Fitting for connecting panels

Abstract

Fitting (1, 1') for connecting panels consisting of a base body (10) and a cantilever (20), wherein the base body (10) is penetrated by a head bore (11) and two through bores (12), each of which is oriented perpendicular to each other, and on the cantilever (20) two locking arms (24) are formed, at the ends of which facing away from the base body (10) a locking lug (25) is arranged.

Description

[0001] Connecting adjacent panels, parapet panels, or furniture panels (hereinafter referred to as "panels") to create wall cladding, wainscoting, or furniture assembly is a common task. The primary goal of this assembly is to ensure a precise yet removable connection of the panels. Furthermore, it is desirable that the connecting elements are not visible while maintaining a consistent gap between adjacent panels.

[0002] Fittings are typically used to connect the panels, which usually cover the gap between adjacent panels. The simplest way to connect adjacent panels is to cover the gap with a perforated plate that is screwed to the adjacent panels.

[0003] Snap-in connections are also known, in which different fitting components are provided on the adjacent panels, namely a frame component and a panel component. Such fittings are available in a wide variety of designs. For example, DE 81 01 727 U1 discloses a suspension fitting for removable cladding; DE 38 17 072 A1 discloses a doubling fitting for doubling wall panels; and DE 34 30 068 A1 discloses a snap-in fitting for press-in fastening of panels. Finally, DE 20 2022 103 965 U1 discloses a fitting that allows panels to be suspended in different directions.

[0004] The existing fittings fulfill their intended tasks and enable a precise, concealed, and thus visually appealing connection of adjacent panels. Furthermore, all connections are removable. However, the existing solutions make it clear that a multitude of fittings are required to accommodate the different installation positions. Furthermore, the fittings consist of a plate section that is different from the frame section, which enables the panels to be connected. This increases the manufacturing effort. Furthermore, two screws are required to attach each fitting, which also increases the installation effort.

[0005] Against this background, the object of the invention is to create a fitting that is both easier to install and less expensive to manufacture. According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0006] The invention creates a fitting that is both easier to install and less expensive to manufacture than known fittings. The simpler assembly is achieved by attaching each fitting component with a single screw; the lower cost of production results from the fact that each fitting component consists of two identical components. At the same time, the fitting according to the invention can be attached to a panel in a wide variety of positions thanks to the three holes formed in the base body, allowing the fitting to be positioned as required for any installation situation.

[0007] In a further development of the invention, a groove is formed at the transition between the base body and the bracket. When the two corresponding fittings are assembled, the respective locking lugs on the locking arms engage in the groove, providing a reliable and equally removable fastening of the fittings and thus the panels.

[0008] Advantageously, a fixing element is formed on the arm. A fixing cam is also advantageously formed on the end of the fixing element facing away from the base body. If a receptacle is preferably formed on the upper side of the base body, the fixing element and the receptacle can correspond to each other when two fittings are assembled, thus increasing the stability of the connection.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the locking cam and the receptacle have a trapezoidal design. This creates a positive connection between the locking cam and the receptacle, which further increases the stability of the connection.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the through-holes have an oval cross-section at one end. This makes it possible to insert a fastening screw through the through-hole at an angle to the longitudinal center line and screw it to a panel, which significantly simplifies installation, for example, when attaching it to cabinet corners in furniture construction.

[0011] Further developments and refinements of the invention are specified in the remaining subclaims. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below. They show: Fig. 1 shows a view of a fitting according to the invention; Fig. 2 the view of the Fig. 1 fitting shown from a different perspective; Fig. 3 the view of the Fig. 1 fitting shown from a further perspective; Fig. 4 the view of the Fig. 1 fitting shown from an additional perspective; Fig. 5 the view of the Fig. 1 illustrated fitting from a fifth perspective; Fig. 6 the top view of the Fig. 1 fitting shown; Fig. 7 the underside of the Fig. 1 fitting shown; Fig. 8 shows two fittings according to the invention positioned at a distance from one another; Fig. 9 the representation of the two in Fig. 8 fittings shown in locking function; Fig. 10 the three-dimensional representation of the Fig. 1 illustrated fitting on an enlarged scale; Fig. 11 the view of a body formed from four panels; Fig. 12 an excerpt from the Fig. 11 body shown before assembly; Fig. 13 the section of the Fig. 12 shown section after assembly; Fig. 14 the view of a body formed from four panels in a different design; Fig. 15 an excerpt from the Fig. 14 body shown before assembly; Fig. 16 the section of the Fig. 15 shown section during assembly; Fig. 17 the section of the Fig. 15 shown section after assembly.

[0012] The fitting 1 chosen as an exemplary embodiment for connecting panels is made of plastic. It consists of a base body 10, which is essentially cube-shaped. The base body 10 therefore has six surfaces, four of which are vertically aligned and two of which are horizontally aligned. A bracket 20, which has a substantially triangular cross-section, is formed on one of the two horizontally aligned surfaces—the top side—of the base body 10. A groove 30 is formed at the transition between the base body 10 and the bracket 20.

[0013] The base body 10 has a rib-like structure to save weight and material. It is interspersed with three holes, each aligned at right angles to each other. These three holes serve as a passage for fastening screws to attach the fitting 1 to a panel.

[0014] The first hole is formed by a head hole 11, which extends from the top side of the base body 10 parallel to the longitudinal center line of the boom 20 along the vertical center line of the base body 10 to the bottom side. The two remaining holes are through holes 12. They extend along the horizontal center lines of the base body 10. At one end, the through holes 12 are designed like a countersunk hole 14 provided with conical countersinks. The through holes 12 extend along the first horizontal center line of the base body 10. At their ends facing away from the countersunk hole 14, the through holes 12 have an oval cross-section. The oval cross-sections are each provided with a support surface 13 that replicates the oval shape and is flush with the respective vertical surfaces.

[0015] A trapezoidal-shaped receptacle 15 is formed on the upper side of the base body 10. The receptacle 15 is located in the corner of the base body 10 facing away from the boom 20.

[0016] The boom 20 has, in its area facing the base body 10, a base 21 in which, on its side facing the receptacle 15, a channel 22 is formed which runs vertically and opens into the head bore 11 of the base body 10.

[0017] The boom 20 has a bulge 23 that extends vertically from the end facing away from the base body 10 to the base 21. The bulge 23, in conjunction with the channel 22, creates a column-like configuration for the boom 20. The two columns, separated from each other by the channel 22, form locking arms 24, at the ends of which a locking lug 25 is arranged. The third column forms a fixing element 26. In its region facing away from the base body 10, it is provided with a shoulder 27 through which a fixing cam 28 is formed, which forms the end of the fixing element 26 facing away from the base body 10. The fixing cam 28 has a trapezoidal shape.

[0018] When using the fitting according to the invention, two fittings 1, 1' are always used. Both fittings 1, 1' are first attached to the respective panel P using a screw S. Depending on the application, the screw S can be guided through the head hole 11 or the through holes 12. Due to their oval cross-section, the through holes 12 offer the possibility of a "skewed" screwing in of the screw, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 16 using a cordless screwdriver A, at an angle between 0° and 10°.

[0019] The fittings 1, 1' are then positioned coaxially to each other and moved towards each other, as shown, for example, in the Fig. 8, Fig. 12 and Fig. 15 is indicated by the respective arrow. The movement can be vertical (cf. Fig. 11 to 13) or horizontally (cf. Fig.14 to 17). During the movement, the locking lugs 25 of both fittings 1, 1' first come into contact with each other. As the movement continues, the locking lugs 25 move away from each other. This is made possible by the locking arms 24, which are sufficiently movable due to the bulges 23 and have spring properties.

[0020] After the locking lugs 25 of both fittings 1, 1' have passed each other, they return to their original position under the influence of the spring action of the locking arms 24. The locking lugs 25 then slide along the locking arms 24 and, at the end of their movement, enter the groove 30, thereby establishing the locking connection between the fittings 1, 1'. At the same time, the locking cam 28 of both fittings 1, 1' enters the receptacle 15 of the respective other fitting, to such an extent that the shoulder 27 rests on the surface surrounding the receptacle 15. This prevents the fittings 1, 1' from slipping sideways relative to each other.

[0021] The fitting according to the invention can be installed quickly because only one screw is required for fastening. The three holes formed in the base body allow for a wide variety of installation positions. Since both fittings 1, 1' are identical, manufacturing costs are low because only one injection molding tool is required. The material-saving, rib-like design of the base body also results in material savings, further reducing costs. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 81 01 727 U1

[0003] DE 38 17 072 A1

[0003] DE 34 30 068 A1

[0003] DE 20 2022 103 965 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Fitting (1, 1') for connecting panels consisting of a base body (10) and a bracket (20), wherein the base body (10) is penetrated by a head bore (11) and two through bores (12), which are each aligned at right angles to one another, and two locking arms (24) are formed on the bracket (20), at the ends of which a locking lug (25) is arranged in each case facing away from the base body (10). [2] Fitting according to claim 1, characterized by that a groove (30) is formed at the transition between the base body (10) and the boom (20). [3] Fitting according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a fixing element (26) is formed on the boom (20). [4] Fitting according to claim 3, characterized by that a fixing cam (28) is formed on the end of the fixing element (26) facing away from the base body (10). [5] Fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a receptacle (15) is formed on the upper side of the base body (10). [6] Fitting according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the fixing cam (28) and receptacle (15) have a trapezoidal design. [7] Fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the through holes (12) are designed at one end in the manner of a countersunk hole (14). [8] Fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the through holes (12) have an oval cross-section at their end facing away from the countersunk hole (14).

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