Modular furniture with a fixing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular piece of furniture (1) comprising: - at least one modular element (2) comprising perforated plates (5, 6, 7), - at least one fixing device (4) being housed in one of the orifices (8) of the modular element (2), the fixing device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12), an actuating element (15), and holding means (16), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the holding means (16) and being configured such that, upon actuation of the actuating element (15), the holding means (16) pass from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa, wherein in the unlocking configuration, the holding means (16) are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice (8), and in the locking configuration, a portion of the holding means (16) projects in a radial direction from the cylindrical body (12),the holding means (16) being in contact with the internal surface of said orifice (8) and exerting a force against the internal surface of said orifice (8). Figure for the abstract: 3,

Description

Title of the invention: Modular furniture equipped with a fixing device Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of modular furniture composed of one or more modular elements. The invention relates more particularly to the fixing means for connecting the modular elements to each other or to accessories in order to assemble the modular furniture. Technological background

[0002] It is known to produce modular furniture composed of one or more modular elements. This type of modular furniture has in particular fixing devices allowing the modular elements to be linked together or to accessories in order to assemble the modular furniture.

[0003] However, known fixing devices have several drawbacks. They mark, wear out or damage the furniture elements under normal conditions of use. They require the use of tools or keys by users for their assembly or disassembly. These fixing devices are also difficult to handle and unsightly. Summary of the invention

[0004] One idea behind the invention is to improve the fixing devices for modular furniture in order to simplify its use.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the invention provides a modular piece of furniture comprising: - at least one modular element comprising perforated plates fixed to each other, each perforated plate having a plurality of through-orifices of cylindrical shape and spaced from each other, the plurality of orifices forming rows of orifices, - at least one fixing device, the fixing device intended to be fixed to a component of the modular furniture and being housed in one of the orifices of the modular element, the fixing device comprising a cylindrical body having an axis of revolution and comprising housings made on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body comprising a first end intended to be fixed to the component, and a second end opposite the first end, the fixing device also comprising an actuating element connected to the cylindrical body and projecting from the second end of the cylindrical body, and holding means each arranged in one of the housings of the cylindrical body, the actuating element cooperating with the holding means and being configured in such a way that, when the actuating element is actuated, the holding means move from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa, wherein the cylindrical body has a diameter less than a diameter of said orifice in which the fixing device is housed, and wherein in the unlocking configuration, the holding means are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice, and in the locking configuration, a portion of the holding means projects in a radial direction from the cylindrical body, the holding means being in contact with the internal surface of said orifice and exerting a force against the internal surface of said orifice.

[0006] Thanks to these characteristics, the fixing device makes it possible to simply fix a component of the modular furniture to a modular element. Indeed, the fixing device is thus housed in one of the holes of the modular element and with the aid of the actuating element and the holding means, it is possible to hold the component to the modular element without the need for tools and without damaging the modular element.

[0007] According to embodiments, such modular furniture may comprise one or more of the following characteristics.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the actuating element is configured to be locked in translation along the axis of revolution relative to the cylindrical body and to be free to rotate along the axis of revolution relative to the cylindrical body.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the actuating element has a threaded hole and the cylindrical body has a holding orifice, a screw being introduced into the holding orifice and being screwed into the threaded hole of the actuating element so as to extend along the axis of revolution, the screw being configured to be free to rotate in the holding orifice.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the modular furniture comprises an accessory provided with a connection member, the first end of the cylindrical body being fixed to the connection member of the accessory.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the accessory may be a textile strip, a plate, a metal tube or any other component provided with a connection member.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the modular element is a first modular element and the fixing device is a first fixing device, and in which the modular furniture comprises: - a second modular element comprising perforated plates fixed to each other, each perforated plate having a plurality of through-holes of cylindrical shape and spaced from each other, the plurality of holes forming rows of holes, - a second fixing device, the second fixing device being housed in one of the orifices of the second modular element, said orifice of the first modular element being coaxial with said orifice of the second modular element, the second fixing device comprising a cylindrical body having an axis of revolution and comprising housings made on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body comprising a fixing end, the fixing end of the cylindrical body of the first fixing device being coupled to the fixing end of the cylindrical body of the second fixing device, the second fixing device also comprising an actuating element connected to the cylindrical body and projecting from one end of the cylindrical body opposite the fixing end, and holding means each arranged in one of the housings of the cylindrical body,the actuating element cooperating with the holding means and being configured such that, upon actuation of the actuating element, the holding means move from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa, wherein the cylindrical body of the second fixing device has a diameter smaller than a diameter of said orifice in which the second fixing device is housed, and wherein for each of the first and second fixing devices, in the unlocking configuration, the holding means are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice, and in the locking configuration, a portion of the holding means projects in a radial direction of the cylindrical body, the holding means being in contact with the internal surface of said orifice and exerting a force against the internal surface of said orifice.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the fixing end of the first fixing device has a male fixing part and the fixing end of the second fixing device has a female fixing part, the male fixing part of the first fixing device being assembled in the female fixing part of the second fixing device.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the female fixing part of the second fixing device is a tapped hole and the male fixing part of the first fixing device is a threaded rod.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first modular element is identical to the second modular element.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the perforated plates of the modular element comprise a rectangular-shaped perforated base plate having four edges, two rectangular-shaped perforated side plates, and an internal rectangular-shaped perforated plate, the two rectangular-shaped perforated side plates being parallel to each other and being fixed to two of the edges of the bottom perforated plate so that each side perforated plate is perpendicular to the bottom perforated plate, and the inner perforated plate being fixed to the bottom perforated plate and to the two side perforated plates so that the inner perforated plate is perpendicular to the bottom perforated plate and to the two side perforated plates, the inner perforated plate being located between two rows of holes in the bottom perforated plate and between two rows of holes in each side perforated plate.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the orifices of a perforated plate are identical.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the orifices of a perforated plate are distributed regularly. lately on said plate, the spacing between two adjacent orifices in a direction parallel to an edge of the perforated plate being predefined, preferably this spacing being between 30 and 80mm from the center of an orifice to the center of an adjacent orifice, for example 50mm.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the perforated plates are made of wood or composite material.

[0020] According to one embodiment, one of the orifices or each orifice has a diameter of between 10 and 50 mm, preferably of between 20 and 40 mm, for example 24 mm.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the actuating element comprises a gripping portion and a movable portion, the movable portion being moved by the movement of the gripping portion carried out by the user, the movable portion being configured to, during its movement, elastically deform the holding means by pressing a bearing surface of the movable portion against the holding means, so that the holding means pass from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration and vice versa.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the actuating element comprises a gripping portion and a movable portion, the movable portion being driven in translation by the movement of the gripping portion carried out by the user, the movable portion being configured to, during its translational movement, move the holding means from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration by pressing a bearing surface of the movable portion against the holding means, and the fixing device comprises a return means, the return means being configured to move the holding means from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration when the bearing surface of the movable portion is located at a distance from the holding means.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the bearing surface of the movable portion is inclined so that when the movable portion is moved along the axis of revolution in the direction of the gripping portion, the holding means are moved in a radial direction towards the outside of the cylindrical body.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the bearing surface is flat and has a normal line, the normal line of the bearing surface being coplanar with the axis of revolution of the cylindrical body, the normal line of the bearing surface being inclined relative to the axis of revolution by a non-zero angle and different from 90°, for example an angle between 60 and 85°.

[0025] According to one embodiment, when moving the holding means from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, the support of the support surface of the movable portion is made against a complementary support surface of the holding means, the complementary support surface being inclined at an inclination equal to the inclination of the support surface of the movable portion.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the gripping portion is a wheel movable in rotation around the axis of revolution relative to the cylindrical body.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the wheel has a threaded rod inserted into the cylindrical body and connected to the cylindrical body, and the movable portion is a nut cooperating with the threaded rod of the wheel.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the wheel has an external circumferential surface in which a plurality of gripping grooves are made, the gripping grooves being made all around the wheel, the gripping grooves being configured to facilitate gripping by the user's hand.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the gripping grooves extend parallel to the axis of revolution.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the gripping grooves are produced in the form of a network of interlaced grooves, for example in the form of crossed knurling.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical body comprises a hole into which the threaded rod of the wheel and the nut are inserted, the nut being configured to be locked in rotation along the axis of revolution relative to the cylindrical body.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical body has an internal circumferential surface in which a guide groove is formed, the nut of the actuating element comprising a protuberance inserted into the guide groove.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the hole has a polygonal cross-sectional shape, an external surface of the nut having a polygonal cross-sectional shape complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the hole, for example a hexagonal shape.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the return means is a spring rod comprising two ends, the spring rod being inserted into a through housing of one of the holding means, each of the two ends of the spring rod being fixed to the cylindrical body.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method of assembling a modular furniture, in which the method comprises the following steps: - providing at least one modular element comprising perforated plates fixed to each other, each perforated plate having a plurality of through-holes of cylindrical shape and spaced from each other, the plurality of holes forming rows of holes, - provide at least one fixing device, the fixing device being intended to be fixed to a component of the modular furniture, the fixing device comprising a cylindrical body having an axis of revolution and comprising housings made on a peripheral surface, a first end being intended to be fixed to the component, and a second end opposite the first end, the fixing device also comprising an actuating element connected to the cylindrical body and projecting from the second end of the cylindrical body, and holding means each arranged in one of the housings of the cylindrical body, the actuating element cooperating with the holding means and being configured such that, upon actuation of the actuating element, the holding means pass from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa,the holding means being initially arranged in the unlocking configuration, , - arranging the fixing device in one of the orifices of the modular element, the cylindrical body having a diameter less than a diameter of said orifice, and in which in the unlocking configuration, the holding means are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice, - actuating the actuating element so as to switch the holding means from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, wherein in the locking configuration, a portion of the holding means projects in a radial direction from the cylindrical body, the holding means being in contact with the inner surface of said orifice and exerting a force against the inner surface of said orifice.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the modular element is a first modular element and the fixing device is a first fixing device, the method also comprising the following steps: - providing a second modular element, the second modular element comprising perforated plates fixed to each other, each perforated plate having a plurality of through-holes of cylindrical shape and spaced from each other, the plurality of holes forming rows of holes, - providing a second fixing device, the second fixing device comprising a cylindrical body having an axis of revolution and comprising housings made on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body comprising a fixing end, the fixing end of the cylindrical body of the first device fixing being coupled to the fixing end of the cylindrical body of the second fixing device, the second fixing device also comprising an actuating element connected to the cylindrical body and projecting from one end of the cylindrical body opposite the fixing end, and holding means each arranged in one of the housings of the cylindrical body, the actuating element cooperating with the holding means and being configured such that, upon actuation of the actuating element, the holding means pass from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa, the holding means being initially arranged in the unlocking configuration, - arranging the first fixing device in one of the orifices of the first modular element and the second fixing device in one of the orifices of the second modular element, said orifice of the first modular element being coaxial with said orifice of the second modular element, and in which the cylindrical body of the first and second fixing devices has a diameter smaller than a diameter of said orifice in which the first fixing device or the second fixing device is housed, and in which in the unlocking configuration, the holding means are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice, - actuating the actuating element of the first and second fixing devices so as to pass the holding means from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, wherein in the locking configuration, a portion of the holding means projects in a radial direction of the cylindrical body, the holding means being in contact with the internal surface of said orifice and exerting a force against the internal surface of said orifice. Brief description of the figures

[0037] The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0038] [Fig.l] represents in perspective a modular element according to an alternative embodiment.

[0039] [Fig.2] represents in perspective a modular piece of furniture according to an alternative embodiment and comprising three modular elements on which accessories are fixed.

[0040] [Fig. 3] represents in perspective a perforated plate of a modular element isolated from the rest of the modular element, a fixing device fixed to an accessory being introduced into one of the orifices of the perforated plate according to one embodiment.

[0041] [Fig.4] shows in perspective and in section the assembly between a fixing device and an accessory according to one embodiment.

[0042] [Fig.5] represents an exploded view of a fixing device according to one embodiment.

[0043] [Fig.6] represents a sectional view, in a plane parallel to the axis of revolution, of a fixing device according to one embodiment.

[0044] [Fig. 7] represents a sectional view, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of revolution and at the level of the holding means, of a fixing device housed in an orifice according to one embodiment, the unlocking configuration being represented on the left part and the locking configuration being represented on the right part.

[0045] [Fig.8] represents a sectional view, in a plane parallel to the axis of revolution, of a first fixing device fixed to a second fixing device according to one embodiment. Description of the embodiments

[0046] A modular piece of furniture 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, which may comprise one or more identical modular elements 2 and may advantageously comprise one or more accessories 3 fixed to the modular element(s) 2. The accessories 3 or the modular elements 2 are fixed to each other using a fixing device 4 which will be described in more detail below.

[0047] [Fig.l] shows the modular element 2 produced according to an alternative embodiment.

[0048] In this illustrated variant, the modular element 2 has four perforated plates fixed to each other, for example by gluing or screwing. The perforated plates of the modular element 2 comprise a square-shaped perforated base plate 5 having four edges, two square-shaped side perforated plates 6, and an internal square-shaped perforated plate 7. Each perforated plate 5, 6, 7 has a plurality of through-holes 8 of cylindrical shape with a circular section and spaced from each other so as to form rows of holes 9. In the example illustrated, all of the holes 8 are of an identical size so as to require only one size of fixing device 4.

[0049] The two side perforated plates 6 are parallel to each other and are fixed to two of the edges of the bottom perforated plate 5 so that each side perforated plate 6 is perpendicular to the bottom perforated plate 5. The assembly of the bottom perforated plate 5 and the side perforated plates 6 thus creates a U shape.

[0050] The internal perforated plate 7 is fixed to the bottom perforated plate 5 and to the two side perforated plates 6 so that the internal perforated plate 7 is perpendicular to the bottom perforated plate 5 and to the two side perforated plates 6. The internal perforated plate 7 is located between two rows of holes 9 of the bottom perforated plate 5 and between two rows of holes 8 of each side perforated plate 6. Thus, one of the edges of the internal perforated plate 7 is fixed to the bottom perforated plate 5 and two of the edges of the internal perforated plate 7 are fixed to the side perforated plates 6.

[0051] In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the side perforated plates 6 and the bottom perforated plate 5 have eight rows of orifices 9 and the internal perforated plate 7 is located between the second row of orifices 9 and the third row of orifices 9 for the side perforated plates 6 and the bottom perforated plate 5. Each row of orifices 9 has eight orifices 8. The internal perforated plate 7 has six rows of orifices 9 comprising six orifices 8 each.

[0052] In the example illustrated in [Fig.2], the side perforated plates 6 and the bottom perforated plate 5 have ten rows of orifices 9 which each comprise ten orifices 8. In this example, the internal perforated plate 7 is located between the fourth row of orifices 9 and the fifth row of orifices 9 for the side perforated plates 6 and the bottom perforated plate 5. The internal perforated plate 7 has six rows of orifices 9 comprising six orifices 8 each

[0053] In other embodiments not shown, the number of rows of orifices 9 and the number of orifices 8 per row of orifices 9 may be different.

[0054] In other embodiments not illustrated, the internal perforated plate 7 may be located between two other rows of orifices 9.

[0055] [Fig.2] represents a modular piece of furniture 1 comprising three modular elements 2 assembled on which a plurality of accessories 3 are fixed.

[0056] The three modular elements 2 are fixed two by two by one of the lateral perforated plates 6 using fixing devices 4. Accessories 3 are also fixed on the modular elements 2.

[0057] In the example illustrated, one of the accessories 3 is a textile strip which has connection members (not illustrated) on which fixing devices 4 are fixed and the fixing devices 4 are fixed in orifices 8 of two modular elements 2, for example to one of the perforated bottom plates 5 of one of the modular elements 2 and to one of the perforated side plates 6 of another of the modular elements 2.

[0058] The two other accessories 3 illustrated are metal tubes which have a first end on which is fixed a fixing device 4 as illustrated in [Fig.4], and a second end on which is fixed here a bulb or a plate.

[0059] [Fig. 3] represents a perforated plate 5, 6, 7 of a modular element 2 isolated from the rest of the modular element 2, and a fixing device 4 fixed to an accessory 3 which is introduced into one of the holes 8 of the perforated plate 5, 6, 7.

[0060] As visible in [Fig.4], the fixing device 4 has a fixing end 10 comprising a threaded rod 11. This fixing end 10 is inserted and screwed into the first end of the accessory which has a threaded internal wall 11.

[0061] The fixing device 4 will be more particularly described in relation to FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0062] As visible in [Fig.5], the fixing device 4 comprises a cylindrical body 12 having an axis of revolution X and comprising housings 13 made on a peripheral surface.

[0063] The cylindrical body 12 comprises the fixing end 10 which is intended to be fixed to a connection member of an accessory 3 or to another fixing device 4, and an end 14 opposite the fixing end 10. The fixing device also comprises an actuating element 15 connected to the cylindrical body 12 and projecting from the end 14 of the cylindrical body 12. The fixing device 4 further comprises holding means 16 each arranged in one of the housings 13 of the cylindrical body 12.

[0064] The actuating element 15 cooperates with the holding means 16 so that, when the actuating element 15 is actuated, the holding means 16 pass from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa.

[0065] As visible in [Fig.7], the cylindrical body 12 has an external diameter which is less than a diameter of the orifice 8.

[0066] The actuating element 12 has a gripping portion 17 which will be grasped by the user and a movable portion 18. The movable portion 18 is moved by the movement of the gripping portion 17 carried out by the user.

[0067] In the example illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the gripping portion 17 is a wheel movable in rotation about the axis of revolution X relative to the cylindrical body 12. The wheel 17 in fact has a threaded rod 19 inserted into a hole 21 in the cylindrical body 12 and connected at one end to the cylindrical body 12. The wheel has an external circumferential surface on which a plurality of gripping grooves 20 are made, as visible in [Fig.5]. The gripping grooves 20 are made all around the wheel 17 and extend parallel to the axis of revolution X so as to facilitate gripping of the wheel 17 by the user's hand.

[0068] The movable portion 18 is a nut cooperating with the threaded rod 19 of the wheel 17. Thus, when the user grasps the wheel 17 and rotates it around the axis of revolution X, the nut 18 is driven in translation along the axis of revolution X.

[0069] The nut 18 has an external bearing surface 22 inclined relative to the axis of re- revolution X as visible in [Fig.6] and the holding means 16 have an internal bearing surface 23 also inclined relative to the axis of revolution X. The external bearing surface 22 of the nut 18 is caused to press on the internal bearing surface 23 of the holding means 16 during the movement of the nut 18. Thus, when the nut 18 is moved towards the end 14 of the cylindrical body, the support of the external bearing surface 22 of the nut 18 against the internal bearing surface 23 of the holding means 16 causes the movement of the holding means in a radial direction towards the outside of the cylindrical body 12. Therefore, a portion of the holding means 16 projects in the radial direction of the cylindrical body 12.

[0070] As visible in [Fig.5], the cylindrical body 12 has an internal circumferential surface in which three grooves of guidance 30.The nut 18 comprises three protuberances 31 each inserted into one of the guide grooves 30 in order to block the rotation of the nut 18 along the axis of revolution X.

[0071] [Fig. 7] shows on the left side the unlocking configuration and on the right side the locking configuration of the fixing device 4. Thus, in the unlocking configuration, the holding means 16 are located at a distance from an internal surface 24 of the orifice 8. And in the locking configuration, a portion of the holding means 16 projects in a radial direction of the cylindrical body 12 so that the holding means 16 are in contact with the internal surface 24 of the orifice 8 and exert a force against the internal surface 24 of the orifice 8.

[0072] As also visible in [Fig. 6], the fixing device 4 comprises a return means 25 made for example in the form of a spring rod making it possible to return a holding means 16 to the unlocking configuration. Indeed, when changing from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, the spring rod 25 is elastically deformed by the radial displacement of the holding means 16. Thus, when changing from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration, the nut 18 is translated in the direction of the fixing end 10 of the cylindrical body 12 and the external bearing surface 22 of the nut 18 no longer presses against the internal bearing surface 23 of the holding means 16. From then on, the spring rod 25 is configured to radially move the holding means 16 while returning to its original shape before elastic deformation. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.6], the spring rod 25 is inserted axially into a through housing 26 of a holding means 16 and is fixed at its two ends to the cylindrical body 12. The through housing 26 has widened portions 27 allowing the spring rod to deform freely.

[0073] In order to assemble an accessory 3 to a modular element 2, it is therefore provided to: - arrange a fixing device 4 previously fixed to a connection member of the accessory 3 in one of the orifices 8 of the modular element 2, the holding means 16 of the fixing device 4 being initially arranged in the unlocking configuration, - actuate the actuating element so as to move the holding means from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration.

[0074] In order to assemble two modular elements 2 together, it is provided to first assemble two complementary fixing devices 4 as illustrated in [Fig.8]. Indeed, the fixing end 10 of the fixing device 4 located on the right in [Fig.8] has a male fixing part 28 and the fixing end 10 of the fixing device 4 has a female fixing part 29, the male fixing part 28 being assembled in the female fixing part 29.

[0075] It is thus provided in this case to: -arrange the assembly of these two fixing devices 4 so that the first fixing device 4 is housed in one of the orifices 8 of a first modular element 2 and the second fixing device 4 in one of the orifices 8 of the second modular element 8, the orifice 8 of the first modular element 2 being coaxial with the orifice 8 of the second modular element 2, the holding means 16 of the two fixing devices being initially arranged in the unlocking configuration, - actuate the actuating element 15 of the first and second fixing devices 4 so as to move the holding means 16 from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration.

[0076] In the embodiment described in relation to FIGS. 5 to 8, the holding means 16 are moved in the radial direction in response to the axial movement of the nut 18.

[0077] In another embodiment not illustrated, the movable portion 18 is configured to, during its movement, elastically deform the holding means 16 by pressing the external bearing surface 22 of the movable portion 18 against the holding means 16, so that the holding means 16 pass from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration and vice versa.

[0078] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is quite obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0079] The use of the verb “comprise”, “comprise” or “include” and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those stated in a claim.

[0080] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Claims

1. A modular furniture (1) comprising: - at least one modular element (2) comprising perforated plates (5, 6, 7) fixed to one another, each perforated plate (5, 6, 7) having a plurality of orifices (8) passing therethrough in a cylindrical shape and spaced apart from one another, the plurality of orifices (8) forming rows of orifices (9), - at least one fixing device (4), the fixing device (4) intended to be fixed to a component of the modular furniture (1) and being housed in one of the orifices (8) of the modular element (2), the fixing device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12) having an axis of revolution (X) and comprising housings (13) made on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body (12) comprising a first end (10) intended to be fixed to the component, and a second end (14) opposite the first end, the fixing device (4) also comprising an actuating element (15) connected to the cylindrical body (12) and projecting from the second end of the cylindrical body (12), and holding means (16) each arranged in one of the housings (13) of the cylindrical body (12), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the holding means (16) and being configured such that, upon actuation of the actuating element (15),the holding means (16) pass from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa, wherein the cylindrical body (12) has a diameter smaller than a diameter of said orifice (8) in which the fixing device (4) is housed, and wherein in the unlocking configuration, the holding means (16) are located at a distance from an internal surface (24) of said orifice (8), and in the locking configuration, a portion of the holding means (16) projects in a radial direction of the cylindrical body (12), the holding means (16) being in contact with the internal surface (24) of said orifice (8) and exerting a force against the internal surface (24) of said orifice (8).,

2. Modular furniture (1) according to claim 1, wherein the modular furniture (1) comprises an accessory (3) provided with a connection member, the first end of the cylindrical body (12) being fixed to the connection member of the accessory (3).

3. Modular furniture (1) according to claim 1, wherein the modular element (2) is a first modular element (2) and the fixing device (4) is a first fixing device (4), and wherein the modular furniture (1) comprises: - a second modular element (2) comprising perforated plates (5, 6, 7) fixed to each other, each perforated plate (5, 6, 7) having a plurality of orifices (8) passing through them in a cylindrical shape and spaced from each other, the plurality of orifices (8) forming rows of orifices (9), - a second fixing device (4), the second fixing device (4) being housed in one of the orifices (8) of the second modular element (2), said orifice (8) of the first modular element (2) being coaxial with said orifice (8) of the second modular element (2), the second fixing device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12) having an axis of revolution (X) and comprising housings (13) made on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body (12) comprising a fixing end (10), the fixing end (10) of the cylindrical body (12) of the first fixing device (4) being coupled to the fixing end (10) of the cylindrical body (12) of the second fixing device (4), the second fixing device (4) also comprising an actuating element (15) connected to the cylindrical body (12) and projecting from one end of the cylindrical body (12) opposite the fixing end (10),and holding means (16) each arranged in one of the housings (13) of the cylindrical body (12), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the holding means (16) and being configured such that, upon actuation of the actuating element (15), the holding means (16) pass from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa, wherein the cylindrical body (12) of the second fixing device (4) has a diameter smaller than a diameter of said orifice (8) in which the second fixing device (4) is housed, and wherein for each of the first and second fixing devices, in the unlocking configuration, the holding means (16) are located at a distance from an internal surface (24) of said orifice (8), and in the locking configuration, a portion of the holding means (16) projects in a radial direction from the cylindrical body (12), the holding means (16) being in contact with the internal surface of said orifice (8) and exerting a force against the internal surface of said orifice (8).

4. Modular furniture (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the perforated plates (5, 6, 7) of the modular element (2) comprise a perforated bottom plate (5) of rectangular shape having four edges, two perforated side plates (6) of rectangular shape, and an internal perforated plate (7) of rectangular shape, the two perforated side plates (6) being parallel to each other and being fixed to two of the edges of the perforated bottom plate (5) so that each perforated side plate (6) is perpendicular to the perforated bottom plate (5), and the internal perforated plate (7) being fixed to the perforated bottom plate (5) and to the two perforated side plates (6) so that the internal perforated plate (7) is perpendicular to the perforated bottom plate (5) and to the two perforated side plates (6),the internal perforated plate (7) being located between two rows of holes (9) of the bottom perforated plate (5) and between two rows of holes (9) of each side perforated plate (6).,

5. Modular furniture (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuating element (15) comprises a gripping portion (17) and a movable portion (18), the movable portion (18) being moved by the movement of the gripping portion (17) carried out by the user, the movable portion (18) being configured to, during its movement, elastically deform the holding means (16) by pressing a bearing surface (22) of the movable portion (18) against the holding means (16), so that the holding means (16) pass from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration and vice versa.

6. Modular furniture (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the actuating element (15) comprises a gripping portion (17) and a movable portion (18), the movable portion (18) being driven in translation by the movement of the gripping portion (17) carried out by the user, the movable portion (18) being configured to, during its translational movement, move the holding means (16) from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration by pressing a bearing surface (22) of the movable portion (18) against the holding means (16), and the fixing device (4) comprises a return means (25), the return means (25) being configured to move the holding means (16) from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration when the support surface of the movable portion (18) is located at a distance from the holding means (16).

7. Modular furniture (1) according to claim 6, wherein the bearing surface of the movable portion (18) is inclined so that when the movable portion (18) is moved along the axis of revolution (X) towards the gripping portion (17), the holding means (16) are moved in a radial direction towards the outside of the cylindrical body (12).

8. Modular furniture (1) according to claim 7, wherein when moving the holding means (16) from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, the support of the support surface (22) of the movable portion (18) is made against a support surface (23) complementary to the holding means (16), the complementary support surface (23) being inclined at an inclination equal to the inclination of the support surface of the movable portion (18).

9. Modular furniture (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, in which the gripping portion (17) is a wheel movable in rotation around the axis of revolution (X) relative to the cylindrical body (12), the wheel having a threaded rod (19) inserted into the cylindrical body (12) and connected to the cylindrical body (12), and the movable portion (18) is a nut cooperating with the threaded rod (19) of the wheel.

10. Modular furniture (1) according to claim 9, in which the cylindrical body (12) comprises a hole in which the threaded rod (19) of the wheel and the nut are inserted, the nut being configured to be locked in rotation along the axis of revolution (X) relative to the cylindrical body (12).

11. Modular furniture (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, in which the return means (25) is a spring rod comprising two ends, the spring rod being inserted into a through housing of one of the holding means (16), each of the two ends of the spring rod being fixed to the cylindrical body (12).

12. A method of assembling a modular piece of furniture (1), wherein the method comprises the following steps: - providing at least one modular element (2) comprising perforated plates (5, 6, 7) fixed to each other, each perforated plate (5, 6, 7) having a plurality of through-holes (8) of cylindrical shape and spaced from each other, the plurality of holes (8) forming rows of holes (9), - providing at least one fixing device (4), the fixing device (4) being intended to be fixed to a component of the modular furniture (1), the fixing device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12) having an axis of revolution (X) and comprising housings (13) made on a peripheral surface, a first end being intended to be fixed to the component, and a second end opposite the first end, the fixing device (4) also comprising an actuating element (15) connected to the cylindrical body (12) and projecting from the second end of the cylindrical body (12), and holding means (16) each arranged in one of the housings (13) of the cylindrical body (12), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the holding means (16) and being configured such that, upon actuation of the actuating element (15),the holding means (16) move from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa, the holding means (16) being initially arranged in the unlocking configuration, - arranging the fixing device (4) in one of the orifices (8) of the modular element (2), the cylindrical body (12) having a diameter smaller than a diameter of said orifice, and in which in the unlocking configuration, the holding means (16) are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice (8), - actuating the actuating element (15) so as to move the holding means (16) from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, in which in the locking configuration, a portion of the holding means (16) projects in a radial direction from the cylindrical body (12),the holding means (16) being in contact with the internal surface of said orifice (8) and exerting a force against the internal surface of said orifice (8).,

13. A method of assembling a modular piece of furniture (1) according to claim 12, wherein the modular element (2) is a first modular element (2) and the fixing device (4) is a first fixing device (4), the method also comprising the following steps: - providing a second modular element (2), the second modular element (2) comprising perforated plates fixed to each other, each perforated plate (5, 6, 7) having a plurality of through-holes (8) of cylindrical shape and spaced from each other, the plurality of holes (8) forming rows of holes (9), - providing a second fixing device (4), the second device fixing device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12) having an axis of revolution (X) and comprising housings (13) made on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body (12) comprising a fixing end (10), the fixing end (10) of the cylindrical body (12) of the first fixing device (4) being coupled to the fixing end (10) of the cylindrical body (12) of the second fixing device (4), the second fixing device (4) also comprising an actuating element (15) connected to the cylindrical body (12) and projecting from one end of the cylindrical body (12) opposite the fixing end (10), and holding means (16) each arranged in one of the housings (13) of the cylindrical body (12), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the holding means (16) and being configured such that, upon actuation of the actuating element (15),the holding means (16) move from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa, the holding means (16) being initially arranged in the unlocking configuration, - arranging the first fixing device (4) in one of the orifices (8) of the first modular element (2) and the second fixing device (4) in one of the orifices (8) of the second modular element (2), said orifice (8) of the first modular element (2) being coaxial with said orifice (8) of the second modular element (2), and in which the cylindrical body (12) of the first and second fixing devices has a diameter smaller than a diameter of said orifice (8) in which the first fixing device (4) or the second fixing device (4) is housed, and in which in the unlocking configuration, the holding means (16) are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice (8), - actuating the actuating element (15) of the first and second fixing devices so as to pass the holding means (16) from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, wherein in the locking configuration, a portion of the holding means (16) projects in a radial direction from the cylindrical body (12), the holding means (16) being in contact with the internal surface of said orifice (8) and exerting a force against the internal surface of said orifice (8).

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