SK500842012U1 - Self-locking joint particularly for shelf, stand and furniture systems - Google Patents

Abstract

Self-locking joint particularly for shelf, stand and furniture systems consists of a vertical element (1) with a slot (2) of the vertical element (1) and with the slot (3) for a fastening element (8) and of a horizontal element (11). Thickness of the horizontal element (11) corresponds to the slot (2) of the vertical element (1). The horizontal element (11) comprises the slot (6) of the horizontal element (11), and in the slot (6) of the horizontal element (11) at the front edge of the horizontal element (11) is fixed by the fastening element (8) a flexible fitting (7) and its wings (7a) clamp an acute angle with the horizontal plane. The angular ends of the wings (7a) of a flexible fitting (7) overlap the thickness of the horizontal element (11) and the fastening element (8) overlaps the flexible fitting (7), wherein the superelevation of the fastening element (8) corresponds to the slot (3) for the fastening element (8) in front edge of the slot (2) of the vertical element (1); or to the vertical element (1) and to the horizontal element (11) comprising a slot to accommodate the coupling corresponding to the slot, and on one or both end sides of the coupling are fastened to one or more flexible fittings (7), whose wings (7a) clamp with a horizontal plane an sharp angle and the angular ends of the wings (7a) overlap the thickness of the coupling.

Description

Self-locking joint especially for shelf, rack and furniture systems

Technical field

The technical solution concerns a self-locking joint especially for shelf, rack and furniture systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shelf, rack and furniture systems are usually joined by fixed vertical side walls or frames made of uprights, in which horizontal shelves are fixed in various ways. The system of joining the shelves to the side walls (frames) is solved by means of adhesives, screws, nails, pins, angles, various profiles and impact edges. As a rule, a large amount of fastening material and various kinds of tools and aids for its folding are required to produce the rack or furniture assembly. In most cases, this, together with unclear and complicated assembly instructions, gives many technically less savvy customers considerable problems in the final assembly on site. In addition, most of these systems need to be stabilized from the rear by a cross brace or rear wall.

The pin joints mentioned in SK 2616 U, GB 2195001 A and DE 10 2006 012 897 A1 are characterized by the rapid assembly of the individual elements, but these are intended only for a very narrow range of practical applications and require complicated and time-consuming production of individual joints.

Furniture joints resp. joints for predominantly wooden parts are disclosed in SK 5170 Y1 and DE 102008 054 055 A1. In both cases, the joint is held by a steel mandrel with a wider upper part than the lower body, which is firmly fixed in one of the parts. The second panel has a recess so as to accommodate a wider part of the mandrel and by engaging the narrower recess in the panel both parts are locked. The advantage is the quick disassembly of the joint, the disadvantage is its limited use and difficult production of joint parts.

Connections in retractable and modular shelving systems are described in DE 202004 008 102 U1, DE 20 2008 011 638 U1 and DE 197 01 280A1. These are assemblies consisting mainly of metal uprights in combination with metal beams. As joints, there are holes in the uprights for fixing beams, which are fixed by means of screws and nuts, metal fittings or plug-in elements. Their advantage is considerable spatial stability. The disadvantage is that they are made of metal posts and beams, whose production by bending, shaping and welding is complicated and costly. They are also time-consuming and require a large amount of fastening material. In such constructions there are many spaces where dust and other impurities are deposited. These areas are very difficult to access for cleaning and maintenance.

EP 451 012 A1 discloses a similar shelf system which is connected by a finished frame structure into which individual shelves are inserted by means of shaped clips. The whole system is variable and demountable. The disadvantage is that the production of components is even more complex and expensive than in previous solutions.

The shelf systems described in DE 20 2007 010 269 U1, in DE 20 2010 002 382 U1 and in DE 196 24 941 A1 are made of side vertical walls and horizontal shelves. The shelves are connected to the side walls using metal profiles, pins and impact profiles. Their advantage is relatively quick assembly. The disadvantage is that the location of the individual shelves is precisely determined by the construction system and their position after assembly cannot be subsequently changed.

The solution provided by EP 0 862 876 A1 has shelves inserted in grooves in vertical posts. The shelves in the grooves are shaped so that they do not come loose and are secured with a shaped profile. This system is combined with a metal U-shaped profile which is mounted in the recess of the upright. The disadvantage of this system is that it can only be used on a shelf system with shelves mounted on only one and the same edge, e.g. shelves hanging on the wall. A modular, variable shelf system is disclosed in DE 20 2007 013 817 U1 and DE 20 2008 012 761 U1. Both solutions utilize the possibility of variability of the shelf system, whose connection in the vertical direction is ensured by the help of

-3 inserting spacers between shelf levels. Subsequently, the whole assembly is stabilized by a system of rods guided in openings through individual shelves and spacers. In the latter case, the spacers are connected to each other by pins engaging in openings in their body. The advantage is the variability of different shelf positions in the racking system. The disadvantage is the number of components (spacers), which unnecessarily complicate the entire assembly and its assembly. In addition, such systems appear to be extremely cumbersome in the interior.

The essence of the technical solution

The main aim of the technical solution is to create a self-locking joint of the horizontal and vertical elements of the system, which allows simple and quick assembly of the assembly directly on the place without using tools or tools and various additional fastening materials such as screws, screws, nuts, nails and others. In fact, the fundamental difference compared to similar fastening systems is that the assembly is carried out only by simply manually inserting the horizontal elements into the recesses in the vertical elements.

The self-locking joint itself consists of a recess in the vertical element in which the recess for the fastening element is held in the front edge of the horizontal element, in the recess of the element, the recess may have a beveled, semicircular or other suitable shape. The recess for the fastener has a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the fastener. These fastening elements, which may consist of a bolt with a washer, are located predominantly in the corners of the horizontal element and fasten the flexible fittings preferably of spring steel. The horizontal element is predominantly shaped at the corners so that the flexible fitting can be firmly attached therein and that when inserted into the recess of the vertical element, the horizontal element has the same or smaller thickness than the thickness of the recess of the vertical element. After fully inserting the horizontal member into the recess of the vertical member, the wings of the flexible fitting, with their square ends, cut into the opposing walls of the recess of the vertical member, thus preventing the horizontal member from being released again, thereby forming a self-locking connection. In the case of using hard materials, it is advisable to make grooves in the opposite walls of the vertical element of the groove into which the angular ends of the wings of the flexible fitting are fully inserted

-4zapadnú. The fastening element that retains the flexible fitting, when inserted into the fastener recess, stabilizes the system in a self-locking connection in both vertical and horizontal directions. For easier manual insertion of the horizontal element into the vertical element, it is desirable if a slight chamfered edge is formed on the opposite outer edges of the vertical element recess so that the upper and lower sides of the horizontal element are more easily inserted into the tight gripping of the opposite walls of the vertical element recess. After insertion of the horizontal element into the recess of the vertical element, the lateral edge in the recess of the horizontal element abuts against the side wall of the vertical element and, together with a fastening element inserted into the recess for this element, prevents the vertical element from twisting into the sides. The connecting elements of each self-locking joint thus formed are fastened at several points, respectively. planes, which significantly increases the rigidity of the entire system.

Couplings fitted with flexible fittings may be used to hold the horizontal elements to each other or to make various assemblies and accessories. These couplings comprise resilient fittings either from one or two opposite sides. They fit into oval or circular recesses of individual segments. Their function is the same as in the above alternative solution. After insertion of the coupling into the oval or circular holes, cutting back the angular ends of the wings of the flexible fitting into the opposing walls of the oval or circular holes prevents the release and the entire self-locking joint stabilizes. The couplings have a shape adapted to be easily inserted into the oval or circular openings, but at the same time to fit tightly into the walls of the oval or circular recess when inserted through their side walls. The self-locking joint thus formed is resistant to twisting and loosening.

Dismantling of the system is accomplished by loosening the angular ends of the flexible wings of the flexible fittings from the opposite walls of the recess of the vertical elements, from the sides of the horizontal elements.

By combining the above solutions of self-locking joints or their modification, it is possible to create various assemblies in unlimited design and material variations.

The indisputable advantage of the proposed solution is that only minimal adjustments of the finished segments are required for the production of the whole assembly. Only recesses and holes are made. A further advantage is that after assembly, insertion of the horizontal elements into the vertical elements, the connecting elements (screws, washers, spring fittings) are not visible from any side, thus providing a surface-clean and undisturbed design impression. The advantage of this self-locking joint is that the individual modules thus formed are self-supporting, sufficiently rigid and require no additional reinforcement or bracing (winding) and can be freely assembled using connectors or couplings in both horizontal and vertical directions without being necessary to stabilize. The assembly thus created can be supplemented with other horizontal elements at any location and moved at any time elsewhere as needed. The advantage is that after assembling the assembly, horizontal elements can be accessed from all sides. The present solution allows the user to assemble the entire assembly according to the individual needs of the space and the purpose to be met. This self-locking joint guarantees the variability of shelf, floor and furniture sets and its composition thus provides unlimited possibilities for use in the premises of offices, shops, warehouses, home interior as well as in exteriors of garages, balconies and terraces.

Due to the fact that after the assembly of the system, all fastening and stabilizing elements are hidden inside the structure, it can be used in damp environments both indoors and outdoors where there is increased demand for weather resistance of the fasteners. A further advantage is that such a system with its advantageous design solution occupies a minimum of space and weight in the disassembled state and thus saves a considerable part of the distribution and storage costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical and horizontal elements in a self-locking joint. In FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical and horizontal elements after the self-locking joint has been fully assembled and the detail "A". In FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical and horizontal elements after the self-locking joint has been fully assembled and detail 'B'. In FIG. 4 is

-6-spatial representation of the recess of the horizontal element and the attachment of the flexible fitting. In FIG. 5 is a spatial view of the vertical and horizontal elements and a depiction of the horizontal element recess. In FIG. 6 is a spatial view of another possible adjustment of the horizontal element recess. In FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a horizontal and vertical grooved element. In FIG. 8 is a spatial view of a recess of the horizontal element at its leading edge. In FIG. 9 is an example of a spatial view of the assembly. In FIG. 10 is an example of a spatial view of the vertical bonding of modules. In FIG. 11 is an example of a spatial representation of a shelf module - a table, a mobile container. In FIG. 12 is an example of a spatial representation of a hanging shelf. In FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a coupling and an oval recess and exemplary embodiments. In FIG. 14 is an illustration of a two-sided recess with a groove. In FIG. 15 is an illustration of a one-sided recess.

Examples of technical solutions

Example 1

The principle of the self-locking joint itself is shown in FIG. 1, wherein the vertical element 1 formed from a prism in the form of a upright has a recess 2 of the vertical element 1 and a recess 3 for a fastening element 8 for receiving this fastening element 8, which consists of a screw 16 and a washer 9. a resilient fitting 7 at the leading edge of the horizontal element 11 in the recess 6 of the horizontal element 11 having a bevelled shape 11a. After the shelf-shaped horizontal element 11 has been fully inserted into the recesses 6 of the horizontal element 11, the wings 7a with their angular ends 12 cut into the opposite walls of the recess 2 of the vertical element 1, thereby preventing the joint from coming back. This will cause the side edge 10 in the recess 6 of the horizontal element 11 to abut against the side edge of the vertical element 1, the lower and upper side of the horizontal element 11 being tightly clamped between opposite walls of the recess 2 of the vertical element 1, as shown in FIG. 2. The thickness H of the recess 2 of the vertical element 1 is equal to or greater than the thickness H1 of the horizontal element 11. The detail "A" shows the cutting of the angular ends 12 of the wings 7a of the flexible fitting 7 into the wall of the recess 2 of the vertical element 1.

In the case of hard materials, it is advantageous to provide grooves 2a in the opposite walls of the recess 2 of the vertical element 1, into which, after insertion of the horizontal element 11, the angular ends 12 of the wings 7a of the flexible fitting 7 fit. 3 with detail "B". The attachment of the flexible fitting 7 to the leading edge of the horizontal element 11 in the recess 6 of the horizontal element 11 is shown in FIG.

A spatial representation of the self-locking joint is shown in FIG. 5. This can be released from the joint through the bevelled side edge opening 5 of the horizontal element 11 by pressing the wings 7a. Another alternative of the recesses 6 of the horizontal element 11, namely the semi-circular shape 11b of the recess, is shown in FIG. 6. In order to protect the fasteners from external influences and moisture, especially when using harder materials, it is necessary for the side edge 5a of the horizontal element 11 to close the recess 2 of the vertical element (1) from the side after inserting the horizontal element H into the vertical element 1. shown in FIG. 7. The vertical upright 1 or other segments, if any, can be connected to the horizontal shelf-shaped element 11 at any point of its side edge, as shown in FIG. 8th

Example 2

In FIG. 9 shows a simple shelf module that consists of four vertical upright elements 1 and two horizontal shelf elements 11. This module can also be disassembled after assembly as described above. The joining of such modules by means of connecting elements 13, in this case pins, into the holes for the connecting element 14 is shown in FIG. 10th

Example 3

In FIG. 11 shows the possibility of creating a table by adding a top shelf 15 to the finished shelf module, or by adding the wheels 18 to the holes 17 at the bottom of the vertical elements, it is possible to make a mobile container. Pins, such as fasteners 13, can be inserted into the holes for the fastener 14 in the side edges of the vertical elements 1 to retain the additional horizontal elements 11 at any point.

-8Example 4

In FIG. 12 shows a wall hanging shelf. The vertical prism-like elements 1 hold in the self-locking joints a horizontal shelf-shaped element 11, which can be secured by a pull rod 19, or by other reinforcement.

Example 5

In FIG. 13 shows the joining, in particular, of flat parts or shelves to each other by means of couplings 21, the shape of which is adapted to the purpose and method of use, and may also have a double-sided recess with a groove 6a or a one-sided recess 6b shown in FIG. 14 and 15. These couplings 21 have resilient fittings 7 on one or both sides and connect the individual system segments by fully inserting the couplings 21 into the oval recesses 20 in the walls or edges of the respective parts. In this case, the side walls of the couplings 21 abut against the inner walls of the oval recesses 20.

Industrial usability

In practical use of the self-locking joint thus formed, the assembly may consist of two or more uprights which, together with one or more shelves, constitute the basic module of the system, which can be arbitrarily modified according to the user's wishes or supplemented with other shelves. The shelves may have different shapes, and the uprights may have different cross-sections, whether rectangular, circular, triangular or otherwise. The standalone module is sufficiently stable and can be used to create a table, for example, after installing the top plate. When the wheels are fitted to the bottom, the uprights can serve as a traveling container. By completing the side and rear walls or drawers and front doors, it is possible to create whole furniture sets. The self-locking couplings can also be used for attaching cables, rails, frames, covers, etc. The above-mentioned self-locking joint can also be used for assembling lightweight building constructions such as pergolas, sheds, terraces, garden furniture and houses, or skeletons of family houses.

Wood and various wood-based materials are particularly suitable for use in this self-locking joint, but plastic, metal, glass and various composite materials and combinations thereof can also be used.

Claims (10)

PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS A self-locking joint, in particular for shelf, rack and furniture systems, characterized in that it comprises a vertical element (1) with a recess (2) of the vertical element (1) and a recess (3) for the fastening element (8) and a horizontal element (11). ), the thickness of which corresponds to a recess (2) of the vertical element (1) and which comprises a recess (6) of the horizontal element (11), and is fixed in the recess (6) of the horizontal element (11) at the front edge of the horizontal element (11) (8) at least one resilient fitting (7) whose wings (7a) form an acute angle with the horizontal plane, the angular ends (12) of the sashes (7a) exceeding the thickness of the horizontal member (11) and the fastening element (8) 7), wherein the elevation of the fastening element (8) corresponds to a recess (3) for the fastening element (8) in the front edge of the recess (2) of the vertical element (1); or from a vertical element (1) and a horizontal element (11) comprising a recess (20) for accommodating the coupling (21) corresponding to the recess (20), one or more resilient fittings being mounted on one or both faces of the coupling (21) (7), whose wings (7a) form an acute angle with the horizontal plane, the angular ends (12) of the wings (7a) exceeding the thickness of the coupling (21). Self-locking joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening element (8) is a screw (16) with a washer (9). Self-locking joint according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the vertical element (1) has bevelled edges (4). Self-locking connection according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wings (7a) of the flexible fitting (7) form an angle β = 5 ° to 90 ° with the horizontal plane. Self-locking joint according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the recess (6) of the horizontal element (11) has a tapered shape (11a) or a semicircular shape (11b). Self-locking connection according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the vertical element (1) comprises a plurality of recesses (2) of the vertical element (1) with a recess (3) for the fastening element (8), the horizontal element (11). ) comprises the same number of recesses (6) of the horizontal element (11) for fastening the flexible fitting (7) as the vertical element (1). Self-locking connection according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the opposite walls of the recess (2) of the vertical element (1) comprise grooves (2a). Self-locking joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling (21) has a recess on both sides with a groove (6a) or a one-sided recess (6b). Self-locking joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess (20) has an oval shape. A shelf, rack and furniture system, characterized in that it comprises a self-locking joint according to any one of claims 1 to 9.