Modular frame construction that can be assembled and disassembled multiple times.

Abstract

Modular frame construction that can be assembled and disassembled multiple times, characterized by the fact that they as the first component a prefabricated tubular ladder frame (1) comprising the desired number and lengths of firmly connected rods (2), wherein at the desired connection points (3) of the rods (2) one or two either rigid coupling parts (4) or coupling parts with an elastic part (5) are rigidly mounted, wherein these coupling parts (4, 5) are arranged at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal axes of the rigidly connected rods (2), and wherein, in the case of only one either rigid coupling part (4) or a coupling part with an elastic part (5), these coupling parts (4, 5) are directed towards the same side of the ladder frame (1), and as a second component comprising tubular connecting elements (6) of the desired lengths, which have internal coupling parts at both ends, which are either equipped with an elastic part (5) or designed as rigid coupling parts (4), Each tubular connecting element (6) has at both end regions in the outer wall an opening (7) arranged in a line through which the elastic part (5) is visible, wherein said line runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular connecting element (6), and wherein said line and said longitudinal axis lie in a planar plane, and wherein the rigid coupling parts (4) and the coupling parts with an elastic part (5) are matched to each other in such a way that they can be locked and unlocked.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular frame construction that can be assembled and disassembled multiple times. State of the art

[0002] EP 0 400 345 B1 describes connecting elements and frame systems based on them. Wedge-shaped sleeves or wedges are inserted into tubular struts. These are pulled against each other by means of a clamping screw, thereby wedging themselves against the struts and creating a force-fit connection with a corner element or an internal element. The numerous individual parts of the connecting elements are difficult to manufacture and require special tools for assembly. The openings in the corner elements or internal elements are always visible and aesthetically unappealing.

[0003] EP 1 615 528 B1 also describes connecting elements and frame systems based on them. The connecting element for joining tubular struts has coupling elements extending from a central element, the longitudinal axes of which lie in a common plane. The coupling elements for horizontal arrangement have a rotationally cylindrical basic shape and at least one coupling recess. The coupling elements are connected to the struts by means of a bayonet fitting and twisted together. The resulting connection is secured with a setscrew.

[0004] To unlock, the grub screw is loosened and the bayonet fitting is screwed back on.

[0005] A tubular strut for vertical arrangement is screwed through the perforated plate in the central element either to a foot or to another tubular strut for vertical arrangement.

[0006] Assembling the individual parts is time-consuming, and there is a risk of incorrectly screwing parts in. It's possible that the screws will be either overtightened or undertightened.

[0007] EP 1 444 912 A1 describes a releasable snap connection between an elastic and a rigid part. The locking element has a slidably mounted sleeve along its shaft for releasing the snap connection. This type of releasable connection is called a "push to open" connection.

[0008] German patent DE 20 2008 013 810 U1 describes a modular shelving system. In this system, upright frames and transverse bar units are screwed together using threaded rods and connecting elements.

[0009] Here too, assembling the individual parts takes a lot of time, and there is a risk of incorrectly screwing parts in. It can happen that the screws are either tightened too much or too little. Description of the invention

[0010] One objective of the present invention is to provide a modular frame construction that can be assembled and disassembled multiple times.

[0011] This frame construction is intended to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0012] This frame construction should be designed to allow for easy connection between the individual connecting parts. Incorrect assembly should be impossible.

[0013] This frame construction should be stable and easy to assemble and disassemble using simple tools.

[0014] The various individual parts should be easy, quick, precise and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0015] The various individual parts should be easy to store.

[0016] These goals are achieved with the present invention.

[0017] The modular frame construction according to the invention, which can be assembled and disassembled multiple times, is characterized by the fact that they as the first component a prefabricated tubular ladder frame 1 comprising the desired number and lengths of firmly connected rods 2, wherein at the desired connection points 3 of the rods 2 one or two either rigid coupling parts 4 or coupling parts with an elastic part 5 are firmly mounted, wherein these coupling parts 4,5 are arranged at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal axes of the rigidly connected rods 2, and wherein, in the case of only one either rigid coupling part 4 or a coupling part with an elastic part 5, these coupling parts 4, 5 are directed towards the same side of the ladder frame 1, and as a second component comprising tubular connecting elements 6 of the desired lengths, which have internal coupling parts at both ends, either equipped with an elastic part 5 or designed as rigid coupling parts 4, Each tubular connecting element 6 has at both end regions in the outer wall an opening 7 arranged in a line through which the elastic part 5 is visible, the said line running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular connecting element 6, and the said line and the said longitudinal axis lying in a planar plane, and wherein the rigid coupling parts 4 and the coupling parts with an elastic part 5 are matched to each other in such a way that they can be locked and unlocked.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of this invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0019] The frame construction according to the invention can be used for the manufacture of furniture, in particular shelves, bookcases, cabinets and boxes. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] The following section describes possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Reference is also made to the characters, all of which are purely schematic. Fig. Figure 1a shows a perspective view from an oblique top of a prefabricated tubular ladder frame 1 for arrangement at the beginning or end of a frame structure, wherein a rigid coupling part 4 is fixedly mounted at each of the connection points 3 of the rods 2, and wherein all rigid coupling parts 4 are directed towards the same side of the ladder frame 1. Fig. 1b shows the side view of the in Fig. 1a shown ladder frame 1. Fig. Figure 2a shows a perspective view from an oblique angle above of a prefabricated tubular ladder frame 1 for arrangement between the beginning and the end of a frame structure, wherein two rigid coupling parts 4 are fixedly mounted at the connection points 3 of the rods 2. Fig. 2b shows the side view of the in Fig. 2a shown ladder frame 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows an exploded view from a slant above of an embodiment of a frame construction with two elements in length and three elements in height. Fig. Figure 4 shows in plan view a prefabricated tubular ladder frame 1 for arrangement between the beginning and the end of a frame structure, wherein cylindrical hollow bodies 9 are fixedly mounted at the connection points 3 of the rods 2. Fig. Figure 5a shows a cross-section through a first embodiment of a rigid coupling part 4. Fig. Figure 5b shows a cross-section through a second embodiment of a rigid coupling part 4. Fig. Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section through the two end regions of a tubular connecting element 6, wherein the coupling parts are formed with an elastic part 5 as an insert 11. Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view from a slightly oblique angle of above of a longitudinal section through a [structure / building / etc.]. Fig. 6 shown insert 11. Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows in longitudinal section the assembly step of a rigid coupling part 4 with the coupling part with an elastic part 5 in the tubular connecting element 6. Fig. Figure 9 shows a side view from a slant above of an assembled frame construction with two elements in length and three elements in height. Fig.Figure 10 shows a side view from an oblique angle above of a possible embodiment of an additional connecting element 8 with a fixed rigid coupling part 4. Possible embodiments of the invention

[0022] The following dimensions are to be understood as guidelines from a prototype and must be adjusted and verified for practical use.

[0023] The modular, multi-assembly and disassembly frame structure comprises as its first component a prefabricated tubular ladder frame 1. This ladder frame 1 can include two vertically arranged 120 cm long tubular poles 2. Four tubular poles 2 can be welded horizontally between these poles 2 at intervals of 40 cm. A plastic connector with an internal thread and locking mechanism can be pressed into the lower end of each 120 cm long pole 2, into which a plastic or metal foot 17 can be screwed. An end cap 18 can be pressed into the upper end of each 120 cm long tubular pole 2. The tubular poles 2 have a round cross-section, an outer diameter of 19 mm, and a wall thickness of 1 mm.

[0024] Each ladder frame 1 for arrangement at the beginning or end of a frame structure has a fixedly mounted either rigid coupling part 4 or a coupling part with an elastic part 5 at the connection points 3 of the rods 2.

[0025] These coupling parts 4,5 are directed towards the same side of the ladder frame 1.

[0026] Each ladder frame 1 for the arrangement between the beginning and the end of a frame structure has two fixedly mounted either rigid coupling parts 4 or coupling parts with an elastic part 5 at the connection points 3 of the rods 2.

[0027] The coupling parts 4, which are either rigid or have an elastic part 5, are arranged at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal axes of the rigidly connected rods 2.

[0028] The modular, multi-assemblable and disassemblable frame construction comprises as a second component tubular connecting elements 6 with the desired lengths, for example lengths of 40 cm or 80 cm, which have internal coupling parts at both ends, which are either equipped with an elastic part 5 or designed as rigid coupling parts 4.

[0029] The tubular connecting elements 6 have a round cross-section, an outer diameter of 19 mm and a wall thickness of 1 mm.

[0030] Each tubular connecting element 6 has at both end regions in the outer wall an opening 7 arranged in a line through which the elastic part 5 is visible, wherein the said line runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular connecting element 6, and wherein the said line and the said longitudinal axis lie in a planar plane.

[0031] The tubular connecting elements 6 can be made of steel, preferably chromium steel.

[0032] All the coupling parts mentioned 4,5 are matched to each other, lockable and unlockable.

[0033] It is preferred that the rigid coupling parts 4 are firmly mounted at the connection points 3 of the rods 2.

[0034] The rigid coupling parts 4 can be made of plastic.

[0035] As a result, the internal coupling parts in the tubular connecting elements 6 have an elastic part 5.

[0036] In this embodiment, the rigid coupling parts 4 taper from an initial 6.9 mm to 4.0 mm in the direction of the side facing away from the ladder frame 1 over a distance of 40.2 mm.

[0037] The rigid coupling parts 4 have a chamfered and waisted notch 15 at their ends.

[0038] During assembly, the elastic coupling part 5 slides over this beveled and waisted notch 15 and then locks into place.

[0039] In this embodiment, the internal coupling components are preferably designed as inserts 11 with an elastic part 5. The inserts 11, made of plastic, have a length of 54.3 mm, an inner diameter of 12.75 mm, and a wall thickness of 1.9 mm. They have an opening 12 on their outer surface, aligned with the opening 7 in the tubular connecting element 6, through which the elastic part 5 is visible. The inserts 11 preferably have ribs 13 along their longitudinal axis on their outer surface.

[0040] The inserts 11 are pressed into the tubular connecting elements 6 and may also be glued in place. The end of the inserts 11 that is pressed into the tubular connecting elements 6 may be chamfered.

[0041] The matching, unlockable coupling parts 4,5 can be unlocked by applying an externally applied pin through the opening 7 in the tubular connecting element 6 and through the opening 12 in the insert 11, through which the elastic part 5 is visible.

[0042] It is also possible that a hollow rivet 14 is pressed into the openings 7 in the tubular connecting elements 6 and into the openings 12 in the insert 11, through which the elastic part 5 is visible.

[0043] This hollow rivet 14 serves on the one hand to fix the insert 11 against rotation and on the other hand to allow the matched, unlockable coupling parts 4,5 to be unlocked through the opening in the hollow rivet 14 by the action of a pin applied from the outside.

[0044] In a fully assembled frame construction, the openings 7 in the outer wall of the tubular connecting elements 6 should not be noticeable for aesthetic reasons.

[0045] It is preferred that the openings 7 in the outer wall of the tubular connecting elements 6, when assembled, are directed either inwards or downwards.

[0046] Depending on the desired orientation of these openings 7 in a fully assembled frame construction, the rigid coupling parts 4 must be aligned accordingly.

[0047] The elastic part 5 in the coupling parts designed as insert 11 is rigidly fixed to the insert 11 at one end over a length of 12.5 mm and over the entire inner diameter of the insert 11 and extends upwards towards the other end and projects freely from the inner wall of the insert 11.

[0048] This protruding part has a length of 36.6 mm. At a distance of 15.0 mm from the free end of the elastic part 5, there is a chamfered notch 16 which is aligned with the notch 15 in the rigid coupling part 4.

[0049] The inserts 11 can be manufactured using injection molding.

[0050] It is also possible that the coupling parts are firmly mounted with an elastic part 5 at the connection points 3 of the rods 2.

[0051] As a result, the internal coupling parts in the tubular connecting elements 6 have a rigid part 4.

[0052] Dependent on - from the cross-section of the firmly connected rods 2 in the tubular ladder frame 1 and - from the cross-section of the tubular connecting elements 6 An additional connecting element 8 can be located between the rigidly connected rods 2 and the tubular connecting elements 6. This additional connecting element 8 is shaped such that a positive-locking connection results between the ladder frame 1 and the tubular connecting elements 6. This positive-locking connection can take the form of a surrounding recess 20.

[0053] The additional connecting element 8 and the rigid coupling part 4 can be made from one piece and can be firmly mounted, in particular welded, to the prefabricated tubular ladder frame 1 at the connection points 3 of the firmly connected rods 2.

[0054] It is also possible that one or two hollow bodies 9 are fixedly mounted, in particular welded or bolted, at the connection points 3 of the rigidly connected rods 2. These hollow bodies 9 preferably have the shape of a cylinder. Either the rigid coupling parts 4 or the coupling parts with an elastic part 5 are fixed to these rigidly mounted cylinders 9. It is preferred that the rigid coupling parts 4 are fixed to the hollow bodies 9, for example by means of a pin. The longitudinal axes of the hollow bodies 9 are arranged at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal axes of the rigidly connected rods 2.

[0055] In this embodiment, the rigid coupling parts 4 or the coupling parts with an elastic part 5 at their end, which is opposite the coupling part, have a cylinder 10 which is precisely matched to the hollow body 9, wherein the fixing between the hollow body 9 and the cylinder 10 is effected by means of a pin.

[0056] The rigid coupling parts 4 have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 15.8 mm on the side facing the ladder frame 1 and have a through bore 19 arranged centrally in the cylinder 10.

[0057] The cylindrical hollow bodies 9 for receiving the rigid coupling parts 4 have a length of 5.98 mm, an outer diameter of 20.84 mm, an inner diameter of 15.8 mm and thus a wall thickness of 2.52 mm.

[0058] Halfway along the length of each cylinder wall, there is a through bore 19 and on the opposite side a half bore for receiving and fixing the pins.

[0059] In this embodiment, the ladder frame 1 is arranged vertically and the tubular connecting elements 6 are arranged horizontally.

[0060] It is also possible that the ladder frame 1 is arranged horizontally and the tubular connecting elements 6 are arranged vertically.

[0061] A modular, multi-assemblable and disassemblable frame structure in the form of a shelf with two elements in length and three elements in height can be assembled as follows: Step 1: A prefabricated, tubular ladder frame 1 for arrangement at the beginning of a frame construction is placed on a work surface such that the coupling parts 4,5 are facing upwards and the already mounted foot parts 17 are facing to the left. Step 2: The tubular connecting elements 6 are mounted at all eight connection points 3. Step 3: A prefabricated, tubular ladder frame 1 for the arrangement between the beginning and the end of a frame construction is placed on the product obtained after step 2 with the foot parts 17 pointing to the left and assembled synchronously. Step 4: The product obtained after step 3 is placed vertically on the foot parts 17. Step 5: On the product obtained after step 4, the tubular connecting elements 6 are mounted at all eight connection points 3. Step 6: A prefabricated, tubular ladder frame 1 for arrangement at the end of a frame construction is synchronously mounted to the product obtained after step 5 with the downward-facing foot parts 17.

[0062] The desired shelves, lids, back panels, and side panels can be assembled and disassembled according to current technical standards. Likewise, accessories such as drawers, hinged doors, or drop-down doors can be assembled and disassembled according to current technical standards.

[0063] The shelf, once assembled, can be disassembled as follows: The bases, lids, back panels and side panels, as well as the accessories, are removed.

[0064] At all eight points, the coupling parts 4,5 are unlocked by the action of an externally applied pin through the openings 7 in the tubular connecting elements 6 and the opening 12 in the insert 11, and the prefabricated tubular ladder frame 1 for arrangement at the end of a frame construction is removed synchronously.

[0065] The eight tubular connecting elements 6 are unlocked and removed by the action of a pin applied from the outside through the openings 7,12.

[0066] These steps are repeated until all parts are disassembled. Reference symbols used

[0067] The following reference numerals are used in the present invention: 1 Prefabricated tubular ladder frame 2 poles 3 connection points 4 Rigid Coupling Parts 5 Elastic part on a coupling part 6 Tubular connecting elements 7 Opening in the outer wall of a tubular connecting element 6 8 Additional connecting element 9 Hollow bodies, preferably in the form of a cylinder 10 cylinders on the clutch parts 4.5 11 Insert 12 Opening in the insert 11 13 ribs 14 hollow rivets 15 Notch on the rigid coupling part 4 16 Notch on the coupling part with an elastic part 5 17 Foot section 18 End cap 19 Through bore in cylinder 10 20 immediate recess at the additional connecting element 8. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 0 400 345 B1

[0002] EP 1 615 528 B1

[0003] EP 1 444 912 A1

[0007] DE 20 2008 013 810 U1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Modular frame construction that can be assembled and disassembled multiple times, characterized by , that they as the first component a prefabricated tubular ladder frame (1) comprising the desired number and lengths of firmly connected rods (2), wherein at the desired connection points (3) of the rods (2) one or two either rigid coupling parts (4) or coupling parts with an elastic part (5) are rigidly mounted, wherein these coupling parts (4, 5) are arranged at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal axes of the rigidly connected rods (2), and wherein, in the case of only one either rigid coupling part (4) or a coupling part with an elastic part (5), these coupling parts (4, 5) are directed towards the same side of the ladder frame (1), and as a second component comprising tubular connecting elements (6) of the desired lengths, which have internal coupling parts at both ends, which are either equipped with an elastic part (5) or designed as rigid coupling parts (4), Each tubular connecting element (6) has at both end regions in the outer wall an opening (7) arranged in a line through which the elastic part (5) is visible, wherein said line runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular connecting element (6), and wherein said line and said longitudinal axis lie in a planar plane, and wherein the rigid coupling parts (4) and the coupling parts with an elastic part (5) are matched to each other in such a way that they can be locked and unlocked. [2] Frame construction according to claim 1, characterized by , that the rods (2) which are firmly connected to each other are arranged at an angle of 90° to each other. [3] Frame construction according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by that, depending - from the cross-section of the firmly connected rods (2) in the tubular ladder frame (1) and - from the cross-section of the tubular connecting elements (6), An additional connecting element (8) is located between the firmly connected rods (2) and the tubular connecting elements (6), which is shaped in such a way that a positive locking connection between the ladder frame (1) and the additional connecting element (8) results, wherein the cross-section of the additional connecting element (8) corresponds to the cross-section of the tubular connecting element (6). [4] Frame construction according to claim 3, characterized bythat either the rigid coupling parts (4) or the coupling parts with an elastic part (5) are firmly mounted to the additional connecting elements (8), preferably welded or screwed on. [5] Frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that - the rods (2) that are firmly connected to each other and - the tubular connecting elements (6) have a round or polygonal, in particular a square, hexagonal or octagonal, cross-section. [6] Frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that at the respective desired connection points (3) of the rigidly connected rods (2) one or two hollow bodies (9), preferably cylindrical hollow bodies, are rigidly mounted, on which either rigid coupling parts (4) or coupling parts with an elastic part (5) are fixed, wherein the longitudinal axes of the hollow bodies (9) are arranged at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal axes of the rigidly connected rods (2). [7] Frame construction according to claim 6, characterized by , that the rigid coupling parts (4) or the coupling parts with an elastic part (5) at their end, which is opposite the section of the coupling part which serves the coupling, have a cylinder (10) which is precisely matched to the hollow body (9), preferably a cylindrical hollow body, wherein the fixing between the hollow body (9) and the said cylinder (10) is effected by means of a pin. [8] Frame construction according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized by that the hollow body (9), preferably a cylindrical hollow body, and the rigid coupling part (4) are cast in one piece and are in particular made of an alloy or of a metal. [9] Frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the coupling parts are designed with an elastic part (5) in the tubular connecting elements (6) as an insert (11), which has on its outside an opening (12) adapted to the opening (7) in the tubular connecting element (6), through which the elastic part (5) is visible, and which preferably has ribs (13) along its longitudinal axis on its outside. [10] Frame construction according to claim 9, characterized by , that the inserts (11) are pressed into the tubular connecting elements (6) and may also be additionally glued for better fixation. [11] Frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that a hollow rivet (14) is pressed into the openings (7) in the tubular connecting elements (6) through which the coupling part with an elastic part (5) is visible. [12] Frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the rigid coupling parts (4) and the coupling parts with an elastic part (5) each have a matching, chamfered notch (15,16) for the purpose of locking in. [13] Frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that the rigid coupling parts (4) fixed to the ladder frame (1) taper towards the side facing away from the ladder frame (1) and have a chamfered notch (15) at their end. [14] Frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by, that the coupling parts with an elastic part (5) in the tubular connecting elements (6) taper towards the end of the tube and have a chamfered notch (16) at their end. [15] Frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that - the rigid coupling parts (4) are designed as plates, preferably as rectangular plates, which have a centrally arranged opening, in particular a square or rectangular opening, and that - the coupling parts are designed with an elastic part (5) as rounded or chamfered notches (16) or as pins with a round or polygonal cross-section and are arranged in such a way that they snap into the opening in the aforementioned plates. [16] Frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by, that the openings (7) in the outer wall of the tubular connecting elements (6) are directed either inwards or downwards when assembled. [17] Frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by , that the prefabricated tubular ladder frame (1) and the tubular connecting elements (6) are made of steel, preferably of chromium steel. [18] Frame construction according to any one of claims 9 to 17, characterized by , that the inserts (11) are made of a plastic. [19] Use of the frame construction according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for the manufacture of furniture, in particular shelves, bookcases, cabinets and boxes.

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