Adapter element and connection device

Abstract

In order to be able to secure connection elements for furniture and / or machine parts, for example, in lightweight construction panels, the application proposes the use of an adapter element which comprises a receiving section for receiving a connection element and a securing section for securing the adapter element, in particular in a lightweight construction panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connecting elements, which are used, for example, in furniture manufacturing and machinery manufacturing. Connecting elements are particularly used for connecting different components to each other in order to, for example, manufacture composite structures of components. Furthermore, connecting elements can be used to fasten components to an object. Background Technology

[0002] Different implementations of the connecting device and connecting element are known, for example, from DE 10 2014 101 158 A1, DE 102013 203 289 A1 or EP 2 142 042 B1.

[0003] To secure connecting elements, especially those of the type disclosed in the aforementioned documents, to the component, grooves, particularly receiving sections, can be created in the component that complement at least a portion of the corresponding connecting element. This is a method that can be considered, especially in the case of solid wood panels, MDF panels, etc. However, for applications in lightweight structural panels, such as in sandwich components, this securing of the connecting elements cannot be easily achieved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an adapter element for a connecting element of a connecting device, by means of which the connecting element can be stably and reliably secured in a component, especially a lightweight component.

[0005] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by an adapter element according to the following technical solution.

[0006] The adapter element is particularly used to receive the connecting element of the connecting device. Preferably, the adapter element can be secured in the component, especially together with the connecting element received in or at the adapter element.

[0007] The adapter element preferably includes a receiving section for receiving a connecting element of the connecting device. The receiving section is formed, in particular, through the internal space of the adapter element. Specifically, when the connecting element is received in the receiving section, at least a portion of the connecting element is arranged within the adapter element.

[0008] Preferably, the adapter element includes a securing section for securing the adapter element in the component.

[0009] The secure section is located on one or more sides of the adapter element.

[0010] Preferably, the mounting section is arranged and / or formed on the outer side of the adapter element away from the receiving section, especially on the outer wall and / or side wall.

[0011] With the help of an adapter element, the connecting element can preferably be secured to the component and / or in the component not directly but indirectly.

[0012] One advantage is that the adapter element can be completely and securely embedded in the component.

[0013] Alternatively or supplementally, it may be stipulated that the connecting element, especially the base of the connecting element, can be completely secured within the component.

[0014] The base of the connecting element is preferably a component of the connecting element used to secure the connecting element in the component and / or the adapter element.

[0015] In particular, the base of the connecting element is a component of the connecting element that is not used to establish a connection with another connecting element, especially a mating part.

[0016] Advantageously, the receiving section may include one or more receiving recesses, particularly receiving grooves, for receiving one or more retaining protrusions of the connecting element.

[0017] Alternatively or supplementally, it may be specified that the securing section includes one or more retaining protrusions for securing the adapter element in the member.

[0018] Advantageously, the adapter element can be introduced into the receiving section of the component. The receiving section of the component is therefore configured to be substantially complementary to the external shape of the adapter element. In particular, the receiving section of the component preferably has one or more receiving recesses, especially receiving grooves, into which one or more retaining protrusions of the adapter element can be introduced, especially pushed, into the receiving recesses, and these retaining protrusions are particularly non-self-tapping.

[0019] To replace or supplement the adapter element's security at the component by means of one or more, especially non-self-tapping, retaining protrusions, the following security variations can be specified, for example:

[0020] It can be specified that the adapter element is secured or can be secured at the component in a form-fitting and / or material-fitting and / or friction-fitting manner.

[0021] For example, a form-fitting anchor can be provided using the undercut. In particular, one or more, especially superimposed, movements can be specified for securing the adapter element within the component. For example, a simple push-in or insertion can be specified.

[0022] Alternatively or supplementally, combinations of movements may be specified, such as insertion and additional push, insertion and additional rotation, insertion and additional clamping.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be specified that the adapter element can be secured to the component at and / or in place, for example, by means of an adhesive portion. For this purpose, the securing section of the adapter element may be provided with a rough and / or structured surface and / or a surface with protrusions and / or undercuts.

[0024] Advantageously, the adapter element, especially the secure section, may include one or more channels through which connecting material, especially adhesive, can be supplied to one or more connecting surfaces, especially adhesive surfaces, of the secure section. For example, an opening for supplying connecting material, especially adhesive, may be provided on the upper side of the adapter element, wherein the supplied connecting material, especially adhesive, can be supplied to one or more connecting surfaces of the secure section by means of one or more channels.

[0025] Furthermore, it may be specified that the adapter element has one or more receiving portions for connecting materials, such as adhesive receiving portions, especially glue beads. These receiving portions are preferably filled with and / or provided with connecting material in the state ready for assembly of the adapter element.

[0026] In particular, the connecting material can preferably be activated by introducing the adapter element into the component and / or by a subsequent activation step, wherein the connecting material is thereby discharged and / or dispersed, such that the connecting material creates a connection, particularly a material fit and / or a form fit, between the securing section of the adapter element and the component.

[0027] In particular, by introducing adapter elements into the component, the activation of the connecting material can be achieved through tearing, cracking, breaking, or other physical activation. Alternatively or supplementarily, chemical activation of the connecting material can be provided.

[0028] Advantageously, the connecting material may be an adhesive. However, alternatively or additionally, it may be specified that the connecting material is a polyurethane material, such as a foam-forming, hardened polyurethane material.

[0029] In another embodiment of the adapter element, alternatively or additionally, it may be specified that the adapter element is connected to and / or secured to the component by means of a welding process, such as ultrasonic welding, wood welding and / or cold fusion process.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, it may be specified that the adapter element is fastened to the component and / or in place by means of one or more expansion screws (Dübel) and / or pins and / or rivets.

[0031] In the embodiments of the adapter element described below, in particular, the application of one or more retaining protrusions for securing the adapter element in the member is provided. In all embodiments, the options for securing the adapter element in the member and / or all of the above can be configured to replace or supplement the one or more retaining protrusions.

[0032] For example, in a design scheme with one or more retaining protrusions in the Securing section, a combination of material fit connections can also be specified when using connecting materials, especially adhesives.

[0033] Advantageously, one or more receiving recesses, particularly receiving grooves, for receiving one or more retaining protrusions of the connecting element may be curved, particularly curved in the form of arcuate segments.

[0034] The retaining protrusion is configured, for example, such that the retaining protrusion extends substantially linearly along the plane.

[0035] The term “linear” should be understood in particular as keeping the protrusion extending along the main path, and keeping the local lateral extension of the protrusion in all directions perpendicular to the extension of the main path less than 20%, especially less than 10%, and preferably less than 5% of the total length of the protrusion along the main path at each preferred local point along the main path.

[0036] The receiving section of the adapter element preferably includes two, four, six or more than six receiving recesses, especially receiving slots, which are preferably arranged and / or formed at least substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the adapter element.

[0037] Preferably, two receiving recesses, especially receiving grooves, are provided in pairs and arranged in the opposing walls, especially the inner walls, of the receiving section.

[0038] One or more receiving recesses, particularly receiving grooves, for receiving one or more retaining protrusions of the connecting element preferably extend to the upper side of the adapter element only on one or both sides. Alternatively, it may be specified that one or more receiving recesses, particularly receiving grooves, for receiving one or more retaining protrusions of the connecting element extend entirely within the receiving section and do not extend to the upper side of the adapter element. In the first mentioned case, the connecting element can be introduced into and / or removed from the adapter element when the adapter element is already assembled in the component. In the last mentioned case, the connecting element can only be introduced into or removed from the adapter element in the unassembled state of the adapter element.

[0039] It may be specified that one or more retaining protrusions of the connecting element and / or one or more retaining protrusions of the adapter element are configured to be curved, especially configured to be curved in the form of arc segments.

[0040] Preferably, one or more retaining protrusions of the connecting element and / or the adapter element extend at least substantially along the arcuate section on one or both sides to the upper side of the connecting element, particularly the base of the connecting element, and / or to the upper side of the adapter element. Furthermore, a concave end of the corresponding retaining protrusion may be provided on one or both sides.

[0041] It is advantageous that the adapter element includes multiple receiving recesses, especially receiving slots, for receiving connecting elements of different types, such as different sizes, different functions, different geometries, etc.

[0042] Receiving recesses for different types of connecting elements are arranged in the receiving section of the adapter element at different depths.

[0043] Here, the receiving recesses, especially the receiving grooves, preferably have the same or different radii of curvature. In particular, it can be specified that the receiving recesses for different types of connecting elements are arranged parallel to each other, especially along the depth direction and / or the connection direction.

[0044] It may be advantageous for one or more of the adapter elements, especially all of the receiving recesses and / or one or more of the adapter elements, especially all of the retaining protrusions, to extend along one or more planes oriented, especially parallel to each other and / or perpendicular to the upper side of the adapter elements.

[0045] The upper side of the adapter element, especially the side that points outward from the component when the adapter element is assembled.

[0046] In particular, the upper side of the adapter element is the side of the component that is substantially flush with the side of the component where the adapter element is arranged in the assembled state.

[0047] Preferably, the upper side of the adapter element is the lower side of the adapter element, on which one or more retaining elements and / or resilient elements of the connecting element arranged in the adapter element protrude from the adapter element so as to engage or form a mating with suitable mating parts of other connecting elements of the connecting device.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the upper side of the adapter element is preferably the side of the adapter element through which one or more retaining elements and / or elastic elements of the connecting elements arranged in the adapter element are accessible to other connecting elements, especially for establishing connections with other connecting elements of the connecting device.

[0049] Advantageously, the adapter element may include one or more locking elements, particularly latching elements, for securing the connecting element in the receiving section.

[0050] For example, two, four, or six locking elements can be set.

[0051] It may be specified that, particularly for securing the connecting element to and / or within the adapter element, one or more retaining protrusions of the connecting element can clamp, in particular, lock between one or more support protrusions of the adapter element and one or more locking elements of the adapter element.

[0052] The adapter element preferably includes a base having an upper side that extends substantially along a plane and, in particular, a curved base surface. The base surface is curved such that it initially extends away from the upper side and then extends back to the upper side due to the curvature.

[0053] In particular, the two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the upper orientation are preferably additionally connected to the base and the upper side.

[0054] The sides are especially parallel to each other.

[0055] In a plane extending perpendicular to the upper side and / or along the longitudinal direction of the adapter element, the base of the adapter element preferably has a substantially circular arc-shaped cross-section.

[0056] The substrate is preferably provided with one or more, especially two, retaining protrusions, which are particularly arranged on the side facing the substrate and extend at least substantially vertically from the side. The retaining protrusions are particularly constructed as curved arc segments.

[0057] Advantageously, the base surface and / or upper side and / or one or both sides of the substrate may each have one or more recesses. These recesses can be particularly used to receive connecting materials, such as adhesives. Here, the connecting material can be, in particular, a material used to connect the adapter element to the component. In this case, receiving the connecting material by means of one or more recesses is particularly useful for optimizing the form-fit and / or material-fit connection between the component and the adapter element.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, one or more recesses may be specified on the upper side, base surface and / or one or more sides to accommodate excess joining material, especially adhesive, when joining or bonding components to each other.

[0059] Preferably, the base surface has an opening through which a connecting element can be introduced into the adapter element.

[0060] Alternatively or supplementally, it may be specified that the upper side has an opening through which a connecting element can be introduced into the adapter element.

[0061] It can be specified that the adapter element, particularly the opening in the upper side and / or base surface of the adapter element, is configured such that the connecting element can be introduced into the adapter element not only through the base surface but also through the upper side. Alternatively, it can be specified that the connecting element can be introduced into the adapter element only through the opening in the base surface of the adapter element or only through the opening in the upper side of the adapter element.

[0062] In another design of the adapter element (which will be discussed in more detail below), it may be further specified that the openings in the upper side and / or base surface are not suitable for introducing the connecting element into the adapter element, but rather for introducing the connecting element between two or more parts of the adapter element during the assembly of the adapter element.

[0063] The longitudinal direction of the adapter element is preferably parallel to the side and extends parallel to the top of the adapter element.

[0064] The depth direction of the adapter element is preferably perpendicular to the upper side of the adapter element.

[0065] In particular, the depth direction is along the connection direction in which the connecting device is in a connected state, for example, the tension that connects the components to each other.

[0066] The thickness direction of the adapter element is preferably perpendicular to the side of the adapter element and / or parallel to the top of the adapter element.

[0067] Advantageously, the adapter element may include a one-piece base, which may be configured, for example, as an injection-molded plastic component.

[0068] One-piece substrates are especially manufactured or can be manufactured in a single process step and / or in one piece.

[0069] In particular, the preferred one-piece substrate includes and / or forms a receiving section and / or a securing section and / or an upper side and / or a base surface and / or a side surface and / or one or more retaining protrusions and / or one or more receiving recesses, especially receiving grooves.

[0070] Alternatively, a one-piece base may be specified, in which the adapter element comprises a base having multiple components that are connected to and / or can be connected to each other, particularly multiple components that are detachably connected to and / or can be connected to each other, wherein one or more of the components, particularly all of the components, are preferably configured as injection-molded plastic components.

[0071] Each of these components is preferably constructed as a single piece.

[0072] It can be specified that the substrate is made or can be made from two parts that are structurally identical and / or identical in shape.

[0073] In particular, it can be specified that the substrate is made of or can be made from two identical components.

[0074] Components used to manufacture the substrate can, for example, plug into each other and / or lock into each other.

[0075] In particular, the components used to manufacture the substrate can be connected to each other in a detachable manner.

[0076] One advantage is that the components used to manufacture the base can be connected to each other by means of mortise and tenon joints.

[0077] The components used to manufacture the substrate are adjacent to each other, especially along the longitudinal center plane of the adapter element, which is centrally arranged, particularly perpendicular to the thickness direction of the adapter element.

[0078] The longitudinal center plane of the adapter element is oriented in particular parallel to the side of the adapter element and / or perpendicular to the top of the adapter element.

[0079] In particular, the components used to manufacture the substrate are adjacent to each other in the receiving section of the adapter element.

[0080] One or more connecting elements are preferably introduced between two or more components used to manufacture the base so as to secure, for example, to the adapter element in a form-fitting manner, particularly in the base of the adapter element.

[0081] It is advantageous that adapter elements with varying degrees of extension in the thickness direction can be manufactured from multiple components of different thicknesses, i.e., components that extend to different degrees along the thickness direction.

[0082] For example, a large number of adapter elements with different thicknesses can be manufactured by using kits for manufacturing the substrate, and by suitable combinations of these components. These adapter elements have different degrees of extension in the thickness direction.

[0083] One or more connecting elements, especially those that are shaped to fit or can fit between components used to manufacture the substrate, in all spatial directions.

[0084] Advantageously, the adapter element may have one or more through openings on at least one side, through which the receiving section and / or the connecting element received in the receiving section can be accessed.

[0085] In particular, it can be specified that one or more through openings are provided on each of the two sides to ensure accessibility when assembling the adapter element and / or when assembling the connecting element, regardless of the orientation of the adapter element.

[0086] In particular, the tool can be introduced through one or more through openings, for example, to manipulate the movable retaining element of the connecting element, such as a movable retaining element might be arranged in the adapter element, for example, from an open position to a closed position or vice versa.

[0087] One advantage is that the adapter components can be constructed in multiple parts.

[0088] Here, the receiving section can be formed, for example, by one or more components of the adapter element.

[0089] In particular, the receiving section is formed entirely by only one integral component among the multiple parts of the adapter element.

[0090] The adapter element particularly includes a preferred one-piece base that forms or includes part or all of the receiving section.

[0091] One or more optional components of the adapter element, in particular in addition to the substrate, are preferably one or more side components, which are arranged, in particular in the thickness direction, adjacent to or able to be arranged at the substrate.

[0092] This involves both singular and plural side components. In principle, in all variations of the adapter element, only one side component or two side components can be specified. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange other side components within the side component itself to allow for additional extension of the adapter element along the thickness direction.

[0093] The substrate preferably includes one or more retaining protrusions for securing the substrate in the member.

[0094] The side components preferably each have one or more retaining protrusions.

[0095] Preferably, the substrate itself and / or in combination with one side member and / or in combination with two or more side members can be secured in the member, for example by means of retaining protrusions.

[0096] Preferably, the adapter element includes one or more connection areas.

[0097] For example, one or more connection regions are arranged and / or formed at each outer wall of the substrate along the thickness direction (or only at one of these outer walls), which are capable of engaging with one or more connection regions of the side member that are at least partially complementary to it.

[0098] For example, each side component includes one or more spacer elements that can be introduced into one or more spacer element receiving portions of the substrate that are at least partially complementary to the spacer elements.

[0099] One or more grid structures are formed, particularly by means of spacer elements and / or spacer element receiving portions, wherein the side members are thereby preferably secured relative to the substrate at different positions and / or at different distances from the substrate.

[0100] In particular, it can be specified that one or more retaining protrusions of the corresponding side components can be secured with a grid structure at a different spacing from the base.

[0101] It is advantageous for one or more spacer element receiving portions and / or one or more spacer elements to have one or more spacer protrusions and / or one or more spacer grooves respectively.

[0102] Spaced protrusions and / or spaced grooves are particularly used to form grid structures.

[0103] Preferably, the spacer protrusions are at least partially complementary to and / or arranged with the spacer grooves.

[0104] Advantageously, at least one spacer element and / or at least one spacer element receiving portion may respectively include one or more spacer protrusions and / or one or more spacer grooves.

[0105] It can be specified that the spacer element is configured, for example, substantially U-shaped, and can be introduced into a spacer element receiving portion in the substrate that is complementary to it.

[0106] Preferably, the adapter element may be provided with one or more positioning slots, particularly in a manner independent of the rest of the adapter element's design.

[0107] This positioning groove can engage with the positioning protrusion of the connecting element in order to secure the connecting element in the desired preferred position in the receiving section of the adapter element.

[0108] The matrix and side components can be manufactured and / or constructed in a single piece. For example, it can be specified that the matrix and / or one or more side components are manufactured in an injection molding process, particularly a plastic injection molding process.

[0109] Alternatively or as an addition to the above embodiments, it may be specified that the spacer element is elastically secured or can be secured in the spacer element receiving portion.

[0110] One or more spacer elastic elements are arranged, particularly as pressure elastic elements, between the base and the side member, such that the spacer elastic elements press the side member outward from the base in the thickness direction. With this design of the adapter element, the connecting element can be secured in a member with varying thickness and receiving section, without having to always pre-set a precise extension in the thickness direction in the adapter element.

[0111] Since the spacer elastic element preferably operates in the thickness direction and therefore perpendicular to the pull-out direction (depth direction), at least one spacer elastic element preferably does not need to apply a holding force to retain the components in the assembled state of the adapter element together with the connecting element received therein for connecting the components to each other. More precisely, at least one spacer elastic element preferably only needs to be used to reliably anchor the retaining protrusion in the support protrusion of the corresponding component.

[0112] To avoid undesirable separation of the side components from the substrate, one or more spacer elements are, for example, T-shaped in cross-section and / or preferably joined rearward to the corresponding spacer element receiving portion in the thickness direction.

[0113] The lower side of the adapter element may be provided with one or more flow channels, which may facilitate a form-fit connection and / or accommodate excess connecting material when fixing the component and / or when fixing the adapter element in the component.

[0114] It is advantageous for the adapter element and / or the connecting element to be arranged therein to have one or more inlet openings, which in particular extend through the adapter element and / or the connecting element in the depth direction, and / or the inlet openings are capable of introducing connecting material, especially adhesive, from the outside and / or top side of the adapter element into the area on the bottom side of the adapter element.

[0115] Adapter elements may in particular have one or more limiting elements.

[0116] The limiting element may be, for example, a limiting protrusion.

[0117] Preferably, the limiting element is used to anchor the adapter element to the component constructed as a lightweight structural panel.

[0118] For example, it can be specified that the limiting element is attached to the cover layer of the lower engagement member and / or extends into the core of the member.

[0119] The limiting element is preferably constructed as a linear or at least substantially linear protrusion, particularly to enable the limiting element to rest planarly against and / or beneath a planarly formed covering layer of the member.

[0120] It is advantageous for the adapter element to have two sidewalls and a bottom wall that connects the two sidewalls to each other.

[0121] The two side walls and the bottom wall preferably surround the receiving section for receiving the connecting element.

[0122] Advantageously, one or two sidewalls may be connected to the bottom wall only in two opposing end regions, particularly in the end regions opposing each other in the longitudinal direction of the reference adapter element. The arrangement of the corresponding sidewalls in the intermediate region between the two end regions is thus preferably elastically flexible and / or movable, especially relative to the bottom wall.

[0123] It is advantageous for one or more limiting elements to be arranged in the intermediate region. In particular, the one or more limiting elements preferably extend outward from the side of the respective sidewall opposite to the receiving section.

[0124] Advantageously, one or more limiting elements may each have one or more side regions, which in particular form flattened sections of one or more end regions of the respective limiting element facing the sidewall of the substrate. This preferably facilitates pushing the adapter element into the component, especially to prevent or at least minimize damage to the component's covering layer.

[0125] One or more limiting elements can be resiliently anchored in the component and / or by pushing the connecting element into the receiving section, particularly introduced into the core of the component and / or secured, for example, clamped under the cover of the component.

[0126] Adapter elements are particularly suitable for use in connection devices that are particularly suitable for connecting furniture parts and / or machine parts and / or for securing components to objects.

[0127] The connection device preferably includes at least one connection element and at least one adapter element, such as the adapter element according to the invention.

[0128] In particular, the connecting elements described in the literature mentioned at the beginning can be used as connecting elements.

[0129] Therefore, reference is made explicitly to the descriptions relating thereto, and their contents are hereby incorporated into the subject of this application.

[0130] Advantageously, the receiving section of at least one adapter element may be at least partially complemented to the base of at least one connecting element.

[0131] The base of at least one connecting element, in particular the component of the connecting element to be arranged within the adapter element.

[0132] In particular, it can be specified that the cavity constructed by the receiving section in the adapter element is at least substantially complementary to the outer contour of the connecting element, especially the outer contour of the base of the connecting element.

[0133] Preferably, at least one connecting element is shaped-fitted or can be secured in the adapter element in one, two, or all three spatial directions.

[0134] The base of at least one connecting element is preferably at least substantially fully received or can be received in the receiving section of at least one adapter element.

[0135] In particular, the base of at least one connecting element is preferably fully recessed into or can be received in the receiving section of at least one adapter element.

[0136] With the help of the adapter element according to the invention, it is also preferably possible to insert the connecting element into the area where the connecting element has not been satisfactorily secured at the component until now.

[0137] For example, the application of adapter elements enables the use of connecting elements in lightweight components of varying thicknesses.

[0138] For this purpose, adapter elements are provided, especially those that are matched to the corresponding thickness of lightweight components, and these adapter elements have different degrees of extension along the thickness direction.

[0139] The adapter element extends particularly along the thickness direction, allowing it to be secured within the cover layer of a lightweight component, for example, configured as a sandwich element. Thus, the typically less robust core of the lightweight component is not critical for the stable fixation of the connecting element, as the connecting element can be stably and reliably secured to the cover layer by means of the adapter element.

[0140] The present invention also relates to a kit of adapter elements for receiving a connection element of one or more connection devices, wherein the kit includes various types of adapter elements.

[0141] The different types of adapter elements are preferably different in that:

[0142] a) The dimensions of the adapter element, especially the extension of the adapter element in the thickness and / or depth and / or longitudinal directions; and / or

[0143] b) The construction of the corresponding receiving section, in particular the number and / or shape and / or length and / or radius of curvature of at least one corresponding receiving slot; and / or

[0144] c) The construction of the corresponding securing sections, especially the shaping and / or securing methods.

[0145] It is beneficial that multiple types of adapter elements, especially kits of adapter elements, have at least such similarly shaped receiving sections, that is, one or more types of connecting elements can be received in each individual adapter element of multiple types of adapter elements.

[0146] The adapter element specifically includes two outer walls, which in particular form the sides of the adapter element.

[0147] Alternatively or supplementally, the adapter element may be specified to include two inner walls, which in particular define the receiving section.

[0148] Preferably, connecting struts, connecting walls, reinforcing elements and / or ribs are arranged and / or formed between the outer wall and the inner wall, which connect the outer wall and the inner wall and keep the outer wall and the inner wall spaced apart from each other.

[0149] For adapter elements of different sizes, especially for adapter elements with different extensions in the thickness direction, it is particularly important to provide outer walls of different thicknesses and / or inner walls of different thicknesses and / or connecting struts, connecting walls, reinforcing elements and / or ribs of different sizes between the outer and inner walls.

[0150] Composite structures of one or more components can be manufactured in particular by means of adapter elements according to the invention, connection devices according to the invention, and / or kits of adapter elements according to the invention.

[0151] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a component composite structure, particularly furniture parts or machines.

[0152] The component composite structure preferably comprises a plurality of components, which are connected to each other, in particular by means of at least one connecting device, especially the connecting device according to the invention.

[0153] At least one of the components in the composite structure is preferably constructed as a lightweight component, especially a sandwich element.

[0154] At least one connecting element of at least one connecting device is preferably secured at and / or in at least one member by means of at least one adapter element, especially at least one adapter element according to the invention.

[0155] The present invention also relates to a method for establishing a connection between two components and / or for securing a component to an object.

[0156] In this regard, the object of the present invention is to provide a method by which a stable connection can be easily established between two components or a component can be stably secured to an object.

[0157] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved through the features of the following technical solution.

[0158] Preferably, in the method, the adapter element is selected from a kit of adapter elements. The kit of adapter elements is particularly a kit of adapter elements according to the invention.

[0159] When selecting, in particular, the total material thickness and / or core material thickness and / or cover layer thickness of the component should be considered, and the adapter element should be secured in the component and the connecting element should be secured last.

[0160] Furthermore, in the method described above, the connecting element of the connecting device is preferably secured at and / or in the selected adapter element.

[0161] Furthermore, preferably, the adapter element is introduced into a receiving section prefabricated in the component.

[0162] The connecting element may be arranged in the adapter element before the adapter element is introduced into the component. Alternatively, it may be specified that the adapter element is introduced into the component first, and then the connecting element is secured in the adapter element.

[0163] Finally, preferably, the connection between the two components is established by connecting the connecting element secured at and / or in the adapter element to other connecting elements of the connecting device, or the component is secured to the object by connecting the connecting element secured at and / or in the adapter element to the object.

[0164] The method preferably has one or more features and / or advantages that are combined with the features and / or advantages described in the product description according to the invention.

[0165] Furthermore, preferably, the described product has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in conjunction with the method according to the invention.

[0166] Finally, preferably, all products also have features and / or advantages that are described in conjunction with other products.

[0167] The method according to the invention can be used to obtain, in particular, a composite structure of components according to the invention.

[0168] All objects, segments, objects, and parts thereof listed in the singular in this disclosure may optionally be provided in several forms, especially in other embodiments.

[0169] Alternatively, particularly in other embodiments, all objects, segments, objects, and components of objects listed in the plural form mentioned in this disclosure may be provided individually. Attached Figure Description

[0170] The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate other features and / or advantages of the invention.

[0171] As shown in the attached figure:

[0172] Figure 1A schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the adapter element is shown, wherein a connecting element can be inserted through the base surface of the adapter element;

[0173] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of the adapter element in the diagram;

[0174] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an adapter element, wherein a connecting element can be inserted into the adapter element;

[0175] Figure 4 A schematic vertical longitudinal sectional view is shown of the adapter element and the connecting element to be arranged therein;

[0176] Figure 5 The corresponding adapter elements and connecting elements are shown. Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing that the connecting element is secured within the adapter element;

[0177] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of a component, for example, configured as a sandwich element, is shown, which is provided with a receiving section for receiving two adapter elements together with connecting elements arranged therein if necessary.

[0178] Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of four components is shown, which have different material thicknesses and are equipped with adapter elements of different sizes for securing the connection elements;

[0179] Figure 8 A schematic perspective view of the components of a base for manufacturing an adapter element according to a second embodiment is shown;

[0180] Figure 9 It shows the manufacturing process. Figure 8 A schematic perspective view of two interconnected components of the base of the adapter element in the diagram;

[0181] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 Another schematic perspective view of the adapter element, wherein the connecting element is received in the adapter element;

[0182] Figure 11 It shows that according to Figure 10 The adapter element and the corresponding connection element received therein Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view;

[0183] Figure 12 A schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the adapter element is shown, wherein the connecting element can optionally be pushed into the adapter element from the top side;

[0184] Figure 13 A schematic diagram is shown to illustrate the flexibility when using the described adapter elements;

[0185] Figure 14 A schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter element is shown, the adapter element including a central base and two side members, wherein the side members can be secured at a different spacing from the base by means of a grid structure;

[0186] Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 A schematic perspective view of the substrate of the adapter element;

[0187] Figure 16 It shows Figure 14 A schematic perspective view of the side components of the adapter element;

[0188] Figure 17 Different feasible combinations of the substrate and one or more side components are shown for selectively providing adapter elements with different degrees of elongation in the thickness direction;

[0189] Figure 18 A schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter element is shown, wherein the side components are elastically arranged at the base;

[0190] Figure 19 A schematic perspective view of the base of another embodiment of the adapter element is shown, wherein the side components, for example, according to Figure 18 The side components can be secured in different positions on the base;

[0191] Figure 20 It shows Figure 19 A magnified view of region XX in the image;

[0192] Figure 21 A schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter element is shown, wherein the adapter element is constructed as a single piece;

[0193] Figure 22 It shows Figure 21 A schematic side view of the adapter element;

[0194] Figure 23 It shows Figure 21 The adapter element along Figure 22 A schematic cross-sectional view of lines XXIII-XXIII in the diagram;

[0195] Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the lower side of the adapter element is shown;

[0196] Figure 25 A schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter element is shown, wherein a restraining element is provided for optimally anchoring the adapter element in a component, for example, constructed as a lightweight structural panel.

[0197] Figure 26 It shows Figure 25 A schematic vertical sectional view of the adapter element in its assembled state; and

[0198] Figure 27 It shows that according to Figure 25 A schematic perspective view of the adapter element in the embodiment shown, illustrating the adapter element and connecting element in different assembly states at the component.

[0199] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals in all the figures. Detailed Implementation

[0200] exist Figures 1 to 5 The first embodiment of the adapter element, marked with 100 throughout, shown in the figure, is particularly used for receiving a connection device marked with 104 throughout, for example in... Figures 3 to 5 The connecting element 102 is shown in the figure.

[0201] With the help of the adapter element 100, the connecting element 102 can be arranged in the member 106 so that the member 106 can be ultimately connected to another member 106, for example, which is also provided with one or more connecting elements 102 (see especially). Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0202] The starting point for using adapter element 100 is the presence of connecting element 102, which is particularly suitable for fastening in solid wood materials, MDF boards, etc. However, such materials typically have a relatively thin material thickness, for example, 15 mm or 18 mm. Connecting element 102 accordingly has a relatively small extension in the thickness direction 108, which corresponds to the direction defining the material thickness of member 106 in the assembled state of the respective connecting element 102.

[0203] For example, in a component 106 configured as a sandwich element 110, the structural construction of the component 106 may result in only insufficient security of the connecting element 102 in the component 106.

[0204] In particular, when component 106 has a core 112, which has a smaller density and / or stiffness and / or load-bearing capacity compared to the cover layer 114 defining the two cores 112, the connecting element 102 may only be insufficiently secured in component 106.

[0205] Therefore, it is preferable to provide an adapter element 100, by means of which the connecting element 102 can be indirectly secured in the member 106.

[0206] Here, the adapter element 100 is preferably matched with the extension of the component 106, especially with the total thickness D, the material thickness of the component and / or the thickness of the core 112 and / or the thickness of the cover layer 114.

[0207] Preferably, the adapter element 100 extends across the thickness of the core 112 from one of the cover layers 114 to another cover layer in the cover layers 114.

[0208] In particular, the adapter element 100 is preferably secured or can be secured at the cover layer 114 opposite to the core 112, such that the adapter element 100 can be reliably and stably secured at the member 106 in a manner independent of the material properties of the core 112. Accordingly, the connecting element 102, which is stably and reliably arranged at the adapter element 100, can also be stably secured in the member 106.

[0209] For this purpose, component 106 is provided with one or more receiving sections 116 in which one or more adapter elements 100 can be arranged.

[0210] Each receiving section 116 is preferably configured at least partially to complement the external shape of the corresponding adapter element 100, in particular to ensure reliable security of the adapter element 100 in the member 106, for example, security of form fit in at least one direction.

[0211] The specific details of different implementations of the adapter element 100 are discussed below.

[0212] In adapter element 100 Figures 1 to 5 In the embodiment shown, the adapter element 100 includes a securing section 118 by means of which the adapter element 100 can be secured in the member 106.

[0213] The mounting section 118 is particularly arranged and / or constructed on the outer wall 120 of the base 122 of the adapter element.

[0214] For example, a base 122 is provided with two opposing outer walls 120, which form the side surface 124 of the adapter element 100 and have one or more retaining protrusions 126.

[0215] The protrusion 126 is kept as a protrusion extending away from the outer wall 120, especially the side 124.

[0216] The retaining protrusion 126 is configured, for example, such that the retaining protrusion extends substantially linearly along the plane.

[0217] In this alternative or supplementary provision, it may be stipulated that the protrusion 126 is curved, especially in the form of a circular arc segment.

[0218] Preferably, two retaining protrusions 126 are provided on opposite sides 124 of the base 122, extending away from each other.

[0219] In particular, referring to the longitudinal center plane of the adapter element 100 extending in the longitudinal direction 128 and the depth direction 130, the protrusions 126 are preferably configured to be at least substantially mirror-symmetrical to each other.

[0220] The adapter element 100 can be introduced into the receiving section 116 provided with a receiving groove 132, which is substantially complementary to the retaining protrusion 126.

[0221] The receiving groove 132 extends particularly along the thickness direction 108 into the corresponding cover layer 114 of the member 106, thereby forming a support protrusion 134 in the cover layer 114 for supporting the retaining protrusion 126 of the adapter element 100 (see especially). Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0222] The base 122 of the adapter element 100 also includes an upper side 136 that connects the two sides 124 to each other and a base surface 138 opposite to the upper side 136, the base surface forming or including the lower side 140 of the base 122.

[0223] The base surface 138 and / or the lower side 140 are particularly formed in a curved manner, for example, in a segmented curved manner on the outer side of a cylinder.

[0224] The base surface and / or lower side 140 are preferably adjacent to the upper side 136 at both ends or both sides due to bending.

[0225] The adapter element 100 preferably includes a receiving section 142 for receiving the connection element 102.

[0226] The receiving section 142 for receiving the connecting element 102 preferably corresponds substantially in function to the receiving section 116 in the member 106 for receiving the adapter element 100.

[0227] The receiving section 142 of the adapter element 100 is formed particularly within the base 122 of the adapter element 100.

[0228] In particular, the substrate 122 surrounds the cavity 144, in which the connecting element 102 can be received and / or secured at least partially.

[0229] The cavity 144 is preferably configured to be substantially complementary to at least one segment of the connecting element 102, at least partially.

[0230] In particular, the cavity 144 is preferably configured at least partially to complement the basic shape, and the multiple connecting elements 102 of different structural types are consistent with each other in terms of the basic shape.

[0231] For example, the cavity 144 of the adapter element 100 is at least partially configured to complement one or more retaining protrusions 146 of one or more connecting elements 102.

[0232] The receiving section 142 of the adapter element 100 preferably includes one or more receiving slots 148, which are in particular for receiving retaining protrusions 146 of one or more connecting elements 102.

[0233] Therefore, the receiving groove 148 of the retaining protrusion 146 of the adapter element 100 for securing the connecting element 102 functionally corresponds to the receiving groove 132 of the receiving section 116 of the member 106 for receiving the retaining protrusion 126 of the adapter element 100.

[0234] All features and / or advantages of the receiving groove 148 of the retaining protrusion 146 of the adapter element 100 for securing the connecting element 102 can preferably also be provided in the receiving groove 132 of the receiving section 116 of the member 106, either alone or in any combination, or vice versa.

[0235] Furthermore, all the features and / or advantages of the retaining protrusion 146 of the connecting element 102 can preferably also be provided in the retaining protrusion 126 of the adapter element 100, either individually or in any combination, and vice versa.

[0236] Preferably, one or more receiving grooves 148 in the receiving section 142 of the adapter element 100 extend along a plane oriented particularly parallel to one or more sides 124 and / or perpendicular to the thickness direction 108 of the adapter element 100.

[0237] In particular, two receiving slots 148 are provided opposite each other, which extend particularly far apart from each other and / or are configured to be at least substantially mirror-symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal center planes of the adapter element 100 extending in the longitudinal direction 128 and the depth direction 130.

[0238] The receiving groove 148 is particularly configured to be linear and / or curved, for example, configured as a curved arc segment.

[0239] Based on one or more receiving slots 148, at least one support protrusion 150 for supporting one or more retaining protrusions 146 of the connecting element 102 is preferably formed in the receiving section 142.

[0240] In the usage state of the adapter element 100 (in which the adapter element is used, for example, to connect two components 106), the adapter element 100 is preferably fixed in the component 106 such that the upper side 136 of the adapter element 100 points in the direction of the other component 106.

[0241] Therefore, the upper side 136 of the adapter element 100 is one side of the adapter element 100 such that the connecting element 102 fixed to and / or in the adapter element 100 functions to establish a connection between the components 106 and / or to be accessible to establish a connection, for example, with other connecting elements 102.

[0242] In the embodiment (which will still be described), the connecting element 102 may be introduced into the receiving section 142 from the upper side 136, for example.

[0243] And in Figures 1 to 5 The embodiment shown specifies that the connecting element 102 can be introduced into the receiving section 142 of the adapter element 100 from the lower side 140, in particular through the base surface 138.

[0244] The opening 152 provided in the base 122 in the lower side 140 and / or base surface 138 can, for example, match the shape of the connecting element 102 so that the connecting element 102 can be pushed into the adapter element 100 along the depth direction 130 without rotation.

[0245] Conversely, it is advantageous for the adapter element 100 to have an inward pivoting section 154, by means of which the connecting element 102 can be introduced into the receiving section 142 of the adapter element 100 in a simplified manner.

[0246] The inward pivoting section 154 includes, in particular, a support section 156, at which the connecting element 102 can abut and / or be supported, so as to introduce the connecting element into the receiving section 142, for example by pivoting movement, with particularly reduced force consumption.

[0247] The support section 156 is particularly used to support the connecting element 102 at one or more retaining protrusions 146, wherein it preferably supports the base surface 158 of the connecting element 102 at the same time, and can be pivoted inward into the receiving section 142 by suitable rotation of the connecting element 102 with preferably particularly small force consumption.

[0248] The inward pivoting section 154 can be particularly advantageous when the connecting element 102 needs to be connected to the adapter element 100 in a particularly stable manner and for this purpose must, for example, overcome the obstruction of one or more locking elements 160, such as the locking element 162, which have high elasticity.

[0249] For example, especially from Figure 2 and Figure 5 As is known from the present, one or more locking elements 160, especially locking elements 162, are preferably provided in the adapter element 100 such that they engage the connecting element rearward along the depth direction 130 in the assembled state of the connecting element 102.

[0250] In particular, the locking protrusion 164 is arranged on the side of the receiving groove 148 opposite to the corresponding support protrusion 150, so that, for example, the retaining protrusion 146 of the connecting element 102 can be received, for example, clamped between the support protrusion 150 and the locking element 160, especially the locking element 162, and thus can be shaped-fitted along the depth direction 130.

[0251] In the adapter element 100 Figures 1 to 5 The embodiment shown preferably also has one or more through openings 166, which are arranged and / or formed in one or two outer walls 120 and / or two side walls 124, for example.

[0252] The receiving section 142 is preferably accessible to at least one tool via one or more through openings 166.

[0253] When the connecting element 102, including the movable retaining element 168, is received in the adapter element 100 (see especially...) Figure 13 Combination Figure 5 The through opening 166 is particularly for manipulating the movable retaining element 168 of the connecting element 102.

[0254] By arranging through openings 166 on both sides, the retaining element 168 is preferably accessible regardless of the orientation of the connecting element 102 in the adapter element 100.

[0255] One or two through openings 166 can be configured, for example, as elongated holes or multiple holes, such that, in particular, the retaining element 168 of different connecting elements 102 is accessible at different depths along the depth direction.

[0256] If possible Figure 7 It is understood that, in particular, adapter elements 100, which can be constructed in different sizes along the thickness direction 108, can be pushed into suitable receiving sections 116 in member 106.

[0257] In addition, also by Figure 7 And also by Figure 13 It is found that different types of adapter elements 100, especially those with different degrees of extension along the thickness direction 108, preferably have receiving sections 142 of the same size, so that the same connecting element 102 can be received in a manner independent of the design of the corresponding securing section 118 of the respective adapter element 100. In particular, different types of connecting elements 102 can be received in the adapter element 100 at least when they have the same or at least highly similar shapes in the area where they are provided for securing the connecting element.

[0258] Adapter element 100 in Figures 1 to 5 The embodiments shown are configured, for example, as a single piece. In particular, the substrate 122, which includes the securing section 118 and the receiving section 142 and surrounds the cavity 144, is manufactured or can be manufactured as a single component by an injection molding process, such as a single injection molding step.

[0259] In the adapter element 100 Figures 8 to 11 The alternative implementation shown in the figure is similar to that in Figures 1 to 5 The main difference in the implementation shown is that the base 122 is constructed in multiple parts.

[0260] In particular, for manufacturing the base 122, two components 170 are preferably provided, which can be connected to each other, especially by means of a tenon joint 172, to obtain the base 122.

[0261] Alternatively or supplementarily, the connection between the two components 170 can be provided by means of a locking connection and / or a threaded connection and / or a material-fitting connection.

[0262] The two components 170 can be connected to each other, especially at the wall 174 forming the lower side 140 of the base 122, and can be abutted against each other and secured to each other.

[0263] The components 170 are preferably constructed identically to each other, so that the base 122 can be assembled by means of two identically constructed halves of the base 122.

[0264] For example, especially from Figure 8 It is understood that the adapter element 100 may be configured to have a plurality of receiving grooves 148 and / or support protrusions 150 at different depths along the depth direction 130. Thus, connecting elements 102 of different types, for example, different from each other in terms of their dimensions along the depth direction 130, may be arranged in the same adapter element 100, especially in adapter elements of the same type.

[0265] This is of course unrelated to the number of components 170 used to manufacture the substrate 122; however, in this embodiment, given the simplified illustration, a feasible solution is based on... Figures 8 to 11 The implementation method will be described below.

[0266] The connecting element 102 is secured in the adapter element 100 in such a way that it is placed between the two parts 170 and is fixed by connecting the two parts 170 to each other, in particular by fitting them together.

[0267] Furthermore, the adapter element 100 in Figures 8 to 11 The implementation shown is structurally and functionally similar to that in... Figures 1 to 5 The embodiments shown are consistent with those described above, and therefore reference can be made to them in this regard.

[0268] In the adapter element 100 Figure 12 Another alternative implementation shown is in Figures 1 to 5 The main difference in the embodiments shown is that the connecting element 102 can be selectively introduced into the receiving section 142 from the lower side 140 or from the upper side 136.

[0269] When introduced through the lower side 140, the connecting element 102 can be moved in particular through the locking protrusion 164 so that the retaining protrusion 146 of the connecting element 102 is received between the locking protrusion 164 and the support protrusion 150.

[0270] When introduced from the upper side 136, the connecting element 102 is pushed into the adapter element by its retaining protrusion 146, particularly along the receiving groove 148 of the adapter element 100.

[0271] Furthermore, the adapter element 100 in Figure 12 The implementation shown is structurally and functionally similar to that in... Figures 1 to 5 The embodiments shown are consistent with those described above, and therefore reference can be made to them in this regard.

[0272] As mentioned above, Figure 13 Different embodiments of the adapter element 100 are shown in particular, which may be specified to differ from each other in terms of the degree of extension in the thickness direction 108, but are all used to receive the connecting element 102 which is at least partially identical or highly similar in shape.

[0273] Multiple adapter elements 100 of different types, especially with different degrees of extension along the thickness direction 108, can form the components of the kit 176 of adapter elements 100.

[0274] In particular, from this kit 176, each adapter element 100 can be selected in a manner that matches the corresponding material thickness of the component 106, so that optimal anchoring of the connecting element 102 in the component 106 can be achieved in a manner that matches the corresponding component 106.

[0275] In the adapter element 100 Figures 14 to 17 Another embodiment shown is similar to that in Figures 1 to 5 The main difference in the implementation shown is that the adapter element is composed of more than 100 pieces.

[0276] According to Figures 8 to 11 Unlike other designs, the adapter element 100 is not separated in the area of ​​the receiving section 142. More precisely, the receiving section 142 is formed at least substantially entirely by the one-piece base 122 of the adapter element 100.

[0277] Other components 170 provided in the adapter element 100 besides the base 122 are one or more side components 178, which are particularly capable of being arranged in the thickness direction 108 adjacent to the base 122.

[0278] The following discussion pertains to both singular and plural side components 178. In principle, in all variations of the adapter element, only one side component 178 may be provided, or two side components 178 may be provided. Furthermore, it is conceivable that additional side components 178 (not shown) may be arranged at the side component 178 itself, so that further extension of the adapter element 100 along the thickness direction 108 can be achieved.

[0279] For example, especially from Figure 15 It is understood that the substrate 122 preferably includes a receiving section 142 and one or more retaining protrusions 126 for securing in the member 106.

[0280] The side member 178 preferably has one or more retaining protrusions 126.

[0281] Preferably, the base 122 itself and / or in combination with one side member 178 and / or in combination with two or more side members 178 can be secured in the member 106, for example by means of retaining protrusions 126.

[0282] For example, it is also possible to... Figures 14 to 16 It is understood that the adapter element 100 preferably includes one or more connection areas 180.

[0283] For example, one or more connection regions 180 are arranged at each outer wall 120 (or only at one of these outer walls 120) defining the base 122 in the thickness direction 108, which are capable of engaging with one or more connection regions 180 of the side member 178 that are at least partially and complementary to it.

[0284] For example, each side component 178 includes one or more spacer elements 182 that can be introduced into one or more spacer element receiving portions 184 that are at least partially complementary to the spacer elements 182.

[0285] One or more grid structures 186 are formed, in particular, by means of spacer element 182 and / or spacer element receiving portion 184, wherein side member 178 is thereby preferably able to be secured relative to the substrate at a different spacing from that of the substrate 122.

[0286] In particular, it can be specified that one or more retaining protrusions 126 of the corresponding side member 178 can be secured by means of the grid structure 168 at a different spacing from the base 122.

[0287] It may be advantageous for one or more spacer element receiving portions 184 and / or one or more spacer elements 182 to have one or more spacer protrusions 188 and / or one or more spacer grooves 190, respectively.

[0288] The spacer protrusions 188 and / or spacer grooves 190 are particularly used to form the grid structure 186.

[0289] Preferably, the spacer protrusion 188 is at least partially complementary to and / or arranged with the spacer groove 190.

[0290] Advantageously, the spacer element 182 and / or the spacer element receiving portion 184 may each include one or more spacer protrusions 188 and / or one or more spacer grooves 190.

[0291] It can be specified that the spacer element 182 is configured, for example, substantially U-shaped, and can be introduced into the spacer element receiving portion 184 in the substrate 122, which is complementary to it.

[0292] For example, it is also possible to... Figure 15 It is understood that the adapter element 100 may be provided with one or more positioning slots 192, particularly in a manner independent of the rest of the adapter element's design. For example, it may be combined with... Figure 3 As can be seen, this positioning groove 192 can engage with the positioning protrusion 194 of the connecting element 102 in order to secure the connecting element 102 in the desired preferred position in the receiving portion 142 of the adapter element 100.

[0293] exist Figure 17 The diagram shows the method for using in Figures 14 to 16 Different feasible use schemes for the adapter element 100 shown in the figure.

[0294] Here Figure 17 From left to right, initially only the base 122 is positioned between the effective retaining protrusions 126 with a correspondingly minimal spacing in the thickness direction 108, while the subsequent use variant of the adapter element 100, to the right in the figures, has a continuously increasing dimension (Ausmaße) in the thickness direction 108, because a single side member 178 is first arranged in the minimum extension position at the base 122, followed by two side members 178 arranged in their respective minimum extension positions. Finally, an outwardly staggered fastening of the first side member 178 and the last two side members 178 is shown.

[0295] Not only the substrate 122, but also the side components 178 can be manufactured and / or constructed in a single piece. For example, the substrate 122 and / or one or more side components 178 can be manufactured using injection molding processes, especially plastic injection molding processes.

[0296] Furthermore, the adapter element 100 in Figures 14 to 17 The implementation shown is structurally and functionally similar to that in... Figures 1 to 5 The embodiments shown are consistent with those described above, and therefore reference can be made to them in this regard.

[0297] In the adapter element 100 Figure 18 Another alternative implementation shown is in Figures 14 to 17 The main difference in the embodiments shown is that the spacer element 182 is elastically secured or can be secured in the spacer element receiving portion 184.

[0298] One or more spacer elastic elements 196 are arranged, particularly as pressure elastic elements, between the base 122 and the side member 178, such that the spacer elastic elements 196 press the side member 178 outward from the base 122 in the thickness direction 108. With this design of the adapter element 100, the connecting element 102 can be secured in the member 106 with the receiving section 116 having a thickness variation, without having to always pre-set a precise extension in the thickness direction 108 in the adapter element 100.

[0299] Since the spacer elastic member 196 operates in the thickness direction 108 and thus perpendicular to the pull-out direction (depth direction 130), at least one spacer elastic member 196 does not need to apply a holding force to retain the members 106 in the assembled state of the adapter element 100 together with the connecting element 102 received therein for connecting the members 106 to each other. More precisely, at least one spacer elastic member 196 only needs to be used to reliably anchor the retaining protrusion 126 in the segment protrusion 134 of the corresponding member 106.

[0300] To avoid undesirable separation of the side component 178 from the base 122, one or more spacer elements 182 are, for example, T-shaped in cross-section and preferably engage the corresponding spacer element receiving portion 184 rearward in the thickness direction 108.

[0301] In adapter element 100 Figure 18 In the embodiment shown, only a single side member 178 is provided, which is secured to the base 122 by means of one or more spacer elastic members 106.

[0302] However, the following design can also be considered, in which two or more side members 178 are elastically arranged at the base 122 by means of one or more spacer elastic members 196.

[0303] Furthermore, the adapter element 100 in Figure 18 The implementation shown is structurally and functionally similar to that in... Figures 14 to 17 The embodiments shown are consistent with those described above, and therefore reference can be made to them in this regard.

[0304] In the adapter element 100 Figure 19 and Figure 20 Another alternative implementation shown is in Figure 18 The main difference between the embodiments shown is that the side member 178 can be utilized by means of the gate structure 186 (similar to in Figures 14 to 17 (As shown in the embodiment) it is fixed at the substrate 122.

[0305] However, according to Figure 18 In the embodiment shown, one or more spacer elements 182 are configured in a T-shape, wherein the spacer element receiving portion 184 is complementary to it and can realize an undercut (see especially). Figure 20 ).

[0306] Furthermore, the adapter element 100 in Figure 19 and Figure 20 The implementation shown is structurally and functionally similar to that in... Figure 18 The embodiments shown are consistent with those described above, and therefore reference can be made to them in this regard.

[0307] In the adapter element 100 Figures 21 to 23 Another alternative implementation shown is in Figure 12 The main difference in the embodiment shown is the smaller extension provided in the thickness direction 108.

[0308] In addition, Figures 21 to 23 The embodiments shown are in particular used to illustrate the working principle and / or basic structure of the adapter element 100.

[0309] Therefore, especially from Figure 23 It is found that wall 198 has a support protrusion 150 on its inner side 200 facing the receiving section 142 and a retaining protrusion 126 on its outer side 202 away from the receiving section 142.

[0310] Each wall 198 is preferably constructed in this manner.

[0311] Here, the support protrusion 150 and the retaining protrusion 126 are spaced apart from each other based on the thickness of the wall 198, in particular to enable a variety of feasible solutions for securing different connecting elements 102 to members 106 of different sizes, especially the receiving section 116 of member 106.

[0312] Furthermore, the adapter element 100 in Figures 21 to 23 The implementation shown is structurally and functionally similar to that in... Figure 12 The embodiments shown are consistent with those described above, and therefore reference can be made to them in this regard.

[0313] In the adapter element 100 Figure 24 The lower view shown in the figure can, in principle, be arranged in all the shown and described variations of the adapter element 100 in this form.

[0314] The lower side 140 of the adapter element 100 is provided with a flow channel 204, which can facilitate a form-fit connection and / or receive excess adhesive when bonding the member 106 and / or when bonding the adapter element 100 to the member 106.

[0315] It is advantageous that the adapter element 100 and / or the connecting element 102 to be arranged therein have one or more inlet openings 206, which extend through the adapter element 100 and / or the connecting element 102 in the depth direction 130 and thus enable the introduction of connecting material, especially adhesive, into the area at the lower side 140 of the adapter element 100 from the outside and / or upper side 136 of the adapter element 100.

[0316] In the adapter element 100 Figures 25 to 27Another embodiment shown in the diagram is related to the adapter element 100 in... Figures 21 to 23 The main difference in the implementation shown is that one or more, especially two, limiting elements 210 are provided.

[0317] The limiting element 210 is particularly the limiting protrusion 212, which extends at the sidewall 214 of the base 122 of the adapter element 100.

[0318] For example, especially from Figure 26 It is understood that the limiting element 210 is arranged recessedly from the upper side 136 of the adapter element 100 in the depth direction 130.

[0319] If the adapter element 100 is arranged in a member 106, for example, configured as a lightweight structural panel, the limiting element 210 can be used, in particular, to engage the cover layer 114 of the member 106 rearward, with reference to the depth direction 130 of the adapter element 100 and / or the thickness direction 216 of the member 106.

[0320] Therefore, the adapter element 100 can be secured in the member 106 such that the depth direction 130 of the adapter element 100 is arranged parallel to the thickness direction 216 of the member 106.

[0321] Here, the limiting element 210 extends directly beneath one of the two covering layers 114 of the member 106, particularly within the core 112 of the member 106.

[0322] For example, especially from Figure 27 It is understood that when the adapter element 100 is pushed into the member 106, the limiting element 210 must move past the cover layer 114 of the member 106 in order to be able to engage the cover layer from the rear.

[0323] Therefore, the adapter element 100 is preferably configured to be at least partially elastically flexible in the region of the limiting element 210.

[0324] For example, it can be specified that the sidewall 214 is at least partially flexible.

[0325] The base 122 of the adapter element 100 preferably includes a curved bottom wall 218 that connects the two side walls 214 arranged on both sides of the receiving section 142 to each other.

[0326] Each sidewall 214 is preferably securely connected to the bottom wall 218, especially in a one-piece manner, only in the opposite end regions 220 of the respective sidewall 214.

[0327] The end regions 220 are, in particular, opposite each other in the longitudinal direction 128 of the adapter element 100.

[0328] The arrangement of each sidewall 214 in the intermediate region 222 between the two end regions 220 at each sidewall 214 is thus preferably movably, and in particular elastically, formed relative to the bottom wall 218.

[0329] One or more limiting elements 210 preferably extend outward from the sidewall 214 and are preferably arranged in the middle region 222 of each sidewall 214.

[0330] By deforming the sidewall 214 into the receiving section 142, the corresponding limiting element 210 can move through the cover layer 114 of the member 106 when the adapter element 100 is pushed in.

[0331] Once the adapter element 100 reaches the predetermined assembly position in the component 106, the middle region 222 of the corresponding sidewall 214 can preferably be moved outward again, i.e., away from the receiving section 142, so as to finally engage the cover layer 114 at the rear (see...). Figure 26 ).

[0332] Thus, the adapter element 100 is particularly firmly anchored in the member 106 with respect to the depth direction 130 of the adapter element 100 and the thickness direction 216 of the member 106.

[0333] In addition, if it is possible to... Figure 25 and Figure 27 It is understood that one or more limiting elements 210 may be configured, for example, as substantially linear, edge-like protrusions. Alternatively or additionally, each limiting element 210 may include or have one or more limiting tips or pins or otherwise shaped limiting protrusions 212.

[0334] In particular, given that the simplified assembly of the adapter element 100 in the component 106 can be specified, one or more limiting elements 210 are configured in a flattened manner toward the end region 220 of the sidewall 214.

[0335] In particular, the limiting element 210 preferably has one or more side regions 224 that enable a substantially continuous transition from the side 124 of the corresponding sidewall 214 to the corresponding limiting protrusion 212, and thus prevent or at least minimize damage to the cover layer 114 when the adapter element 100 is pushed into the member 106.

[0336] If possible Figure 26 and Figure 27It has been learned that, in particular, when the connecting element 102 is introduced into the adapter element 100 after the adapter element 100 has been assembled into the component 106, the adapter element 100 achieves exceptional stability in the component 106.

[0337] The two sidewalls 214 are moved apart from each other in the thickness direction 108 of the adapter element 100 by the introduction of the connecting element 102, and are pressed apart from each other, so that the final restraining element 210 moves into the core 112 and / or moves under the cover 114 of the member 106.

[0338] If possible Figure 26 It is understood that the sidewall 214 is particularly movable, at least in the middle region 222, especially through the gap 226 between the bottom wall 218 and the two sidewalls 214.

[0339] By using the shape of one or more limiting elements 210, a secure anchoring of the adapter element 100 in the member 106 is preferably achieved.

[0340] In addition, with the help of one or more positioning protrusions 194 and their corresponding positioning grooves 192 (see Figure 27 This ensures, in particular, the precise and reliable secure installation of the connecting element 102 within the adapter element 100.

[0341] In addition, the adapter element in Figures 25 to 27 The implementation shown is structurally and functionally similar to that in... Figures 21 to 23 The implementation methods described herein are consistent, and therefore, reference can be made to them in this regard.

[0342] In particular, when the adapter element 100 can be arranged in the member 106 such that the depth direction 130 of the adapter element 100 is oriented parallel to the thickness direction 216 of the member 106, the described limiting element 210 can facilitate further construction of the adapter element 100.

[0343] Therefore, limiting element 210 is suitable for optimization in all described variations of adapter element 100.

[0344] List of reference numerals

[0345] 100 Adapter Components

[0346] 102 Connecting elements

[0347] 104 Connecting device

[0348] 106 components

[0349] 108 Thickness Direction

[0350] 110 Sandwich element

[0351] 112 core

[0352] 114 Covering layer

[0353] 116 Acceptance Section

[0354] 118 Angu Section

[0355] 120 outer wall

[0356] 122 matrix

[0357] 124 Side View

[0358] 126. Maintain protrusion.

[0359] 128 Vertical direction

[0360] 130 Depth Direction

[0361] 132 Receiving slot

[0362] 134 Supporting protrusions

[0363] 136 upper side

[0364] 138 base plane

[0365] 140 Lower side

[0366] 142 Acceptance Section

[0367] 144 Cavity

[0368] 146 Maintain protrusion

[0369] 148 Receiving slot

[0370] 150 Support Protrusion

[0371] 152 Opening

[0372] 154 Inward pivoting section

[0373] 156 Support Section

[0374] 158 base plane

[0375] 160 Locking element

[0376] 162 Locking Components

[0377] 164 Locking protrusions

[0378] 166 Through-opening

[0379] 168 Holding element

[0380] 170 parts

[0381] 172 Mortise and tenon joint

[0382] 174 wall

[0383] 176 kits

[0384] 178 side components

[0385] 180 Connection Area

[0386] 182 Spacer Elements

[0387] 184 Spacer element receiving section

[0388] 186 Grid Structure

[0389] 188 septal protrusions

[0390] 190-degree interval groove

[0391] 192 Positioning slot

[0392] 194 Positioning protrusion

[0393] 196 Spacer Elastic Components

[0394] 198 wall

[0395] 200 inner side

[0396] 202 Outer side

[0397] 204 Flow Channel

[0398] 206 Introduction opening

[0399] 210 Limiting element

[0400] 212 Limitation of protrusions

[0401] 214 Sidewall

[0402] 216 Thickness direction

[0403] 218 bottom wall

[0404] 220 End Region

[0405] 222 Middle Area

[0406] 224 Side Area

[0407] 226 gap

[0408] D Total Thickness

Claims

1. An adapter element (100) for a connecting element (102) of a connecting device (104), wherein the adapter element (100) comprises: Receiving section A (142) for receiving the connecting element (102) of the connecting device (104). For securing the adapter element (100) in a securing section (118) of a member (106), wherein the adapter element (100) can be introduced into a receiving section B (116) of the member (106), The receiving section A (142) includes one or more receiving grooves (148) for receiving one or more retaining protrusions A (146) of the connecting element (102), and The securing section (118) includes one or more retaining protrusions B (126) for securing the adapter element (100) in the member (106). The one or more receiving grooves (148) and the one or more retaining protrusions A (146) of the connecting element (102) are configured to be curved, and The one or more retaining protrusions B (126) of the adapter element (100) are configured to be curved, and The one or more receiving grooves (148) for receiving the one or more retaining protrusions A (146) of the connecting element (102) extend to the upper side (136) of the adapter element (100) on only one or both sides. The one or more receiving slots (148) extend along the thickness direction (108) of the adapter element (100), wherein the thickness direction (108) extends perpendicular to the side (124) of the adapter element (100) and parallel to the upper side (136).

2. The adapter element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more receiving grooves (148) and / or the one or more retaining protrusions A (146) of the connecting element (102) are configured as arc-shaped bends.

3. The adapter element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more retaining protrusions B (126) of the adapter element (100) are configured as arc-shaped bends.

4. The adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adapter element (100) includes one or more locking elements (160) for securing the connecting element (102) in the receiving section A (142).

5. The adapter element (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The one or more locking elements (160) are latching elements (162).

6. The adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adapter element (100) includes a one-piece base (122).

7. The adapter element (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The substrate (122) is configured as an injection-molded plastic component.

8. The adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adapter element (100) includes a base (122) having a plurality of components (170) connected to and / or capable of being connected to each other, wherein one or more of the components (170) are configured as injection-molded plastic components.

9. The adapter element (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The base (122) includes a plurality of components (170) that can be detachably connected to each other.

10. The adapter element (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, All of the components (170) are constructed as injection-molded plastic components.

11. The adapter element (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The substrate (122) can be manufactured from two parts (170) that are identical in structure and / or in shape.

12. The adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adapter element (100) has one or more through openings (166) in at least one side (124) through which it can access the receiving section A (142) and / or receive the connecting element (102) in the receiving section A (142).

13. The adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, One or more receiving grooves (148) and / or one or more retaining protrusions B (126) of the adapter element (100) extend in a plane oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (128) of the adapter element (100) and / or in a plane oriented transversely to the upper side (136) of the adapter element (100) and / or in a plane oriented transversely to the thickness direction (108) of the adapter element (100) and / or along a plane oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (128) of the adapter element (100) and / or along a plane oriented transversely to the upper side (136) of the adapter element (100) and / or along a plane oriented transversely to the thickness direction (108) of the adapter element (100).

14. The adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, One or more receiving grooves (148) and / or one or more retaining protrusions B (126) of the adapter element (100) extend in a plane oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (128) of the adapter element (100) and / or in a plane oriented perpendicular to the upper side (136) of the adapter element (100) and / or in a plane oriented perpendicular to the thickness direction (108) of the adapter element (100) and / or along a plane oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (128) of the adapter element (100) and / or along a plane oriented perpendicular to the upper side (136) of the adapter element (100) and / or along a plane oriented perpendicular to the thickness direction (108) of the adapter element (100).

15. The adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adapter element (100) includes a base (122) and one or more side components (178), the side components being arranged adjacent to or capable of being arranged at the base (122).

16. The adapter element (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The side component (178) is arranged adjacent to the base (122) or can be arranged on the base (122) along the thickness direction (108) of the base (122).

17. The adapter element (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that, One or more connection regions are arranged and / or constituted at one or two outer walls (120) of the substrate (122) along the thickness direction (108).

18. The adapter element (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The connection regions arranged and / or formed at one or both outer walls (120) of the substrate (122) along the thickness direction (108) are capable of engaging with one or more connection regions of the side member (178) that are at least partially and complementary to it.

19. The adapter element (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The side component (178) can be secured to the base (122) at different positions and / or spacings relative to the base (122).

20. The adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adapter element (100) has one or more limiting elements (210).

21. The adapter element (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The one or more limiting elements (210) are configured as one or more limiting protrusions (212).

22. The adapter element (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The one or more limiting elements (210) are configured as linear protrusions.

23. The adapter element (100) according to claim 22, characterized in that, The one or more limiting elements (210) are configured as linear protrusions to allow the one or more limiting elements to be planarly attached to and / or under the planarly configured cover layer (114) of the member (106).

24. A connecting device (104), wherein the connecting device (104) comprises: At least one connecting element (102) and at least one adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. The connecting device (104) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The connecting device (104) is a connecting device for connecting furniture parts and / or machine parts and / or a connecting device for securing the component (106) to the object.

26. The connecting device (104) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The receiving section A (142) of at least one of the adapter elements (100) is at least partially constructed to complement the substrate of the at least one connecting element (102).

27. The connecting device (104) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, The base of the at least one connecting element (102) is fully received or can be received in the receiving section A (142) of at least one of the adapter elements (100).

28. A kit (176) for receiving a connecting element (102) of one or more connecting devices (104) for receiving an adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the kit (176) comprises a plurality of types of adapter elements (100), the plurality of types of adapter elements (100) being different from each other in that: a) The dimensions of the adapter element; and / or b) Construction of the corresponding receiving section A (142); and / or c) Construction of the corresponding Angu section (118).

29. The kit (176) of the adapter element (100) for receiving a connecting element (102) of one or more connecting devices (104) according to claim 28, characterized in that, The dimension of the adapter element is the extent of the adapter element in the thickness direction (108) and / or depth direction (130) and / or longitudinal direction (128).

30. The kit (176) of the adapter element (100) for receiving a connecting element (102) of one or more connecting devices (104) according to claim 28, characterized in that, The corresponding receiving section A (142) is constructed as the number and / or shape and / or length and / or radius of curvature of at least one corresponding receiving groove (148).

31. The kit (176) of the adapter element (100) for receiving a connecting element (102) of one or more connecting devices (104) according to claim 28, characterized in that, The corresponding construction of the security section (118) is the shape and / or security method of the security section.

32. A component composite structure comprising a plurality of components (106) connected to each other by means of at least one connecting device (104), wherein at least one of the components (106) is configured as a lightweight component, wherein at least one connecting element (102) of the at least one connecting device (104) is secured at and / or in the at least one component (106) by means of at least one adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

33. The component composite structure according to claim 32, characterized in that, The composite structure of the components is a furniture piece or a machine.

34. The component composite structure according to claim 32, characterized in that, The connecting device (104) is at least one connecting device (104) according to any one of claims 24 to 27.

35. The component composite structure according to any one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that, At least one of the components (106) is configured as a sandwich element (110).

36. A method for establishing a connection between two components (106) and / or for securing the components (106) to an object, wherein: - Select the adapter element (100) from the kit (176) of the adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 31; - Secure the connecting element (102) of the connecting device (104) at and / or in the selected adapter element (100); - Introduce the adapter element (100) into the receiving section B (116) prefabricated in the component; - A connection is established between the two components (106) by connecting the connecting element (102) fixed at and / or in the adapter element (100) to other connecting elements (102) of the connecting device (104), and / or the component (106) is fixed at the object by connecting the connecting element (102) fixed at and / or in the adapter element (100) to the object.

37. The method for establishing a connection between two components (106) and / or for securing the components (106) to an object according to claim 36, characterized in that, Regulation: Taking into account the total material thickness (D) of the component (106) and / or the core material thickness and / or the cover layer thickness, the adapter element (100) is selected from the kit (176) of the adapter element (100) according to any one of claims 28 to 31.

Images