Functional fitting or functional fitting semi-finished product with biological material for connecting and / or sports functions

Abstract

A functional fitting (100) or a functional fitting semi-finished product for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when mounted on a device (102), the functional fitting (100) or the functional fitting semi-finished product being formed at least partially, in particular predominantly, from a biological material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a functional accessory or a semi-finished functional accessory, a structure and a manufacturing method. Background Art

[0002] As fittings, protective, connecting, functional or operating elements, which are usually made of metal, are often used, which are originally fastened to wooden components by nails: furniture, doors, windows and other elements can be assembled with such fittings.

[0003] Traditionally, fittings made of plastic are also used in furniture construction. These fittings have the advantages of individual formability, efficient manufacturability and lightness compared to similar steel fittings. Despite the many advantages of such plastic fittings, the ecological waste disposal of such plastic fittings remains a problem. Plastic fittings mostly have poor compostability. In addition, plastic fittings result in a poor CO2 balance.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional composite materials, in particular lightweight panels, are used in furniture construction. They have the advantage of individual formability and lightness compared to similar solid furniture components. Despite the numerous application-friendly advantages of composite materials in furniture components, the ecological waste disposal of such furniture components remains a problem. Individual components such as decorative films or adhesives are largely difficult to compost. Alternative furniture disposal, for example in waste incineration plants, has a negative impact on the carbon dioxide balance emitted.

[0005] Known solutions in the field of furniture and lightweight construction applications are box-shaped systems with furniture components based on cardboard, but usually no consideration is given to the biodegradation of the adhesive or the decorative film to prevent deformation due to moisture absorption.

[0006] WO 2009 / 047008 A1 discloses a structure consisting of at least two polymer strips, wherein a fiber composite connects the polymer strips at the edges. The fiber composite and the polymer strips are connected to each other in a material-locking manner.

[0007] EP 2 376 731 B1 discloses an accessory, in particular for mounting on furniture, which has one or more molded parts at least partially made of plastic, wherein at least one molded part is made of biodegradable plastic. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to enable the production of a functional accessory which is designed to be environmentally friendly and which enables reliable installation in a device.

[0009] This object is achieved by the subject matter according to the independent claim. Developments of the invention are revealed in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a functional accessory or a semi-finished functional accessory is provided for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when installed on a device, wherein the functional accessory or the semi-finished functional accessory is at least partially (e.g., mainly) formed of a biomaterial.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a functional accessory or a functional accessory semi-finished product is provided for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when installed on a device, wherein the functional accessory or the functional accessory semi-finished product is composed of at least two parts that cooperate with each other, and at least one of the two parts is mainly or completely composed of biological materials, and at least one other part of the two parts is mainly or completely composed of non-biological materials.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a structure is provided, which includes a device and a functional accessory having the above-mentioned features, wherein the functional accessory is mounted on the device to provide a connection function and / or a motion function.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a functional accessory or a functional accessory semi-finished product that provides a connection function and / or a movement function when installed on a device is provided, wherein the method comprises forming the functional accessory or the functional accessory semi-finished product at least partially (e.g., mainly) from a biomaterial.

[0014] In the scope of this application, the term "functional accessories" can be understood in particular as such a component that is fixed to the device as required in order to provide a connection function and / or a movement function there. In particular, the functional accessories can therefore be all types of connection auxiliary mechanisms (rather than just adhesive auxiliary mechanisms). The function of the functional accessories can preferably be to connect a movable part (such as a cabinet door leaf, a building door leaf or a window leaf) with another movable or immovable part (such as a wall door frame or a side part of a furniture part (Möbelstück)). Functional accessories can be in particular belts and hinges that enable the movement of door leaves, etc. In addition, functional accessories belong to locks and the corresponding parts for closing structural elements. Therefore, in particular, the name "functional accessories" is used to represent such a component that obtains a connection function and / or a movement function. Such functional accessories can be used in particular for interior renovation (for example, as a door belt, door hinge, door push piece, door lock) and furniture accessories. In addition to its connection and / or movement function, accessories can also optionally have a decorative effect. The accessories include, in particular, dynamic accessories (in particular dynamic accessories which can be pivoted, rotated and / or slid) and static accessories (for example static accessories which have a pure connection function without a movement function).

[0015] In the context of the present application, the term "functional accessory semi-finished product" is to be understood in particular as a prefabricated material or preform, in particular a prefabricated, further in particular a preformed workpiece raw material or semi-finished product. Such a semi-finished product can be made, for example, from a material that has been processed into a geometrically defined shape in order to produce one or more functional accessories therefrom (for example simply by cutting to length). One functional accessory or a plurality of functional accessories can be produced from the functional accessory semi-finished product, for example by cutting the individual functional accessories to length from the semi-finished profile.

[0016] In the context of the present application, the term "connection function" is to be understood in particular as a function of a functional accessory which, alone or in cooperation with at least one further component, connects components of a device to one another. For example, the device may be a cabinet with side parts and a pivotable front door, wherein a functional accessory or functional accessories may enable or contribute to the connection between the side parts and the front door. The connection formed by means of the functional accessory may in particular be a positive-locking or non-positive-locking connection.

[0017] In the context of the present application, the term "movement function" is to be understood in particular as a function of a functional accessory which, alone or in cooperation with at least one further component, enables parts of a device to move relative to one another or enables the functional accessory to move relative to the device to which it is connected. The provided movement function may be a pivoting movement, a rotational movement and / or a longitudinal movement. For example, the device may be a sliding door having a frame and a movable door, wherein one functional accessory or a plurality of functional accessories can cause or contribute to the movement of the movable door relative to the frame. In another example, the functional accessory as a hinge or a hinge component can facilitate or control a pivoting movement between a door and a body of a piece of furniture.

[0018] In the context of the present application, the term "biomaterial" is understood in particular to mean a material which originates from biological or organic raw materials or is formed by biological organisms. Thus, biomaterials originate from plants and / or animals. Biomaterials are therefore not obtained by chemical synthesis, but are metabolites. In particular, biomaterials include renewable raw materials, which exclude fossil raw materials.

[0019] In the context of the present application, the term "predominantly composed of biological material" is to be understood in particular to mean that the biological material is the main component of the functional component or the functional component semi-finished product. The weight proportion of the biological material in the functional component or the functional component semi-finished product can therefore be more than 50%, in particular more than 70%, of the entire functional component or the entire functional component semi-finished product, respectively.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a functional accessory (and related semi-finished product) is provided, which has a biomaterial from raw materials of plant and / or animal origin as a component (preferably as a main component). Therefore, the relevant functional accessories can be made at least partially and preferably mainly or even completely from renewable raw materials (especially from all types of biofibers) or biological recyclables, which ensures the long-lasting production and good ecological balance of the functional accessories. Therefore, such functional accessories can be designed to be environmentally friendly. In addition, it has been found that functional accessories based on biomaterials show high robustness even under harsh environmental conditions, and thus can achieve reliable assembly on equipment (such as furniture cabinets) without compromising the functionality or reliability of the corresponding structure. In particular, biological functional accessories with sufficient mechanical robustness can be manufactured so that they can be optimally used for connecting functions or motion functions. Thus, environmentally friendly manufacturing can be advantageously combined with high fault robustness. For example, when the equipment (such as furniture parts) to which at least one functional accessory is to be assembled is also made of biological, natural and / or recyclable materials, the structure composed of the equipment and the functional accessories is jointly transported to the recycling process at the end of its service life.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, a multi-part functional accessory is provided which consists of at least one component comprising a biological material and at least one further component made of a non-biological material. According to such an exemplary embodiment, the advantageous properties of biological materials can be synergistically combined with those of non-biological materials.

[0022] Additional embodiments of the functional component or the functional component semi-finished product, the structure and the method are described below.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the functional part or the semi-finished functional part can be formed at least 80 weight percent, in particular at least 90 weight percent, further in particular completely from biomaterial. Apart from small additives, almost the entire functional part can thus be made of biomaterial, which further improves the ecological balance. It is even possible to manufacture the functional part completely from biomaterial.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the functional accessory or the functional accessory semi-finished product can be formed mainly or completely from plant material. In particular, the entire biomaterial can be a plant material. Preferably, the biomaterial does not contain fossil materials. Preferably, the functional accessory or the functional accessory semi-finished product can be formed from plant material with at least 80 weight percent, in particular with at least 90 weight percent. Regenerated plant materials are environmentally and climate-friendly, reliable and available in large quantities, and enable the manufacture of functional accessories with high mechanical stability.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the functional part or the semi-finished functional part can have an adhesive, in particular a bonding agent (e.g. glue), in addition to the biomaterial. Such an adhesive can improve the inherent bonding properties of the material of the functional part and thus further improve the mechanical robustness of the manufactured functional part. For example, the adhesive can also have a biomaterial (e.g. a natural resin, in particular a building resin) and / or a non-biological material (e.g. a synthetic resin).

[0026] According to one embodiment, the adhesive may be a recyclable adhesive. A high performance binder used as an adhesive, for example, may not be removed per se, but may be biodegradable. Thus, the adhesive may be put back into circulation, i.e. recycled.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the functional component or the functional component semi-finished product can additionally have a biodegradable additive. In other words, the biological material of the functional component or the corresponding semi-finished product can be admixed with one or more additives, which can be selected to fine-tune the desired properties of the material of the functional component or the corresponding semi-finished product. By using biodegradable additives or additives, a biological functional component with freely adjustable properties can thus be provided.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the functional accessory or the semi-finished functional accessory product can be free of plastic and / or metal. By producing the functional accessory or the associated semi-finished product without plastic, the environmental balance and the recyclability of the functional accessory can be further improved. In particular, furniture parts can be produced without any plastic. The metal-free functional accessory or its semi-finished product can be transported to recycling in a particularly simple manner.

[0029] In another embodiment, the functional accessory can be made of biomaterial combined with metal, ceramic and / or plastic. Such a design (wherein a large portion of biomaterial is combined with metal, ceramic and / or plastic additives) can be used to achieve very specific properties of the functional accessory.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the functional part or the semi-finished functional part may have a weight of 200 kg / m 3 Up to 1200kg / m 3 Density in the range of 400 kg / m 3 Up to 800kg / m 3 Preferably, the functional part based on plant material, in particular wood material, can be pressed to such an extent that the functional part has approximately the apparent density of wood. This ensures a reliable mechanical robustness of the functional part, which is particularly advantageous for connection functions and movement functions.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the functional part or the semi-finished functional part can have a weight of at least 1000 kg / m 3 Such high-density biomaterials can be particularly robust with respect to pressure loads.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a functional accessory or a functional accessory semi-finished product can be constructed in multiple pieces, wherein at least one of the components of the functional accessory or the functional accessory semi-finished product is mainly formed by a biomaterial. For example, the functional accessory can be constructed as a pair of accessory components that cooperate with each other. For example, a two-piece functional accessory can be manufactured, a part of which can be a guide body and another part of which can be a main body guided in the guide body. The guide body and / or the guided main body can, for example, form a part of a sliding door. At least one of the guide body and the guided main body, preferably two, can be mainly made of a biomaterial. Alternatively, the functional accessory can also be composed of two or more than two parts, one of which is mainly made of a biomaterial, and the other part is mainly made of a non-biological material (e.g., a shape-stable material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic and / or a non-shape-stable material, such as a fluid). For example, the part of the functional accessory that is subjected to the highest mechanical stress during work can be made of a material that has a higher mechanical robustness than a biomaterial. The multi-piece mutually cooperating accessory parts can form a static accessory without a degree of freedom of motion or a dynamic accessory with at least one degree of freedom of translation, at least one degree of freedom of rotation and / or at least one degree of freedom of rotation. In another alternative embodiment, the functional accessory can be formed by a biomaterial and by an insert and / or an insert of a non-biological material to produce a region of different densities and / or elastic modulus. Here, different materials can constitute a material-locked and / or form-locked and / or force-locked connection. Alternatively, nano-scale fillers can be added to the biomatrix so that one or more properties, preferably at least one property, can be prepared or influenced. Here, the property can be a mechanical property, such as the tensile strength of improvement, the compressive strength of improvement, the density of improvement, the toughness of improvement, a higher elastic modulus, a larger hardness, but can also be other properties, such as improved thermal stability, less water absorption or less shrinkage.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the biomaterial can have biofibers, in particular plant fibers, further in particular wood fibers. Such fibers can be linear structures consisting of biofiber materials. The biofibers can be natural fibers. Particularly preferably used wood fibers can be elongated axially arranged wood units, which act on the properties of wood reinforcement. Due to their high strength, wood fibers are particularly well suited for producing functional accessories.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the surface of the biofiber can be modified in a predetermined manner by specific surface treatment methods, such as microwave plasma or corona treatment and / or ultrasound methods, in order to decompose the fiber in a defined manner and further refine the fiber. Thus, for example, the following properties can be achieved or improved, such as colorability, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, adhesion strength and / or friction reduction.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the biomaterial may have one or more of the following materials:

[0036] Solid wood;

[0037] branches and / or ramifications;

[0038] root;

[0039] bark;

[0040] Leaves;

[0041] flower;

[0042] fruit;

[0043] Fruit core;

[0044] Stone;

[0045] peel;

[0046] Mechanically decomposed wood;

[0047] Chemically decomposed wood;

[0048] Wood materials;

[0049] Paper materials;

[0050] Fragments;

[0051] Non-woven fabrics;

[0052] Fabrics;

[0053] Fabrics; and / or

[0054] Natural polymer.

[0055] The materials are advantageously available in large quantities, renewable and very well suited for forming robust functional parts. Two, three, four or more of the above materials can be used for a functional part as well as just one of the above materials. By selecting a material or a combination of materials, the properties of the functional part to be produced can be adjusted in a targeted manner.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can be designed as a functional fitting for a furniture element. Examples of functional fittings for furniture elements are hinges and straps. For example, pot hinges, flap hinges, folding door hinges, glass door hinges, twist boxes, single-tube cylindrical hinges, box hinges, box hinges, film hinges, etc. can be used as hinges. A furniture strap or furniture hinge can be understood in particular as a swivel joint, by which a furniture door is fastened to a carcass.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the furniture element functional accessory can be a hinge element, a connecting element, a sliding door element and / or a guide slide. A hinge can be understood as a rotatable joint with only one degree of freedom, which can be used in particular as a functional accessory for furniture and covers on containers. Connecting elements can connect different parts of a device to each other, for example bridging these parts in the case of a connection. A sliding door element can be mounted between a sliding door and an associated frame so that the sliding door is slidable relative to the frame. A guide slide can be a slidably movable component that can be slidably moved in or along a guide structure, such as a guide rail.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the functional accessory or the semi-finished functional accessory can be designed as an angle, in particular a 90° angle. At least one additional functional component can be pressed or connected to such an angle. For example, two parts of a device can be connected with an angle. For example, a 90° angle can be inserted into a side part of the device in a positively locking manner.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the device can be a real estate or a movable property. For example, the real estate can be a building with a wall hole, in which a door and / or a window can be placed. The functional accessories based on biomaterials can be configured, for example, to connect a door or a window to a wall of a building. For example, the functional accessories can allow or facilitate the pivoting of a door or a window relative to a door frame or a window frame. Alternatively, the device can also be a mobile device, such as a piece of furniture (e.g. a cabinet) or a logistics facility (e.g. an industrial rack).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the device may be a piece of furniture (e.g., a cabinet, a chair, a table, or a bed). Preferably, the functional accessory according to an exemplary embodiment is capable of configuring different components for connecting the piece of furniture. For example, a body for a cabinet may include a rear wall, side components, and a pivotable front door. The connection between the pivotable front door and the side components may be formed using at least one functional accessory containing a biomaterial.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the functional part can be inserted, in particular pressed, into a recess in the device with a positive fit. By pressing such a functional part made from a biomaterial into a recess or hole in the corresponding device, a particularly simple assembly is achieved. Further fixing elements, such as screws or nails, may then be unnecessary for fixing the functional part to the device.

[0062] Alternatively, the biomaterial-based functional accessory can be mounted on the device by means of at least one fixing element, such as a screw or a nail.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the method for manufacturing a functional accessory can include pressing the material of the functional accessory or a semi-finished functional accessory under high pressure, in particular under a pressure of at least 100 bar, further in particular under a pressure of at least 1000 bar. Functional accessories based on biomaterials can be implemented very advantageously by pressing the biomaterial under high pressure. For example, woodworking stampings can be manufactured in this way. Functional accessories pressed under high pressure can have a particularly high mechanical robustness, which can reach the mechanical load capacity of conventional metal accessories or accessories made of plastic, while having good environmental friendliness.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the method may comprise pressing the material of the functional part or the semi-finished functional part at a temperature above normal temperature, in particular at least 100° C., further in particular at least 120° C. Surprisingly, it has been found that when the biological raw material is heated to a temperature of more than 100° C. and particularly advantageously at least 120° C. during the above pressing, a particularly homogeneous functional part with a particularly high strength is produced.

[0065] For example, the biomaterial (optionally together with additives) for producing the functional component or the associated semi-finished product can be pressed by means of piston pressing, extruder pressing, roller pressing or using the pressing chamber method.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the method may include pressing the material of the functional part or the semi-finished functional part in a mold, in particular in a metal mold, preferably in an aluminum mold. Pressing the biomaterial in a suitably shaped mold under high pressure and temperature makes it possible to produce a pressed product with outstanding properties as a functional part.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the method may include: forming and / or reshaping the main biomaterial in order to produce a functional accessory or a functional accessory semi-finished product. In this context, "forming" may be understood in particular as a production process in which a solid having a defined geometry is produced from an amorphous material. For forming, in particular liquid, gaseous, plastic, granular and / or powdered starting materials may be used. Furthermore, in this context, "reshaping" may be understood in particular as a production process in which a blank made of a reshapable material is placed in another shape in a targeted manner without removing or adding material from the blank. Examples of production processes include rolling, free forging, die forging, punching, extrusion, deep drawing and bending. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] in:

[0070] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a structure with functional accessories according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0071] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of a structure with functional accessories according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0072] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing a structure with functional accessories according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of a structure with functional accessories according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0074] Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of a structure with functional accessories according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0075] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a facility for producing a functional accessory according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0076] Corresponding elements are provided with corresponding reference numerals in the different figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Before explaining exemplary embodiments of the present invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, some general considerations on which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are based will be described.

[0078] Raw materials for metal and plastic parts are usually extracted from the lithosphere, which, at the end of the product life, leads on the one hand to an enrichment of the atmosphere with carbon oxides (especially carbon dioxide equivalents) and on the other hand to a significant contamination of the valuable materials consisting of rod- and board-shaped wood and / or wood-based material elements in terms of single-species recycling. The separation of the materials is sometimes very problematic and can often only be achieved with a large investment of time and energy and with increased costs, manual disassembly and sorting steps.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a functional accessory (or a semi-finished product precursor thereof) is mainly made of biomaterials. For example, such a functional accessory can be a furniture belt. Such a functional accessory can be advantageously designed to provide a connection function for connecting parts of the device to each other and / or a movement function for moving parts of the device relative to each other or the device relative to the functional accessory when installed on a corresponding device (e.g., a furniture cabinet). Manufacturing such a functional accessory from biomaterials as a main component achieves environmentally friendly and climate-friendly manufacturability without compromising the mechanical strength required for such a functional accessory. In particular, the functional accessories (and related semi-finished products) according to the exemplary embodiment can be manufactured from renewable raw materials and recyclables.

[0080] For example, such functional parts and the corresponding functional parts semi-finished products can be used for the renovation of handmade furniture and industrial furniture and interior decoration of movable and immovable property. Advantageously, such functional parts and the corresponding semi-finished products can be produced from renewable raw materials and regenerative materials, which can be provided at least mainly on the basis of biofibers. This advantageously leads to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the sense of climate protection and the circular economy that can be realized in the future.

[0081] In particular, the functional fittings according to embodiments of the invention enable mechanical connection functions to be fulfilled permanently or temporarily. Such mechanical connections include planar, right-angled and beveled, T-shaped and cross-shaped frame and panel angle connections, architectural structural connections of components and entire objects, as well as locks and pawls for front elements, and connections with defined translational and / or rotational degrees of freedom, which allow targeted sliding and / or rotational movements. Thus, the corresponding functional fittings are suitable, for example, as components of drawers, sliding doors and / or swing doors.

[0082] The functional accessory semi-finished product can be, in particular, a shape-fixed, rod-shaped or plate-shaped primary product in the form of a precursor of the end product to be produced therefrom, which can be a functional accessory. In this case, production processes of forming, separating, joining, coating and changing the material properties can be used in order to process the semi-finished product into a functional accessory or a component of a functional accessory. For example, such production can include cutting out sliding door guide contours, formatting and folding metal sheets, or separating components from cast structures, etc.

[0083] Functional accessories (e.g. including adhesive aids, such as expansion pins, plates, springs, etc.) and semi-finished products for handmade furniture renovation and industrial furniture renovation and interior decoration of movable and immovable property can be connected to the wide or narrow surface of rod-shaped and / or plate-shaped components, for example, by positive locking, force locking, material locking or combined locking (i.e., the combination of at least two of the above-mentioned connection technologies). This can be achieved, for example, by inserting or inserting into corresponding recesses (e.g. holes or milled portions) of the component and by self-tapping screw connection and / or bonding, gluing or welding with the component (preferably on the wide surface) and then tensioning or bolting the functional accessory elements. In particular, the threaded connection points can be specially prepared (especially when using light, for example hollow sandwich panels) by using expansion or threaded sleeves, threaded claws, transverse nuts and bolts, tower slots, inserts, adhesive beads, cold melting beads, rotary friction welding domes, etc.

[0084] Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide functional accessories (preferably including adhesive aids) and / or related semi-finished products that are entirely or predominantly based on biomaterials. Preferably, for the production of such functional accessories, in particular plant primary or secondary fibers and optionally a small amount (preferably less than 20 weight percent, further preferably less than 10 weight percent) of adhesive are used in the primary forming process and / or the forming process and the separation process without chip removal. Advantageously, in the sense of a circular economy, at the end of the service life, the relevant part of the material of the functional accessory can be supplied to material reuse in a recycling process (in particular together with the furniture component).

[0085] During their growth, vegetable raw materials absorb carbon dioxide in the process of photosynthesis and growth and bind it physically. This leads directly to a reduction in the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere. In addition, the carbon dioxide physically bound in the raw materials and feedstocks is withdrawn from the carbon cycle during each use cycle, calculated to be about 15 years, for the duration of the use phase (as many use phases as possible in the sense of cascade use or circular economy), which additionally leads to a favorable carbon reduction in the balance of greenhouse gas emissions.

[0086] In particular, in order to manufacture functional accessories according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, raw materials based on lignocellulose can be used. These can be provided, for example, based on natural solid wood, mechanically decomposed solid wood (e.g., ground powder, preferably short fibers with a length of up to 5 mm, fibers ground into powder) in the form of sawdust, wood fiber and / or wood powder. Chemically decomposed solid wood in the form of wood, wood pulp, lignin or cellulose can also be used. In addition, biomaterials can be used for functional accessories based on fast-growing plants (e.g., bamboo, three grasses, palm (e.g., oil palm, coconut palm, rattan palm), seaweed, etc.). In addition, the biomaterials for functional assemblies according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be used to replace the crops (e.g., cotton, sugarcane, flax, hemp, jute, coconut, kenaf, raffia, sisal and the like) and / or the stalks of cereals (e.g., rice, barley and wheat and the like) of traditional metal and polymer materials (based on petrochemicals) that destroy the climate of functional accessory technology. As primary products for producing functional accessories, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, not only technically more or less pretreated plant primary fibers themselves can be used, but also planed, milled, sawn, split, crushed, cut, pressed or ground semi-finished products consisting of the above-mentioned plant primary fibers and secondary fibers (recycled materials) and screened in a measuring method, sucked or otherwise dewatered from a fiber suspension and possibly spread and / or pressed in a drying method, woven, felted, needled or laminated.

[0087] Thus, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a functional accessory and the associated semi-finished product technology, which can be used in particular for handmade furniture renovation and industrial furniture renovation and interior decoration of movable and immovable property. For this purpose, in particular the following raw materials and all possible combinations of two or more of the above raw materials and raw materials as well as intermediate and primary products can be used in the corresponding manufacturing process:

[0088] Timber (especially natural solid wood) in the form of log products and board products, such as planks, poles, poles and other planed, split and pressed products, as well as peeled and blade-glued products; also branches and twigs of trees and shrubs (thinned timber), as well as roots, bark (also the soft bark of cork trunks), and leaves of trees and shrubs, as well as their flowers and fruits.

[0089] Wood materials made from solid wood, plywood, wood chips, wood walls, coarse and / or fine wood chips, refined fibres, wet or dry ground fibres or other coarse particle precursors and wood flour, for example layered and / or plywood and other sandwich panels, particleboard, fibreboard (including insulation boards and plasticised fibre materials) and wood foams, as well as all possible primary and intermediate products for the production of the aforementioned wood materials.

[0090] Paper materials consisting of wood pulp, paper pulp and other vegetable fibers (e.g. cotton linters), animal fibers (e.g. wool, silk, animal hair) and / or recycled materials (e.g. waste paper).

[0091] Debris (i.e. woody offcuts) of annual crops, especially hemp and flax, but also bagasse (sugar cane).

[0092] Nonwovens, uniaxial, biaxial and multiaxial fabrics, and fabrics of different kinds of weaves (especially canvas, twill, satin weaves), especially from plant fibers, such as cotton, kapok (the down of the plant, the fluffy hollow fibers of the pods of the kapok tree, poplar fluff (seed fibers and rind fibers of the poplar fruit), hemp, flax (flax), ramie (bast fibers from the nettle plant of the same name), nettle fibers from local nettles, sisal (from the leaves of some agaves), jute (from the stems of the annual jute plant of the same name), Afrink (palm fibers from the leaves of dwarf palm trees), kenaf (raffia), water hyacinth (stems of aquatic plants), seaweed (seaweed fibers from the so-called sea balls of Neptune or dead plants), lotus fibers, coconut fibers, pineapple fibers (from the leaves of the pineapple plant) and artificially produced fibers such as Modal (viscose fibers made from beech wood) or Tencel® (especially fibers made from eucalyptus wood), or artificial fibers based on seaweed, coffee grounds, orange peel (polycarbonate made from limonene oxide and carbon dioxide), banana trees, bamboo, etc.

[0093] Ground or otherwise mechanically or chemically processed fruits (e.g. chestnuts, acorns, beech, etc.), fruit stems (e.g. corn cobs), cones (fir, spruce, pine, pine, alder cones, etc.), fruit seeds and stones (e.g. apricot, peach or almond), nut shells (e.g. walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts), dried fruit peels (e.g. citrus fruits), in particular residues from other manufacturing processes (e.g. pomace from juice and / or wine production, or mash from beer production), etc.

[0094] Natural polymers based on fillers made from woody plant material (lignin and / or cellulose / hemicellulose), such as wood, fibers, husks, husks, short fibers, husks, leaves, cones, fruit stalks, residues, recyclates, etc. and possibly small amounts of vegetable binders (plant starches, such as starches from cereals, such as wheat (spelt, emmer, einkorn, kamut), barley, rye, oats, rice, corn, millet (dwarf millet, finger millet, ear millet, kutki millet, wheat millet, fonio millet, pearl millet, foxtail millet, sorghum), from pseudo-cereals (e.g. buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, prickly water lily), from sugar beets, Tubers, roots or rhizomes (e.g. potato, cassava, runner bean, sweet potato, yam, common pea, aracacha, tuberous sorrel, tuberous nasturtium, uluco, East Indian arrowroot, arrowroot, achira, taro, tanya, white water lily, yellow water lily, chayote), seeds from above-ground shoots (e.g. such as the saga palm), pulses (e.g. peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, lupins, soya) and pulp (e.g. such as the jackfruit, oqua or breadnut trees), animal adhesives (e.g. slaughterhouse waste) or from overproduction of lactic acid, etc.), adhesives produced using fungi, mycelium-based growth, or any other petrochemical-based adhesive.

[0095] Here, regionally available secondary raw materials and raw materials or semi-finished products are preferred to the promotion of regionally available primary raw materials for a drastic reduction of gas emissions in the sense of cascade utilization or circular economy, and this in turn imports primary and secondary raw materials from other parts of the world via long-distance transport routes.

[0096] Regarding the connection and / or fixing function based on biomaterial of the functional accessories according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention described above, the corresponding functional accessories can be formed by at least two or more parts. Preferably, at least a part of the multi-piece functional accessories can be composed of fiber material or mainly have at least one such fiber material.

[0097] Exemplary application examples of functional fittings with biomaterial according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention are hinge profiles, connecting elements or sliding door elements (in particular guide slides).

[0098] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a structure 104 with a functional accessory 100 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0099] An apparatus 102, which may be a piece of furniture or a container, is shown in structure 104. The apparatus 102 includes side members 106, a bottom member 108, a top member 110, and a pivotable door 112.

[0100] The door 112 is pivotably connected to one of the side parts 106 by means of two functional parts 100 (see pivot arrow 122). For example, the functional part 100 can be a furniture strap or a furniture hinge, i.e. a specially designed functional part of a furniture element. By pivoting the door 112 relative to the side parts 106, the bottom part 108 and the top part 110, the furniture piece or the container can be selectively opened or closed.

[0101] therefore, Figure 1 The functional accessory 100 shown provides both a connection function (for connecting one side member 106 to the door 112) and a movement function (for moving the door 112 relative to the side member 106, the bottom member 108 and the top member 110), and is assembled to the device 102 in a connection and movably manner. Figure 1 Although not shown in detail, each functional accessory 100 can be inserted (preferably pressed) into a recess in the device 102 with a positive fit. Thus, a separate fixing element (e.g., a nail or a screw) for fixing the functional accessory 100 to the device 102 can be dispensable. However, such a fixing element (not shown) can also be provided alternatively in order to install or assemble the functional accessory 100 on the device 102.

[0102] Advantageously, each of the functional accessories 100 can be formed mainly or even completely by biomaterial. Preferably, the biomaterial can be a plant material, such as a natural fiber. It is feasible that the corresponding functional accessories in the functional accessories 100 have a combination of one or more of the above-mentioned biomaterials. For example, each functional accessory 100 can be composed of at least 90 weight percent by biomaterial, preferably plant material. In addition to the biomaterial, each of the functional accessories 100 can optionally include an adhesive, such as a binder. Preferably, the adhesive is recyclable. Optionally, each functional accessory 100 can additionally have at least one other biodegradable additive to improve the function of the functional accessory 100. For example, each functional accessory 100 can have a mechanical reinforcement (e.g., as an anti-collision, anti-fracture and / or anti-scratch protection), a waterproof and / or fireproof coating, a paint, etc. However, as an alternative, each functional accessory 100 can also be made only of biomaterials, such as only made of natural fibers of plants. Advantageously, each functional accessory 100 can be free of plastic and metal. In order to provide a special function, the functional accessory 100 can alternatively also have at least one further component made of plastic, metal and / or ceramic in addition to the main biomaterial.

[0103] The density of each functional component 100 can be, for example, 400 kg / m 3 Up to 800kg / m 3For example, each functional accessory 100 may be a wooden piece having a density outside the above range to ensure sufficient strength.

[0104] Figure 2 A three-dimensional illustration of a structure 104 with a functional accessory 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0105] according to Figure 2 , each of the furniture element functional accessories 100 shown is a hinge element. Each hinge element is constructed in multiple parts, wherein at least one of the parts of the corresponding functional accessory 100 is mainly formed from a biological material. For example, each part of the hinge element can be mainly composed of a biological material. Alternatively, only one part of the hinge part can be formed from a biological material, while another part of the hinge part can be formed from a non-biological material (for example, metal).

[0106] according to Figure 2 , one part 124 of each functional accessory 100 is fixed to the side part 106, and another part 126 of each functional accessory 100 is fixed to the door 112. In addition, the parts 124, 126 of each functional accessory 100 are rotatably connected to each other. For example, each of the parts 124, 126 can be mainly or even completely made of biological material.

[0107] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a structure 104 having a functional accessory 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0108] according to Figure 3 The two-part furniture element functional fitting 100 shown is a guide slide. The functional fitting 100 has a first fitting part 114 and a second fitting part 116. The first fitting part 114 has a recess in which the second fitting part 116 is received in a positively locking and displaceable manner. More precisely, according to Figure 3 , the second fitting part 116 cannot be removed from the first fitting part 114 and is guided therein in a linearly displaceable manner. Figure 3 , the first accessory component 114 can be fixed to the wall 118 of the device 102, and the second accessory component 116 can be fixed to the mounting body 120 of the device 102. The mounting body 120 can be perpendicular to the wall 118. Figure 3 The paper plane of the invention is linearly moved, wherein during this movement, the second fitting part 116 is linearly guided relative to the first fitting part 114. Figure 3 The functional fitting 100 thus serves as a guide slide and can in turn be made predominantly or even completely from a biomaterial.

[0109] according to Figure 3The embodiment of can thus be used as a linear guide system (for example as a pull-out guide or a sliding door system). However, it is also possible to use the embodiment according to Figure 3 The configuration is constructed as a static system in the form of a cabinet suspension device.

[0110] In this case, a first fitting part 114 is fastened in the form of a rail to a room wall 118 , wherein a hanging cupboard as the device 102 can be hung on the first fitting part 114 by means of a second fitting part 116 which is adjustably fastened to the hanging cupboard and has a hook shape.

[0111] Figure 4 A three-dimensional illustration of a structure 104 with a functional accessory 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0112] according to Figure 4 , the furniture element functional accessory 100 shown is a sliding door element. The slidable door 112 can slide longitudinally relative to the side parts 106, the bottom part 108 and the top part 110, see the double arrow 128. For this purpose, the functional accessory 100, which is mainly made of biomaterial, is fixed on the one hand at the door 112 and on the other hand is engaged in the longitudinal recess of the guide rail 130 of the device 102. The functional accessory 100 shown can have a rigid coupling body 160 and a wheel 162 rotatably arranged on the coupling body. The wheel 162 is engaged in the guide rail 130 with low friction. The wheel 162 can be rotatably mounted on the rigid coupling body 160 via a rotating shaft. The wheel 162, the rotating shaft and / or the rigid coupling body 160 can be at least mainly made of biomaterial.

[0113] Figure 5 A three-dimensional illustration of a structure 104 with a functional accessory 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0114] according to Figure 5 , the furniture element functional fitting 100 shown forms part of a guide slide. More specifically, Figure 5 An apparatus 102 is shown in which a drawer 132 can be selectively received in a container having a top part 110 and side parts 106, or can be moved out of the container to access a receiving space 134 of the drawer 132. Lateral guide slides guide the drawer 132 relative to the side parts 106. The functional accessory 100 configured as a guide slide can be made predominantly or completely from a biomaterial.

[0115] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a facility 150 for producing a functional accessory 100 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0116] The facility 150 comprises a forming tool 140 (for example, made of aluminum) with a heatable mold 154 and a mechanical press 152. A recess is formed in the heatable mold 154, which defines the geometry of the functional accessory 100 (or the corresponding semi-finished product) to be manufactured. The raw materials for the functional accessory 100, for example, plant fibers and a binder as a binder are filled into the recess. The control device 142 can control the heating device (see heating coil 146 and heating current source 144) to heat the mold 140 to a predeterminable target temperature, for example, to 120°C. In addition, the control device 142 is configured to control the mechanical press 152 so that the punch 156 enters the recess filled with the raw material and thus presses the raw material with high pressure. As a result, a wood molding is produced as a functional accessory 100 in the interior of the recess, which is mainly formed by biomaterial.

[0117] The manufacturing method for manufacturing a functional accessory 100 thus has a functional accessory 100 formed mainly of a biomaterial. The method comprises pressing the material of the functional accessory 100 under a high pressure of at least 100 bar, further in particular at least 1000 bar. The above pressing of the material of the functional accessory 100 is carried out at a temperature of at least 100° C., preferably 120° C. The pressing is carried out in a mold 140, preferably in a metal mold.

[0118] In addition, it should be pointed out that "having" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "one" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, it should be pointed out that the features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. The reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limiting.

Claims

1. A functional accessory (100) or a semi-finished functional accessory for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when assembled on a device (102), wherein: The functional component (100) or the functional component semi-finished product is formed at least partially, in particular predominantly, from a biomaterial.

2. The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product according to claim 1, wherein: At least 80 weight percent, in particular at least 90 weight percent, further in particular completely, of the functional component (100) or the functional component semi-finished product is formed from a biomaterial.

3. The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product is mainly or completely formed of plant materials.

4. The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The functional component (100) or the functional component semi-finished product comprises, in addition to the biomaterial, a binder, in particular an adhesive.

5. The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product according to claim 4, wherein: The adhesive is a recyclable adhesive.

6. The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The functional component (100) or the functional component semi-finished product additionally comprises a biodegradable additive.

7. The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product does not contain plastic and / or metal.

8. The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, having a weight of 200 kg / m 3 Up to 1200kg / m 3 and / or having a density of at least 1000 kg / m 3 density.

9. The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is constructed in multiple parts, wherein: The functional accessory (100) or at least one of the components of the semi-finished functional accessory is formed predominantly from a biological material.

10. The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The biomaterial comprises biofibers, in particular plant fibers, further in particular wood fibers.

11. The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The biological material comprises one or more of the following materials: Solid wood; branches and / or ramifications; root; bark; Leaves; flower; fruit; Fruit core; Stone; peel; Mechanically decomposed wood; Chemically decomposed wood; Wood materials; Paper materials; Fragments; Non-woven fabrics; Fabrics; Fiber fabrics; and / or Natural polymer. 12 . The functional fitting ( 100 ) according to claim 1 , which is designed as a furniture element functional fitting.

13. The functional accessory (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The furniture element functional fitting (100) is a hinge element, a connecting element, a sliding door element and / or a guide slide.

14. The functional assembly (100) or the functional assembly semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product is configured as an angled part, in particular a 90° angled part.

15. A functional accessory (100) or a semi-finished functional accessory for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when assembled on a device (102), wherein: The functional accessory (100) or the functional accessory semi-finished product is composed of at least two parts that cooperate with each other, and at least one of the parts is mainly or completely composed of biological materials, and at least one other part of the parts is mainly or completely composed of non-biological materials.

16. A structure (104) comprising: Device (102); and The functional accessory (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the functional accessory is mounted on the device (102) to provide a connection function and / or a movement function.

17. The structure (104) according to claim 16, wherein The equipment (102) is real property or personal property.

18. The structure (104) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The device (102) is a piece of furniture.

19. The structure (104) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein The functional accessory (100) is inserted, in particular pressed, into a recess in the device (102) in a form-fitting manner.

20. A method for producing a functional accessory (100) or a functional accessory semi-finished product for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when installed on a device (102), wherein: The method comprises forming a functional component (100) or a functional component semi-finished product at least partially, in particular predominantly, from a biological material.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The method comprises: pressing the material of the functional part (100) or the functional part semi-finished product under high pressure, in particular under a pressure of at least 100 bar, further in particular under a pressure of at least 1000 bar.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The method comprises: pressing the material of the functional assembly part (100) or the functional part semi-finished product at a temperature higher than normal temperature, in particular at least 100°C, and further in particular at least 120°C.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein: The method comprises: pressing the material of the functional component (100) or a semi-finished functional component in a mold, in particular a metal mold.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein: The method comprises: shaping and / or modifying a main biological material so as to manufacture a functional accessory (100) or a semi-finished functional accessory.

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