Connecting device for connecting components of a device, the device itself, and methods for providing the device

Abstract

A connecting device for joining components of a device is provided. The connecting device comprises a first part with a first mounting base for mounting on a first component of the device, and a second part with a second mounting base for mounting on a second component of the device. The first part of the connecting device comprises a first connecting element, and the second part of the connecting device comprises a second connecting element that is detachably connectable to the first connecting element. The connecting device provides a connection plane that has a defined spatial orientation. Furthermore, a device and a method for providing the device are proposed.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a connecting device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a connecting device for joining components of a device, the device itself, and methods for providing the device. Background and general description of the invention

[0002] Devices, particularly pieces of furniture, are known to have components with different spatial and physical designs. Due to the varying shapes of these components, it is often difficult to accommodate several such devices in a limited space, especially for storage or transport.

[0003] This can be a significant problem, especially with furniture. For example, suppliers and rental companies of party furniture face the challenge of transporting hundreds of chairs to an event venue. Customers can choose their chairs, which can be of very high quality. However, these chairs, which are usually one-piece or not easily disassembled, are bulky and take up considerable space during transport.

[0004] German utility model patent DE 20 2015 105 823 U1 discloses a disassembly aid for a chair. This aid simplifies the separation of a chair upper and lower section. However, it is only suitable for one specific chair design, namely the one described in the utility model patent.

[0005] US patent application US 2,062,590 describes a wide variety of furniture pieces and furniture connectors. However, it contains no reference to the problem addressed by the present invention, so the document merely provides background information on the technical field.

[0006] One objective of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to find a way to provide bulky devices, in particular pieces of furniture, for transport in a form in which the device requires less space.

[0007] One aspect of the present task is to demonstrate a way to make the bulky device separable or divisible without compromising the stability of the device.

[0008] Another aspect of the present task is to provide a fast and reliable solution for disassembling and reassembling the device.

[0009] To solve all or at least one of these tasks, a connecting device for joining components of a device is provided according to a first aspect.

[0010] The underlying premise of this description is that if chair uppers could be separated from their lower parts (stands or bases) in an ergonomic and quick manner, significantly more chairs could be transported in a van than when fully assembled. However, such considerations have not yet been explored in this way. Disassembling and reassembling a conventional device typically requires a considerable amount of time.

[0011] Another consideration underlying this description is that some furniture models, such as chairs, share the same base but have different uppers, for example, a different color seat shell. On the other hand, it is far more common for a seat shell to break than the chair base. To stock different colors for these types of furniture, complete chairs must always be kept in stock, which consumes immense storage space and drives up costs. A concrete, easy-to-use solution was sought for all these problems.

[0012] The connecting device presented here comprises a first part with a first mounting base for mounting on a first component of the device, in particular an upper part, and a second part with a second mounting base for mounting on a second component of the device, in particular a lower part. In other words, the connecting device is therefore designed as an adapter or connector for providing a mechanical connection between the first component and the second component of the device.

[0013] The first part of the connecting device comprises a first connecting element, and the second part of the connecting device comprises a complementary second connecting element that can be detachably connected to the first connecting element. The connecting elements are designed to provide a detachable connection, so that the first component and the second component can be detachably connected to each other.

[0014] Due to the detachable connection between the first and second connecting elements, the components of the device can be connected or separated as needed. This can be particularly advantageous for devices where the first and second components differ significantly in shape. For example, the packing density of many such devices, such as for transport or storage, can be considerably improved by separating the components. If, for instance, furniture such as tables or chairs is disassembled into upper parts (e.g., seat shells or tabletops) and lower parts (e.g., chair or table frames), the furniture can often be stacked very compactly, thus saving storage and transport space.

[0015] The first connecting element further comprises at least one substantially rotationally symmetric insert, and the second connecting element comprises at least one substantially rotationally symmetric recess for receiving the at least one insert. The substantially rotationally symmetric insert comprises a number of fixing wings formed substantially radially around the insert, and the substantially rotationally symmetric recess comprises a number of indentations formed around the recess for receiving and fixing the number of fixing wings.

[0016] The first connecting element can comprise a number of fixing elements, and the second connecting element can comprise a number of counter-fixing elements for fixing to the fixing elements, so that when the first connecting element is connected to the second connecting element, the first mounting base can be fixed to the second mounting base. In one embodiment, the fixing elements are retaining lugs or fixing wings. For example, the fixing elements can be designed in the form of an interrupted support ring. The fixing elements are designed to engage in the counter-fixing elements. For example, the counter-fixing elements are designed as grooves or indentations, or preferably as an interrupted groove ring.The support ring and the groove ring can connect when the interrupted support ring belonging to the first connecting element is inserted into the second connecting element and, as soon as the support ring is aligned with the groove ring, the support ring is rotated relative to the groove ring.

[0017] When connecting the first and second connecting elements, a predefined orientation for the connecting device can be set. Maintaining this predefined orientation of the first mounting base relative to the second mounting base ensures that the components of the device do not change their orientation relative to each other after disassembly and reassembly, or that they always retain the correct orientation. For example, the connecting device can have a locking mechanism that prevents the two components from being assembled in the wrong orientation. This is particularly important for devices where the alignment of components is crucial, as it prevents incorrect assembly. For instance, with furniture such as chairs, the orientation of the components may not be immediately apparent.The orientation is to place the upper part on the lower part, but there are essential reasons for a specific orientation, such as the inclination of the seat or the direction-dependent stability of the lower part.

[0018] The first and second connecting elements can be essentially complementary to each other. In particular, the first connecting element can be a "male" connector and the second connecting element a "female" connector or a female counterpart connectable to the male connector. Likewise, the fixing elements and the counter-fixing elements can be complementary to each other.

[0019] The connecting element can essentially be planar, with the predefined orientation potentially including a predefined lateral orientation of the first mounting base relative to the second mounting base. Particularly with some furniture pieces consisting of a top and a bottom section, where their vertical orientation is generally unproblematic due to their functionality, precise lateral orientation of the components relative to each other is often crucial.

[0020] Advantageously, the connecting device provides a connection plane. This connection plane can be defined, in particular, by a plane of movement, especially a plane of rotation, of a planar fixing movement that the first connecting element and the second connecting element perform relative to each other when the connection is established. The connection plane has a defined spatial orientation.

[0021] The connection plane can be a universal connection plane, characterized by the fact that different components can be joined together using the same connection device. For example, different seat shells (upper parts) that were not originally intended to be connected can be attached to a single chair base (lower part). The universal connection plane has a fixed position in space, particularly with regard to room inclination and / or height above the floor.

[0022] Using the example of the chair, it is shown that the connecting device is advantageously designed such that, after connection with the device, the seat shell has the same position as if it were attached to the chair base without the device. The connecting device is therefore tasked with ensuring that the seating experience, when using the device, is as similar as possible to that without it. In particular, the height and angle of the seat surface relative to the floor on which the chair stands should remain unchanged.

[0023] If, in the example of the chair shown, a different type of seat shell is to be arranged on the chair base, the connecting device must nevertheless ensure that the height and inclination of the seat surface that is practical for this type of seat shell can be maintained when the different type of seat shell is mounted on the same chair base.

[0024] The connecting device can be configured such that the first connecting element on the first part of the device provides the universal connection plane. If necessary, depending on the circumstances, the second connecting element on the second part of the device can provide the universal connection plane. According to the invention, the two parts of the connecting device can thus be connected to each other in the connection plane.

[0025] By appropriately designing the respective first and / or second part of the connecting device, the universal connection plane can also be provided on a further device part, so that this further device part can also be connected to the previously mentioned device part in the universal connection plane.

[0026] This allows for greater interchangeability of the upper and / or lower parts of the device, so that uppers and lowers can be freely combined. This significantly reduces storage space. For example, a multiple of the number of chair uppers, which may differ in shape or color, can be stocked for a given number of chair lowers. However, it is no longer necessary—as before—to stock a complete device (chair) for every possible combination of upper and lower parts.

[0027] The universal connection plane preferably has a predefined inclination of a first mounting plane, definable by the first connecting element, and / or a second mounting plane, definable by the second mounting base, relative to a connection plane defined by the first and second connecting elements. Due to the adherence to a predefined inclination between the first and second mounting planes, a defined inclination of the first component relative to the second component, particularly one specific to the application, can be achieved if required. The first and / or second mounting base can be used, in particular, to maintain a predefined inclination with respect to the connection plane defined by the first and second connecting elements.

[0028] The first connecting element can comprise at least one insert and the second connecting element can comprise at least one recess designed to receive the at least one insert, so that the first connecting element can be positioned relative to the second connecting element to perform a substantially planar fixing movement.

[0029] The first and second connecting elements can be configured to form a two-stage locking mechanism. Specifically, they can be configured such that, in a first step (positioning step), they are positioned to execute the locking movement, and in a second step (locking step), they are locked together by performing the locking movement. This two-stage mechanism allows for a reliable and secure detachable connection between the first and second connecting elements.

[0030] Since at least one insert and at least one recess are rotationally symmetrical, a rotary locking movement can be performed. In particular, the first and second connecting elements can be configured to form a translational-rotational closure. Specifically, the connecting elements can be configured such that they can first be inserted into one another by means of a translational movement and then locked together by means of a rotational movement. By means of the translational-rotational closure provided by the connecting elements, the two components of the device can be connected to each other in a simple and secure manner and, if necessary, separated from each other.

[0031] The fixing wings and the indentations can be used as fixing or counter-fixing elements in relation to each other, so that the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be fixed to each other by a simple rotary movement.

[0032] In particular, the fixing wings can each comprise at least one pressure surface and the indentations can each comprise at least one bearing surface for receiving the at least one pressure surface, wherein the fixing wings and the indentations are shaped such that, during the execution of the fixing movement, the pressure surface is pressed onto the bearing surfaces to fix the connecting elements together. In particular, the pressure surfaces or the bearing surfaces can comprise at least one surface section inclined, especially with respect to the plane of connection (possibly corresponding to the plane of rotation), so that, during the execution of the rotational movement, the pressure surfaces and the bearing surfaces are pressed together with increasing pressure. This allows a friction-fit or force-fit connection to be established.

[0033] The connecting device can include at least one locking mechanism for locking the detachable connection between the first component and the second component. In particular, the locking mechanism can include at least one latch or locking bolt which, in the locked state, can extend at least partially through the first connecting element and / or through the second connecting element. The locking mechanism can, in particular, secure the connection between the first connecting element and the second connecting element to prevent unintentional loosening of the device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first mounting base is designed for mounting on the upper part of a piece of furniture, and the second mounting base is designed for mounting on the lower part of the furniture. In particular, the connecting device can be configured to join the upper and lower parts. For example, the respective mounting base, which is designed for mounting on either the upper part or the lower part or base, can be adapted to the specific piece of furniture. The connecting elements can be kept the same as universal connectors for different pieces of furniture. In this way, the manufacturing costs of the connecting device and of the furniture pieces equipped with the connecting devices can be reduced.

[0035] According to a second aspect, a device is provided with a first component and a second component, for example, an upper part such as a seat shell as the first component and a substructure or base as the second component. The device includes a connecting device, which is defined in particular as described in the first aspect. The first mounting base is designed for mounting on the first component and the second mounting base for mounting on the second component, so that a detachable connection between the first and second components of the device can be provided by connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element.

[0036] The first component and the second component may, in particular, have different dimensions and / or sizes, so that, for example during storage or transport, a large number of such devices can be packed more compactly if the components can be kept separate from each other or are separable.

[0037] Due to the detachable connection between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, the components can easily be reconnected if necessary.

[0038] A third aspect proposes a method for providing a device. The device can, in particular, be designed as a bulky device, for example, as explained in the second aspect, with at least two differently shaped components.

[0039] The procedure includes providing a first component of the device, providing a second component of the device, and providing a connecting device according to the first aspect.

[0040] The method further comprises mounting the first mounting base of the connecting device to the first component and mounting the second mounting base of the connecting device to the second component, wherein the connecting device is configured such that connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element provides a detachable connection between the first component and the second component. Due to the detachable connection between the connecting elements, the device can be easily assembled and disassembled as required.

[0041] The method can, in particular, include connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element to assemble the device and / or disconnecting the first connecting element from the second connecting element to disassemble the device into its components. These method steps can be performed multiple times and on several devices as needed, for example, to store several such devices compactly or to quickly bring them into working order when required.

[0042] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures, whereby identical and similar elements are partially provided with the same reference numerals and the features of the different exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another. Brief description of the characters

[0043] It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a device with a connecting device according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 2 a perspective partial view of another device, Fig. 3 another perspective partial view of the device according to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a perspective view of the first part of the connecting device according to the embodiment of the Fig. 2 in the assembled state, Fig. 5 a perspective top view of the second part of the connecting device according to the embodiment of the Fig. 2 in the assembled state, Fig. 6 a detailed view of the second part of the connecting device according to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 in a second locking state, Fig. 7 a detailed view of the first part of the connecting device according to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 in the assembled state, Fig. 8 a schematic view of the first connecting element and the second connecting element according to an embodiment in an assembled state, Fig. 9 a schematic perspective view of the first connecting element and the second connecting element, Fig. 10 another schematic perspective view of the first and second connecting elements, Fig. 11 a perspective view of the first connecting element and the second connecting element in a separated state, and Fig. 12 a flowchart of a method for providing a device according to an embodiment. Detailed description of the invention:

[0044] Referring to the Fig. Figure 1 shows a first perspective view of a device 1 with a connecting device 4 according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the device 1 is designed as a chair that can be assembled from a first component 2 in the form of an upper part or seat shell and from a second component in the form of a lower part 3 or base frame. The device 1 comprises a connecting device 4 for providing a detachable connection between the upper part 2 and the lower part 3.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the device 1 in an assembled state, in which the first component 2, i.e., the seat shell, and the second component 3, i.e., the base frame, are connected by means of the connecting device 4. Fig. Figure 1 shows the position of the connecting device 4 with arrow 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting device 4, or adapter, has an overall flat profile. Therefore, the connecting device 4 is also referred to as a flat adapter or connector plate.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2 shows another perspective partial view of a device 1. In the view of the Fig. Figure 2 shows the connection area of ​​the device 1 with connected upper part 2 and lower part 3, wherein a first mounting base 5 of the connection device 4 is mounted on the upper part 2 and a second mounting base 6 of the connection device 4 is mounted on the lower part 3 of the device 1.

[0047] The first mounting base 5 is designed in the form of a mounting plate, while the second mounting base 6 is essentially a flat surface. The first mounting base 5 is designed such that it can be attached to the original mounting points 25 of the seat shell 2. The second mounting base 6, in turn, is designed such that it can be mounted to the original mounting points 26 of the chair frame 3.

[0048] With Fig. Figure 3 is another perspective partial view of the device according to Fig. Figure 2 shows the connection area between the first component 2 and the second component 3 in a perspective view from below. A first connecting element 7 of the first or upper part of the connecting device 4 is partially visible, with a lower surface of an insert 8 of the first connecting element 7 visible in a recess of the second mounting base 6.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective bottom view of the first part of the connecting device according to the embodiment of the Fig. 2 in the assembled state. The first part of the connecting device 4 comprises the first mounting base 5 and the first connecting element 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting element 7 comprises a substantially rotationally symmetrical insert 8 with a number of radially symmetrically arranged fixing wings 9 or fixing lugs.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 4 shows mounting means 10 in the form of socket head cap screws, which serve as fasteners for attaching the first mounting base 5 or mounting plate to the first component 2. The first mounting base 5 has a web 5a arranged on one edge of the first mounting base 5. The web 5a can be dimensioned, in particular, such that when the seat shell rocks, it can act as a stop to limit the rocking motion of the seat shell by supporting the seat shell with the web 5a, in particular against a mounting frame or against the mounting base of the lower part, during a strong rocking motion.

[0051] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective top view of the second part of the connecting device according to the embodiment of the Fig. 2 in the assembled state, showing, among other things, a second connecting element 11 of the second part of the connecting device 4.

[0052] The second connecting element 11 has a recess 12 with indentations 13 for receiving the insert 8 of the first connecting element 7, cf. Fig. 4 above. Overall, the second connecting element 11 has an essentially rotationally symmetrical structure.

[0053] The recess 12 and the indentations 13 are dimensioned such that the insert 8 can be inserted into the recess 12 by a translational movement when the fixing wings 9 are positioned opposite corresponding openings of the indentations 13.

[0054] The indentations 13 each include a slot for receiving the fixing wings 9 of the insert 8, so that the fixing wings 9 can be positioned into the slots of the respective indentation 13 by a rotary movement.

[0055] The fixing wings can have a shape adapted to the indentations or slots. In particular, the fixing wings can each comprise at least one pressure surface, and the indentations can each comprise at least one support surface for receiving the at least one pressure surface. The fixing wings and the indentations can be shaped such that, when the fixing movement is performed by the first connecting element, the pressure surface is pressed against the support surfaces to fix the connecting elements. In particular, the pressure surfaces or the support surfaces can comprise at least one surface section inclined, especially with respect to the plane of rotation, so that, when the rotational movement is performed, the pressure surfaces and the support surfaces are pressed against each other with increasing pressure.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting element 7 comprises four rotationally symmetrical fixing wings 9, and the second connecting element 11 also has four recesses 13, each with correspondingly shaped slots. The four recesses 13 and the four fixing wings 9 are designed such that the four fixing wings 9 of the first connecting element 7, which is attached to the upper part of the chair, are inserted into the recesses 13 of the second connecting element 11, which is attached to the frame or lower part of the chair. By rotating them 45° relative to each other, the first connecting element 7 and the second connecting element 11 can then be fixed together.

[0057] The second mounting base 6 is attached to a mounting frame 14 of the second component 3, i.e., the chair's base, by means of mounting means 10. The mounting frame 14 also serves as a base or support for the chair legs, cf. e.g. Fig. 1 above.

[0058] In Fig. Figure 5 also shows a spring-loaded bolt 15, or locking bolt, which is connected by means of a connecting ring 16 to a pull cord 17 for pulling out the bolt 15. The bolt 15 has a rounded inner end which extends into the opening 12 in the (relaxed) locked state. The bolt 15 is spring-loaded so that it remains in the locked state automatically unless it is pulled out by the loop 17. In other words, the bolt 15 is located in the opening 12. Fig. Figure 5 shows the locking state of the bolts 15 in a first position, in which the bolt 15 with its rounded inner end protrudes beyond the inside of the recess 12.

[0059] The loop of the pull cord 17 can simplify the handling of the pull cord 17, so that the bolt 15 can be easily pulled out to release the locking of the first connecting element 7 in the second connecting element 11.

[0060] To disassemble device 1, the loop can be pulled out to remove or unlock bolt 15. The seat shell can then be rotated 45° relative to the frame and simply pulled upwards.

[0061] Fig. Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the second part 6 of the connecting device 4 in a second locking state, in particular an unlocking state. In other words, a state is shown which the locking mechanism assumes in the case of unlocking, i.e., when, for example, hand 18 is used to pull the pull cord 17, so that the rounded end of the bolt 15 is retracted from the recess 12 and the recess 12 is thus released.

[0062] Fig. Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the first part of the connecting device according to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 in the assembled state, wherein a recess 19 for receiving the bolt 15 or locking bolt is visible. In other words, to assume the first locking state, the bolt 15 is inserted into the recess 19, so that rotation of the first part 5 of the locking device 4 is prevented.

[0063] Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view of a schematic representation of the first connecting element 7 and the second connecting element 11 according to an exemplary embodiment in an assembled state. The connecting elements 7 and 11 are essentially similar to the connecting elements 7 and 11 shown in the previous figures. In particular, the first connecting element 7 is essentially radially symmetrical and comprises an essentially disc-shaped insert 8 and radially arranged lugs 9 (cf. Figure 8). Fig. 4).

[0064] The second connecting element 11 has a recess 12 with indentations 13 arranged radially around the recess 12. Furthermore, the connecting elements 7 and 11 have various mounting holes 20 for mounting the first connecting element 7 on the first mounting base 5 (see figure). Fig. 4) and the second connecting element 11 on the second mounting base 6 (see Fig. 5).

[0065] In the assembled state, the insert 8 of the first connecting element 7 is received into the recess 12 of the second connecting element 11 and locked by a rotational movement. The fixing wings 9 of the first connecting element 7 are received into the slots provided for this purpose in the indentations 13 of the second connecting element 11, so that the connection between the first connecting element 7 and the second connecting element 11 is secured against separation by translational movement.

[0066] Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the Fig. 8, in particular showing the two connecting elements 7 and 11 from a different perspective to further illustrate their structure. The upper surfaces of the first connecting element 7 and the second connecting element 11 are essentially flush and form a common, essentially planar surface, which in the illustrated embodiment can serve as a connection plane to describe a spatial orientation of the connecting elements 7 and 11.

[0067] Fig. Figure 10 shows another schematic perspective view, in which the underside of the first connecting element 7 and the second connecting element 11 in their connected state is visible. A plate 21 with a circular recess 22 is provided on the underside of the second connecting element 11, so that the insert 8 of the first connecting element 7 partially protrudes through the recess. The insert has a chamfered circumferential lower edge, which simplifies its insertion and positioning in the recess 12. The plate 21 covers the indentations 13 of the second connecting element 11, so that the slots of the indentations 13 for receiving the fixing wings 9 of the first connecting element 7 are formed between the second connecting element 11 and the plate 21.

[0068] Furthermore, the presentation of the Fig. Ten retaining lugs 23 of the second connecting element 11 are visible, which ensure that the connecting device 4 can only be rotated and thus locked in the correct insertion position. This ensures, in particular, that the first and second components of the device have the correct orientation relative to each other when assembled. Thus, the components of the chair can be placed in all four orientations, but can only be fixed and locked in the orientation that corresponds to the correct orientation of the seat shell relative to the frame.

[0069] To ensure the correct positioning of the first connecting element 7 with respect to the second connecting element 11 for connecting the two connecting elements 7 and 11, the insertion of the first connecting element 7 can have positioning elements 27 adapted to the retaining lugs 23 of the second connecting element 11.

[0070] Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the first and second connecting elements in a separated state, illustrating in particular the structure of the first connecting element 7, the second connecting element 11, and the plate 21, as well as the assembly of these components. Specifically, screw holes 24 are visible on the underside of the second connecting element 11. To attach the plate 21 to the second connecting element 11, mounting elements 10 in the form of screws can be inserted through the mounting holes 20 of the plate 21 and screwed into the screw holes 24.

[0071] Fig. Figure 12 shows a flowchart of a method for providing a device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0072] Method 100 can be used to provide devices that can be assembled from components, such as pieces of furniture. In particular, the method can be used to provide cabinets, tables, or chairs, such as those found in... Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 shown, to be used.

[0073] According to method 100, a first component of the device is provided in a process step 110. The first component can, for example, be an upper part of a piece of furniture, such as a seat shell of a chair, cf. Fig. 1 or Fig. 2.

[0074] In process step 120, a second component of the device is provided. In particular, in process step 120, a lower part of the piece of furniture, for example a chair frame, can be provided.

[0075] In process step 130, a connecting device is provided according to the first aspect. For example, to provide a chair, a connecting device can be provided according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 will be provided.

[0076] Method 100 further comprises mounting 140 the first mounting base to the first component of the device and mounting 150 the second mounting base to the second component of the device, so that a detachable connection between the first component and the second component can be provided by connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element.

[0077] The method can, in particular, include connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element to assemble the device and / or disconnecting the first connecting element from the second connecting element to disassemble the device into its components. These method steps can be performed multiple times or on several devices as required, for example, to store several such devices compactly or to quickly bring them into working order when needed.

[0078] This provides a connecting device for joining and separating components of a device, such as the upper and lower parts of a chair, which can be operated quickly and easily. The connecting device described above is also practically universally applicable to a wide variety of combinations of components, such as frames and seat shells or other assembleable parts of a device. Furthermore, the connecting device allows the connection plane to be aligned differently depending on the application.

[0079] As previously explained, the connection plane can be defined by the plane of rotational movement of the connecting elements or as a plane parallel to it. The orientation or alignment of the connection plane relative to a reference plane, such as the horizontal, can be adjusted as needed.

[0080] In the previously described embodiment of the chair, the connection plane is adjusted by means of mounting bases 5 and 6 and the mounting frame 14 so that the seat shell automatically has the correct inclination after the chair is assembled. The retaining lugs 23 described above ensure that the inclination of the upper part or seat shell has not only the correct angle of inclination but also the correct direction of inclination, cf. e.g. Fig. 1 or Fig. 2.

[0081] The appropriate design of the connecting device ensures, in particular, that the correct orientation of the connection plane is maintained with different combinations of upper and lower parts. This means that on any base frame, the second part of the connecting device can be positioned so that the plane in which the first part of the connecting device is inserted always has the same angle to the ground. The adapter thus defines or provides the universal connection plane.

[0082] In particular, the second part of the connecting device may include a part specifically adapted for each substructure to enable the universal use of the connecting device, cf. second mounting base 6 or the mounting frame 14 in Fig. 5. The adapter piece or the first part of the connecting device arranged on the seat shell or the part to be inserted also has a part adapted to the respective seat shell, cf. the first mounting base 5 in Fig. 4, and a universal insert in the form of the first connecting element 5, which can then be inserted into the universal adapter insert or into the second connecting element 11.

[0083] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been shown in the preceding description, various changes and modifications can be made. The embodiments mentioned are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the preceding description provides the person skilled in the art with a plan for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby numerous changes can be made to the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Furthermore, according to the principles described herein, several modules or several products can also be combined to obtain additional functions.

[0084] The present description contains a large number of aspects which, individually or together with others, can define essential aspects of the invention(s).

[0085] It is evident to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described above are to be understood as examples and that the invention is not limited to them, but can be varied in many ways without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is evident that the features, regardless of whether they are disclosed in the description, the claims, the figures, or elsewhere, also individually define essential components of the invention, even if they are described together with other features. In all figures, the same reference numerals represent the same objects, so that descriptions of objects that may only be mentioned in one figure, or at least not with respect to all figures, can also be applied to those figures and embodiments with respect to which the object is not explicitly described in the description. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 first component 3 second component 4 Connecting device 5 first mounting base 5a Bridge 6 second mounting base 7 first connecting element 8 deployment 9 Nose 10 Mounting tools 11 second connecting element 12 Exclusion 13 indentation 14 mounting frames 15 bolts 16 rings 17 Pull cord 18 Hand 19 indentation 20 mounting holes 21 plate 22 Exclusion 23 Retaining nose 24 screw holes 25 Original mounting of the upper part or seat shell 26 Original assembly view of the lower part or chair frame 100 procedures 110 Procedure step 120th process step 130 Procedure step 140 Procedure step 150th process step

Claims

Connecting device (4) for quickly and securely connecting a first component (2, 3) of a device (1) such as a piece of furniture to a second component (2, 3), comprising a first part with a first mounting base (5) for mounting on a first component (2) of the device (1), and a second part with a second mounting base (6) for mounting on a second component (3) of the device (1), wherein the first part of the connecting device (4) comprises a first connecting element (7) and the second part of the connecting device (4) comprises a second connecting element (11) detachably connectable to the first connecting element (7), wherein the first connecting element (7) provides a connecting plane having a defined spatial orientation.wherein the first connecting element (7) comprises at least one substantially rotationally symmetric insert (8) and the second connecting element comprises at least one substantially rotationally symmetric recess (12) for receiving the at least one insert (8), wherein the substantially rotationally symmetric insert (8) comprises a number of fixing wings (9) formed substantially radially around the insert and the substantially rotationally symmetric recess (12) comprises a number of indentations (13) formed around the recess (12) for receiving and fixing the number of fixing wings (9). Connecting device (4) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second part is adapted such that, after its assembly on the first part, the second component (3) of the device (1) is arranged in its original spatial position on the first component of the device. Connecting device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting plane is a universal connecting plane, characterized in that the second component (3) can be selected from a plurality of different second components (3), all of which can be arranged in the correct spatial position on the first component (2). Connecting device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element (7) comprises a number of fixing elements (9) and the second connecting element (11) comprises a number of counter-fixing elements (13) for fixing to the fixing elements (9), so that when connecting the first connecting element (7) to the second connecting element (11) the first mounting base (5) can be fixed in a predefined orientation with respect to the second mounting base (6). Connecting device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, arranged such that the first connecting element (7) can be positioned relative to the second connecting element (11) to perform a substantially planar fixing movement. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device (4) is substantially planar, and wherein the predefined orientation comprises a predefined lateral orientation of the first mounting base (5) with respect to the second mounting base (6). Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predefined orientation comprises a predefined inclination of a first mounting plane definable by the first mounting base (5) and / or a second mounting plane definable by the second mounting base (6) to a connecting plane defined by the first connecting element (7) and the second connecting element (11). Connecting device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device (4) has at least one locking mechanism (15, 16, 17, 19) for locking the detachable connection between the first component (2) and the second component (3). Connecting device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first mounting element (5) is designed for mounting on an upper part of a piece of furniture and the second mounting element (6) is designed for mounting on a lower part of the piece of furniture. Device (1) comprising a first component (2), a second component (3), and a connecting device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first mounting base (5) is designed for mounting on the first component (2) and the second mounting base (6) is designed for mounting on the second component (3), such that a detachable connection between the first component (2) and the second component (3) can be provided by connecting the first connecting element (7) with the second connecting element (11), wherein the first connecting element (7) comprises at least one substantially rotationally symmetric insert (8) and the second connecting element comprises at least one substantially rotationally symmetric recess (12) for receiving the at least one insert (8),wherein the substantially rotationally symmetric insert (8) comprises a number of fixing wings (9) formed substantially radially around the insert and the substantially rotationally symmetric recess (12) comprises a number of indentations (13) formed around the recess (12) for receiving and fixing the number of fixing wings (9). Method for providing a device comprising: - providing (110) a first component of the device, - providing (120) a second component of the device, - providing (130) a connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - mounting (140) the first mounting base on the first component, and - mounting (150) the second mounting base on the second component, such that a detachable connection between the first component and the second component can be provided by connecting the first connecting element to the second connecting element.

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