CONNECTORS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting means for joining a first component and a second component, in particular for joining furniture or machine parts.

[0002] Such a connecting element is known, for example, from EP 1 990 549 A1.

[0003] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a connecting means for connecting a first component and a second component, by means of which the components can be connected to each other simply and reliably.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by a connecting element for joining a first component and a second component, in particular for joining furniture or machine parts, which comprises the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the connecting element according to the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to the invention, the spring element can be brought into engagement with the receiving element to connect the first component and the second component, and the connecting means, in particular the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element, comprises a reinforcing element for increasing a spring force of the spring element.

[0006] Because the connecting element according to the invention includes a spring element which can be engaged with a receiving element, the two components can be easily connected to each other, in particular locked together, by means of the connecting element.

[0007] Because the connecting element, in particular the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element, according to the invention comprises one or more reinforcing elements for increasing a spring force of the spring element, the components can be held together with a large holding force in the connected state.

[0008] The reinforcing element(s) are described below, particularly in connection with the first connecting element. However, alternatively or additionally, the second connecting element may also comprise one or more reinforcing elements, which then preferably exhibit one or more of the features and / or advantages described in connection with the reinforcing elements of the first connecting element.

[0009] In this description and the accompanying claims, a spring element is understood to be, in particular, an elastic element which is arranged at one end, for example, on a base body, such that the other end is movable relative to the base body. A spring action, in particular a spring force, of the spring element preferably results from a bending of the spring element. Preferably, the connecting element, in particular the first connecting element, comprises several spring elements and / or several reinforcing elements. Furthermore, it may be provided that the connecting element, in particular the second connecting element, comprises several receiving elements.

[0010] According to the invention, the connecting element, in particular the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element, comprises a reinforcing element which, to increase the spring force of the spring element, preferably acts directly on the spring element. In one embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing element is designed as an auxiliary spring element.

[0011] In this description and the attached claims, an auxiliary spring element is understood to be, in particular, a spring element which acts on the receiving element only indirectly, namely by means of the spring element which can be brought into engagement with the receiving element.

[0012] The spring element, which can be brought directly into engagement with the receiving element, is preferably a main spring element.

[0013] It can be advantageous if the at least one auxiliary spring element is arranged at a distance from the spring element, in particular the main spring element, in a separate state of the connecting elements.

[0014] It can be advantageous if the at least one auxiliary spring element has a shape that corresponds at least approximately to the spring element, in particular the main spring element.

[0015] In particular, it may be provided that the external shape of the at least one auxiliary spring element corresponds at least approximately to the external shape of the spring element, in particular the main spring element, but that the at least one auxiliary spring element has smaller dimensions than the spring element, in particular the main spring element.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one auxiliary spring element comprises a contact section by means of which the auxiliary spring element can be applied to the spring element to increase the spring force of the spring element.

[0017] The system section is arranged in particular at one end of the auxiliary spring element, which is opposite the end at which the auxiliary spring element is arranged, for example, on a base body of the connecting element.

[0018] It can be advantageous if the at least one auxiliary spring element is formed integrally with the spring element and / or integrally with a base body of the first connecting element.

[0019] For example, it may be provided that the first connecting element, which preferably comprises at least one spring element, in particular a main spring element, and / or at least one auxiliary spring element, is designed at least partially as a plastic injection molded component.

[0020] In particular, it may be provided that the first connecting element comprises a one-piece injection-molded component which includes at least one spring element, at least one reinforcing element, for example at least one auxiliary spring element, and / or the base body of the first connecting element.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting element comprises at least two reinforcing elements designed as auxiliary spring elements. Preferably, at least one auxiliary spring element acts directly on the spring element, in particular on the main spring element, to increase the spring force of the spring element. At least one further auxiliary spring element preferably acts directly on the at least one auxiliary spring element that acts directly on the spring element, in particular on the main spring element, to increase the spring force of the spring element, in particular on the main spring element.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the first connecting element comprises at least one reinforcing element designed as a stiffening element, which is preferably connected to the spring element in such a way that a deformation of the spring element results in a deformation of the stiffening element.

[0023] The first connecting element comprises at least one reinforcing element designed as a stiffening element, which is connected to the spring element in such a way that a deformation of the spring element results in a compression and / or a shearing of the stiffening element.

[0024] The stiffening element thus preferably acts to increase the spring force of the spring element on the spring element.

[0025] It can be advantageous if the stiffening element extends partially or completely along the spring element and is connected to the spring element over this part of the spring element or over the entire spring element.

[0026] In particular, it can be provided that a deflection or bending of the spring element results in a shearing of the stiffening element, which preferably increases the spring force of the spring element.

[0027] In this description and the attached claims, shearing preferably refers to a large-area shear load. Preferably, compression and / or shearing of the stiffening element is not merely bending of the stiffening element.

[0028] It can be advantageous if the first connecting element comprises at least one reinforcing element designed as a stiffening element, which is connected to at least one auxiliary spring element, in particular in such a way that a deformation of the auxiliary spring element results in compression and / or shearing of the stiffening element.

[0029] The at least one stiffening element is preferably made of a material that is different from the material of the spring element and / or that is different from the material of a base body of the first connecting element.

[0030] Furthermore, it may be provided that the at least one stiffening element is formed from a material that is different from the material of the at least one auxiliary spring element.

[0031] The at least one stiffening element is preferably made of an injection-moldable elastomer material and / or a thermoplastic material, or comprises an injection-moldable elastomer material and / or a thermoplastic material.

[0032] It can be advantageous if the first connecting element includes at least one reinforcing element designed as an auxiliary spring element and at least one reinforcing element designed as a stiffening element.

[0033] Preferably, the space between the auxiliary spring element and the spring element is partially or completely filled by means of the stiffening element.

[0034] By means of the stiffening element, a large-area connection is preferably established between the spring element, in particular the main spring element, and the auxiliary spring element.

[0035] In particular, the stiffening element can contribute to increasing the spring force of the spring element by means of shearing resulting from bending of the spring element and the auxiliary spring element.

[0036] It can be advantageous if the receiving element includes a receiving protrusion and / or a receiving recess.

[0037] In the connected state, preferably an engagement section of the spring element engages behind the receiving element in the area of ​​the receiving projection and / or the receiving recess.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the receiving element comprises a clamping section along which an engagement section of the spring element is movable to establish the connection between the first component and the second component, thereby tensioning the spring element.

[0039] Movement of the components, particularly the connecting elements, relative to each other preferably occurs along a connection direction. This connection direction is essentially perpendicular to a connection plane in which the components and / or connecting elements are in contact with each other when connected.

[0040] It can be advantageous if the clamping section of the receiving element – ​​viewed in an insertion direction parallel to the connection direction – comprises an initially steeper section and a subsequent flatter section, for example, having an essentially parabolic cross-section. The cross-section is specifically defined in a plane spanned by a deflection direction of the engagement section of the spring element and the connection direction between the two components.

[0041] The parabolic shape of the cross-section results in particular when the connection direction is a y-axis and the associated x-axis runs in the connection plane, especially essentially parallel to the deflection direction of the section of action.

[0042] Preferably, the clamping section of the receiving element can be used to achieve a force distribution of the spring element when connecting the connecting elements such that the spring element is initially deflected more quickly and subsequently more slowly. This allows the maximum force required to compress (connect) the connecting elements to be as low as possible while still maintaining a high holding force to keep the connecting elements together.

[0043] It can be advantageous if the receiving element is at least partially elastic.

[0044] In particular, it may be provided that the receiving element is designed to be flexible at least section by section in and / or against a deflection direction of the engagement section of the spring element.

[0045] The receiving element is preferably connected at an end of the receiving element facing the first connecting element to a base body of the second connecting element.

[0046] Preferably, at least one end of the receiving element facing away from the first connecting element is designed to be movable.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting element comprises at least two spring elements which encompass the receiving element on both sides in the connected state.

[0048] Preferably, each spring element, in particular each main spring element, is assigned at least one reinforcing element, in particular at least one auxiliary spring element and / or at least one stiffening element.

[0049] It may be provided that the receiving element is symmetrical with respect to a transverse median plane of the receiving element which runs perpendicular to a connection plane of the connecting element.

[0050] In particular, if the first connecting element comprises at least two spring elements which encompass the receiving element on both sides in the connected state, it can be provided that the at least two spring elements encompassing the receiving element in the connected state can be tensioned evenly, in particular that the engagement sections of the spring elements can be removed evenly from each other.

[0051] It can be advantageous if the first connecting element comprises at least two spring elements and at least two reinforcing elements, wherein the at least two spring elements and the at least two reinforcing elements are arranged symmetrically to each other on the first connecting element with respect to a transverse median plane of the first connecting element that is perpendicular to a connection plane of the connecting element and / or are designed symmetrically to each other. This also ensures uniform tensioning of the spring elements for a reliable connection of the connecting elements to one another.

[0052] The at least two spring elements and the at least two reinforcing elements are arranged in particular on the base body, in particular formed integrally with the base body or connected to the base body by a material bond.

[0053] It can be advantageous if at least one connecting element comprises a substantially circular cylindrical segment-shaped or circular cylindrical section-shaped base body and at least one substantially circular arc-shaped retaining projection by means of which the at least one connecting element can be fixed in the component.

[0054] Furthermore, the connecting element according to the invention can have one or more of the following described features and / or advantages: Preferably, at least one of the connecting elements comprises a curved contact surface which is arc-shaped in a longitudinal section.

[0055] It can be advantageous if the first connecting element and the second connecting element are detachably connected to each other when the components are joined.

[0056] Preferably, the connecting elements can be brought from the separated state to the connected state and / or from the connected state to the separated state by reversible deformation of the at least one spring element and by reversible deformation of the at least one reinforcing element.

[0057] If at least one of the connecting elements comprises a curved contact surface which is arc-shaped in a longitudinal section, this contact surface can slide on a groove base surface which is also arc-shaped in longitudinal section of a groove provided on one of the components, thereby allowing the orientation of the connecting element in question relative to the other connecting element to be changed within certain limits when the connecting elements are joined, in order to compensate for positional tolerances of the grooves in which the connecting elements are arranged and / or manufacturing tolerances of the connecting elements.

[0058] This additional degree of freedom of movement allows for corrections to be made to the relative positions of the two components during assembly, which significantly reduces the requirements for precision regarding the position of the grooves in the components and leads to considerable relief for the user.

[0059] The connecting elements of the connecting device according to the invention are inserted into grooves already present on the components, so that no high force is required to insert the connecting elements into the components and therefore there is no risk of damaging these components.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a substantially flat contact surface of the first connecting element can be placed against a similarly substantially flat contact surface of the second connecting element.

[0061] The essentially flat contact surface of the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element is preferably aligned essentially parallel to the contact surfaces of the components where the components abut each other when the components are connected.

[0062] Furthermore, in the connected state of the components, the curved contact surface and the essentially flat contact surface of the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element are oriented essentially perpendicular to the connection direction.

[0063] A curved contact surface of at least one connecting element can, in particular, be essentially shaped like a circular cylindrical shell section.

[0064] In particular, to enable the connection between the fasteners to also absorb shear forces, it can be advantageous if at least one of the fasteners includes at least one insertion projection and the other fastener includes at least one receiving pocket that accommodates the insertion projection when the components are connected. This eliminates the need for additional dowels, which are required with most other fasteners.

[0065] If at least one receiving pocket in a longitudinal direction of the fastener has a larger extent than the insertion projection received therein, this offers the advantage that the first fastener and the second fastener can be moved relative to each other in the longitudinal direction in order to compensate for tolerances in the connection between the components.

[0066] In order to achieve a particularly effective anchoring of at least one of the connecting elements in the associated component, it can be provided that at least one of the connecting elements is provided with at least one retaining projection which has a curved support surface which is arc-shaped in a longitudinal section.

[0067] With this curved support surface, the retaining projection can be supported against a similarly curved undercut surface of an undercut section of a groove in the corresponding component. This undercut surface is also arc-shaped in longitudinal section and has the same radius of curvature as the curved support surface of the retaining projection. The engagement between the retaining projection and the undercut section of the groove results in a positive-locking connection between the component and the fastener.

[0068] The retaining projection of the fastener according to the invention is preferably not self-tapping.

[0069] Rather, the retaining projection is designed to be inserted into a groove that was already created in the component before the connecting element was inserted, using a

[0070] The undercut section of the component in question is inserted longitudinally along the groove. In this case, the retaining projection can be moved tangentially within the undercut section of the groove with minimal force, allowing the connecting element one degree of freedom in this direction and thus enabling adjustments to the relative positions of the components when joining them.

[0071] The retaining projection may have, in particular, blunt ends and / or rounded leading edges at its end regions.

[0072] A non-self-tapping retaining projection can have an arbitrarily large cross-sectional area in order to increase the mechanical stability of the retaining projection.

[0073] In particular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the retaining projection can be at least 1 mm².

[0074] The retaining projection can have a substantially rectangular or a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that at least one retaining projection tapers with increasing distance from a base body of the respective connecting element.

[0076] On the other hand, it may be provided that at least one retaining projection tapers with decreasing distance from a base body of the respective connecting element.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that at least one retaining projection has a cross-section with an outer contour that is curved at least in sections.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining projection is substantially flush with the curved contact surface of the respective connecting element. In this case, the retaining projection is therefore arranged on the outermost edge of the associated connecting element facing the bottom of the groove.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that at least one retaining projection is offset from the curved contact surface of the respective connecting element. The retaining projection can therefore, in particular, have a smaller radius of curvature than the curved contact surface of the respective connecting element.

[0080] Furthermore, it may be provided that several retaining projections with different radii of curvature are arranged on the same connecting element. In particular, several retaining projections with different radii of curvature may be arranged on the same side of the respective connecting element.

[0081] Alternatively or in addition to anchoring the connecting elements by means of one or more retaining projections, it may also be provided that at least one of the connecting elements is provided with at least one anchoring element for fixing the connecting element in question to a groove base of a groove provided in one of the components.

[0082] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one of the connecting elements is equipped with at least one anchoring screw for fixing the connecting element in question to one of the components.

[0083] It may be provided that a connecting element, in particular a base body and / or a spring element and / or a reinforcing element and / or a receiving element, comprises a glass fiber reinforced polyamide material or is formed from a glass fiber reinforced polyamide material.

[0084] The connecting elements can be locked together.

[0085] By using reinforcing elements designed as stiffening elements, the spring force of the spring element can preferably be increased from, for example, approximately 150 N to, for example, approximately 600 N.

[0086] The engagement section of the spring element preferably has an inclined surface which can be brought into contact with an inclined surface of the receiving element in such a way that the connecting elements are pulled towards each other in the connected state by means of a connecting force.

[0087] Due to the inclined surface of the engagement section of the spring element and / or due to the inclined surface of the receiving element, the connecting elements can preferably be separated from each other without irreversibly deforming the spring element or the receiving element.

[0088] The second connecting element, which includes the receiving element, is preferably completely arrangable in a groove of the second component, so that in particular no element or part of the second connecting element protrudes beyond a surface, in particular main surface, of the second component.

[0089] In particular, if the receiving element is at least partially elastic or flexible, the spring travel of the spring element required to guarantee a desired holding force can be reduced.

[0090] At least one spring element and / or at least one auxiliary spring element are designed, for example, as a leaf spring element.

[0091] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphic representation of an exemplary embodiment.

[0092] The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through two components and two connecting elements of a fastener for joining the two components, in a separated state of the components; Fig. 2 shows one of the Fig. 1 A corresponding schematic sectional view of the components and the connecting element in an intermediate state between the connected state and the separated state; Fig. 3 one of the Fig. 1 Fig. 4: a schematic sectional view of the components and the fastener, in a connected state of the components and the connecting elements of the fastener; Fig. 5: a schematic perspective view of a first connecting element of the fastener; Fig. 5: a schematic longitudinal section through the first connecting element made of Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6 one of the Fig. 4 corresponding schematic perspective view of a second connecting element of the fastener; Fig. 7 one of the Fig. 5 corresponding sectional view of the second connecting element from Fig. 6 ; Fig. 8 a schematic perspective view of the first connecting element and the first component, in a separated state; Fig. 9 one of the Fig. 8 A corresponding schematic perspective representation of the first connecting element and the first component, in an intermediate state between the separated state and an assembled state, in which the first connecting element is mounted on the first component; Fig. 10 one of the Fig. 8 Fig. 11 shows a corresponding schematic perspective view of the first connecting element and the first component, with the first connecting element mounted on the first component; Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of the second connecting element and the second component in a separated state; Fig. 13 shows one of the Fig. 11 corresponding schematic perspective representation of the second connecting element and the second component, in an intermediate state between the separated state and an assembled state, in which the second connecting element is mounted on the second component; and Fig. 13 one of the Fig. 11 A corresponding schematic perspective representation of the second connecting element and the second component, with the second connecting element mounted on the second component.

[0093] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0094] One in the Fig. 1 bis 13 The illustrated embodiment of a connecting means designated as a whole by 100 serves to connect a first, for example substantially plate-shaped component 102 with a second, also preferably substantially plate-shaped component 104.

[0095] The two components 102 and 104 can be, for example, wooden or plywood panels, but can also be made of any other material, such as a metallic material or a plastic material, for example, Plexiglas. Furthermore, it is possible that the first component 102 and the second component 104 are made of different materials.

[0096] In the Fig. 3 In the connected state of the two components 102 and 104 shown, a contact surface 106 of the first component 102, which is arranged, for example, on a narrow side or end face of the first component 102, is in contact with a contact surface 108 of the second component 104, which is, for example, a main surface of the plate-shaped second component 104.

[0097] Both the first component 102 and the second component 104 each have at least one groove 110 which is open towards the respective contact surface 106, 108.

[0098] The groove 110 comprises a circular cylindrical segment-shaped or a circular cylindrical section-shaped base section 112 and two undercut sections 114 extending away from the base section 112 in a thickness direction 116.

[0099] The radius of curvature of the base section 112 is larger than a groove depth T (see Fig. 1 ), so that a curved groove base surface 118 forms an acute angle with the respective contact surface 106, 108.

[0100] In particular with regard to the further design of the groove 110 and the manufacture of such a groove 110, explicit reference is hereby made to EP 1 990 549 A1, which by this reference is made part of this description.

[0101] To connect the components 102, 104 together, the connecting element 100 comprises a first connecting element 120 and a second connecting element 122.

[0102] How especially the Fig. 4 bis 7 As can be seen, each of the connecting elements 120, 122 comprises a base body 124, which is essentially shaped in the form of a circular cylindrical segment or a circular cylindrical section.

[0103] The basic body 124 is in particular formed at least sectionally and at least approximately complementary to the basic section 112 of the groove 110.

[0104] Each of the connecting elements 120, 122 further comprises two retaining projections 126, which extend in the thickness direction 116 away from the section of the base body 124 which is designed complementary to the base section 112.

[0105] The retaining projections 126 are curved in an arc and are at least approximately essentially complementary to the undercut sections 114 of the groove 110.

[0106] By means of the retaining projections 126, the connecting elements 120, 122 can thus be positively locked to the components 102, 104, in particular in the grooves 110 of the components 102, 104, at least with respect to a connection direction 128.

[0107] The connecting elements 120, 122 can be inserted into the grooves 110 of the components 102, 104 along the undercut sections 114 (see in particular Fig. 8 bis 13 ).

[0108] How especially the Fig. 4 and 5 As can be seen, the first connecting element 120 comprises the base body 124, the retaining projections 126 and several spring elements 130.

[0109] The spring elements 130 are, for example, leaf springs.

[0110] Each spring element 130 has an end 132 facing the base body 124 and an end 134 facing away from the base body 124.

[0111] The end 132 of each spring element 130 facing the base body 124 is arranged on the base body 124, in particular integrally connected to the base body 124.

[0112] The end 134 of each spring element 130 facing away from the base body 124 is movable in a deflection direction 136 oriented transversely, in particular essentially perpendicularly, to the connection direction 128.

[0113] The spring elements 130 are designed to be bendable for this purpose.

[0114] In the embodiment of the first connecting element 120 shown in the figures, two spring elements 130 are provided, which come into direct contact with a (to be described later) receiving element of the second connecting element 122 to connect the connecting elements 120, 122. These spring elements 130 are therefore main spring elements 138.

[0115] The other spring elements 130 are auxiliary spring elements 140, which only indirectly cooperate to connect the connecting elements 120, 122, namely by means of the main spring elements 138, with the receiving element of the second connecting element 122.

[0116] The auxiliary spring elements 140 are arranged adjacent to the main spring elements 138 and have contact sections 142 at the end 134 of the auxiliary spring elements 140 facing away from the base body 124, by means of which the auxiliary spring elements 140 can be applied to the main spring elements 138 in order to be able to act on the main spring elements 138.

[0117] The main spring elements 138 each comprise an engagement section 144 at the end 134 of the main spring elements 138 facing away from the base body 124, with which the main spring elements 138 can be brought into engagement for connecting the connecting elements 120, 122 with the receiving element of the second connecting element 122.

[0118] In particular, the engagement sections 144 of the main spring elements 138 can be deflected in the deflection direction 136 in order to engage with the receiving element of the second connecting element 122.

[0119] The auxiliary spring elements 140 are arranged on the sides of the main spring elements 138 facing away from the engagement sections 144.

[0120] In the embodiment of the first connecting element 120 shown in the figures, a total of six spring elements 130 are provided, namely two main spring elements 138 and four auxiliary spring elements 140.

[0121] The spring elements 130 are arranged such that a main spring element 138 and two auxiliary spring elements 140 assigned to this main spring element 138 are on the one hand and a main spring element 138 and two auxiliary spring elements 140 assigned to this main spring element 138 are on the other hand mirror-symmetrical with respect to a transverse median plane 146 of the first connecting element 120 running parallel to the connection direction 128.

[0122] The engagement sections 144 of the main spring elements 138 can preferably be moved away from the transverse center plane 146 in opposite deflection directions 136. This causes the ends 134 of the auxiliary spring elements 140 facing away from the base body 124 to also be deflected in the corresponding deflection directions 136.

[0123] The force required for deflection is significantly increased by the additional deflection of the auxiliary spring elements 140, since the spring force opposing the deflection is at least approximately a sum of the spring force of the main spring element 138 and the associated auxiliary spring elements 140.

[0124] The auxiliary spring elements 140 thus form reinforcing elements 148 to reinforce a spring action or spring force of the main spring element 138.

[0125] How in particular Fig. 5 As can be seen, it is specifically provided that a first auxiliary spring element 150 acts directly on the main spring element 138 when the main spring element 138 is deflected. A second auxiliary spring element 152 acts directly on the first auxiliary spring element 150 when both the main spring element 138 and the first auxiliary spring element 150 are deflected.

[0126] Preferably, a gap 154 ​​is formed between the spring elements 130.

[0127] In the embodiment shown in the figures, a first gap 156 is provided between the main spring element 138 and the first auxiliary spring element 150, and a second gap 158 is provided between the first auxiliary spring element 150 and the second auxiliary spring element 152.

[0128] A third space 160 can, for example, be formed between the second auxiliary spring element 152 and a section of the base body 124, for example a (to be described yet) insertion projection of the base body 124.

[0129] To further increase the spring action or spring force of the spring elements 130, in particular the main spring elements 138, the spaces 154, in particular the first space 156, the second space 158 and / or the third space 160, are preferably filled at least partially with a filling material.

[0130] The filling material can be, for example, an injectable elastomer material and / or a thermoplastic material, which is preferably bonded over a large area, in particular by way of a material bond, to the spring elements 130 and / or the base body 124.

[0131] Since this connection of the spring elements 130 to each other and / or to the base body 124 makes it more difficult for the spring elements 130 to deflect and thus contributes to a stiffening of the spring elements 130, each filled space 154 forms a stiffening element 162 to stiffen the spring elements 130, in particular the main spring element 138.

[0132] The stiffening elements 162 are therefore also reinforcement elements 148 for increasing a spring effect or spring force of the spring elements 130, in particular the main spring element 138.

[0133] Due to the large-area connection of the stiffening elements 162 with the spring elements 130 and / or with the base body 124, the stiffening elements 162 are subjected primarily to shear stress when the spring elements 130 are deflected.

[0134] The first connecting element 120 further comprises at least one, preferably two, insertion projections 164, which can be brought into engagement with (to be described yet) receiving pockets of the second connecting element 122 in order to be able to position the connecting elements 120, 122 in a targeted manner relative to each other.

[0135] The spring elements 130 and the stiffening elements 162 as well as the insertion projections 164 preferably project at least partially beyond a connection plane 166, along which the components 102, 104 and / or the connecting elements 120, 122 abut each other in the connected state.

[0136] How especially the Fig. 6 and 7As can be seen, the second connecting element 122 also comprises a base body 124, which is shaped at least partially and at least approximately complementarily to the groove 110 of the components 102, 104.

[0137] The second connecting element 122 further comprises two retaining projections 126, which are arc-shaped and essentially complementary to the undercut sections 114 of the groove 110.

[0138] The second connecting element 122 can therefore also be easily inserted into a groove 110 and secured therein.

[0139] The second connecting element 122 comprises a receiving element 168, by means of which the second connecting element 122 can be brought into engagement with the first connecting element 120, in particular with the spring elements 130 of the first connecting element 120.

[0140] The receiving element 168 is arranged, in particular fixed, at one end 170 of the receiving element 168 facing the connection plane 166 on the base body 124 (see in particular Fig. 6 ).

[0141] The receiving element 168 is arranged between two side walls 172 of the base body 124 of the second connecting element 122.

[0142] In the side walls 172, recesses 174, in particular openings 176, are provided such that the receiving element 168 extending between the side walls 172 extends partially along these recesses 174 and is therefore not connected to the side wall 172 and thus not to the base body 124 in this area.

[0143] These areas of the receiving element 168, which are not connected to the side wall 172 of the base body 124 of the second connecting element 122, form receiving projections 178 of the receiving element 168.

[0144] The receiving projections 178 of the receiving element 168 are designed to be particularly flexible.

[0145] The receiving element 168 is arranged centrally in the second connecting element 122 and is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the transverse median plane 146 of the second connecting element 122. In particular, the receiving projections 178 of the receiving element 168 are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the transverse median plane 146 and are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other.

[0146] An outer surface 182 of the receiving element 168 preferably has at least an approximate parabolic shape, wherein an x-axis runs in the connecting plane 166 and a y-axis runs in the transverse median plane 146 (see in particular Fig. 7 ).

[0147] Along this surface 182 of the receiving element 168, the main spring elements 138, in particular the engagement sections 144 of the main spring elements 138, are moved together when the connecting elements 120, 122 are joined. Due to the parabolic shape of the surface 182, there is initially a large and then a smaller increase in force during the deflection of the main spring elements 138.

[0148] The spring elements 130, in particular the main spring elements 138, are tensioned during movement along the surface 182 of the receiving element 168, so that the surface 182 of the receiving element 168 forms a tension section 184 of the receiving element 168.

[0149] The second connecting element 122 further comprises two receiving pockets 186 for receiving the insertion projections 164 of the first connecting element 120.

[0150] How in particular Fig. 3 As can be seen, the engagement sections 144 of the main spring elements 138 and the receiving projections 178 of the receiving element 168, in the connected state, each lie against inclined surfaces 188.

[0151] These inclined surfaces 188 can, on the one hand, ensure that a tensile force is exerted on the connecting elements 120, 122 when they are connected, pulling them against each other. On the other hand, the inclined surfaces 188 also ensure that the connecting elements 120, 122 can be removed from each other without damage. In particular, the main spring elements 138 of the first connecting element 120 can, due to the inclined surfaces 188, preferably slide along the inclined surfaces 188 of the receiving element 168 in the opposite direction to the connection 128, thereby disengaging the engagement sections 144 of the main spring elements 138 from the receiving projections 178 of the receiving element 168.

[0152] In further (not shown) embodiments of the connecting element 100, for example, a different number of main spring elements 138, auxiliary spring elements 140, and / or stiffening elements 162 may be provided. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the main spring elements 138 may be designed and arranged such that the engagement sections 144 of the main spring elements 138 are arranged facing away from each other and are movable towards each other to deflect the main spring elements 138. The associated second connecting element 122 then preferably comprises two spaced-apart receiving elements 168, which, in the connected state of the connecting elements 120, 122, are arranged on the sides of the main spring elements 138 facing away from the transverse center plane 146.

[0153] The in the Fig. 1 bis 13 The illustrated embodiment of the connecting element 100 functions as follows: First, the components 102, 104 are provided with grooves 110 at the locations opposite each other when the components 102, 104 are assembled. In particular, the grooves 110 are milled into the components 102, 104 using a special tool, which is known, for example, from EP 1 990 549 A1.

[0154] How especially the Fig. 8 bis 10 and 11 bis 13 As can be seen, the connecting elements 120 and 122 can be inserted into the grooves 110 by simply sliding them in.

[0155] By bringing the retaining projections 126 of the connecting elements 120, 122 into engagement with the undercut sections 114 of the grooves 110 during this insertion process, the connecting elements 120, 122 are positively locked in the components 102, 104, at least with respect to a movement of the connecting elements 120, 122 in the connection direction 128.

[0156] The first connecting element 120 is fixed in the first component 102.

[0157] This can be particularly relevant if the first component 102 is the component 102, 104 which is to be connected with its narrow side or end face to a main side of a second component 104.

[0158] When arranging the grooves 110 and thus the connecting elements 120, 122 on the narrow sides or end faces of particularly plate-shaped components 102, 104, it is generally not critical if parts of the first connecting element 120, in particular the insertion projections 164, the main spring elements 138, the auxiliary spring elements 140 and / or the stiffening elements 162, protrude beyond a surface of the component 102, 104, in particular a contact surface 106, on which the components 102, 104 abut each other.

[0159] The second connecting element 122 is preferably arranged in a groove 110 in the main surface of the second component 104, wherein the second connecting element 122 does not project beyond the main surface, in particular the contact surface 106.

[0160] The second component 104 can therefore be stacked on other, especially plate-shaped, components 102, 104 by means of its main surface, despite the second connecting element 122 already being mounted, without having to fear damage to the components 102, 104 or the second connecting element 122.

[0161] To connect the connecting elements 120, 122 and thus the components 102, 104 together, the components 102, 104 together with the connecting elements 120, 122 arranged therein are moved towards each other along the connection direction 128, which is preferably perpendicular to the connection plane 166.

[0162] How especially the Fig. 1 bis 3As can be seen, the main spring elements 138 first engage with the receiving element 168, in particular with the clamping section 184 of the receiving element 168.

[0163] The engagement sections 144 of the main spring elements 138 are moved away from the transverse median plane 146 in the deflection directions 136 as they move along the clamping section 184 of the receiving element 168. The main spring elements 138 are thereby deflected and thus tensioned.

[0164] The deflection of the main spring elements 138 also deflects the auxiliary spring elements 140 and also subjects the stiffening elements 162 to shear stress.

[0165] Due to the auxiliary spring elements 140 and the stiffening elements 162, the force required to deflect the main spring elements 138 and thus also the spring force of the main spring elements 138 is increased.

[0166] Therefore, a significantly greater force must be applied to connect the connecting elements 120, 122 to each other than if the main spring elements 138 were provided without the aforementioned reinforcing elements 148.

[0167] Due to the parabolic shape of the surface 182 of the receiving element 168, when the first connecting element 120 is pushed onto the second connecting element 122, there is initially a faster and then a slower deflection of the main spring elements 138.

[0168] In particular, this allows a large spring tension to be generated in order to firmly connect the connecting elements 120, 122 and thus also the components 102, 104 together, while at the same time reducing the maximum force required to connect the connecting elements 120, 122.

[0169] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the connection of the connecting elements 120, 122 to one another is further optimized by the fact that the receiving projections 178 of the receiving element 168 are designed to be compliant, in particular flexible. This allows the engagement sections 144 of the main spring elements 138 to move more easily past the receiving projections 178 of the receiving element 168.

[0170] Undesired lateral displacement of the connecting elements 120, 122 relative to each other, in particular perpendicular to the connection direction 128, is effectively prevented in the connected state of the connecting elements 120, 122 by the insertion projections 164 and the associated receiving pockets 186.

[0171] Because the connecting element comprises 100 spring elements 130 and reinforcing elements 148 to increase the spring force of the spring elements 130, the connecting elements 120, 122 and thus also the components 102, 104 can be connected to each other easily and reliably.

Claims

1. Connecting means (100) for connecting a first component (102) and a second component (104), in particular for connecting furniture parts or machine parts, comprising: - a first connecting element (120), which is arranged on the first component (102) in the connected state of the components and comprises a spring element (130), and - a second connecting element (122), which is arranged on the second component (104) in the connected state of the components and comprises a receiving element (168), wherein the connecting elements (120, 122) of the connecting means (100) are able to be introduced into grooves (110) that are already present on the components (102, 104), wherein at least one of the connecting elements (120, 122) comprises a curved abutment surface, which is in the shape of a circular arc in a longitudinal section and which is slidable on a groove base surface (118), likewise in the shape of a circular arc in a longitudinal section, of the groove (110) provided on one of the components (102, 104), characterized in that, in order to connect the first component (102) and the second component (104), the spring element (130) is able to be brought into engagement with the receiving element (168), and wherein the connecting means (100), in particular the first connecting element (120) and / or the second connecting element (122), comprises a strengthening element (148) for increasing a spring force of the spring element (130), wherein the first connecting element (120) comprises at least one strengthening element (148) in the form of a stiffening element (162), which is connected to the spring element (130) in such a way that a shearing of the stiffening element (162) results from a deformation of the spring element (130).

2. Connecting means (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting element (120) comprises at least one strengthening element (148) in the form of an auxiliary spring element (140).

3. Connecting means (100) according to Claim 2, characterized in that an intermediate space (154) between the auxiliary spring element (140) and the spring element (130) is filled partially or completely by means of the stiffening element (162).

4. Connecting means (100) according to either of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the stiffening element, by way of a shearing thereof resulting from a bending of the spring element and of the auxiliary spring element, contributes to the increasing of the spring force of the spring element.

5. Connecting means (100) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the at least one auxiliary spring element (140) is formed in one piece with the spring element (130) and / or in one piece with a main body (124) of the first connecting element (120).

6. Connecting means (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one spring element and / or at least one auxiliary spring element is in the form a leaf spring element.

7. Connecting means (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the stiffening element extends along the spring element over one part or completely and is connected to the spring element over said part of the spring element or over the entire spring element.

8. Connecting means (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one stiffening element is formed from an injection-mouldable elastomer material and / or from a thermoplastic material or comprises an injection-mouldable elastomer material and / or a thermoplastic material.

9. Connecting means (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first connecting element (120) comprises at least two spring elements (130) and at least two strengthening elements (148), wherein, in relation to a transverse central plane (146) of the first connecting element (120) extending perpendicularly to a connection plane (166) of the connecting means (100), the at least two spring elements (130) and the at least two strengthening elements (148) are arranged symmetrically with respect to one another on the first connecting element (120) and / or are formed symmetrically with respect to one another.

10. Connecting means (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the receiving element (168) comprises a receiving projection (178) and / or a receiving depression.

11. Connecting means (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one connecting element (120, 122) comprises a main body (124) which is substantially in the shape of a circular-cylinder segment or in the shape of a circular-cylinder portion, and at least one holding projection (126) which is substantially in the shape of a circular arc and by means of which the at least one connecting element (120, 122) is fixable in the component (102, 104).

12. Connecting means (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the connecting elements comprises at least one plug-in projection, and the in each case other connecting element comprises at least one receiving pocket which receives the plug-in projection in the connected state of the components.

13. Connecting means (100) according to Claim 12, characterized in that at least one receiving pocket has a greater extent in a longitudinal direction of the connecting means than the plug-in projection received therein, so that the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction in order, in this way, to allow tolerance compensation of the connection between the components.

14. Connecting means (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that an engagement portion of the spring element has an oblique surface which is able to be brought into contact with an oblique surface of the receiving element in such a way that the connecting elements are drawn towards one another by means of a connecting force in the connected state.