Spring device and connecting device

Abstract

In order to provide a spring device (200) which has a simple design and which can obtain a high spring force and a long spring stroke, it is proposed that the spring device (200) comprises the following: a spring element (140) which can be brought from an initial state into an offset state by means of elastic deformation; a contact element (204) against which the spring element can be brought into a deflected state of the spring element, at least one end (144) of the spring element being displaceable relative to the contact element by elastic deformation of the spring element, wherein the spring element in its initial state has a distance (A) from the contact element that increases toward an end of the spring element that can be moved relative to the contact element.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201780045787.5, application date July 10, 2017, and invention name “Spring device and connecting device”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a spring device which can in particular be a component of a connecting device for connecting two objects. Background Art

[0003] Connecting devices for connecting objects, in particular for connecting furniture parts or machine parts, are known, for example, from EP 1 990 549 A1 or DE 10 2013 203 289 A9. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a spring device which has a simple construction and which enables a high spring force and a long spring travel to be achieved.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by a spring device, which comprises:

[0006] a spring element, the spring element being capable of being brought into a deflected state from an initial state by elastic deformation;

[0007] an abutment element against which the spring element can abut in order to achieve a deflected state of the spring element,

[0008] wherein at least one end of the spring element is movable relative to the contact element by elastic deformation of the spring element,

[0009] The spring element, in an initial state of the spring element, has a distance from the contact element which increases towards an end (144) of the spring element which is movable relative to the contact element.

[0010] The combination according to the invention of spring element and contact element preferably makes it possible to achieve an optimal elastic deformation of the spring element, so that ultimately particularly high spring forces and particularly long spring travels can be achieved.

[0011] In this case, the spring element is in particular reversibly deformable.

[0012] In particular, the first end of the spring element is arranged opposite the end of the spring element which is movable relative to the contact element.

[0013] It may be advantageous if the spring element is connected directly or indirectly to the contact element at a first end of the spring element. The first end is in particular the end of the spring element that is fixed relative to the contact element.

[0014] The end of the spring element which is movable relative to the contact element is, in particular, the second end of the spring element.

[0015] In particular, the spring element rests or can rest against the contact element in order to achieve a maximum deflection state.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the spring element in its initial state has a distance from the contact element which increases continuously and / or continuously and / or excessively toward the end of the spring element which is movable relative to the contact element.

[0017] It can be provided that the contact element comprises a contact surface for the spring element to contact, wherein the contact surface is designed to be curved. In particular, it can be provided that the contact surface is designed to be at least approximately arcuately curved.

[0018] Preferably, the contact element and / or the spring element each have a constant bending radius, wherein the two bending radii are in particular different from one another.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that the contact element or the spring element is designed to be unbent and / or linear in the initial state.

[0020] The contact surface preferably has an arcuate shape which has a greater curvature than the surface of the spring element which can come into contact with the contact surface.

[0021] However, it can also be provided that the surface of the spring element which can come into contact with the contact surface has a greater curvature than the contact surface.

[0022] The above description relates in particular to the initial state of the spring device.

[0023] In the deflected state of the spring element, in particular the maximum deflected state of the spring element, the contact surface and the surface of the spring element that contacts the contact surface preferably have at least approximately the same curvature. In particular, substantially the same arcuate curvature can be provided.

[0024] Curved in an arcuate manner can be understood in particular to mean that the surface of the spring element which can come into contact with the contact surface or the contact surface itself, respectively, is curved in such a way that the normal vectors of the surface or the contact surface have a common point of intersection or a common line of intersection.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the spring element and the contact element are formed integrally with one another.

[0026] In particular, the spring element and the contact element are or can be produced as a single component and / or in a common production step or production method.

[0027] The spring device can be, for example, a plastic injection-molded product.

[0028] Alternatively, provision can be made for this purpose that the spring device is a formed sheet metal product.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be provided that the spring device comprises a plastic injection-molded product and / or a sheet metal formed product.

[0030] For example, it can be provided that the spring element is a formed sheet metal product and the contact element is a plastic injection-molded product.

[0031] The spring element is pushed or can be pushed or inserted or can be inserted, for example, into a spring receiving portion of a base body of the connecting element. The base body preferably comprises or forms at least one contact element.

[0032] It may be advantageous if the spring element can rest flatly on the contact element.

[0033] In particular, it may be provided that the spring element, from the initial state with increasing deflection, bears directly against the bearing element, in particular continuously, at an increasing contact surface.

[0034] With increasing deflection of the spring element, the length of the free section of the spring element and / or not supported on the contact element is preferably shortened. Therefore, in particular, the free spring length of the spring element is preferably shortened with increasing deflection. The shortening of the length of the free section of the spring element and / or not supported on the contact element leads in particular to an increase in the spring force.

[0035] The spring element preferably expands on the contact element with increasing deflection.

[0036] The contact surface is, in particular, the surface at which the spring element and the contact element are in contact with one another.

[0037] The contact area is preferably minimal, in particular equal to zero, in the initial state.

[0038] As the spring element is deflected from the initial state, a contact surface is preferably formed in the region of the first end of the spring element.

[0039] With increasing deflection of the spring element, the contact surface preferably expands along the contact surface in the direction of the end of the spring element that is movable relative to the contact element, in particular starting from a first end of the spring element.

[0040] The contact surface is preferably at least approximately continuous and / or simply connected. In particular, the spring element can thus be reliably abutted against the abutment element and at the same time effective tensioning of the spring element can be achieved. In particular, undesirable point-shaped or linear loading or overloading of the spring element can thus preferably be avoided.

[0041] It may be advantageous if the local elastic deformation of the spring element in the deflected state is at least approximately the same at all locations along the contact surface at which the spring element and the contact element are in contact with one another.

[0042] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the local curvature of the spring element in the deflected state is at least approximately the same at all locations along the contact surface in which the spring element and the contact element are in contact with one another.

[0043] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the local bending moment of the spring element in the deflected state is at least approximately the same at all locations along the contact surface in which the spring element and the contact element are in contact with one another.

[0044] The spring element and the contact element are preferably fixed relative to one another in such a manner and / or are designed in such a manner that the above-mentioned distance and / or the above-mentioned deformation are achieved.

[0045] “At least approximately identical” is understood to mean, in particular, a deviation in the deformation of not more than approximately 30%, for example not more than approximately 20%, in particular not more than approximately 10%.

[0046] When the spring element is only partially relaxed, in particular a locked state, a positioned state and / or a stopped state of the spring device can be achieved, the spring element preferably still rests against the contact element in sections. The free spring length of the spring element in the locked state, the positioned state and / or the stopped state of the spring device is preferably shortened, in particular compared to the free spring length in the completely relaxed initial state.

[0047] It may be provided that the spring device comprises a plurality of spring elements and / or a plurality of contact elements.

[0048] Furthermore, it can be provided that the spring device comprises only a single spring element and / or a single contact element.

[0049] The spring element and the contact element preferably form a spring unit.

[0050] The spring device can preferably comprise a plurality of such spring units.

[0051] It may be advantageous if the spring device comprises a plurality of spring units, wherein the spring elements of the spring units are preferably deformable, in particular deflectable, relative to one another.

[0052] As an alternative thereto, provision can be made for the spring elements of the spring unit to have the same deflection direction.

[0053] It can be provided that the spring device comprises a plurality of spring elements which bear against the contact element next to one another or one behind the other or one above the other in the deflection direction.

[0054] A plurality of spring elements arranged one behind the other are in particular designed as a spring pack.

[0055] It may be advantageous if the end of the spring element which is movable relative to the contact element has a locking element and / or a hook element.

[0056] In particular, a bent and / or curved and / or angled end section of the end of the spring element that is movable relative to the contact element can be provided.

[0057] The spring element preferably has at least approximately an L-shape.

[0058] By means of the locking element and / or the hook element, in particular, a coupling section of the spring element can be formed. By means of such a coupling section, in particular, the following situation can be achieved: the spring device is used as a component of the connecting device.

[0059] Therefore, the spring device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a connecting device.

[0060] The invention therefore also relates to a connecting device for connecting two objects, in particular for connecting furniture parts or machine parts.

[0061] It may be advantageous if the connecting device has at least one spring device, in particular a spring device according to the invention.

[0062] The contact element of the spring device can be formed, for example, by a connecting element of the connecting device or by an object or two objects to be connected to one another.

[0063] It may be advantageous if the connecting device comprises a connecting element which has a one-piece base body which comprises at least one spring device.

[0064] In particular, the base body can include or consist of a plastic material and / or a metallic material.

[0065] The following situation may be advantageous: the connecting device comprises one or more connecting elements, which are arranged on at least one of the objects in the connected state and / or fixed state, wherein at least one connecting element comprises one or more non-self-cutting retaining protrusions, which respectively have a curved supporting surface, which is arc-shaped in the longitudinal section.

[0066] One or more retaining projections can preferably be inserted into a groove provided on one of the objects and having a curved undercut surface which is in the form of a circular arc in longitudinal section.

[0067] The groove preferably comprises a base section and one or more undercut sections extending in the thickness direction away from the base section.

[0068] In the connected and / or fixed state, one or more retaining projections preferably engage in one or more undercut sections of the groove.

[0069] It may be advantageous if the connecting device comprises one or more connecting elements for arrangement on and / or in the first object and / or one or more connecting elements for arrangement on and / or in the second object.

[0070] In order to connect the objects to one another, preferably at least one connecting element on and / or in the first object can be brought into engagement with the second object, in particular with at least one connecting element on and / or in the second object.

[0071] For example, it can be provided that the first connecting element is arranged on and / or in the first object. The second connecting element can preferably be arranged on and / or in the second object. However, it can also be provided that no connecting element is provided on the second object. In particular, it is provided that the first connecting element is indirectly fixed to the second object. The second connecting element is then preferably not necessary.

[0072] Preferably, the first connecting element has one or more spring devices or at least one or more spring elements of one or more spring devices. The second connecting element or the second object itself preferably has one or more engagement sections or receiving elements, on which one or more second ends of the one or more spring elements can be engaged.

[0073] The spring force of the spring element or elements preferably brings about a holding force between two objects, in particular between the first connecting element and the second connecting element or between the first connecting element and the second object.

[0074] The spring element is therefore in particular a retaining element.

[0075] The connecting device further preferably comprises at least one connecting element which comprises a holding element for producing a connection between two objects and a storage device for storing the holding energy of the holding element.

[0076] The storage device comprises, in particular, a locking element for locking one or more spring elements in the deflected state.

[0077] In particular, a spring force can be stored in one or more spring elements by means of the locking element of the storage device.

[0078] Before the connection between the two objects is established, the holding energy can preferably be transferred to the storage device, in particular by prestressing / deflecting one or more spring elements.

[0079] The transmitted holding energy can preferably be stored by means of the storage device until the connection is established. In particular, the energy is stored in one or more spring elements.

[0080] It may be advantageous if the memory device can be actuated when and / or in order to establish a connection between two objects.

[0081] The holding element can be brought into the holding position by such manipulation, preferably using holding energy. In particular, it can be provided that the holding element is configured as a spring element and relaxes from the deflected state to at least a state not deflected too far or an initial state, and in particular establishes a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection between the two objects.

[0082] Furthermore, it can be provided that the holding energy can be transferred to the storage device, in particular to one or more spring elements, before, during and / or after the connecting element is inserted into the object.

[0083] The connecting device according to the present invention is particularly suitable for connecting two objects.

[0084] The invention therefore also relates to a method for connecting two objects, in particular furniture parts or machine parts.

[0085] The method according to the present invention preferably comprises the following steps:

[0086] Providing a connection device, in particular a connection device according to the invention;

[0087] arranging a connection element on one of the objects or inserting a connection element into one of the objects;

[0088] The connecting element is connected to another object, in particular to another connecting element which is arranged on and / or in the other object.

[0089] In order to connect the connecting element to another object, in particular a spring device of the connecting device is actuated.

[0090] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a spring arrangement and / or a connecting arrangement comprising a spring arrangement.

[0091] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method by means of which a spring arrangement and / or a connecting arrangement can be produced in a simple manner, wherein preferably also outstanding spring properties are to be achieved.

[0092] This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for producing a spring device, in particular a spring device according to the invention, wherein the method preferably comprises the following steps:

[0093] Providing a sheet metal strip having at least one U-shaped material recess, in particular a punched hole, thereby forming a central section (232) of the sheet metal strip surrounded by the U-shaped material recess, in particular the punched hole, and a web section surrounding the U-shaped material recess, in particular the punched hole;

[0094] The central section is bent outwardly to form a spring element;

[0095] The web section is plastically deformed in such a way that it forms one or two retaining projections which protrude laterally beyond the spring element and which are, in particular, arcuate in longitudinal section;

[0096] And / or the ends of the sheet metal strip are plastically deformed in such a way that they are bent back onto the sheet metal strip and are in particular fixed to a transition section, wherein the transition section connects the central section to the web section.

[0097] The part of the deformed end of the strip that protrudes beyond the transition section is designed to be curved.

[0098] A contact element for the spring element formed by the central section to come into contact is preferably formed by means of the ends of the sheet metal strips.

[0099] In particular, the ends of the metal strip can be inserted into openings formed in the web sections of the metal strip by the protruding bend of the central section and / or can be fixed therein.

[0100] It may be advantageous if the web section, in particular the opening in the web section, comprises one or more locking elements and / or clamping elements for fixing the ends of the metal strip.

[0101] For example, the locking element or the clamping element can be formed by a projection which projects into the opening.

[0102] The free end of the spring element is preferably bent or folded. In particular, a coupling section of the spring element can be preferably produced thereby. The coupling section is in particular a stop element or a hook element.

[0103] The metal strip is preferably designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to a transverse center plane and comprises, in particular, two U-shaped material recesses, in particular punched holes, and two ends, so that ultimately two spring elements and two contact elements can be formed.

[0104] The spring elements are deflected in particular in deflection directions facing away from one another.

[0105] The strip preferably has an at least substantially constant thickness, for example at least about 0.5 mm and / or at most about 1.5 mm. Preferably, the strip has a thickness of at least substantially 0.8 mm.

[0106] The width of the metal strip in the region of the U-shaped material recess and thus in the region of the central section and the web sections is preferably at least approximately 8 mm, for example approximately 10 mm.

[0107] One or both ends of the strip preferably have a width of at least approximately 5 mm and / or at most approximately 8 mm, for example approximately 6.8 mm.

[0108] The metal strip is preferably wider in the region of one or both U-shaped material recesses than in the region of one or both ends.

[0109] The width of one or two spring elements, which are formed by one or two central sections, preferably corresponds at least approximately to the width of the metal strip at one or both ends.

[0110] By means of the different widths of the metal strips, in particular one or more retaining projections can be formed for fixing the spring device and / or the connecting element of the connecting device in the corresponding groove. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject matter of the following description and the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0112] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of two components which can be connected to one another by means of a connecting device and for this purpose comprise two grooves with undercut sections;

[0113] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A partially transparent schematic diagram of a component in FIG.

[0114] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of one of the components;

[0115] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 Schematic partially transparent side view of the components in;

[0116] Figure 5 A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing two components and two connecting elements of a known connecting device for connecting two components in a separated state of the components;

[0117] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 The components and connecting devices in the intermediate state between the separated state and the connected state Figure 5 corresponding schematic cross-sectional views;

[0118] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 The connection between the component and the connecting device in the connection state of the connecting element of the component and the connecting device Figure 5 corresponding schematic cross-sectional views;

[0119] Figure 8 Shows Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of a first connecting element of a connecting device in FIG.

[0120] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of a second connecting element of the connecting device in FIG.

[0121] Fig.10 shows a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of the connecting device, in which two spring elements are provided which can abut against the abutment element, wherein the spring elements are in an initial state;

[0122] Fig.11 Shows Fig.10 The connection device and Fig.10 a corresponding schematic diagram in which the spring element has been slightly deflected;

[0123] Fig.12 Shows Fig.10 The connection device and Fig.10 A corresponding schematic diagram, wherein the spring element and Fig.11 The median is offset further than the median;

[0124] Fig.13 Shows Fig.10 The connection device and Fig.10 a corresponding schematic diagram in which the spring element is arranged in a maximum deflection position;

[0125] Fig.14 A further alternative embodiment of the connecting device is shown, in which a connecting element designed as a sheet metal formed product is provided;

[0126] Fig.15 Shows Fig.14 A schematic side view of a connecting device in FIG.

[0127] Fig.16 Shows Fig.15 Another schematic side view of the connecting element in FIG. 1 , the viewing direction being along the Fig.15 The direction of arrow 16;

[0128] Fig.17 Shows Fig.15 Schematic top view of the connecting element in FIG. 1 from above, with the viewing direction being along Fig.15 in the direction of arrow 17; and

[0129] Fig.18 Shown for manufacturing Fig.14 Schematic top view of the strips of the connecting element of the connecting device in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0130] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0131] The connecting device, designated as a whole by 100, is used, for example, to connect a first substantially plate-shaped component 102 to a second substantially plate-shaped component 104 (see Figures 1 to 4 ).

[0132] The two components 102 and 104 are made of wood or plywood, for example, but can also be made of any other material, for example, a metal material or a plastic material (eg, organic glass). In addition, it can be provided that the first component 102 and the second component 104 are made of different materials.

[0133] In the connected state of the two components 102 and 104 , a contact surface 106 of the first component 102 forming a narrow side of the first component 102 lies against a contact surface 108 of the second component 104 forming a main surface of the second component 104 .

[0134] A groove 110 formed in the relevant component 102 or 104 , which opens into each of the contact surfaces 106 , 108 , comprises a cylindrical segment-shaped or cylindrical section-shaped base section 112 and two undercut sections 114 extending away from the base section 112 in a thickness direction 116 .

[0135] The bending radius of the base section 112 is greater than the groove depth T (see Figure 4 ), so that the arched groove bottom surface 118 intersects with the respective contact surfaces 106, 108 at an acute angle.

[0136] The base section 112 of the groove 110 has a width B in the thickness direction 116 of, for example, approximately 8 mm.

[0137] Each of the undercut sections 114 of the groove 110 is delimited on its side facing away from the respective contact surface 106 or 108 by a bottom surface 120 flush with the groove bottom surface 118 , which bottom surface 120 is designed in the form of a cylindrical surface segment and has the same curvature radius as the groove bottom surface 118 of the base section 112 .

[0138] Each undercut section 114 is delimited in the direction of the contact surface 106 or 108 by an undercut surface 122 which is likewise in the form of a cylindrical surface segment and which is designed concentrically with the bottom surface 120 and has a small curvature radius.

[0139] Each of the undercut sections 114 is delimited laterally by a lateral limiting surface 124 which extends perpendicularly to the respective contact surface 106 or 108 .

[0140] For each of the undercut sections 114 , the width b, ie the extension in the thickness direction 116 , is, for example, approximately 1 mm.

[0141] For each of the undercut sections 114 , the height h, ie the distance between the bottom surface 120 and the undercut surface 122 , is, for example, approximately 2 mm.

[0142] The base section 112 of each groove 110 is delimited by lateral boundary walls 126 extending substantially perpendicularly to the respective contact surface 106 or 108 and having a distance of the groove width B from one another.

[0143] In order to form the grooves 110 described above on the components 102 and 104 , for example, a groove milling device as described in EP 1990 549 A1 can be used.

[0144] In order to connect the components 102 , 104 to one another, one or more grooves 110 , in particular grooves 110 of the type described above, may be provided in each of the components 102 , 104 .

[0145] However, it can also be provided that only one of the components 102, 104 is equipped with one or more grooves 110, in particular grooves of the type mentioned above, while the other component 104, 102 does not include grooves 110 of the type described above, includes grooves 110 of different structures, one or more holes, one or more recesses, one or more protrusions and / or one or more recesses, or the other component 104, 102 is not processed.

[0146] Various embodiments of a connecting device 100 for connecting different components 102 , 104 are described below.

[0147] The connecting device as a whole is denoted by 100. Figures 5 to 8 The embodiment shown in is known from DE 10 2013 203 289 A9.

[0148] In order to connect the components 102 , 104 to each other, the connecting device 100 comprises a first connecting element 130 and a second connecting element 132 .

[0149] Preferably, each of the connecting elements 130 , 132 comprises a base body 134 which is substantially designed in the form of a cylinder segment or cylinder section.

[0150] In particular, the base body 134 is designed to be at least partially and at least approximately complementary to the base section 112 of the channel 110 .

[0151] Furthermore, each of the connecting elements 130 , 132 comprises two retaining projections 136 which extend in the thickness direction 116 away from the part of the main body 134 which is designed complementary to the base section 112 .

[0152] The retaining projection 136 is curved in an arc shape and is configured to be at least substantially complementary to the undercut section 114 of the groove 110 .

[0153] By means of the retaining projections 136 , the connecting elements 130 , 132 are thus fixed in a form-fitting manner on the components 102 , 104 , in particular in the grooves 110 of the components 102 , 104 , at least with respect to the connecting direction 138 .

[0154] For this purpose, the connecting elements 130 , 132 can be pushed along the undercut section 114 into the groove 110 of the components 102 , 104 .

[0155] Especially from Figure 8 It is known that the first connecting element 130 includes a base body 134 , a retaining projection 136 , and one or more spring elements 140 .

[0156] The spring element is, for example, a leaf spring.

[0157] Each spring element 140 has a first end 142 facing toward the base body 134 and a second end 144 facing away from the base body 134 .

[0158] The spring element 140 is arranged on the base body 134 , in particular is connected integrally to the base body 134 , by means of an end 142 of each spring element 140 that faces the base body 134 .

[0159] An end 144 of each spring element 140 facing away from the base body 134 is displaceable along a deflection direction 146 oriented transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the connecting direction 138 .

[0160] For this purpose, the spring element 140 is designed to be elastically bendable.

[0161] At the first connecting element 130 Figures 5 to 8 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , two spring elements 140 are provided, which are in direct contact with a receiving element (to be described) of the second connecting element 132 in order to connect the connecting elements 130 , 132 . The spring elements 140 are thus main spring elements 148 .

[0162] The further spring element 140 is an auxiliary spring element 150 which interacts with the receiving element of the second connecting element 132 only indirectly, ie via the main spring element 148 , in order to connect the connecting elements 130 , 132 .

[0163] The auxiliary spring element 150 is arranged adjacent to the main spring element 148 and has a contact section 152 at an end 144 of the auxiliary spring element 150 facing away from the base body 134 , by means of which the auxiliary spring element 150 can come into contact with the main spring element 148 to act thereon.

[0164] The main spring element 148 comprises, at its end 144 facing away from the base body 134 , a respective engagement section 154 , by means of which the main spring element 148 can be engaged with a receiving element of the second connecting element 132 to connect the connecting elements 130 , 132 .

[0165] In particular, the engagement section 154 of the main spring element 148 can be deflected in the deflection direction 146 in order to engage with the receiving element of the second connecting element 132 .

[0166] The auxiliary spring element 150 is arranged on that side of the main spring element 148 which faces away from the engagement section 154 .

[0167] The engagement section 154 of the main spring element 148 is preferably movable in mutually opposite deflection directions 146 away from the transverse center plane 156 . In this case, the end 144 of the auxiliary spring element 150 facing away from the base body 134 is also deflected in the corresponding deflection direction 146 .

[0168] The force required for the deflection is significantly increased by the additional deflection of the auxiliary spring element 150 , since the spring force counteracting the deflection is at least approximately the sum of the spring forces of the main spring element 148 and the associated auxiliary spring element 150 .

[0169] The auxiliary spring element 150 thus forms a reinforcing element 158 ​​for reinforcing the spring action or the spring force of the main spring element 148 .

[0170] The second connecting element 132 likewise comprises a base body 134 which is designed at least progressively and at least approximately to be complementary to the groove 110 of the components 102 , 104 .

[0171] Furthermore, the second connecting element 132 comprises two retaining projections 136 which are designed in an arcuate manner and are substantially complementary to the undercut section 114 of the groove 110 .

[0172] Therefore, the second connecting element 132 can also be easily inserted into the groove 110 and fixed therein.

[0173] The second connecting element 132 preferably comprises a receiving element 168 , by means of which the second connecting element 132 can be brought into engagement with the first connecting element 130 , in particular with the spring element 140 of the first connecting element 130 .

[0174] The receiving element 168 is arranged at an end 170 of the receiving element 168 that faces the connecting surface 166, in particular fixed to the base body 134 (see in particular Figure 5 , 7 , 9).

[0175] The receiving element 168 is arranged between two side walls 172 of the main body 134 of the second connecting element 132 .

[0176] The groove 174, in particular the opening 176, is arranged in the side wall 172 in such a way that the receiving element 168 extending between the side walls 172 partially extends along the groove 174 and is therefore not connected to the side wall 172 in this region and is therefore not connected to the base body 134. Alternatively, the groove 174 may also be unnecessary, so that a continuous side wall 172 is provided.

[0177] The receiving element 168 preferably includes two receiving projections 178 .

[0178] The receiving projection 178 of the receiving element 168 is designed, in particular, to be flexible or rigid.

[0179] The receiving element 168 is particularly arranged centrally in the second connecting element 132 and is designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to the transverse center plane 156 of the second connecting element 132. In particular, the receiving projections 178 of the receiving element 168 are designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to the transverse center plane 156 and are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other.

[0180] The outer surface 182 of the receiving element 168 preferably has at least approximately a parabolic shape, wherein the X-axis extends in the connecting surface 166 and the Y-axis extends in the transverse center plane 156 (see in particular Figure 7 ).

[0181] The main spring element 148, in particular the engagement section 154 of the main spring element 148, moves along the surface 182 of the receiving element 168 when connecting the connecting elements 130, 132. Due to the parabolic shape of the surface 182, when the main spring element 148 is deflected, an initial large and then small force increase is achieved.

[0182] The spring element 140 , in particular the main spring element 148 , is tensioned during the displacement along a surface 182 of the receiving element 168 , so that the surface 182 of the receiving element 168 forms a tensioning section 184 of the receiving element 168 .

[0183] Especially from Figure 7 It can be seen that the engagement section 154 of the main spring element 148 and the receiving element 168 in the connected state, for example, each bear against one another with a chamfer 188 .

[0184] The inclined surface 188 ensures, on the one hand, that in the connected state of the connecting elements 130, 132, a tensile force is applied to the connecting elements 130, 132, which tensions the connecting elements 130, 132 against each other. On the other hand, the inclined surface 188 preferably ensures that the connecting elements 130, 132 can be moved away from each other without damage. In particular, due to the inclined surface 188, the main spring element 148 of the first connecting element 130 can slide on the inclined surface 188 of the receiving element 168, preferably in the opposite direction of the connection direction 138, and thereby disengage the engagement section 154 of the main spring element 148 from the receiving projection 178 of the receiving element 168.

[0185] In other (not shown) embodiments of the connecting device 100, for example, another number of main spring elements 148 and / or auxiliary spring elements 150 may be provided. In an alternative embodiment, it may also be provided that the main spring element 148 is designed and arranged such that the engagement sections 154 of the main spring element 148 are arranged facing away from each other and can be moved toward each other in order to deflect the main spring element 148. The associated second connecting element 132 preferably comprises two receiving elements 168 spaced apart from each other, which are arranged on the side of the main spring element 148 facing away from the transverse center plane 156 in the connected state of the connecting elements 130, 132.

[0186] exist Figures 5 to 9 The embodiment of the connection device 100 shown in FIG. 1 works in the following manner:

[0187] First, the components 102, 104 have grooves 110 at locations opposite to each other in the assembled state of the components 102, 104. In particular, the grooves 110 are milled into the components 102, 104 by means of a special tool such as is known from EP 1 990 549 A1.

[0188] Subsequently, the connecting element 130 or 132 can be inserted into the groove 110 by simply pushing it in.

[0189] During the insertion process, the retaining projections 136 of the connecting elements 130 , 132 engage with the undercut sections 114 of the grooves 110 , so that the connecting elements 130 , 132 are fixed in a form-fitting manner in the components 102 , 104 at least with respect to a displacement of the connecting elements 130 , 132 in a connecting direction 138 .

[0190] In this case, the first connecting element 130 is fixed in the first component 102 .

[0191] This may be of particular relevance if the first component 102 is a component 102 , 104 which is to be connected by means of a narrow side or end side to a main side of a second component 104 .

[0192] When the groove 110 and thus the connecting elements 130, 132 are arranged on the narrow side or end side, in particular of the plate-shaped components 102, 104, the following situation is generally irrelevant: parts of the first connecting element 130, in particular the main spring element 148 and / or the auxiliary spring element 150, protrude from the surface of the components 102, 104, in particular the contact surface 106, on which the components 102, 104 rest against each other.

[0193] The second connecting element 132 is preferably arranged in a groove 110 in a main surface of the second component 104 , wherein the second connecting element 132 preferably does not protrude beyond the main surface, in particular the contact surface 106 .

[0194] Despite the mounted second connecting element 132 , the second component 104 can therefore still be stacked by means of the main surface on other, in particular plate-shaped components 102 , 104 , without having to worry about damaging the components 102 , 104 or the second connecting element 132 .

[0195] In order to connect the connecting elements 130 , 132 and thus the components 102 , 104 to one another, the components 102 , 104 with the connecting elements 130 , 132 arranged therein are moved toward one another along a connecting direction 138 , which is preferably perpendicular to the connecting surface 166 .

[0196] Especially from Figures 5 to 7 It can be seen that the main spring element 148 initially engages with the receiving element 168 , in particular with the tensioning section 184 of the receiving element 168 .

[0197] The engagement section 154 of the main spring element 148 is moved in the deflection direction 146 away from the transverse center plane 156 during its displacement along the tensioning section 184 of the receiving element 168. The main spring element 148 is thereby deflected and thus tensioned.

[0198] The auxiliary spring element 150 is also deflected by the deflection of the main spring element 148 .

[0199] Due to the auxiliary spring element 150 , the force required for the deflection of the main spring element 148 and thus the spring force of the main spring element 148 are increased.

[0200] Therefore, connecting elements 130 , 132 must be connected to one another using significantly greater forces than would be the case if main spring element 148 were provided without auxiliary spring element 150 serving as reinforcing element 158 ​​.

[0201] Due to the parabolic shape of the surface 182 of the receiving element 168 , the main spring element 148 is initially deflected more smoothly and then more slowly when the first connecting element 130 is pushed onto the second connecting element 132 .

[0202] In particular, a high spring tension can be generated thereby, so that connecting elements 130 , 132 and thus components 102 , 104 are firmly connected to one another, wherein at the same time the maximum force required to connect connecting elements 130 , 132 is reduced.

[0203] In addition Figures 5 to 9 In the embodiment shown in , the connection of the connecting elements 130, 132 is optimized by the following manner: the receiving projection 178 of the receiving element 168 is configured to be telescopic (nachgiebig), in particular bendable. As a result, the engagement section 154 of the main spring element 148 can be moved more easily over the receiving projection 178 of the receiving element 168.

[0204] The connection device 100 Figures 10 to 13 The embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 9 The embodiments shown in 100 differ essentially in that the connecting device 100 comprises different arrangements of the spring elements 140 .

[0205] The connecting device 100 comprises a spring device 200 which comprises two spring units 202. Each spring unit 202 is formed by a spring element 140 and a contact element 204.

[0206] The spring force of the spring element 140 can also be optimized by means of the contact element 204 .

[0207] In the connection device 100 Figures 10 to 13 In particular, no auxiliary spring element is provided in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0208] In particular, the contact element 204 is designed to be rigid and non-retractable.

[0209] Especially from Figures 10 to 13 It is known that the spring device 200 can be arranged in particular on the first connecting element 130 of the connecting device 100 .

[0210] In particular, the spring device 200 is configured according to Figures 5 to 9 1 , the receiving element 168 of the second connecting element 132 of the embodiment of the connecting device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is engaged in order to connect two objects, in particular components 102 , 104 , to one another.

[0211] exist Figures 10 to 13 In the embodiment of the connecting device 100 shown, provision can be made in particular for the first connecting element 130 to include a one-piece main body 134 which is designed as a plastic injection-molded product 206 .

[0212] The base body 134 therefore comprises, in particular, two contact elements 204 and two spring elements 140 .

[0213] The spring element 140 Fig.10 In the initial state shown in , the spring element is arranged and / or constructed relative to the abutment element 204 in the following manner: starting from the first end 142 of each spring element 140 in the direction of the respective second end 144, the distance A to the respective abutment element 204 increases excessively or proportionally (for example, the end abutment element is fixed to the component in an excessively large manner).

[0214] On the side of each contact element 204 facing the respective spring element 140 , a contact surface 208 is formed which comes into direct contact with the respective spring element 140 when the respective spring element 140 is deflected.

[0215] The contact surface 208 is designed in particular to be arcuately curved.

[0216] In the initial state, the spring element 140 is preferably designed to be substantially straight and / or unbent.

[0217] Only the end region of each spring element 140 in the region of the second end 144 can be bent or folded or in other cases, such as bent, for example. In particular, it is thereby possible for the spring elements 140 to each have a connection section 154 for connection to a further connecting element 132 .

[0218] The engagement section 154 is in particular a latching element 210 or a hook element 211 .

[0219] Especially from Figures 10 to 13 As can be seen from the comparison of FIG. 1 , the spring element 140 can be deflected outwardly away from the transverse center plane 156 .

[0220] In this case, the spring element 140 is moved in particular in the direction of the contact element 204 .

[0221] In principle, when the spring element 140 is deflected, locally very different loads occur, which lead to locally very different degrees of deformation.

[0222] When the contact element 204 is not used, this is also the case with the connection device 100. Figures 10 to 13 In the case of the spring element 140 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , it results in particular that the spring element 140 is particularly strongly loaded in the region of the respective first end 142 and deforms accordingly.

[0223] In particular, virtually no deformation occurs in the region of the second end 144 .

[0224] This deformation behavior has the result, in particular, that only low spring forces can be applied before local plastic deformations or other damage to the spring element 140 occur.

[0225] By using the contact elements 204 , however, an optimized elastic deformation of each spring element 140 can be achieved, so that ultimately particularly high spring forces can be achieved.

[0226] For this purpose, the spring element 140 is stretched over the contact elements 204 and thereby substantially takes on the shape of the contact surface 208 of the respective contact element 204 .

[0227] The spring element 140 is therefore bent, in particular, substantially in the shape of a bow.

[0228] Especially from Figures 11 to 13 It can be seen that a contact surface 212 is produced in this way, which is the surface at which the spring element 140 and the contact element 204 are in contact with one another.

[0229] The contact surface 212 increases with increasing deflection of the spring element 140 and in particular expands from the first end 142 of the spring element 140 along the contact surface 208 of the contact element 204 in the direction of the second end 144 of the spring element 140 .

[0230] The contact surface 212 is preferably designed to be uninterrupted and continuous, so that in particular the spring element 140 is flat and evenly in contact with the contact element 204. This ultimately allows for a uniform deformation of the spring element 140, so that the spring element 140 is elastically deformed as evenly as possible over its entire length almost up to the plastic deformation limit. The resulting restorative force can result in a desired high spring force for each spring element 140.

[0231] As from Fig.13 It is known that provision can be made for the connecting device 100 to include a storage device 214 for storing a holding force, in particular a spring force.

[0232] The storage device 214 comprises, in particular, a locking element 216 , by means of which the spring element 140 serving as a retaining element 218 can be locked in a deflected state.

[0233] The spring element 140 of the connecting element 130 can therefore be preloaded by means of the storage device 214 , in particular the locking element 216 , whereby the forces required for connecting the two connecting elements 130 , 132 can be minimized, in particular during the assembly of the components 102 , 104 .

[0234] In particular, it may be provided that the locking element 216 is actuated by means of the further connecting element 132 , preferably removed or destroyed, in order to release the spring element 140 .

[0235] The spring element 140 relaxes in particular in such a way that it embraces the receiving element 168 of the further connecting element 132 and thus produces a connection between the two connecting elements 132 .

[0236] In addition, the connection device 100 Figures 10 to 13 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is similar in structure and function to the embodiment shown in FIG. Figures 5 to 9 The embodiments shown in FIG. 1 are identical, so that reference is made to the preceding description thereof in this regard.

[0237] Connecting device 100 Figures 14 to 18 Other embodiments shown in Figures 10 to 13 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 differs substantially in that the base body 134 of the first connecting element 130 is designed as a sheet metal formed product 220 .

[0238] according to Figures 14 to 18 The connecting element 130 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be produced in particular from a strip 222 (see Fig.18 ).

[0239] The metal strip 222 has a material dimension M (thickness) of approximately 0.8 mm, for example.

[0240] The strips 222 are designed in particular to be essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to the transverse center plane 156 .

[0241] At the ends 224 of the strips 222 which are opposite one another, the strips 222 preferably have a width B E , which is smaller than the width B of the strip 222 in the central section 226 arranged between the two ends 224 Z .

[0242] The central section 226 comprises, in particular, one or more U-shaped material recesses 228 , in particular punched holes 230 .

[0243] In particular, a central section 232 and a web section 234 surrounding the central section 232 are each formed by means of the U-shaped material recess 228 .

[0244] In particular, the central section 232 can be bent out of the plane of the strip 222 .

[0245] The central section 232 forms, in particular, the spring element 140 .

[0246] In the transition section 236 , the central section 232 remains connected to the web section 234 .

[0247] Transition section 236 is, in particular, first end 142 of each spring element 140 .

[0248] The second end 144 of the spring element 140 is, for example, flanged or in another way, for example bent, in order to ultimately form the joining section 154 .

[0249] In particular, the web section 234 is bent in an arcuate manner and then forms a projection 136 which is arcuate in longitudinal section.

[0250] By means of the projection 136 formed by the web section 234 , the connecting element 130 can therefore be fixed in the groove 110 of the component 102 , 104 in particular in a form-fitting manner.

[0251] The contact element 204 is formed by deformation of the end 224 of the strip 222 .

[0252] For this purpose, the ends 224 are bent back to a central section 226 of the strip 222 , wherein in particular a bent section of each end 224 is formed which forms the contact surface 208 of each contact element 204 .

[0253] The end 224 is inserted or pressed, in particular, into an opening 238 of the strip 222. The opening 238 is formed, in particular, by the central section 232 being bent out from the central section 226.

[0254] For example, a secure clamped fixation of the respective end 224 can be ensured by means of a projection 240 which is formed in the region of the web section 234 and projects into the opening 238 .

[0255] By manufacturing the connecting element 130 , in particular the spring element 140 of the connecting element 130 , from a metallic material, in particular a metal sheet, it can preferably be ensured that the spring element 140 acquires its spring force in the deflected state over a long period of time and thus maintains a secure connection between the two connecting elements 130 , 132 .

[0256] In this case, very high spring forces can be achieved by the combination of spring element 140 and contact element 204 at the same time with low material consumption and low cost.

[0257] In addition, the connection device 100 Figures 14 to 18 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is similar in structure and function to the embodiment shown in FIG. Figures 10 to 13 The embodiments shown in FIG. 1 are identical, so that reference is made to the preceding description thereof in this regard.

[0258] In other (not shown) embodiments of the connecting device 100 , individual or multiple features and / or advantages of the connecting device described above may be combined with one another as desired.

[0259] Reference numerals list

[0260] 100 Connection device

[0261] 102 Components

[0262] 104 Components

[0263] 106 contact surface

[0264] 108 contact surface

[0265] 110 Groove

[0266] 112 Basic Section

[0267] 114 Submerged cutting section

[0268] 116 Thickness direction

[0269] 118 Groove bottom

[0270] 120 Bottom

[0271] 122 sunken surface

[0272] 124 Restricted surface

[0273] 126 Restriction Wall

[0274] 130 Connecting elements

[0275] 132 Connecting elements

[0276] 134 Matrix

[0277] 136 Retaining protrusion

[0278] 138 Connection direction

[0279] 140 Spring element

[0280] 142 end

[0281] 144 end

[0282] 146 Offset Direction

[0283] 148 Main spring element

[0284] 150 Auxiliary spring element

[0285] 152 Snap section

[0286] 154 Joint Section

[0287] 156 Transverse center plane

[0288] 158 Reinforcement element

[0289] 166 Connection surface

[0290] 168 Receiving Components

[0291] 170 end

[0292] 172 Sidewall

[0293] 174 Grooves

[0294] 176 Opening

[0295] 178 Receiving protrusion

[0296] 182 Surface

[0297] 184 tensioning section

[0298] 188 bevel

[0299] 200 Spring device

[0300] 202 Spring unit

[0301] 204 Snap component

[0302] 206 Plastic injection molding products

[0303] 208 contact surface

[0304] 210 Stop element

[0305] 211 Hook element

[0306] 212 contact surface

[0307] 214 Storage Device

[0308] 216 Locking element

[0309] 218 Holding element

[0310] 220 Sheet metal forming products

[0311] 222 Lath

[0312] 224 end

[0313] 226 Central Section

[0314] 228 Material Notch

[0315] 230 Punching

[0316] 232 Central Section

[0317] 234 splice section

[0318] 236 Transition Section

[0319] 238 Opening

[0320] 240 Protrusion

[0321] A Distance

[0322] B Groove Width

[0323] b Width

[0324] h Height

[0325] M material size.

Claims

1. A spring device (200), comprising: - a spring element (140) which can be brought into a deflected state from an initial state by elastic deformation; a contact element (204) against which the spring element (140) can be in contact in order to achieve a deflected state of the spring element (140), wherein at least one end (144) of the spring element (140) is movable relative to the abutment element (204) by elastic deformation of the spring element (140), wherein the spring element (140) in an initial state has a distance (A) from the abutment element (204) that increases toward the end (144) of the spring element (140) that is movable relative to the abutment element (204), With increasing deflection of the spring element (140), the length of a free section of the spring element (140) that is not supported on the contact element (204) is shortened.

2. The spring device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that The spring element (140) can bear flat against the abutment element (204) and / or the spring element (140) can bear directly against the abutment element (204) at an increasing contact surface from the initial state with increasing deflection and / or bear continuously against the abutment element (204).

3. The spring device (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The spring element (140) expands on the contact element (204) with increasing deflection.

4. The spring device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In an initial state of the spring element, the spring element (140) has a distance (A) from the contact element (204) which increases excessively toward an end (144) of the spring element (140) that is movable relative to the contact element (204).

5. The spring device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The contact element (204) comprises a contact surface (208) for the spring element (140) to contact, wherein the contact surface (208) is designed to be curved and / or at least approximately curved in an arcuate manner.

6. The spring device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The spring device (200) is or includes a plastic injection-molded product (206) and / or a sheet metal formed product (220).

7. The spring device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The spring element (140) can come into direct contact or come into direct contact with the contact element (204) from the initial state with increasing deflection at the enlarged contact surface (106, 108).

8. The spring device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The local elastic deformation of the spring element (140) in the deflected state is at least approximately the same at all locations along a contact surface (212) at which the spring element (140) and the contact element (204) are in contact with one another.

9. The spring device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The end (144) of the spring element (140) which is movable relative to the contact element (204) has a locking element (210) and / or a hook element (211).

10. A connecting device (100) for connecting two objects, wherein the connecting device (100) comprises at least one spring device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The connection device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The object is a furniture part or a machine part.

12. The connection device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The connecting device (100) comprises a connecting element (130, 132) having an integral base body (134) which comprises at least one spring device (200).

13. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The connection device (100) comprises one or more connection elements (130, 132), which are arranged on at least one of the objects in a connected state and / or a fixed state, wherein at least one connection element (130, 132) comprises one or more non-automatically cut retaining projections (136), each of which has a curved support surface, which is arc-shaped in a longitudinal section, wherein the one or more retaining projections (136) can be inserted into a groove (110) provided on one of the objects and having a curved undercut surface (122), which is arc-shaped in a longitudinal section, wherein the groove comprises a base section (112) and one or more undercut sections (114) extending away from the base section (112) in a thickness direction (116), and One or more retaining projections (136) engage in one or more undercut sections (114) of the groove (110) in a connected and / or fixed state.

14. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: The connecting device (100) comprises one or more connecting elements (130, 132) for being arranged on and / or in a first object and / or one or more connecting elements (130, 132) for being arranged on and / or in a second object, wherein in order to connect the objects to each other, at least one connecting element (130, 132) on and / or in the first object can be engaged with the second object.

15. The connection device (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that In order to connect the objects to each other, at least one connecting element (130, 132) on and / or in the first object can be engaged with at least one connecting element (130, 132) on and / or in the second object.

16. The connection device (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that: The connection device (100) comprises at least one connection element (130, 132), which comprises a holding element (218) for establishing a connection between two objects and a storage device (214) for storing holding energy of the holding element (218).

17. The connection device (100) according to claim 16, characterized in that Before a connection between two objects is established, holding energy can be transferred to the storage device (214), and the transferred holding energy can be stored by means of the storage device (214) until the connection is established.

18. The connection device (100) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The storage device (214) can be actuated when and / or in order to establish a connection between two objects, so that the holding element (218) can be brought into a holding position using holding energy.

19. A method for connecting two objects, comprising the steps of: - providing a connection device (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 18; - arranging a connection element (130, 132) on one of the objects or inserting a connection element (130, 132) into one of the objects; - connecting the connecting element (130, 132) to another object and / or to another connecting element (130, 132) arranged on and / or in another object.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The object is a furniture part or a machine part.

21. A method for manufacturing a spring device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: - providing a sheet metal strip (222) having at least one U-shaped material recess (228), thereby forming a central section (232) of the sheet metal strip (222) surrounded by the U-shaped material recess (228) and a web section (234) surrounding the U-shaped material recess (228); - the central section (232) is bent outwards to form a spring element (140); The web section (234) is plastically deformed in such a way that one or two retaining projections (136) are formed which protrude laterally beyond the spring element (140); The end (224) of the strip (222) is plastically deformed in such a way that the end (224) of the strip (222) is bent back toward the strip (222).

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The U-shaped material recess (228) is a punched hole (230).

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The retaining projection (136) protruding beyond the spring element (140) is arcuate in longitudinal section.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that The end (224) of the strip (222) is fixed to a transition section (236), wherein the transition section (236) connects the central section (232) to the web section (234), wherein the portion of the deformed end (224) of the strip (222) that protrudes beyond the transition section (236) is designed to be bent.

Images