WO2010097770A1

WO2010097770A1 - Coupling system

Info

Publication number: WO2010097770A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/050821
Authority: WO
Inventors: Corrado Fontana
Original assignee: Alu S.P.A.
Priority date: 2009-02-26
Filing date: 2010-02-25
Publication date: 2010-09-02
Also published as: ITPD20090032A1

Abstract

A coupling system (100) for the head-to-head coupling of a plurality of profiled members (2, 3) comprises a coupling device (1) including a plurality of arms (5, 6) which are each suitable for being inserted in a respective cavity (17) provided in each profiled member (2, 3) of said plurality of profiled members, wherein at least one arm (5, 6) of said plurality of arms is provided with coupling means (9) comprising a sliding block (14) which is accommodated inside a seat (16) formed on said arm (5, 6) and which has the ability to move in translation along a sliding direction (Wl, W2) between a resting position (Yl) and an operative position (Y2), and also actuating means (18, 15) associated with said sliding block (14) and with said profiled member (2, 3) in order to move said sliding block (14) with respect to said profiled member (2, 3) along a transverse direction (Z), inclined in a non- perpendicular manner with respect to said sliding direction (Wl, W2), in such a manner that said translation of said sliding block (14) along said transverse direction (Z) corresponds to a movement of said arm (5, 6) along said cavity (17) with respect to said profiled member (2, 3) for moving said profiled members (2, 3) towards and away from each other.

Description

COUPLING SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to a coupling system for the mutual coupling of a plurality of profiled members with head-to-head coupling, having the features set out in the preamble of the main claim. Technological background

The system according to the invention is applicable especially, although not exclusively, to the technical sector of the production and assembly of display structures for shops, bars or fair stands.

Those structures are typically composed of a plurality of components, of identical or similar type, which can be variously assembled with one another to produce any desired spatial configuration of the structure. This ensures the maximum possible versatility in the assembling of the structures, meeting the requirements of function, space and design of each display space and, at the same time, using the smallest possible number of component types.

In the assembling of those structures, it is common to use linear profiles which are coupled to each other in such a manner as to produce structures of more complex form.

In particular, in order to produce two- or three-dimensional structures, of the support frame type to which display elements, such as brackets, hooks, or the like, are subsequently secured, two linear profiled members are coupled head-to-head by positioning them almost perpendicularly with respect to each other. Currently, in order to produce the above-mentioned coupling, the ends of the two profiles, which ends are arranged to be coupled to each other, are cut at approximately 45°, and subsequently the two profiles are moved towards each other in order to couple the two cut ends and they are both screwed, by means of corresponding screws, to an "L"-shaped bracket in order to be held in the desired coupling position. The bracket is normally positioned on the inside of the angle defined by the two profiles in order to be less visible. That type of coupling has some disadvantages, however. The screwing operation has to be carried out very accurately in order to ensure that the two cut ends are positioned in such a manner that they fit together exactly.

For that reason, the screws of the two profiled members are tightened alternately in order to secure the two profiled members to the bracket in a progressive manner.

That arrangement, while improving coupling, nevertheless requires substantial expenditure in terms of time; it preferably has to be carried out by two operators and, despite that, it does not eliminate the defects described above. It is always very difficult to fit the two cut ends together accurately and, furthermore, the actual action of tightening the screws may cause deformation, even if slight, to the profiled members, giving rise to the formation of spaces and clearance between the ends thereof. Those spaces become receptacles for dust and dirt and also, when the two cut faces do not fit together exactly, particularly sharp edges remain exposed and may be dangerous to an operator or anyone who may touch them, even accidentally.

In order to avoid that disadvantage, use is made of corner-covers which are fitted to the two profiled members in the coupling region in order to cover spaces and sharp edges thereof, or of sheets of flexible material, which are interposed between the coupled ends in order to fill the spaces therebetween, compensating for the clearance thereof. However, that solution also has disadvantages, both owing to the final aesthetic effect of the structure and owing to the waste of material and time on the part of the operators who have to prepare the structure.

It is therefore still necessary to produce a coupling system for profiled members to be coupled head-to-head which permits clearance-free coupling, which is simple to produce and which does not require the intervention of several operators, or excessive outlay in terms of time and material.

Description of the invention

An object of the invention is to produce a coupling system for the head-to- head coupling of at least two profiled members, which is devised structurally and functionally to overcome the limitations described above with reference to the mentioned prior art.

That object is achieved by the coupling system produced in accordance with the claims which follow.

Brief description of the drawings

The features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings in which :

Figure 1 is a partial exploded view of a coupling system according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a partial view of the system of Figure 1 in an assembled configuration;

Figure 3 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a coupling device of the coupling system of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front view of the device of Figure 3; - Figures 5a, 5b are enlarged views of a detail "A" of Figure 4 in a resting position and in a first operative position, respectively;

Figure 5c is a view like that of Figure 5a which shows forces acting on the coupling device;

Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a component of the coupling device of Figure 3;

Figures 7 and 8 are views similar to those of Figures 1 and 2, respectively, relating to a variant of a structure obtainable with the system of the invention;

Figures 9 and 10 are views similar to those of Figures 1 and 2, respectively, relating to a further variant of a structure obtainable with the system of the invention. Preferred embodiment of the invention

The Figures show a coupling system 100 suitable for the mutual head-to- head coupling, using a coupling device 1, of a first profiled member 2 and a second profiled member 3 in such a manner as to obtain a desired structure, shown partially in Figures 1 and 2, 7 and 8, and 9 and 10. The coupling system 100 comprises actuating means suitable for cooperating with the profiled members 2 and 3, and with the coupling device 1 for the head-to-head coupling of the profiled members 2, 3. In the context of the invention, the expression "profiled member" is intended to cover any semi-manufactured article made of metal or another material, such as, for example, wood or plastics, in the form of a bar, that is to say, extending predominantly along a longitudinal axis. Also covered are profiled members having a complex cross-section, in the shape of a U, T, or L, or also a polygonal or circular cross-section, such as tubes.

The first and second profiled members 2, 3 therefore extend along respective longitudinal axes Xi and X₂ and comprise respective ends 2a, 3a, the faces of which are oriented in accordance with a desired angle relative to the respective longitudinal axes Xi, X₂ and which are capable of mutual engagement in order to produce a coupling of the head-to-head type. The ends 2a, 3a are preferably inclined by approximately 45° relative to the respective longitudinal axes Xi, X₂ in order to position the profiled members 2, 3 substantially perpendicularly to each other, but they may also be inclined at different angles, provided that they complement each other. By using the system 100 according to the invention, the profiled members 2, 3 may also be positioned in a non-perpendicular manner, for example, substantially parallel, or inclined by an angle other than 90°, by cutting the cut ends 2a, 3a in an appropriate manner. The coupling system 100 according to the invention is extremely versatile. For example, by a suitable choice of the cutting plane along which to cut the ends 2a, 3a of each profiled member 2, 3, it is possible to orient the profiled members 2, 3 in such a manner as to vary the edge of each profiled member to be positioned on the inside or outside of the structure, as shown, for example, by comparing the structures shown in Figures 1 and 2, 7 and 8, and 9 and 10, respectively.

It is thus possible to obtain different aesthetic effects, or also functional effects, while using the same profiled members, simply by varying the mutual orientation thereof. That feature is particularly valuable if the profiled members have a complex cross-section, or also a polygonal cross-section with edges having different aesthetic or shape characteristics from each other.

Each profiled member 2, 3 is at least partially hollow inside so that, in a central position of each profiled member 2, 3, a cavity 17 which extends along the respective longitudinal axis Xi, X₂ is defined.

The cavity 17 is suitable for receiving in a sliding manner, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the coupling device 1 which is shown in greater detail in Figures 3 and 4. The cavity 17 is shaped in such a manner that the coupling device 1 engages in a form-fitting manner therewith. In versions which are not shown, the cavity 17 may also be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis Xi, X₂ of each profiled member 2, 3. Each profiled member 2, 3 is also provided with through-holes (not shown) which are configured in such a manner as to permit the insertion of screws 18 from the outside of each profiled member 2, 3 as far as the cavity 17. The coupling device 1 comprises a first and a second arm 5, 6 which extend along respective longitudinal axes X', X" from a common angular region 4. In the preferred version illustrated here, the first and second arms 5, 6 are positioned at a angle of approximately 90° to each other. In versions which are not shown, the coupling device may be provided with a number of arms other than two, for example three or four, in order to connect a corresponding number of profiled members to each other. In addition, in other versions which are not shown, the arms are positioned at an angle other than 90°, for example at 0°, depending on the mutual angulation at which it is desired to position the profiled members. Each arm 5, 6 of the coupling device 1 has an external profile configured to engage in a form-fitting manner with the cavity 17 produced in each profiled member 2, 3 so that each arm 5, 6 can be inserted in a sliding manner, and with reduced clearance, into the above-mentioned cavity 17. Each arm 5, 6 is also at least partially hollow inside in order to define a seat 16 which accommodates coupling means 9 for coupling each arm 5, 6 of the coupling device 1 to the respective profiled member 2, 3. The coupling means 9 comprise a spring 11 provided with a first end secured internally to each seat 16 of the respective arm 5, 6, and a sliding block 14 of generally trapezoidal shape secured to a second end of each spring 11. Each sliding block 14, shown in greater detail in Figure 6, is provided with a threaded through-hole 15 and with a pair of shoulders 13, 13a formed on opposite flanks of the sliding block 14 and urged against an internal wall of the seat 16 by the action of the spring 11. The spring 11 extends in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis X', X" of the first and the second arm 5, 6. The spring 11 is configured in such a manner as to be slightly preloaded in the resting position Yl of the sliding block 14.

Therefore, the spring 11 exerts on the sliding block 14 a certain force directed almost parallel with the longitudinal axis X', X" of each arm 5,6, which urges the sliding block 14, and the shoulders 13, 13a thereof, against the internal wall of the seat 16.

The force exerted by the spring 11 on the sliding block 14 acts against undesired movements of the sliding block 14 with respect to the above- mentioned resting position Yl, keeping the sliding block 14 stably in the resting position Yl.

That renders more accurate the position of the sliding block 14, and therefore of the threaded hole 15 thereof, in the resting position Yl and also facilitates and renders more accurate the positioning of the screws 18 in the threaded hole 15 in order to operate the sliding block 14, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

The threaded hole 15 extends along a transverse axis Z of each arm 5, 6, substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X', X". Each sliding block 14 can be translated by means of the actuating means inside the seat 16 in a first sliding direction Wl, between a resting position Yl, shown in Figure 5a, and a first operative position Y2, shown in Figure 5b.

Each sliding block 14 can also be translated by means of the actuating means inside the respective seat 16 in a second sliding direction W2, between the resting position Yl and a second operative position (not shown in the Figures) which is substantially symmetrical, with respect to the longitudinal axis X', X" of each arm 5, 6, to the first operative position Y2. The actuating means of the system 100, which are suitable for translating the sliding block 14 inside the respective seat 16, in the first sliding direction Wl, or the second sliding direction W2, comprise screws 18, or other similar means, insertable into the threaded hole 15 in order to co-operate with the latter, as explained in more detail hereinafter, to produce the above- mentioned movement.

The spring 11 is configured in such a manner as to accompany the sliding block 14 in the translation inside the seat 16, keeping the shoulders 13, 13a urged against an internal wall of that seat 16.

The presence of the spring 11 enables the movement of the sliding block 14 in the seat 16 to be guided with friction, avoiding any jerks and rendering the movement more accurate and controllable. During the movement of the sliding block 14 from the resting position Yl to the first operative position Y2 or the second operative position, the preloading of the spring 11 is increased. The first and second sliding directions Wl, W2 are inclined in a non-perpendicular manner with respect to the transverse axis Z, and are defined by the internal walls of the seat 16 on which the shoulders 13, 13a of the sliding block 14 are slidingly engaged. Each arm 5, 6 is also provided with a pair of slots 7, 7' produced in suitable regions of the respective external surface and open in the seat 16 at the location of the threaded hole 15, thus defining a single through-channel extending along the transverse axis Z both in the resting position Yl and in the first operative position Y2 and in the second operative position. In particular, in the resting position Yl, the threaded hole 15 is substantially aligned with a first end 7a, 7'a of the slots 7, 7', which faces the free end 5a, 6a of each arm 5, 6.

The spring 11, by keeping the sliding block 14 stable in the resting position Yl, also prevents undesired misalignment of the threaded hole 15 with

5 respect to the slots 7, 7', rendering more accurate and simple the positioning of the screws 18 in the threaded hole 15 in order to operate the sliding block 14 and therefore ensuring accurate functioning of the coupling device 1 of the invention. In the first operative position Y2 or, symmetrically, in the second operativeo position, the threaded hole 15 is instead aligned with an opposite second end 7b, 7'b of the slots 7, 7', which faces the angular region 4 of the coupling device 1.

The presence of the spring 11 stabilises the positioning of the sliding block 14 in the first operative position Y2 or, symmetrically, in the seconds operative position.

The spring 11 is positioned in such a manner as to exert on the sliding block 14 a force opposing the unscrewing of the latter with respect to the screw 18. The spring 11 exerts a force directed along the longitudinal axis X', X" of each arm 5, 6, which urges the screw 18 laterally, opposing the unscrewingo thereof. This makes the mutual positioning of the two profiled members 2, 3 with the coupling system 100 of the invention particularly stable. The spring 11 exerts on the sliding block 14 in the first operative position Y2, or in the second operative position, a force which, in addition to opposing, as stated, the unscrewing of the screw 18, tends to return the sliding block 14 to the5 resting position Yl. Therefore, when the screw 18 is uncoupled from the threaded hole 15, the spring 11 guides and urges the sliding block 14 towards the resting position

Yl.

This movement of the sliding block is also subjected to friction by the spring 11 and is therefore free from jerks. This also improves the phase of uncoupling the coupling system 100 of the invention.

In the versions shown, the coupling device 1 is provided with two arms, but in other versions it is possible to produce coupling systems in which the coupling devices are provided with a different number of arms, for example three, or four, each provided with respective coupling means and arranged to be inserted into the cavity of one of the coupling profiled members. In use, in order to produce a desired structure using the coupling system 100 of the invention, it is provided that each arm 5, 6 of the coupling device 1 is inserted into the respective cavity 17 identified inside each coupling profiled member 2, 3, for example, as shown in Figures 1, 7 and 9, bringing the two profiled members 2, 3 nearer to each other so that the respective ends 2a, 3a are next to and facing each other.

It will be appreciated that, as stated above, the variants shown in Figures 1 and 2, 7 and 8, and 9 and 10, respectively, differ from each other by the orientation of the profiled members 2, 3, that is to say, by the particular edge thereof which is to be positioned on the inside/outside of the structure to be produced. Those variants are advantageously obtained by varying the cutting plane along which the ends 2a, 3a of the coupling profiled members 2, 3 are to be shaped. The slots 7, 7' of each arm 5, 6 of the coupling device 1 are positioned at the location of the holes provided in each profiled member 2, 3 in such a manner as to define a single through-channel through each profiled member

2, 3 and the respective arm 5, 6 of the coupling device 1.

Optionally, a shim 12 can be interposed between the ends 2a, 3a of the two profiled members 2, 3, as shown in Figures 1, 7 and 9, in order to compensate for any imperfections in the cutting of the ends 2a, 3a.

The shim 12 is configured in such a manner as to cover any sharp cutting surfaces of the two profiled members 2, 3 in order to avoid risks to the operators. The sliding block 14 of each of the coupling means 9 of the coupling device

1 is in the resting position Yl.

Subsequently, using the actuating means, coupling is effected, that is to say, the two profiled members 2, 3 are coupled to each other head-to-head as explained in detail hereinafter. To that end, a screw 18 is inserted into each hole of each profiled member

2, 3 and, through the slot 7 or 7', respectively, into the threaded hole 15 of each sliding block 14.

The progressive screwing of the screw 18 into the threaded hole 15 tends to return the sliding block 14 towards the head of the screw 18. The screwing operation generates a force which tends to move the sliding block 14, which, as mentioned, is positioned in the resting position Yl, along the transverse axis Z.

With particular reference to the version shown in Figures 1-6, the screw 18 is inserted in such a manner that its head is facing the slot 7 and that the screwing operation tends to move the sliding block 14 in the direction indicated by the arrow F.

The configuration of the seat 16 and of the sliding block 14 is, however, such as to prevent a movement of the sliding block 14 relative to the arm 5, 6 in the direction of the arrow F and therefore the sliding block 14 is guided, in terms of sliding, along the walls of the seat 16, that is to say, in the first sliding direction Wl.

The force F directed along the transverse axis Z is therefore theoretically broken down, as can be seen from Figure 5c, into the two resultant components, a first component Fl directed in the first sliding direction Wl and a second component F2 perpendicular thereto.

The first component Fl, as stated above, causes the translation of the sliding block 14 in the seat 16 in the first sliding direction Wl until it reaches the first operative position Y2, while the second component F2 generates a relative movement between the coupling device 1 and the profiled members 2, 3.

The sliding block 14 is guided in this translation by the spring 11 which enables this movement to be rendered regular and jerk-free, facilitating the screwing of the screw 18 into the threaded hole 15 and the consequent movement of the sliding block 14 towards the first operative position Y2 or the second operative position.

The second component F2, as shown in Figure 5c, can in turn be broken down theoretically into a transverse component F2z directed along the transverse axis Z and a longitudinal component F2x directed along the longitudinal axis X', X" of each arm 5, 6. The transverse component F2z would tend to cause a movement of the coupling device 1 along the transverse axis Z, which movement is impeded by the configuration of the cavity 17 of the profiled members 2, 3. The longitudinal component F2x, on the other hand, is not opposed by any constraint and causes a relative movement between the coupling device 1 and the profiled members 2, 3.

The coupling device 1 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow F2x, or the profiled members 2, 3 move in the opposite direction relative to the coupling device 1, that is to say, in the direction indicated by the arrow F3 in Figures 1, 7 and 9. That relative movement therefore results in a progressive further insertion of the coupling device 1 into the cavity 17 of the respective profiled member 2, 3, that is to say, in a further movement of the two profiled members 2, 3 towards each other. During the movement, the threaded hole 15 also moves with respect to the slots 7, 7', that movement being permitted by the different transverse extent of the slots 7, 7' with respect to the threaded hole 15. As mentioned above, in the resting position Yl, the threaded hole is aligned with the first end 7a, 7'a of the slots 7, 7', which faces the free end 5a, 6a of each arm 5, 6, whereas, following the above-mentioned movement, it is aligned with the opposite, second, end 7b, 7'b of the slots 7, 7', which faces the angular region 4 of the coupling device 1.

By proceeding to screw in the screws 18, the two cut ends 2a, 3a of the profiled members 2, 3 then move progressively towards each other until they come into mutual contact, thus producing the desired coupling. The assembled structure shown in Figures 2, 8 and 10 is thus obtained. Similarly, by inserting the screws from the side where the corresponding slots 7' are located, that is to say, in such a manner that the head of the screws is facing the slots 7', and by proceeding to screw the screws into the threaded hole 15, a thrust force is generated on the sliding block 14 which tends to move it along the axis Z, but in the opposite direction to that indicated by the arrow F.

That thrust causes a sliding of the sliding block 14 inside the seat 16 in the second sliding direction W2 until it is brought into the second operative position. In a manner similar to that shown above, the thrust force of the screwing operation also causes relative sliding between each arm 5, 6 of the coupling device 1 and the respective profiled member 2, 3, inside the respective cavity 17, resulting in the coupling of the two profiled members 2, 3. In this case too, the assembled structures shown in Figures 2, 8 and 10 would be obtained.

As mentioned above, during the coupling movement, the coupling device 1 slides inside the cavity 17 which acts as a guide for the above-mentioned sliding, preventing movements of the coupling device 1 with respect to the desired sliding direction. In other words, the coupling device 1 cannot move in the transverse directions with respect to the cavity 17, and that enables the two profiled members 2, 3 and, in particular, the respective ends 2a, 3a to be kept in the desired mutual position, that is to say, facing and corresponding to each other. Thus, the two profiled members are coupled to each other correctly, causing the two ends 2a, 3a to fit together.

Sharp edges are therefore prevented from being left exposed and the formation of spaces or clearance between the ends after the action of coupling the two profiled members 2, 3 is also prevented. It will be appreciated that the presence of the coupling device 1 inside the coupling profiled members 2, 3 enables the screwing force generated by the screws 18 to be distributed over the arms 5, 6 of the coupling device 1. This prevents the profiles 2, 3 from being subjected to localised loads and therefore from being deformed during the tightening of the screws. This further improves the mutual correspondence of the two ends 2a, 3a which are fitted together almost perfectly in the structure 10. The optimum coupling between the ends 2a, 3a also makes it possible to avoid the use of corner-covers or similar devices which detract from the aesthetic quality of the structure, thus obtaining a structure of high aesthetic value.

This means, among other things, that by using the coupling system of the invention, just a single operator is readily able to assemble structures, even those having a composite or complex form, with optimum coupling accuracy. With the coupling system of the invention, it is possible to produce structures having any desired extent in the three dimensions.

Claims

1. Coupling system (100) for the head-to-head coupling of a plurality of profiled members (2, 3), comprising a coupling device (1) including a plurality of arms (5, 6) which are each suitable for being inserted in a respective cavity (17) provided in each profiled member (2, 3) of said plurality of profiled members, characterised in that at least one arm (5, 6) of said plurality of arms is provided with coupling means (9) comprising a sliding block (14) which is accommodated inside a seat (16) formed on said arm (5, 6) and which has the ability to move in translation in a sliding direction

(Wl, W2) between a resting position (Yl) and an operative position (Y2), and also actuating means (18, 15) associated with said sliding block (14) and with said profiled member (2, 3) in order to move said sliding block (14) with respect to said profiled member (2, 3) along a transverse direction (Z), inclined in a non-perpendicular manner with respect to said sliding direction (Wl, W2), in such a manner that said translation of said sliding block (14) in said transverse direction (Z) corresponds to a movement of said arm (5, 6) along said cavity (17) with respect to said profiled member (2, 3) for moving said profiled members (2, 3) towards and away from each other, and a spring (11) which is secured at a first end thereof to said sliding block (14) and at a second end thereof to said seat (16), and which is arranged to accompany said sliding block (14) in said translation inside said seat (16).

2. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said sliding block (14) is translatable in said seat (16) along a first sliding direction (Wl) and/or along a second sliding direction (W2), which directions are symmetrical to each other with respect to a longitudinal axis (X', X") of said arm (5, 6). ,

3. System according to claim 1, or 2, wherein said actuating means comprises a through-hole (15) extending through said sliding block (14), and fixing means (18) suitable for being inserted in said through-hole (15) in order to move said sliding block (14) along said transverse direction (Z).

4. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said through-hole is a threaded hole (15) and said fixing means comprises fixing screws (18) which can be screwed into said threaded hole (15) in order to move said sliding block (14) along said transverse direction

(Z).

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spring (11) extends in a direction almost parallel to a longitudinal axis (X', X") of said at least one arm (5,6).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spring (11) is configured in such a manner as to urge, in said resting position (Yl), said sliding block (14) against an internal wall of said seat (16).

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spring (11) is configured in such a manner as to urge said sliding block (14) from said operative position (Y2) towards said resting position (Yl).

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cavity (17) extends along a longitudinal axis (X₁, X₂) of each of said profiled members (2, 3).

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arms of said plurality of arms (5, 6) of said coupling device (1) are secured to each other in an angular region (4) of said coupling device (1) in such a manner that they are mutually perpendicular in pairs.

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said profiled members (2, 3) is provided with ends (2a, 3a) which are inclined by approximately 45° with respect to the associated longitudinal axis (X₁, X₂) of said profiled members (2, 3) and which are arranged to be brought into contact with each other.