WO2018138455A1

WO2018138455A1 - Connection device

Info

Publication number: WO2018138455A1
Application number: PCT/FR2018/050201
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Thevenin
Original assignee: Daniel Thevenin
Priority date: 2017-01-27
Filing date: 2018-01-29
Publication date: 2018-08-02
Also published as: FR3062410A1; FR3062410B1

Abstract

Connection device (10, 110, 210) comprising at least a first beam (12, 112, 212) comprising at least a first recess (16, 16, 216) and at least a first hole (20, 120, 220) extending along an axis (X₁, X₁', X₁'') and opening into the first recess; at least a first connector (22, 122, 222) comprising a body (30) and a base (26, 126) designed to engage with the first recess, the first connector being translationally and rotationally locked relative to the first beam in a first plane orthogonal to the axis of the first hole as a peripheral wall (16a) of the first recess interlocks with a peripheral edge (26a) of said first connector base; at least a first attachment element (24, 124, 224) having a first end portion (24b, 124b) designed to engage with the first connector base, the first attachment element further having a second end portion (24c, 124c) provided with a locking element (46); at least a first locking part (50, 150, 250) engaging with the first end portion of the first attachment element in order to prevent the movement of the first connector relative to the first beam along the axis of the first hole.

Description

CONNECTING DEVICE

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of the construction of houses or buildings and in particular the assembly of structures forming the framework of these buildings. The present invention more specifically relates to a connection device for assembling a plurality of beams between them.

The assembly of the structure of many buildings, and more particularly wooden houses, involves connecting together a plurality of beams, to form the framework of said building.

It is known to use connectors for securing a first beam to a second beam disposed transversely to the first beam.

Connecting devices are known for connecting two beams to each other such as that presented in JP 2014-218778. This device comprises a hook element and a locking element. The hook member has an engaging portion configured to be inserted into a first housing in a first face of a beam. The locking member has an insertion portion configured to cooperate with the engagement portion of the hook member. The locking member also has an axial portion configured to traverse the beam and a locking plate configured to be inserted into a second housing in a second face of the beam, opposite to the first face.

A disadvantage of such a device is that it involves, in a first step, introducing said engagement portion in the first housing in a first direction transverse to the beam, then, in a second step, to move the hook element in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, so as to cooperate the insertion portion of the locking member and the engagement portion of the hook member.

It is therefore necessary to perform several relatively complex successive maneuvers in order to assemble the different elements of this connection device. The repetition of these maneuvers for the assembly of all the beams of the structure of the building to be built can be difficult and time consuming for the worker in charge of mounting many beams.

In addition, in order to block the displacement of the engagement portion of the hook member in the housing of the first beam, the connection device provides for the introduction of an additional pin. This further increases the number of maneuvers required for assembly and also increases manufacturing costs.

Object and summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a connection device overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks.

To do this, the invention relates to a connection device comprising:

At least one first beam extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first face and a second face opposite to the first face, said first beam comprising at least a first housing opening into the first face and at least a first hole; extending along an axis and opening into the first housing and the second side;

At least one first connector comprising a body and a base connected to the body and configured to be received in the first housing, the first connector being locked in translation and in rotation relative to the first beam in a first plane orthogonal to the axis the first hole, by shape cooperation between a peripheral wall of the first housing and a peripheral edge of said base of the first connector;

At least one first fastening element having a central portion configured to be disposed in the first hole and a first end portion configured to cooperate with the base of the first connector, the first fastener further having a second portion, end, opposite the first end portion, provided with a locking member cooperating with the second face of the first beam to block the movement of the first fastening element with respect to the first beam along the axis of the first hole;

At least one first locking member cooperating with the first end portion of the first fastening element to block the displacement of the first connector relative to the first beam along the axis of the first hole. The body of the first connector is preferably configured to cooperate with a second beam, so as to ensure the connection of the second beam to the first beam.

The connection device thus makes it possible to connect a second beam to the first beam, so that the second beam extends transversely to the first beam. The second beam extends in a longitudinal direction, preferably perpendicular to the first beam.

The first beam may for example be a mast, intended to be arranged vertically, while the second beam may be arranged horizontally.

Preferably, the first hole formed in the first beam has the shape of a cylinder extending along the axis of the first hole, and whose transverse dimensions, considered in the first plane orthogonal to the axis of the first hole, are equal to or smaller than the transverse dimensions of the first housing. Still preferably, the transverse dimensions of the first housing, considered in said first plane orthogonal to the axis of the first hole are at least equal to twice the transverse dimensions of the first hole, considered in this plane.

In a nonlimiting manner, the first hole may open in the central part, in the lower part or in the upper part of the first housing.

Preferably, the first hole extends in the first beam perpendicular to the first face of the first beam, the second face of the first beam and the longitudinal direction of the first beam.

Furthermore, the base of the first connector further comprises a height extending along the axis of the first hole when the first connector is mounted on the first beam.

The depth of the first housing preferably corresponds substantially to said height of the base of the first connector, of so that said base extends substantially integrally in said housing when the first connector is mounted on the first beam.

By form cooperation, it is meant that the peripheral wall of the first housing and the peripheral edge of the base of the first connector have particular shapes shaped to cooperate with each other. The peripheral wall and the peripheral edge are configured so that, when the first connector is mounted on the first beam, said peripheral edge of the base of the first connector is at least partially in contact with said peripheral wall of the first housing.

At each of the points of contact between said peripheral wall and said peripheral edge, the peripheral wall constitutes a stop blocking the rotation and / or the translation, in a given direction, in the first plane orthogonal to the axis of the first hole, of the base of the first connector in the first housing. The set of said contact points makes it possible to prevent rotation and translation of the first connector with respect to the first beam, in said first plane orthogonal to the axis of the first hole.

An advantage of this form of cooperation between the peripheral wall of the first housing and the peripheral edge of the base of the first connector is that it is not necessary to use an additional locking piece, such as a pin, to block the rotation and translation of the first connector relative to the first beam, in said first plane orthogonal to the axis of the first hole. This therefore reduces the manufacturing costs compared to the previous attachment device and facilitates the assembly of the first connector and the first beam, to the extent that it is not necessary to install such additional locking piece.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, the base may have a parallelepipedal shape or any other form allowing said shape cooperation between the peripheral wall of the first housing and the peripheral edge of the base of the first connector.

Furthermore, it is understood that the first hole passes through the first beam part-by-part. Said first hole may be cylindrical, parallelepipedal or any other shape for receiving the central portion of the first fastening element in said first hole. The shape of the central portion of the first fastener preferably corresponds to the shape of the first hole so that said central portion can be easily introduced into said first hole.

In practice, the operator in charge of the assembly introduces the first fastener element into the first beam, so that the central portion of said first fastener element extends into the first hole.

The operator then introduces the base of the first connector in the first housing, so that the first end portion of the first fastener cooperates with said base.

Thanks to the shape cooperation between the peripheral edge of the base of the first connector and the peripheral wall of the first housing, the first end portion of the first fastening element cooperates directly with the base of the first connector, when the introducing said base into the first housing.

Also, unlike the devices of the prior art, it is not necessary to perform several maneuvers to cooperate the first fastener element and the base of the first connector, which facilitates all the more the assembly of the various elements component of the device according to the invention.

Furthermore, the first locking element is intended to cooperate with the second face of the first beam, so as to prevent the displacement of the first fastener element along the axis of the first hole, towards the first connector.

The operator can then arrange the first locking member so that it cooperates with the first end portion of the first fastener.

The first locking member makes it possible to block the relative displacement, along the axis of the first hole, of the base of the first connector with respect to the first fixing element. In other words, the first locking member makes it possible to block the displacement, along said axis, of the first fastening element in a direction opposite to the first connector as well as the displacement of the connector base in a direction opposite to the locking element of the first fastener. In this way, the first locking member allows the position of the first connector and the first attachment member, relative to the first beam. Also, the assembly consisting of the first fastening element and the first connector is secured to said first beam.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is also possible to first introduce the base of the first connector in the first housing, before introducing the first fastener element in the first beam.

Preferably, the body of the first connector comprises a connection element protruding from the base of the first connector and configured to cooperate with a slot in a second beam. An interest is to ensure cooperation between the second beam and the first beam, through the first connector. Indeed, the base of the first connector being configured to cooperate with the first housing of the first beam and the connecting element of the first connector being configured to cooperate with the second beam, the connector performs its function of connecting the two beams.

Another interest is to facilitate the cooperation of the first beam and the second beam.

The second beam is preferably substantially identical to the first beam. It has the shape of a parallelepiped comprising a first and a second end, opposite to the first end. The second beam has four lateral faces, a first end face disposed at the first end of the second beam and a second end face disposed at the second end of the second beam.

More preferably, the slot is formed in the beam at the first end so that it opens into the first end face and into two opposite side faces of said second beam. The connection element of the first connector is thus placed in cooperation with the slot of the second beam so that it cooperates with an end portion of said second beam.

Preferably, the connection element comprises a plate extending in a plane comprising the longitudinal direction of the first beam and preferably the axis of the first hole. An interest is to facilitate the cooperation of the first beam and the second beam. Indeed, it is sufficient to position the second beam so as to place the slot next to the plate of the first connector and then move the second beam to said plate, to insert the plate into the slot.

It is understood that the plate has substantially the shape of a parallelepiped having a thickness substantially smaller than its width and its length.

The plate makes it possible to block the displacement of the second beam relative to the first beam in a direction transverse to said plate and therefore transverse to said plane comprising the longitudinal direction of the first beam and the axis of the first hole.

Preferably, when the connector is installed on the first beam, said plate protrudes perpendicularly to the first beam in said plane, so that when the second beam cooperates with said plate, said second beam extends substantially perpendicular to the first beam .

Advantageously, the connection element comprises at least one opening configured to receive a mounting element of the first connector to the second beam. An interest is to block the displacement of the second beam relative to the first connector, after cooperation of said second beam and said first connector.

The mounting element thus makes it possible to lock the assembly of the second beam to the first beam.

Preferably, the mounting member can be set up by simply inserting into said opening of the connecting element of the first connector, so that the locking of the assembly is facilitated.

In a nonlimiting manner, the mounting element may be an anchor cooperating with the opening of the connection element and with an orifice formed in the second beam, so that said anchor prevents displacement of the second beam relative to the connection element of the first connector.

Advantageously, the connection element comprises at least one notch opening into said opening. An interest is to facilitate the mounting of the first connector to the second beam. Indeed, the space released by the notch allows a game to set up even more easily the mounting element. This notch therefore makes it easier to assemble the second beam, the connection element of the first connector and the mounting element.

According to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, the peripheral wall of the first housing and the peripheral edge of said base of the first connector have substantially the same shape, so that said base is configured to fit the first housing. An interest is to multiply the number of points of contact between said peripheral wall and said peripheral edge, so as to improve the locking in translation and in rotation of the first connector relative to the first beam, in the first plane orthogonal to the axis the first hole. This allows in particular to fix more securely the first connector to the first beam.

Another advantage is that said peripheral wall constitutes a guide facilitating the insertion of the base of the first connector in the first housing.

Preferably, the adjustment between the base and the first housing is a sliding type adjustment. To do this, the dimensions of the base of the first connector are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the first housing, whereby there is a slight clearance further facilitating the insertion of the base of the first connector in said first housing and therefore the assembly of the first connector to the first beam.

Preferably, the peripheral wall of the first housing and the peripheral edge of said base of the first connector are both oblong. One advantage is that it is easy to machine the base to give it this oblong shape. Indeed, this form can be obtained easily by chamfering an initial parallelepipedal piece. Similarly, it is easy to make an oblong bore to form the first housing. In addition, the oblong shape effectively distributes the contact points and therefore the forces on the entire peripheral wall of the first housing and the entire peripheral edge of the base, when the base of the first connector is inserted into the first housing . This has the effect of reducing the wear of the first beam and the base of the first connector. Advantageously, the base of the first connector comprises a bore configured to extend along the axis of the first hole when the first connector is mounted to the first beam and the first end portion of the first attachment member is configured to extend into said piercing.

An interest is to facilitate the cooperation of the first end portion of the first fastener element with the base of the first connector and thus facilitate the connection of the first connector to the first beam. Indeed, when the first fastening element is disposed in the first hole of the first beam, the introduction of the base of the first connector in the first housing makes it possible to dispose the first end portion of said first fastener element immediately in drilling said base, without requiring additional maneuver.

Without limitation, the assembly of the first fastening element, the first connector and the first beam can be done in only two steps, in this case by introducing the first fastener element in the first hole and then introducing the first base of the first connector in the first housing.

Still in a nonlimiting manner, the locking of this assembly can then be achieved, in a third step, by setting up the locking element.

Particularly advantageously, the first end portion of the first fastener is configured to pass through the bore of the base of the first connector and to open into a slot in the body of said first connector. The first fastener passes through the base of the first connector from one side, whereby the first fastener cooperates with the entirety of an inner wall of said bore. The first attachment element, when mounted on the first beam, is a guide further facilitating the insertion of the base of the first connector in the first housing.

Preferably, the first locking member comprises a first circlip configured to cooperate with a groove formed in the first end portion of the first fastener. The first end portion of the first fastener extends beyond the base and is therefore accessible for an operator, for whom it is therefore easy to set up the first circlip so that it cooperates with said groove.

The first circlip constitutes a stop preventing the first connector from moving relative to the first fixing element along the axis of the first hole, in a direction opposite to the locking element. Equivalently, the first circlip makes it possible to block the displacement of the first fastening element relative to the first connector along the axis of the first hole, in a direction opposite to the first connector. Said first circlip is set up after assembling the first fastener, the first connector and the first beam, so as to lock this assembly.

Advantageously, the second face of the first beam comprises a first recess into which the first hole opens, the first recess having a bearing face, the locking element forming a shoulder configured to abut against said bearing face.

The blocking member is configured to at least partially introduce into the first recess.

Preferably, the first recess has substantially the same shape as the locking member, so that the locking member is fitted into the first recess. This improves the locking in translation of the first fastening element in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the first hole.

In a nonlimiting manner, the first recess can be configured so that the first locking element is introduced integrally, so that it does not protrude from the second face of the first beam.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a second housing is formed in the first beam so as to open into the second face of said first beam, the first hole opening into said second housing, in which the locking element comprises a second connector comprising a body and a base connected to the body, said base being configured to be received in the second housing, the second connector being locked in translation and in rotation relative to the first beam in a second plane orthogonal to the axis of the first hole, by form cooperation between a peripheral wall of the second housing and a peripheral edge of said base of the second connector, the second end portion of the first fixing element being configured to cooperate with the base of the second connector, the connection device further comprising a second member locking member cooperating with said second end portion of the first fastening member for blocking movement of the second connector relative to the first beam along the axis of the first hole.

In this configuration, the assembly consisting of the second connector and the second locking member makes it possible to block the displacement of the first fastening element and the first connector along the axis of the first hole, in a direction opposite to the second connector.

In practice, the operator introduces the first fastener element in the first hole in the first beam, then he introduces the base of the first connector in the first housing and sets up the first locking member. It then introduces the base of the second connector into the second housing and sets up the second locking member so as to jointly secure the first connector, the second connector and the first beam.

It will be understood that the second connector makes it possible in particular to connect a third beam to the first beam, the second and the third beam extending transversely to the first beam, facing one another and substantially symmetrically with respect to a plane. orthogonal to the axis of the first hole. In this way, the third beam extends in a longitudinal direction substantially coincident with the longitudinal direction of the second beam.

Preferably, the second connector is identical to the first connector, whereby it is easy for the operator to mount the second connector on the first beam, as it could for the first connector.

Preferably, the base of the second connector comprises a bore configured to extend along the axis of the first hole when the second connector is mounted to the first beam and the second end portion of the first attachment member is configured to extend into said piercing. An interest is to facilitate the cooperation of the second end portion of the first fastener element with the base of the second connector and thus facilitate the connection of the second connector to the first beam. Indeed, when the first fastening element is disposed in the first hole of the first beam, the introduction of the base of the second connector into the second housing makes it possible to dispose the second end portion of said first fastener immediately in drilling said base, without requiring additional maneuver.

In a nonlimiting manner, the assembly of the second connector, the first beam and the first connection element is done in a single step of introducing the base of this second connector into the second housing, along the axis of the first hole. .

Advantageously, the second end portion of the first fastening element is configured to pass through the bore of the base of the second connector and to open into a slot formed in the body of said second connector.

Again, the first fastener passes through the base of the second connector from one side, whereby the first fastener cooperates with the entirety of an inner wall of said bore. The first fastener, when mounted on the first beam, is a guide further facilitating the insertion of the base of the second connector in the second housing.

Preferably, the second locking member comprises a second circlip configured to cooperate with a groove formed in the second end portion of the first fastener.

The second end portion of the first attachment member extends beyond the base of the second connector and is therefore accessible to an operator, for whom it is therefore easy to set up the second circlip so that it cooperates with said groove.

The second circlip constitutes a stop preventing the second connector from moving relative to the first fixing element along the axis of the first hole, in a direction opposite to the first end portion of the first fixing element. Equivalently, the circlip makes it possible to block the displacement of the first fastening element relative to the second connector along the axis of the first hole, in a direction opposite to the second connector. Said second circlip is therefore put in place, preferably after assembling the first fastening element, the first connector, the second connector and the first beam, so as to secure this assembly.

Alternatively, the first beam has a third face and a fourth face perpendicular to the first and second faces of the first beam, wherein a third housing and a second hole are formed in the first beam so that the third housing opens into the third face of said first beam and so that the second hole extends along an axis and opens into the third housing and in the fourth face of the first beam, opposite the third face, the connection device comprising:

An additional connector comprising a body and a base connected to the body, said base being configured to be received in the third housing, the additional connector being locked in translation and in rotation with respect to the first beam in a plane orthogonal to the axis; the second hole, by shape cooperation between a peripheral wall of the third housing and a peripheral edge of said base of the additional connector;

A second fastener having a central portion configured to be disposed in the second hole and a first end portion configured to cooperate with the base of the additional connector, the second fastener further having a second end portion; opposed to the first end portion, provided with a locking member cooperating with the fourth face of the first beam to block the movement of the second fastener relative to the first beam along the axis of the second hole;

An additional locking member cooperating with the first end portion of the second fixing element to block the displacement of the additional connector with respect to the first beam along the axis of the second hole, the first hole and the second hole being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first beam.

An interest is to connect a fourth beam to the first beam, in the same way as described above.

Preferably, but without limitation, the second hole is disposed above the first hole, in the longitudinal direction of the first beam. In this configuration, the first fixing element preferably cooperates with an upper part of the bases of the first and second connectors, while the second fixing element cooperates, preferably, with a central or lower part of the connector base. additional.

Preferably, the first hole and the second hole are configured so that the axis of the first hole and the axis of the second hole are substantially perpendicular.

In this way, the additional connector is arranged so that, when the fourth beam is mounted on the first beam, said fourth beam extends substantially perpendicular to the first beam, the second beam and the third beam.

Preferably, the longitudinal directions of the second beam, the third beam and the fourth beam are coplanar, in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first beam.

Advantageously, the base of the additional connector comprises a bore configured to extend along the axis of the second hole when the additional connector is mounted on the first beam and the first end portion of the second fastener is configured to extend into said piercing.

Preferably, the first end portion of the second fastener is configured to pass through the hole in the base of the additional connector and to open into a slot in the body of said additional connector.

Advantageously, the additional locking member comprises an additional circlip configured to cooperate with a groove formed in the first end portion of the second fastener. Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates, in a first exploded view, a first embodiment of the connection device according to the invention;

- Figure 2 illustrates, in a second exploded view, the connection device of Figure 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a connector of the connection device of FIG. 1;

- Figure 4 is a sectional view of the connection device of Figure 1;

- Figure 5 illustrates the assembly of two beams by means of the connection device of Figure 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the connection device according to the invention;

- Figure 7 is a sectional view of the connection device of Figure 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a connector of the connection device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the connection device according to the invention; and

- Figure 10 illustrates the assembly of four beams by means of the connection device of Figure 9.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention relates to a connection device 10 for connecting together a plurality of beams, so as to form the frame of a building. The beams are preferably made of wood. They could be made of another material, for example a composite material, or any other material.

Figures 1 and 2 show, in exploded view, a first embodiment of said connection device 10 according to the invention.

As can be seen in these two figures, the connection device 10 comprises a first beam 12, arranged here vertically, so as to form a pillar of the frame of the building. The first beam extends in a longitudinal direction Yi. Said first beam 12 has a first face 12a and a second face 12b, opposite the first face 12a. The first beam 12 also has a third face 12c and a fourth face 12d, opposite the third face 12c.

In the first face 12a of said first beam 12 is provided a first housing 16 of oblong shape and having a length, a width, and a depth. The width of said first housing is substantially equal to its depth. Said first housing comprises a peripheral wall 16a and a bottom 16b.

In the second face 12b of the first beam 12 is formed a circular recess 18 having a bearing face 18a and a border 18b.

Furthermore, the first beam 12 has a first cylindrical hole 20, passing right through it and extending along an axis Xi. This first hole 20 opens on the one hand in an upper part of the first housing 16, formed in the first face 12a of the first beam 12, and secondly in the circular recess 18, formed in the second face 12b of the first beam 12.

The connection device 10 also comprises a first connector 22 configured to cooperate with a first fastening element 24, forming a shaft, in order to connect together the first and second beams.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first connector 22 comprises a base 26, of oblong shape, in which is formed a bore 28 extending along an axis Z ±. The bore 28 is formed in the upper part of the base 26. The base has a length L, a width I and a height h, the length L being greater than the width I, while the width I is substantially equal to the height h. Said base 26 has a peripheral edge 26a extending around the entire periphery of said base 26, a front face 26b and a rear face 26c.

Furthermore, the dimensions of the base 26 substantially correspond to the dimensions of the first housing 16.

The first connector 22 also comprises a body 30 projecting from the base 26. The body 30 comprises a plate-shaped connection element 32 extending substantially transversely with respect to the base 26, in a plane comprising the axis Zi of the drilling of the base 26. The connecting element 32 has a thickness e less than the width I of the base 26, while its length is substantially equal to the length L of the base 26.

The connection element 32 is provided with a main opening 34 disposed at a central portion of said connection element and a first secondary opening 36 formed in a lower corner, opposite the base 26, of the connection element. 32. The connecting element 32 comprises, in its upper corner, opposite the base 26, a hook portion 38. This hook portion 38 defines a notch opening into a second secondary opening 40. As illustrated in FIG. in the connecting element 32 is also provided a light 42, adjacent to the base 26, and in which opens the bore 28 of said base 26.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the first fastening element 24 comprises a cylindrical central portion 24a. The first fastener 24 is further provided with a first end portion 24b and a second end portion 24c, opposite the first end portion 24b.

The first end portion 24b of the first attachment member has a first groove 44 formed on its circumference.

The second end portion 24c of the first fastening element 24 comprises a locking element, constituted in this example by a flange 46 forming a circular shoulder, of diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the recess 18. Said flange 46 comprises in in addition to a support portion 48.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connection device 10 also comprises a first locking member constituted in this example by a first circlip 50.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second beam 14 is connected to the first beam 12. This second beam 14 also has the shape of a parallelepiped extending in a longitudinal direction Y ₂ . The second beam 14 comprises a first face 14a and a second face 14b, opposite the first face 14a and a third face 14c and a fourth face 14d, opposite the third face 14c. The second beam 14 has a first end face 14e disposed at the first end of the second beam 14 and a second end face (not shown) disposed at the second end of the second beam.

A slot 52 is formed in the second beam 14 at its first end so that said slot 52 opens into the first end face 14e and the first face 14a and the second face 14b of said second beam 14. The slot 52 extends in a plane perpendicular to the first face 14a and second face 14b of the second beam 14 and comprising the longitudinal direction Y ₂ of said second beam.

Furthermore, a first cavity 54 and a second cavity 56 are formed in the second beam 14, so that they open into the third face 14c and the fourth face 14d of the second beam. These two cavities intersect the plane of the slot 52, so that they communicate with said slot 52. The width of the slot 52 is slightly greater than the thickness e of the connection element 32 of the first connector 22, so that the slot 52 is configured to receive said connection member 32.

To connect the second beam 14 to the first beam 12, so as to form a framework, the first fastening element 24 is first inserted, by its first end portion 24b, in the first hole 20, along the axis Xi of said first hole 20. The first fastening element 24 is inserted until the collar 46 is inserted into the recess 18 formed in the first beam 12. In this position, the bearing portion 48 of the flange 46 abuts against the bearing face 18a of the recess 18. The flange 46 of the first fastening element constitutes a shoulder for blocking the displacement, along the axis Xi, of the first fastening element 24 with respect to the first beam 12, in the direction of introduction of said first fastening element 24. Said collar 46 thus constitutes a locking element.

It can be seen that the dimensions of the recess 18 correspond substantially to the dimensions of the flange 46, so that said flange 46 is configured to fit this recess 18. It is also noted that the dimensions of the first hole 20 substantially correspond to the dimensions of the central portion 24a of the first fastener 24, so that the central portion 24a of the first fastener is configured to fit the first hole 20. This configuration effectively blocks the displacement in translation of the first fastening element 24 relative to the first beam 12, in a plane orthogonal to the axis Xi of the first hole 20. It is thus clear that when the first fastening element 24 is mounted on the first beam 12, the only possible translation movement for the first fastening element 24 is a translation along the axis Xi of the first hole 20, in a direction opposite to the first face 12a of the first beam 12.

The base 26 of the first connector 22 is then inserted into the first housing 16, so as to connect said first connector 22 to the first beam 12. To do this, it is necessary to have the base 26 of the first connector 22 opposite the first housing 16 and then move the first connector 22 to said first housing 16, along an axis substantially parallel to the axis Xi of the first hole 20.

Once the insertion made, the peripheral edge 26a of the base

26 and the peripheral wall 16a of the first housing 16 cooperate, in this example because of their substantially identical shape. In addition, the front face 26b of the base 26 of the first connector 22 abuts against the bottom 16b of the first housing 16.

Due to the form cooperation between the peripheral edge

26a of the base 26 of the first connector 22 and the peripheral wall 16a of the first housing 16, the base 26 of the first connector 22, and therefore the first connector 22 itself, are locked in rotation and in translation relative to the first beam 12, in a plane orthogonal to the axis Xi of the first hole 20.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, any form of base 26 for preventing rotation and translation of the first connector 22 relative to the first beam 12 is suitable. Also, the base 26 could, for example, have the shape of a parallelepiped.

In addition, the connecting device 10 is configured such that, when the first connector 22 is mounted on the first beam 12, the bore 28 formed in the base 26 of the first connector 22 is aligned with the first hole 20 of the first In this way, the axis Zi of said bore 28 is substantially coincident with the axis Xi of said first hole 20. In addition, the diameter of the central portion 24a of the first fastening element 24 is slightly smaller than the diameter. of the bore 28 of the base 26 of the first connector 22. In this way, when the base 26 of the first connector 22 is inserted into the first housing 16, the first fastening element 24 is introduced into the bore 28 of said base 26.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, in this conformation, the first end portion 24b of the first fastening element 24 passes through the base 26 of the first connector 22 and extends beyond the bore 28 of said base, to in the light 42.

The first circlip 50 is then mounted on the first end portion 24b of the first fastener 24 so that it then cooperates with the first groove 44. The first circlip 50 constitutes a stop abutting on the rear face 26c of the base 26. This first circlip 50 prevents the displacement of the first connector 22 relative to the first fastening element 24 along the axis Xi of the first hole 20, in a direction opposite to the flange 46. Equivalently, the first circlip 50 makes it possible to block the displacement of the first fastening element 24 relative to the first connector 22 along the axis Xi of the first hole 20, in a direction opposite to the first connector 22.

The first circlip 50 is therefore a first locking member for holding the first connector 22 and the first fastening element 24 integral with the first beam 12, in an assembled position. In this position, the connecting element 32 of said first connector 22 protrudes from the first face 12a of the first beam 12, preferably transversely to said first face 12a. In addition, this connection element extends in a plane passing through the axis Xi of the first hole 20 and the longitudinal direction Yi of the first beam 12.

The second beam 14 is then brought to introduce the connecting element 32 of the first connector 22 in the slot 52 of said second beam. In this position, the plane in which the connecting element 32 extends from the first connector 22 is substantially coincidental with the plane of the slot 52. In addition, once mounted, the second beam 14 extends substantially transversely, from preferably perpendicular to the first beam 12, as can be see also in FIG. 5. In addition, the longitudinal direction Y ₂ of the second beam is substantially parallel to the axis Xi of the first hole 20.

The connection element 32 of the first connector 22 blocks the displacement of the second beam 14 relative to the first beam 12 in a direction transverse to the plane in which said connecting element 32 extends. In addition, the first end face 14 the second beam 14 preferably bears against the first face 12a of the first beam 12.

First and second mounting members, constituted in this example by a first pin 58 and a second pin 60 which are then inserted respectively into the first cavity 56 and the second cavity 58. The connection device is configured so that that in this configuration, the first pin 58 passes through the first secondary opening 36 of the connecting element 32 of the first connector 22 and the second pin 60 passes through the second secondary opening 40 of said connection element 32. The notch delimited by the hook portion 38 of the connecting member 32 of the first connector 22 provides a space facilitating the insertion of the second pin 60.

The two pins 58, 60 block the displacement of the second beam 14 relative to the connection element 32 of the first connector 22, in the plane of the slot 52. These pins therefore block the displacement of the second beam 14 relative to the first beam in the plane in which said connecting element 32 extends.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connection device 10 according to the invention thus makes it possible to connect the second beam 14 to the first beam 12, so that the longitudinal direction Y ₂ of the second beam 14 is substantially perpendicular. at the longitudinal direction Yi of the first beam 12.

Figures 6 to 8 illustrate a second embodiment of the connection device 110 according to the invention. The elements and means of this second embodiment already present in the first embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, will not be described again. These elements and means comprise the same references as the corresponding elements and means of the first embodiment, increased by the value cent. In this second embodiment, the connection device 110 comprises a first beam 112, and makes it possible to connect a second beam 114 and a third beam 114 'to the first beam.

The second beam 114 is substantially identical to that of the first embodiment.

The first beam 112 of this second embodiment differs from the first beam 12 of the first embodiment essentially in that, in the second face 112b of the first beam 112, is formed a second housing 116 'substantially identical to the first housing 116. Furthermore, the first beam 112 has a first cylindrical hole 120, passing right through it and extending along an axis Xi '. This first hole 120 opens on the one hand in a central portion of the first housing 116, formed in the first face 112a of the first beam 112, and secondly in a central portion of the second housing 116 ', formed in the second face 112b of the first beam 112.

The connection device 110 also includes a first connector 122 and a second connector 122 'configured to cooperate with a first fastener 124, forming a shaft.

The first connector 122 of this second embodiment differs essentially from the first connector 22 of the first embodiment in that the bore 128 extends in the central part of the base 126, along an axis Ζι ', and that the light 142 in which opens the hole 128 is formed opposite this bore 128 in the central portion of the connection element 132.

The second connector 122 'is substantially identical to this first connector 122. Similarly, the third beam 114' is substantially identical to the second beam 114. The elements of the second connector 122 'and the second beam 114' have the same references as the corresponding elements of the first connector 122 and the first beam 114, with the symbol prime ('). In particular the bore 128 'of the second connector 122' extends along an axis Z ₂ '.

Moreover, the first fastening element 124 comprises a cylindrical central portion 124a. The first fastener 124 is further provided with a first end portion 124b and a second end portion 124c opposite the first end portion 124b. The first end portion 124b and the second end portion 124c of the first attachment member respectively comprise a first groove 144 and a second groove 144 'provided on their circumferences.

To connect the second beam 114 and the third beam 114 'to the first beam 112, the first fastener 124 is first inserted into the first hole 120, so that it extends along the axis Xi' of said first hole 120. The base 126 of the first connector 122 is then inserted into the first housing 116 and the first circlip 150 is mounted on the first groove 144 of the first fastener 124, so as to mount the first connector 122 on the first beam 112, as detailed in the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 5.

In the same way, the base 126 'of the second connector 122' is introduced into the second housing 116 '. Here again, the peripheral edge 126a 'of the base 126' of the second connector and the peripheral wall 116a 'of the second housing 116' cooperate due to their substantially identical shape.

Due to the shape cooperation between the peripheral edge 126a 'of the base 126' of the second connector 122 'and the peripheral wall 116a' of the second housing 116 ', the base 126' of the second connector 122 ', and therefore the second connector 122 'itself, are locked in rotation and in translation relative to the first beam 112, in a second plane orthogonal to the axis Xi' of the first hole 120.

When the first connector 122 and the second connector 122 'are mounted on the first beam 112, the connecting element 132 of the first connector 122 and the connecting element 132' of the second connector 122 'project respectively from the first face 112a. and from the second face 112b of the first beam 112, transversely to these first and second faces. In addition, in this nonlimiting example, these connecting elements 132, 132 'both extend in a plane passing through the axis Xi' of the first hole 120 and the longitudinal direction Yi 'of the first beam 112.

Furthermore, the connecting device is configured so that, when the second connector 122 'is mounted on the first beam 112, the bore 128' formed in the base 126 'of the second connector 122' is aligned with the first hole 120 of the first beam 112. From this way, the axis Ζ ₂ 'of said bore 128' is substantially coincident with the axis Xi 'of said first hole 120.

In addition, when the base 126 'of the second connector 122' is inserted into the second housing 116 ', the second end portion 124c of the first fastener 124 is inserted into the bore 128' of said base 126 'of the second connector 122 '. In this conformation, the second end portion 124c of the first fastener 124 passes through the base 126 'of the second connector 122' and extends beyond the bore 128 'of said base, into the lumen 142'.

A second circlip 150 'is then mounted on the second end portion 124c of the first fastener 124 so that it then cooperates with the second groove 144'. The assembly consisting of the second circlip 150 'and the second connector 122' is a locking element preventing the displacement of the first fastener 124, and therefore the first connector 122, relative to the first beam 112 along the axis Xi of the first hole 120, in a direction opposite to the second connector 122 '. Conversely, the assembly consisting of the first connector 122 and the first circlip 150 makes it possible to block the displacement of the first fastener element 124 and the second connector 122 ', along the axis of the Xi' of the first hole 120, in a direction opposite to the first connector 122.

The second beam 114 is then connected to the first beam 112 by introducing the connecting element 132 of the first connector 122 into the slot 152 of the second beam 114, as detailed for the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5.

Similarly, the third beam 114 'is connected to the first beam 112 by introducing the connecting element 132' of the second connector 122 'into the slot 152' of the third beam 114 ', in the same manner as before.

The assembly of the third beam 114 'and the second connector 122' is locked by means of two pins 158 ', 160'.

As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, this second embodiment of the connection device according to the invention thus makes it possible to secure the second beam 114 and the third beam 114 'to the first beam 112, so that the second beam 114 and the third beam 114 'extend substantially perpendicular to the first beam 12, facing one another.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention. In this third embodiment, the connection device 210 makes it possible to connect to a first beam 212, a second beam 214, a third beam 214 'and a fourth beam 214 ".This embodiment results from the combination of the first and the second beam 214". second embodiments detailed above.

In this third embodiment, the second beam 214 and the third beam 214 'are connected to the first beam in a substantially identical manner to the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8. In addition, the elements providing this connection are substantially identical for these two embodiments.

The elements and means of this third embodiment common to the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 will not be described again. They further comprise the same references as the corresponding elements and means of the second embodiment, increased by the value one hundred.

The first beam 212 extends in a longitudinal direction Yi ".The second and third beams 214, 214 'are connected to the first beam 212 by means of a first and a second connector 222, 222' cooperating with a first fixing element 224 extending along an axis Xi "of a first hole 220. The assembly is locked by means of a first and a second locking member, in this example of the first and second circlips 250, 250 and first, second, third and fourth pins 258, 260, 258 ', 260'.

With respect to the second embodiment, a third housing 216 "similar to that of the first embodiment is formed in the face 212c of the first beam 212. In addition, in the fourth face 212d of the first beam is formed a recess (not shown) similar to that of the first embodiment A second hole 220 "passes through the first beam so that it opens into an upper part of the third housing 216" The second hole 220 "extends along an axis X ₂ "substantially perpendicular to the axis Xi" of the first hole 220. In particular, the second hole 220 "is shifted upwards by relative to the first hole 220, in the longitudinal direction of the first beam 212.

The connection device 210 further comprises a second fastener element 224 "such as that presented in the first embodiment, which second fastener 224" is inserted into the second hole 220 "so that it extends along the X axis ₂ "of said second hole. The third connector is mounted on the first beam so that its base cooperates with the third housing 216 ".The second fixing element 224" is configured to cooperate with the third connector 222 ", to form an assembly as detailed in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5. A third circlip 250 "makes it possible to lock this assembly and the fourth beam 214" can be connected to the first beam 212.

In FIG. 10 it can be seen that the connection device 210, in its third embodiment, makes it possible to connect four beams 212, 214, 214 ', 214 "between them, so that they extend perpendicularly one through the other. In addition, the second, third and fourth beams 214, 214 ', 214 "extend in longitudinal directions which are substantially coplanar.

Claims

CLAIMS for connection (10) comprising:

at least a first beam (12, 112, 212) extending in a longitudinal direction (Yi, Υι ', Yi ") and having a first face (12a, 112a, 212a) and a second face (12b, 112b, 212b ) opposite to the first face, said first beam having at least a first housing (16, 116, 216) opening into the first face and at least a first hole (20, 120, 220) extending along an axis (Xi, Xi ', Xi ") and opening into the first housing and the second side;

at least one first connector (22, 122, 222) having a body (30) and a base (26, 126) connected to the body and configured to be received in the first housing, the first connector being locked in translation and rotation by relative to the first beam in a first plane orthogonal to the axis of the first hole, by shape cooperation between a peripheral wall (16a) of the first housing and a peripheral edge (26a) of said base of the first connector;

at least one first fastening element (24, 124, 224) having a central portion (24a) configured to be disposed in the first hole and a first end portion (24b, 124b) configured to cooperate with the base of the first connector, the first fastening element further having a second end portion (24c, 124c), opposite the first end portion, provided with a locking member (46) cooperating with the second face of the first beam to block the movement of the first fastener relative to the first beam along the axis of the first hole; At least one first locking member (50, 150, 250) cooperating with the first end portion of the first fixing element to block the displacement of the first connector relative to the first beam along the axis of the first hole.

A connection device according to claim 1, wherein the body (30) of the first connector (22, 122, 222) comprises a connecting member (32, 132) projecting from the base (26, 126) of the first connector and configured to cooperate with a slot (52, 152) in a second beam (14, 114, 214).

Connecting device according to claim 2, wherein the connecting element (32, 132) comprises a plate extending in a plane comprising the longitudinal direction (Yi, Υι ', Yi ") of the first beam (12, 112 , 212) and the axis (Xi, Xi ', Xi ") of the first hole (20, 120, 220).

Connecting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the connecting element (32, 132) comprises at least one opening (40, 140) configured to receive a mounting element (60, 160, 260) of the first connector ( 22, 122, 222) to the second beam (14).

Connecting device according to claim 4, wherein the connecting element comprises at least one notch opening into said opening (40, 140).

Connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the peripheral wall (16a) of the first housing (16, 116, 216) and the peripheral edge (26a) of said base (26, 126) of the first connector (22, 122, 222) have substantially the same shape, so that said base is configured to fit the first housing.

The connection device of claim 6, wherein the adjustment between the base (26, 126) and the first housing (16, 116, 216) is a sliding type fit. Connecting device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the peripheral wall (16a) of the first housing (16, 116, 216) and the peripheral edge (26a) of said base (26, 126) of the first connector (22 , 122, 222) are both oblong. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base (26, 126) of the first connector (22, 122, 222) has a bore (28, 128) configured to extend according to the axis (Xi, Xi ', Xi ") of the first hole (20, 120, 220) when the first connector is mounted to the first beam (12, 112, 212) and the first end portion (24b, 124b). ) of the first fastener (24, 124, 224) is configured to extend into said bore (28, 128).

The connection device of claim 9, wherein the first end portion (24b, 124b) of the first attachment member (24, 124, 224) is configured to traverse the bore (28, 128) of the base (26, 126) of the first connector (22, 122, 222) and to open into a lumen (42, 142) in the body (30) of said first connector.

The connecting device according to claim 10, wherein the first locking member (50, 150, 250) comprises a first circlip configured to cooperate with a groove (44, 144) formed in the first end portion (24b, 124b) of the first fastener (24, 124, 224).

12. Connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second face (12b) of the first beam (12) comprises a first recess (18) into which opens the first hole (20), the first recess having a bearing face (18a), the locking element (46) forming a shoulder configured to abut against said bearing face.

13. Connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a second housing (116 ', 216') is formed in the first beam (112, 212) so as to open in the second face (112b, 212b) of said first beam, the first hole (120) opening into said second housing, wherein the locking member comprises a second connector (122 ', 2220 having a body (130') and a base (126 ') connected to the body, said base being configured to be received in the second housing, the second connector being locked in translation and in rotation relative to the first beam in a second plane orthogonal to the axis (Χι ', Xi ") of the first hole by form-fitting between a peripheral wall (116a0 of the second housing and a peripheral edge (126a ') of said base of the second connector, the second end portion (124c) of the first fastening element (124, 224) being configured to cooperate with the base of u the second connector, the connecting device (110, 210) further comprising a second locking member (150 ', 250 ⁷ ) cooperating with said second end portion of the first fastening member to block movement of the second connector relative to to the first beam along the axis of the first hole.

The connecting device according to claim 13, wherein the second connector (122 ', 222') is identical to the first connector (122, 222). 15. Connection device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the base (126a0 of the second connector (122 ', 2220 comprises a bore (1280 configured to extend along the axis (Χι', Xi'O of the first hole (120) when the second connector is mounted to the first beam (112, 212) and the second end portion (124c) of the first attachment member (124) is configured to extend into said bore.

The connection device of claim 15, wherein the second end portion (124c) of the first attachment member (124) is configured to traverse the bore (1280 of the base (126a ⁷ ) of the second connector (1220). and to open into a lumen (142 ') formed in the body (1300 of said second connector.

17. Connecting device according to claim 16, wherein the second locking member comprises a second circlip (150 ',

2500 configured to cooperate with a groove (1440 in the second end portion (124c) of the first fastener member (124). 18. A connector device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first beam (212) has a third face (212c) and a fourth face (212d) perpendicular to the first and second faces (212a, 212b) of the first beam, wherein a third housing (216'0 and a second hole (220 ") are formed in the first beam so that the third housing opens into the third face of said first beam and so that the second hole extends along an axis (X ₂ ") and opens into the third housing and in the fourth face of the first beam, opposite to the third face, the connection device comprising:

An additional connector (222'0) comprising a body and a base connected to the body, said base being configured to be received in the third housing, the additional connector being locked in translation and in rotation with respect to the first beam in an orthogonal plane to the axis of the second hole, by shape cooperation between a peripheral wall of the third housing and a peripheral edge of said base of the additional connector;

A second fastener (224 ") having a central portion configured to be disposed in the second hole and a first end portion configured to cooperate with the base of the additional connector, the second attachment member further having a second end portion opposite the first end portion, provided with a cooperating locking member with the fourth face of the first beam to block the movement of the second fastener relative to the first beam along the axis of the second hole;

An additional locking member (250 ") cooperating with the first end portion of the second fixing element to block the displacement of the additional connector with respect to the first beam along the axis of the second hole,

the first hole and the second hole being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first beam.

The connecting device according to claim 18, wherein the first hole and the second hole (220 ") are configured so that the axis (Xi") of the first hole and the axis of the second hole (X ₂ ") are substantially perpendicular.

20. Connection device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the base of the additional connector (222 ") comprises a bore configured to extend along the axis (X ₂ ") of the second hole (220 ") when the An additional connector is mounted on the first beam (212) and the first end portion of the second attachment member (224) is configured to extend into said bore 21. A connection device according to claim 20, wherein the first end portion of the second attachment member (224) is configured to pass through the bore of the additional connector socket (222 ") and to open into a slot in the body of said additional connector.

22. Connecting device according to claim 21, wherein the additional locking member (250 ") comprises an additional circlip configured to cooperate with a groove in the first end portion of the second fastening element (224).