SPRING FRAME

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a spring frame for supporting a mattress or upholstery, comprising several profile elements surrounding a support surface and several slats spanning the support surface, each extending between two opposing profile elements, the two ends of which can each be connected to a profile element by means of a connecting element, in particular fixed to it, wherein at least a part of the profile elements is provided with two longitudinal grooves parallel to each other, extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective profile element, wherein the two grooves are offset from each other in height and perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the respective profile element and parallel to the plane of the support surface with respect to the support surface of the spring frame.and wherein the connecting elements have at least two ribs or projections running parallel to each other and offset from each other according to the longitudinal grooves of the profile elements, each of which can be inserted into one of the two grooves in order to connect the connecting element to the respective profile element.

[0002] These types of spring frames can be used particularly in caravans or in the cabins of trucks or boats. In conventional spring frames, the connecting elements are riveted to the profile elements. This is labor-intensive and increases the weight of the spring frame.

[0003] A spring frame with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 20 2004 010 852 U1. Similar spring frames are also known from DE 84 29 877 U1, DE 23 18 513 A1 and DE 76 25 905 U1.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] This problem is solved by a spring frame of the type mentioned above with the features of claim 1.

[0006] The staggered arrangement of the longitudinal grooves of the profile elements, not only perpendicular to the plane of the support surface but also perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the respective profile element and parallel to the plane of the support surface, allows the connecting elements to be inserted into the longitudinal grooves of the profile elements in a straight line from above. This is achieved in particular by ensuring that the groove openings face upwards with respect to the support surface and the ribs or projections of the connecting elements face downwards. This makes it possible to design the connection between the ribs or projections of the connecting elements and the longitudinal grooves of the profile elements as a clamping and / or snap-in connection. Therefore, fastening by rivets or screws is unnecessary. This can reduce the weight of the spring frame.

[0007] According to the invention, simple insertion of the connecting elements from above is also facilitated by the fact that the profile elements above the groove openings are designed without profile sections and the ribs or projections cantilever freely from the connecting elements, i.e., that the connecting elements are designed without component sections in the direction of the support surface below the ribs or projections.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, one or both longitudinal grooves are arranged in the region of a longitudinal edge of the respective profile element. Similarly, the ribs or projections of the connecting elements can advantageously be arranged in the region of an edge of the respective connecting element facing the profile element.

[0009] The connecting elements preferably each have a receptacle, in particular a pocket, for one end of a strip designed as a spring strip or support strip for spring elements arranged thereon. This ensures a secure connection between the strips and the connecting elements.

[0010] Due to the inventive design of the connection between profile elements and connecting elements, the slats of the spring frame can each be pre-fitted with a connecting element at both ends and inserted as a whole from above into the longitudinal grooves of two opposing profile elements. This enables particularly simple and therefore cost-effective assembly of the spring frame. According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the two longitudinal grooves of the profile elements has an undercut, and at least one rib of each connecting element has a locking hook which engages behind the undercut when the connecting element is installed. This results in an advantageous snap-fit ​​connection.

[0011] According to an advantageous further embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the profile elements are provided with a series of recesses or lugs, and the connecting elements are each reciprocally provided with a lug or a recess, the lugs being designed for positive engagement with the recesses. The positive engagement of the lugs with the recesses secures the connecting elements relative to the profile elements. This prevents unintentional displacement of the connecting elements in the longitudinal direction of the profile elements, even without riveting.

[0012] Following a further advantageous development, the recesses or lugs of the profile elements are provided according to a predetermined grid dimension. This allows the spacing of the connecting elements from each other along the length of the profile elements, and thus also the spacing of the strips they accommodate, to be predetermined. This also simplifies assembly and therefore reduces costs.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the recesses or lugs of the profile elements are provided on the outer wall of a groove, and the lugs or recesses of the connecting elements are provided on an associated rib or projection. This is also advantageous in manufacturing.

[0014] The profile elements are preferably made of aluminum. Other materials such as wood or plastic are also possible. The connecting elements are preferably made of plastic.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, two butted ends of two profile elements are connected to each other via an angle-adjustable corner element. This makes it possible to produce spring frames with different geometries, which can also deviate from a rectangular geometry.

[0016] The angle of the corner elements is preferably determined by a counter bearing. The counter bearing preferably has at least two offset ribs or projections, each of which can be inserted into one of the two longitudinal grooves of the profile elements to connect the corner element to the two profile elements. This utilizes the longitudinal grooves of the profile elements to also secure the corner elements to the profile elements.

[0017] Preferably, the counter bearings also have lugs or recesses that can be inserted into reciprocally shaped recesses or lugs of the profile elements in a form-fitting manner. Thus, the counter bearings can also be positioned relative to the longitudinal extent of the profile elements.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting elements and counter bearings are attached to the profile elements only via the ribs or projections and, if applicable, the lugs or recesses. This eliminates the need for rivets or screws to connect the connecting elements or counter bearings to the profile elements, thus reducing costs and weight.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and described below. They show, schematically, Fig. 1 a perspective view of a corner region of a spring frame according to the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a section of a profile element with an inserted connecting element and a connecting element before insertion, Fig. 3 a side view of the profile element of Fig. 2 with a connecting element inserted and a connecting element not yet inserted, and Fig. 4 the joint area of ​​two profile elements with corner connector and counter bearing.

[0020] The in Fig. 1The spring frame 1 shown (only one corner section is depicted) consists of four profile elements 2, each connected at right angles to the others via corner elements 3 and surrounding a support surface 4. Between two opposing profile elements 2 (only one profile element is depicted), several support rails 5 are arranged, each carrying a plurality of spring elements 6 for supporting a mattress or upholstery element. Instead of the support rails 5 with spring elements 6, spring rails could also be provided, which in turn support a mattress or upholstery element. The support rails 5 are connected at both ends to the associated profile element 2 via connecting elements 7, as described in detail below.

[0021] In the Fig. 2 and 3The connection between the connecting elements 7 and an associated profile element 2 is shown in detail. The profile element 2 shown has two longitudinal grooves 8 and 9, each with a groove opening 31 facing upwards with respect to the support surface 4. The longitudinal grooves 8 and 9 are offset from each other vertically with respect to the support surface 4, perpendicular to the longitudinal extent I of the profile element 2, and parallel to the support surface 4. The groove 8, which is lower with respect to the support surface 4, has an undercut 10 and a series of recesses 11, of which only one is visible. The recesses 11 are arranged according to a predetermined grid dimension. The longitudinal grooves 8 and 9 are each located in the region of a longitudinal edge 32 of the profile element 2.

[0022] The connecting elements 7 shown have an approximately triangular cross-section. They have a rear wall 12 perpendicular to the support surface 4 and a lower wall 13 running parallel to the support surface 4. Furthermore, the connecting elements 7 are laterally bounded by two essentially triangular side walls 14. Finally, an intermediate wall 15, also running parallel to the support surface 4, is provided approximately in the middle of the connecting element 7, which, together with the lower wall 13 and the two side walls 14, forms a receiving pocket 16 for the end of a strip 5.

[0023] At the upper end of the rear wall 12, and thus in the area of ​​an edge 33 pointing towards the profile element 2, an angled section 17 pointing away from the pocket 16 is provided, on which two projections 18, pointing towards the lower wall 13, are freely cantilevered. As can be seen in Fig. 3As can be seen, the projections 18 are designed for positive engagement with the upper groove 9. Between the lower end of the rear wall 12 and the lower wall 13 of the connecting element 7, and thus in the area of ​​an edge 33 of the connecting element 7 facing the profile element 2, a recess 19 is provided, which is defined by an upper edge 20 and a lateral edge 21. Three projections 22 are formed on the upper edge 20, which, like the projections 18, project freely towards the lower wall 13. As can also be seen in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the projections 22 are designed for positive engagement with the lower groove 8. The projections 22 have locking lugs 23 which engage behind the undercut 10 of the lower groove 8 in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0024] In Fig. 2It can be seen that the connecting elements 7 are provided with recesses 24 in the area of ​​the upper projections 18 and with recesses 25 in the area of ​​the lower projections 22. This allows for easy demolding of a connecting element 7 manufactured as a plastic injection molded part. Finally, it is particularly evident in Fig. 2 It can be seen that the central projection 22 of the connecting elements 7 is provided with a lug 26. The lug 26 is designed such that it can engage positively in a recess 11 of the lower longitudinal groove 8 of the profile element 2. This secures the respective connecting element 7 relative to the longitudinal extent I of the profile element 2. Furthermore, the recesses 11 determine the position in which the connecting elements 7 are to be mounted.

[0025] In Fig. 4Figure 2 shows how two butted profile elements 2 are connected to each other via an angle-adjustable corner connector 27. The corner connector 27 consists of two parts 27a and 27b, which are rotatably connected to each other via a hinge-like element 28. A counter bearing 29 is provided to define an adjustment angle. This counter bearing consists of two parts 29a and 29b, which are pivotably connected to each other via a film hinge 30. The two parts 29a and 29b of the counter bearing 29 can be connected to the two profile elements 2 in the same way as the connecting elements 7, i.e., via upper and lower projections that engage positively in the upper groove 9 and the lower groove 8 of the profile elements 2. Here, too, the lower projections can be provided with locking lugs that can engage the undercut 10 of the lower groove 8 in a snap-fit ​​manner.Furthermore, the lower projections can be provided with lugs which can engage positively in a recess 11 of a profile element 2, thereby fixing the two parts 29a and 29b of the counter bearing 29 relative to the longitudinal extent of the respective profile element 2. This also determines the adjustment angle of the corner element 27. The corner element 7 and the counter bearing 29 can each be made of plastic. Reference symbol list

[0026] 1 Spring frame 2 Profile element 3 Fixed corner element 4 Support surface 5 Support strip 6 Spring element 7 Connecting element 8 Lower groove 9 Upper groove 10 Undercut 11 Recess 12 Back panel 13 Lower wall 14 Side panel 15 Partition 16 Mounting pocket 17 Angled section 18 Projection 19 Recess 20 Top edge 21 Side edge 22 Projection 23 Locking hook 24 Recess 25 Recess 26 Nose 27 Angle-adjustable corner element 27a, 27b Part of 27 28 Hinge element 29 Counter bearing 29a, 29b Part of 29 30 Film hinge 31 Groove opening 32 Longitudinal edge of 2 33 Edge of 7 Longitudinal extension of 2

Claims

1. A spring frame for supporting a mattress or an upholstery comprising a plurality of profile elements (2) surrounding a support surface (4) and a plurality of slats (5) which span the support surface, which each extend between two mutually oppositely disposed profile elements (2) and whose two ends can be connected to one of the profile elements (2), in particular can be fixed thereto, by means of a connection element (7) in each case, wherein at least some of the profile elements (2) are provided with two mutually parallel longitudinal grooves (8, 9) which extend in the longitudinal direction (I) of the respective profile element (2), wherein the two grooves (8, 9), with respect to the support surface (4) of the spring frame (1), are offset from one another in height and perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (I) of the respective profile element (2) and parallel to the plane of the support surface (4), and wherein the connection elements (7) have at least two ribs or projections (18, 22) which extend parallel to one another, which are arranged offset from one another in accordance with the longitudinal grooves (8, 9) of the profile elements (2) and which can each be inserted into one of the two grooves (8, 9) in order to connect the connection element (7) to the respective profile element (2), wherein the groove openings (31) of the longitudinal grooves (8, 9) each face upwardly with respect to the support surface (4) and the ribs or projections (18, 22) of the connection elements (7) face downwardly and the profile elements (2) above the groove openings (31) are formed free of profile sections, and wherein the ribs or projections (18, 22) project freely from the connection elements (7).

2. A spring frame according to claim 1, characterized in that one or both longitudinal grooves (8, 9) are arranged in the region of a longitudinal edge (32) of the respective profile element (2) and / or in that the ribs or projections (18, 22) are arranged in the region of an edge (33) of the respective connection element (7), said edge facing the profile element (2).

3. A spring frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection elements (7) each have a receiver (16), in particular a pocket, for one end of a slat (5) configured as a spring slat or a support slat with spring elements (6) arranged thereon.

4. A spring frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case at least one longitudinal groove (8) of the profile elements (2) and an associated rib or an associated projection (22) of the connection elements (7) form a clamping connection and / or a snap-in connection with one another, wherein, preferably, in each case at least one of the two longitudinal grooves (8) of the profile elements (2) is provided with an undercut (10) and in each case at least one rib or a projection (22) of the connection elements (7) is provided with a latch hook (23) which engages behind the undercut (10) when the connection element (7) is mounted.

5. A spring frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the profile elements (2) are provided with a series of cut-outs (11) or noses, and in that the connection elements (7) are reciprocally provided with a nose (26) or a cut-out, wherein the noses (26) are configured for a form-fitting engagement into the cut-outs (11).

6. A spring frame according to claim 5, characterized in that the cut-outs (11) or noses of the profile elements (2) are arranged in accordance with a predefined grid dimension.

7. A spring frame according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the cut-outs (11) or noses of the profile elements (2) are provided at the outer wall of a groove (8) and the noses (26) or cut-outs of the connection elements (7) are provided at an associated rib or an associated projection (22).

8. A spring frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile elements (2) are composed of aluminum and / or in that the connection elements (7) are composed of plastic.

9. A spring frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two mutually slotted ends of two profile elements (2) are connected to one another via an angle-adjustable corner element (27).

10. A spring frame according to claim 9, characterized in that the setting angle of the corner element (27) can be defined by a counter bearing (29).

11. A spring frame according to claim 10, characterized in that the counter bearing has at least two mutually offset ribs or projections which can each be inserted into one of the two longitudinal grooves (8, 9) of the profile elements (2) in order to connect the counter bearing (29) to the two profile elements (2).

12. A spring frame according to claim 11, characterized in that the counter bearing (29) has noses or cut-outs which can be inserted in a form-fitting manner into reciprocally formed cut-outs (11) or noses of the profile elements (2).

13. A spring frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection elements (7) and / or the counter bearing (29) is / are only connected to the profile elements (2) via the ribs or projections (18, 22) and, if applicable, the noses or cut-outs.