Functional fitting or semifinished functional fitting including a biogenic material, for connecting and / or movement function

Abstract

A functional fitting (100) or semifinished functional fitting for providing a connecting function and / or a movement function when mounted to a device (102), the functional fitting (100) or the semifinished functional fitting being at least to some extent, in particular mainly, formed from a biogenic material.

Description

[0001] Functional fitting or semi-finished functional fitting with biogenic material for connection function and / or movement function

[0002] The invention relates to functional fittings or semi-finished functional fittings, an arrangement and a manufacturing method.

[0003] Traditionally, fittings are protective, connecting, functional or operating elements, usually made of metal, which were originally attached to wooden components by nails: furniture, doors, windows and other building elements can be fitted with such fittings.

[0004] Plastic fittings are also traditionally used in furniture construction. They offer the advantage of custom moldability, effective manufacturing, and a lighter weight than comparable steel fittings. Despite the many advantages of these plastic fittings, however, the ecological disposal of such plastic fittings presents a problem. Plastic fittings are generally difficult to compost. Furthermore, plastic fittings result in a poor carbon footprint.

[0005] Furthermore, composite materials, particularly lightweight panels, are traditionally used in furniture construction. They offer the advantage of individual formability and a lighter weight compared to comparable solid furniture components. Despite the many user-friendly advantages of composite materials in furniture components, the ecological disposal of such furniture components remains a problem. Individual components such as decorative films or adhesives are generally difficult to compost. Alternative furniture disposal methods, for example, in waste incineration plants, have a negative impact on the carbon dioxide footprint of the disposal. Well-known solutions in the field of furniture and lightweight construction applications include cabinet systems with cardboard-based furniture components; however, the biological degradation of adhesives or decorative films, to protect against deformation due to moisture absorption, is often not taken into account.

[0006] WO 2009 / 047008 A1 discloses an assembly consisting of at least two polymer strips, with a fiber composite connecting the polymer strips at the edges. The fiber composite and polymer strips are bonded together.

[0007] EP 2 376 731 B1 discloses a fitting, in particular for mounting on furniture, with one or more molded parts which are at least partially made of plastic, wherein at least one molded part is made of a biodegradable plastic.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of enabling the production of a functional fitting which is designed in an environmentally friendly manner and enables reliable installation on a device.

[0009] This object is achieved by the subject matter according to the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention arise from the dependent claims.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a functional fitting or a semi-finished functional fitting is provided for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when mounted on a device, wherein the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting is formed at least partially (for example, predominantly) from biogenic material. According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a functional fitting or semi-finished functional fitting is provided for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when mounted on a device, wherein the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting is formed from at least two interacting parts, and wherein at least one of the parts is formed predominantly or entirely from biogenic material and at least one other of the parts is formed predominantly or entirely from non-biogenic material.

[0011] According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an arrangement is provided comprising a device and a functional fitting having the features described above, which is mounted on the device to provide a connecting function and / or a movement function.

[0012] According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method for producing a functional fitting or functional fitting semi-finished product for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when mounted on a device is provided, wherein the method comprises forming the functional fitting or the functional fitting semi-finished product at least partially (for example predominantly) from a biogenic material.

[0013] In the context of this application, the term "functional fitting" can be understood in particular as a component that is intended to be attached to a device in order to provide a connecting function and / or a movement function there. In particular, functional fittings can therefore be all types of connecting aids (but not mere gluing aids). Preferably, one function of a functional fitting can be to connect a movable part (for example, a cabinet door leaf, building door leaf, or window leaf) to another movable or immovable part (for example, a wall frame or a side part of a piece of furniture).

[0014] Functional fittings can, in particular, be hinges and bands that enable the movement of leaves or the like. Furthermore, functional fittings include locks and associated components that serve to lock building elements. The term "functional fitting" can therefore, in particular, refer to components that have a connecting and / or movement function. In particular, such functional fittings can be used for interior fittings (e.g., as door hinges, door handles, door locks) and furniture fittings. In addition to their connecting and / or movement function, fittings can optionally also have a decorative effect. Fittings include, in particular, dynamic fittings (especially those that enable pivoting, turning, and / or sliding) and static fittings (e.g., those with a mere connecting function without a movement function).

[0015] In the context of this application, the term "functional fitting semi-finished product" can be understood in particular as a pre-material or a preform, in particular prefabricated, further in particular pre-shaped, workpiece raw material or a semi-finished product. Such a semi-finished product can, for example, be formed from a material that has already been brought into a desired geometric shape in order to produce one or more functional fittings from it (for example, by simply cutting to length). One functional fitting or several functional fittings can be produced from a functional fitting semi-finished product, for example, by cutting individual functional fittings from a semi-finished profile.

[0016] In the context of this application, the term "connecting function" can be understood in particular as the function of a functional fitting that connects components of a device to one another, either alone or in cooperation with at least one other component. For example, the device can be a cabinet with side panels and a pivoting front door, wherein one or more functional fittings can effect or contribute to the connection between the side panels and the front door. The connection formed by the functional fitting can in particular be a positive or non-positive connection.

[0017] In the context of this application, the term "movement function" can be understood in particular as the function of a functional fitting which, alone or in cooperation with at least one other component, moves components of a device relative to one another or which is to be moved relative to a connected device. The provided movement function can be a pivoting movement, a rotational movement and / or a longitudinal movement. For example, the device can be a sliding door with a frame and a sliding door, wherein one or more functional fittings can cause or contribute to the sliding of the sliding door relative to the frame. In another example, the functional fitting can mediate or control a pivoting movement between a door and a body of a piece of furniture as a hinge or hinge component.

[0018] In the context of this application, the term "biogenic material" can be understood in particular as material that is of biological or organic origin or that has been derived from living organisms. Biogenic material therefore originates from plants and / or animals. Biogenic material is therefore not obtained through chemical synthesis processes, but is a metabolic product. In particular, biogenic materials include renewable raw materials, which do not include fossil raw materials. In the context of this application, the term "predominantly from biogenic material" can be understood in particular as meaning that biogenic material represents the main component of the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting. The weight proportion of the biogenic material in the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can therefore be more than 50%, in particular more than 70%, in each case based on the entire functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a functional fitting (and an associated semi-finished product) is created which (or which) comprises, as a component (preferably as a main component), biogenic material from raw materials of plant and / or animal origin. Thus, associated functional fittings can be manufactured at least partially, and preferably predominantly or even entirely, from renewable raw materials (in particular from all types of biogenic fibers) or biogenic recyclate, which ensures sustainable production and a good ecological balance of the functional fitting. Consequently, such functional fittings can be designed in an environmentally friendly manner.Furthermore, it has been shown that functional fittings based on biogenic materials demonstrate high robustness even under harsh environmental conditions, enabling reliable installation on a device (e.g., a furniture cabinet) without compromising the functionality or reliability of the corresponding assembly. In particular, biogenic functional fittings can be manufactured with sufficient mechanical robustness to be ideally suited for connection or movement functions. This advantageously combines environmentally friendly production with high fault tolerance.For example, if a device (e.g. a piece of furniture) to be equipped with at least one functional fitting is also made of a biogenic, natural and / or recyclable material, an arrangement of device and functional fitting can be recycled together at the end of its service life.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, a multi-part functional fitting is provided, consisting of at least one component made of a biogenic material and at least one further component made of non-biogenic material. According to such an embodiment, the advantageous properties of biogenic materials can be synergistically combined with those of non-biogenic materials.

[0021] In the following, additional designs of the functional fittings or semi-finished functional fittings, the arrangement and the method are described.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting or semi-finished functional fitting can be made of at least 80 percent by weight, in particular at least 90 percent by weight, and more particularly entirely, biogenic material. Thus, with the exception of minor additives, almost the entire functional fitting can be made of biogenic materials, further improving the ecological balance. Even the complete production of functional fittings from biogenic materials may be possible.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can be formed predominantly or entirely from plant material. In particular, the entire biogenic material can be plant material. The biogenic material is preferably free of fossil materials. Preferably, the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can be formed from at least 80 percent by weight, in particular at least 90 percent by weight, of plant material. Renewable plant material is environmentally and climate-friendly, is reliable and available in large quantities, and enables the production of functional fittings with high mechanical stability.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can comprise a binder, in particular an adhesive (e.g., glue), in addition to the biogenic material. Such a binder can improve the intrinsic cohesion of the materials of the functional fitting and thereby further enhance the mechanical robustness of the manufactured functional fitting. For example, a binder can also comprise biogenic material (e.g., natural resin, in particular tree resin) and / or non-biogenic material (e.g., synthetic resin).

[0025] According to one embodiment, the binder can be a recyclable binder. For example, a high-performance adhesive for use as a binder may not be biodegradable itself, but may be biodegradable. Thus, the binder can be returned to the cycle, i.e., recycled.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can additionally comprise a biodegradable additive. In other words, the biogenic material of the functional fitting or the associated semi-finished product can be mixed with one or more additives, which can be selected to fine-tune the desired properties of the material of the functional fitting or the associated semi-finished product. By using biodegradable additives, biogenic functional fittings with freely adjustable properties can be created.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can be free of plastic and / or metal. By manufacturing the functional fitting or the associated semi-finished product without plastic, the environmental impact and recyclability of the functional fitting can be further improved. In particular, this allows furniture to be manufactured without any plastic. Metal-free functional fittings or their semi-finished products can be recycled particularly easily.

[0028] In another embodiment, the functional fitting can be made from a combination of biogenic material in combination with metal, ceramic, and / or plastic. Such a design, in which a predominant amount of biogenic material is combined with metallic, ceramic, and / or plastic additives, can be used to achieve very special properties of functional fittings.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can have a density in a range of 200 kg / m 3 up to 1200 kg / m 3 , especially in a range of 400 kg / m 3 up to 800 kg / m 3 Preferably, the functional fitting based on plant material (especially wood) can be pressed to such an extent that the functional fitting has approximately the same density as wood. This ensures reliable mechanical robustness of the functional fitting, which is particularly advantageous for connection and movement functions.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can have a density of at least 1000 kg / m 3have. Such highly compacted biogenic materials can be particularly robust against compressive loads. According to one exemplary embodiment, the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can be designed in several parts, wherein at least one of the parts of the functional fitting or semi-finished functional fitting is predominantly made of biogenic material. For example, a functional fitting can be designed as a pair of interacting fitting parts. For example, a two-part functional fitting can be produced, one part of which can be a guide body and the other part of which can be a body guided in the guide body. The guide body and / or the guided body can, for example, form parts of a sliding door. At least one of the guide body and the guided body, preferably both, can be made predominantly of biogenic material.Alternatively, the functional fitting can also be formed from two or more parts, one of which is predominantly made of biogenic material and the other predominantly made of a non-biogenic material (for example, a dimensionally stable material such as metal, plastic, ceramic and / or a non-dimensionally stable material such as fluid). For example, a part of a functional fitting that is exposed to the highest mechanical stress during operation can be made from a material that has even greater mechanical robustness than biogenic material. Multi-part, interacting fitting components can form a static fitting without degrees of freedom of movement or a dynamic fitting with at least one translational degree of freedom, at least one rotational degree of freedom and / or at least one rotational degree of freedom.In another alternative embodiment, the functional fitting can be formed from a biogenic material and an insert and / or onsert made of a non-biogenic material in order to create regions of different densities and / or elastic moduli. The different materials can form a cohesive and / or positive and / or force-fitting connection. Alternatively, nanoscale fillers can be added to the biogenic base material to enable the creation or influencing of one or more properties, preferably at least one property. These can be mechanical properties such as increased tensile strength, increased compressive strength, increased density, increased toughness, higher elastic modulus, greater hardness, but also other properties such as improved thermal stability, lower water absorption, or lower shrinkage.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the biogenic material can comprise biogenic fibers, in particular plant fibers, and more particularly wood fibers. Such fibers can be linear structures made of a biogenic fiber material. Said biogenic fibers can be natural fibers. Particularly preferred wood fibers can be elongated, axially arranged wood cells, which naturally serve to strengthen the wood. Due to their high strength, wood fibers are particularly well suited for the production of functional fittings.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the surfaces of the biogenic fibers can be modified in a predetermined manner using special surface treatment processes, such as microwave plasma or corona treatment and / or ultrasound processes, in order to open up and further refine the fibers in a defined manner. This can enable or improve properties such as dyeability, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, adhesive strength, and / or friction reduction.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the biogenic material may comprise one or more of the following materials:

[0034] -Solid wood;

[0035] -branches and / or twigs;

[0036] -roots;

[0037] -Bark;

[0038] -foliage;

[0039] -flowers; -fruits;

[0040] -cores;

[0041] -stones;

[0042] -Peel;

[0043] -mechanically processed wood;

[0044] -chemically treated wood;

[0045] -Wood material;

[0046] -Paper material;

[0047] -Shives;

[0048] -fiber nonwovens;

[0049] -fiber fabric;

[0050] -fiber fabric; and / or

[0051] -natural polymers.

[0052] The materials mentioned are inexpensive, readily available, renewable, and highly suitable for creating robust functional fittings. Two, three, four, or more of the materials mentioned can be used for a functional fitting, just as easily as just one of them. By selecting a single material or combining several of them, the properties of a functional fitting can be specifically tailored.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting or semi-finished functional fitting can be designed as a furniture element functional fitting. Examples of functional fittings used for furniture elements are hinges and bands. Hinges can include, for example, cup hinges, flap hinges, folding door hinges, glass door hinges, screw-on hinges, drill-in cylinder hinges, box hinges, casket hinges, film hinges, etc. A furniture hinge or furniture hinge can be understood in particular as a pivot joint through which a furniture door is attached to a carcass. According to one embodiment, the furniture element functional fitting can be a hinge element, a connecting element, a sliding door element, and / or a guide glider.A hinge can be understood as a rotatable joint with only one degree of freedom, which can be used in particular as a functional fitting for flaps on furniture and containers. A connecting element can connect different components of a device to one another, for example, by bridging them to form a coupling. A sliding door element can be mounted between a sliding door and an associated frame in order to enable the sliding door to be moved relative to the frame. A guide slider can be a sliding component that can be moved in or along a guide structure (e.g., a guide rail).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting or the semi-finished functional fitting can be designed as an angle piece, in particular as a 90° angle piece. At least one additional functional component can be attached or connected to such an angle piece. For example, two components of a device can be connected using an angle piece. For example, a 90° angle piece can be inserted into a side part of a device with a form-fitting fit.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the device can be a property or a movable object. A property can, for example, be a building with wall openings into which doors and / or windows can be installed. A functional fitting made from biogenic material can, for example, be designed to connect doors or windows to walls of the building. For example, a functional fitting can enable or contribute to pivoting a door or window relative to a door frame or window frame. Alternatively, the device can also be a mobile device, for example a piece of furniture (e.g., a cupboard) or a logistics device (e.g., an industrial shelving unit).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the device can be a piece of furniture (e.g., a cabinet, a chair, a table, or a bed). According to exemplary embodiments, functional fittings can preferably be designed to connect different components of a piece of furniture. For example, a cabinet body can have a rear wall, side panels, and a pivoting front door. The connection between the pivoting front door and the side panels can be formed using at least one functional fitting made of biogenic material.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the functional fitting can be inserted, in particular pressed, into a recess in the device with a form-fitting fit. Pressing such a functional fitting, which is made from biogenic material, into a recess or hole in the corresponding device enables particularly simple installation. This eliminates the need for additional fastening elements, such as screws or nails, for attaching a functional fitting to the device.

[0058] Alternatively, a functional fitting based on biogenic material can be mounted on a device by means of at least one fastening element, such as a screw or a nail.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the method for producing the functional fitting can comprise pressing the material of the functional fitting or semi-finished functional fitting under high pressure, in particular under a pressure of at least 100 bar, more particularly of at least 1000 bar. The functional fitting based on biogenic material can most advantageously be produced by pressing the biogenic material under high pressure. For example, a pressed wood part can be produced in this way. A functional fitting pressed under high pressure can exhibit particularly high mechanical robustness, which can approach the mechanical load-bearing capacity of conventional metallic or plastic fittings, while at the same time demonstrating good environmental compatibility.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the method may comprise pressing the material of the functional fitting or semi-finished functional fitting at a temperature above normal temperature, in particular at least 100°C, further in particular at least 120°C. Surprisingly, it has been found that heating the biogenic starting material during the pressing described above to a temperature above 100°C, and particularly advantageously at least 120°C, results in a particularly homogeneous functional fitting with particularly high strength.

[0061] For example, the pressing of biogenic material (possibly including additives) to produce a functional fitting or an associated semi-finished product can be carried out by means of piston extrusion, extruder pressing, roller pressing or using a press chamber process.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the method may comprise pressing the material of the functional fitting or semi-finished functional fitting in a mold, in particular in a metal mold (preferably an aluminum mold). Pressing biogenic material at high pressure and high temperature in a suitably shaped tool mold allows the production of a compact with excellent properties as a functional fitting. According to one embodiment, the method may comprise primary forming and / or reshaping of the predominantly biogenic material to produce the functional fitting or semi-finished functional fitting. In this context, "primary forming" can be understood in particular as manufacturing processes in which a solid body with a geometrically defined shape is produced from a formless material. Starting materials in liquid, gaseous, plastic, granular, and / or powdery states can be used for primary forming.Furthermore, in this context, "forming" can be understood in particular as manufacturing processes in which blanks made of malleable materials are deliberately shaped into a different form without removing or adding material from the blanks. Examples of manufacturing processes in forming technology include rolling, open-die forging, drop forging, impact extrusion, extrusion, deep drawing, and bending.

[0063] Further embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures.

[0064] They show:

[0065] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of an arrangement with a functional fitting according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0066] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of an arrangement with a functional fitting according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0067] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an arrangement with a functional fitting according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view of an arrangement with a functional fitting according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0068] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of an arrangement with a functional fitting according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0069] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for producing a functional fitting according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0070] Corresponding elements are designated with corresponding reference symbols in different figures.

[0071] Before exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the figures, some general considerations are described on the basis of which exemplary embodiments of the invention were found.

[0072] Traditionally, raw materials for metal and plastic fittings are extracted from the lithosphere, which at the end of the product's life cycle can lead to the enrichment of the atmosphere with carbon oxides (particularly carbon dioxide equivalents) and, at the same time, significantly contaminates a valuable material consisting of rod- and panel-shaped wood and / or wood-based materials that could be recycled separately. Separating the materials is sometimes very problematic and often only possible with significant time and energy expenditure, as well as costly manual disassembly and sorting steps.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, a functional fitting (or its semi-finished precursor) is produced predominantly from biogenic material. For example, such a functional fitting can be a furniture hinge. Such a functional fitting can advantageously be designed to provide, when mounted on a corresponding device (for example, a furniture cabinet), a connecting function for connecting components of the device to one another and / or a movement function for moving components of the device relative to one another or of the device relative to the functional fitting. The production of such a functional fitting from a biogenic material as the main constituent leads to environmentally and climate-friendly manufacturability without compromising the mechanical strength required for such a functional fitting.In particular, a functional fitting according to an exemplary embodiment (as well as an associated semi-finished product) can be manufactured from renewable raw materials and recyclates.

[0074] For example, such a functional fitting and a corresponding semi-finished functional fitting can be used for artisanal and industrial furniture and interior design of furniture and real estate. Advantageously, such a functional fitting and a corresponding semi-finished product can be manufactured from renewable raw materials and recyclates, which can be provided at least predominantly based on biogenic fibers. This advantageously leads to a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the interests of climate protection and a sustainable circular economy.

[0075] In particular, functional fittings according to embodiments of the invention can be assigned a permanent or temporary mechanical connection function. Such mechanical connections include rigid flat, right-angled, oblique-angled, T-shaped, and cross-shaped frame and panel corner connections, structural connections of components and entire objects, as well as locks and catches for front elements, as well as connections with specific translational and / or rotational degrees of freedom that allow targeted sliding and / or rotating movements. Therefore, corresponding functional fittings are suitable, for example, as parts of drawers, sliding, and / or revolving doors.

[0076] A semi-finished functional fitting can, in particular, be a dimensionally stable, rod- or plate-shaped precursor in a preliminary stage of the final product to be manufactured from it, which can be a functional fitting. The manufacturing processes of forming, separating, joining, coating, and modifying the material properties can be used to process the semi-finished product into a functional fitting or into a component of a functional fitting. For example, such manufacturing can include cutting a sliding door guide profile to length, formatting and bending a sheet metal, or separating a component from a sprue structure, or the like.

[0077] Functional fittings (e.g., including gluing aids such as dowels, slats, springs, and the like) and semi-finished products for the artisanal and industrial furniture and interior design of movable property and real estate can, for example, be connected to the wide or narrow surfaces of rod- and / or plate-shaped components using a form-fitting, force-fitting, material-fitting, or combined connection (i.e., using at least two of the aforementioned joining techniques in combination). This can be achieved, for example, by inserting or inserting into corresponding recesses (e.g., holes or millings) in the components, as well as by self-tapping screwing and / or gluing, bonding, or welding to the components (preferably on the wide surfaces) and then clamping or screwing the functional fitting elements.In particular, the screw connection points can be specially prepared by using expansion or threaded sleeves, threaded claws, cross nuts, turn nuts, inserts, adhesive anchors, cold melt anchors, rotational friction welding domes and the like (particularly when using lightweight, for example hollow-core sandwich panels).

[0078] Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide functional fittings (preferably including bonding aids) and / or associated semi-finished products based entirely or predominantly on biogenic material. Preferably, such functional fittings are manufactured using, in particular, plant-based primary or secondary fibers and optionally small amounts (preferably less than 20 percent by weight, more preferably less than 10 percent by weight) of binding agents in primary forming processes and / or forming processes, as well as non-cutting and / or chip-removing separation processes. Advantageously, in the spirit of the circular economy, significant portions of the material of the functional fittings can be recycled (particularly together with furniture components) at the end of their service life.

[0079] During their growth, plant raw materials absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and growth processes and bind it. This directly reduces the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide bound in the raw material is removed from the carbon cycle for the duration of the use phases (preferably several use phases in the sense of cascade use or circular economy), calculated over approximately 15 years per use cycle. This also leads to a beneficial carbon sink in the accounting of greenhouse gas emissions.

[0080] In particular, lignocellulose-based materials can be used to produce a functional fitting according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. These can be provided, for example, on the basis of native solid wood, mechanically processed solid wood in the form of wood chips, wood fibers, and / or wood dust (e.g., sanding dust, staple fibers preferably up to 5 mm long, fibers ground into dust). It is also possible to use chemically processed solid wood in the form of wood pulp, wood pulp, lignin, or cellulose. Furthermore, biogenic material based on fast-growing plants (such as bamboo, Triarrhena grass, palm trees (e.g., oil palm, coconut palm, rattan palm), seaweed, and the like) can be used for a functional fitting.Furthermore, biogenic material for a functional fitting according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention based on the shives of annual plants (such as cotton, sugar cane, flax, hemp, jute, thistles, coconut, kenaf, bast, sisal and the like) and / or straw of cereals (such as rice, barley and wheat and the like) can be used instead of the climate-damaging metal and polymer materials (based on petrochemicals) conventionally used for functional fitting technology.According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, the starting product for the production of a functional fitting can be the more or less technologically processed primary plant fibers themselves, as well as planed, milled, sawn, split, crushed, cut, knifed or peeled and sieved in a measuring process, sucked from a fiber suspension or dewatered in another way, as well as semi-finished products made from the aforementioned primary plant and secondary fibers (recyclates) that are scattered and / or pressed in a dry process, if necessary laid, woven, felted, needled or laminated.

[0081] Exemplary embodiments of the invention thus provide a functional fitting and associated semi-finished product technology that can be used particularly for handcrafted and industrial furniture and interior design of furniture and real estate. For this purpose, the following raw materials and components, as well as all possible combinations of two or more of the aforementioned and / or other raw materials and components, as well as intermediate and precursor products, can be used in the respective manufacturing processes:

[0082] -Wood (in particular native solid wood) in the form of logs and sawn timber such as planks, beams, squared timber, battens and other planed, split and turned products, as well as rotary-cut and sliced ​​veneers; and also the branches and twigs of trees and shrubs (thinning timber) and the rootstock, bark (including the cork bark of cork oaks) and foliage of trees and shrubs, as well as their flowers and fruits.

[0083] - Wood-based materials made from solid wood, veneer, wood chips, wood chips, coarse and / or fine shavings, refined fibres, wet or dry milled fibres or other coarser-sized intermediate products as well as from wood dust such as layered and / or plywood panels and other sandwich panels, coarse chipboard, particle board, fibreboard (including insulation boards and re-formable fibre materials) and wood foams as well as all possible preliminary and intermediate products from the production of the aforementioned wood-based materials.

[0084] - Paper materials made from wood pulp, cellulose and other vegetable fibres (e.g. cotton linters), animal fibres (e.g. wool, silk, animal hair) and / or recycled material (e.g. waste paper)

[0085] - shives (i.e. wooden fragments) of annual crops such as hemp and flax, but also bagasse (sugar cane).

[0086] - Nonwovens, mono-, bi- and multi-axial fiber fabrics and fiber fabrics in various weave types (in particular plain weave, twill, satin weave), in particular made from plant fibers such as cotton, kapok (plant down, fluffy hollow fiber from the pods of the kapok tree), poplar down (seed fibers and fruit wall fibers of poplar fruits), hemp, linen (flax), ramie (bast fiber of the nettle plant of the same name), nettle fibers from native nettle, sisal (from the leaves of some agaves), jute (from the stems of the annual jute plant of the same name), afrik (palm fiber from the leaves of a dwarf palm), kenaf grass (bast fibers), water hyacinths (dried stems of aquatic plants), seaweed (seaweed fibers from so-called Neptune or sea balls of dead plants), lotus fibers, coconut fibers,Pineapple fibers (from the leaves of the pineapple plant) as well as artificially produced fibers such as Modal (viscose fiber made from beechwood) or Tencel ® (particularly fiber made from eucalyptus wood), or artificial fibers based on seaweed, coffee grounds, orange peels (polycarbonate from limonene oxide and carbon dioxide), banana trees, bamboo and the like.

[0087] - Ground or otherwise mechanically or chemically processed fruits (e.g. chestnuts, acorns, beechnuts and the like), fruit clusters (e.g. corn cobs), cones (fir, spruce, pine, pine, alder cones and the like), fruit kernels and stones (e.g. apricot, peach or almond kernels), nutshells (e.g. walnut, hazelnut, peanut), dried fruit peels (e.g. citrus fruits), in particular also residues from other manufacturing processes (e.g. pomace from juice and / or wine production, or mash from beer production) and the like

[0088] - Natural polymers based on fillers from woody plant material (lignin and / or celluloses / hemicelluloses) such as wood, shives, cereal hulls, husks, staple fibers, dried shells, leaves, cones, fruit heads, residues, recyclates and the like and possibly small amounts of vegetable binders (vegetable starch, for example from cereals such as wheat (spelt, emmer, einkorn, kamut), barley, rye, oats, rice, corn, millet (dwarf millet, finger millet, panicle millet, kutki millet, wheat millet, fonio millet, pearl millet, foxtail millet, sorghum), from pseudocereals (such as buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, prickly water lily), from beets, tubers, roots or rhizomes (such as potato, cassava, tuber bean, sweet potato, yam, Tuberous pea, aracacha, tuberous wood sorrel, tuberous nasturtium, ulluco, East Indian arrowroot, arrowroot, achira, taro, tannia, white water lily, yellow water lily, chayote), from above-ground stems (such as the saga palm),from legumes (such as peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, lupins, soybeans) and from seeds in fruit pulp (such as the jackfruit tree, okwa tree or breadnut tree), animal binding agents (for example slaughterhouse waste or based on lactic acid from overproduction and the like), binding agents produced by fungi, binding agents based on the growth of fungal mycelium or other binding agents, ultimately also any petrochemical-based binding agents.

[0089] In this context, regionally available secondary raw materials and materials or semi-finished products are to be preferred over regionally available primary raw materials in the sense of cascade use or the circular economy in order to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and these in turn are to be preferred over primary and secondary raw materials and materials imported from other parts of the world via long transport routes.

[0090] With regard to the above-described connecting and / or fastening function of functional fittings based on biogenic materials according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, a corresponding functional fitting can be formed from at least two or more parts. Preferably, at least one part of the multi-part functional fitting can consist of a fiber material or at least predominantly comprise such a fiber material. Exemplary applications of functional fittings with biogenic material according to exemplary embodiments of the invention include a hinge, a connecting element, or a sliding door element (in particular a guide slider).

[0091] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of an arrangement 104 with a functional fitting 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0092] The arrangement 104 shows a device 102, which may be a piece of furniture or a container. The device 102 has side parts 106, a base part 108, a top part 110, and a pivoting door 112.

[0093] The door 112 is pivotally connected to one of the side parts 106 by means of two functional fittings 100 (see pivot arrow 122). For example, the functional fittings 100 can be furniture hinges or furniture hinges, i.e., specially designed furniture element functional fittings. By pivoting the door 112 relative to the side parts 106, the base part 108, and the top part 110, the piece of furniture or the container shown can be optionally opened or closed.

[0094] The functional fittings 100 shown in Figure 1 thus provide both a connecting function (for connecting one of the side parts 106 to the door 112) and a moving function (for moving the door 112 relative to the side parts 106, the base part 108, and the top part 110) and are connected and movably mounted on the device 102. Although not shown in detail in Figure 1, each of the functional fittings 100 can be positively inserted (preferably pressed) into a recess in the device 102. This eliminates the need for separate fastening elements (e.g., nails or screws) for fastening the functional fittings 100 to the device 102. However, such fastening elements (not shown) can alternatively also be provided for attaching or mounting the functional fittings 100 to the device 102.

[0095] Advantageously, each of the functional fittings 100 can be formed predominantly or even entirely from biogenic material. Preferably, the biogenic material can be plant material, for example, natural fibers. It is possible for each of the functional fittings 100 to comprise one or a combination of several of the above-mentioned biogenic materials. For example, each functional fitting 100 can be formed from at least 90 percent by weight of biogenic and preferably plant material. In addition to the biogenic material, each of the functional fittings 100 can optionally comprise a binding agent, such as adhesive. The binding agent is preferably recyclable. Optionally, each functional fitting 100 can additionally comprise at least one further biodegradable additive to improve the function of the functional fitting 100.For example, each functional fitting 100 can have mechanical reinforcement (for example, as impact protection, breakage protection, and / or scratch protection), a waterproof and / or fireproof coating, a colored coating, etc. Alternatively, each functional fitting 100 can also be made exclusively of biogenic material, for example, exclusively of natural plant fibers. Advantageously, each functional fitting 100 can be free of plastic and metal. To provide special functionalities, a functional fitting 100 can alternatively have at least one further component made of plastic, metal, and / or ceramic in addition to the predominantly biogenic material.

[0096] A density of each functional fitting 100 can, for example, be in a range of 400 kg / m 3 up to 800 kg / m 3 For example, each - 7 -

[0097] Functional fitting 100 must be a wood pressed part with a density from the specified range in order to ensure sufficient strength.

[0098] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of an arrangement 104 with a functional fitting 100 according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0099] According to Figure 2, each of the illustrated furniture element functional fittings 100 is a hinge element. Each hinge element is formed from multiple parts, with at least one of the parts of the respective functional fitting 100 being formed predominantly from biogenic material. For example, each of the parts of the hinge element can be formed predominantly from biogenic material. Alternatively, only one of the parts of the hinge element can be formed from biogenic material, and another part of the hinge element can be formed from a non-biogenic material (for example, from metal).

[0100] According to Figure 2, one part 124 of each functional fitting 100 is attached to a side part 106, whereas another part 126 of each functional fitting 100 is attached to the door 112. Furthermore, the parts 124, 126 of each functional fitting 100 are rotatably connected to one another. For example, each of the parts 124, 126 can be made predominantly or even entirely of biogenic material.

[0101] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an arrangement 104 with a functional fitting 100 according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0102] According to Figure 3, the illustrated two-part furniture element functional fitting 100 is a guide glider. The functional fitting 100 comprises a first fitting part 114 and a second fitting part 116. The first fitting part 114 has a recess in which the second fitting part 116 is movably received in a form-fitting manner. More precisely, according to Figure 3, the second fitting part 116 cannot move out of the first fitting part 114 and is guided therein for linear movement. According to Figure 3, the first fitting part 114 can be attached to a wall 118 of a device 102, whereas the second fitting part 116 can be attached to an attachment body 120 of the device 102. The attachment body 120 can be moved linearly relative to the wall 118 perpendicular to the paper plane of Figure 3, wherein during such a movement the second fitting part 116 is guided linearly relative to the first fitting part 114.The functional fitting 100 according to Figure 3 thus functions as a guide slider and can in turn be made predominantly or even entirely from biogenic material.

[0103] The embodiment shown in Figure 3 can therefore be used as a linear guide system (for example, as a drawer guide or a sliding door system). However, it is also possible to implement a configuration shown in Figure 3 as a static system in the form of a cabinet hanger.

[0104] Here, the first fitting part 114 is fastened in the form of a rail to the room wall 118, wherein a wall cabinet as a device 102 can be suspended from the first fitting part 114 by means of the second fitting part 116, which is adjustably fixed to the wall cabinet and has a hook shape.

[0105] Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional view of an arrangement 104 with a functional fitting 100 according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0106] According to Figure 4, the illustrated furniture element functional fitting 100 is a sliding door element. A sliding door 112 can be displaced longitudinally relative to side parts 106, a base part 108, and a top part 110, see double arrow 128. For this purpose, a functional fitting 100 made predominantly of biogenic material is attached to the door 112 on the one hand and engages in a longitudinal recess of a guide rail 130 of the device 102 on the other. The illustrated functional fitting 100 can have a rigid coupling body 160 and a wheel 162 rotatably provided thereon. The wheel 162 engages the guide rail 130 with low friction. The wheel 162 can be rotatably mounted on the rigid coupling body 160 by means of a rotary shaft. The wheel 162, the rotating shaft and / or the rigid coupling body 160 may or may at least predominantly be made of a biogenic material.

[0107] Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of an arrangement 104 with a functional fitting 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0108] According to Figure 5, the illustrated furniture element functional fitting 100 forms part of a guide glider. More specifically, Figure 5 shows a device 102 in which a drawer 132 can be optionally accommodated in a container with an upper part 110 and side parts 106 or can be retracted from the container to gain access to a receiving volume 134 of the drawer 132. The lateral guide glider guides the drawer 132 relative to the side parts 106. The functional fitting 100 designed as a guide glider can be made predominantly or entirely of biogenic material.

[0109] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 150 for producing a functional fitting 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0110] The apparatus 150 comprises a molding tool 140 (made of aluminum, for example) with a heatable mold 154 and a mechanical press 152. A recess is formed in the heatable mold 154, which defines the geometric shape of the functional fitting 100 to be produced (or an associated semi-finished product). Raw material for the functional fitting 100, for example, plant fibers and an adhesive as a binding agent, is poured into this recess. A control device 142 can control a heating device (see heating coil 146 and heating current source 144) to heat the molding tool 140 to a predeterminable target temperature, for example, to 120°C. Furthermore, the control device 142 is configured to control the mechanical press 152 such that a punch 156 penetrates the recess filled with raw material and thereby compresses the raw material under high pressure.

[0111] As a result, a wooden compact is created inside the recess as a functional fitting 100, which is predominantly made of biogenic material.

[0112] The manufacturing method for producing the functional fitting 100 thus comprises forming the functional fitting 100 predominantly from a biogenic material. The method comprises pressing the material of the functional fitting 100 under a high pressure of at least 100 bar, more particularly at least 1000 bar. Said pressing of the material of the functional fitting 100 is carried out at a temperature of at least 100°C, preferably 120°C. The pressing takes place in a mold 140, preferably a metal mold.

[0113] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when mounted on a device (102), wherein the functional fitting (100) or the functional fitting semi-finished product is formed at least partially, in particular predominantly, from biogenic material.

2. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to claim 1, wherein the functional fitting (100) or the functional fitting semi-finished product is formed from biogenic material to at least 80 percent by weight, in particular to at least 90 percent by weight, and further in particular completely.

3. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional fitting (100) or the functional fitting semi-finished product is predominantly or completely made of plant material.

4. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the functional fitting (100) or the functional fitting semi-finished product comprises, in addition to the biogenic material, a binder, in particular an adhesive.

5. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to claim 4, wherein the binder is a recyclable binder.

6. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the functional fitting (100) or the Functional fitting semi-finished products additionally contain a biodegradable additive.

7. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the functional fitting (100) or the functional fitting semi-finished product is free of plastic and / or metal.

8. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to one of claims 1 to 7, having a density in the range of 200 kg / m³ 3 up to 1200 kg / m² 3 and / or a density of at least 1000 kg / m³ 3 .

9. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to one of claims 1 to 8, which is designed in multiple parts, wherein at least one of the parts of the functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product is predominantly made of biogenic material.

10. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the biogenic material comprises biogenic fibers, in particular plant fibers, and further in particular wood fibers.

11. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the biogenic material comprises one or more of the following materials: Solid wood; Branch and / or twig structure; roots; Bark; Foliage; Flowers; Fruit; kernels; stones; Shells; mechanically processed wood; chemically processed wood; Wood-based material; Paper material; Scrape; Fiber fleeces; Fiber fabric; Fibre fabrics; and / or natural polymers.

12. Functional fitting (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, designed as a furniture element functional fitting.

13. Functional fitting (100) according to claim 12, wherein the furniture element functional fitting (100) is a hinge element, a connecting element, a sliding door element and / or a guide glider.

14. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product according to one of claims 1 to 13, designed as an angle piece, in particular as a 90° angle piece.

15. Functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when mounted on a device (102), wherein the functional fitting (100) or the functional fitting semi-finished product is formed from at least two interacting parts, and wherein at least one of the parts is predominantly or is formed entirely from biogenic material and at least one other part is formed predominantly or entirely from non-biogenic material.

16. Arrangement (104) comprising: a device (102); and a functional fitting (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which is mounted on the device (102) to provide a connecting function and / or a movement function.

17. Arrangement (104) according to claim 16, wherein the device (102) is real property or movable property.

18. Arrangement (104) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the device (102) is a piece of furniture.

19. Arrangement (104) according to one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the functional fitting (100) is positively inserted into a recess in the device (102), in particular pressed in.

20. Method for manufacturing a functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product for providing a connection function and / or a movement function when mounted on a device (102), wherein the method comprises forming the functional fitting (100) or the functional fitting semi-finished product at least partially, in particular predominantly, from a biogenic material.

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein the method comprises pressing the material of the functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product under high pressure, in particular under a pressure of at least 100 bar, and further in particular of at least 1000 bar.

22. Method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the method comprises pressing the material of the functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product at a temperature above normal temperature, in particular at least 100 °C, and further in particular at least 120 °C.

23. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the method comprises pressing the material of the functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product in a mold, in particular in a metal mold.

24. Method according to one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the method comprises primary forming and / or forming of the predominantly biogenic material for the production of the functional fitting (100) or functional fitting semi-finished product.

Images