Connecting element for a modular furniture system

Abstract

Connecting element for detachably connecting at least two plate-shaped elements (10) at a junction point, characterized by a clamping element (1) and a single, central adjusting screw (3), wherein by actuating the adjusting screw (3) the clamping element (1) is moved and exerts a clamping force on all plate-shaped elements (10) to be connected simultaneously.

Description

[0001] Technical field: The invention relates to a connecting element for the detachable joining of plate-shaped elements, in particular for the construction of modular shelving systems.

[0002] State of the art: In furniture construction, connectors are known that join several panels at a single point. Often, a separate screw is required for each panel to be joined, making assembly time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, simple clamp connections often do not provide sufficient positive locking to prevent the panels from slipping out under load.

[0003] Object of the invention: The invention is based on the objective of creating a connecting element that enables quick, easy and intuitive assembly of modular furniture, ensures high stability of the connection and at the same time provides a positive locking mechanism for the connected panels without affecting their visible surfaces.

[0004] Solution to the problem and description of the invention: This problem is solved by a connecting element with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0005] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. ◯ Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the connecting element according to the invention. ◯ Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the connecting element with its individual parts. ◯ Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the connecting element according to the invention.

[0006] The connecting element serves to detachably connect at least two plate-shaped elements (10). It consists of an inner main body (2) which has grooves (5) for receiving the plates (10), and an outer clamping element (1) which is axially movable over the main body (2).

[0007] The preferred embodiment shown in the figures illustrates a variant for connecting three plate-shaped elements, in which the three grooves (5) are arranged at an angle of 120 degrees to each other. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. It also includes embodiments for connecting, for example, two plate-shaped elements (e.g., with grooves at a 90-degree angle for a corner or at a 180-degree angle for an extension) or four plate-shaped elements (e.g., as a cross connector).

[0008] The outer clamping element (1) and the inner main body (2) have corresponding conical surfaces (6) that fit together precisely. A central adjusting screw (3) is guided through an opening in the outer clamping element (1) and engages in a nut (7) that is positively locked in the inner main body (2). The head of the adjusting screw (3) rests against a mating surface of the clamping element (1).

[0009] When the adjusting screw (3) is tightened, the outer clamping element (1) is pulled axially over the inner main body (2). The interacting conical surfaces (6) generate a radial force which presses the clamping surfaces of the main body (2) inwards in the grooves (5), thus fixing the plates (10) located therein with a force-fit and high pressure.

[0010] For positive locking, the main body (2) has at least one cam (4) on the clamping surfaces of the grooves (5). In the assembled state, this cam (4) engages in a corresponding recess (11) in the plate (10). This recess (11) does not need to penetrate completely through the plate (10); a blind hole or a simple countersink is sufficient to create the positive locking connection. This produces a tactile and audible click during assembly and prevents the plate (10) from slipping out of the connector.

Claims

[1] Connecting element for detachably connecting at least two plate-shaped elements (10) at a node, characterized by a clamping element (1) and a single, central adjusting screw (3), wherein by actuating the adjusting screw (3) the clamping element (1) is moved and exerts a clamping force on all plate-shaped elements (10) to be connected simultaneously. [2] Connecting element according to claim 1, characterized by , that the clamping force is generated by at least one conical surface (6) acting between the clamping element (1) and a main body (2). [3] Connecting element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that it has at least one cam (4) on its clamping surfaces which is designed for positive locking in a corresponding recess (11) of a plate-shaped element (10). [4] Connecting element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that it is designed to connect three plate-shaped elements (10) at an angle of 120 degrees to each other. [5] Connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that it is designed to connect two plate-shaped elements (10), wherein its grooves (5) are arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. [6] Connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that it is designed to connect two plate-shaped elements (10), wherein its grooves (5) are arranged at an angle of 180 degrees to each other. [7] Modular furniture system comprising a plurality of plate-shaped elements (10) and a plurality of connecting elements according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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