WO2021148670A1

WO2021148670A1 - Vertical support and structural system

Info

Publication number: WO2021148670A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/051586
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harald Jerabek; Marco Sander
Original assignee: Visplay International Ag
Priority date: 2020-01-23
Filing date: 2021-01-25
Publication date: 2021-07-29
Also published as: CH717062A1; DE212021000277U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vertical support (1) comprising a hollow tubular body (2), a profiled current section (4) equipped with at least one conductor track (43), and a cover (31) which is designed to cover a longitudinal end of the profiled current section (4). The tubular body (2) is equipped with at least one row of perforations (21), each of which is designed to receive a connector for securing a shelf element to the vertical support (1). The profiled current section (4) extends along the tubular body (2) when arranged within the tubular body (2), and the hollow tubular body (2) has a semicircular inner cross-section. The cover (31) is equipped with an aligning structure (313) which, when the cover (31) is arranged on the tubular body (2), holds the profiled current section (4) within the tubular body (2) such that the conductor track (43) can be contacted through the perforations (211) of the tubular body (2).

Description

DESCRIPTION

title

VERTICAL SUPPORT AND STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

Technical area

The invention relates to a vertical support according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and a structural system for the modular construction of shelves with such a vertical support.

State of the art

For the presentation of goods, for example in sales outlets or at trade fairs, shelves are used, among other things, which are arranged free-standing in the room or can be grown or leaned against walls. Such shelves typically consist of vertical supports that are placed directly or indirectly on a floor, as well as shelf bases or shelves that are attached to the vertical supports. Objects in various designs, such as goods to be sold, can be set up and presented on the shelves or trays. In addition, rooms can also be structured or subdivided with free-standing shelves.

The vertical supports of such shelves are or often comprise tubes with a hollow interior. Such tubes can provide useful stability without being bulky and heavy. So that the shelves can be flexibly attached to the vertical supports at different heights, the vertical supports are often equipped with perforations into which a connector can be hung. The shelves are then placed on the connector and are attached to the vertical supports at a selected height.

For various purposes such as the lighting of exhibited goods nowadays there is often a need to power the or to lead to the shelves. In the case of tubular vertical supports, the current is often passed through the vertical supports for aesthetic reasons and for reasons of safety. In this case, in advantageously designed systems, the vertical supports are equipped with a busbar that runs along the perforations inside the tube. The current can then be tapped by suitable consumers or connectors through the perforations at a suitable height. For example, a system is known from EP 3 461 376 A1 which has a square tube equipped with a flow profile as a vertical support. The square tube is provided with two parallel rows of perforations. The system also includes consoles as connectors that can be designed to carry trays. The consoles are at least partially equipped with an adapter, via which current can be tapped from the current profile and fed from the inside of the square tube onto the shelf.

Although such known systems enable a functional and efficient construction of shelves supported on walls, in which electricity can be safely guided at any height on trays, it is often undesirable to use comparatively powerful square tubes for aesthetic reasons. In addition, such systems can typically be set up to a limited extent, so that they cannot be converted into or set up as new shelves as desired.

When using from an aesthetic point of view and for reasons of flexibility often preferred round tubular vertical supports compared to square tubes, however, it is usually relatively difficult or awkward to arrange current-carrying conductors sufficiently precisely and safely in the round tube that a clean tap is possible. For example, when using a current profile in a round tube, it is demanding to ensure that the current profile is properly aligned with the perforations so that the current can be reliably tapped from the conductor tracks of the current profile. It is also important for a reliable tapping of the current that the current profile retains its position and alignment, even if pressure is exerted on the current profile, for example by tapping. Furthermore, it is usually not possible to provide vertical supports in the form of round tubes to carry electricity as required and to remove the electricity generation again when requirements change. The present invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a vertical support or a system with which a reliable tapping of electricity in a preferably round vertical support is flexibly possible in a simple manner.

Presentation of the invention

The object is achieved according to the invention by a vertical support as defined in independent claim 1 and a structural system as defined in independent claim 20. Advantageous variant embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

The essence of the invention consists in the following: A vertical support comprises a hollow tubular body, a flow profile and a cover. The current profile is equipped with at least one conductor track. The cover is designed to cover a longitudinal end of the flow profile. In particular when the current profile is arranged in the tubular body, the cover can cover the current profile. The tubular body has a quasi circular inner cross section and is equipped with at least one row of perforations. The perforations are each designed to receive a connector for attaching a shelf element to the vertical support. The flow profile extends along the tubular body when it is arranged within the tubular body. The cover is equipped with an alignment structure which - when the cover is arranged on the tubular body - keeps the current profile aligned within the tubular body in such a way that contact can be made with the conductor path through the perforations in the tubular body.

The term "arranged on the tubular body" in connection with the invention can refer to an arrangement from the outside or on an outside of the tubular body, to an arrangement from the inside or from an interior on the tubular body or to mixed forms thereof. This means that the cover or a part thereof can in particular also lie in the interior of the tubular body and from there be arranged on the tubular body. The cover can also be arranged on the tubular body from the outside, for example from a longitudinal end, and from the inside at the same time. For example, as described below, the cover can be in several pieces, with one component inside the tubular body and a component lies outside the tubular body when the cover is arranged on the tubular body.

The tubular body can essentially be designed as a round tube. Such round tubes are typically cylindrical with a hollow interior and a wall. The thickness of the wall or the wall thickness of the round tube can be adapted to the intended use. In particular, it can be designed so that the round tube is sufficiently robust to carry or support shelf elements attached to the round tube via connectors. In order to be able to carry sufficient loads and have stability, the tubular body is advantageously made of a robust material. For example, the tubular body can be made of iron or steel. For aesthetic reasons, the tube body can also be colored, for example powder-coated.

The circular inner cross section is in particular quasi at right angles to a longitudinal axis or a wall of the tubular body. In the case of a tubular body in the form of a round tube, the external cross-section is also approximately circular. In such an embodiment, the wall is quasi ring-shaped in cross section.

The perforations can be provided in a simple and expedient embodiment as bores or openings or slots in the tubular body. They can be shaped with a horizontal lower edge so that the connectors can be hung in a stable and secure manner. For example, the perforations can have a rectangular or square cross section.

The cover and in particular its alignment structure can be made of a sufficiently strong material so that the current profile can be held securely. For example, it can be made of a metal such as zinc or steel or a solid or high-strength plastic.

The shelf element can in particular be a shelf or a frame of such a floor. A stable shelf can already be set up using two such frames or shelves together with four vertical supports. Another support structure, such as a suspension rod, can also be provided as the shelf element. By equipping the vertical support according to the invention with the cover having the alignment structure, it can be ensured that the conductor track is positioned and kept aligned with sufficient precision relative to the perforations. Contact can thus be made with it in a predefined manner or in a defined manner through the perforation. In particular, a connector can tap the current on the conductor track when it is suspended from one of the perforations. For example, the conductor track can be positioned in the tubular body in such a way that contact can just be made with it through the perforations. A twisting of the flow profile in the pipe body can be avoided by the alignment structure. As a result, the cover can hold the flow profile securely in the tubular body both in the axial direction and with respect to rotation about the longitudinal axis.

Thus, in that the cover is equipped according to the invention with the alignment structure, it can be ensured that the current profile is held precisely and stably in the tubular body. This enables clean and defined contact to be made with the conductor track in the tubular body through its perforations. In particular, a simultaneous hanging and power tapping can be efficiently enabled by the connector.

The conductor track can be any track, track, cable or similar structure made of an electrically conductive material. For example, the conductor track can be a relatively narrow strip made of a metal such as copper.

The current profile is used in particular to carry or hold and align the conductor track (s). It can be equipped with a single conductor track. However, it advantageously comprises two conductor tracks, for example running parallel to one another. The two conductor tracks can have different polarities during operation.

In an assembled state in which the vertical support is used or inserted, the current profile is arranged in the tubular body and the cover is arranged on the tubular body. The current profile is kept properly aligned by the cover.

To assemble the vertical support can, for example in an assembly system, the cover or a part thereof and the tubular body or the current profile are kept aligned with one another. For example, the flow profile already arranged in the tubular body can be held in its intended orientation and position through one or more of the perforations. The appropriately aligned cover or the appropriately aligned part thereof can then be pushed axially into the tubular body or placed on the tubular body and connected to the current profile.

[0022] The current profile preferably comprises a longitudinal carrier along which the conductor track runs. The carrier can be made of a sufficiently stable material that enables the current profile to be produced efficiently. For example, it can be made of aluminum or a plastic.

In this case, the carrier can also be made of an electrically insulating material for safety reasons. Preferably, however, the current profile comprises an insulation base, wherein the insulation base is fastened to the carrier so as to extend along the carrier and the conductor track is fastened to the insulation base so as to extend along the insulation base, so that it is insulated from the insulation base to the carrier. With such a configuration of the current profile, its functions can be implemented in a preferred and specific manner. In particular, by selecting a suitable material such as aluminum, the carrier can ensure sufficient stability and clean guidance of the conductor track. At the same time, the insulation base can be selected without restriction, for example due to mechanical requirements, and adapted to efficient insulation.

The carrier of the flow profile preferably comprises a core area defining a central longitudinal axis and several, in particular four, wing areas protruding radially from the core area. The wing areas can be dimensioned in such a way that they rest against or contact the tubular body when the flow profile is arranged within the tubular body. In this way, the flow profile can be neatly supported against the pipe body. In addition, if necessary, it can be symmetrical with conductor tracks for tapping power from different sides of the vertical support.

The core area preferably has a quasi-square outer circumference in cross section. The cross section can in particular be in one plane lie at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the core area. Since the outer cross-section of the core area is designed to be square, conductor tracks can be arranged on the outer surfaces of the core area as required in an efficient and structurally simple manner. In addition, such a core area with a square cross section can ensure a comparatively high level of stability.

The insulation base preferably runs along the longitudinal axis and is preferably in contact with the core area. In this way, the conductor track can be efficiently arranged along the carrier or the longitudinal axis and isolated from the carrier.

The perforations of the tubular body are preferably located between the wing areas of the carrier of the flow profile when the flow profile is held by the alignment structure of the cover within the tubular body. The perforations are advantageously arranged centrally between the wing areas. In particular, they can be located on an angle bisector of two adjacent wing areas.

The alignment structure of the cover preferably comprises a gripping element which is configured to grip the flow profile when the flow profile is arranged within the tubular body and the cover is arranged on the longitudinal end of the tubular body. The term “gripping” in this context can refer to grasping, holding, clinging or something similar. In particular, when gripping by means of the gripping element, the flow profile can be held in such a way that it can no longer be rotated relative to the tubular body. The gripping element enables efficient, safe placement and orientation of the flow profile in the pipe section.

The alignment structure of the cover preferably comprises four gripping elements, each of which is designed to grip one of the wing regions of the carrier of the flow profile when the flow profile is arranged within the tubular body and the cover is arranged on the longitudinal end of the tubular body. As a result, the wing areas and via these also the central area and thus the entire current profile can be held securely.

Preferably, the cover is designed to cover a longitudinal end of the tubular body, wherein the alignment structure of the cover is designed to keep the flow profile aligned within the tubular body that the Conductor can be contacted through the perforations of the tubular body when the cover is arranged on the longitudinal end of the tubular body. Such a cover can at the same time hold the flow profile in its intended position in the tubular body and close the tubular body to the outside.

The cover advantageously has a first coupling element and the tubular body has a second coupling element which interlock when the cover is arranged on the longitudinal end of the tubular body, so that rotation of the cover is blocked relative to the tubular body. Such coupling elements can prevent the cover, and with it the flow profile, from moving relative to the tubular body and, in particular, from being rotated about the longitudinal axis. The current profile can thus be connected to the tubular body in a quasi-stationary manner via the cover.

Preferably, the first coupling element of the cover is designed as a nose and the second coupling element of the tubular body as the nose of the cover corresponding recess. The nose can in particular extend along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the tubular body. To match, the recess can be designed as an indentation or recess in the edge of the longitudinal end of the tubular body. The nose and the recess are advantageously designed to be rounded so that they can be easily inserted into one another.

The cover preferably has a force-locking element which is designed to be connected to the tubular body in a non-positive manner when the cover is arranged on the tubular body. In this context, the term “frictional connection” can refer to any frictional connection or any frictional connection. In particular, the frictional connection can be a frictional connection. For example, the cover or at least a part of it can be designed in such a way that it is pressed against the tubular body when it is arranged thereon. In this way, a sufficiently solid frictional connection can be generated, which prevents the flow profile from moving both in the axial direction and in the direction of rotation or direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The cover advantageously comprises a plurality of frictional locking elements which enable the cover to be securely and uniformly connected to the tubular body. The frictional connection element of the cover is preferably designed resiliently so that it is pressed against the tubular body when the cover is arranged on the tubular body. For example, the cover can be designed in such a way that the frictional connection element is elastically deformed when it is moved or pushed into the tubular body. Due to the elasticity, it is possible to press against the tubular body or a wall of the tubular body, so that a sufficiently strong form fit is generated.

Preferably, the tubular body comprises a longitudinal axis, wherein the cover is designed so that it is at least partially insertable in an insertion direction along the longitudinal axis in the tubular body and that the force-locking element blocks a movement against the insertion direction when the cover is at least partially in the Tubular body is inserted. The cover can be at least partially inserted into the tubular body in that it lies partially in the tubular body or, in a multi-piece embodiment, one component of the cover lies inside the tubular body and another component lies outside the tubular body. Such a cover can block the flow profile in an efficient manner, aligned as intended, in the tubular body.

Preferably, the vertical support comprises a further cover which is equipped with an alignment structure, which alignment structure keeps the current profile aligned within the tubular body so that the conductor track can be contacted through the perforations of the tubular body when the additional cover is on the longitudinal end of the tubular body is arranged. By providing the cover and the further cover, the flow profile can be kept particularly stable and precisely aligned in the tubular body in an efficient manner. The cover can be mounted on one of the two longitudinal ends of the tubular body and the further cover on the other longitudinal end of the tubular body.

The further cover can also have all of the features described above in connection with the cover. In this regard, the two covers can thus be designed virtually identically. In addition, the further cover is preferably designed as a lower cover with a foot and the cover as an upper cover. Such a further cover with a foot enables the vertical support to be set up cleanly and in a defined manner in an upright orientation. The height of the foot is advantageously adjustable. The vertical support preferably comprises an insulation element which is designed to be arranged between the cover and the current profile. The insulation element can be designed as a quasi ring or designed as an insulation ring. The insulation element can ensure that no current can flow from the conductor track onto the cover.

The tubular body is preferably equipped with at least one further row of perforations. With the provision of several rows of perforations, the vertical support can be equipped with shelf elements in several directions. This enables the construction of comparatively complex or large shelves or other furniture.

In another aspect, the invention is a structural system for the modular construction of shelves. The structural system comprises a set of vertical supports of the type described above, a set of frames and a set of connectors. The frames each have four struts, two of which are connected to one another via an assembly corner. The connectors are each designed to be inserted into a hole in one of the vertical supports and attached to one of the assembly corners of one of the frames. Such a structure system enables a flexible modular construction of shelves. Shelves built from the structural system can also be converted and expanded efficiently and flexibly.

The set of vertical supports preferably has those with tubular bodies of different numbers of rows of perforations, the number of rows of perforations being one, two, three or four. The structural system advantageously comprises vertical supports with a row of perforations, with two rows of perforations, with three rows of perforations and with four rows of perforations. With such vertical supports, variously shaped shelves can be built.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of the schematic drawing. In particular, the vertical support according to the invention and the structural system according to the invention are described below with reference to FIGS accompanying drawings with reference to embodiments described in more detail. Show it:

1 shows a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a vertical support according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an upper end portion of FIG

Vertical support of Figure 1;

3 is an exploded perspective view of a lower end portion of FIG

Vertical support of Figure 1;

Fig. 4 is a side view of another upper end portion of the vertical support of Fig. 1;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical support of Figure 1;

6 shows a perspective view of a shelf without shelves assembled from an exemplary embodiment of a structural system according to the invention, the structural system comprising several variants of the vertical support from FIG. 1;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the shelf of Figure 6 with shelves;

8 shows a perspective exploded view of a second exemplary embodiment of a vertical support according to the invention;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an upper end portion of the vertical support of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the upper end portion of the vertical support of Fig. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lower end portion of the vertical support of FIG. 8.

Way (s) for carrying out the invention

Certain terms are used in the following description for reasons of convenience and are not to be understood as limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “down” and “up” indicate directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms “inward”, “outward”, “below”, “above”, “left”, “right” or similar are used to describe the arrangement of designated parts with respect to one another, the movement of designated parts with respect to one another and the directions towards or away from Geometric center of the invention and named parts thereof as shown in the figures. Used. This spatial relative information Also include positions and orientations other than those shown in the figures. For example, if a part shown in the figures is turned over, elements or features that are described as “below” are then “above”. The terminology includes the words expressly mentioned above, derivatives from them, and words with similar meanings.

In order to avoid repetition in the figures and the associated description of the various aspects and exemplary embodiments, certain features are to be understood as being common to different aspects and exemplary embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or a figure does not imply that this aspect is absent in the associated exemplary embodiment. Rather, such an omission can serve the purpose of clarity and to prevent repetition. In this context, the following definition applies to the entire further description: If reference characters are contained in a figure for the purpose of graphic clarity, but not mentioned in the directly associated description text, reference is made to their explanation in the preceding figure descriptions. If, in addition, reference symbols are mentioned in the descriptive text that belongs directly to a figure and are not contained in the associated figure, reference is made to the preceding and following figures. Similar reference numbers in two or more figures stand for similar or identical elements.

1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a vertical support 1 according to the invention. The vertical support 1 comprises a round tube 2 as a tubular body, a lower cover 31 and an upper cover 32. The round tube 2 is made of steel. For aesthetic reasons it is powder coated. The round tube 2 comprises four straight rows of perforations 21, which extend along a longitudinal axis 23 of the round tube 2 and are regularly distributed around the round tube 2. Each row of perforations 21 comprises twenty-five individual perforations 211 regularly spaced from one another. Each perforation 211 is designed as an opening or breakthrough with a quasi-square cross section in a wall of the round tube 2.

In Fig. 2, an upper end portion of the vertical support 1 is shown in an exploded view. It can be seen that the upper cover 32 is constructed in two parts from a cover plate 321 and an end cover 324. The cover plate 321 is equipped with a central hole. The end cover 324 has a pin which is dimensioned in accordance with the bore of the cover plate 321. In an assembled state, the pin of the end cover 324 extends through the hole in the cover plate 321.

From one edge of the cover plate 321 a rounded nose 322 extends axially as a first coupling element in the direction of the round tube 2. An upper edge of the round tube 2 is equipped with a rounded recess 2 corresponding to the nose 322. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 4, the nose 322 is located in the recess 22 when the upper cover 32 is placed on the round tube 2. As a result, the upper cover 32 is arranged in a precise alignment on the round tube 2 and rotation of the upper cover about the longitudinal axis 23 is prevented.

Furthermore, starting from the cover plate 321, four gripping elements 323 extend axially in the direction of the round tube 2. The gripping elements 323 each form an open slot or a receptacle formed by two fingers that is open towards the round tube 2.

The vertical support 1 further comprises two sealing rings 5 as insulation elements, one of which is adjacent to the upper cover 32. The sealing ring 5 is dimensioned so that it fits into the round tube 2 and just touches the wall of the round tube 2. The sealing ring 5 in the upper cover 32 is installed in a manner analogous to that described in more detail below in connection with the sealing ring 5 of the lower cover 31.

Fig. 3 shows a lower end portion of the vertical support 1 also in an exploded view. It can be seen that the lower cover 31 is constructed in three parts from a foot 314, a bolt element 315 and a cover plate 311. The bolt element 315 comprises a central flange section, from which a lower pin extends axially downwards in the direction of the foot 314 and an upper pin extends axially upwards in the direction of the cover plate 311 and the round tube 2. The foot 314 is equipped with a cylindrical pin receptacle into which the lower pin of the bolt element 315 can be clipped. The cover plate 311 has a central bore which is dimensioned in accordance with the upper journal of the bolt element 315. Analogous to the cover plate 321 of the upper cover 32, a rounded nose 312 extends from an edge of the cover plate 311 of the lower cover 31 as a first coupling element axially in the direction of the round tube 2. A lower edge of the round tube 2 is connected to one of the nose 312 corresponding rounded recess 22 equipped. In the assembled state, the nose 312 is located in the recess 22, so that the lower cover 31 is arranged in a precise alignment on the round tube 2 and rotation about the longitudinal axis 23 is prevented.

As can also be seen in FIG. 3, the vertical support 1 comprises a current profile 4 arranged inside the round tube 2. The current profile 4 has a support 41 made of aluminum and an insulation base 42 and two straight conductor tracks 43 running parallel to one another. As can be seen particularly well in FIG. 5, the carrier 41 comprises a tubular core area 411, the outer surface of which has a quasi-square cross-section or a quasi-square outer circumference and the inner surface of which delimits an interior 413 with a quasi-circular cross-section. The hollow interior of the core area 411 is dimensioned in accordance with the bore of the cover plate 311 of the lower cover 3 for receiving the upper journal of the bolt element 315. The carrier 41 also has four wing areas 412, which in cross section each protrude from one of the corners of the outer surface of the core area 411 diagonally and radially from the core area 411. The wing areas 412 are approximately arrowhead-shaped in cross section.

The insulation base 42 is clamped or snapped in or pushed in between two adjacent wing areas 412 of the carrier 41 in such a way that it extends along a longitudinal axis 44 of the current profile 4, resting against an outer side of the core area 411. As shown in FIG. 4, the longitudinal axis 23 of the round tube 2 and the longitudinal axis 44 of the flow profile 4 are identical when the flow profile 4 is arranged in the interior of the round tube 2.

In FIGS. 2 and 3 it can be clearly seen that the sealing rings 5 are equipped with four recesses on their outer peripheries, through which the gripping elements 313/323 of the cover plates 311/321 of the lower cover 31 and the upper cover extend 32 extend therethrough when the vertical support 1 is assembled. The sealing rings 5 in particular seal the conductor tracks 43 from the covers 31/32, so that a flow of current to the covers 31/32 is reliably prevented during operation. As can be seen from FIG. 5, four perforations 211 are formed at the same height of the round tube 2. The perforations 211 each lie centrally between the wing areas 412 of the carrier 42 of the current profile 4. In the configuration shown, one of the four sides of the core area 411 of the carrier 41 is provided with an insulation base 42 and associated conductor tracks 43. The conductor tracks 43 are aligned in such a way that they can just be contacted through the associated perforation 211. If required, any of the other three sides of the core area 411 can also be equipped with an insulation base 42 and conductor tracks 43 in other equipment.

5 also shows, in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4, that the gripping elements 313/323 each grip around a tip of one of the wing regions 412 at the respective longitudinal ends of the carrier 41. As a result, the current profile 4 is held precisely aligned by the covers 31/32. At the same time, the lugs 312/322 and the recesses 22 ensure that the covers 31/32 are aligned with the round tube 2 in a predefined manner. In this way, a clean tapping of current from the conductor tracks 43 through the perforations 211 of the round tube 2 is ensured.

The variant of the vertical support 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is, as mentioned above, equipped with four rows of perforations 21 regularly formed on the circumference of the round tube 2. If necessary, one to three of these rows of perforations 21 can also be omitted in other variants. For aesthetic reasons in particular, it may be desirable, for example, to provide only as many rows of perforations 21 as are structurally necessary. In the following, in connection with an exemplary embodiment of the modular structure system 7 according to the invention, the analogous variants with a single row of perforations 21 as vertical support 1 i, with two rows of perforations 21 as vertical support 1 ii and with three rows of perforations 21 as vertical support 1 iii are referred to. Apart from the number of rows of perforations 21, possibly the equipping with different numbers of insulation bases 42 and associated conductor tracks 43 and possibly their length, the vertical supports 1 i, 1 ii, 1 iii and 1 iv are structurally identical.

6 shows a shelf 6 which is built up from the structural system 7. The structural system 7 comprises seven vertical supports 1 i with a row of perforations, two vertical supports 1 ii with two rows of perforations, one vertical support 1 iii with three rows of perforations, six large frames 71 i, eight small frames 71 ii and Fifty-eight quasi Y-shaped connectors 711. The vertical supports 1 i include two vertical supports 1 i with a length of one shelf unit height, two vertical supports 1 i with a length of two shelf unit heights, two vertical supports 1 i with a length of three shelf unit heights and one vertical support 1 i with a length of five shelf unit heights. The vertical supports 1 ii and the vertical supports 1 iii each have a length of five rack unit heights.

The frames 71 i / 71 ii are each connected via four connectors 711 at their corners with four vertical supports 1 i / 1 ii / 1 iii. The connectors 711 are hooked into the appropriate perforations at the desired heights and the frames 71 i / 71 ii are slipped onto the four associated connectors 711. At least some of the connectors 711 are designed to tap current inside the associated vertical support 1 i / 1 ii / 1 iii and to conduct it to the associated frame 71 i / 71 ii.

7 shows the shelf 6 in its final configuration. In particular, the structure system 7 additionally comprises six large glass shelves 72i, eight small glass shelves 72ii as shelves. The glass shelves 72i / 72ii are dimensioned according to the frame 71i / 72ii and placed on them or connected to them.

FIG. 8 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a vertical support 10 according to the invention, as it can be used, for example, as an alternative to the vertical support of FIGS. 1 to 5 in the structural system 7 of FIGS. 6 and 7. The vertical support 10 comprises a round tube 20 made of powder-coated steel as the tubular body, a lower cover 310 and an upper cover 320. The round tube 20 comprises a straight row of perforations 210 which extend along a longitudinal axis 230 of the round tube 20. Each row of perforations 210 comprises five individual perforations 2110 which are regularly spaced from one another. Each perforation 2110 is designed as an opening or breakthrough with a quasi-square cross section in a wall of the round tube 20.

As can be seen in FIG. 8 and in particular in the enlarged view of an upper end section of the vertical support 10 from FIG. 9, the upper cover 320 is constructed in two parts from a fixing plate 3210 and an end cover 3240. The fixing plate 3210 is equipped with a central bore and four pairs of spring teeth 3220 protruding radially outward as form-fit elements. The end cover 3240 has an axial pin which corresponds to the bore of the fixing plate 3210 is dimensioned. In an assembled state, the pin of the end cover 3240 extends along the longitudinal axis 230 through the hole in the fixing plate 3210.

Starting from the fixing plate 3210, four gripping elements 3230 extend axially in the direction of the round tube 20 or a flow profile 40 arranged in the round tube. The gripping elements 3230 each form an open slot or a receptacle formed by two fingers that is open towards the flow profile 40. On a side of the fixing plate 3210 facing the round tube 20, a sealing ring 50 is clamped as an insulation element. The sealing ring 50 is dimensioned so that it fits into the round tube 20 and just touches the wall of the round tube 20. It isolates the current profile 40 from the cover 320, so that no current can pass from the current profile 40 to the cover 320.

Inside the round tube 20, the current profile 40 is arranged, wherein it has a support 410 made of aluminum and an insulation base 420 and two parallel, straight conductor tracks 430. The support 410 comprises a tubular core area 4110, the outer surface of a quasi-square Describes a cross-section or a quasi-square outer circumference and its inner surface delimits an interior space 4130 with a quasi-circular cross-section. The carrier 410 also has four wing areas 4120, which in cross section each protrude from one of the corners of the outer surface of the core area 4110 diagonally and radially from the core area 4110. The wing areas 4120 are formed approximately in the shape of an arrowhead in cross section or in a plan view.

The insulation base 420 is clamped or snapped or pushed in between two adjacent wing areas 4120 of the carrier 410 in such a way that it extends along or parallel to the longitudinal axis 230 adjacent to an outer side of the core area 4110. The current profile 40 is aligned in the round tube 20 such that the conductor tracks 430 are accessible through the perforations 2110. In particular, it is aligned such that a connector inserted or suspended in one of the perforations 2110 can tap current from the conductor tracks 430.

The lower cover 310 comprises a fixing plate 3110, a sleeve element 3150, a foot 3140 and a fastening bolt 3160. The fixing plate 3110 is Identical to the fixing plate 3210 of the upper cover 320 and comprises four pairs of spring teeth 3120 and four gripping elements 3130. Compared to the fixing plate 3210 of the upper cover 320, the fixing plate 3110 of the lower cover 310 is turned by 180 ° so that the gripping elements 3130 extend upwards . The fixing plate 3210 is equipped with a further sealing ring 50 on its upper side.

In Fig. 10, the upper end portion of the vertical support 10 is shown in a longitudinal section. It can be seen that the fixing plate 3210 is pressed into the round tube 20 in an insertion direction from top to bottom, so that the four pairs of spring teeth 3220 are elastically bent upwards. As a result of the elasticity, the pairs of spring teeth 3220 are pressed against the wall of the round tube 20, as a result of which a firm frictional connection is created between the fixing plate 3210 and the round tube 20. The fixing plate 3210 is thus sufficiently firmly connected to the round tube 20. A movement of the fixing plate 3210 counter to the insertion direction is blocked by the spring tooth pairs 3220.

Each of the four gripping elements 3230 of the fixing plate 3210 engages around one of the four wing areas 4120 of the flow profile 40. The flow profile 40 is thus securely held in the round tube 20 and protected against rotation about the longitudinal axis 230. The end cover 3240 is arranged on the upper longitudinal end of the round tube 20 so that its pin extends through the bore of the fixing plate 3210. The sealing ring 50 seals the flow profile 40 from the fixing plate 3210. The upper cover 320 and in particular its fixing plate 3210 thus covers an upper longitudinal end of the flow profile 40. At the same time, the cover 320 and in particular its end cover 3240 covers an upper longitudinal end of the round tube 20.

11 shows a lower end section of the vertical support 10 in a longitudinal section. It can be seen that the fixing plate 3110 of the lower cover 310 is pressed in an insertion direction from below into the round tube 20, so that the four pairs of spring teeth 3120 are bent elastically downwards. As a result of the elasticity, the pairs of spring teeth 3120 are pressed against the wall of the round tube 20, as a result of which a firm frictional connection is created between the fixing plate 3110 and the round tube 20. The fixing plate 3110 is thus sufficiently firmly connected to the round tube 20. A movement of the fixing plate 3110 against the insertion direction is blocked by the spring tooth pairs 3120 Each of the four gripping elements 3130 of the fixing plate 3110 engages around one of the four wing areas 4120 of the flow profile 40 from below. The current profile 40 is thus additionally secured in the round tube 20 and protected against twisting or twisting about the longitudinal axis 230.

The sleeve element 3150 is pushed into the round tube 20 from below and is fixed on the round tube 20 by means of the bolt element 3160 pushed through a hole in the round tube 20 into a corresponding opening in the sleeve element 3150. The foot 3140 is screwed into the sleeve element 3150 from below. The lower cover 310 and in particular its fixing plate 3110 thus covers a lower longitudinal end of the flow profile 40. At the same time, the lower cover 310 and in particular its sleeve element 3150 covers a lower longitudinal end of the round tube 20.

To assemble the vertical support 10, the two fixing plates 3110, 3210 and the flow profile 40 are kept aligned with one another. In particular, the flow profile 40 already arranged in the round tube 20 is held in its intended orientation and position through one or more of the perforations 2110. The fixing plate 3110, 3210, which is appropriately aligned, is then pushed axially in the insertion direction into the round tube 20 and connected to the flow profile 40. The fixing plates 3110, 3210 remain in their positions in the round tube 20 due to the blocking by the spring tooth pairs 3120, 3220, so that the current profile 40 is permanently and securely held in its intended orientation.

Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the associated description, this illustration and this detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. In order not to obscure the invention, in certain instances well-known structures and techniques may not have been shown and described in detail. It is understood that those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further exemplary embodiments with any combination of features that may differ from the explicitly described feature combinations. The present disclosure also encompasses embodiments with any combination of features that are mentioned or shown above or below for various embodiments. It also includes individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and / or are not mentioned above or below. The alternatives of embodiments and individual alternatives whose features are described in the figures and the description can also be excluded from the subject matter of the invention or from the disclosed subject matter. The disclosure includes embodiments that exclusively include the features described in the claims or in the exemplary embodiments, as well as those that include additional other features.

In the following, the term “comprise” and derivatives thereof do not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article “a” or “an” and its derivatives do not exclude a large number. The functions of several features listed in the claims can be fulfilled by one unit or one step. The terms “essentially”, “about”, “approximately”, “quasi” and the like in connection with a property or a value also define, in particular, precisely the property or precisely the value. The terms “about”, “quasi” and “approximately” in connection with a given numerical value or range can refer to a value or range that is within 20%, within 10%, within 5% or within 2% of the given value or range. All reference signs in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

Claim 1: vertical support (1; 10) with a hollow tubular body (2; 20), a current profile (4; 40) equipped with at least one conductor track (43; 430) and a cover (31, 32; 310, 320), which is designed to cover a longitudinal end of the flow profile (4; 40), the tubular body (2; 20) being equipped with at least one row of perforations (21; 210), each for receiving a connector (711) for attaching a shelf element (71, 72) are formed on the vertical support (1; 10), and the flow profile (4; 40) extends along the tubular body (2; 20) when it is arranged inside the tubular body (2; 20), characterized in that that the hollow tubular body (2; 20) has a quasi circular inner cross-section and the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is equipped with an alignment structure (313, 323; 3130, 3230) which, when the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is arranged on the tubular body (2; 20), the flow profile (4; 40) so inside the tubular body (2; 20) aligned that the conductor track (43; 430) can be contacted through the perforations (211; 2110) of the tubular body (2; 20).

Claim 2: vertical support (1; 10) according to claim 1, wherein the current profile (4; 40) comprises an elongate carrier (41; 410) along which the conductor track (43; 430) runs.

Claim 3: vertical support (1; 10) according to claim 2, wherein the flow profile (4; 40) comprises an insulation base (42; 420), the insulation base (42; 420) is attached to the carrier (41; 410) and extends along the Carrier (41; 410) extends and the conductor track (43; 430) is attached to the insulation base (42; 420), extends along the insulation base (42; 420) and is insulated from the insulation base (42; 420) towards the carrier (41; 410).

Claim 4: Vertical support (1; 10) according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the carrier (41; 410) of the flow profile (4; 40) has a core area (411; 4110) defining a central longitudinal axis (44) and four of the core area ( 411; 4110) comprises radially protruding wing areas (412; 4120).

Claim 5: Vertical support (1; 10) according to Claim 4, the core area (411; 4110) having a quasi-square outer circumference in cross section.

Claim 6: Vertical support (1; 10) according to Claim 4 or 5, the insulation base (42; 420) running along the longitudinal axis and resting on the core area (411; 4110).

Claim 7: Vertical support (1; 10) according to one of Claims 4 to 6, the perforations (211; 2110) of the tubular body (2; 20) lying between the wing areas of the carrier (41; 410) of the flow profile (4; 40) when the flow profile (4; 40) is held within the tubular body (2; 20) by the alignment structure (313, 323; 3130, 3230) of the cover (31, 32; 310, 320).

Claim 8: Vertical support (1; 10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment structure (313, 323; 3130, 3230) of the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) comprises a gripping element which is designed to hold the current profile ( 4; 40) when the flow profile (4; 40) inside the tubular body (2; 20) and the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) are arranged on the longitudinal end of the tubular body (2; 20).

Claim 9: vertical support (1; 10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the alignment structure (313, 323; 3130, 3230) of the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) comprises four gripping elements which are each designed to to grip one of the wing areas (412; 4120) of the carrier (41; 410) of the flow profile (4; 40) when the flow profile (4; 40) is inside the tubular body (2; 20) and the cover (31, 32; 310 , 320) are arranged on the longitudinal end of the tubular body (2; 20). Claim 10: Vertical support (1; 10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is designed to cover a longitudinal end of the tubular body (2; 20) and wherein the alignment structure (313, 323; 3130 , 3230) of the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is designed to keep the current profile (4; 40) aligned within the tubular body (2; 20) that the conductor track (43; 430) through the perforations ( 211; 2110) of the tubular body (2; 20) can be contacted through when the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is arranged on the longitudinal end of the tubular body (2; 20).

Claim 11: vertical support (1; 10) according to claim 10, wherein the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) has a first coupling element (312, 322; 3120, 3220) and the tubular body (2; 20) has a second coupling element (22 ; 220) which interlock when the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is arranged on the longitudinal end of the tubular body (2; 20), so that a rotation of the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) relative to the Tube body (2; 20) is blocked.

Claim 12: vertical support (1; 10) according to claim 11, wherein the first

Coupling element (312, 322; 3120, 3220) of the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) as a nose (312, 322; 3120, 3220) and the second coupling element (22; 220) of the tubular body (2; 20) as the Nose (312, 322; 3120, 3220) of the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) corresponding recess (22; 220) are designed.

Claim 13: Vertical support (1; 10) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) having a force-locking element which is designed to be connected to the tubular body (2; 20) in a force-locking manner when the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is arranged on the tubular body (2; 20).

Claim 14: vertical support (1; 10) according to claim 13, wherein the frictional connection element of the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is designed resiliently so that it is pressed against the tubular body (2; 20) when the cover (31 , 32; 310, 320) is arranged on the tubular body (2; 20).

Claim 15: Vertical support (1; 10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the tubular body (2; 20) has a longitudinal axis (23) and wherein the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is designed so that it is at least partially in an insertion direction along the The longitudinal axis (23) can be inserted into the tubular body (2; 20) and that the frictional connection element blocks a movement against the insertion direction when the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is at least partially inserted into the tubular body (2; 20).

Claim 16: Vertical support (1; 10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a further cover (31, 32; 310, 320) which is equipped with an alignment structure (313, 323; 3130, 3230) which, when the further cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is arranged on one of the longitudinal ends of the tubular body (2; 20), the current profile (4; 40) keeps aligned within the tubular body (2; 20) that the conductor track (43; 430) can be contacted through the perforations (211; 2110) of the tubular body (2; 20).

Claim 17: vertical support (1; 10) according to claim 16, wherein the further cover (31, 32; 310, 320) is designed as a lower cover (31, 32; 310, 320) with a foot (314; 3140) and the Cover (31, 32; 310, 320) as a top cover.

Claim 18: Vertical support (1; 10) according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises an insulation element (5; 50) which is designed to be arranged between the cover (31, 32; 310, 320) and the current profile (4; 40) to be.

Claim 19: Vertical support (1; 10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular body (2; 20) is equipped with at least one further row of perforations (21; 210).

Claim 20: Structural system (7) for the modular construction of shelves with a set of vertical supports (1; 10) according to one of the preceding claims, a set of frames (71) each having four struts, two of which are connected to one another via an assembly corner , and a set of connectors (711) which are each designed to be inserted into a hole in one of the vertical supports (1; 10) and to be fastened to one of the mounting corners of one of the frames (71). Claim 21: Structural system according to Claim 20, the set of vertical supports (1; 10) having tubular bodies (2; 20) of different numbers of rows of perforations (21; 210), the number of rows of perforations (21; 210) being one, two, three or four.