12, wherein the at least one clamping member (23) is located at an endportion of the at least one of the screen wall locking members (1a), andpreferably the at least one clamping member is at least two clampingmembers, one at each of the end portions of the at least one of the screen wall locking members (1 a).

14. The at least one screen wall locking member as claimed in any one ofclaims 12-13, wherein the at least one clamping member (23) is at least twoclamping members located on opposite branch portions (5, 5'), preferablyfacing each other.

15. The at least one screen wall locking member as claimed in any one ofclaims 12-14, wherein the at least one clamping member (23) extends fromthe branch portion (5, 5') so that there is formed a minimum width (wmin) in theU-shaped profile that is less than a thickness (t) of the edge portion (2) of thescreen wall element to be received therein.

16. The at least one screen wall locking member as claimed in claim 15,wherein the at least one clamping member (23) is formed from a cut out in thebranch portion (5, 5').

17. A screen wall system comprising: a first screen wall locking system as claimed in any one of claims 2-11;and a first and a second wall element (3', 3"); whereinthe first screen wall locking member (1a';1b') of the first screen wall lockingsystem is connected to an upper or lower edge portion (2a',2b') of the firstwall element (3') and the second screen wall locking member (1a";1b") of 29 the first screen wall locking system is connected to a corresponding upper orlower edge portion of the second wall element (3").

18. The screen wall system as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: a second screen wall locking system as claimed in any one of claims 2-11; wherein the first screen wall locking system is an upper screen walllocking system, the first and second screen wall locking members (1a', 1a")thereof being connected to respective upper edge portions of the first andsecond wall element (3', 3"), and wherein the second screen wall lockingsystem is a lower screen wall locking system, the first and second screen walllocking members (1b', 1b") thereof being connected to respective lower edge portions of the first and second wall element (3, 3').

19. The screen wall system as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one,preferably both, of the screen wall locking members of the upper screen walllocking system is the screen wall locking member as claimed in any one ofclaims 12-16.

20. The screen wall system as claimed in any one of claims 18-19, whereinthe upper screen wall locking system is the screen wall locking system asclaimed in any one of claims 7-8.

21. The screen wall system as claimed in any one of claims 18-20, whereinthe lower screen wall locking system is the screen wall locking system as claimed in claim 7 or 9.

22. The screen wall system as claimed in any one of claims 17-21, whereinthe wall elements are based on a card-board material, such as Re-board®.

23. A screen wall system comprising:a first screen wall locking member (1) as claimed in any one of claims12-16; and a first wall element (3'); wherein the first screen wall locking member(1) is an upper screen wall locking member (1a) connected to an upper edge portion (2a') of the first wall element (3').

24. The screen wall system as claimed in claim 23, further comprising asecond wall element (3), the first screen wall locking member beingadditionally connected to an upper edge portion (2a) of the second wallelement (3), thereby connecting the two wall elements (3, 3') serially.

25. The screen wall system as claimed in any one of claims 22-24, furthercomprising: a second screen wall locking member (1a"), the first and secondscreen wall locking member forming the screen wall locking system asclaimed in any one of claims 2-11; and a third wall element (3"); whereinthe second locking member (1a") is connected to an upper edge portion ofthe third wall element (3") and to the first screen wall locking member (1a').

26. The screen wall system as claimed in any one of claims 22-25, whereinthe wall elements are based on a card-board material, such as Re-board®.