阅读说明：本技术 连接装置和家具 (Connecting device and furniture ) 是由 弗兰兹·波尔 弗兰兹·约瑟夫·哈泽尔 菲利普·塞勒 帕特里克·耶克 S·汉尼 于 2020-04-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种连接装置,其能实现可靠的预定位,而在装配和/或连接过程期间不会过于限制待彼此连接的构件和/或对象的移动自由度,本发明提出,连接装置包括：连接元件,其包括能布置在构件中的基体；一个或多个弹簧元件,其用于建立与配对件的连接、尤其是用于带入到在配合连接元件中的一个或多个开口中,其中一个或多个弹簧元件分别包括：弹簧区段和/或稳定区段,其中弹簧区段突出远离基体,和/或其中稳定区段从弹簧区段开始朝向基体的方向延伸。(The invention relates to a connecting device which enables reliable pre-positioning without excessively limiting the freedom of movement of the components and/or objects to be connected to one another during the assembly and/or connection process, the invention proposes that the connecting device comprises: a connecting element comprising a base body that can be arranged in the component; one or more spring elements for establishing a connection with a counterpart, in particular for being brought into one or more openings in a mating connection element, wherein the one or more spring elements each comprise: a spring section and/or a stabilizing section, wherein the spring section protrudes away from the base body, and/or wherein the stabilizing section extends from the spring section in a direction towards the base body.)

1. Connecting device (100), in particular connecting device (100) for connecting a first component (102) to a second component (104), for example for connecting furniture or mechanical parts, and/or for connecting a component (102, 104) to an object (108), wherein the connecting device (100) comprises:

a connecting element (110) comprising a base body (122) that can be arranged in the component (102, 104),

one or more spring elements (146) for establishing a connection with a counterpart, in particular for being brought into one or more openings (148) in a mating connection element (114),

characterized in that said one or more spring elements (146) respectively comprise: a spring section (156) and/or a stabilizing section (158),

wherein the spring section (156) protrudes away from the base body (122), and/or wherein the stabilizing section (158) extends from the spring section (156) in a direction towards the base body (122).

2. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring section (156) protrudes away from the base body (122) and adjoins the stabilizing section (158) at an end (160) of the spring section (156) facing away from the base body (122), and the stabilizing section (158) extends from the end (160) of the spring section (156) facing away from the base body (122) in the direction of the base body (122).

3. The connecting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stabilizing section (158) extends into the base body (122) in the relaxed state of the spring element (146).

4. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the base body (122) has at least one spring receiving portion (178) for receiving a portion of the at least one spring element (146) or for integrally receiving the at least one spring element (146).

5. The connection device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the stabilizing section (158) of the at least one spring element (146) has a width (B) in a direction extending perpendicular to a connection direction (130) of the connection device (100) and/or in a transverse direction (136)_A) Width (B) of the associated spring receptacle (178)_B) At least about 90%, especially at least about 95%.

6. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spring section (156) and the stabilizing section (158) are configured in one piece with each other.

7. The connection device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spring section (156) and the stabilization section (158) transition into one another in a spring projection (164) of the spring element (146), wherein the spring projection (164) is the end of the spring element (146) which is furthest from the base body (122).

8. The connecting device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the spring projection (164) is a spring top (166), which is rounded or chamfered, in particular on one side, on two sides, on three sides or on four sides.

9. The connection device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the spring section (156) is configured as a leaf spring (170).

10. The connection device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an end (162) of the spring section (156) of the spring element (146) which is close to the base body (122) transitions into the base body (122).

11. The connection device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an end (162) of the spring section (156) close to the base body (122) is arranged at the base body (122) in such a way that an upper side (150) of the spring section (156) at the end (162) is at least substantially parallel to an upper side (128) of the base body (122), from which upper side the spring element (146) protrudes.

12. The connecting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the spring section (156) has two broad sides (172) and two narrow sides (174) which respectively connect the two ends (160, 162) of the spring section (156) to one another.

13. The connection device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the spring section (156) is configured to be curved in the relaxed state of the spring element (146).

14. The connecting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a tangent at the end (160) of the spring section (156) facing away from the base body (122) in the relaxed state of the spring element (146) abutting against a broad side (172), in particular an upper side (150), of the spring section (156) encloses an angle of at least about 20 °, in particular at least about 30 °, and/or at most about 70 °, preferably at most about 55 °, with an upper side (128) of the base body (122) from which the spring element (146) projects.

15. The connection device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that an upper side (150) of the spring section (156) is at least approximately flush with an upper side (128) of the base body (122) at an end (162) of the spring section (156) close to the base body (122) or is arranged below the upper side (128) of the base body (122).

16. The connecting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the spring section (156) projects into an outer contour of the base body (122), and one or more side walls (132) of the base body (122) laterally adjoining the spring section (156) have one or more recesses (176) which are configured, in particular, in an at least approximately complementary manner to the shape of the spring section (156) in the region in which the spring section (156) projects into the outer contour of the base body (122).

17. The connecting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a lower side (182) of the spring section (156) close to the base body (122) has one or more chamfered or rounded edges, in particular at one or both transitions of a lower broad side (172) of the spring section (156) and one or both narrow sides (174) of the spring section (156) between the sides.

18. Connecting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the base body (122) and the one or more spring elements (146) are manufactured in one piece with one another, in particular as a one-piece injection-molded component.

19. The connection device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the width (B) of the spring section (156) at the end (162) of the spring section (156) close to the base body (122) is such that the spring section (156) is arranged in the region of the base body (122)_F) Corresponds to the maximum of the base body (122)Width (B)_V) At least about 20%, preferably at least about 30%.

20. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the connection element (110) comprises two spring elements (146) arranged and/or configured to be at least substantially mirror-symmetrical with respect to each other with reference to a transverse center plane (184) of the connection element (110).

21. The connection device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the connection device (100) comprises a mating connection element (114) which comprises one or more openings (148) which are configured in an at least substantially complementary manner to the shape of the upper side (150) of the at least one spring element (146).

22. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the connection device (100) comprises a connection element (110) arranged at the first component (102) in the connected state of the two components (102, 104) and a mating connection element (114) arranged at the second component (104) in the connected state of the components (102, 104).

23. Connecting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the connecting element (110) comprises a retaining element (140) which is movable relative to the base body (122) for detachably connecting the connecting element (110) with a mating connecting element (114), in particular a further connecting element (110), an object (108) and/or a component (102, 104).

24. Connecting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the connecting element (110) and/or the mating connecting element (114) are each provided with one or more retaining projections (134) which each have a curved supporting surface which is circular-arc-shaped in longitudinal section.

25. Piece of furniture (106) comprising a plurality of members (102, 104) and one or more connection devices (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a first component to a second component, in particular for connecting furniture or mechanical parts. The invention also relates to a connecting device for connecting a component to an object.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a piece of furniture, such as a cabinet, a shelf, a table or other furnishing and storage object.

Background

In a connecting device known, for example, from EP 1990549 a1, it is provided that the connecting device comprises a first connecting element arranged in the connected state of the components at the first component and a second connecting element arranged in the connected state of the components at the second component. The first connecting element comprises a base body and a retaining element which can be moved relative to the base body of the first connecting element for releasably connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element, wherein the movable retaining element comprises a first retaining profile, wherein the second connecting element comprises a second retaining profile which can be brought into trailing engagement with the first retaining profile.

In the connection device of EP 1990549 a1, the first connection element is provided with a fixed plug-in projection which can be inserted into a complementary receiving cavity of the second connection element. For this purpose, the plug-in projection must project from the component in the preassembled state of the first connecting element, in which the first connecting element is fastened in or on the component. If the plug-in projection is now inserted into the receiving cavity, a lateral fixing of the component is achieved in a plane extending perpendicular to the connecting direction of the connecting element. In many cases, this lateral fixing is therefore desirable for reliable pre-positioning, but in other cases, for example when the component has to be pushed along the aforementioned plane in such a way as to abut against the other component in order to correctly position the two components and then fix them relative to one another, this lateral fixing then forms an interference. The projecting plug-in projection makes this type of displacement impossible.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a connecting device which enables a reliable prepositioning without too limiting the freedom of movement of the components and/or objects to be connected to one another during the assembly and/or connection process.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a connecting device according to claim 1.

According to the present connection solution, two connection elements of the connection device, in particular a first connection element and a second connection element, may be provided. Alternatively, however, only a single connecting element of the connecting device may also be provided for this purpose. The one connecting element is the one also referred to as the "first connecting element". The connecting element, which is also referred to as a "second connecting element", is in this case functionally formed by a counterpart of any design, for example an object or a component, wherein the counterpart in this case in particular has a section into which one or more spring elements can be elastically displaced and/or into which one or more spring elements and/or a retaining element can be engaged.

In summary, therefore, each counterpart connectable to a connecting element is referred to as a "mating connecting element", wherein the mating connecting element may be a further connecting element of the connecting device or a part or section of a component or an object.

The mating connecting element may optionally have one or more of the features and/or advantages described in connection with the connecting element. In particular, a section of the mating connecting element that can be arranged in a recessed manner in the component, in particular one or more holding projections, can correspond to this section of the connecting element.

In particular, one or more connecting elements of the connecting device each comprise a base body.

In particular, the base body of the connecting element is a housing of the connecting element.

In particular, the connecting direction of the connecting device is the direction along which the connecting elements and/or the components are moved towards each other in order to connect the components to each other.

Alternatively or additionally, the connecting direction is oriented in particular perpendicularly to the surfaces of the component or components and/or the object or objects, at which they rest against one another.

The connection direction is in particular the direction in which an effective force acting between the connection element and the mating connection element acts in order to establish a connection between the components or objects.

Preferably, the at least one connecting element comprises a housing and at least one holding element which can be moved relative to the housing.

In the holding position, the holding element can interact with the mating connecting element, in particular with other connecting elements, for example the second connecting element and/or the component or the object, in such a way that a relative movement of the connecting element and the mating connecting element and/or the at least one component and/or the at least one object in the connecting direction is prevented.

In particular, it can be provided that the holding element allows a relative movement of the connecting element and the mating connecting element and/or the at least one component and/or the at least one object in the connecting direction in the release position.

The at least one holding element can be moved relative to the housing of the connecting element from the holding position into the release position and/or from the release position into the holding position, preferably by an action from outside the connecting device.

In particular, the housing of the connecting element has a curved contact surface (which is circular in longitudinal section) and a substantially flat contact surface (which faces the other connecting element and/or component and/or object) opposite the contact surface.

The holding element is arranged in particular pivotably at the connecting element. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the holding element is oriented substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction.

Preferably, the base body of the connecting element, in particular the housing of the connecting element, has a through opening through which the holding element can be accessed by means of a tool, in particular a socket wrench.

Preferably, the axis of rotation of the holding element is the central axis of the through opening.

In particular, the holding element has an operating opening, to which a tool is engaged in order to operate the holding element.

The operating opening is accessible in particular through a base body, in particular a side wall of the housing.

It can be provided that the mating connection element comprises at least two second retaining contours which are molded into and/or arranged at the side walls of the base body of the mating connection element.

In particular, it can be provided that the second retaining contours are each molded into a corresponding side wall of the base body of the mating connecting element.

Preferably, the two second retaining profiles are arranged on the inner sides of the two side walls of the base body of the mating connection element, which are close to one another.

It can be advantageous if the movable holding element comprises at least two first holding contours which are arranged in particular on mutually opposite sides of the central section of the holding element.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the displaceable holding element comprises at least two first holding contours and the mating connection element comprises at least two second holding contours which are molded into side walls of the base body of the mating connection element and can engage behind the first holding contours, wherein the displaceable holding element is or can be arranged between the two side walls.

In particular, it can be provided that the displaceable holding element can be brought into a gap between two side walls of the base body of the mating connecting element and can be removed therefrom.

Preferably, the retaining element can be brought between the two second retaining profiles, in particular in order to engage them behind by means of the two first retaining profiles.

Preferably, at least one base body of at least one connecting element is designed as a plastic injection-molded part.

It may be advantageous if the connecting element and the mating connecting element are releasably connected to one another in the connected state of the components.

The at least one connecting element of the connecting device is brought into the recess already present at the at least one component, so that in particular no considerable effort has to be expended to bring the connecting element into the component and therefore no risk of damaging the component exists.

In the connected state, the substantially flat abutment surfaces of the connecting element and/or the mating connecting element are oriented substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction.

In particular, the curved contact surface of the at least one connecting element can be configured substantially in the form of a cylindrical outer circumferential section

In particular, the first retaining contour and/or the second retaining contour can be formed in an arcuate manner.

In particular, it can be provided that the first retaining contour and the second retaining contour are not concentrically configured relative to one another, so that the connecting element and the mating connecting element can be pulled relative to one another when the retaining element is moved from the release position into the retaining position.

For example, it can be provided that the at least one holding element is movable from the holding position into the release position and/or from the release position into the holding position by means of a mechanical operating element which can be brought into engagement with the holding element from outside the connecting element.

For this purpose, it is advantageous if at least one holding element has a receptacle, in particular an operating opening, for an operating section of the mechanical operating device.

In particular, it can be provided that at least one holding element has a receptacle, in particular an actuating opening, for a polygonal wrench, a hexagon socket wrench and/or a screwdriver.

In order to achieve the effect of the mechanical operating means on the holding element, it can be provided that the connecting element comprises a housing with a through-opening for the mechanical operating means to pass through to the holding element.

In particular, it can be provided that the housing has a side wall extending transversely to the curved contact surface of the connecting element, and the through-opening is arranged in the side wall.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the through-openings are arranged at a curved contact surface of the connecting element.

In order to achieve a particularly effective anchoring of at least one of the connecting elements in the associated component, it can be provided that at least one of the connecting elements is provided with at least one retaining lug which has a curved supporting surface which is circular-arc-shaped in longitudinal section.

The retaining projection can be supported with the curved support surface at an undercut surface, likewise curved, of the undercut section of the groove in the associated component, wherein the undercut surface is likewise circular-arc-shaped in longitudinal section and has the same bending radius as the curved support surface of the retaining projection. A form-fitting connection between the component and the connecting element is achieved by the engagement between the retaining projection and the undercut section of the groove.

Preferably, the holding projection of the connecting device according to the invention is not self-tapping (selbstschneiden).

More precisely, the retaining projection is preferably provided to be pushed in the longitudinal direction of the groove into a groove with an undercut section in the relevant component, which groove has been produced before the connecting element is brought into the component. In this case, the holding projection can be pushed into the undercut section of the groove in the tangential direction with little effort, so that the connecting element also has freedom of movement in this direction and can therefore also be calibrated with respect to the relative position when the components are connected.

In particular, the holding projection may have a blunt end and/or a rounded slide-in chamfer at its end region.

The non-self-tapping retaining tabs may have a cross-section of any size in order to improve the mechanical stability of the retaining tabs.

In particular, the cross-section of the retention tabs may be at least 1mm²。

The retention tabs may have a substantially rectangular or substantially trapezoidal cross-section.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least one holding projection tapers with increasing distance from the base body of the respective connecting element.

On the other hand, it can be provided that the at least one holding projection tapers with decreasing distance from the base body of the respective connecting element.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the at least one holding projection to have a cross section with an at least partially curved outer contour.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one holding projection abuts the curved contact surface of the respective connecting element in a substantially flush manner. In this case, the retaining projection is also arranged at the outermost edge of the associated connecting element close to the groove base.

Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the at least one holding projection is arranged offset with respect to the curved contact surface of the respective connecting element. In particular, the retaining projection can also have a smaller radius of curvature than the curved contact surface of the respective connecting element.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a plurality of holding projections with different bending radii are arranged on the same connecting element. In particular, a plurality of retaining projections with different bending radii can be arranged on the same side of the respective connecting element.

In addition or as an alternative to the anchoring of the connecting elements by means of one or more holding projections, it can also be provided that at least one of the connecting elements is provided with at least one anchoring element for the purpose of securing the relevant connecting element at the groove base of the groove provided in the component.

Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one of the connecting elements is provided with at least one anchor screw for fixing the relevant connecting element to one of the components.

According to the invention, the connecting device comprises in particular a connecting element comprising a base body which can be arranged in the component and one or more spring elements for establishing a connection with the counterpart.

In particular, the component can be positioned relative to another component and/or the object by means of one or more spring elements.

Advantageously, one or more spring elements can be brought into one or more openings in the mating connection element. In particular, the mating connection element can be a further connection element of the connection device or, however, also be a component of the component and/or the object.

It can be provided that the one or more spring elements each have a spring section which projects in particular away from the base body.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the one or more spring elements each have a stabilization section. Preferably, the stabilizing section extends from the spring section in the direction of the base body.

The stabilization section can therefore be optional, in particular, depending on the design of the spring section.

It can be advantageous if the spring section projects away from the base body and adjoins the stabilization section at the end of the spring section facing away from the base body.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the stabilization section extends from the end of the spring section facing away from the base body in the direction of the base body. In particular, this makes it possible to stabilize the end of the spring section facing away from the base body in an efficient manner, in particular to prevent an undesired lateral displacement of the end of the spring section facing away from the base body relative to the base body.

Preferably, the stabilization section extends in the relaxed state of the spring element into the base body.

In particular, it can be provided that the stabilization section has a foot section, for example, in the shape of a cuboid. In particular, the foot section is arranged at the end of the stabilization section facing away from the spring section and can be moved relative to the base body.

Preferably, the foot section and/or the stabilizing section are arranged and/or dimensioned such that in the relaxed state of the spring element the foot section of the stabilizing section protrudes with at least about 10%, preferably at least about 30%, of its height in the connecting direction of the connecting device into the base body. Lateral overlap of the stabilization section with the base body can thereby be achieved, so that undesired lateral displacement of the spring element can preferably be prevented or at least minimized in the case of an elastic displacement of the spring element.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the stabilization section projects into the base body in the relaxed state of the spring element by at least about 2%, preferably at least about 5%, for example at least about 10%, of its height in the connecting direction of the connecting device.

Furthermore, provision is alternatively or additionally made for the foot portion and/or the stabilizing portion to protrude into the base body in the relaxed state of the spring element by at most about 50%, preferably at most about 30%, for example at most about 10%, of its height in the connecting direction of the connecting device.

Advantageously, the base body can have at least one spring receptacle for receiving a part of the at least one spring element or for receiving the at least one spring element in its entirety.

In particular, the spring receptacle is a recess or a through-opening in the base body, in particular at the upper side of the base body, which is surrounded by two side walls of the base body.

In particular, the upper side of the base body is the side from which the spring element or spring elements protrude.

In particular, the upper side of the base body of the connecting element is the side which is arranged in the connected state of the connecting device in a manner close to the mating connecting element.

Advantageously, the width of the stabilization section, in particular of the foot section, of at least one spring element in a direction extending perpendicular to the connection direction of the connection device and/or in a transverse direction of the connection element can be at least about 90%, in particular at least about 95%, of the width of the associated spring receptacle.

In particular, the transverse direction is here a direction oriented perpendicular to the flat side surfaces of the side walls of the base body of the connecting element.

In particular, the transverse direction is parallel to the axis of rotation of the holding element.

Alternatively or additionally to this, the transverse direction may be a direction perpendicular to a push-in direction along which the connecting element can be pushed into a recess arranged in the component.

Furthermore, in particular, the transverse direction is a direction extending perpendicular to the maximum longitudinal extent of the connecting element.

In particular, the width of the spring receiving portion is the net width of the spring receiving portion.

Advantageously, the spring section and the stabilization section can be formed and/or produced in one piece with one another.

However, it can also be provided that the spring section and the stabilization section are produced from different materials and/or in different production steps and are subsequently connected to one another.

In particular, the spring section and the stabilization section can be designed as a one-piece injection-molded component, for example as a plastic injection-molded component. Alternatively, it can be provided that the spring section and/or the stabilization section are part of a metal element, in particular a bent plate.

Preferably, the spring section and the stabilization section merge into one another in a spring projection of the spring element. Preferably, the spring projection is the end of the spring element which is furthest away from the base body, in particular in the relaxed state of the spring element.

In particular, the relaxed state of the spring element is the state of maximum elastic removal and/or the state of no or minimal spring tension of the spring element.

Preferably, the spring projection is a spring top which is rounded or chamfered, in particular on one side, on two sides, on three sides or on four sides.

For example, it can be provided that the upper side of the spring projection facing away from the base body is rounded and/or beveled. In particular, a rounding or a chamfer on one side, on both sides, on three sides or on four sides is provided at the upper side.

In particular, the rounding and/or bevelling may provide the advantage that the spring element may be moved out of the opening in the mating connecting element by simply pushing the connecting element relative to the mating connecting element in the direction of the side face on which the rounding or bevelling is provided. By suitable selection of the number of rounding or bevelings, the spring element can be simply removed from the opening in the mating connecting element in all directions, in particular perpendicular to the connecting direction, or also in only a single direction, in particular perpendicular to the connecting direction. The spring element can be secured in the opening of the mating connecting element in a non-releasable manner in exactly one direction of movement, for example by rounding or bevelling only three sides.

It can be advantageous if the spring element as a whole, in particular at least the part of the spring element that projects into the opening in the mating connection element, extends from the spring projection, i.e. from the end of the spring element that is furthest from the base body, in the direction of the base body, in particular in one, two, three, four or all directions running perpendicular to the connection direction.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the spring element, in particular the part of the spring element projecting into the opening in the mating connection element, tapers, in particular continuously tapers, from the base body.

Preferably, one, two, three, four or all sides of the spring element are arranged and/or oriented obliquely to the connecting direction.

Alternatively or additionally to this, one, two, three or all four sides of the spring element can be oriented at least approximately parallel to the connecting direction.

In particular, the spring dome is rounded in such a way that in the relaxed state of the spring element and/or in the elastically retracted state of the spring element, in which the spring element is arranged substantially completely in the base body, and/or in all intermediate states, an abutment section of the spring dome, with which the spring dome is pressed against the mating connecting element, in particular against other connecting elements, pressing members and/or objects, in particular before being elastically retracted into an opening in the mating connecting element, has a bending radius of at least about 2mm, preferably at least about 5 mm. In particular, undesired damage to the mating connection elements, in particular to other connection elements, components and/or objects, can thereby be avoided.

Alternatively or additionally to this, in particular to avoid undesired damage of the edges and projections at the mating connecting elements, in particular other connecting elements, components and/or objects, one, two, three, four or all sides of the spring element can be rounded and/or beveled.

It can be advantageous if the holding element of the connecting element can be brought into engagement with the at least one spring element of the connecting element, in particular such that the at least one spring element can be brought from a relaxed state into an elastically movable state, in particular into a position arranged completely within the base body, of the at least one spring element by the holding element being moved from the holding position into the release position.

In particular, therefore, the one or more spring elements can be actuated by actuating the holding element itself.

For example, it can be provided that the holding element has one or more engagement sections which act on one or more spring elements in order to actuate the spring elements, in particular to bring them from a relaxed state into an elastically retracted state.

Alternatively or in addition to the actuation of the at least one spring element by means of the holding element, a further actuation of the at least one spring element independently of the holding element can also be provided. In particular, a mechanical or, however, also a magnetic actuation may be provided, in particular in order to bring the one or more spring elements from a relaxed state into an elastically retracted state in which at least one spring element is arranged, in particular, completely in the base body.

Advantageously, the spring section can be embodied as a leaf spring or comprise a leaf spring.

A leaf spring is to be understood in particular as a spring element having two broad sides lying opposite one another and two narrow sides lying opposite one another, wherein all broad sides and all narrow sides connect two ends of a spring section to one another. In this case, the wide side preferably has a width perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the leaf spring which is at least twice, preferably at least three times, for example at least approximately five times, the width of the narrow side. In particular, the width is measured perpendicular to the main direction of extension.

Preferably, the spring section is configured to be bent in the relaxed state.

Advantageously, the end of the spring section of the spring element close to the base body can merge into the base body.

In particular, the spring section of the spring element can be molded into, formed by or together with the base body.

Preferably, the end of the spring section close to the base body is arranged on the base body in such a way that the side faces of the spring section, in particular the upper side and/or the broad side, at which the spring elements project at least approximately parallel to the upper side of the base body.

In particular, the side of the spring section is concavely curved.

Advantageously, a tangent line which in the relaxed state of the spring element bears against a broad side, in particular an upper side, of the spring section at the end of the spring section facing away from the base body encloses an angle of at least about 20 °, in particular at least about 30 °, and/or at most about 70 °, preferably at most about 55 °, with the upper side of the base body from which the spring element projects.

Advantageously, the upper side of the spring portion may be at least approximately flush with the upper side of the base body at the end of the spring portion adjacent to the base body or arranged below the upper side of the base body. In particular, this upper side of the spring section is the wide side of the spring section which is designed as a leaf spring.

Provision can be made for the spring section to be arranged completely outside the outer contour of the base body.

However, it is preferably provided that the spring section projects into the outer contour of the base body.

Preferably, it is further provided that one or more side walls of the base body, which laterally adjoin the spring section, have one or more recesses, which are formed in particular in an at least approximately complementary manner to the shape of the spring section in the region of the spring section that projects into the outer contour of the base body. It is thereby possible to provide a wide spring section with a correspondingly greater spring strength and a greater spring length.

Preferably, the underside of the spring section close to the base body has one or more beveled or rounded edges, in particular at one or both transitions between the lower broad side of the spring section and one or both narrow sides of the spring section on the side.

In particular, the chamfered or rounded edge or edges enable the spring section to be moved elastically into the main body without resistance or at least with reduced resistance, in particular without buckling of the spring section at the wall of the main body.

Advantageously, the base body and the spring element or spring elements can be produced in one piece with one another.

In particular, the base body and the spring element or the spring elements are designed as a one-piece injection-molded component, in particular as a plastic injection-molded component.

In particular, the base body and/or the one or more spring elements consist of or comprise a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material.

The optional movable holding element can likewise be designed as an injection-molded component, in particular as a plastic injection-molded component.

Preferably, however, the displaceable holding element is made of another material, for example a metallic material. Preferably, the movable retaining element is a zinc die cast member.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the base body and the spring element or the spring elements are composed of different materials from one another. In particular, the one or more spring elements can be made of a metallic material and embedded in the base body or can be injection molded during the production of the base body.

Advantageously, the width of the spring section at the end of the spring section close to the base body can correspond to at least about 20%, preferably at least about 30%, of the maximum width of the base body.

The width is measured in particular in a direction oriented perpendicular to the connection direction and/or parallel to the upper side of the spring section.

Preferably, the connecting element comprises two spring elements which are arranged and/or configured at least substantially mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other, in particular with reference to a transverse center plane of the connecting element.

Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the connecting element comprises only one spring element or more than two spring elements.

If two such spring elements are provided, an optional movable retaining element is arranged in particular between the two spring elements in the main direction of extension of the connecting element.

In particular, the connecting device can be composed of the connecting element only, in particular when the mating connecting element is composed of a component or of a further object.

However, it can also be provided that the connecting device comprises a mating connecting element in addition to the connecting element.

Preferably, the mating connection element comprises one or more openings which are configured in a manner that is at least substantially complementary to the shape of the upper side of the at least one spring element.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the mating connection element comprises a retaining profile which can be engaged behind by means of an optionally movable retaining element. In particular, it can be provided that the connecting device comprises a connecting element which is arranged on the first component in the connected state of the two components and a mating connecting element which is arranged on the second component in the connected state of the components.

In particular, the connecting element and/or the mating connecting element are each provided with one or more holding projections which each have a curved supporting surface which is circular-arc-shaped in longitudinal section.

In particular, the connection element and/or the mating connection element can be secured in one or more components or objects by means of the holding projection, preferably by being pushed into a recess which is configured complementary thereto.

The invention also relates to a component composite structure (bauteiverbung) comprising one or more components and a connection device according to the invention.

In particular, such a component composite structure is a furniture piece.

The invention therefore also relates to a piece of furniture comprising a plurality of components and one or more connecting devices, in particular according to the invention.

In particular, the components of the furniture part are plate-shaped elements, in particular wood plates, which are connected or can be connected to one another by means of one or more connecting devices.

Drawings

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects and/or advantages of the invention.

In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a connecting element of a connecting device, wherein a movable holding element is arranged in a release position;

fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the connecting element of fig. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic vertical cross-section of the connecting element of FIG. 3 along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic vertical cross-section of the connecting element of FIG. 1 along line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of the upper side of the connecting element of fig. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic vertical longitudinal section of the connecting element of FIG. 1;

fig. 7 shows an enlargement of the region VII of fig. 6;

fig. 8 shows a schematic illustration of the connecting element of fig. 1 corresponding to fig. 1, wherein the movable holding element is arranged in a holding position;

fig. 9 shows a schematic side view of the connecting element of fig. 1 corresponding to fig. 2, wherein the movable holding element is arranged in a holding position and wherein the mating connecting element and the two components are shown in dashed lines; and

fig. 10 shows a schematic sectional view of the connecting element of fig. 1 corresponding to fig. 6, wherein the movable holding element is arranged in a holding position.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

Detailed Description

The embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 10 of the connecting device, which is designated as a whole by 100, is explained in the following in the example of the connection of a substantially plate-shaped first component 102 with a likewise substantially plate-shaped second component 104 (see fig. 9).

The two components 102 and 104 are made of wood or plywood, for example, but can also be made of any other material, for example of a metallic material or of a plastic material (for example plexiglass). It can also be provided that the first component 102 and the second component 104 are composed of different materials from one another.

The connecting device 100 may be used in particular in the construction of furniture for the manufacture of furniture 106 comprising a plurality of components 102, 104.

However, the coupling device 100 may also be used to couple the member 102 with any one of the additional objects 108.

In this case, the connecting device 100 comprises in particular only a connecting element 110 which is or can be connected directly to the object 108.

The counterpart 112 of the connecting element 110 is therefore generally referred to as a mating connecting element 114, in particular irrespective of whether the component parts of the connecting device 100 or itself are connected or connectable to the component 102 in the case of the use of the connecting device 100.

The embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 10 is discussed in detail below, in which the two plate-shaped components 102, 104 are connected to one another only by way of example when using the connecting device 100 (see in particular fig. 9).

In the assembled state of the components 102, 104, which is shown in fig. 9, the surface 116 of the first component 102 rests against the surface 118 of the second component 104. The members 102, 104 are fixed in said position by means of the connecting device 100. To this end, the connecting device 100 comprises a connecting element 110 and a mating connecting element 114, which are each arranged in a recess 120 in the two components 102, 104, which recess is configured in a complementary manner thereto.

The groove 120 in the members 102, 104 may be manufactured, for example, using a groove milling device as described in EP 1990549 a 1.

Numerous further details regarding the establishment of a connection between two components 102, 104 in the case of the use of a connection device 100 are known from EP 1990549 a 1.

Preferably, the connecting element 110 comprises a base 122. The base body 122 comprises a substantially cylindrical housing 124 in the form of a segment, which comprises an arcuately curved abutment face 126, an upper face 128 opposite the abutment face 126, and two side walls 132 extending substantially parallel to the connecting direction 130 and substantially perpendicular to the upper face 128.

The arcuately curved retaining projections 134 each project from an edge region of the side wall 132 close to the contact surface 126 in the transverse direction 136 beyond the respective side wall 132.

The transverse direction 136 is oriented here in particular substantially perpendicularly to the side walls 132. Furthermore, the transverse direction 136 is oriented in particular perpendicularly to the connecting direction 130.

In at least one of the side walls 132, a through opening 138 is arranged, through which a holding element 140 of the connecting element 110 is accessible.

In particular, the operating opening 142 in the holding element 140 is accessible through the through-opening 138.

In particular, the holding element 140 is held in the base body 122 so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis 144, wherein the holding element can be brought from a holding position (see in particular fig. 8 to 10) into a release position (see in particular fig. 1, 2 and 6) and from the release position back into the holding position by operation by means of a tool, for example a hex wrench.

In particular, the rotational axis 144 of the holding element 140 is parallel to the transverse direction 136 and/or perpendicular to the connecting direction 130.

In the aforementioned document EP 1990549 a1, the connecting element must first be secured in the components 102, 104, in particular pushed into the groove 120, before the components 102, 104 can be inserted onto one another. This plug-in process is necessary in order to be able to engage the bolt of the connecting element, which projects permanently from the one component 102, with the associated receptacle in the counterpart.

However, there are also applications in which the components 102, 104 cannot be easily inserted into one another or otherwise moved along the connection direction 130 in order to establish a connection. For example, there are a large number of applications in which the components 102, 104 can already be placed with their surfaces 116, 118 against one another and then be pushed relative to one another in a direction extending perpendicular to the connecting direction 130 and then only be fixed.

The portion of the connection device 100 protruding from the connection element 110 and thus the surface 116 of the member 102 prevents this type of application.

In the embodiment of the connecting device 100 shown in fig. 1 to 10, a spring element 146 is therefore provided, which in the relaxed state projects beyond the base body 122 of the connecting element 110, but in the elastically retracted state is arranged in the base body 122.

Thus, the spring element 146 may in particular be moved away from the path of movement of the component 104 when the component 104 is moved relative to the component 102 while the surfaces 116, 118 are already abutting against each other.

Preferably, one or more openings 148 are arranged and/or configured in the mating connection element 114, which is arranged in particular in the component 104.

The openings 148 can be configured in a manner that is complementary, in particular at least in regions, to the upper side 150 of each spring element 146.

Thus, the spring element 146 can be moved out of the opening 148 in particular elastically as soon as the components 102, 104 are positioned in a predetermined position relative to one another and thus the connecting element 110 and the mating connecting element 114 are also arranged in a predetermined position.

In particular, the spring element 146 may enable pre-positioning and/or pre-fixing of the members 102, 104 relative to each other through interaction with the opening 148. In particular, the assembly of the connecting device 100 as a whole and/or of the furniture 106 as a whole can be simplified thereby. In particular, it can be ensured by a suitably designed effective spring force that the components 102, 104 are held only by the spring force of the spring element 146 in the opening 148, in particular until the holding element 140 of the connecting device 100 has finally been brought from the release position shown, for example, in fig. 1, 2 and 6 into the holding position shown in fig. 8 to 10.

In this case, the retaining element 140 engages in particular by means of the first retaining contour 152 of the retaining element 140 into the second retaining contour 154 of the mating connection element 114 or engages it afterwards, whereby finally a locking of the connection device 100 in the connection direction 130 is achieved (see in particular fig. 9).

Due to a suitable design of the spring element 146, the retaining elements 140 can also be released again from one another, in particular by being pushed in a direction extending perpendicular to the connecting direction 130, after they have been released. Alternatively, a permanent fastening in this direction can also be provided in the case of the use of the spring element 146.

The embodiment of the spring element 146 shown in fig. 1 to 10 is discussed in detail below, in which the releasable connection is in particular arranged such that the components 102, 104 can be displaced along the transverse direction 136 in order to move the spring element 146 into the base body 122 and thus to release the connection between the connecting element 110 and the mating connecting element 114, in particular only on the basis of a movement of the components 102, 104 relative to one another.

As can be gathered in particular from fig. 1 and 8, each spring element 146 comprises a spring section 156 which is arranged at the base body 122 of the connecting element 110 and projects away therefrom.

Furthermore, each spring element 146 comprises a stabilizing section 158, which is arranged at the spring section 156 of the respective spring element 146.

In this case, the stabilization section 158 projects in particular away from the spring section 156 in the direction of the base body 122.

In particular, the stabilizing section 158 extends at least approximately in the direction of the connecting direction 130 toward the base body 122, at least in the relaxed state of the spring element 146, starting from an end 160 of the spring section 156 facing away from the base body 122.

At its end close to the base 122, the spring section 156 is fastened to the base 122. In particular, a material-fit connection is provided.

Preferably, the entire spring element 146 and the base 122 are constructed as a one-piece plastic injection-molded component.

In particular, an end 160 of the spring section 156 facing away from the base body 122 forms a transition region between the spring section 156 and the stabilization section 158.

Preferably, the end 160 of the spring section 156 facing away from the base body 122 is the part of the spring element 146 which is furthest away from the base body 122 at least in the relaxed state of the spring element 146.

The end 160 of the spring section 156 therefore forms in particular a spring projection 164 of the spring element 146.

The spring projection 164 is in particular a spring top 166. When the components 102, 104 are pushed relative to one another in a direction extending perpendicular to the connecting direction 130 until the spring element 146 can finally be inserted into the opening 148, the respective spring element 146 rests with the spring top 166 against the surface 118 of the component 104.

In particular, the spring top 166 is rounded or beveled in order to avoid as far as possible undesired damage, in particular scratching, of the surface 118.

Furthermore, the previously mentioned variants of the disengageability of the connecting device 100 can be achieved by rounding or chamfering the spring tops 166 and/or by rounding or chamfering the sides 168 of each spring element 146 which adjoin the spring tops 166.

In particular, if the spring head 166 and/or all the flanks 168 are oriented obliquely to the connecting direction 130 and in this case have in particular surfaces extending along planes intersecting on the side of the spring element 146 facing away from the base body 122, the spring element 146 can be simply moved out of the opening 148 and into the base body 122, in particular independently of which direction the components 102, 104 are pushed relative to one another and extend perpendicularly to the connecting direction 130.

In particular, if the respective side 168 and/or the spring top 166 are only partially rounded or beveled, a relative movement of the components 102, 104 can be prevented in one or more directions extending perpendicular to the connecting direction 130.

Advantageously, it can be ensured by means of the spring element 146 that, once the spring element 146 is inserted into the opening 148, no further fixing of the components 102, 104 is required. Preferably, the optional holding element 140 must also be operated only for final assembly.

The preferred temporary positioning is ensured in particular by the high elasticity of the spring elements 146.

For this purpose, the spring elements 146 preferably each comprise a leaf spring 170, which is in particular a component of the spring section 156 or is formed therefrom.

The leaf spring 170 comprises in particular two broad sides 172, which are connected to one another by means of two narrow sides 174.

Furthermore, two wide sides 172 and two narrow sides 174 connect the ends 160, 162 of the spring section 156 to one another.

Preferably, the broad side 172 of the leaf spring 170 forms at least one component of the upper side 150 of the spring section 156 and/or of the upper side 150 of the spring element 146.

As may be gathered, for example, from fig. 4, the spring section 156 of the spring element 146 preferably extends over a width B_FThe width is the width B of the connecting element 110_VAt least about 20%, preferably at least about 30%.

In particular, the width is here in particular the maximum length in the transverse direction 136.

Furthermore, it is clear, for example from fig. 1, 2, 8 and 9, that the side walls 132 of the base body 122 are each provided with a recess 176 in the region of the spring section 156 close to the end 162 of the base body 122. As a result, the spring section 156 can be particularly wide and also particularly long, without the side wall 132 interfering. The arrangement of the respective spring element 146 is thus achieved in that the end 162 of the spring section 156 which is close to the base body 122 is arranged within the outer contour of the base body 122.

In particular, the upper side 150 of the spring section 156 is flush with or even below the upper side 128 of the base 122 near the end 162 of the base 122.

One or more, in particular two, spring receptacles 178 are arranged in the base body 122, in particular for receiving the spring elements 146 in each case. In particular, exactly one spring element 146 can be received in each spring receptacle 178.

When the spring element 146 is arranged in the spring receptacle 178, it no longer protrudes above the upper side 128 of the base body 122. In this position, the components 102, 104 can therefore be displaced in particular in a direction extending perpendicular to the connecting direction 130 without the spring element 146 hindering this movement.

In particular, when the spring element 146 is actuated by a relative displacement of the components 102, 104 relative to one another, strong transverse forces can be generated, which can load the spring element 146, in particular in the transverse direction 136, and lead to damage to the spring element 146.

The spring element 146 is therefore provided with a stabilizing section 158, which is intended in particular to counteract such strong loads in the transverse direction 136.

Preferably, each stabilization section 158 has a foot section 180 for this purpose.

Thus, the stabilization section 158 and thus each spring element 146 in the relaxed state of each spring element 146 projects with this foot section 180 into the base body 122, in particular into the spring receptacle 178 of the base body 122 (see in particular fig. 7).

Preferably, the foot section 180 has a width B here_AThe width B_AAt least approximately corresponding to the width B of the spring receptacle 178_BThe two widths are in particular each measured in the transverse direction 136 (see fig. 3).

In particular, the width B of the foot section 180 of the stabilization section 158_AWidth B of the associated spring receptacle 178_BAt least about 95%, preferably at least about 98%.

By the foot section 180 of the stabilization section 158 always projecting into the spring receptacle 178 and/or also having a very small clearance within the spring receptacle 178, undesired lateral movements of the end 160 of the spring section 156 facing away from the base body 122 can be minimized when the components 102, 104 are pushed in the transverse direction 136 relative to one another.

High spring and/or holding forces can thus also be achieved without having to worry about damage to the connection device 100 and/or the components 102, 104 in the event of intentional disengagement of the components 102, 104 from each other.

In particular, the foot section 180 forms the free end of the spring element 146.

Preferably, the spring element 146 is firmly connected to the base 122 only at the end 162 of the spring section 156 close to the base 122.

Finally, it can be advantageous to design the narrow side 174 of the spring section 156 and/or the edge between the narrow side 174 of the spring section 156 and the lower side 182 opposite the upper side 150 to be chamfered and/or rounded. In particular, when the spring element 146 is moved elastically into the base body 122, an undesired buckling of the spring section 156 and of the side wall 132 can be avoided thereby.

In other embodiments (not shown) of the connection device 100, only a single spring element 146 or even more than two spring elements 146 can be provided instead of two spring elements 146.

It is advantageous, but not absolutely necessary, that the spring elements 146 are arranged and/or constructed mirror-symmetrically with respect to one another with reference to a transverse center plane 184 of the connecting element 110.

In particular, the spring element 146 is arranged at the connecting element 110 in such a way that it projects towards one another starting from two ends 186 of the base body 122 of the connecting element which face away from one another.

However, it can also be provided that the two spring elements 146 of the connecting element 110 project away from one another starting from the respective end 162 which is close to the base body 122.

In each case, however, in particular in the case of a displacement of the components 102, 104 relative to one another, during the time in which the surfaces 116, 118 of the components 102, 104 already bear against one another, an optimized positioning of the components 102, 104 relative to one another is preferably achieved by using at least one spring element 146.

List of reference numerals

100 connecting device

102 first component

104 second member

106 furniture

108 object

110 connecting element

112 mating member

114 mating connecting element

116 surface of the wafer

118 surface

120 groove

122 base body

124 casing

126 contact surface

128 upper side

130 direction of connection

132 side wall

134 retention tab

136 transverse direction

138 through opening

140 holding element

142 operating opening

144 axis of rotation

146 spring element

148 opening

150 upper side

152 retention profile

154 second retention profile

156 spring section

158 stabilizing segment

160 end portion

162 end portion

164 spring projection

166 spring top

168 side part

170 plate spring

172 broad side

174 narrow side

176 recess

178 spring receiver

180 foot section

182 underside

184 transverse center plane

186 end portion

Width B_F

Width B_V

Width B_A

Width B_B。