Panel for locking a shelf compartment

Abstract

The present application relates to a panel for closing a shelf compartment. The panel comprises a rectangular base and at least two magnets. At least one of these magnets is arranged on a first side edge of the base, and at least one other magnet is arranged on a second side edge of the base, opposite the first side edge. The magnets are bar magnets with a diametrical magnetization direction, each arranged in a holder such that the magnets are centered relative to the thickness of the base and are rotatably mounted along their longitudinal axis within a cavity of the holder. The longitudinal axis of the magnets is parallel to a direction of extension of the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively. The holders have an outer surface that runs parallel to the respective side edge.The holders are designed such that a lateral surface of the magnet located in the cavity has a distance of 0.5 to 2 mm from the outer surface. The present application further relates to a shelf with at least one such panel and to a holder for a magnet, which can be used in particular with such a panel.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a panel for closing shelf compartments, which can be mounted quickly and without tools using magnets, is easy to pivot, and can be arranged on a shelf compartment as desired and / or moved along a shelf compartment. The present invention further relates to a shelf with at least one such panel and a holder for a magnet, which is preferably used in such a panel. State of the art

[0002] Various shelves and shelving systems are known in the prior art, made of different materials, particularly wood, composite materials, or metal. To close individual shelves, for example, to protect items arranged in the shelves, such as books, documents, etc., from view or dust, shelves can have openable doors or panels. Such doors or panels are usually connected to crossbars and / or side panels of the shelves by means of hinges. The hinges are usually attached to the crossbars and / or side panels by means of screws.

[0003] For shelves and shelving systems made of magnetic or magnetizable metallic materials, hinges are also known in the prior art, which allow a panel or door to be opened or pivoted by means of a magnet arrangement.

[0004] For example, US 8,196,260 B2 (P. Danko) discloses a hinge consisting of magnets, for example for covering shelves, boxes, or other coverable cavities. The hinge consists of a frame and a cover, which are connected to each other at an edge. The cover can be pivoted relative to the frame without a structural connection between the cover and the frame. For this purpose, the frame has a first magnet and the cover has a second magnet, which are arranged adjacent to each other and attract each other. The magnets can be integrated into the frame or the cover.

[0005] CN 214 386 688 U (Quian Yuanyuan) describes a bookshelf that can protect books from dust. For this purpose, the bookshelf has a dust protection element with a base area equal to the size of the shelves. This element can be attached to a magnetic strip attached to the shelves by means of a magnetic strip on a first side edge. At a second side edge, opposite the first side edge, the dust protection element is pivotally connected to a shelf compartment via a rod. The dust protection element is preferably made of a transparent material.

[0006] JP 3219925 U discloses a shelf compartment that can be closed with a lid, wherein the lid is attached to the shelf compartment by magnets. The shelf compartment has a magnet or magnetizable element in the region of its opening, wherein the lid also has a magnetizable element or a magnet, so that the lid can be held on the opening of the shelf compartment by magnetic force. Furthermore, the shelf compartment has concave or convex elements on a front side, which interact with counter-elements of the lid in a form-fitting manner to align the lid relative to the shelf compartment and prevent its displacement.

[0007] US 10,330,134 B2 (PJ Danko) discloses panels that are connected to each other via a magnetic connection at their edges. The magnets are arranged along the side edges of the panels and align their polarity according to the polarity of the magnets of an adjacent panel. For this purpose, the magnets are arranged so as to rotate around an axis parallel to the side edge of the panel. This creates a magnetic hinge between the panels. Such magnetic hinges can also be used in systems with frames, doors, and panels that are each detachably connected to each other via a magnetic hinge. The magnets are preferably incorporated into the side edges during panel manufacture or are glued to them. The magnets are preferably neodymium magnets with a cylindrical shape. The magnets can be held within tubular elements.The magnetic hinges can also be used for shelf doors. For doors, a pair of rectangular magnets can be used that are non-rotatable, allowing automatic door closure.

[0008] JP 3822062 B2 (M. Nagaoka) describes a magnetic connection structure. This magnetic connection structure allows a connection between parts at any angle, and is preferably used in toys, teaching materials, or rehabilitation tools. The magnetic connection is preferably arranged in a frame made of non-magnetic material, with the axis of the magnets of the connection structure lying along a side edge of the frame. The magnetic connection has a cylindrical magnet with radial magnetization, which is rotatably mounted along its longitudinal axis. This allows magnets in two frames to be connected to each other to always automatically align their polarity with each other. The magnetic connection structure comprises a holder with a receptacle in which the magnet is rotatably arranged. In one embodiment, the magnetic connection structure can be used as a hinge, e.g., in the lid of a box. Description of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to create a panel for closing a shelf compartment, which can be mounted quickly and without tools, is easy to pivot and can be arranged as desired on a shelf compartment and / or moved along a shelf compartment

[0010] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the panel comprises a rectangular base body and at least two magnets. At least one of these magnets is arranged on a first side edge of the base body, and at least one further magnet is arranged on a second side edge of the base body, which is opposite the first side edge. The magnets are bar magnets with a diametrical magnetization direction, which are each arranged in a holder such that the magnets are centrally located relative to the thickness of the base body and are rotatably mounted along their longitudinal axis within a cavity of the holder. The longitudinal axis of the magnets lies parallel to an extension direction of the first side edge or the second side edge. The holders have an outer surface that runs parallel to the respective side edge.The holders are designed in such a way that a surface of the magnet located in the cavity has a distance of 0.5 to 2 mm from the outer surface.

[0011] The ability of the magnets to rotate about their longitudinal axis and their diametrical magnetization ensures that when the panel is attached to a shelf compartment that is framed by magnetizable or magnetic struts, delimited by magnetizable or magnetic surface elements and / or has magnetic or magnetizable contact elements on the front, the magnets always rotate about their longitudinal axis in such a way that a magnetic force of attraction is created between the magnets and the struts, side surfaces and / or contact elements, i.e. that the magnets automatically align themselves in such a way that the pole opposite to the magnetization of the strut, the surface element and / or the contact element points towards the strut, the surface element and / or the contact element.The arrangement of the magnets at the defined distance from the outer surface of the brackets ensures that the magnetic attraction is large enough to hold the panel securely to the shelf compartment, but the magnets can still be easily released from the shelf compartment manually, for example to release the first and / or second side edge from a strut, a surface element and / or a contact element.

[0012] The provision of at least one magnet on the opposite side edges ensures that the shelf compartment can be properly closed by the panel and that the panel sits flush in the opening of the shelf compartment.

[0013] Due to the rotatability of the magnets, the panel can also be detached from the shelf compartment on one side edge and pivoted around at least one magnet on the opposite side edge, for example to gain access to the shelf compartment.

[0014] The panel is rectangular, meaning it has four side edges, each end of which is connected to another side edge at a right angle. The four side edges can all be the same length, so that the panel has the shape of a square, but preferably the panel has two longer, opposite side edges and two opposite, shorter side edges. The base body further has two parallel side surfaces that extend between the four side edges. The distance between the two parallel side surfaces of the base body corresponds to the thickness of the base body. The thickness of the base body is preferably from 15 mm to 30 mm, particularly preferably 20 mm.

[0015] A shelf compartment within the meaning of the present application has at least one lower surface element, which represents a shelf base, and an upper surface element, which is arranged at a defined distance from the lower surface element and represents a shelf ceiling. In order to keep the lower surface element and the upper surface element at a defined distance from one another, either struts are provided which extend between all four corners of the surface elements, or lateral surface elements which extend between two opposite side edges of the surface elements. A person skilled in the art will understand that the struts or the lateral surface elements can have a greater length than the defined distance at which the lower and upper surface elements are spaced from one another, for example in order to fasten more than two surface elements one above the other, so that several shelf compartments can be arranged one above the other.In this case, the individual surface elements, which each form a shelf and / or a shelf ceiling, are fastened to the struts or the lateral surface elements by means of suitable holders, such as shelf holders. Alternatively, cross struts can also be provided which are arranged at least on the front side, i.e. on the side from which the shelf compartment is accessible, in front of the surface elements, which each form a shelf and / or a shelf ceiling. In this case, it is possible to fasten the surface elements to these cross struts. The struts arranged on the front side frame the shelf compartment. The shelf compartment can also have a further surface element as a rear wall on the back, i.e. the side opposite the front side.

[0016] The length of the side edges is preferably selected such that the panel can be mounted on shelves of specific dimensions, for example, on shelves of a specific shelving system, in particular a modular shelving system. In modular shelving systems, struts and / or surface elements of different dimensions can usually be flexibly combined, allowing shelves to be formed with shelves of different lengths, heights, and depths. Accordingly, panels with different edge lengths can be provided for such a modular shelving system, matching the sizes of the shelves that can be formed with this shelving system.

[0017] A prerequisite for fastening a panel according to the invention to a shelf is that magnetic or magnetizable contact elements are arranged on the front side of the shelf compartment. The contact elements consist, for example, of a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, such as steel or an alloy, and can be attached to the front side to struts and / or surface elements of the shelf compartment or arranged within struts or surface elements thereof. Preferably, however, the shelf compartment is framed on the front side by magnetic or magnetizable struts, i.e. the opening is delimited all around by magnetic or magnetizable struts. These struts are preferably made of a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, in particular a metal, such as steel or an alloy. The struts can have any cross-section, but are preferably in the form of tubes.Such tubular struts can be modularly connected to one another using node elements, e.g. in the form of cubes or spheres.

[0018] Surface elements for forming shelves or shelving walls can be attached to the node elements and / or to the struts. A suitable furniture system is, for example, the applicant's USM-Haller system. Alternatively or additionally, the shelf compartment can also be formed from magnetic or magnetizable surface elements or include such surface elements made, for example, of a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, such as steel or an alloy.

[0019] The magnets are bar magnets and are therefore cylindrical in shape. They have diametrical magnetization, meaning that the polarization of the magnets runs along the longitudinal axis of the magnets. The magnets are preferably 20 mm long and preferably have a diameter of 10 mm. However, depending on the application, magnets with other dimensions can also be used. All magnets in the panel preferably have the same dimensions and physical properties. In individual cases, however, the magnets can also have different dimensions and physical properties, for example, if the number of magnets on the first side edge differs from the number of magnets on the second side edge.

[0020] The panel preferably comprises neodymium magnets, in particular NdFeB magnets. The magnets preferably have a quality rating of N45.

[0021] The holders have a cavity in which a magnet is rotatably mounted along its longitudinal axis. This ensures that the magnets can always rotate into a position that creates a maximum attractive force on a strut, a surface element, or a contact element of the shelf compartment made of magnetic or magnetizable material. In particular, the holders allow the magnets to rotate freely about their longitudinal axis within the cavity. The longitudinal axis of the magnets corresponds to the longitudinal center axis of the cylindrical magnets. The holders are further designed such that the longitudinal axis of the magnets is parallel to an extension direction of the first or second side edge.

[0022] The holders are further designed so that the magnets are held centrally relative to the thickness of the base body. This means that the longitudinal axis of the magnets lies in a plane parallel to the side surfaces of the base body and located centrally between these side surfaces.

[0023] The outer surface of the brackets runs parallel to the side edge, thus being at a right angle to the two side surfaces of the base body. The outer surface preferably has a shape complementary to the shape of the struts, side surfaces, or contact elements with which a magnetic connection is to be established. The outer surface is preferably flat. However, if the panel is to be attached to struts that frame the shelf compartment, the outer surface can also have a concave groove or a convex projection, depending on the shape of the struts.

[0024] The distance of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm corresponds to the minimum distance between the outer surface and the area of ​​the magnet's lateral surface closest to it. A person skilled in the art will understand that, due to the cylindrical design of the magnet and possibly the shape of the outer surface, there are also areas on the magnet's lateral surface that are at a greater distance from the outer surface.

[0025] To easily pivot the panel around the first or second side edge or to slide it along the shelf compartment, the panel preferably has at least one handle element. This handle element can be a knob, a fabric tab, a cord, or a loop.

[0026] The magnets preferably have a remanence of 1.32 to 1.37 Tesla. The coercive field strength bHc of the magnets is preferably between 860 and 995 kA / m. More preferably, the coercive field strength iHc of the magnets is greater than 955 kA / m.

[0027] Preferably, at least two magnets are arranged on the first side edge, wherein the outermost of the at least two magnets of the first side edge are arranged at a distance of 1.2 to 3.8 times the diameter of the respective magnet from a corner of the base body, preferably at a distance of 12 mm to 38 mm.

[0028] This means that the two outermost magnets of the at least two magnets of the first side edge are spaced from the two ends of the first side edge at a distance of 1.2 to 3.8 times the diameter of the respective magnet.

[0029] Preferably, the second side edge also has at least two magnets, wherein the outermost of the at least two magnets of the second side edge are arranged at a distance of 1.2 to 3.8 times the diameter of the respective magnet from a corner of the base body, preferably at a distance of 12 mm to 38 mm.

[0030] This ensures that the panel is always aligned parallel to the shelf compartment, even when pivoting around the first side edge or the second side edge.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the first side edge and the second side edge each have two magnets.

[0032] Preferably, the cavity of each holder is delimited in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the respective magnet by two end faces which are connected to one another on one side by means of the outer surface, wherein the magnet is held in the cavity between the end faces so as to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0033] The outer surface preferably rests on an elongated connecting web that connects the two end faces. The movement of the magnet in the direction of the longitudinal edge is preferably limited by an inner surface of the holder that is opposite the outer surface. The inner surface is preferably arranged on the side of the connecting web that is opposite the outer surface. The inner surface preferably has a concave, circular segment-shaped groove that runs in the direction of extension of the longitudinal edge and has a radius that corresponds to the radius of the outer surface of the respective magnet or is slightly larger, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm larger than the radius of the outer surface of the respective magnet.

[0034] To limit the movement of the magnet away from the side edge, the two end faces preferably each have a projection that projects into the cavity. The projection is spaced from the inner surface. This distance is preferably the same, but more preferably larger than the diameter of the respective magnet, so that the magnet can move easily toward and away from the side edge. This can reduce the friction between the magnet and the holder, as the magnet rests either on the inner surface or on the projections, allowing the magnet to rotate more easily within the cavity.

[0035] Preferably, the distance between the two end faces of each holder is also greater than the length of the respective magnet, allowing the magnet to move easily along the extension direction of the respective side edge. This further reduces friction between the magnet and the holder. The distance between the end faces is preferably 0.5 mm to 1 mm greater than the length of the respective magnet.

[0036] Preferably, the base body consists of two rectangular partial bodies which lie flat on top of one another and which are connected to one another at least via their side edges.

[0037] The two sub-assemblies can be made of the same or different materials. This has the advantage that, depending on which sub-assembly is facing the interior of a shelf compartment when the panel is attached to the compartment, the panel can exhibit different visual and / or tactile properties on the side accessible from outside the compartment. Sub-assemblies of different colors can also be combined to form a base body, allowing the color of the base body visible from outside the compartment to vary depending on how the panel is attached to the compartment.

[0038] The two-part design of the base body also simplifies the production of the panel, since the holders with the magnets can first be attached to one of the partial bodies to obtain an intermediate product, and then the second partial body can be placed flat on this intermediate product and connected to it.

[0039] The parts can be connected to each other by gluing, welding, sewing or using connecting elements, depending on the material the two parts are made of.

[0040] In addition to the connection along the side edges of the two partial bodies, these can also be connected to each other via their mutually facing surfaces, e.g. by means of adhesive.

[0041] Preferably, the two rectangular partial bodies each have at least one recess on the first side edge and at least one recess on the second side edge, wherein the recesses of the two partial bodies, in the connected state of the two partial bodies, each form at least one receiving opening at least for the outer surface of the holder of the at least one magnet of the first side edge and the second side edge.

[0042] This enables the panel to be manufactured as simply and reliably as possible.

[0043] The receiving openings are preferably dimensioned and shaped such that at least the outer surface of the holder of the at least one magnet of the respective side edge is inserted into them. As a result, the outer surfaces of the holders can preferably be arranged flush with the respective outer edge or, alternatively, can protrude slightly beyond the respective outer edge, in particular by 0.1 mm to 1 mm. A groove preferably extends over a defined distance on both sides of each recess in the direction of extension of the respective side edge. As a result, when the two partial bodies are connected, a receiving space is formed on both sides of each receiving opening, in which receiving space further parts of the respective holder can be arranged, for example in order to securely fasten the respective holder within the respective receiving opening.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, the two rectangular partial bodies preferably have a continuous groove, in particular a semicircular groove, on their surface directed towards the other partial body, at least in the region of the first and second side edges.

[0045] A continuous groove is defined as one that extends the entire length of the first or second side edge. The grooves of the sub-bodies joined together to form the base body each form a channel along the first and second side edges, in which the holders of the magnets of the respective side edges are inserted.

[0046] If the two rectangular partial bodies only have grooves and no recess, the two rectangular partial bodies preferably have at least one notch on the first and second side edges. When the two partial bodies are connected, the notches each form at least one opening on the first and second side edges, in which the outer surface of the holder of the at least one magnet of the respective side edge is arranged, so that the outer surfaces are flush with the respective outer edge or protrude slightly beyond the respective outer edge, in particular by 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0047] Preferably, the holders have a holding body on both sides of the cavity in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the magnet arranged in the cavity, wherein the holding bodies are inserted flush into the groove or the recess of the partial surfaces.

[0048] By providing the holding bodies, a particularly reliable fastening of the brackets in the base body can be ensured.

[0049] The retaining elements are preferably shaped and dimensioned such that they fit flush into the groove or recess. By providing such retaining elements, the brackets can be securely held in the panel without additional attachment to the two rectangular sections, e.g., by gluing.

[0050] The holding bodies preferably have a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, however, the holding bodies can also have a different shape that complements the shape of the groove or recess, for example, a cuboid or polygon.

[0051] The base body preferably comprises a felt or nonwoven material. Using these materials allows the weight of the panel to be kept low. If the base body consists of two rectangular sections, both rectangular sections preferably comprise a felt or nonwoven material.

[0052] Alternatively, however, the base body may also comprise other materials, for example at least one polymer material, wood, wood veneer, metal sheet, woven fabric, knitted fabric, leather, composite material and / or a combination thereof.

[0053] Preferably, the panel weighs between 500 g and 1500 g. Providing a weight in this range ensures secure attachment of the panel to a shelf compartment using magnets. Furthermore, panels with this weight can be easily pivoted by a user around the first or second side edge without requiring excessive force.

[0054] The base body preferably has two longer and two shorter side edges, with the magnets arranged on the two longer side edges of the rectangular base body. The longer side edges preferably have a length of 250 mm, 350 mm, 395 mm, 500 mm, or 750 mm.

[0055] Preferably, the base body also has shorter side edges with a length of 100 mm, 175 mm, 250 mm, 350 mm, 395 mm or 500 mm.

[0056] The mounts are preferably made of a polymer material. This allows for easy manufacturing, e.g., by injection molding or 3D printing.

[0057] A thermoplastic polymer, either as a homopolymer or as a copolymer, is preferably used as the polymer material. Suitable polymer materials include, for example, polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or mixtures thereof.

[0058] Alternatively, the mounts can be made of another material that is non-magnetic or only very weakly magnetic or magnetizable, so as not to impede the free rotation of the magnets around their longitudinal axes. Therefore, the mounts can be made of aluminum or a composite material, for example.

[0059] As an alternative to injection molding or a 3D printing process, the brackets can also be manufactured using a machining process, e.g. milling, laser cutting or, in the case of a metallic material, die casting.

[0060] Preferably, the outer surface of the brackets has a concave, circular segment-shaped groove which extends in the direction of the respective longitudinal edge.

[0061] By providing such a groove, the outer surface of the brackets can be designed to complement tubular struts that frame or define the opening of the shelf compartment. This is particularly advantageous when using the panel according to the invention in modular shelving systems that are based on a basic framework of tubular struts and node elements.

[0062] Preferably, the outer surface can also have an opening, for example, to reduce the weight of the holder. To ensure the necessary stability, such an opening can have one or more webs, which extend, in particular, transversely across the opening.

[0063] The present application further relates to a shelf with at least one shelf compartment, which is framed at least at the front by struts of a magnetizable or magnetic metallic material, delimited by surface elements of a magnetizable or magnetic metallic material, and / or has at least one contact element of a magnetic or magnetizable material on the front, as well as with at least one panel according to the above description. The at least one panel is magnetically held to the struts, surface elements, and / or contact elements of the shelf compartment via the at least one magnet of the first side edge and the at least one magnet of the second side edge.

[0064] The panel is preferably held between opposing struts and / or surface elements, meaning that the outer surface of the panel facing away from the interior of the shelf compartment is flush with the front of the shelf compartment. This is in contrast to a panel that is positioned at the front in front of the opening of the shelf compartment.

[0065] If the panel is held to the shelf compartment by the interaction of magnets with contact elements, the shelf compartment has at least one contact element on each of two opposite sides of an opening thereof. The position of the at least one magnet on the first side edge and the at least one magnet on the second side edge of the panel is selected such that the magnets are opposite the contact elements when the panel is connected to the shelf compartment.

[0066] The present application further relates to a holder for a magnet, in particular for a panel according to the above description. The holder comprises a cavity in which the magnet, designed as a bar magnet with diametrical polarization, is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis, as well as an outer surface. The holder is designed such that a lateral surface of the bar magnet has a distance of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm from the outer surface.

[0067] The distance of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm corresponds to the minimum distance between the outer surface and the area closest to it on the magnet's outer surface. A person skilled in the art will understand that, due to the cylindrical design of the magnet and possibly the shape of the outer surface, there are also areas on the magnet's outer surface that are at a greater distance from the outer surface.

[0068] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Short description of the drawings

[0069] The drawings used to explain the embodiment show: Fig. 1, 2 an embodiment of a panel according to the invention; Fig. 3 a cross section through the panel according to the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2 in the area of ​​two opposing magnets; Fig. 4 a detailed view of the cross section of the Fig. 3 ; Figs. 5 to 7 an embodiment of a holder which can be used in a panel according to the invention; Fig. 8 a longitudinal section through the holder according to the embodiment of the Figures 5 to 7 ; Fig. 9 a perspective view of the Fig. 8illustrated situation; Figs. 10 to 14 show the operation of an embodiment of a panel according to the invention, which is attached to a shelf compartment of a shelf.

[0070] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0071] The Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a panel 1 according to the invention in a side view, while the Fig. 2the same panel 1 in a perspective view. The panel 1 is rectangular and has a rectangular base body 2. The base body 2 has four side edges 3, 4, 5, 6, with each side edge 3, 4, 5, 6 bordering at its ends at right angles to another side edge 3, 4, 5, 6. Accordingly, the base body 2 and thus the panel 1 has four corners, at each of which two side edges 3, 4, 5, 6 meet. Between the side edges 3, 4, 5, 6, two side surfaces 26.1, 26.2 extend on both sides of the base body and are each delimited by the four side edges 3, 4, 5, 6. A distance between the side surfaces 26.1, 26.2 defines a thickness of the panel 1. In the embodiment shown, a first side edge 3 and a second side edge 4, which are opposite one another, are longer than a third side edge 5 and a fourth side edge 6, which are also opposite one another.

[0072] In the embodiment shown, two magnets 7.1, 7.2 are arranged on the first side edge 3. Two further magnets 7.3, 7.4 are arranged on the second side edge 3. The magnets 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 are designed as bar magnets with diametrical polarization. Each magnet 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 is arranged in a holder 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 in a cavity thereof such that the respective magnet 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 can rotate about a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis of the magnets 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 is parallel to an extension direction of the first side edge 3 and the second side edge 4. The magnets 7.1, 7.2 of the first side edge 3 and the magnets 7.3, 7.4 of the second side edge are positioned along an extension direction of the first side edge 3 and the second side edge 4 such that the magnets 7.1, 7.2 of the first side edge 3 and the magnets 7.3, 7.4 of the second side edge are each opposite one another.

[0073] Again Fig. 2 can be removed, the side edges 3, 4, 5, 6 are rounded towards the side surfaces 26.1, 26.2 in order to give the panel 1 a more elegant appearance.

[0074] The Fig. 3 shows a cross section through the panel 1 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 in the area of ​​two opposing magnets 7.1, 7.3 of the first side edge or the second side edge 4. As the Fig. 3 can be removed, the base body 2 of the panel 1 is composed of two partial bodies 9.1, 9.2, which each lie flush with one another and are connected to one another at least in the area of ​​the side edges 3, 4, 5, 6, e.g. by means of an adhesive.

[0075] The design of the base body 2 by means of two partial bodies 9.1, 9.2 lying flat on top of one another and connected to one another simplifies the production of the panel 1, since firstly the holders 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 with the magnets 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 can be placed on a first partial body 9.1 in order to obtain an intermediate product, wherein the second partial body 9.2 is then placed flush on the first partial body 9.1 and connected to it.

[0076] The Fig. 4 is a detailed view of the cross section of the Fig. 3in the area marked by a dashed circle. This detailed view shows the cross-section through a holder 8.1 with a magnet 7.1, which is arranged in the cavity of the holder 8.1. As can be seen from the figure, the magnet 7.1 is held centrally within the base body 2 by the holder 8.1, i.e. the longitudinal axis L of the magnet 7.1 is arranged in a plane E, which is parallel to the side surfaces 26.1, 26.2 of the base body 2 and runs centrally between them. In the embodiment shown, in which the base body 2 consists of two partial bodies 9.1, 9.2, the longitudinal axis L of the magnet 7.1 is also parallel to the adjacent surfaces of the partial bodies 9.1, 9.2.

[0077] Furthermore, on the Fig. 4 It can also be clearly seen that the longitudinal axis L of the magnet 7.1 runs parallel to the direction of extension of the first side edge 3.

[0078] The holder 8.1 is arranged in a receiving opening 12 of the base body 2. The receiving opening 12 is formed by a first recess located on the first side edge 3 of the first partial body 9.1 and a second recess located on the first side edge 3 of the second partial body 9.2. The receiving opening 12 is shaped and dimensioned such that the holder 8.1 is received flush therein.

[0079] On one side of the cavity 14, the holder 8.1 has a connecting web 18, on which an outer surface 10 of the holder 8.1 is arranged. The outer surface 10 lies on a side of the connecting web 18 that is directed away from the cavity 14 and thus from the magnet 7.1. The holder 8.1 is designed such that the outer surface of the magnet 7.1 has a distance A of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm from the outer surface 10. The distance A corresponds to a minimum distance between the outer surface of the magnet 7.1 and the outer surface 10. As can be seen from the figure, the outer surface 10 has a concave, circular groove 11. This concave, circular segment-shaped groove 11 enables the outer surface 10 to lie flush against a tubular strut that frames an opening in a shelf compartment.On the side facing the cavity 14, the connecting web 18 has an inner surface 15, which has a radius of curvature that corresponds to or is slightly larger than the radius of the outer surface of the magnet 7.1. On the side of the cavity 14 opposite the connecting web 18, a first projection 13.1 is visible, which limits the movement of the magnet 7.1 in the direction away from the outer surface 10. The first projection 13.1 protrudes from a first end face of the holder 8.1 (see . Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 or Fig. 8 ). Due to the design of the cavity 14, the magnet 7.1 can rotate freely about its longitudinal axis L, this rotation being caused by a magnetic force, i.e. the magnetic repulsion or attraction to a strut, a surface element and / or a contact element which rests against the outer surface 10.

[0080] In connection with the Fig. 4Only one of the brackets 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 is described. However, a person skilled in the art will understand that, in principle, all brackets 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 of a panel 1 according to the invention are of the same design.

[0081] The Figures 5 to 7 show an embodiment of a holder 8 which can be used in a panel 1 according to the invention. Fig. 5 shows a side view of the Fig. 6 a top view and the Fig. 7a perspective view of the holder 8. The holder 8 has the cavity 14 in which a magnet 7 (not shown) is arranged. The cavity 14 is delimited on the one hand by the inner surface 15 and on both sides by a first end face 16.1 and a second end face 16.2 opposite it in the direction of extension of the respective side edge 3, 4, 5, 6 or in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of a magnet 7 (not shown) inserted in the cavity 14. The inner surface 15 is arranged on one side of a connecting web 18 which extends between the two end faces 16.1, 16.2. The outer surface 10 of the holder 8 is arranged on the side of the connecting web 18 opposite the inner surface 15. The two end faces 16.1, 16.2 each have a projection 13.1, 13.2, which protrudes from the end faces 16.1, 16.2 into the cavity 14 on a side of the end faces 16.1, 16.2 opposite the inner surface 15.The two projections 13.1, 13.2 limit the movement of a magnet 7 arranged within the cavity 14 in a direction directed away from the outer surface 10. The projections 13.1, 13.2 are spaced apart from one another, so that when a panel 1 is mounted, a magnet 7 is simply pressed into the cavity 14 and subsequently held there in a form-fitting manner, without, however, impairing the free rotation of the magnet 7 about its longitudinal axis L within the cavity 14. On both sides of the cavity 14 or the end faces 16.1, 16.2, the holder 8 has holding bodies 17.1, 17.2, which are cylindrical in shape in the embodiment shown. The holding bodies 17.1, 17.2 extend in a direction that corresponds to the extension direction of the longitudinal axis L of a magnet 7 arranged in the cavity 14. In the assembled base body 2, the two holding bodies 17.1, 17 extend.2 also parallel to the direction of extension of the first side edge 3 and the second side edge 4.

[0082] The Fig. 8 shows a longitudinal section through the holder 8 according to the embodiment of the Figures 5 to 7in one embodiment of a panel 1 according to the invention, which has a base body 2 composed of two partial bodies 9.1, 9.2. For illustrative reasons, however, only the first partial body 9.1 is visible in the figure. This first partial body 9.1 has, in the region of the first edge 3, a groove 19 running in the extension direction of the first side edge 3, into which the holding bodies 17.1, 17.2 and the cavity 14 of the holder 8 are inserted. The shape and dimensions of the groove 19 and the shape and dimensions of the holding bodies 17.1, 17.2 are coordinated such that the holding bodies 17.1, 17.2 are inserted flush in the groove 19. The second partial body 9.2 (not shown here) lies flush with the first partial body 9.1 and also has a similar groove 19, so that the grooves 19 of the two partial bodies 9.1, 9.2 form a receiving space in which the holder 8 is received. On the first side edge 3, the first partial body 9.1. a notch 20 into which the connecting web 18 is received, so that the outer surface 10 lies essentially flush with the first side edge 3 or protrudes slightly beyond it. The second partial body 9.2 also has a notch 20, so that in the assembled base body, the two notches 20 of the partial bodies 9.1, 9.2 form an opening into which the outer side 10 of the holder 8 is inserted. It is understood that this arrangement is the same for all holders 8 of the panel 1.

[0083] The Fig. 9 shows the same situation as the Fig. 8, but as a perspective view, wherein only a corner region of the first partial body 9.1 can be seen. This figure clearly shows how the holder 8 is partially received in the groove 19 and how the outer surface 10 of the holder 8 is received in the notch 20. It should be noted that in the embodiment shown, the groove 19 is designed to be circumferential, i.e., it extends along all side edges 3, 4, 5, 6. However, only the first side edge 3 and the second side edge 4 each have a number of notches 20 corresponding to the number of magnets 7 or holders 8 that are used in the panel 1.

[0084] The Figures 10 to 14show the functionality of an embodiment of a panel 1 according to the invention, which is attached to a shelf compartment 24 of a shelf 21. The shelf 21 is constructed from a modular shelving system in which tubular struts 23 are connected to a basic framework by means of node elements and in which surface elements 22 are inserted into the frame as shelves. Each surface element 22 is arranged between four struts 23. A person skilled in the art will recognize that a surface element simultaneously forms a shelf bottom for a shelf compartment 24 and a shelf ceiling for a shelf compartment 24 located below it. In the embodiment shown, the shelf 21 has four shelf compartments 24 arranged vertically one above the other. In addition to the surface elements 22, the shelf 21 shown also has lateral surface elements 25 which delimit the shelf compartments 24 on both sides.Each shelf compartment 24 has an opening on the front through which access to the interior of the shelf compartment 24 is formed. In the embodiment of the shelf 21 shown, the opening of each shelf compartment 24 is framed by four struts 23. In the embodiment shown, the struts are made of steel and are therefore magnetizable. The panel 1 has four magnets 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, with two magnets 7.1, 7.2 being arranged on the first side edge 3 and the two further magnets 7.3, 7.4 being arranged on the second side edge 4. The magnets 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 hold the panel 1 between the struts 23, which frame the opening of the shelf compartment 24, as shown in the . Fig. 10 is shown.

[0085] If the panel 1 is to be opened, the two magnets 7.1, 7.2 of the first side edge 3 are released by a person by pulling them from a first strut 23.1. Because the magnets are rotatably arranged in their respective holders 8, the panel 1 can be pivoted around the magnets 7.3, 7.4 on the second side edge 4, which is connected to a second strut 23.2, which is arranged at a distance below the first strut 23.1 and opposite it, and the first side edge 3 can be folded down in a pivoting movement, as shown in the Figures 11 and 12 (which shows a side view of the shelf 21). It should be noted that the shelf compartment 24 can be closed again by moving the first side edge 3 toward the first strut 23.1.

[0086] However, if the first side edge 3 is pivoted further downward, the magnets 7.1, 7.2 of the first side edge 3 can, upon completion of the pivoting movement, form a magnetic connection with a third strut 23.3, which is arranged at a distance below and opposite the second strut 23.2. In this case, the magnets 7.1, 7.2 of the first edge 3 can rotate within their respective holders 8 about their longitudinal axis L, so that the pole of the magnets 7.1, 7.2 that exerts a magnetic attraction force on the third strut 23.3 is opposite the third strut.

[0087] A specialist understands that a pivoting of the panel from bottom to top, i.e. in the reverse order as in the Figures 10 to 14 shown.

Claims

1. A panel for closing a shelf compartment, comprising a rectangular base body, at least two magnets, wherein at least one magnet is arranged on a first side edge of the base body and at least one magnet is arranged on a second side edge of the base body, which is opposite the first side edge, and wherein the at least two magnets are bar magnets with a diametrical magnetization direction and are each arranged in a holder such that they are centrally located relative to the thickness of the base body and are rotatably mounted along their longitudinal axis within a cavity of the holder, wherein the longitudinal axis of the at least two magnets is parallel to an extension direction of the first side edge or the second side edge, characterized in thatthe holders each have an outer surface which runs parallel to the respective side edge and the holders are designed in such a way that a lateral surface of the magnet located in the cavity has a distance of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm from the outer surface.

2. Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that The magnets have a remanence of 1.32 to 1.37 Tesla.

3. Panel according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least two magnets are arranged on the first side edge, wherein the outermost of the at least two magnets of the first side edge are arranged at a distance of 1.2 to 3.8 times the diameter of the respective magnet from a corner of the base body, preferably at a distance of 12 mm to 38 mm.

4. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe cavity of each holder is delimited in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the respective magnet by two end faces which are connected to one another on one side by means of the outer surface, wherein the magnet is held in the cavity between the end faces so as to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

5. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the base body consists of two rectangular partial bodies which lie flat on top of each other and which are connected to each other at least via their side edges.

6. Panel according to claim 5, characterized in that the two rectangular partial bodies each have at least one recess on the first side edge and at least one recess on the second side edge, wherein the recesses of the two partial bodies, when the two partial bodies are in the connected state, each form at least one receiving opening for holding the at least one magnet of the first side edge and the second side edge.

7. Panel according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the two rectangular partial bodies have a continuous groove, in particular a semicircular groove, on their surface facing the other partial body in the region of the first side edge and the second side edge.

8. Panel according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the holders have a holding body, in particular a cylindrical holding body, on both sides of the cavity in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the magnet arranged in the cavity, wherein the holding bodies are inserted flush into the groove or the recess of the partial surfaces.

9. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the base body comprises a felt or fleece material.

10. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the panel weighs between 500 g and 1500 g.

11. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in thatthe base body has two longer and two shorter side edges, wherein the magnets are arranged on the two longer side edges of the rectangular base body, and wherein the longer side edges preferably have a length of 250 mm, 350 mm, 395 mm, 500 mm or 750 mm.

12. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the brackets are made of a polymer material.

13. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the outer surface of the brackets has a concave, circular segment-shaped groove which extends in the direction of the respective longitudinal edge.

14. Shelf with at least one shelf compartment, which is framed at least at the front by struts of a magnetizable or magnetic metallic material, is delimited by surface elements of a magnetizable or magnetic metallic material and / or has at least one contact element of a magnetic or magnetizable material, as well as with at least one panel according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the at least one panel is magnetically held to the struts, the surface elements and / or the at least one contact element of the shelf compartment via the at least one magnet of the first and the at least one magnet of the second side edge.

15. Holder for a magnet, in particular for a panel according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a cavity in which the magnet designed as a bar magnet with diametrical magnetization is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface, wherein the holder is designed such that a lateral surface of the bar magnet has a distance of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm from the outer surface.

Images