Coupler for modular furniture and modular furniture

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of furniture, and particularly relates to a coupler for modular furniture and the modular furniture, the coupler comprising: a first fixing member arranged on one of two furniture units to be coupled; a second fixing member arranged on the other of the two furniture units to be coupled; and a connecting member, which is used to detachably connect the two furniture units by connecting the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The connecting member of the present application is better in limiting the movement of the furniture units during use, and can limit the movement of the furniture units in each direction, so that the connection is more stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of furniture technology, specifically relating to connectors for modular furniture and modular furniture itself. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional sofas and other furniture are mostly one-piece structures. Although the frame and seat cushions can be separated, the frame is still a single piece. This makes them unsuitable for storage and transportation, and also inconvenient for users to clean and maintain. Moreover, with this structure, the size, shape, and function of this type of furniture are fixed after purchase and cannot be easily changed.

[0003] Therefore, modular furniture has become the preferred choice for most users in recent years. Modular furniture breaks down furniture into several standard modules, which can then be combined and matched as needed to create furniture products with different styles and functions. This type of furniture is flexible and versatile, meeting the needs of different spaces and scenarios, and is also more conducive to storage, transportation, and daily maintenance.

[0004] For modular furniture, the most important aspect is the connection between the modules. This connection must be strong and stable, while also being as easy to install and disassemble as possible. Currently, there are many publicly available technologies for the connectors between the modules of modular furniture.

[0005] For example, CN216723894U discloses a furniture connector and sofa, which includes a connecting strip, a connecting screw, and a snap-fit ​​plate. The connecting strip has a through hole, the connecting screw passes through the through hole, and an abutment is fixed on the connecting screw. The snap-fit ​​plate has a snap-fit ​​groove, one end of which is open, and the connecting strip slides into the snap-fit ​​groove. When the abutment moves to a position that abuts against the connecting strip, the force exerted by the connecting strip on the snap-fit ​​plate includes a longitudinal component, and the longitudinal component is in the same direction as the force exerted by the abutment on the connecting strip. However, this connector requires lifting the sofa base, backrest, or armrests during installation, which is inconvenient. Furthermore, the connector requires the screw to restrict the horizontal movement forward and backward.

[0006] For example, CN101217900A discloses a modular furniture assembly that includes a base and transverse members that are manually and detachably connected to the base via connectors. The base and transverse members have a defined spatial relationship, allowing furniture assemblies of different types, structures, and sizes to be formed from them. Furthermore, the base is configured such that the transverse members can be connected to the base at a first position to form a first furniture assembly, and at a second position to form a second furniture assembly. The connectors are U-shaped and insert into corresponding holes in the base and transverse members. However, this type of connector offers poor constraint on the base and transverse members; for example, it cannot restrict their horizontal movement, and the connectors are easily detached from the holes under accidental external forces. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a connector for modular furniture and modular furniture in general, which is easy to install and disassemble and provides a secure connection.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention provides a connector for modular furniture, employing the following technical solution: A connector for modular furniture, used to detachably connect two furniture units of modular furniture to enable combination between the furniture units, the connector comprising: The first fixing member is disposed on one of the two furniture units to be connected; The second fixing component is disposed on the other of the two furniture units to be connected; A connecting member that detachably connects the two furniture units by connecting the first fixing member and the second fixing member.

[0009] Preferably, one end of the connecting member is inserted into one of the first fixing members and is restricted from being pulled out by the first fixing member, while the other end of the connecting member is inserted into the second fixing member.

[0010] Preferably, the first fixing component includes a fixing body, a front abutment plate vertically disposed on the fixing body, and a rear abutment plate vertically disposed on the fixing body. The front abutment plate and the rear abutment plate are approximately parallel, and the rear abutment plate has a hole for the connecting body to pass through.

[0011] Preferably, the second fixing member includes a support and an insertion hole, the insertion hole corresponding to the connection hole on the furniture unit.

[0012] Preferably, the second fixing member has the same structure as the first fixing member, and also includes a fixing body, a front abutment plate that is vertically disposed on the fixing body, and a rear abutment plate that is vertically disposed on the fixing body. The front abutment plate and the rear abutment plate are approximately parallel, and the rear abutment plate has a hole for the connecting body to pass through.

[0013] Preferably, the connecting member includes a reference portion inserted into the first fixing member, a vertical abutment portion extending upward from the reference portion, a transition portion extending horizontally from the abutment portion, and an insertion portion extending downward from the transition portion into a connecting hole on the furniture unit, wherein the vertical abutment portion abuts against the outer surface of the rear abutment plate.

[0014] Preferably, the reference portion has a downwardly bent hook at the end away from the abutment portion, and the side of the hook abuts against the outer surface of the front abutment plate.

[0015] Preferably, the outer side of the front abutment of the first fixing member extends into an end abutment for the bottom end of the hook of the connecting member to abut.

[0016] Preferably, the end plate is formed by folding outwards a portion of the front plate.

[0017] Preferably, the width of the end plate formed by the outward fold of the front abutment is smaller than the width of the hook portion of the connecting member.

[0018] Preferably, the horizontal width of the hole is substantially equal to the width of the connecting body.

[0019] Preferably, the angle between the reference portion and the vertical contact portion is approximately 90 degrees.

[0020] Preferably, the angle between the transition portion and the insertion portion is approximately 90 degrees.

[0021] Preferably, the furniture unit has a bottom portion that is generally flat, and the bottom portion of the generally flat portion is connected to the bottom portion of the generally flat portion of the adjacent furniture unit via the connector.

[0022] Preferably, the two interconnected furniture units are either two identical furniture units or different furniture units.

[0023] Preferably, both of the interconnected furniture units are configured as bases.

[0024] Preferably, the two interconnected furniture units are configured as a base and an armrest or backrest.

[0025] Preferably, the furniture unit has a generally flat bottom surface, and the first fixing member and the second fixing member are respectively disposed on the generally flat bottom surfaces of two adjacent furniture units, and are detachably connected by the connecting member.

[0026] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a modular furniture, wherein the furniture units of the modular furniture are detachably connected by the aforementioned connector.

[0027] A modular furniture, comprising: At least one base unit having a generally flat or partially flat lower surface; At least one connector configured to connect the base units to each other when the lower surfaces of two adjacent base units are substantially aligned.

[0028] A modular furniture, comprising: A base unit having a generally flat or partially flat lower surface; The handrail unit has a generally flat or partially flat lower surface; A connector configured to connect the armrest unit to the base unit when the lower surface of the base unit is substantially aligned with the lower surface of the armrest unit.

[0029] A modular furniture, comprising: A base unit having a generally flat or partially flat lower surface; A backrest unit having a generally flat or partially flat lower surface; A connector configured to connect the backrest unit to the base unit when the lower surface of the base unit is substantially aligned with the lower surface of the backrest unit.

[0030] By implementing the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. By using the connector of the present invention, different furniture units can be connected to form furniture of different shapes, making the use and installation of furniture more diversified; 2. The connector of the present invention provides better restriction on the movement of furniture units during use, and can restrict the movement of furniture units in all directions, making the connection more stable. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to aid in understanding the objectives and advantages of the present invention, wherein: Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the connector structure shown in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connector connecting the furniture unit according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the connector shown in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first fixing member shown in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first fixing member shown in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second fixing member shown in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first fixing member according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the connecting member shown in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a modular sofa in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a modular sofa in another combination method shown in a specific embodiment of the present invention; In the diagram, 10-furniture unit, 100-basic flat section, 101-base frame, 102-base pad, 21-first fixing component, 21a-fixing body, 21b-front abutment plate, 21c-rear abutment plate, 22c-1-hole, 22-second fixing component, 22a-support, 22a-1-insertion hole, 23-connecting component, 23a-base part, 23b-abutment part, 23c-transition part, 23d-insertion part, 23e-hook part. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation examples.

[0033] It should be noted that the following embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the following embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in each embodiment, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of each embodiment of the present invention. Example

[0034] This embodiment provides a connector suitable for connecting and assembling furniture units 10 in modular furniture. The structure of this connector is described below. Figure 1 It mainly consists of three parts: a first fixing member 21, a second fixing member 22, and a connecting member 23. The first fixing member 21 is fixedly installed on the basically flat portion 100 of the lower surface of one furniture unit 10 of the modular furniture. The second fixing member 22 is fixedly installed on the basically flat portion 100 of the lower surface of another furniture unit 10 to be connected to the previous furniture unit 10, and then connected via the connecting member 23. (See [reference]). Figure 2 , Figure 3 One end of the connecting member 23 is inserted into the first fixing member 21 and is restricted from being pulled out by the first fixing member 21, while the other end of the connecting member 23 is inserted into the second fixing member 22.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first fixing member 21 and the second fixing member 22 have the same structure, see [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The system includes a fixing body 21a, which is a long strip with a certain thickness and can be made of metal or other materials. On the upper surface of the fixing body 21a are a front abutment plate 21b and a rear abutment plate 21c, both perpendicular to the fixing body 21a. The front abutment plate 21b and the rear abutment plate 21c are approximately parallel. The front abutment plate 21b and the rear abutment plate 21c can be formed by bending both ends of the fixing body 21a upwards, or they can be connected to the fixing body 21a by welding or other methods, or they can be obtained through a one-piece molding process. The rear abutment plate 21c has a hole 22c-1 through which one end of the connecting member 23 passes, and the fixing body 21a has an insertion hole 22a-1 through which the other end of the connecting member 23 passes. The insertion hole 22a-1 corresponds to the connecting hole on the furniture unit 10.

[0036] For better restraint, the horizontal width d of the hole 22c-1 on the rear abutment 21c is basically equal to the width d' of the portion of the connecting member 23 passing through the hole 22c-1. That is, the width d of the hole 22c-1 allows the connecting member 23 to pass through smoothly, but also limits the left and right movement of the connecting member 23 to the maximum extent.

[0037] In the above-described structure of the first fixing member 21 and the second fixing member 22, the rear abutment plate 21c on the second fixing member 22 forms a support portion to support the connecting member 23 and improve the stability of the connection.

[0038] The first fixing member 21 and the second fixing member 22 have the same structural configuration, which is conducive to mass production and uniform configuration on furniture unit 10, and makes it easier to implement arbitrary combination between furniture units 10.

[0039] However, in another specific embodiment, the structures of the first fixing member 21 and the second fixing member 22 may also differ partially. The structure of the first fixing member 21 is shown below. Figure 5 The first fixing member 21 does not have an insertion hole 22a-1, and the second fixing member 22 does not have a front abutment plate 21b, nor does it have a hole 22c-1 on the rear abutment plate 21c. These differences can be selectively reflected in either the corresponding first fixing member 21 or the second fixing member 22. For example, the second fixing member 22 may only show the absence of a front abutment plate 21b, or it may simultaneously show both the absence of a front abutment plate 21b and the absence of a hole 22c-1 on the rear abutment plate 21c.

[0040] Furthermore, in another specific embodiment, the second fixing member 22 is configured with a structure completely different from that of the first fixing member 21, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 The second fixing member 22 is a block with a support portion 22a for supporting the connecting member 23, and an insertion hole 22b is correspondingly opened on the block, which corresponds to the connection hole on the furniture unit 10.

[0041] In another embodiment, see Figure 7 An end abutment 21d is provided on the outer side of the front abutment 21b of the first fixing member 21. In the connected state, the end of the connecting member 23 abuts against the end abutment 21d. The end abutment 21d is formed by bending a portion of the front abutment 21b outward. The width of the bent portion is smaller than the width of the end of the connecting member 23.

[0042] The fixing bodies 21a of the first fixing member 21 and the second fixing member 22 have fixing holes 21-1, which can be pre-fixed to the corresponding positions of the corresponding furniture unit 10 by screws, or they can be configured independently, with the user fixing them to the corresponding positions during installation. Pre-installation simplifies the user's installation steps, but it cannot predict the user's assembly method for the furniture unit 10, resulting in unnecessary installation. Independent configuration, although increasing the user's installation steps, allows the user to choose whether to install the first fixing member 21 and the second fixing member 22 on the furniture unit 10 according to their desired assembly method, providing greater flexibility and reducing unnecessary waste of parts.

[0043] In this embodiment, the connecting member 23 is generally a long strip with a certain thickness, and can be made of metal or other materials. See the structural diagram below. Figure 8The connecting member 23 includes a reference portion 23a inserted into the first fixing member 21, a vertical abutment portion 23b extending upward from the reference portion 23a, a transition portion 23c extending horizontally from the abutment portion 23b, and an insertion portion 23d extending downward from the transition portion 23c that can be inserted into a connecting hole on the furniture unit 10. The vertical abutment portion 23b abuts against the outer surface of the rear abutment plate 21c. The reference portion 23a has a downwardly bent hook portion 23e at one end away from the abutment portion 23b, and the hook portion 23e abuts against the outer surface of the front abutment plate 21b. With this structure, by means of the action of the hook portion and the front abutment plate 21b, and the action of the vertical abutment portion 23b and the rear abutment plate 21c, one end of the connecting member 23 is restricted to the first fixing member 21. The other end of the connecting member 23 is then inserted into the corresponding insertion hole 22b and the connecting hole of the furniture unit 10. The support portion of the second fixing member 22 and the rear abutment plate 21c of the first fixing member 21 further restrict the movement of the connecting member 23, thereby providing a more stable connection between the two furniture units 10.

[0044] The various parts of the connecting member 23 can be integrally formed or connected together by welding or other methods. Example

[0045] This embodiment provides a modular furniture, specifically a sofa. It consists of several furniture units 10. For example, in some specific embodiments, each furniture unit 10 can be a sofa base, a sofa backrest unit, or a sofa armrest unit. The backrest unit has the same structure as the sofa unit, only its installation position relative to the sofa base unit differs. The dimensions of the backrest unit and the sofa unit can be the same or different, depending on the specific product requirements.

[0046] In this embodiment, the various furniture units 10 have defined spatial relationships, which enable the formation of furniture of various types, sizes, and structures. Furthermore, these spatial relationships can be altered through detachable connections between the furniture units 10. Each type of furniture unit 10 can be one or more, detachably connected to each other to form sofas of various structures. For example, in some specific embodiments, a base unit is configured with a backrest unit to form an armless single sofa, see [reference needed]. Figure 9 In another specific embodiment, the two base units are configured with two backrest units and two armrest units, combining to form a two-seater sofa with armrests, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 10 .

[0047] In this embodiment, the two interconnected furniture units 10 are both sofa bases, including a base frame 101 and a base cushion 102, with the base cushion 102 mounted on the base frame 101. When a user sits on the sofa base, the base frame 101 supports the user's weight. The base cushion 102 provides the user with a useful and comfortable seating area. The base cushion 102 can be easily mounted on or removed from the base frame 101.

[0048] The sofa base is rectangular in shape, with four adjacent sides, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is generally flat, or at least partially flat near the edges, facilitating the installation of the first and second fixing components. Depending on the combination, one, two, or three sides of the bottom surface may be adjacent to another sofa base, forming a two-seater, three-seater, or single-seater sofa. Furthermore, sofa armrests or backrests can be installed on the sides of the sofa base.

[0049] In another embodiment, two interconnected furniture units 10 include a sofa base unit and a sofa backrest unit. The sofa base unit includes a base frame 101 and a base cushion 102, with the base cushion 102 mounted on the base frame 101. The sofa backrest unit includes a backrest frame and a backrest cushion, with the backrest cushion mounted on the backrest frame. Both the backrest frame and the base frame 101 are generally cuboid in shape, having a generally flat lower surface or a generally flat lower surface near the edge. The lower surface of the base frame 101 and the lower surface of the backrest frame are connected by the connector described in Embodiment 1 to form a sofa with a backrest. The backrest cushion is generally wedge-shaped, narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, making it more comfortable for the user to lean against.

[0050] In another embodiment, the modular furniture also includes a headrest on the sofa back.

[0051] In another embodiment, the lower surface of the furniture unit of the modular furniture is provided with support feet, so that the lower surface of the furniture unit 10 is a certain distance from the ground, ensuring the normal installation and use of the connector 20.

[0052] In another embodiment, a flexible frame sleeve is also fitted on the outer surface of the base frame 101 and the backrest frame. The frame sleeve can be configured with different colors and materials, and users can replace it according to their actual needs.

[0053] In another embodiment, two interconnected furniture units, one a sofa base and the other a sofa armrest, are provided. The sofa base includes a base frame 101 and a base cushion 102, with the base cushion 102 mounted on the base frame 101. The sofa armrest includes an armrest frame and an armrest cushion, with the backrest cushion covering the armrest frame. Both the base frame 101 and the armrest frame are generally cuboid, having a generally flat lower surface or a generally flat lower surface near the edge. The lower surface of the base frame 101 and the lower surface of the armrest frame are connected by the connector described in Embodiment 1 to form a sofa with armrests.

[0054] In another specific embodiment, the connector 20 between the connected furniture units can be one or more, such as two or more, depending on the required connection strength and the length of the furniture unit.

Claims

1. A connector for modular furniture, used for detachably connecting furniture units (10) of modular furniture, characterized in that, The connector (20) includes: The first fixing member (21) is disposed on one of the two furniture units (10) to be connected; The second fixing member (22) is disposed on the other of the two furniture units (10) to be connected; A connecting member (23) detachably connects the two furniture units (10) by connecting the first fixing member (21) and the second fixing member (22); One end of the connecting member (23) is inserted into the first fixing member (21) and is restricted from being pulled out by the first fixing member (21); the other end of the connecting member (23) is inserted into the second fixing member (22). The first fixing member (21) includes a fixing body (21a), a front abutment plate (21b) vertically disposed on the fixing body (21a), and a rear abutment plate (21c) vertically disposed on the fixing body (21a). The front abutment plate (21b) and the rear abutment plate (21c) are approximately parallel. The rear abutment plate (21c) has a hole (21c-1) for the connecting member (23) to pass through. The connecting member (23) includes a reference part (23a) inserted into the first fixing member (21), and a component consisting of a base portion (23a) inserted into the first fixing member (21). The reference portion (23a) has an upwardly extending vertical abutment portion (23b), a horizontally extending transition portion (23c) from the abutment portion (23b), and a downwardly extending insertion portion (23d) from the transition portion (23c) that can be inserted into a connection hole on the furniture unit (10). The abutment portion (23b) abuts against the outer surface of the rear abutment plate (21c). The second fixing member (22) includes a support portion (22a) and an insertion hole (22b), which corresponds to the connection hole on the furniture unit (10).

2. A connector for modular furniture, used for detachably connecting furniture units (10) of modular furniture, characterized in that, The connector (20) includes: The first fixing member (21) is disposed on one of the two furniture units (10) to be connected; The second fixing member (22) is disposed on the other of the two furniture units (10) to be connected; A connecting member (23) is provided, which connects the first fixing member (21) and the second fixing member (22) to detachably connect the two furniture units (10); one end of the connecting member (23) is inserted into the first fixing member (21) and is restricted from being pulled out by the first fixing member (21), and the other end of the connecting member (23) is inserted into the second fixing member (22); the first fixing member (21) includes a fixing body (21a), a front abutment plate (21b) which is vertically disposed on the fixing body (21a), and a rear abutment plate (21c) which is vertically disposed on the fixing body (21a), the front abutment plate (21b) and the rear abutment plate (21c) being approximately parallel, and the rear abutment plate (21c) having a hole (21c-1) for the connecting member (23) to pass through; the connecting member (23) includes a component inserted into the first fixing member (21) and the second fixing member (22). The first fixing member (21) has a base portion (23a), a vertical abutment portion (23b) extending upward from the base portion (23a), a transition portion (23c) extending horizontally from the abutment portion (23b), and an insertion portion (23d) extending downward from the transition portion (23c) that can be inserted into a connection hole on the furniture unit (10). The abutment portion (23b) abuts against the outer surface of the rear abutment plate (21c). The second fixing member (22) has the same structure as the first fixing member (21), and also includes a fixing body (21a), a front abutment plate (21b) vertically disposed on the fixing body (21a), and a rear abutment plate (21c) vertically disposed on the fixing body (21a). The front abutment plate (21b) and the rear abutment plate (21c) are approximately parallel. The rear abutment plate (21c) has a hole (21c-1) for the connecting member (23) to pass through.

3. The connector for modular furniture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reference part (23a) has a downwardly bent hook (23e) at one end away from the abutment part (23b), and the hook (23e) abuts against the outer surface of the front abutment plate (21b).

4. The connector for modular furniture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The horizontal width of the hole (21c-1) on the rear abutment (21c) is substantially equal to the width of the portion of the connecting member (23) passing through the hole (21c-1).

5. A modular furniture, comprising at least two furniture units (10), characterized in that, The adjacent furniture units (10) are detachably connected by a connector as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. A modular furniture according to claim 5, characterized in that, The furniture unit (10) has a bottom of a generally flat portion, the bottom of which is connected to the bottom of the generally flat portion of the adjacent furniture unit (10) via the connector (20).

7. A modular furniture according to claim 6, characterized in that, The two interconnected furniture units (10) are either the same furniture unit or different furniture units.

8. A modular furniture according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both of the interconnected furniture units (10) are configured as bases.

9. A modular furniture according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The furniture unit has a generally flat bottom surface. The first fixing member (21) and the second fixing member (22) are respectively disposed on the generally flat bottom surfaces of two adjacent furniture units (10) and are detachably connected by the connecting member (23).

10. A modular furniture, characterized in that, include: At least two base units, the base units being configured to support the user's weight when the user sits on the base unit, the base units having a generally flat or partially generally flat lower surface; At least one connector as described in any one of claims 1-4, the connector being configured to connect the base units to each other when the lower surfaces of two adjacent base units are substantially aligned.

11. A modular furniture, characterized in that, include: A base unit having a generally flat or partially flat lower surface; The handrail unit has a generally flat or partially flat lower surface; The connector as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the connector is configured to connect the armrest unit to the base unit when the lower surface of the base unit is substantially aligned with the lower surface of the armrest unit.

12. A modular furniture, characterized in that, include: A base unit having a generally flat or partially flat lower surface; A backrest unit having a generally flat or partially flat lower surface; The connector as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the connector is configured to connect the backrest unit to the base unit when the lower surface of the base unit is substantially aligned with the lower surface of the backrest unit.

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