Connecting device and method for manufacturing a connecting device

Description

[0001] The application relates to a connecting device with at least one connecting body for arrangement on a partition wall and with at least one cover as a decorative panel for the connecting body, as well as a method for manufacturing a connecting device.

[0002] Such connecting devices are used, for example, to connect a partition wall to another partition wall or a building wall, particularly in the form of hinges for doors or windows, especially for shower doors. After installation, the connecting elements are concealed by covers, which may be decorative.

[0003] Known ways to fix the cover include snap-fit ​​connections with locking lugs and undercuts or with pressure pieces, which are complex to manufacture, and adhesive connections, whose lack of reusability is a disadvantage.

[0004] From DE 20 2020 101 419 U1, a cover element is known that is intended for a hinge joint with at least one hinge joint area to be covered, in which blind-hole-like recesses are formed. The cover element has a flat base body for the outer covering of the hinge joint area. Dome-shaped, projecting structures are provided for insertion into the blind-hole-like recesses, and elastic O-rings are attached to the dome-shaped, projecting structures, via which circumferential contact is established between the respective blind-hole-like recess and the projecting structure inserted therein. The dome-shaped, projecting structures each have an annular groove in which a portion of the respective elastic O-ring is inserted to secure it to the projecting structures.

[0005] DE 20 2014 000 583 U1 discloses a fitting with a fitting half for connection to a pane or a wall, wherein the fitting half has a carrier and a cover, wherein the fitting half has at least one retaining element made of plastic which is snapped into a recess on the carrier and which holds the cover. The cover has a projection with cutting edges that cut into or engage with the retaining element.

[0006] One task may consist of improving a connecting device for a partition wall in such a way as to simplify its manufacturing process, as well as simplifying a method for manufacturing a connecting device.

[0007] The problem is solved by a connecting device according to claim 1 and by a method for manufacturing a connecting device according to claim 14. Embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The connecting device has at least one connecting body for mounting on a partition and at least one cover as a decorative trim for the connecting body. A partition, as defined in the application, can be a pane, a door leaf, in particular a glass pane, fixed or pivotable, for example, a shower cubicle door or shower cubicle wall. The connecting body can also be mounted on a building wall, in which case the building wall constitutes the partition. The cover is a flat component that completely or partially covers the connecting body on a visible side to improve its appearance. The connecting body has at least one recess, wherein a projection is arranged on one wall of the recess, and wherein the projection is designed to hold an adhesive. The cover has at least one pin for insertion into the recess.A rubber-elastic holder is provided as an adhesive element, wherein the rubber-elastic holder is arranged on the projection and has an opening for receiving the pin. The rubber-elastic holder has a groove in an outer circumferential surface, the projection engaging in the groove.

[0009] The connecting body, with at least one recess and a projection arranged on the wall of the recess, can be advantageously manufactured as a casting without the need for subsequent fastening structures, such as a groove that would have to be produced after demolding, for example, by milling. The adhesive serves to hold the pin in the recess by friction. The recess can advantageously be continuous, with the projection being formed integrally with the connecting body, particularly as a one-piece casting. The plate-like connecting body can have two principal directions of extension that define a plane. The recess extends transversely to this plane. In particular, the recess has a cylindrical shape, and one axis of the cylindrical shape is arranged perpendicular to the plane. The axis of the cylindrical shape of the recess defines an axial direction.When axial, radial, and circumferential directions are used, they refer to the axis of the cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the recess may have a cuboid shape, for example, with a square cross-section in the plane. The cuboid shape also defines an axis perpendicular to the plane, so subsequent specifications regarding the axial direction can refer to the axis of the cuboid shape.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the projection can be shaped as a circumferential rib. This advantageously simple shape, which in the case of a cylindrical recess can also be referred to as a perforated disc, is readily manufactured as a one-piece casting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the rib can also be interrupted. In the case of a cuboid recess, for example, the rib can be arranged on only two opposite sides of the wall. The circumferential rib defines a rib plane, and the axis of the cylindrical or cuboid shape can be arranged perpendicular to the rib plane. The rib plane is thus, in particular, aligned parallel to the plane defined by the two principal extension directions of the connecting body. Furthermore, the circumferential rib can be arranged between the axial ends of the cylindrical or cuboid shape.The circumferential rib can extend radially into the recess over at least 10 percent and at most 40 percent of a radius of the cylindrical shape and axially over at least 10 percent and at most 40 percent of an axial length of the cylindrical shape or the cuboid shape.

[0011] An adhesive or a modeling clay could be used as an adhesive to hold the pin in the recess by means of static friction. According to the invention, a rubber-elastic holder is provided as the adhesive, wherein the rubber-elastic holder is arranged on the projection and has an opening for receiving the pin. The opening surrounds the pin and thus holds it in place by means of static friction. Accordingly, the dimensions of the pin and the opening are matched to each other. The outer shape of the rubber-elastic holder can be roughly adapted to the shape of the recess, i.e., cylindrical or torus-shaped for a cylindrical recess and cuboid-shaped for a cuboid-shaped recess.

[0012] According to the invention, the rubber-elastic holder has a groove in an outer circumferential surface, the projection engaging in the groove so that the rubber-elastic holder is advantageously positively connected to the connecting body in the axial direction. When the pin is inserted into the opening, the frictional force between its surfaces must be overcome. This advantageously prevents the positively connected rubber-elastic holder from shifting into the recess. In the axial direction, the pin is then positively connected to the rubber-elastic holder by static friction. For the purposes of the application, materials with the characteristic property of returning to their original shape after deformation are considered rubber-elastic. Polymers exhibit this property. After deformation based on the stretching of entire macromolecules or molecular segments, these return to the entropically more favorable coiled state. These include, among others...a. Butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene propylene diene rubber, fluororubber, natural rubber, polyurethane, chloroprene rubber, acrylonitrile / chlorinated polyethylene / styrene, ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene propylene copolymer, acrylonitrile / butadiene / acrylate, acrylonitrile / methyl methacrylate, isoprene rubber, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl butyral, styrene-butadiene rubber, vinyl chloride / ethylene, vinyl chloride / ethylene / methacrylate. With coefficients of friction typically between 0.5 and 1.4, these are also well suited as adhesives.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, at least two connecting bodies are provided, each connecting body forming a band section of a hinged band, the band sections being connected to each other in a hinge-like manner via at least one joint axis. A cover may be provided for each connecting body.

[0014] A further subject matter of the application relates to a method for manufacturing the previously described connecting device, wherein the connecting body is produced by injection molding. After demolding and cleaning, no further shaping process steps, in particular no machining process steps, are carried out. The adhesive is applied to the pin and the cover is attached to the connecting body by inserting the at least one pin into the recess.

[0015] Further features of the connecting device and the method for manufacturing the connecting device are described with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These show Figures 1 and 2 An embodiment of a connecting device as a hinge band, shown in a partial exploded view in various isometric views; Figure 3 the embodiment according to Figure 1as a partial exploded view in an isometric view; Figure 4 the embodiment according to Figure 1 in a side view; Figure 5 a section along line AA according to Figure 4 ; Figure 6 a detail of the cut according to Figure 5 ; Figures 7 to 9 a rubber-elastic holder in different views.

[0016] In the Figures 1 and 2 Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connecting device as a hinged band in various isometric views. Figures 1 and 2are described together. In the exemplary embodiment, the connecting device has two connecting bodies 1, 2 for arrangement on at least one partition wall (not shown) and a corresponding cover 4, 5 as a decorative trim for each of the connecting bodies 1, 2. In the partial exploded view, the covers 4, 5 are shown removed from the corresponding connecting bodies 1, 2. The connecting bodies 1, 2 form two band sections 9, 10 of a hinged band, wherein the band sections 9, 10 are connected to each other in a hinge-like manner via a joint 11. The connecting body 1 of the first band section 9 can be attached to a partition wall (not shown) or a building wall and has holes and / or slots 16 as fastening means for this purpose. The connecting body 2 of the second band section 10 can be attached to another partition wall (not shown), which may in particular be a partition wall or shower door made of glass.The connecting body 2 of the second band section 10 has, for example, internally threaded bolts as fastening means 16, which are guided through bores in the connecting body 2 and through the partition wall and connect it to a counter plate 3 on an opposite side of the partition wall. The person skilled in the art recognizes that other embodiments of the connecting device may have fewer or more connecting bodies 1, 2 and associated covers 4, 5, and may also be a rigid connecting device for a partition wall without a hinge.

[0017] The connecting bodies 1, 2 each have several recesses 7, and the covers 4, 5 each have pins 8 corresponding to the recesses 7 for insertion into the recess 7, wherein a projection is arranged on one wall of the recess 7 and wherein the projection is designed to hold an adhesive, which is explained in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 7 have a cylindrical shape, although other shapes, in particular a cuboid shape of the recess 7, are also possible.

[0018] In the Figure 3 is the embodiment according to Figure 1The diagram is again shown as a partial exploded view in an isometric perspective. Spatial directions X, Y, Z in the sense of a Cartesian coordinate system are indicated by corresponding arrows. These apply analogously to all representations of the connecting device. The covers 4, 5 are again shown separated from the associated connecting bodies 1, 2. In this embodiment, rubber-elastic retainers 12 are provided as adhesive elements. In the exploded view, the rubber-elastic retainers 12 of the connecting bodies 1, 2 are shown outside the recesses 7, so that the projections 17 are visible as circumferential ribs on the walls 18 of the recesses 7. For clarity, the projection 17 on the wall 18 is only labeled with reference numerals at one of the recesses 7. Each rubber-elastic retainer 12 has an opening 14 for receiving the pin 8.

[0019] In the Figure 4is the embodiment according to Figure 1 shown in a side view. In the Figure 5 is a section along line AA according to Figure 4 presented and Figure 6 shows an enlarged detail B of the section according to Figure 5 . The Figures 4 to 6The connecting body 2 is described together below. The connecting body 2 is connected to the counter plate 3, which has a corresponding threaded stud, by means of the internally threaded bolt 16. Section AA runs centrally through two of the recesses 7, one of which is shown in detail B. The projection 17 in the form of the circumferential rib is integrally formed with the connecting body 2, in particular as a casting. The connecting body 2 has two principal directions of extension in the spatial directions X and Y, which define a plane XY. The recess 7 has a cylindrical shape, with an axis A of the cylindrical shape being arranged perpendicular to the plane XY, i.e., parallel to the spatial direction X. The projection 17 in the form of the circumferential rib defines a rib plane parallel to the plane XY. The axis A of the cylindrical shape is thus also arranged perpendicular to the rib plane.The circumferential rib 17 is arranged between the axial ends of the recess 7. The rubber-elastic holders 12 have a groove 15 in an outer circumferential surface 19, with the projection 17 engaging in the groove 15. This creates a positive connection between the rubber-elastic holder 12 and the connecting body 2 in the axial direction Z. The pin 8 in the opening 14 is connected to the rubber-elastic holder 12 in the axial direction X by frictional force.

[0020] The Figures 7 to 9 Figure 1 shows the rubber-elastic holder 12 in various views, which are described together. The rubber-elastic holder 12 has a groove 15 in its outer circumferential surface 19 for attachment to the projection 17. The opening 14 of the rubber-elastic holder 12 is designed to receive the pin 8. Reference symbol list

[0021] 1 Connecting body 2 Connecting body 3 Counter plate 4 Cover 5 Cover 7 Recess 8 Pin 9 First band part 10 Second band part 11 Joint 12 Rubber elastic holder 14 Opening 15 Groove 16 Fastening device 17 Projection, circumferential rib 18 Wall of the recess 19 Outer circumferential surface A Axis B Detail X, Y, Z Spatial directions

Claims

1. Connecting device with at least one connecting body (1, 2) for arrangement on a partition wall and with at least one cover (4, 5) as a decorative panel for the connecting body, wherein the connecting body has at least one recess (7), wherein a protrusion (17) is arranged on a wall (18) of the recess and wherein the protrusion is designed to hold an adhesive means, wherein the cover has at least one pin (8) for insertion into the recess, wherein a rubber elastic retainer (12) is provided as adhesive means, wherein the rubber elastic retainer is arranged on the protrusion (17) and has an opening (14) for receiving the pin (8), characterised in that the rubber elastic retainer (12) has a groove (15) in an outer circumferential surface, wherein the protrusion engages in the groove.

2. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the protrusion (17) is designed in one piece with the connecting body (1, 2), in particular as a cast part.

3. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the protrusion (17) is shaped as a circumferential rib.

4. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting body (1, 2) has two main directions of extension which define a plane, wherein the recess (7) has a cylindrical shape and wherein an axis of the cylindrical shape is arranged perpendicular to the plane.

5. Connecting device according to claim 3, characterised in that the circumferential rib defines a rib plane, wherein the axis of the cylindrical shape is arranged perpendicular to the rib plane6. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the circumferential rib is arranged between axial ends of the cylindrical shape.

7. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, characterised in that the circumferential rib extends in radial direction over at least ten percent and at most 40 percent of a radius of the cylindrical shape into the recess.

8. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 7, characterised in that the circumferential rib extends in axial direction over at least ten percent and at most 40 percent of an axial length of the cylindrical shape.

9. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rubber elastic retainer is positively connected to the connecting body (1, 2) in the axial direction.

10. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pin (8) is frictionally connected in the axial direction to the rubber elastic retainer (12).

11. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least two connecting bodies (1, 2) are provided, wherein each connecting body forms a hinge part (9, 10) of a hinge, wherein the hinge parts are connected to one another in a hinge-like manner via at least one joint (11) and wherein a cover (4, 5) is provided for each connecting body.

12. Method for producing a connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting body (1, 2) is made by mould casting.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterised in that the adhesive means is arranged on the protrusion.