Modular furniture equipped 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 fastening device (4) being housed in one of the orifices (8) of the modular element (2), the fastening device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12), an actuating element (15), and retaining means (16), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the retaining means (16) and being configured such that, upon actuating the actuating element (15), the retaining means (16) change from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa, wherein in the unlocked configuration, the retaining means (16) are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice (8), and in the locked configuration, a portion of the retaining means (16) protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical body (12),the retaining 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 abbreviation: 3,

Description

Title of the invention: Modular furniture equipped with a fastening device technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of modular furniture composed of one or more modular elements. More particularly, the invention relates to fastening 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 notably features fastening devices allowing the modular elements to be linked together or to accessories in order to assemble the modular furniture.

[0003] However, known fastening devices have several drawbacks. They mark, wear down, or damage the furniture components under normal conditions of use. They require the use of tools or wrenches by users for assembly or disassembly. Furthermore, these fastening devices are difficult to handle and unsightly. Summary of the invention

[0004] One idea underlying the invention is to improve the fastening 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 one another, each perforated plate having a plurality of cylindrical through holes spaced apart from one another, the plurality of holes forming rows of holes, - at least one fastening device, the fastening device intended to be fixed to a component of the modular furniture and housed in one of the openings of the modular element, the fastening device comprising a cylindrical body having an axis of revolution and comprising recesses formed on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body having a first end intended to be fixed to the component, and a second end opposite the first end, the fastening device also comprising an actuating element connected to the cylindrical body and projecting from the second end of the cylindrical body, and retaining means each disposed in one of the recesses of the cylindrical body, the actuating element cooperating with the retaining means and being configured such that that, during actuation of the actuating element, the holding means change from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa, in which the cylindrical body has a diameter smaller than a diameter of said orifice in which the fastening device is housed, and in which, in the unlocking configuration, the retaining means are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice, and in the locking configuration, a portion of the retaining means protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical body, the retaining 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 features, the fastening device allows a modular furniture component to be easily attached to a modular element. The fastening device is housed in one of the openings of the modular element, and using the actuating element and retaining means, the component can be held to the modular element without the need for tools and without damaging the modular element.

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

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

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

[0010] According to one embodiment, the modular furniture includes an accessory equipped with a connecting element, the first end of the cylindrical body being fixed to the connecting element of the accessory.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the accessory can be a textile strip, a plate, a metal tube or any other component equipped with a connecting element.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the modular element is a first modular element and the fastening device is a first fastening device, and wherein the modular furniture comprises: - a second modular element comprising perforated plates fixed to one another, each perforated plate having a plurality of cylindrical holes spaced apart, the plurality of holes forming rows of holes, - a second fastening device, the second fastening 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 fastening device comprising a cylindrical body having an axis of revolution and comprising housings made on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body having a fastening end, the fastening end of the cylindrical body of the first fastening device being coupled to the fastening end of the cylindrical body of the second fastening device, the second fastening device also comprising an actuating element connected to the cylindrical body and projecting from an end of the cylindrical body opposite the fastening end, and retaining means each disposed in one of the housings of the cylindrical body,the actuating element cooperating with the holding means and being configured such that, upon actuating the actuating element, the holding means switch from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa, in which the cylindrical body of the second fastening device has a diameter smaller than the diameter of said orifice in which the second fastening device is housed, and wherein for each of the first and second fastening devices, in the unlocking configuration, the retaining means are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice, and in the locking configuration, a portion of the retaining means protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical body, the retaining 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 fastening end of the first fastening device has a male fastening part and the fastening end of the second fastening device has a female fastening part, the male fastening part of the first fastening device being assembled in the female fastening part of the second fastening 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 base perforated plate having four edges, two rectangular side perforated plates, and an internal rectangular perforated plate, the two side perforated 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 situated between two rows of holes of the bottom perforated plate and between two rows of holes of each side perforated plate.

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

[0018] According to one embodiment, the holes in a perforated plate are distributed regularly on said plate, the spacing between two adjacent holes 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 one hole to the center of an adjacent hole, for example 50mm.

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

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

[0021] According to one embodiment, the actuation element comprises a gripping portion and a moving portion, the moving portion being moved by the movement of the gripping portion carried out by the user, the moving portion being configured so that during its movement it elastically deforms the retaining means by pressing a bearing surface of the moving portion against the retaining means, so that the retaining means go from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration and vice versa.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the actuation element comprises a gripping portion and a moving portion, the moving portion being driven in translation by the movement of the gripping portion made by the user, the moving portion being configured so that during its translational movement it moves the retaining means from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration by pressing a bearing surface of the moving portion against the retaining means, and the fastening device comprises a return means, the return means being configured to move the retaining means from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration when the bearing surface of the moving portion is located away from the retaining means.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the support surface of the movable portion is inclined so that during the displacement of the movable portion along the axis of revolution in 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 support surface is flat and has a normal line, the normal line of the support surface being coplanar with the axis of revolution of the cylindrical body, the normal line of the support surface being inclined with respect to the axis of revolution by a non-zero angle different from 90°, for example an angle between 60 and 85°.

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

[0026] According to one embodiment, the gripping portion is a wheel that is movable and rotates 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 made in the form of a network of interlaced grooves, for example in the form of cross knurling.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical body has a hole in which the threaded rod of the wheel and the nut are inserted, the nut being configured to be locked in rotation about 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 provided, the nut of the actuating element comprising a protrusion inserted in 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-hole of one of the means of support, 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 for assembling modular furniture, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - to provide at least one modular element comprising perforated plates fixed to one another, each perforated plate having a plurality of cylindrical through holes spaced apart, 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 retaining means each disposed in one of the housings of the cylindrical body, the actuating element cooperating with the retaining means and being configured such that, when the actuating element is actuation, the retaining means change from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa,the holding means being initially arranged in the unlocked configuration, - to place the fastening device in one of the holes of the modular element, the cylindrical body having a diameter less than a diameter of said hole, and in which, in the unlocking configuration, the retaining means are located at a distance from an internal surface of said hole, - actuate the actuating element so as to move the retaining means from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration, a portion of the retaining means protrudes radially from the cylindrical body, the retaining means being in contact with the internal surface of said orifice and exerting a force against the internal surface of said orifice.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the modular element is a first modular element and the fastening device is a first fastening device, the process also comprising the following steps: - to provide a second modular element, the second modular element comprising perforated plates fixed to one another, each perforated plate having a plurality of cylindrical through holes spaced apart, the plurality of holes forming rows of holes, - to provide a second fastening device, the second fastening device comprising a cylindrical body having an axis of revolution and comprising housings formed on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body comprising a fastening end, the fastening end of the cylindrical body of the first fastening device being coupled to the fastening end of the cylindrical body of the second fastening device, the second fastening device also comprising an actuating element connected to the cylindrical body and projecting from an end of the cylindrical body opposite the fastening end, and retaining means each disposed in one of the housings of the cylindrical body, the actuating element cooperating with the retaining means and being configured such that, upon actuating the actuating element,The holding means transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa, the holding means being initially arranged in the unlocked configuration, - to place the first fastening device in one of the holes of the first modular element and the second fastening device in one of the holes of the second modular element, said hole of the first modular element being coaxial with said hole of the second modular element, and wherein the cylindrical body of the first and second fastening devices has a diameter less than a diameter of said hole in which the first or second fastening device is housed, and wherein, in the unlocking configuration, the retaining means are located at a distance from an internal surface of said hole, - actuate the actuating element of the first and second fastening devices so as to move the retaining means from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, in which in the locking configuration, a portion of the retaining means protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical body, the retaining 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 objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent from the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Fig. 1 represents in perspective a modular element according to one embodiment variant.

[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 attached to an accessory being introduced into one of the holes of the perforated plate according to one embodiment.

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

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

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

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

[0045] Fig. 8 represents a cross-sectional view, in a plane parallel to the axis of revolution, of a first fixing device attached to a second fixing device according to one embodiment. Description of the implementation methods

[0046] A modular piece of furniture 1, 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, will be described subsequently with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The accessories 3 or the modular elements 2 are fixed together using a fixing device 4 which will be described in more detail subsequently.

[0047] Fig. 1 presents the modular element 2 made according to an alternative embodiment.

[0048] In this illustrated variant, the modular element 2 has four perforated plates fastened to one another, for example by gluing or screwing. The perforated plates of the modular element 2 comprise a square base perforated plate 5 with four edges, two square side perforated plates 6, and a square internal perforated plate 7. Each perforated plate 5, 6, 7 has a plurality of cylindrical holes 8 with a circular cross-section, spaced apart to form rows of holes 9. In the example shown, all the holes 8 are the same size, so that only one size of fastener 4 is required.

[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.1], the side perforated plates 6 and the bottom perforated plate 5 have eight rows of holes 9 and the internal perforated plate 7 is located between the second row of holes 9 and the third row of holes 9 for the side perforated plates 6 and the bottom perforated plate 5. Each row of holes 9 has eight holes 8. The internal perforated plate 7 has six rows of holes 9, each containing six holes 8.

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

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

[0054] In other embodiments not illustrated, the internal perforated plate 7 may be located between two other rows of holes 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 in pairs by one of the perforated side plates 6 using fixing devices 4. Accessories 3 are also fixed on the modular elements 2.

[0057] In the illustrated example, one of the accessories 3 is a textile strip which has connecting members (not shown) on which fastening devices 4 are fixed, and the fastening devices 4 are fixed in holes 8 of two modular elements 2, for example to one of the perforated base plates 5 of one of the elements modular 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] Figure 3 represents a perforated plate 5, 6, 7 of a modular element 2 isolated from the remainder of the modular element 2, and a fixing device 4 attached to an accessory 3 which is inserted into one of the holes 8 of the perforated plate 5, 6, 7.

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

[0061] The fastening device 4 will be described in more particular relation to figures 5 to 8.

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

[0063] The cylindrical body 12 includes the fixing end 10 which is intended to be fixed to a connecting member of an accessory 3 or to another fixing device 4, and an end 14 opposite the fixing end 10. The fixing device also includes 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 includes retaining means 16 each disposed 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 actuation, the holding means 16 change from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa.

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

[0066] The actuation 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 that rotates about the axis of revolution X relative to the cylindrical body 12. The wheel 17 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 presents an external circumferential surface on which a plurality of gripping grooves 20 are formed, as seen in [Fig.5]. The gripping grooves 20 are formed all around the wheel 17 and extend parallel to the axis of revolution X so as to facilitate gripping 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 with respect to the axis of revolution X, as shown in [Fig. 6], and the retaining means 16 have an internal bearing surface 23 also inclined with respect to the axis of revolution X. The external bearing surface 22 of the nut 18 bears against the internal bearing surface 23 of the retaining 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 bearing of the external bearing surface 22 of the nut 18 against the internal bearing surface 23 of the retaining means 16 causes the retaining means to move in a radial direction outwards from the cylindrical body 12. Consequently, a portion of the retaining means 16 protrudes in the radial direction of the cylindrical body 12.

[0070] As seen in [Fig.5], the cylindrical body 12 has an internal circumferential surface in which three guide grooves 30 are provided. The nut 18 has three protrusions 31, each inserted into one of the guide grooves 30, in order to block the rotation of the nut 18 about the axis of revolution X.

[0071] Figure 7 shows on the left the unlocking configuration and on the right the locking configuration of the fastening device 4. Thus, in the unlocking configuration, the retaining 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 retaining means 16 protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical body 12 so that the retaining 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 shown in [Fig. 6], the fastening device 4 includes a return means 25, for example in the form of a spring rod, which returns a retaining means 16 to the unlocked position. Indeed, when switching from the unlocked to the locked position, the spring rod 25 is elastically deformed by the radial displacement of the retaining means 16. Thus, when switching from the locked to the unlocked position, the nut 18 is translated towards the fastening end 10 of the cylindrical body 12, and the external bearing surface 22 of the nut 18 no longer bears against the internal bearing surface 23 of the retaining means 16. Consequently, the spring rod 25 is configured to radially displace the retaining means 16, 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-hole 26 of a retaining means 16 and is fixed at both ends to the cylindrical body 12. The through-hole 26 has enlarged 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 planned to: - place a fastening device 4 previously fixed to a connection member of the accessory 3 in one of the orifices 8 of the modular element 2, the retaining means 16 of the fastening device 4 being initially arranged in the unlocking configuration, - actuate the actuation element so as to switch the holding means from the unlock configuration to the lock configuration.

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

[0075] It is therefore planned in this case to: -arrange the assembly of these two fastening devices 4 so that the first fastening device 4 is housed in one of the holes 8 of a first modular element 2 and the second fastening device 4 in one of the holes 8 of the second modular element 8, the hole 8 of the first modular element 2 being coaxial with the hole 8 of the second modular element 2, the retaining means 16 of the two fastening devices being initially arranged in the unlocking configuration, - actuate the actuating element 15 of the first and second fixing devices 4 so as to pass the retaining means 16 from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration.

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

[0077] In another embodiment not shown, the movable portion 18 is configured so that, during its movement, it elastically deforms the retaining means 16 by pressing the external bearing surface 22 of the movable portion 18 against the means of maintenance 16, so that the maintenance means 16 go from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration and vice versa.

[0078] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is clearly evident that it is by no means limited to them and that it includes all 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", "comprendre" 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 shall not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

1. Demands Modular furniture (1) comprising: - 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 cylindrical through holes (8) spaced apart from each other, the plurality of holes (8) forming rows of holes (9), - at least one fastening device (4), the fastening device (4) intended to be fixed to a component of the modular furniture (1) and housed in one of the openings (8) of the modular element (2), the fastening device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12) having an axis of revolution (X) and comprising recesses (13) formed on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body (12) having a first end (10) intended to be fixed to the component, and a second end (14) opposite the first end, the fastening 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 retaining means (16) each disposed in one of the recesses (13) of the cylindrical body (12), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the retaining means (16) and being configured such that, when the actuating element (15) is actuation,the retaining means (16) transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa, wherein the cylindrical body (12) has a diameter smaller than a diameter of said orifice (8) in which the fastening device (4) is housed, and, in which, in the unlocking configuration, the retaining 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 retaining means (16) protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical body (12), the retaining 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), in which the modular furniture (1) includes an accessory (3) provided with a connecting member, the first end of the body

2. cylindrical (12) being fixed to the connection element of the accessory (3). Modular furniture (1) comprising: - a first modular element (2) comprising perforated plates (5, 6, 7) fixed to each other, each perforated plate (5, 6, 7) having a plurality of cylindrical through holes (8) spaced apart from each other, the plurality of holes (8) forming rows of holes (9), - a first fastening device (4) intended to be fixed to a component of the modular furniture (1) and housed in one of the openings (8) of the first modular element (2), the first fastening device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12) having an axis of revolution (X) and comprising recesses (13) formed on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body (12) having a first end (10) intended to be fixed to the component, and a second end (14) opposite the first end, the first fastening 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 retaining means (16) each disposed in one of the recesses (13) of the cylindrical body (12), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the retaining means (16) and being configured such that, upon actuating the actuating element (15),the holding means (16) switch from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa, in which the cylindrical body (12) of the first fastening device has a diameter smaller than a diameter of said orifice (8) in which the first fastening device (4) is housed, and in which 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 cylindrical through holes (8) spaced apart from each other, the plurality of holes (8) forming rows of holes (9), - a second fastening device (4), the second fastening device (4) being housed in one of the holes (8) of the second modular element (2), said hole (8) of the first modular element (2) being coaxial with said hole (8) of the second modular element

3. (2), the second fastening device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12) having an axis of revolution (X) and comprising housings (13) formed on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body (12) comprising a fastening end (10), the fastening end (10) of the cylindrical body (12) of the first fastening device (4) being coupled to the fastening end (10) of the cylindrical body (12) of the second fastening device (4), the second fastening device (4) also comprising an actuating element (15) connected to the cylindrical body (12) and projecting from an end of the cylindrical body (12) opposite the fastening end (10), and retaining means (16) each disposed in one of the housings (13) of the cylindrical body (12), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the retaining means (16) and being configured such that, upon actuation of the actuating element (15),The retaining means (16) transition from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa, wherein the cylindrical body (12) of the second fastening device (4) has a diameter smaller than a diameter of said orifice (8) in which the second fastening device (4) is housed, and wherein, for each of the first and second fastening devices, in the unlocked configuration, the retaining means (16) are located at a distance from an internal surface (24) of said orifice (8), and in the locked configuration, a portion of the retaining means (16) protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical body (12), the retaining 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). Modular furniture (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the perforated plates (5, 6, 7) of the modular element (2) comprise a rectangular bottom perforated plate (5) having four edges, two rectangular side perforated plates (6), and a rectangular internal perforated plate (7), the two side perforated plates (6) being parallel to each other and being fixed to two of the edges of the bottom perforated plate (5) such that each side perforated plate (6) is perpendicular to the bottom perforated plate (5), and the internal perforated plate (7) being fixed to the bottom perforated plate (5) and to the two side perforated plates (6). perforated sides (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) 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).

4. Modular furniture (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 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 so that during its movement it elastically deforms the retaining means (16) by pressing a bearing surface (22) of the movable portion (18) against the retaining means (16), so that the retaining means (16) pass from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration and vice versa.

5. Modular furniture (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 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) made by the user, the movable portion (18) being configured so that during its translational movement it moves the retaining means (16) from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration by pressing a bearing surface (22) of the movable portion (18) against the retaining means (16), and the fastening device (4) comprises a return means (25), the return means (25) being configured to move the retaining means (16) from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration when the bearing surface of the movable portion (18) is located away from the retaining means (16).

6. Modular furniture (1) according to claim 5, 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 retaining means (16) are moved in a radial direction towards the outside of the cylindrical body (12).

7. Modular furniture (1) according to claim 6, wherein, when the retaining means (16) are moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the support of the support surface (22) of the mobile portion (18) is made against a support surface (23) complementary to the retaining means (16), the complementary support surface (23) being inclined at an inclination equal to the inclination of the support surface of the mobile portion (18).

8. Modular furniture (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the gripping portion (17) is a wheel movable in rotation about 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.

9. Modular furniture (1) according to claim 8, in which the cylindrical body (12) has a hole in which the threaded rod (19) of the knob and the nut are inserted, the nut being configured to be locked against rotation about the axis of revolution (X) relative to the cylindrical body (12).

10. Modular furniture (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the return means (25) is a spring rod comprising two ends, the spring rod being inserted into a through-hole of one of the retaining means (16), each of the two ends of the spring rod being fixed to the cylindrical body (12).

11. A method for assembling modular furniture (1), wherein the method comprises the following steps: - providing 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 cylindrical through holes (8) spaced apart, the plurality of holes (8) forming rows of holes (9), - providing at least one fastening device (4), the fastening device (4) being intended to be fixed to a component of the modular furniture (1), the fastening device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12) having an axis of revolution (X) and comprising recesses (13) formed on a peripheral surface, a first end being intended to be fixed to the component, and a second end opposite the first end,the fastening 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 retaining means (16),

12. each disposed in one of the housings (13) of the cylindrical body (12), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the retaining means (16) and being configured such that, during an actuation of the actuating element (15), the retaining means (16) change from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration and vice versa, the retaining means (16) being initially disposed in the unlocking configuration, - provide an accessory (3) equipped with a connecting element, the first end of the cylindrical body (12) being fixed to the connecting element of the accessory (3), - to arrange the fastening device (4) in one of the orifices (8) of the modular element (2), the cylindrical body (12) having a diameter less than a diameter of said orifice, and in which, in the unlocking configuration, the retaining means (16) are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice (8), - to actuate the actuating element (15) so as to move the retaining means (16) from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, in which, in the locking configuration, a portion of the retaining means (16) protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical body (12), the retaining 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). Method for assembling modular furniture (1), in which the method comprises the following steps: - provide 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 cylindrical through holes (8) spaced apart, the plurality of holes (8) forming rows of holes (9), - to provide a first fixing device (4) intended to be fixed to a component of the modular furniture (1), the first fixing device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12) having an axis of revolution (X) and comprising housings (13) formed on a peripheral surface, a first end being intended to be fixed to the component, and a second end opposite to the first end, the first fixing device (4) also comprising an actuating element (15) connected to the cylindrical body (12) and protruding from the second end of the cylindrical body (12), and retaining means (16) each disposed in one of the housings (13) of the cylindrical body (12), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the retaining means (16) and being configured such that, upon actuation of the actuating element (15), the retaining means (16) change from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa, the retaining means (16) being initially disposed in the unlocked configuration, - to provide 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 cylindrical through holes (8) spaced apart, the plurality of holes (8) forming rows of holes (9), - to provide a second fastening device (4), the second fastening device (4) comprising a cylindrical body (12) having an axis of revolution (X) and comprising housings (13) formed on a peripheral surface, the cylindrical body (12) having a fastening end (10), the fastening end (10) of the cylindrical body (12) of the first fastening device (4) being coupled to the fastening end (10) of the cylindrical body (12) of the second fastening device (4),the second fastening 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 fastening end (10), and retaining means (16) each disposed in one of the housings (13) of the cylindrical body (12), the actuating element (15) cooperating with the retaining means (16) and being configured such that, upon actuating the actuating element (15), the retaining means (16) change from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and vice versa, the retaining means (16) being initially disposed in the unlocked configuration, - to place the first fastening device (4) in one of the holes (8) of the first modular element (2) and the second fastening device (4) in one of the holes (8) of the second modular element (2), said hole (8) of the first modular element (2) being coaxial with said hole (8) of the second modular element (2), and in which the cylindrical body (12) of the first and second fastening devices has a diameter less than a diameter of said orifice (8) in which the first fastening device (4) or the second fastening device (4) is housed, and in which, in the unlocking configuration, the retaining means (16) are located at a distance from an internal surface of said orifice (8), - actuate the actuating element (15) of the first and second fastening devices so as to move the retaining means (16) from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, wherein in the locking configuration, a portion of the retaining means (16) protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical body (12), the retaining 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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