WO2012065223A1 - Système d'accouplement pour éléments tubulaires - Google Patents

Système d'accouplement pour éléments tubulaires Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012065223A1
WO2012065223A1 PCT/AU2011/001488 AU2011001488W WO2012065223A1 WO 2012065223 A1 WO2012065223 A1 WO 2012065223A1 AU 2011001488 W AU2011001488 W AU 2011001488W WO 2012065223 A1 WO2012065223 A1 WO 2012065223A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
joining
coupling system
joining insert
insert
passage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2011/001488
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Aydin Keyvanloo
Original Assignee
Gesswein, Andreas Klaus
Tung, Liang
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2010905106A external-priority patent/AU2010905106A0/en
Application filed by Gesswein, Andreas Klaus, Tung, Liang filed Critical Gesswein, Andreas Klaus
Publication of WO2012065223A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012065223A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/40—Joints for furniture tubing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/10—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
    • F16B12/12—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics
    • F16B12/24—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics using separate pins, dowels, or the like
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
    • F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
    • F16B7/0406—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being coaxial
    • F16B7/0413—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being coaxial for tubes using the innerside thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
    • F16B7/20—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections using bayonet connections

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to coupling systems for joining two tubular members together.
  • the invention relates to display systems, such as shop fittings and racks.
  • the invention finds particular, though not exclusive, application for joining adjacent T-arms that project from a wall or the horizontal members of display racks, which may have a set orientation.
  • Connecting members have been provided that join two tubular members together, which either rely on a frictional fit between components, plastic deformation of at least one of the connecting components, or rotation of one or more of the tubular members.
  • Connecting methods involving friction fit or deformation of components have been observed to be subject to rapid wear and tear, particularly in commercial retail environments, where shop display structures are frequently dismantled and reassembled. Wear and tear on components quickly leads to a deterioration of the connections and leads to loose and unstable displays.
  • Those that require rotation of a tubular member require joining to take place before mounting and cannot be subsequently joined once positioned.
  • the present invention provides a coupling system for joining together two tubular members, comprising: a joining insert having a body portion and two engagement portions extending oppositely from the body portion; structure on the joining insert that defines a predetermined rotational alignment relative to at least one of respective components engageable by the engagement portions; and one or more formations on the joining insert engageable with complementary formations on said components whereby the joining insert has an engaged position and a disengaged position and movement between the two positions is effected by rotation of the joining insert relative to said components.
  • the coupling system may further include one or more socket plugs comprising said components having a passage into which a said engagement portion is receivable, wherein the or each socket plug is shaped to be inserted into an open end of a tubular member.
  • the or each socket plug may have an insertion opening leading into the aforesaid passage.
  • the or each socket plug has at least one formation in said passage complementary to said at least one formation on the joining insert, to engage the joining insert when inserted within the socket plugs and rotated into the engaged position.
  • the one or more formations on the joining insert may comprise a plurality of peripherally spaced lugs at or adjacent an end of the engagement portion.
  • the complementary formations in the passage of the or each socket plug are advantageously opposed lands, preferably including shoulders, behind which the lugs of the joining insert engage, when rotated into the engaged position.
  • the rotation from the disengaged position to the engaged position, and vice-versa is preferably a substantially 90° rotation.
  • the 90° rotation can only be actioned in one direction to engage and the opposite direction to disengage.
  • the aforesaid structure comprises a cavity in each end of the joining insert, preferably extending the length of the engagement portion, although it will be appreciated that the cavity may be provided by a passage that continues through the body portion to the engagement portion at the opposite end.
  • the cavity at a first end of the joining insert may have an insertion opening with a profile, e.g. a figure 8, shaped to define surfaces that set limits to the extent of relative rotation of the joining insert.
  • the passage of the or each socket plug may be closed at the end opposite the insertion opening with a rear wall.
  • the rear wall includes a central projection, projecting into the passage, to an edge spaced from the aforementioned lands.
  • This central projection may be dimensioned to correspond to the surfaces defined by the aforesaid profile.
  • the first end of the joining insert is first inserted into a socket plug, the second end is then inserted into another socket plug, and then the central body portion is rotated into the engaged position, only being allowed to rotate in one direction due to the profiled cavity.
  • the protrusions engage behind the lands and the joining insert locks the two tubular members together. Rotation of the joining insert in the opposite direction into the disengaged position then allows for the disengagement of the two tubular members. It is preferable that both ends of the joining insert are fully inserted within the socket plugs before the central body portion is rotated, preventing the need to rotate a tubular member with respect to the joining insert.
  • Each tubular member may include a socket plug on one or both ends.
  • the socket plugs are preferably held within the open sockets of the tubular members by a pin passing through the tubular members and into the socket plugs, preventing rotation of the socket plugs relative to the tubular members.
  • the tubular members may be straight or curved along their length.
  • the socket plugs have a distal end and a proximal end, where the distal end is inserted into the open socket of the tubular members and the proximal end at least partly projects out of the end of the open socket.
  • the proximal end preferably includes an upward projection or stopper.
  • the open socket may include a cut-out in the upper side of the tubular member that the stopper may slot within, ensuring correct orientation of the socket plug.
  • the stopper can also act to prevent items held on the tubular member from sliding off the end of the tubular member when not joined to another tubular member.
  • the central body portion of the joining insert may also include a projection.
  • the insert projection preferably projects at right angles to the two opposing stoppers on the joining insert.
  • the insert projection When in the disengaged position, the insert projection preferably projects at 90° to the plug stoppers; when rotated 90° into the engaged position the insert projection preferably aligns with the plug stoppers.
  • Figure 1 is an isometric exploded view of a coupling system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, joining two tubular members together;
  • Figure 2 is an isometric view of two tubular members being joined together using the coupling system of Figure 1 , with the joining insert in a disengaged position;
  • Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, with the joining insert in an engaged position;
  • Figure 4 is an isometric view of a display rack having a pair of curved horizontal tubular members joined by the coupling system depicted in Figures 1 to 3;
  • Figure 5 is an isometric view of a display . rack having a semi-circular rail formed of two horizontal tubular members joined by the coupling system depicted in Figures 1 to 3;
  • Figure 6 is a front view of two adjacent misaligned T-arms
  • Figure 7 is a front view of the adjacent T-arms of Figure 6 joined by the coupling system depicted in Figures 1 to 3;
  • Figure 8 is an isometric view of the joined T-arms shown in Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is an isometric view from one end of a joining insert, forming part of the coupling system
  • Figure 10 is an isometric view from the other end of the joining insert
  • Figure 11 is a first end view of a socket plug
  • Figure 12 is an axial cross-sectional view of the socket plug of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a sectioned isometric view of the socket plug shown in Figures 10 and 12. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention
  • tubular members 12 may be part of a rack display, raised off the ground by vertical uprights 14.
  • the tubular members 12 may be the crosspieces of T-arms 13 suspended in a cantilever fashion from a wall ( Figures 6 to 8).
  • Each T-arm 13 has a projecting tubular arm 16 to complete the T.
  • the tubular members 12 may be straight or curved.
  • the tubular members 12 have open socket ends 18 into which general cylindrical socket plugs 20 are inserted and held in place with respective pins 22 that project through a hole 23 in the wall 24 of the tubular member 12 into matching aperture 26 in the base 28 of the socket plug 20. ( Figures 12 and 13).
  • the tubular members are installed so that pin hole 23 is on the underside in situ.
  • Pins 22 are ribbed and press fitted in to hold the components in place.
  • the pins 22 also prevent the socket plugs 20 from rotating with respect to the tubular members 12.
  • a socket plug 20 is typically fitted to both ends of each tubular member 12, however it will be appreciated that one end may not be required to join to another tubular member 12 and therefore may not include a socket plug.
  • the socket plugs 20 have an axially distal end 30 and a proximal end 32.
  • the distal end 30 is inserted into the open socket 18.
  • a small flat peripheral lip 34 at the proximal end 32 abuts the end of the tubular member 12 and so lies just outside the tubular member, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3.
  • Peripheral rib 34 is dimensioned so that its outer surface is flush with the outer surface of the respective tubular member 12.
  • the proximal end 32 also includes an integral radially upward fin-like stopper 36, which slots into and projects through a cut-out 38 (Figure 1) in the wall of the tubular member 12 diametrically opposite pin hole 23. This assists in ensuring correct orientation of the socket plug 20 relative to the tubular member 12, with the stopper 36 also acting to hold items on the tubular member and prevent them from slipping off an un-joined end, or onto an adjoining tubular member.
  • the socket plugs 20 each have an insertion opening 42 at their proximal end 32 leading into an axially extending passage 44.
  • the coupling system 10 further includes a joining insert 46.
  • the joining insert is of integral, generally tubular longitudinal form with a circular cross-section.
  • the joining insert 46 has a central cylindrical body portion 48, with engagement portions, in this case plug portions 50, 52, projecting axially oppositely from the body portion 48.
  • the plug portions 50, 52 are engageable with tubular members 12 by being inserted into the insertion openings 42 of respective socket plugs and positioned within the passages 44.
  • the joining insert 46 has an engaged position, shown in Figure 3, and a disengaged position, shown in Figure 2: movement between the two positions is effected by rotation of the joining insert 46 relative to the two tubular members 12.
  • the inner end of each of the plug portions 50, 52 includes two diametrically opposite arcuate lugs 54.
  • Each socket plug 20 also includes formations 56 on the side wall of the passage 44, complementary to the lugs 54.
  • formations 56 comprise two opposing shoulders that project inwardly from the side wall of the passage 44, dimensioned and positioned so that the lugs 54 can engage behind the lands 56 in the engaged position, preventing removal, but can also pass the lands when the insert is in the disengaged position.
  • the joining insert ' 46 is inserted into the passage 44 with the lugs 54 aligned to pass between the lands 56. Rotation of the joining insert 46 by 90° from the disengaged position to the engaged position locks the protrusions behind the shoulders 56. To disengage the joining insert 46, the joining insert 46 must be rotated 90° in the opposite direction so that the lugs 54 misalign with the lands 56, allowing them to slide out between them.
  • the central cylindrical body portion 48 also includes an external radial projection 58 of rectangular cross-section.
  • the projection 58 projects at right angles to the stoppers 36, i.e. is circumferentially displaced by 90° from the stoppers. Rotation of the joining insert by 90° into the engaged position, as shown in Figure 3, aligns the projection 58 between the stoppers 36: the projection 58 is dimensioned to register with the stoppers so that the three components form a contiguous structure 59.
  • the projection 58 is used to effect the rotation as it can be engaged by fingers or by a thumb, with an index finger engaged with a stopper 36 such that the thumb can be pulled towards the index finger, squeezing the projection 58 towards the stoppers 36.
  • the joining insert 46 has a central bore or passage that provides respective co-axial cavities 60, 62 at the ends of the respective plug portions 50, 52.
  • the cavity 60 in plug portion 50 is generally circular, whilst the other cavity 62 in plug portion 52 has a figure 8 profile in cross-section, as shown best in Figure 10.
  • the figure 8 is created by a cylinder 64 having two opposed rectangular ribs 66.
  • each socket plug 20 includes diametrical wall 68 from which a central projection 70 extends into the passage 44.
  • the central projection 70 is rectangular, having a height greater than its width such that it extends diametrically aligned and co-planar with the orientation of the respective stopper, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, being a generally vertical orientation in situ.
  • the central projection 70 does not extend axially as far as the lands 56, providing a region 72 where the lugs 54 sit when engaged.
  • the central projection 70 has a width that corresponds to the distance between parallel side faces 74 of the ribs 66 in cavity 62. This means that the joining inserts 46 can only be inserted in an orientation with the projection 58 extending sideways so that the lugs 54 line up between the lands 56 and the side faces 74 will align with the central protrusion 70 when fully inserted. Due to the figure 8 shaped cavity 62, the joining insert 46 can thereafter only be rotated in one direction, in the illustration being anti-clockwise to move into the engaged position, in which the projection 70 aligns with the other side faces 75 of the ribs 66. To disengage, the joining insert 46 must be rotated 90° in the opposite, clockwise direction, to allow the joining insert to be removed, and the two connected tubular members 12 separated. Side faces 74, 75 comprise surfaces that set limits to the extent of relative rotation of the joining insert.
  • figure 8 cavity 62 provides structure on the joining insert 46 that defines a predetermined rotational alignment relative to one or both of the tubular members 12.
  • lugs 54 constitute formations on the joining insert engageable with lands 56 on the socket plugs 20 whereby the joining insert has an engaged position and a disengaged position and movement between the two positions is effected by rotation of the joining insert relative to the socket plugs 20 and tubular members 12.
  • an advantage of the present invention over prior art coupling systems is that a joining insert is rotated relative to both tubular members 12, rather than having to rotate one or both of the tubular members, which would be impossible for tubular members with locked orientations, such as in the application of the present invention. Due to the locked orientation of the tubular members, both ends of the joining insert 46 must be fully inserted before it can be rotated into the engaged position.
  • the coupling system of the present invention provides a solution in instances where two adjacent tubular members misalign, causing an aesthetically unpleasing result in a retail environment.
  • the coupling system according to the present invention can be easily utilised to join the two tubular members together, creating a seamless display assembly.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système d'accouplement destiné à assembler l'un à l'autre deux éléments modulaires et qui comprend un insert d'assemblage (46) possédant une partie corps (48) et deux parties de prise (50, 52) qui font saillie sur la partie corps l'une à l'opposé de l'autre. Une structure (62) formée sur l'insert d'assemblage définit un alignement angulaire prédéterminé relativement à au moins l'un des éléments respectifs qui peuvent être mis en prise par les parties de prise. Une ou plusieurs formations (54) présentes sur l'insert d'assemblage peuvent être mises en prise avec des formations complémentaires (56) situées sur les éléments, de sorte que l'insert d'assemblage puisse prendre une position en prise et une position hors de prise et que le mouvement entre les deux positions s'effectue par rotation de l'insert d'assemblage par rapport aux éléments.
PCT/AU2011/001488 2010-11-17 2011-11-17 Système d'accouplement pour éléments tubulaires WO2012065223A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2010905106A AU2010905106A0 (en) 2010-11-17 Coupling system
AU2010905106 2010-11-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012065223A1 true WO2012065223A1 (fr) 2012-05-24

Family

ID=46083423

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2011/001488 WO2012065223A1 (fr) 2010-11-17 2011-11-17 Système d'accouplement pour éléments tubulaires

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2012065223A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CZ307537B6 (cs) * 2017-09-22 2018-11-14 TRUSS ALUMINIUM FACTORY a.s. Spojovací sestava pro spojování konstrukčních dílů
WO2019057224A1 (fr) * 2017-09-22 2019-03-28 TRUSS ALUMINIUM FACTORY a.s. Ensemble de raccordement pour le raccordement de composants

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2450373A1 (fr) * 1979-02-27 1980-09-26 Eurocontrol Dispositif de jonction de deux troncons de gaine guidant un cable souple de commande a distance
US5403043A (en) * 1991-12-18 1995-04-04 Smet; Marc J. Quick connect pipe coupling
GB2294521A (en) * 1994-10-28 1996-05-01 Alloy Die & Cast Ltd Axial connection of tubular scaffolding components

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2450373A1 (fr) * 1979-02-27 1980-09-26 Eurocontrol Dispositif de jonction de deux troncons de gaine guidant un cable souple de commande a distance
US5403043A (en) * 1991-12-18 1995-04-04 Smet; Marc J. Quick connect pipe coupling
GB2294521A (en) * 1994-10-28 1996-05-01 Alloy Die & Cast Ltd Axial connection of tubular scaffolding components

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CZ307537B6 (cs) * 2017-09-22 2018-11-14 TRUSS ALUMINIUM FACTORY a.s. Spojovací sestava pro spojování konstrukčních dílů
WO2019057224A1 (fr) * 2017-09-22 2019-03-28 TRUSS ALUMINIUM FACTORY a.s. Ensemble de raccordement pour le raccordement de composants

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