Locking device with rack and pinion gear and its use in a table arrangement

Abstract

Locking device for connecting a plate-like workpiece with at least one attachment comprising a first connecting part (1; 1') for attachment to the attachment part, wherein the first connecting part (1; 1') has a plurality of locking bolts (4, 4') with locking projections (6, 6'), a second connecting part (2) for arrangement on the plate-like workpiece, wherein the second connecting part (2) has a locking mechanism with an actuating element (17) and a locking plate (9) with contours, wherein the contours can be brought by actuating the actuating element (17) from an unlocking position, in which the contours of the locking plate (9) do not engage behind the locking projections (6; 6') of the locking bolts (4; 4'), into a locking position in which the contours of the locking plate (9) engage behind the locking projections (6; 6') of the locking bolts (4; 4') in a force-fitting manner, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rack and pinion gear, wherein the locking plate (9) is linearly displaceable by means of the rack and pinion gear, characterized in that the contours are clamping contours (14), and that the locking bolts (4; 4') have a wedge-shaped clamping groove (7, 7') between their locking projection (6; 6') and their fitting part (5; 5'), into which one of the clamping contours (14) of the locking plate (9) engages in the locking position.

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device for connecting a plate-like workpiece to at least one attachment, comprising a first connecting part for attachment to the attachment, wherein the first connecting part has a plurality of locking bolts with locking projections, a second connecting part for arrangement on the plate-like workpiece, wherein the second connecting part has a locking mechanism with an actuating element and a locking plate with contours, wherein the contours can be brought by actuating the actuating element from an unlocking position, in which the contours of the locking plate do not engage behind the locking projections of the locking bolts, into a locking position in which the clamping contours of the locking plate engage behind the locking projections of the locking bolts in a force-fitting manner, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rack and pinion gear,wherein the locking plate is linearly displaceable by means of the rack and pinion gear.,

[0002] A table arrangement with a locking mechanism on the table top is known from EP 0 458 042 B1.

[0003] For conferences, meetings, and conventions, it's desirable to be able to quickly and easily assemble and disassemble tables or table systems to adapt the size and number of tables to the event. This generally requires the assembly and / or relocation of table legs.

[0004] From DE 20 2013 100 589 U1, EP 3 251 554 A1, EP 1 915 923 A2 and DE 299 16 465 U1, table arrangements are known in which the table leg and table top can be connected by means of a locking device in which recesses are provided on the table top into which locking elements attached to the table leg can be inserted and clamped. For clamping, a pivoting movement of the lever perpendicular to the table top is converted into a linear movement of the clamping elements by means of an eccentric gear or a toggle lever gear (lever gear with over-dead center travel), thereby locking or unlocking. In order to ensure effective clamping even in the event of wear of the clamping elements, spring elements are used for tensioning.The lever position must be configured so that it rests against the tabletop in the locked position, otherwise it would be visually disruptive. These table arrangements use short lever lengths, which, however, limits the force acting on the locking elements. There is also a risk of objects becoming jammed between the lever and the tabletop.

[0005] DE 20 2006 007 300 U1 and DE 10 2018 206 610 A1 disclose locking devices in which the locking elements attached to the table leg are moved parallel to the tabletop by means of a lever movement, so that the position of the lever is not visually disturbing, regardless of its position. The conversion of the pivoting movement of the lever into a linear movement of the clamping elements is also achieved via an eccentric gear in DE 10 2018 206 610 A1, while in DE 20 2006 007 300 U1, it is achieved via a suitable curved guide in the locking plate.

[0006] The disadvantage of all these known locking devices is that the construction on the table leg is complex and space-consuming.

[0007] EP 0 458 042 B1 describes a table arrangement in which the locking mechanism is integrated into the tabletop, so that only locking pins are attached to the table leg. While this reduces the number of locking elements mounted on the table leg, the locking mechanism described in EP 0 458 042 B1 requires a relatively large amount of space in the tabletop. This locking mechanism can therefore only be used with solid tabletops and is not suitable for lightweight panels, for example.

[0008] DE 43 28 483 A1 discloses a device for fastening a wall unit to a wall with a bracket. The device has a housing adapted for fastening a reference surface of the housing against a main surface of the wall unit, and accommodating a hanging part that lies parallel to the reference surface. The device has a means for adjusting the position of the hanging part relative to the housing so that the end is movable in a plane substantially parallel to the reference surface. The adjusting means has two adjusting devices for moving the end in respective different directions, wherein a rack cooperates with the first adjusting device. Object of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to propose a compact locking device, in particular for a table arrangement, which can also be used with lightweight panels. Description of the invention

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a locking device according to claim 1 and its use in a table arrangement according to claim 12.

[0011] The locking mechanism includes a rack and pinion gear, whereby the locking plate can be moved linearly by means of the rack and pinion gear.

[0012] The locking device according to the invention is used for the tool-free assembly of attachments to plate-like workpieces, in particular table legs to one or more table tops. According to the invention, a 1D mechanism is used (linear displacement of the locking plate). During the locking process, no supporting spring force is applied to clamp the locking plate to the locking bolts.

[0013] The rack and pinion mechanism converts the rotary motion of the actuating element into a linear motion of the locking plate. The power transmission is supported by the gear ratio between the actuating element and the locking plate, which is achieved by the rack and pinion mechanism.

[0014] The gear ratio achieved by the rack and pinion drive is preferably at least 4:1, in particular at least 6:1. To achieve this, the actuating element can be designed as an L-shaped lever, with the spur gear located on the short side of the L-shaped actuating element. This allows for a long actuating travel and thus a large stroke within the locking mechanism.

[0015] The rack and pinion mechanism allows for a flat, lightweight geometry, is easy to manufacture, and can be operated with little effort and / or a small lever. Thanks to the flat design, the locking device according to the invention does not need to be embedded in the plate-like workpiece, but can be mounted on the underside of the plate-like workpiece without causing any visual or operational disruption. This makes it possible to use the locking device, for example, for tabletops made of lightweight materials, which are generally not solid.

[0016] Preferably, the plate-like workpiece is a table top and the attachment is a table leg.

[0017] The locking projections of the locking bolts are preferably designed as locking heads with undercuts on all sides, in particular as mushroom heads, or as projections with undercuts on three sides. The locking projections are preferably arranged symmetrically to one another and protrude vertically upward.

[0018] Preferably, two firmly screwed locking bolts are used for each attachment.

[0019] The locking plate is a plate that can be moved relative to the actuating element and the base plate (if present) and (when assembled) relative to the plate-like workpiece. It has clamping contours (defined by recesses) for engaging behind the locking projections of the locking bolts. The recesses are continuous for the locking bolts (through holes), so that the locking plate can engage behind the locking projections. The recesses in the locking plate that form the clamping contours are adapted in size, number, and distribution to the size, number, and distribution of the locking bolts. The locking plate is preferably arranged behind a base plate that can be fixed to the plate-like workpiece and that, together with the counterplate and a base frame, forms a housing for the locking plate.

[0020] The material of the locking plate should be different from that of the locking bolts to achieve a suitable coefficient of friction. This ensures that static friction acts between the locking bolt and the clamping contour. This prevents the lock from releasing itself when handled properly and allows the lock to be opened manually, i.e., without additional tools. For example, the locking bolts can be made of die-cast zinc or fiber-reinforced plastic. The locking plate can be manufactured using a die-casting process.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the locking device according to the invention, the locking plate comprises a toothed rack.

[0022] Preferably, the actuating element is a mechanical actuating element, in particular a pivotable lever element. Alternatively, a rotary knob could be used as the actuating element, although to achieve the same leverage as a lever, it would have to have a fairly large diameter.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the locking device according to the invention, the actuating element comprises a spur gear at its end facing the locking plate. In the case of a rotary knob as the actuating element, the spur gear is attached to the rotary knob or coupled to it (in particular mechanically).

[0024] The second connecting part preferably has a counterplate that can be attached to the plate-like workpiece. It is provided that the locking plate is mounted between the plate-like workpiece and the counterplate.

[0025] The locking plate preferably has recesses for accommodating the locking bolts. The recesses are freely passable for the locking bolts.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the base plate has receiving openings and the locking bolts have a fitting part on their side facing away from the locking projection, which is adapted to the shape of one of the receiving openings of the base plate.

[0027] The shape and dimensions of the fitting part correspond to the shape and dimensions of the receiving openings of the locking plate (cross-section perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the locking bolt into the receiving opening). This prevents the locking bolts from slipping perpendicular to their insertion direction in the receiving openings. The cross-section of the locking projection, however, is preferably smaller than the cross-section of the receiving opening of the base plate into which the locking head is inserted, to enable easy insertion.

[0028] According to the invention, the locking bolts have a wedge-shaped clamping groove between their locking projection and their fitting part, into which one of the clamping contours of the locking plate engages in the locked position. The groove width of the wedge-shaped clamping groove (distance between the locking projection and the fitting part) must be selected to be small enough to prevent the locking bolt from catching on the base plate when inserting the locking bolt of the attachment into the second connecting part. The groove width is therefore preferably selected to be smaller than the material thickness of the base plate.

[0029] The clamping contours preferably have an inclined contact surface oriented so that a tensile stress is generated between the first and second connecting parts when the actuating element is actuated. The clamping contours are thus wedge-shaped. The cross-section of the clamping contours is preferably U- or V-shaped, allowing them to engage behind the locking bolt on three sides.

[0030] It is also advantageous if the locking projections of the locking bolts have wedge-shaped clamping edges, i.e., if the edge of the locking projection (clamping edge) facing the fitting part is not parallel to the edge of the fitting part facing the projection. This creates a wedge-shaped clamping groove between the fitting part and the locking projection. The edges of the clamping contour of the locking plate engage with the locking bolts and are supported by them. The wedge-shaped clamping contours ensure constant contact between the locking plate and the base plate.

[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a travel reserve for the locking plate is provided. For this purpose, the actuating element and the rack and pinion gear are coordinated such that, in the locking position, the movement range of the actuating element and the locking plate is not completely exhausted. The travel reserve is preferably at least 15%, preferably at least 20%. For a lever element with a movement range of, for example, 90°, the travel reserve is preferably approximately 20°. The actuating element can therefore theoretically be moved beyond the locking position.

[0032] It is important that in the locking position, an edge of the clamping contour oriented obliquely to the direction of movement of the clamping contour is spaced from the groove base of the wedge-shaped clamping groove. For this purpose, the clamping contour preferably comprises three edges (a central edge, preferably oriented (essentially) perpendicular to the clamping contour, and two lateral edges, preferably oriented (essentially) parallel to the clamping contour) that engage in the wedge-shaped clamping groove. In the locking position, the lateral edges are preferably close to the groove base, while the central edge is spaced from the groove base and is clamped essentially at the groove entrance. The clamping connection therefore has a travel reserve so that, despite any subsequent material removal (wear), the actuating element can be further clamped and the attachment can be mounted without wobble.In this embodiment of the locking device according to the invention, there is no defined end point for the locking position. This, in conjunction with the contact pressure generated by the wedge effect, ensures a solid clamping effect that can be achieved at all times – even with progressive wear. This wear tolerance makes the system durable and sustainable.

[0033] A special embodiment provides that the locking plate is locked in the unlocking position and / or in a securing position in which the clamping contour completely engages behind the locking projection, in particular by a spring element engaging in a locking recess of the locking plate. When the locking plate is moved from the unlocking position to the locking position, the locking plate initially engages behind the locking projections in the securing position (see below) in a form-fitting manner (i.e. the locking plate engages behind the locking projections over the entire length of the locking bolt, whereby the length of the locking bolt means the dimension in the direction of movement of the locking plate), then in a force-fitting manner (locking position).In the locking position, this prevents the locking bolt from moving out of the base plate's receiving opening. In the locking position, the clamping edges of the locking bolts and the clamping contour of the locking plate can effectively wedge together. The locking in the locking position signals to the user that the parts to be joined can no longer fall apart.

[0034] To ensure sufficient contact pressure even when only one locking bolt engages the second connecting part, the second connecting part preferably has a guide device for linearly guiding the locking plate. This can, for example, be designed in the form of elongated grooves in the locking plate and guide bolts engaging in the elongated grooves.

[0035] The invention also relates to the use of a locking device in a table arrangement with at least one table top and at least one table leg, wherein a first connecting part is arranged / attached to the upper end of the table leg, said first connecting part having a plurality of locking bolts with locking projections, wherein a second connecting part is arranged / attached to the table top, said second connecting part having a locking mechanism with an actuating element and a locking plate with clamping contours, wherein the clamping contours can be brought by actuating the actuating element from an unlocking position, in which the clamping contours of the locking plate do not engage behind the locking projections of the locking bolts, into a locking position, in which the clamping contours of the locking plate engage behind the locking projections of the locking bolts, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rack and pinion gear,wherein the locking plate is linearly displaceable relative to the table top by means of the rack and pinion gear.

[0036] The "top end" of the table leg is the end of the table leg facing the tabletop. The second connecting piece is located on / on the underside (i.e., the side of the tabletop facing the table leg), preferably mounted on the underside of the tabletop.

[0037] Preferably, the actuating element is a pivotable lever element that can be pivoted about a pivot axis, preferably perpendicular to the tabletop. The pivoting of the lever element and the movement of the locking plate thus occur in the same plane (parallel to the tabletop or perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking plate).

[0038] Preferably, the lever element rests against the second connecting part in the unlocked position. A lever resting against the housing thus signals the "open" locking position and is thus easily recognizable by the user during use.

[0039] Preferably, the end of the actuating element facing away from the locking plate, particularly at the lever handle, is padded. This allows multiple tables to be stacked without the tabletop of the lower table being scratched by the actuating element (stacking buffer).

[0040] A tabletop can be individually equipped with legs using the locking device according to the invention, but several adjacent tabletops can also be linked together at their abutting edges. A particularly preferred embodiment of the table arrangement according to the invention therefore comprises at least two tabletops, wherein, in the locking position, the locking plate of the second connecting part of the first tabletop and the locking plate of the locking device of the second tabletop engage behind locking bolts of the same table leg.

[0041] The tabletops each have at least one table edge that can be arranged parallel to one another, butt-jointed. Each tabletop is equipped with a second connecting part. The second connecting parts are geometrically aligned such that some of the locking bolts of the first connecting part engage with the second connecting part of the first tabletop, and another part of the locking bolts of the first connecting part can engage with the second connecting part of the second tabletop and can be clamped by the respective locking plates.

[0042] Preferably, two table legs, each having a first connecting part, are connected to one another to form a table leg arrangement.

[0043] The table legs and the first connecting parts are preferably aligned relative to each other so that the table legs can be mounted at an angle of 105° to the table top(s). This allows for visually appealing, demountable sit-down and stand-up table arrangements.

[0044] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, the above-mentioned and further-described features can be used individually or in combination in any desired manner. The embodiments shown and described are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are exemplary in nature for describing the invention. Detailed description of the invention and drawing Fig. 1 shows a part of a table leg with a first connecting part of a locking device according to the invention with locking bolts with a clamping groove running all around. Fig. 2 shows a part of a table leg with a first connecting part of a locking device according to the invention with locking bolts with a clamping groove running around three sides. Fig. 3 shows a front view and a side view of a locking bolt with a clamping groove running around three sides. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the second connecting part of Fig. 3 in unlocking position. Fig. 5 shows a top view of a clamping contour of the second connecting part from Fig. 4. Fig. 6a shows a longitudinal section of a base plate of the second connecting part made of Fig. 4 inserted locking bolt from Fig. 1 in safety position. Fig. 6b shows a longitudinal section of a base plate of the second connecting part made of Fig. 4 inserted jammed locking bolt from Fig. 1 in locking position. Fig. 7 shows a side view of a table arrangement according to the invention with a table leg mounted overlapping a first table top for connection to another table top.

[0045] The locking device according to the invention comprises a first connecting part 1 and a second connecting part 2, which can be connected to one another via a locking mechanism in the second connecting part 2. To create a table arrangement according to the invention, the first connecting part is attached to a table leg 3 and the second connecting part is attached to a table top 8.

[0046] Fig. 1 + Fig. 2 each show a first connecting part 1, 1' attached to a table leg 3, 3'. The first connecting part 1, 1' comprises two locking bolts 4, 4' with a fitting part 5, 5', a locking projection 6, 6', and an intermediate clamping groove 7, 7'. Fig. 1 shown locking projections 6' and fitting parts 5' have a circular cross-section and the clamping groove 7' runs all around, the fitting part 5 and the locking projection 6 of the locking bolt 4 Fig. 2, which in Fig. 3 is shown in more detail, has a rectangular outline and the clamping groove 7 extends only over three sides of the locking bolt 4. The locking projection 6 is wedge-shaped, such that the thickness increases towards the side where the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7 does not extend. In combination with the fitting part 5, with a constant thickness, a wedge-shaped clamping groove 7 is produced. Fig. 2, the table leg 3 is connected to another table leg via a connecting piece to form a table leg arrangement, so that two table legs can be mounted simultaneously. The locking bolts 4 of the two table legs 3 are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another, so that the sides of the locking bolts 4 around which the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7 does not run are arranged facing away from the locking bolts 4 of the other table leg 3. The sides of the locking bolts 4 of the first table leg 3 with the largest opening of the wedge-shaped clamping groove are therefore opposite the sides of the locking bolts 4 of the second table leg 3 with the largest opening of the wedge-shaped clamping groove.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows the second connecting part 2, which is intended to be fixed via connecting means 27 to the underside of a table top 8 (in Fig. 4 not shown). The second connecting part 2 comprises a locking plate 9, which is accommodated in a housing consisting of a base frame 29, a base plate 10 and a counterplate 11. The counterplate 11 is used to rest on the underside of the table. The base plate 10 serves to receive the locking bolts 4 of the first connecting part 1 and has corresponding receiving openings 12. The locking plate 9 is displaceable relative to the housing and also has recesses 13 for receiving the locking bolts 4 and clamping contours 14. In addition, the counterplate 11 also has recesses 30 for receiving the locking bolts 4, whereby the height of the arrangement can be further reduced. The locking plate 9 can be displaced relative to the housing between an unlocking position and a locking position via a rack and pinion gear.For this purpose, the locking plate 9 has a rack 15, whose teeth engage the teeth of a spur gear 16, which is part of an actuating element (here designed as a lever 17). When the lever 17 is actuated, the spur gear 16 rotates about an axis 18. In . Fig. 4, the locking plate 9 is in the unlocked position, in which the clamping contour 14 does not cover the receiving openings 12 of the base plate 10. In the unlocked position, the lever 17 rests against the housing of the second connecting part 2, thus signaling the unlocked position. This makes the unlocked position easy to detect.

[0048] At the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the second connecting part 2 has a spring element 19 with a locking lug 20 and locking recesses 21 in the locking plate 9, wherein in the unlocking position or the securing position (i.e., as soon as the clamping contour positively engages behind the locking projection over its entire length), the locking lug 20 engages in one of the locking recesses 21. In this way, the locking plate 9 is locked against slipping perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking plate 9. The spring element 19 serves only for locking and does not affect the clamping of the locking mechanism.

[0049] The locking plate 9 is guided in the Fig. 4, via long grooves 22 in the locking plate 9 and via bearing rings 23 fixed to the base plate 10.

[0050] Fig. Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a section of the locking plate 9 with the clamping contour 14. The clamping contour 14 has a central section 25 with a central edge 24 and two lateral arm sections 26 with lateral edges 31. The central edge 24 runs in the Fig. 6 shown example perpendicular to the travel direction x of the locking plate 9. In principle, the clamping edge can also be curved or V-shaped.

[0051] To connect the table leg 3 and the table top 8, the locking bolts 4 on the table leg 3 are inserted through the receiving openings 12 of the base plate 10 into the recesses 13 of the locking plate 9, while the locking plate 9 is in the unlocked position. By actuating the actuating element 17 away from the housing of the second connecting part 2, the clamping contour 14 of the locking plate 9 is moved by the rack mechanism into the clamping groove 7 of the locking bolt 4 until the clamping contour 14 engages the entire length of the locking projection 6, initially in a form-fitting manner and then in a force-fitting manner (locking position).

[0052] Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b show longitudinal sections of a clamped locking bolt 4 inserted into the base plate 10 of the second connecting part 2. Fig. 6a shows the locking device according to the invention in the securing position, in which the clamping contour 14 just completely engages behind the locking projection, while Fig. 6b shows the locking device according to the invention in the locking position, in which the clamping contour 14 engages behind the locking projection in a force-locking manner (force acts on the locking bolt 4), so that the locking bolt is pressed against the second connecting part 2.

[0053] The shape and dimensions of the cross section of the fitting part 5 are adapted to the shape and dimensions of the receiving opening 12 in the base plate 10, so that the fitting part 5 can be inserted into the base plate 10 in a form-fitting manner. The entry width Z of the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7 (width of the clamping groove 7 in the area of ​​the entry of the clamping contour 14 into the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7) or the exit width z of the clamping groove 7 (width of the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7 in the area of ​​the exit of the clamping contour 14 from the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7) should be selected so small that when inserting the table leg 3 into the table top 8 (in Fig. 6 not shown) prevents the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7 from getting caught in the base plate 10. In the case of a table leg arrangement as in Fig. 2, in which the locking bolts 4 of the two interconnected table legs 3 are arranged axially symmetrically to each other and the groove entrances (wide openings of the grooves with entrance width Z) point towards each other, it is sufficient if the exit width z of the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7 in the area of ​​the groove base is smaller than the material thickness D of the base plate 10. In this case, the sides of the opposing locking bolts which are not provided with a groove prevent the penetration of the base plate 10 into the wide entrance opening of the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7. In the case of a single table leg 3 and / or locking bolts 4' which have a clamping groove 7' running all around as in Fig. 1, the entrance width Z of the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7' should be smaller than the material thickness D of the base plate 10.

[0054] The thickness d of the fitting part 5 should be selected to be smaller than the thickness D of the base plate 10. This ensures that, during locking, the clamping contour 14 of the locking plate 9 rests on the base plate 10 and presses against the locking projection 6 without touching the fitting part 5. In this way, the locking bolt 4 and the table leg 3 attached to it are pressed firmly into the second connecting part 2.

[0055] The cross section of the locking projection 6 is at least partially smaller than the cross section of the receiving opening 12 in the base plate 10, so that easy insertion of the locking bolt 4 into the receiving opening 12 is possible.

[0056] The clamping contour 14 of the locking plate 9 engages with the wedge-shaped clamping groove 7 and is also wedge-shaped. The wedge angle of the clamping contour 14 and the clamping groove 7 are identical, thus creating a large clamping surface.

[0057] In this way, the clamping contour 14 can be effectively clamped in the clamping groove 7 even if the clamping contour 14 and / or the clamping groove 7 have been worn away by material removal.

[0058] Fig.7 shows a side view of a table arrangement according to the invention with a first table top 8, which is to be connected to a second table top (not shown). For this purpose, the first connecting element 1 is arranged across the table tops so that the first connecting element 1 overlaps the first table top 8. The table tops 8 are each equipped with second connecting parts 2. Of the first, overlapping connecting element, only one locking bolt 4 is inserted into one of the receiving openings of the base plate arranged on the first table top 8 and into the recess in the locking plate of the second connecting element 2. The other locking bolt 4 is inserted into one of the receiving openings of the counter plate and into the corresponding recess of the locking plate of the second connecting element arranged on the second table top.Thus, when the locking device according to the invention is used to connect table tops, one receiving opening of the second connecting part 2 always remains free.

[0059] The mechanism according to the invention is in any case very flat and at the same time offers space for a large lever under the table top, with which a correspondingly strong force can be built up. List of reference symbols 1, 1' first connecting part 2 second connecting part 3, 3' table leg 4, 4' locking bolt 5.5' fitting part 6, 6' locking projection 7, 7' clamping groove 8 Table top 9 Locking plate 10 Base plate of the housing 11 Counter plate of the housing 12 mounting opening in base plate 13 Recess in locking plate 14 Clamping contour 15 Rack of the locking plate 16 Spur gear of the actuating element 17 Actuating element (lever) 18 Actuating axis / swivel axis 19 Spring element 20 locking lug 21 locking recesses 22 long groove 23 Bearing ring 24 central edge of the clamping contour 25 central section of the clamping contour 26 Arm section of the clamping contour 27 connecting devices 29 Base frame of the housing 30 Recess in counter plate 31 lateral edges of the clamping contour z Height of the wedge-shaped clamping groove in the area of ​​the groove base (initial width of the wedge-shaped clamping groove) Z Height of the wedge-shaped clamping groove in the area of ​​the groove entrance (entrance width of the wedge-shaped clamping groove) D Material thickness of the base plate d Thickness of the fitting part

Claims

[1] Locking device for connecting a plate-like workpiece with at least one attachment comprising a first connecting part (1; 1') for attachment to the attachment part, wherein the first connecting part (1; 1') has a plurality of locking bolts (4, 4') with locking projections (6, 6'), a second connecting part (2) for arrangement on the plate-like workpiece, wherein the second connecting part (2) has a locking mechanism with an actuating element (17) and a locking plate (9) with contours, wherein the contours can be brought by actuating the actuating element (17) from an unlocking position, in which the contours of the locking plate (9) do not engage behind the locking projections (6; 6') of the locking bolts (4; 4'), into a locking position in which the contours of the locking plate (9) engage behind the locking projections (6; 6') of the locking bolts (4; 4') in a force-fitting manner, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rack and pinion gear, wherein the locking plate (9) is linearly displaceable by means of the rack and pinion gear, characterized by , that the contours are clamping contours (14), and that the locking bolts (4; 4') have a wedge-shaped clamping groove (7, 7') between their locking projection (6; 6') and their fitting part (5; 5'), into which one of the clamping contours (14) of the locking plate (9) engages in the locking position. [2] Locking device according to claim 1, characterized by that the locking plate (9) comprises a rack (15). [3] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating element (17) is a pivotable lever element which comprises a spur gear (16) at its end facing the locking plate (9). [4] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second connecting part (2) has a base plate (10) which can be fastened to the plate-like workpiece. [5] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking plate (9) has recesses (13) for receiving the locking bolts (4; 4'). [6] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims 4 or 5, characterized bythat the base plate (10) has receiving openings (12) and that the locking bolts (4; 4') have, at their ends facing away from the locking projection (6; 6'), a fitting part (5; 5') which is adapted to the shape of one of the receiving openings (12) of the base plate (10). [7] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping contours (14) have an inclined contact surface which is aligned such that when the actuating element (17) is actuated, a tensile stress is built up between the first connecting part (1, 1') and the second connecting part (2). [8] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking projections (6; 6') of the locking bolts (4; 4') have wedge-shaped clamping edges. [9] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in the locking position an edge (24) of the clamping contour (14) is spaced from the groove base of the wedge-shaped clamping groove (7, 7'). [10] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking plate (9) is locked in the unlocking position and / or in a securing position in which the clamping contour (14) completely engages behind the locking projection (6, 6'), in particular by snapping a spring element (19) into a locking recess (21) of the locking plate (9). [11] Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second connecting part (2) has a guide device for linearly guiding the locking plate (9). [12] Use of a locking device according to one of the preceding claims in a table arrangement with at least one table top (8) and at least one table leg (3, 3'), wherein a first connecting part (1, 1') is arranged on the front side at the upper end of the table leg (3, 3'), which has a plurality of locking bolts (4; 4') with locking projections (6; 6'), wherein a second connecting part (2) is arranged on the table top (8), which has a locking mechanism with an actuating element (17) and a locking plate (9) with clamping contours (14), wherein the clamping contours (14) can be brought by actuating the actuating element (17) from an unlocking position, in which the clamping contours (14) of the locking plate (9) do not engage behind the locking projections (6; 6') of the locking bolts (4; 4'), into a locking position in which the clamping contours (14) of the locking plate (9) engage behind the locking projections (6; 6') of the locking bolts (4; 4') in a force-fitting manner, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rack and pinion gear, wherein the locking plate (9) is linearly displaceable relative to the table top (8) by means of the rack and pinion gear, and wherein the locking bolts (4; 4') have a wedge-shaped clamping groove (7, 7') between their locking projection (6; 6') and their fitting part (5; 5'), into which one of the clamping contours (14) of the locking plate (9) engages in the locking position. [13] Use of a locking device according to claim 12, characterized by that the actuating element (17) is a pivotable lever element which can be pivoted about a pivot axis (18) preferably perpendicular to the table top (8). [14] Use of a locking device according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the table arrangement comprises at least two table tops (8), wherein in the locking position the locking plate (9) of the second connecting part (2) of the first table top (8) and the locking plate (9) of the second connecting part (2) of the second table top (8) engage behind locking bolts (4; 4') of the same first connecting part (1, 1') of the table leg (3, 3') in a force-fitting manner.

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