Coupling device, guiding device and components arranged to be connected thereby

Abstract

A coupling device (80) configured to connect a first component (10) to a second component (20), the coupling device (80) comprising a base element (83), a locking element (81) extending from the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a first groove (40) of the first component (10), and an actuator element (82) attached to the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a second groove (60) of the second component (20), wherein the locking element (81) is pivotably movable from an unlocked position in the first groove (40), to a locked position in the first groove (40) where pivotal movement of the locking element (81) within the first groove (40) is prevented, to thereby secure the first and second components (10, 20) to each other.

Description

[0001] COUPLING DEVICE, GUIDING DEVICE AND COMPONENTS ARRANGED

[0002] TO BE CONNECTED THEREBY

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to a coupling device, components designed to be connected by a coupling device, a retaining device for securing a coupling device, and a method for locking a coupling device. The invention further relates to a guiding device, a furniture element and to a method for assembling and disassembling a furniture element. Although applicable in various settings, the invention finds particular utility in the assembly of furniture, cabinets, wall mounts, and other furnishings typically encountered in private, public, and commercial buildings.

[0005] Background

[0006] Components that form part of various structures such as furniture, cabinets, wall mounts, and other furnishings are joined using a variety of techniques. A conventional technique involves connecting them with coupling devices in the form of dowels inserted into pre-drilled holes and secured with glue. However, this method is not always suitable, for example, when easy separation of the components is required for disassembly.

[0007] It is also common to use multiple different types of coupling devices, including pins, screws, comb bolts, nuts, positioning needles and clamping pins. However, the variety and quantity of these coupling devices can overwhelm users and complicate the assembly process. Additionally, manufacturers incur extra costs and labor to package the great variety of coupling devices. This is especially true for flat-pack furniture and cabinets delivered in compact packages. For these products, simplicity in packaging and assembly is preferred to enhance user-friendliness for customers assembling the components themselves into the product.

[0008] Some more specific examples of coupling devices are described in patent documents GB245332A and W02020046193A1.

[0009] Many existing coupling devices successfully connect components. However, they have certain limitations that may hinder easy connection. Moreover, some require complicated maneuvering to connect and / or disconnect the components.

[0010] It is an objective to at least partly overcome one or more of the above-identified limitations of the prior art.

[0011] One such objective is to offer a user-friendly coupling device that ensures a quick and sufficiently strong connection between two components.

[0012] Another objective is to provide a coupling device that can be easily decoupled to allow the disconnection of the two components it connects.

[0013] Another objective is to facilitate assembly and disassembly of a furniture element. One or more of these objectives, as well as further objectives that may appear from the description below, are at least partly achieved by one or more of the aspects below. This includes coupling devices, guiding devices, components, a coupling system, a retaining device, furniture elements, and a method according to the independent claims, embodiments thereof being defined by the dependent claims.

[0014] A first aspect relates to a coupling device configured to connect a first component to a second component. The coupling device comprises a base element, a locking element extending from the base element and arranged to fit in a first groove of the first component, and an actuator element attached to the base element and arranged to fit in a second groove of the second component. The locking element is pivotably movable from an unlocked position in the first groove, to a locked position in the first groove where pivotal movement of the locking element within the first groove is prevented, to thereby secure the first and second components to each other.

[0015] The coupling device is interrelated to the first and second components. Accordingly, the coupling device is an object that is different from the first and second components, but it complements the components and is capable of working together with the components, in a manner similar to a plug and socket. The opposite is also true, i.e., the first and second components complement the coupling device and are capable of working together with the coupling device. It may be said that the coupling device according to the first aspect is configured to connect a first component to a second component according to the second aspect, discussed below.

[0016] The components may be any type of component that is intended to be connected to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the components are parts of furniture, cabinets, wall mounts, or other furnishing or building components.

[0017] As used herein, “groove” refers to any slot, hole, opening, recess, cut-out, groove, and the like, that is formed in a component.

[0018] As used herein, “pivotably movable” may refer to the locking element being able to pivot around a pivot center or pivot axis. This capability allows it to change orientation or position within a defined range of motion in the second groove. “Pivotably movable” shall not be understood as rotation around a longitudinal axis of the locking element in a manner similar to the rotation of a conventional threaded screw that is screwed into a component, nor should it be understood as linear movement along a longitudinal axis of the locking element in a manner similar to the movement of a nail that is nailed into a component. Rather, “pivotably movable” may mean that the locking element can pivot and / or move sideways. “Pivotably movable” does not mean that the locking element cannot perform other types of movement when moving from the unlocked position to the locked position in the first groove.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, “pivotably movable” may refer to sideways movement of the locking element, i.e., “pivotably movable” may herein be substituted with “sideways movable”. Such sideways movement may comprise a movement that has at least one directional component which is perpendicular to a main axis of the locking element. This differentiates sideways movement from rotational movement, which turns around the main axis, and from axially linear movement, which is a movement that is parallel to the main axis.

[0020] Moreover, “pivotably movable” means that the coupling device is specifically designed to pivot (move sideways) from an unlocked position in a groove to a locked position in the same groove where pivotal movement (sideways movement) of the locking element is prevented. Thus, a random object that is pivotally movable per se, but not specifically designed and intended to pivot within a groove as the locking element described herein, cannot be understood as “pivotably movable” or “sideways movable” within the context of the present invention.

[0021] As used herein, “actuator element” may refer to any part of the coupling device that is used for imparting, or causing, pivotal movement of the locking element. Consequently, the actuator element could be a unified part of the base element or a separate entity with a distinct structural design from the base element. In either case, the actuator element and the base element can be regarded as being connected or attached to one another.

[0022] As used herein, “main axis” of an element, section or other type of object may refer to the axis of rotational symmetry or the line around which the element’s / section’s / object's mass is evenly distributed. For example, in a cylinder like object, the main axis runs parallel to the sides of the cylinder, from the center of one circular base to the center of the other.

[0023] The first and second components are typically secured to each other in a linear direction. This is based on that the coupling device and / or locking element pivots within the first groove, positioning its main axis at an angle relative to the linear direction in which the components are secured.

[0024] In some embodiments, the actuator element is configured to impart, via the base element, pivotal movement of the locking element to thereby move the locking element from the unlocked position in the first groove to the locked position in the first groove. Thus, the actuator element may “actuate ", or cause, the locking element’s pivotal movement from the unlocked position to the locked position. Generally, the actuator element imparts, or transfers, via the base element, the pivotal movement to the locking element by pivoting itself. This typically causes the entire coupling device to pivot.

[0025] In some embodiments, the actuator element is pivotably movable from an unlocked position in the second groove to a locked position in the second groove where pivotal movement of the actuator element within the second groove is prevented. This effectively secures the coupling device to the second component. However, it should be noted that locking the actuator element in the second groove is not a requirement for connecting the two components to each other. It is, for example, possible to let the actuator element rest or hang in a hole, in an unlocked condition.

[0026] In some embodiments, the actuator element is pivotably attached to the second groove. This attachment can be achieved, for example, by utilizing a pin to link the actuator element with the groove (an opening or hole). Consequently, the actuator element becomes the terminal part of the coupling device that is affixed to the groove through the pin. This configuration enables the actuator element to facilitate pivotal movement of the locking element by pivoting around the pin.

[0027] In some embodiments, the base element is located intermediate between the locking element and the actuator element and has a width that is greater than a width of each of the locking element and the actuator element. Having a greater width of the base element makes it easier to use the base element as the center of the pivotal movement, facilitating smoother and more stable pivoting movement of the locking element from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0028] In some embodiments, the base element has an essentially spherical shape, and each of the locking element and the actuator element has an elongated, cylindrical shape. These shapes have been especially effective in ensuring a seamless and stable transition of the locking element from its unlocked to locked position, enhancing the pivoting movement's efficiency.

[0029] In some embodiments, the locking element extends along a main axis of the coupling device and is configured to move from the unlocked position to the locked position with a movement that comprises pivoting around a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to a normal direction of said main axis. The normal direction of a main axis refers to the direction that is perpendicular, that is, at a 90-degree angle, to the main axis. The pivot center for the pivotal movement is preferably situated at the distal end of the actuator element or at the center of the base element. However, the pivot center can be positioned at any point along the main axis, ranging from the distal end of the actuator element to a point close to the distal end of the locking element. The pivot center may even be offset from the main axis. As used herein, “distal end” refers to the part of the locking element or actuator element, as applicable, that is farthest from the base element.

[0030] In some embodiments, the locking element is configured to move from the unlocked position to the locked position with a movement that comprises linear displacement of the locking element in a direction along said main axis. As used herein, “linear movement” refers to motion along a straight line. Thus, the locking element’s movement from the unlocked position to the locked position can comprise, in addition to the pivotal movement, a movement along the main axis. Combining linear movement with pivotal movement provides for more versatile configurations of the coupling device. It may also facilitate stronger anchoring of the locking element in the first groove.

[0031] In some embodiments, the base element is configured to be arranged in a third portion of the first groove, the base element guiding a translatory movement of the coupling device along a third portion axis during the pivoting movement between the locked and unlocked position of the coupling device.

[0032] The base element may comprise at least one lateral protrusion configured to be arranged in the third portion, the lateral protrusion defining a pivot axis. The coupling device may comprise a locking contact surface for abutment against a locking surface of the first groove in the locked position of the coupling device and wherein the locking contact surface is arranged at an angle in relation to a tangent of a pivot circle centered around the base element pivot axis that is 90° or less. This effectively increases the strength of the locking of the coupling device, as the force applied in the Y-direction to pull the first and second components apart becomes transformed into a rotational force that acts against the aforementioned locking contact surface. The aforementioned angle of the locking contact surface effectively pulls the first and second components together by its interaction with the locking surface when exerted to such a rotational force.

[0033] The locking contact surface may be parallel with the locking surface in the locked position of the coupling device.

[0034] The locking contact surface may be circumferentially provided around the locking element, facilitating correct orientation of the coupling device as rotating the coupling device around the main axis will not affect the mutual orientation of the locking contact surface and the locking surface.

[0035] The actuator element may comprise a clearance recess configured to be facing towards an engagement surface in the second groove such that, during pivoting movement between the locked and unlocked position of the coupling device, contact is prevented between the actuator element and the engagement surface adjacent a second surface of the second component into which the second groove is formed. As such, the risk of damage occurring to the second groove during assembly or disassembly is reduced. The clearance recess may be recessed below a clearance contact surface of the coupling device, the clearance contact surface being configured to be in contact with the clearance surface when the coupling device is in the locked position.

[0036] The clearance recess may be circumferentially provided around the actuator element.

[0037] The locking element and the actuator element may be essentially identical, facilitating manufacturing of the coupling device. The locking element and / or the actuator element may be rotationally symmetrical around the main axis of the coupling device.

[0038] The coupling device may comprise a release surface configured to be arranged facing a support surface in the first groove, wherein the release surface is oriented such that when a force is applied against the release surface it forces the coupling device to move along the third portion axis and thus out of the locked position. As such, release of the coupling device and the first and second components can be facilitated in a manner that allows the coupling device, as well as the first and second components, to be re-used. This is beneficial seeing as the secondhand use of furniture is ever increasing, where it is often crucial to be able to easily disassemble furniture to allow them to be moved and transported with ease.

[0039] Two opposite lateral protrusions may further be provided, defining the pivot axis of the coupling device. The coupling device may further comprise a support protrusion provided on the locking element, the support protrusion providing a resistance from being moved out of the third portion to support the coupling device as free-standing in its unlocked position, facilitating assembly.

[0040] A second aspect relates to a first component and a second component that are configured to be connected to each other by a coupling device according to the first aspect. The first component comprises a first groove arranged to accommodate the locking element of the coupling device, and the second component comprises a second groove arranged to accommodate the actuator element of the coupling device. The first groove comprises a first section configured to receive and accommodate the locking element in the unlocked position, and a second section configured to receive, by pivotal movement of the locking element, the locking element from the first section to hold the locking element in the locked position where pivotal movement of the locking element within the first groove is prevented.

[0041] As mentioned, the first component and the second component are products which are interrelated to the coupling device according to the first aspect. Also, the components may be any type of component that is intended to be connected to each other, including components that are parts of furniture, such as a cabinet, wall mount, or other furnishing. “Groove” refers to, as said, any slot, hole, opening, recess, cut-out, groove, and the like, which is formed in a component.

[0042] The first and second sections are part of the same groove, i.e., the first groove. They can therefore be seen as subsections of, or openings that form part of, the same groove. The first and second sections typically have different shapes.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second groove is configured to engage the actuator element to cause the actuator element to impart, via the base element of the coupling device, pivotal movement of the locking element to thereby move the locking element from the unlocked position in the first groove to the locked position in the first groove. This relieves the user from the need to use a tool for connecting the components to each other. Instead, the user may, for example, just push the components towards each other until the locking element locks in the first groove.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first component and the second component are configured to be connected to each other with a first surface of the first component facing a second surface of the second component. The first section of the first groove is configured to hold the locking element at a first angle relative to the first surface, and the second section of the first groove is configured to hold the locking element at a second angle relative to the first surface. Such configuration of the sections facilitates the pivotal movement of the locking element. The first surface is preferably a planar surface in which the first groove is formed. The second surface is preferably a planar surface in which the second groove is formed. When the first and second components are connected to each other, the first and second surfaces face and abut each other. The first and second groove then also face each other. In some embodiments, the first angle is within the range of 80° - 100° and the second angle is within the range of 35° - 65°. These ranges have been proven particularly advantageous for facilitating a reliable connection between the first and second components.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second groove is configured to hold the actuator element at a third angle relative to the second surface. The third angle may have the same angular value as the second angle, i.e., the angle by which the second section of the first groove is configured to hold the locking element.

[0046] In some embodiments, the angle by which the second groove is configured to hold the actuator element is within the range of 40° - 70°.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first section of the first groove transitions into the second section of the first groove, such that an open path is formed between the first and second sections to allow for pivotal movement of the locking element. This feature facilitates a smooth transition of the locking element from the unlocked position to the locked position in the first groove.

[0048] In some embodiments, the second section of the first groove comprises a recess following an end of the open path. The recess is arranged to receive the locking element of the coupling device and comprises a locking surface arranged to prevent pivoting movement of the locking element. The recess may be entered after pivotally moving the locking element, by performing a linear movement of the locking element into the recess. The groove efficiently secures the locking element in the first groove.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second groove comprises a guiding surface that is inclined relative to the second surface for exerting a force on the actuator element of the coupling device when it is pushed into the second groove, such that the actuator element imparts the pivotal movement of the locking element.

[0050] This means that, when pushing the components towards each other in a linear direction with the actuator element in the second groove and the locking element in the first groove, the actuator element is pushed sideways. As a result, the entire coupling device pivots, which in turn pivots the locking element from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second groove comprises a recess that follows an end of the guiding surface. The recess of the second groove is arranged to receive the actuator element of the coupling device and comprises a locking surface arranged to prevent pivotal movement of the actuator element.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first and second components comprise a retaining device configured to secure the locking element of the coupling device in the first groove. The retaining device comprises a locking surface arranged to fit in the first groove, and an activation element operationably connected to the locking surface for moving the locking surface from a retaining position to a releasing position. The locking surface is arranged to be in contact with the locking element to prevent pivotal movement of the locking element within the first groove, when the locking surface is in the retaining position, and is also arranged to allow for pivotal movement of the locking element within the groove, when the locking surface is in the releasing position.

[0053] In some embodiments, the locking surface is located where the first section of the first groove transitions into the second section of the first groove, and the retaining device is configured to deflect for enabling the locking element of the coupling device to move from the unlocked position in the first groove to the locked position in the first groove.

[0054] A third aspect relates to a coupling system according to the first aspect and to a first and a second component according to the second aspect.

[0055] In some embodiments, the locking element of the coupling device is configured to move from the unlocked position in the first groove to the locked position in the first groove by pushing the actuator element of the coupling device into the second groove. wherein displacing first component (10) relative to the second component (20) in an assembly direction that is substantially parallel to a normal direction of the first surface (11 ) of the first component (10) brings the coupling device (80) from the unlocked position to the locked position

[0056] In some embodiments, the first section of the first groove is arranged to hold the coupling device with the actuator element of the coupling device in a direction that is substantially parallel to a normal direction of the first surface of the first component, such that the locking position is obtained by displacing first component relative to the second component in an assembly direction that is substantially parallel to the normal direction of the first surface of the first component.

[0057] In some embodiments, the coupling device and the grooves in the first component and the second component form a first locking arrangement. The coupling system may comprise a second locking arrangement that corresponds to the first locking arrangement but for being rotated relative to the first locking arrangement around a normal direction of the first surface of the first component. The second locking arrangement may comprise a coupling device that is at least partially releasable from the first component, such that the first component can be disconnected from the second component by a turning movement that has its pivotal center at a point of contact between the first component and the second component.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first and second locking arrangements are rotated to provide a self-locking function of the coupling system when one of the first and second components are subjected to a force that pulls the first and second components from each other, unless the coupling device of the second locking arrangement is at least partially released from the first component.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second section of the first groove is configured to hold the locking element at an angle relative to the first surface that is different from an angle by which the second groove is configured to hold the actuator element. This is advantageous in that it can create a tensioning force that pulls the first component and the second component towards each other. A fourth aspect relates to a first coupling device and a second coupling device configured to connect a first component to a second component. Each of the coupling devices respectively comprising a base element, a locking element extending from the base element and arranged to fit in a respective first groove of the first component, and an actuator element attached to the base element and arranged to fit in a respective second groove of the second component. Each of the locking elements of the coupling devices is pivotably movable from a respective unlocked position in the respective first groove, to a respective locked position in the respective first groove where pivotal movement of each of the locking elements within the respective first groove is prevented, to thereby secure the first and second components to each other in a rotational direction (r).

[0060] A fifth aspect relates to a first coupling device and a second coupling device configured to connect a first component to a second component. Each of the coupling devices respectively comprising a base element, a locking element extending from the base element and arranged to fit in a respective first groove of the first component, and an actuator element attached to the base element and arranged to fit in a respective second groove of the second component. Each of the locking elements of the coupling devices is pivotably movable from a respective unlocked position in the respective first groove, to a respective locked position in the respective first groove where pivotal movement of each of the locking elements within the respective first groove is prevented. The locking element of the second coupling device is configured to be rotated relative to the locking element of the first coupling device when the locking elements are in the respective locked position, to thereby secure the first and second components to each other in three directions.

[0061] A sixth aspect relates to a retaining device configured to secure a locking element of a coupling device in a groove of a component. The retaining device comprises a locking surface arranged to fit in the groove, and an activation element operationably connected to the locking surface for moving the locking surface from a retaining position to a releasing position. The locking surface is arranged to be in contact with the locking element to prevent pivotal movement of the locking element within the groove when the locking surface is in the retaining position. The locking surface is arranged to allow for pivotal movement of the locking element within the groove when the locking surface is in the releasing position.

[0062] A seventh aspect relates to a method of locking a coupling device configured to connect a first component to a second component, the coupling device comprising a base element, a locking element extending from the base element and arranged to fit in a first groove of the first component, and an actuator element attached to the base element and arranged to fit in a second groove of the second component. The method comprises inserting the coupling device in the first groove, and pivotably moving the locking element from an unlocked position in the first groove, to a locked position in the first groove where pivotal movement of the locking element within the first groove is prevented, to thereby secure the first and second components to each other. An eight aspect relates to a guiding device configured to facilitate assembly and / or disassembly of a first component and a second component. The guiding device comprises a first end and a second end, the second end being configured to be receivable in a second guiding device recess in the first component by relative movement between the first component and the guiding device along a second end movement axis of the guiding device. The first end is configured to be receivable in a first guiding device recess in the second component by relative movement between the guiding device and the second component along a first end movement axis, wherein the first end movement axis is configured to be controlled by a relative orientation of the first guiding device recess and the first end of the guiding device. As such, the guiding device disclosed herein may provide a guided movement between the first and second component along different angular axes / directions. This is beneficial for instance when the connection of the first and second components comprises a pivoting relative movement, whereby the guiding device can allow guided movement during pivoting and in different directions of relative movement between the first and second components.

[0063] A first end connection angle between the first end movement axis and a first end axis may be controllable between 0° and 90°, preferably between 0° and 50°. The first end axis may be parallel to the second end connection direction or arranged at an angle thereto, e.g. such that the second end is configured to be arranged at an angle in relation to the first end of the guiding device.

[0064] The first end movement axis may be controllable when the first end is received in the first guiding device recess, thus allowing guiding of pivoting relative movement of the first and second components and reorienting thereof during the assembly / disassembly process.

[0065] The first end movement axis may be configured to be parallel to an extension axis of the first guiding device recess, thus allowing controlling of the first end movement axis by reorienting the extension axis of the first guiding device recess.

[0066] The guiding device may be formed in one piece.

[0067] The first end may be rotationally symmetric around a first end axis, allowing pivoting and the first end movement axis to be reoriented accordingly around the first end axis.

[0068] The first end may comprise a peripheral contact surface being at least partially spherical.

[0069] The first end may comprise an undercut portion being configured to accommodate a portion of the second component adjacent to the first guiding device recess. As such, when pivoting the second component in relation to the first end of the guiding device, the portion second component that would otherwise engage the guiding device and thus prevent further pivoting can be accommodated thereby effectively increasing the angle with which the second component can pivot in relation to the guiding device.

[0070] The second end may comprise an elongated portion having an extension in the second end movement axis and being configured to be inserted into the second guiding device recess in the first component such that at least a portion of the elongated portion protrudes above a surface adjacent to the first guiding device recess, further increasing the angle with which the second component can pivot in relation to the first end of the guiding device.

[0071] The elongated portion may have a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of regular polygonal, circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular.

[0072] The guiding device and the second guiding device recess may be mutually shaped such that relative rotation between the guiding device and the first component is prevented, thereby controlling such that any relative rotational movement of the first and second components around the first end axis takes place between the guiding device and the second component.

[0073] The guiding device may further comprise an abutment surface formed by an increase in dimension of an elongated portion, the abutment surface being configured to abut against the first component when the second end is inserted into the second guiding device recess. As such, the insertion depth of the second end as well as the positioning of the first end of the guiding device in relation to the first component may be effectively and reliably controlled.

[0074] The first end may be configured to be arranged in a cylindrical first guiding device recess. The cylindrical first guiding device recess, especially in cooperation with a spherical first end contact surface, provides a reliable and efficient way of controlling the orientation of the first end movement axis by relative rotation or pivoting between the first end and second component / first guiding device recess.

[0075] The guiding device may be configured to allow pivoting of the second component around more than one axis while the first end is arranged in the first guiding device recess.

[0076] The first end may be configured to allow pivoting of the second component around a pivot center.

[0077] The first end movement axis may intersect the pivot center regardless of the orientation of the first guiding device recess and the second component, while the first end is arranged in the first guiding device recess.

[0078] In a ninth aspect is a furniture element provided forming at least a part of a furniture. The furniture element comprising a first component and a second component, the first and second components being configured to be connected to each other to form the furniture element. The second component comprises a first guiding device recess and the first component comprises a second guiding device recess, the furniture element further comprising a guiding device according to the eighth aspect, the guiding device comprising a first end and a second end. The second end being configured to be received in the second guiding device recess in the first component by relative movement between the first component and the guiding device along a second end movement axis of the guiding device. The first end is configured to be received in the first guiding device recess in the second component by relative movement between the second component and the guiding device along a first end movement axis, wherein the first end movement axis is configured to be controlled by a relative orientation of the first guiding device recess and the first end of the guiding device. The furniture element may further comprise a locking arrangement configured to secure the first component to the second component, the guiding device being arranged such that it is at least partially received in both the first and second guiding device recesses during securing and / or releasing of the locking arrangement, thus facilitating securing and / or releasing of the first and second components to each other.

[0079] The first end of the guiding device and the first guiding device recess may be configured to define the desired relative positioning of the first and second component and to form a pivot joint between the first and second component, thus allowing the first and second components to pivot in relation to one another while remaining in connection via the guiding device.

[0080] The locking arrangement may be configured for releasing the first component from the second component by: a pivoting relative movement of the first and second component or a combination of a translational relative movement of the first and second component and a pivoting relative movement of the first and second component.

[0081] The locking arrangement may be configured for securing the first component to the second component by a translational relative movement and / or by a pivoting relative movement of the first and second component and wherein releasing the first component from the second component by translational relative movement solely in a third direction is prevented.

[0082] A first and a second locking arrangement may further be provided, each comprising a coupling device being moveable from an unlocked position into a locked position by the relative movement of the first and second components into the connected relative position, the first and second locking arrangements thus securing the first and second components to each other. At least one locking arrangement is associated with a retaining device configured to selectively release the coupling device for movement out of the locked position such that movement of the first and second components out of the connected relative position is allowed whereby the released coupling device is brought out of the locked position by the relative movement of the first and second components.

[0083] The guiding device may be arranged intermediately of the first and second locking arrangements, thus providing a central pivot point between the first and second locking arrangements which facilitates securing and release thereof in certain embodiments.

[0084] The furniture element may comprise a first locking arrangement and a second locking arrangement, each locking arrangement comprising a coupling device configured to connect the first component to the second component, the coupling device comprising a base element, a locking element extending from the base element and arranged to fit in a first groove of the first component or in the second component, and an actuator element attached to the base element and arranged to fit in a second groove of the second component or of the first component, wherein the locking element is pivotably movable from an unlocked position in the first groove, to a locked position in the first groove where pivotal movement of the locking element within the first groove is prevented, to thereby secure the first and second components to each other, and wherein the guiding device is configured to guide the movement of the first and second components. The guiding device further improves the function of the locking arrangement by providing both a guide for translational as well as pivoting movement out of planar relationship between the first and second components respective interface surfaces.

[0085] The locking arrangement may further comprise a male locking tongue arranged on one of the first and second components being configured for snap-locking engagement in a female locking recess arranged on the other of the first and second components thus connecting the first component to the second component. The guiding device being arranged such that it is at least partially received in both the first and second guiding device recesses during connection of the first and second components before snap-locking engagement is achieved of the locking arrangement for securing the first component to the second component. The securing of the first and second component is thus facilitated as the guiding device can guide the relative movement between engagement of the guiding device and the second / first component until snap-locking engagement is achieved of the locking arrangement and thus securing of the first and second components to each other.

[0086] The locking arrangement may be integrally formed with the first and second components respectively.

[0087] The locking arrangement may be configured for connection by a translational relative movement between the first and second components.

[0088] The locking arrangement may further be configured for release by a pivoting movement between the first and second components around the first end of the guiding device, whereby the guiding device facilitates guiding the relative pivoting movement of the first and second components.

[0089] The furniture element may further comprise a release pin insertable into a release pin opening in the furniture element and being configured to engage the locking arrangement, thus at least partially releasing the first component from the second component and wherein the release pin opening is arranged on the opposite lateral side of the guiding device. The release pin thus at least partially releases first and second components from each other, e.g. by engaging the locking arrangement and / or the first and second components.

[0090] The release pin may be configured to release the locking arrangement and inducing a pivoting relative movement between the first and second components around the first end of the guiding device.

[0091] In a tenth aspect is a method or assembling a furniture element according to the ninth aspect provided. The furniture element comprising a first component and a second component, the first and second components being configured to be connected to each other to form the furniture element, wherein the second component comprises a first guiding device recess and the first component comprises a second guiding device recess. The furniture element further comprising a guiding device according to the eighth aspect, the guiding device comprising a first end and a second end, the second end being configured to be received in the second guiding device recess in the first component by relative movement between the first component and the guiding device along a second end movement axis of the guiding device. The first end is configured to be received in the first guiding device recess in the second component by relative movement between the second component and the guiding device along a first end movement axis. The first end movement axis being configured to be controlled by a relative orientation of the first guiding device recess and the first end of the guiding device. The method comprises:

[0092] - arranging the second end of the guiding device in the second guiding device recess in the first component,

[0093] - arranging the second component in relation to the first component such that the first end of the guiding device is arranged in the first guiding device recess, and

[0094] - connecting the second component and the first component by applying a relative movement therebetween along the first end movement axis into a connected state of the first and second component.

[0095] The method may further comprise reorienting the second component in relation to the first component or vice versa when the first end is arranged in the first guiding device recess.

[0096] Reorienting may comprise a pivoting relative movement between the first component and the second component such that an interface surface of the first component surrounding the first guiding device recess and that is configured to be arranged in parallel with and adjacent to a corresponding interface surface of the second component in the connected state of the furniture element is not parallel with the corresponding interface surface of the second component.

[0097] The pivoting relative movement of the first and second components may be performed around the first end of the guiding device.

[0098] The reorienting may be performed simultaneously as the relative movement between the first and second component in the first end movement axis.

[0099] The furniture element may further comprise a locking arrangement configured to secure the first component to the second component and the method may comprise at least partially arranging the first end of the guiding device in the first guiding device recess before the locking arrangement secures the first component to the second component.

[0100] In an eleventh aspect is a method provided for disassembling a furniture element according to the ninth aspect. The furniture element comprising a first component and a second component, the first and second components being configured to be connected to each other to form the furniture element. The second component comprises a first guiding device recess and the first component comprises a second guiding device recess, the furniture element further comprising a guiding device according to the eight aspect, the guiding device comprising a first end and a second end, the second end being configured to be received in the second guiding device recess in the first component by relative movement between the first component and the guiding device along a second end movement axis of the guiding device. The first end is configured to be received in the first guiding device recess in the second component by relative movement between the second component and the guiding device along a first end movement axis, wherein the first end movement axis is configured to be controlled by a relative orientation of the first guiding device recess and the first end of the guiding device. The method comprises:

[0101] - disconnecting the second component and the first component by applying a relative movement therebetween out of a connected state of the first and second component,

[0102] - reorienting the second component around the first end of the guiding device, and

[0103] - applying relative movement along the first end movement axis to release the second component from the guiding device.

[0104] Reorienting may comprise a pivoting relative movement between the first component and the second component such that an interface surface of the first component surrounding the second guiding device recess and that is configured to be arranged in parallel with and adjacent to a corresponding interface surface of the second component in the connected state of the furniture element is not parallel with the corresponding interface surface of the second component.

[0105] The furniture element may further comprise a locking arrangement configured to secure the first component to the second component, whereby the method may further comprise at least partially releasing the locking arrangement that secures the first component to the second component.

[0106] At least partially releasing the locking arrangement may comprise inserting a release pin into a release pin opening in the furniture element. The release pin being configured to engage the locking arrangement, thus at least partially releasing the locking arrangement and wherein the release pin opening is arranged on the opposite lateral side of the guiding device.

[0107] Inserting the release pin may at least partially release the locking arrangement and induce a pivoting relative movement between the first and second components around the first end of the guiding device.

[0108] The embodiments and features described herein are applicable across all aspects, from the first through the seventh, offering corresponding benefits and advantages.

[0109] Still other objectives, embodiments, and aspects, as well as additional features and advantages will appear from the following detailed description as well as from the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0110] Drawings

[0111] Fig. 1 A to 1 D illustrate a coupling device that connects a first component to a second component.

[0112] Fig. 2A to 2C illustrate a first component and a second component that are connectable to each other with a coupling device, with one of the figures also showing the coupling device (Fig. 2C).

[0113] Fig. 3A to 3J illustrate different embodiments and parts of a coupling device. Fig. 4 illustrates how a first component is disconnected from a second component.

[0114] Fig. 5A to 5B illustrate a retaining device set in a position for preventing pivotal movement of a locking element (Fig. 5A) respectively allowing pivotal movement of a locking element (Fig. 5B).

[0115] Fig. 6A to 6H illustrate how a first retaining device can be set in different positions for preventing respectively allowing pivotal movement of a locking element (Fig. 6A to Fig. 6F), respectively how a second retaining device can be embodied (Fig. 6G to 6H).

[0116] Fig. 7A to 7B illustrate another example of how multiple coupling devices connect two components to each other, for example when hanging an object on a wall.

[0117] Fig. 8 illustrates another example of how multiple coupling devices connect two components to each other.

[0118] Fig. 9A to 90 illustrate another example of a coupling device that connects two components to each other.

[0119] Fig. 10A to 10B illustrate another example of how multiple coupling devices connect components to each other, more specifically connecting panels of a cabinet to each other, and connecting (hanging) the cabinet on a wall.

[0120] Fig. 11 to 12 illustrate another example of how multiple coupling devices connect components to each other, more specifically connecting the legs of a table to the top of the table, and connecting a lamp to a ceiling.

[0121] Fig. 13A to 130 illustrate another embodiment of coupling devices that connect a first component to a second component.

[0122] Fig. 14A to 14B illustrates a side view of a coupling system with the coupling device in a locked and unlocked position respectively.

[0123] Fig. 15A to 15D illustrates a side, front, perspective and side view of a coupling device.

[0124] Fig. 16A to 16C illustrates a perspective view of a respective coupling device and a side view of a coupling system comprising a coupling device of Fig. 16B.

[0125] Fig. 17A to 14B illustrate a perspective and side view, respectively, of a guiding device.

[0126] Fig. 18A to 18B illustrate a perspective and side view, respectively, of a guiding device.

[0127] Figs. 19A and 19B discloses a cross-sectioned detail view of a furniture element with the components in a connected and pivoted position respectively.

[0128] Fig. 20 discloses a cross-sectioned side view of a furniture element comprising a locking arrangement.

[0129] Figs. 21 A to 21 D illustrate perspective views of a furniture element comprising a locking arrangement in increasing stages of assembly.

[0130] Figs. 22A to 22B discloses a perspective view of a furniture element during disassembly of a second component thereof.

[0131] Fig. 23 discloses a schematic flowchart of a method for assembling and a method disassembling a furniture element. Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, the subject of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0132] Where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and / or operational aspects of any of the embodiments described and / or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments described and / or contemplated herein, and / or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and / or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms "a" and / or "an" shall mean "at least one" or "one or more", even though the phrase "one or more" or "at least one" is also used herein. The terms "multiple", "plural" and "plurality" are intended to imply provision of two or more elements. The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing the scope of the present disclosure.

[0133] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0134] Like reference signs refer to like elements throughout.

[0135] With reference to Fig. 1 A to 1D, a coupling device 80 for connecting a first component 10 to a second component 20 is illustrated.

[0136] The coupling device 80 has a base element 83 from which a locking element 81 extends. An actuator element 82 is attached to the base element 83, on a side of the base element 83 that is opposite the location from where the locking element 81 extends. The actuator element 82 may be identical to the locking element 81 but is referred to as an “actuator” because it can have the function to impart movement on the locking element 81 , i.e., it “actuates” the coupling device 80. Instead of being referred to as an “actuator element”, the actuator element 82 may be referred to as a further, or a second, locking element 81, as it also performs a locking function. The base element 83 is thus located intermediate the locking element 81 and the actuator element 82. The locking element 81 has an elongated shape that extends along a main axis A of the locking element 81. For the illustrated coupling device, the actuator element 82 is also elongated and extends along the same main axis A.

[0137] The base element 83 has a spherical shape and each of the locking element 81 and the actuator element 82 has an elongated, cylindrical shape. The base element 83 has, as seen in a plane that is perpendicular to the main axis A, a width w3 that is greater than a width w2 of each of the locking element 81 and the actuator element 82. The distal end of the locking element 81 may be chamfered. The distal end of the actuator element 82 may also be chamfered. Either or both of the locking element 81 and the actuator element 82 may have shapes other than cylindrical, such as cubic or cuboidal. The base element 83 can also adopt a more cubic or cuboidal shape, or any other suitable shape.

[0138] The base element 83 forms a pivotal center of the coupling device 80. This allows the base element 83 to pivot around a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the main axis A. Since the locking element 81 and the actuator element 82 are attached to the base element 83, these elements 81, 82 also pivot around the pivot axis when the base element 83 pivots, i.e. , the entire coupling device 80 pivots about the pivot axis. In Fig. 1 A, which shows a three- dimensional Cartesian coordinate system having an origin and axis x, y and z, the main axis A is parallel to the axis y, while the pivot axis is parallel to the axis z. The axes x, y and z of the Cartesian coordinate system also define directions, referred to as x-, y- and z-direction.

[0139] The first component 10 and the second component 20 are configured to be connected to each other by the coupling device 80. The first component 10 may, for example, be any part of a structure such as furniture, a cabinet, a wall mount, or another furnishing that is commonly encountered in private, public, and commercial buildings. Examples of components include side panels, tops and bottoms that form part of such structure. Other examples are mounts for hanging items on a wall, and legs of tables and chairs. The components 10, 20 may be made of any suitable material, such as wood, plywood, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), particle board, laminate, veneer, plastic material such as polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride acrylic, which may be mixed with various fillers, and various metals and metal alloys. The same applies to the second component 20. The components can be produced through sawing, cutting, milling, extrusion, casting, laminating, additive manufacturing, a combination of these methods, or through any other suitable manufacturing technique. The components can also be manufactured as small units that are inserted and attached to bigger components, which in turn are joined to each other by connecting the smaller units.

[0140] The first component 10 has a surface 11 that abuts a surface 22 of the second component 20 when the components 10, 20 are connected to each other. The surface 11 of the first component 10 is herein referred to as a first surface, while the surface 22 of the second component 20 is referred to as a second surface. Each of the surfaces 11, 22 are preferably planar surfaces. However, the surfaces 11 , 22 may have other shapes, as long as they complement each other such that the surfaces 11 , 22 can be brought into contact with each other.

[0141] A groove 40 is arranged in the first component 10, typically by drilling, milling or otherwise forming the groove in the first surface 11. Another groove 60 is arranged in the second component 20, also by drilling, milling or otherwise forming the groove in the second surface 22. The groove in the first component 10 is herein referred to as a first groove, while the groove in the second component 20 is referred to as a second groove. The grooves may also be formed by inserting units that form the grooves. Such units may have an outer cuboid shape, with an inner form that has the same shape as the grooves.

[0142] The first groove 40 is formed to receive the coupling device 80. Specifically, it is arranged to receive the locking element 81 and at least a part of the base element 83 of the coupling device 80. The locking element 81 is pivotably movable from an assembly position in the first groove 40, also referred to as an unlocked position P1 (Fig. 1A), to a locked position P4 (Fig. 1 D) in the first groove 40 where pivotal movement of the locking element 81 within the first groove 40 is prevented. The pivotal movement is accomplished by moving the first component 10 and second component 20 towards each other in direction y, such that that actuator element 82 enters the second groove 60. When the actuator element 82 enters the second groove 60, it slides against a guiding surface 61 in the second groove 60. The guiding surface 61 is inclined relative to the second surface 22 which causes a force F (Fig. 1 B) to be exerted on the actuator element 82. When this happens, the locking element 81 moves with a pivotal movement P. The center of the pivotal movement is in the illustrated embodiment located at the base element 83, which is in contact with a wall of the first groove 40.

[0143] The pivotal movement P starts from a first section 41 of the first groove 40 and ends at a second section 42 of the first groove 40 where the locking element 81 comes into contact with a wall of the first groove 40 (Fig. 1C). Once this happens the force pushes the locking element 81 along a linear direction L into a recess 44 of the first groove 40. T o allow the pivotal movement P, the first groove 40 has an open path 43 that extends from the first section 41 to the second section 42. Since the locking element 81 is part of the coupling device 80, the entire coupling device 80 moves with the same pivotal and linear movement as the locking element 81.

[0144] When the locking element 81 is pushed into the recess 44, then it has travelled from an unlocked position P1 in the first groove 40, via a transition position P3 (Fig. 1 C) defines by the open path 43, to a locked position P4 (Fig. 1 D) in the first groove 40. The recess 44 is arranged to receive the locking element 81 and comprises a locking surface 46 that prevents the locking element 81 from pivoting back from the recess 44 to the first section 41 of the first groove 40.

[0145] The second groove 60 has a recess 62 that is located at the end of the guiding surface 61, as seen in a direction along the guiding surface 61, into the second groove 60. The recess 62 of the second groove 60 receives the actuator element 82 and has a locking surface 64 that prevents pivotal movement of the actuator element 82. This prevents pivotal movement of the entire coupling device 80, and thus also pivotal movement of the locking element 81.

[0146] When combined, the coupling device 80 and the first and a second components 10, 20 form a coupling system 1 . The coupling device 80 and the grooves 40, 60 in the components 10, 20 together form a locking arrangement 30. This is illustrated in Fig. 1 D, which shows how the coupling device 80 is subjected to forces F1 and F2 from an engagement surface 59 of the first groove 40 respectively from an engagement surface 69 of the second groove 60, when the components 10, 20 are pulled apart in direction y. The coupling device 80 counteracts these forces, thereby keeping the components 10, 20 joined. Furthermore, due to its engagement with the grooves 40, 60, the coupling device 80 also withstands forces in both the x and z directions. With reference to Fig. 1 A the first groove 40 and the second groove 60 are illustrated from a first side, looking into plane xy (Fig. 1 A), and from a second side, looking into plane yz (Fig. 2B). Planes xy, yz and xz are illustrated in the Cartesian coordinate system xyz. In the illustrated figures, the first surface 11 is parallel to plane xz.

[0147] The first groove 40 has three main portions 57, 55, 50. The first portion 57 has a cuboidal shape with two rounded, oppose sides 47, 48. It may also be said that the first portion is shaped as a cuboid that has two cylinder-halves at two opposite sides of the cuboid, with the planar part of the cylinder halves facing the respective opposite side of the cuboid. The first portion 57 may be shaped, for example, by a cylindrical milling tool that is milled into the first surface 11 in the direction of axis A1 , until the desired depth is reached, and then moved sidewards in direction x to give the first portion 57 the its cuboidal shape with two rounded sides 47, 48. The depth of the first portion 57 is defined by a bottom surface 49 of the first portion 57.

[0148] The second portion 55 of the first groove 40 has the shape of a cylinder. The second portion 55 partially overlaps the first portion 57, forming an intersecting (overlapping) volume. The second portion 55 may be shaped, for example, by drilling into the first surface 11 in the direction of axis A2 until the desired depth is reached, thereby forming a bottom surface 56 of the second portion 55. The bottom 56 of the second portion 55 is located deeper into the first component 10, as compared to the bottom surface 49 of the first portion 57. This creates the recess 44 in the first groove 40 and the locking surface 46. The second portion 55 also forms an inclined engagement surface 59 that is arranged to interact with the locking element 81 if the components 10, 20 are pulled apart in direction y. The drilling operation for accomplishing the second portion 55 may also provide a chamfering 51 at a side of the first portion 57 that is opposite the side of the first portion 57 where the recess 44 is located.

[0149] The third portion 50 of the first groove 40 has the shape of a cylinder with a bottom surface 53 that is shaped as a half-sphere. Other shapes of the third portion 50 and / or the bottom surface 53 are possible, such as square-like shapes, with or without rounded edges and corners. The third portion 55 partially overlaps the first portion 57, forming an intersecting volume. The third portion 50 may be shaped, for example, by drilling into the first surface 11 in the direction of axis A3 until the desired depth for the bottom surface 53 is obtained. The bottom 53 of the third portion 50 is located at a smaller depth into the first component 10, as compared to the bottom surface 49 of the first portion 57. The third portion creates a recess for accommodating the base element 83 of the coupling device 80. The drilling operation for accomplishing the third portion 50 may also provide additional chamfering 52 at a side of the first portion 57 that is opposite the side of the first portion 57 where the recess 44 is located. The axis A1 may be defined as the main axis of the first portion’s 57 extension into the first component 10. The axis A2 may be defined as the main axis of the second portion’s 55 extension into the first component 10. The axis A3 may be defined as the main axis of the third portion’s 50 extension into the first component 10. Each of axes A1 , A2 and A3 is inclined by a respective angle a1 , a2 and a3 relative to the first surface 11. If the first surface 11 is not straight, the angles a1, a2, a3 may be measured relative a line that bridges the first groove 40, from one end of the first groove 40 to an opposite end of the first groove 40. Such line may be parallel to direction x.

[0150] The angle a1 by which the axis A1 is inclined may be 80° to 100°, preferably about 90°. The angle a2 by which the axis A2 is inclined may be 35° to 70°, preferably about 55°. The angle a3 by which the axis A3 is inclined may be 55° to 85°, preferably about 70°. The angle a1 may be greater than each of angles a2 and a3. The angle a3 may be larger than the angle a2. The angles a2 and a3 may be the acute angles (< 90°) between the first surface 11 and the respective axle A2, A3. If a1 is not a right angle (90°), it may then be the acute angle between the first surface 11 and axis A1. The angles a1, a2 and a3 are referred to as the first angle a1 , the second angle a2 and the third angle a3.

[0151] The first section 41 in the first groove 40 is part of the first portion 57 and shares the same main axis A1 as the first portion. The second section 42 is part of the second portion 55 and shares the same main axis A2 as the second portion 55. The open path 43 formed between the first and second sections 41, 42 is located in the boundary between the first portion 57 and the second portion 55. By virtue of the angle a1 , the first section 41 of the first groove 40 is capable of holding the locking element 81 at the first angle a1 relative to the first surface 11 . The second angle a2 makes it possible for the second section 42 of the first groove 40 to hold the locking element 81 at the second angle a2 relative to the first surface 11.

[0152] It may be said that the first portion 57 is configured to receive and accommodate the locking element 81 in the unlocked position P1 , and that the second portion 55 is configured to receive, by pivotal movement of the locking element 81 , the locking element 81 from the first portion 57 to hold the locking element 81 in the locked position P4.

[0153] The first portion 57 has, as seen in direction x, a first width w1 that is greater than the width w2 of the locking element 81 of the coupling device 80. This allows the locking element 81 to pivot within the first groove 40. The first portion 57 has, as seen in direction z, a second width w2’ that is perpendicular to the width w1. Each of the widths w2’, w1 may be measured in a direction that is parallel to the first surface 11 . Each of the widths w2’, w1 may be measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis A1. The second width w2’ of the first portion 57 is substantially the same as the width w2 of the locking element 81 . This stabilizes the locking element 81 in the direction that is perpendicular to the direction in which the locking element 81 pivotally moves. The width w2’ may be slightly smaller than the width w2, to provide a gripping effect (friction) between the locking element 81 and the first portion 41. When determining the widths w2’ and w2 the flexibility of the materials the locking element 81 and the first component 10 are made of may be taken into account, as this affects the gripping effect. However, the widths w2’ and w2 should still be chosen so as to allow for the pivotal movement of the locking element 81.

[0154] The second portion 55 has, as seen in a direction that is perpendicular to the main axis A2 of the second portion 55, a width w2’ that is substantially the same as the width w2 of the locking element 81 . The second portion 55, which forms the second section 42, has the same cylindrical shape as the locking element 81. This allows the second portion 55, and thus the second section 42, to securely hold the locking element 81. When the distal end of locking element 81 is located in the recess 44, then the locking element 81 can only move out (be disconnected from) from the second section by a movement that starts with a linear movement, in a direction out from the first groove 40. After initial linear movement, the locking element 81 may move out from the first groove 40 by a pivoting movement. The movements for disconnecting the locking element 81 are generally opposite the movements required for accomplishing the connecting function. The width w2’ may be measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis A2. The width w2’ may be slightly smaller than the width w2 of the locking element 81 to provide a gripping effect between the locking element 81 and the second section 42. When determining the widths w2’, w2 the flexibility of the materials the locking element 81 and the first component 10 are made of may be taken into account, as this affects the gripping effect. However, the widths w2’ and w2 should still be chosen so as to allow for the linear movement of the locking element 81 in the second section 42.

[0155] The third portion 50 has, as seen in a direction that is perpendicular to the main axis A3 of the third portion 50, a width w3’ that is substantially the same as the width w3 of the base element 83. The third portion 50 has a shape that matches that of the base element 83. This allows the third portion 50 to support the base element 83, such that the base element 83 can act as a pivot element, thereby forming a pivot center, for the locking element 81. The width w3’ may be measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis A3. The width w3’ may be slightly smaller than the width w3 of the base element 83 to provide a gripping effect (friction) between the base element 83 and the third portion 50. Even though material flexibility is less relevant when determining suitable dimensions for the base element 83, the flexibility may be taken into account when determining the widths w3’, w3 The widths w3’ and w3 should be chosen so as to allow for the base element 83 to rotate within the third portion 50, so as to allow the locking element 81 to pivot.

[0156] The second groove 60 has two main portions 66, 67. The first portion 66 has the shape of a cylinder. The first portion 66 may be shaped, for example, by drilling into the second surface 22 in the direction of axis A4 until the desired depth is reached, thereby forming a bottom surface 68 of the first portion 66. The first portion 66 also forms an inclined engagement surface 69 that is arranged to interact with the actuator element 82 if the components 10, 20 are pulled apart in direction y. The second portion 67 of the second groove 60 has the shape of a cylinder. The second portion 67 partially overlaps the first portion 66, forming an intersecting volume. The second portion 67 may be shaped, for example, by drilling into the second surface 22 in the direction of axis A5. The second portion 67 forms the guiding surface 61 in the second groove 60. The bottom 68 of the first portion 66 is located deeper into the first component 10, as compared to deepest part of the second portion 67. This creates the recess 62 and the locking surface 64 in the second groove 60. One or both of the two main portions 66, 67 may have other shapes than cylindrical, such as cube or cuboid shapes. The portions 66, 67 must not be drilled, but can be milled or be formed by another suitable technique.

[0157] The axis A4 may be defined as the main axis of the extension of the first portion 66 of the second groove 60 into the second component 20. The axis A4 may be defined as the main axis of the first portion’s 66 extension into the second component 10. The axis A5 may be defined as the main axis of the extension of the second portion 67 of the second groove 60 into the second component 20. Each of axes A4 and A5 is inclined by a respective angle a4 and a5 relative to the second surface 22. If the second surface 22 is not straight, the angles a4, a5 may be measured relative a line that bridges the second groove 60, from one end of the second groove 60 to an opposite end of the second groove 60. Such line may be parallel to direction x. The angle a4 by which the axis A4 is inclined may be about 40° to 70°, preferably about 52°. The angles a4 and a5 are referred to as the fourth angle a4 and the fifth angle a5. By virtue of the fourth angle a4, the second groove 60 is capable of holding the actuator element 82 at the fourth angle a4 relative to the second surface 22.

[0158] The angle a4 may be greater than the angle a2, for example by 1° to 5°. It may also be said that the axis A4 is non-parallel to the axis A2, i.e. the axes A4 and A2 are offset from each other, or that the axes A4, A2 intersect in a plane xy. This creates a tension force between the locking element 81 and the first groove 40 and between the actuator element 82 and the second groove second groove 60 when the coupling device 80 is fully inserted in the grooves 40, 60. The tensioning force pulls the first component 10 and the second component 20 towards each other. To accomplish this, the locking element 81 and the actuator element 82 may extend along the same axis A. When axes A4 and A2 are offset, the coupling device 80 is then subjected to forces that attempt to “bend” it. Even though the coupling device 80 might slightly bend, depending on what material it is made of, it is still made to resists the “bending”, which as a result creates the effect of the first component 10 and second component 20 being pulled towards each other.

[0159] The angle a5 by which the axis A3 is inclined may be 30° to 50°, preferably about 40°. The angle a5 may be smaller than angle a4 to create the recess 62 and the locking surface 64. The angles a4 and a5 may be the acute angles between the second surface 22 and the respective axle A4, A5.

[0160] It may be said that the first portion 66 of the second groove 60 is configured to receive and accommodate the actuator element 82. The actuator element 82 is received with its distal end fully positioned in the recess 62 when the locking element 81 is positioned in the second section 42 of the first groove 40. This is accomplished by positioning the actuator element 82 in the first section 41 of the first groove 40, and by moving the second component 20 towards the first component 10 such that the actuator element 82 enters the second groove 60. The actuator element 82 gradually slides along the guiding surface 61 until it reaches the recess 62. Once reached, the components 10, 20 are connected to each other, as the locking element 81 and the actuator element 82 then are located in their respective recess 44, 62. Pivotal movement of the entire coupling device 80 is then prevented, effectively establishing the locked position P4. The only way the components 10, 20 can be separated from each other is by performing a movement that starts with pulling them apart in a linear direction. This direction is opposite to the linear direction L by which the locking element 81 was pushed into the recess 44 of the first groove 40, and is substantially aligned with the axis A of the coupling device 80. When the coupling device 80 connects the components 10, 20 to each other, then the axis A is substantially aligned with each of axes A2 and A4. In this context, “substantially” refers to the angular offset that may be present between axes A2 and A4 to create the pulling effect between the components 10, 20, as described above. As will be described in more detail further on, the pulling effect between components 10, 20 can be achieved in other ways, such as by a linear offset between the first and second grooves 40, 60, or by an offset between the base element 83 and a section of the first groove that accommodates the base element 83.

[0161] The first portion 66 of the second groove 60 has, as seen in a direction that is perpendicular to the main axis A4 of the first portion 66, a width w2’ that may be substantially the same as the width w2 of the actuator element 82. The first portion 66 of the second groove 60 may have the same cylindrical shape as the actuator element 82. This allows the first portion 66 to securely hold the actuator element 82. When the distal end of actuator element 82 is located in the recess 62, then the actuator element 82 can only move out from the first portion 66 by linear movement in a direction out from the second groove 60. The width w2’ of the first portion 66 may be measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the fourth axis A4. The width w2’ may be slightly smaller than the width w2 of the actuator element 82 to provide a gripping effect between the actuator element 82 and the second groove 60. The gripping effect between the actuator element 82 and the second groove 60 may be smaller than the gripping effect between the locking element 81 and the first groove 40. This allows the coupling device 80 to remain in the first component 10 when the components 10, 20 are disconnected. When determining the width w2’, the flexibility of the materials the actuator element 82 and the second component 20 are made of may be taken into account, as this affects the gripping effect. However, the widths w2’ and w2 should still be chosen so as to allow for the linear movement of actuator element 82 into the recess 62. The second section 67 of the second groove 60 may have substantially the same width as width w2 of the actuator element 82.

[0162] As used herein, “substantially the same width” refers to widths that differ from each other by at most 10%, at most 5%, at most 3%, or at most 1%.

[0163] Generally, all components, portions, and sections described herein as having cylindrical, half-cylindrical, spherical, or half-spherical shapes can also assume more cubic or cuboidal shapes. They may also be formed using any suitable manufacturing techniques, such as drilling, milling, and casting.

[0164] As described, when axes A4 and A2 are offset, the coupling device 80 is subjected to forces that attempt to “bend” it. Referring to Fig. 2C, such bending is illustrated by arrow L3 (exaggerated for illustrative purposes). The effect of axes A4 and A2 being offset is demonstrated by line L4, which schematically shows how the engagement surface 69 of the second groove 60 becomes inclined so as to impart a bending force on the coupling device 80.

[0165] Bending forces can also be applied in other ways, which may be used alone or in combination, including together with the offsetting of axes A2 and A4. For instance, the engagement surface 69 of the second groove 60 may be inclined in a direction to align more with line L4, independent of the inclination of axes A4 and A2. Similarly, the engagement surface 59 of the first groove 40 may be inclined in a direction to align more with line L5. Another way involves displacing the second object 20 in a direction parallel to the first and / or second surfaces 11 , 22, as illustrated by arrow L3. Also, the first groove 40 may include a third section 58 configured to receive and accommodate the base element 83. The geometric center of the base element, as seen in a direction L7 that is transverse to the main axis A of the coupling device 80, may then be offset by a distance D from a geometric center of the base element 83. All these ways, alone or in combination, cause "bending" of the coupling device 80, creating the effect of the first component 10 and the second component 20 being pulled towards each other.

[0166] With reference to Fig. 3A to 3 J , different embodiments of coupling devices, base elements, locking elements and actuator elements are illustrated.

[0167] In one embodiment (Fig. 3A), corresponding to the coupling device 80 previously described, a coupling device 801 may have a locking element that is connected to a base element on an opposite side where an actuator element is connected. The locking element and the actuator element have the same size and shapes.

[0168] In one embodiment (Fig. 3B), a coupling device 802 has an actuator element that is shorter than the locking element.

[0169] In one embodiment (Fig. 3C), a coupling device 803 has a base element in the shape of cylinder, while the locking element and the actuator element have the shape of spheres that are connected to opposite ends of the base element.

[0170] In one embodiment (Fig. 3D), a coupling device 804 has multiple locking elements and actuator elements that extend from a spherical base element.

[0171] In one embodiment (Fig. 3E), a base element 831 has multiple openings that provides for connecting a combination of up to six locking and actuator elements.

[0172] In one embodiment (Fig. 3F), an element 811 that can act as either a locking element or an actuator element has a locking tab. The locking tab can be inserted in an opening of a base element, such as the base element 831 of Fig. 3E, to thereby connect the element 811 to the base element 831 . In one embodiment (Fig. 3G), a coupling device 805 has two elements like the element of Fig. 3F connected to a base element like the element of Fig. 3E.

[0173] In one embodiment (Fig. 3H), a coupling device 806 has one element like the element of Fig. 3F connected to a base element like the element of Fig. 3E.

[0174] In one embodiment (Fig. 3I), a coupling device 807 has a locking element that is connected to a base element via a double-sided hook 871. The hook is rounded so as to allow the locking element to rotate around its axis, as seen in relation to the base element. The base element has openings 872 that can receive pins for connecting the base element to a component. The pins are then able to act as an actuator element for imparting pivotal movement of the locking element.

[0175] In one embodiment (Fig. 3 J), a base element can be made of one half 832 that is glued, welded or by any other suitable means attached to a similar half to form the base element that is illustrated in Fig. 3I. This facilitates manufacturing of the coupling device 807.

[0176] With reference to Fig. 4, the coupling system 1 may implement the coupling device 80, and the grooves 40, 60 in the components 10, 20 to form a first locking arrangement 30. The coupling system 1 has a second locking arrangement 130 that corresponds to the first locking arrangement 130 but for being rotated relative to the first locking arrangement 30 around a normal direction y of the first surface 11 of the first component 10.

[0177] With further reference to Fig. 5A and 5B, the second locking arrangement 130 has a coupling device 80 that is releasable from the first component 10. This allows the first component 10 to be disconnected from the second component 20 by a turning movement T that has its pivotal center at a point of contact 3 between the first component 10 and the second component 20. During the turning movement T, the actuator element of the coupling device of the first locking arrangement 30 is pulled out from the second groove in which is arranged. Due to the turning movement T, the actuator element is pulled out in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis A4, i.e., the main axis of the extension of the first portion 66 of the second groove 60 (see Fig. 2A).

[0178] To release the second locking arrangement 130, its first groove 40 has a retaining device 90 that secures the locking element 81 such that it cannot pivot. For this purpose, the retaining device 90 has a locking surface 91 that fits in the groove 40. The locking surface 91 corresponds to the locking surface 46 illustrated in Fig. 1 A and is therefore in contact with the locking element 81 to prevent pivotal movement thereof. The retaining device 90 has an activation element 92 that is connected to the locking surface 91 for moving the locking surface 91 from a retaining position P4 (Fig. 5A) to a releasing position P5 (Fig. 5B).

[0179] The locking surface 91 is located where the first section 41 of the first groove 40 transitions into the second section 42. The retaining device 90 is arranged to deflect for enabling the locking element 81 to move from the unlocked position P1 in the first groove 40 to the locked position P4 in the first groove 40. This may be accomplished by arranging the locking surface 91 on an end of a flexible element 94 that bends when the locking element 81 is pushed on in in a linear direction. The activation element 92 is arranged to move the locking surface 91 in direction x. This pulls out the locking surface 91 from the first groove 40, removing it from contact with the locking element 81 . The locking element 81 can then pivot in the direction that is opposite the direction by which it pivoted into the locked position. This means that the locking surface 91 facilities the pivotal movement of the locking element 81 within the first groove 40, when the locking surface 91 is in the releasing position P5.

[0180] With reference to Fig. 6A to 6F, the retaining device 90 has an inner screw 96 that is connected to a sleeve 97. By rotating the inner screw 96 in a first direction, it is moved partially out from the sleeve 97. This gives the flexible element 94 room to slide out from the first groove 40 when subjected to a force from the locking element 51, such as during the turning movement T shown in Fig. 4. This action retracts the flexible element 94 and thus the locking surface 91 from its position in the first groove 40, thereby pushing it into the releasing position P5. By rotating the inner screw 96 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, it can be moved back into the sleeve 97 in the retaining position.

[0181] Additionally, the inner screw 96 may serve as a tensioning element for a back panel 99 of a piece of furniture. For this purpose, the inner screw 96 is equipped with a locking surface 98 that rotates along with the screw 96. This is best illustrated in Fig. 6C and 6D, which depict the locking surface 98 from the side (Fig. 6C) and from the top (Fig. 6D) when the retaining device 90 is set with the locking surface 91 in the retaining position. In this position, the locking surface 98 imparts a greater dimension to the inner screw 96 (see Fig. 6D), compared to when the retaining device 90 is set with the locking surface 91 in the releasing position (as shown in Figs. 6E and 6F). As shown, in the retaining position, the locking surface 98 makes contact with the back panel 99 (see Fig. 6A), effectively creating a pretension that secures the panel in place.

[0182] With reference to Fig. 6G and 6H, other forms of retaining devices are conceivable. For instance, the retaining devices may take the form of a camlock 90’ that is inserted into the side of the first component 10, fitting into the first groove 40 where it becomes part of the first groove 40. The groove 40, whose boundaries are then partially constituted by the camlock 90’, includes the first section 41 and the second section 42, similar to the previously described first groove. In addition, it has a release section 141 adjacent to the first section 41 , on the side of the first section 41 that is opposite the second section 42. When the camlock 90’ is rotated clockwise, as seen in the figures, the second section 42 rotates away from the locking element 41. The release section 141 then adjoins the locking element 41, providing space for the locking element 41 to pivot into the release section 141 , in the direction P’ which is opposite to the pivotal movement from the unlocked position to the locked position. This enables the release of the coupling device 40 from the first groove 40, thereby facilitating the disconnection of components that are connected by the coupling device 40.

[0183] With reference to Fig. 7A and 7B, a locking arrangement 30 vertically connects two components to each other (e.g. , a painting on a wall element). The locking arrangement 30 is arranged as an upper lock. Even though the figures illustrate a groove 230 that can be part of a second locking arrangement, such second locking arrangement is not used for the illustrated embodiment, as one locking arrangement suffice to connect the two components.

[0184] With reference to Fig. 8, the two components may be connected to each other like in Fig. 7A and 7B, but for the second, lower locking arrangement 130 being connected as described in connection with 1 A, and mirrored relative to the first locking arrangement 30. This provides a more permanent connection between the components.

[0185] With reference to Fig. 9A to 9C, two components 10, 20 may be connected to each other with a single locking arrangement 30. A frame 101 on the first component 10 partially surrounds three sides of the second component 20, which effectively prevents rotation between the components 10, 20. The side 23 of the second component towards which the second groove and thus the actuator 82 is inclined rests against the frame 101. This prevents movement of the second component in four directions parallel to the second surface 22, three of which are prevented due to contact with the frame (the positive and negative z directions and the positive y direction) and the remaining due to the coupling device (the negative y direction). Also movement parallel to the normal direction of the second surface 22 is prevented by the abutment between the components (the negative x direction) and due to the coupling device (the positive x direction). The locking arrangement 30 has a retaining device 190 that can be moved upwards in direction y. When this is done, the locking element can pivot back from a locked position to an unlocked position, allowing the components to be moved away from each other.

[0186] With reference to Fig. 10A and 10B, multiple locking arrangements 30 connect four panels to form a cabinet 501 as well as connect the cabinet 501 itself to a rail 502 on a wall. The rail 502 holds units 503 (the first component) to which the cabinet 501 (the second component) is connected. The units 503 are displaceable along the rail 502, allowing for quick lateral adjustment of the cabinet’s horizontal position on the wall.

[0187] With reference to Fig. 11 and 12, a further embodiment of a locking arrangement 630 is illustrated. This locking arrangement 630 can attach, for example, a table leg 511 to a tabletop 510 (Fig. 11) or a luminaire 514 to a ceiling mount 515. This type of locking arrangement can advantageously be utilized for extending elongated components, including legs, stands, and other types of support structures.

[0188] With further reference to Fig. 13A to 13C and using connection of a table leg to a tabletop as example, the tabletop is seen as the first component 510 which has a first groove 40' while the table leg is seen as the second component 511 that has a second groove 60’. The first groove 40’ and the second groove 60’ are together with the coupling device 80 part of one locking arrangement 630. In the figures, there are two locking elements 630, 630’ that are arranged on opposite sides of a main axis A of the second component 511.

[0189] The first section 41 of the first groove 40’ has an open side 411 that allows sideways insertion of the locking element 81 into the groove 40’. The first section 41 transitions into the second section 42, which does not have an open side, thereby locking the components 510, 511 to each other in the axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first component 510 has a circular, central hole which receives a cylindrically shaped part of the second component 511. The first groove 40’ is formed in a wall of the first component 510 that surrounds the second component. The first groove 40’ may have a cylindrical shape, where the first and second sections 41 , 42 are part of the space that forms the groove 40’.

[0190] The actuator element 82' is here an integral part of the base element 83, which connects the coupling device 80 to the second groove 60’. Thus, as used herein, the “actuator element” may be integral with the base element. The second groove 60’ is formed as a semicircular groove in the second component 511. A hole 514 that has a smaller size than the base element 83 extends into the second groove 60’ for creating a slot in which the base element can rest and rotate to create pivotal movement of the locking element 81. The locking element 81 can then pivot about the base element’s 83 pivot center. By rotating the second component 511 (the leg) relative the first component 510 (the tabletop) counterclockwise around axis A, the locking element 81 moves from the unlocked position in the first groove 40’, to the locked position in the first groove 40’. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator element 82’ may include a pin that pivotably connects the base element 83 to the second groove 60’. The pin may then form the pivot axis for the locking element 81 . Also, the first groove 40’ may at the location of the second section 42 include a slot that is arranged vertically underneath the locking element 81. This allows the locking element 81 to enter the slot in the locked position. As a result, the second component cannot be rotated back, unless first lifted such that the locking element 81 leaves the slot.

[0191] Figures 14A and 14B discloses a side view of a coupling system 1 comprising a coupling device 80 that connects a first component 10 to a second component 20, with the coupling device 80 in the unlocked and locked position respectively. Figures 15A to 15C discloses a side, front and a perspective view of the coupling device 80 shown in Figures 14A- 14B. In the following will simultaneous reference be made to Figures 14A - 15C. Features and functions described in conjunction with any other embodiment disclosed herein are equally applicable also for the embodiment of Figs. 14A-15C, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0192] The coupling device 80 illustrated may be formed in one piece, e.g. in a plastic or in a wood-based material. Naturally however, other materials are also conceivable such as metal or composite materials.

[0193] The coupling device 80 illustrated comprises a base element 83, which may comprise at least one lateral protrusion 83a configured to be arranged in the third portion 50 of the first groove 40. Preferably are two opposite lateral protrusions 83a provided, each being configured to be arranged in the third portion 50 of the first groove 40 at opposite sides of the coupling device 80 and thus providing a pivot axis z around which the coupling device 80 can pivot between the unlocked and locked position. Moreover, the at least one lateral protrusion 83a may facilitate preventing rotation around any other axis than that defined by the pivot axis z extending between two opposite lateral protrusions 83a. As mentioned in the foregoing, the pivot axis z may be parallel with the Z-direction.

[0194] Further, the at least one lateral protrusion 83a, forming the base element 83, guides the translatory movement of the coupling device 80 along the third portion axis A3 which occurs simultaneously as the pivoting movement between the locked and unlocked position. The angle a3 by which the axis A3 is inclined in relation to the first surface 11 may be between 55° to 88°, preferably about 85°.

[0195] The first groove 40 may comprise a locking surface 46 that may be arranged essentially in parallel with the normal direction of the first surface 11 of the first component 10. It is however also possible that the locking surface 46 may be arranged at angle in relation to the normal direction of the first surface 11. In one embodiment, the locking surface 11 may be arranged inclined in the opposite direction to a plane defined by the third portion 50 axis A3 and the pivot axis z of the at least one lateral protrusion 83a. As such, the locking surface 46 may form and / or comprise an undercut region further increasing the locking strength in the Y-direction as defined in Figure 14A. The locking surface 46 is arranged adjacent to the bottom surface 49, the transition between the two surfaces 46, 49 forming an edge region having an angle between 120° to 60°, preferably between 95° and 70°.

[0196] The coupling device 80 further comprises a locking contact surface 84a, being provided on the locking element 81, and configured to abut against the locking surface 46 when in the locked position. The locking contact surface 84a may be arranged at an angle a8 in relation to the tangent T of the pivot circle C1 that is less than 90°, the angle a8 being defined as the angle between the tangent T of the pivot circle C1 at the intersection thereof where the locking contact surface 84a is in contact / abutment with the first groove 40. The angle a8 may be between 95° and 20°, preferably between 80° and 40°. The pivot circle C1 is, naturally, centered around the base element 83 pivot axis z, around which the coupling device 80 rotates. As such, when a force is applied to the actuator element 82 by the second component in the Y-direction, it will generate a rotational force on the coupling device 80 around the base element 83 which will be counteracted by the abutment between locking surface 84a and the locking contact surface 46. The aforementioned angle a8 in this context reduces the risk of accidental release of the coupling device 80, and may effectively pull the first and second components 10, 20 together when such a rotational force is generated.

[0197] Alternatively or in combination, and having a similar effect as described in the foregoing, the locking surface 46 in the recess 44 of the first groove 40 may be configured to be arranged at an angle a7 that is 90° or less in relation to the tangent T of the pivot circle C1 of the coupling device 80 where it intersects the contact / abutment between the locking element 81 and the locking surface 46 of the first groove 40. The angle a7 may be between 95° and 20°, preferably between 80° and 40°. The locking surface 46 and the locking contact surface 83a may be parallel with each other. Further still, either or both of the locking surface 46 and the locking contact surface 84a may be provided with friction enhancing features. Such may comprise indentations, protrusions, coatings etc. that serves to increase the friction between the coupling device 80 and the first groove 40 and thus improve the coupling strength.

[0198] The actuator element 82 may comprise an engagement contact surface 84b, configured to come into contact with the engagement surface 69 of the second groove 60 in the locked position of the coupling device 80, holding the second component 20 against the first component 10. The engagement contact surface 84b may be arranged at an angle a9 in relation to the tangent T of the pivot circle C1 at its intersection with the engagement contact surface 84b that is larger than the corresponding angle a7 of the locking contact surface 84a. As such, the force applied to the actuator element 82 when the first and second components 10, 20 are pulled apart in the Y-direction will result in a rotational force on the actuator element 82, around the pivot axis z, that is counteracted by the locking element 81.

[0199] The angle a9 of the engagement contact surface 82 may be between 85° and 140°, preferably between 95° and 125°.

[0200] The corresponding angle a10 of the engagement surface 69 in relation to the tangent T of where the pivot circle C1 intersects it with when the first and second components 10, 20 are locked in place by the coupling device 80 is preferably larger than the angle a8 of the locking contact surface 84a. The angle a10 may be essentially equal to the angel a9 of the engagement contact surface 84b, such that the two surfaces 69, 84b are essentially parallel where they are in abutment.

[0201] The angle a10 of the engagement surface 69 may be between 85° and 140°, preferably between 95° and 125°. The aforementioned angle a10 of the engagement surface brings with it the effect of translating the vertical force in the Y-direction into a rotational force that acts on the coupling device 80, around the base element 83. Further, the angle a10 is beneficial since it has proven to be a good balance between achieving high strength / resistance against fracturing of the second groove 60 while still providing sufficient locking strength in the Y-direction by the extension of the engagement surface 69 in the X-direction.

[0202] The actuator element 82 may further comprise a clearance recess 85 configured to be facing towards the engagement surface 69 in the second groove 60, such that, during movement of the coupling device 80 between the locked and unlocked position, contact is prevented between the actuator element 82 and the second groove 60 on the engagement surface 69 adjacent to its transition to the second surface 22 of the second component 20. The clearance recess 85 is recessed below the engagement contact surface 84b and arranged proximal of the engagement contact surface 84b in relation to the base element 83. The recess depth of the clearance recess 84b as measured in the normal direction of the engagement surface 84b may be between 0,5 mm and 3 mm.

[0203] The second surface 22 is, as mentioned, the surface of the second component 20 into which the second groove 60 is formed. The clearance recess 85 thus reduces the risk of damage occurring to the second groove 60 during rotation of the coupling device 80, reducing the risk of e.g. undesired gaps forming between the first and second components 10, 20.

[0204] Further illustrated in Figures 14A and 14B is how the first groove 40 may be provided with a support surface 49a arranged adjacent to the bottom surface 49 but closer to the first surface 11 , i.e. elevated above the bottom surface 49 in the Y-direction. The support surface 49a is arranged facing towards a release surface 86 of the coupling device 80. A release channel 93 may further be provided in the first component 10, giving access to the support surface 49a by means of a suitable tool such as a flathead screwdriver or by means of a purposely designed tool that can be arranged in the space between the support surface 49a and the release surface 86. Upon actuation of the tool, it will generate a force on the release surface 86, forcing the coupling device 80 to be displaced in in relation to the first component 10 in the direction of the third portion axis A3, thus releasing the coupling device 80 from its locked position once the locking contact surface 84a is brought out of contact with the locking surface 46. To facilitate release, the release surface 86 may be configured to be arranged at an angle in relation to support surface 49a, to form a decreasing distance therebetween that decreases towards the base element 83. This will allow the user to more easily release the coupling device 80 from its locked position. Further, as illustrated in Figure 15D, the release surface 86 may be a stepped surface where the portion of the release surface 86 closer to the base element 83 is configured to be arranged closer to the support surface 49a.

[0205] The coupling device 80 may further comprise a support protrusion 87 provided on the locking element 81 , the support protrusion 87 providing a resistance from being moved out of the third portion 50 to support the coupling device 80 as free-standing in its unlocked position. Two opposite support protrusions 87 may be provided, as illustrated in Figure 15B. The support protrusions 87 has a width that is equal to or slightly larger than the corresponding width of the open path 43 that the locking element 81 needs to move through for transitioning between the unlocked and locked position. As such, a slight resistance will be generated when bringing the support protrusion 87 out of the third portion 50.

[0206] The coupling device 80 may further comprise a rounded end surface 89b provided on the actuator element 82 for abutment against the guiding surface 61, facilitating sliding against the guiding surface 61 when the first and second components 10, 20 are moved towards and / or away from each other.

[0207] The coupling device 80 may further comprise a rounded end surface 89a provided on the locking element 81 for abutment against the bottom surface 61 in the unlocked position of the coupling device 80, facilitating sliding against the bottom surface 49 when the first and second components 10, 20 are moved towards and / or away from each other. Each rounded end surface 89a, 89b reduces the contact area and thus the generated friction during pivoting of the coupling device 80, along with reducing the risk of the locking element 81 and / or the actuator element 82 becoming stuck on any unevenness on the bottom surface 49 and / or the guiding surface 61 respectively. The base element 83 of the coupling device 80 may further comprise a guiding base element 83b. The guiding base element 38b has extension in the perpendicular direction of the pivot axis z, and is configured to be arranged in the first groove 40 where it guides to pivoting and facilitates maintain correct orientation of the coupling device 80. The guiding base element 83b is further configured to prevent rotation of the coupling device 80 in the first groove 40 around any other axis than the pivot axis z. Further, the actuator element 82 may be configured to extend from the guiding base element 83b in a direction that is not parallel with the radial direction of the pivot circle C1. Similarly, it is also conceivable that the locking element 81 may extend in direction that is non-parallel with the radial direction of the pivot circle C1.

[0208] Turning now to Figures 16A-16B which show a further embodiment of the coupling device 80 illustrated in Figures 14A-15C, and to Figure 16C showing a side view of a coupling system 1 comprising the coupling device 80 shown in Figures 16A-B and a first and second component 10, 20. The description of Figures 14A-15D is equally applicable to the embodiment of Figures 16A-16C. The coupling device 80 shown in Figures 16A-16C provides the functions described in the foregoing embodiment of Figures 14A to 15C but facilitates manufacturing thereof e.g. in a wooden material, for instance by means of a lathe. As such, it is rotationally symmetrical around the main axis A. Further still, the locking element 81 and the actuator element 82 are both essentially identical, thus facilitating correct installation by the user. Naturally however, it is conceivable that that locking element 81 and the actuator element 82 may be provided with different lengths and / or dimensions. In the following, any definition made in relation to the locking element 81 is thus equally applicable to the actuator element 82.

[0209] The coupling device 86 may be provided with an at least partially spherical or rounded base element 83, which may be provided with two oppositely arranged release surfaces 86. The base element 83 has a diameter or width W3 that is larger than the locking and actuator elements 81, 82 diameter or width W2. Naturally, as mentioned in the foregoing, the base element 83 may be provided with other shapes as well, e.g. cylindrical. The release surface 86 may be formed by the respective transition between the base element 83 and the actuator element 82 and / or the locking element 81 . In the embodiment shown in Figure 16B, the release surface 83 is enlarged and comprises a flat circumferential surface facing away from the center of the base element 83. The release surface 86 at either side of the base element 83 may be circumferentially provided around the coupling device 80. When the coupling device 80 is arranged in the locked position, as illustrated in Figure 16C, the release surface 86 faces the support surface 49a in the first groove 40 as described above.

[0210] The locking element 81 and / or the actuator element 82 may be provided with a tapering peripheral surface with a diameter that decreases with increased distance distally away from the base element 83. The tapering shape may form the clearance recess 85, which may thus be circumferentially provided on the actuator element 82 and / or on the locking element 81.

[0211] The locking element 81 and / or the actuator element 82 may be provided with a locking contact surface 84a, which may further extend circumferentially around the locking element 81 and / or the actuator element 82. The locking contact surface 84a is arranged distally of the tapering peripheral surface, and is provided with a peripheral surface that exhibits an increase in diameter with increasing distance away from the base element 83. The angles a7 and a8 described in the foregoing are equally applicable to this embodiment, as well as angles a9 and 10.

[0212] The coupling device 80 may further be provided with rounded end surfaces 89a, 89b forming the transition between the engagement contact surface 89b. The engagement contact surface 89b may be circumferentially arranged, and of cylindrical shape.

[0213] The coupling device 80 described in conjunction with Figures 14A to 16C may, as mentioned, form part of a coupling system 1 comprising a first and second component 10, 20. The coupling device 80 may together with the grooves 40, 60 in the first and second components 10, 20 form a locking arrangement 30 comprised in the coupling system 1. The coupling system 1 may comprise more than one locking arrangement 30, for instance two locking arrangements 30 being rotated relation to each other around a normal direction (y) of the first surface (11 ) of the first component (10), preferably by 180°. At least one of the coupling devices 80 comprised in the coupling system 1 may be releasable, such that release by means of a pivoting relative movement of the first and second components 10, 20 is made possible. Such movement may be guided by a guiding device 70 as will be further described in the following. As such, the coupling device 80 may form part of a furniture element 300, as elaborated on below.

[0214] The coupling device 80 is further configured to provide a pretension to the first and second components 10, 20 when in the locked position, pulling and holding the first and second components 10, 20 together. This facilitates avoiding the formation of shadows or gaps between the components 10, 20 as well as help providing a noticeable feedback to the user during assembly of the first and second components 10, 20, as the two components 10, 20 are effectively pulled together once the locking element 81 pivots / moves into the second section / recess 42, 44 in the first groove 40.

[0215] Each locking arrangement 30 forms an independent lock that can secure the first and second component 10, 20 to each other.

[0216] Figure 17A and 17B discloses a perspective and side view respectively of a guiding device 70. In the following will also reference be made to Figures 19A-21 D in which the guiding device 300 is shown in combination with a furniture element 300 in various embodiments.

[0217] The guiding device 70 by any suitable material, such as wood, plywood, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), HDF, particle board, laminate, veneer, plastic material such as polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride acrylic, which may be mixed with various fillers both inorganic as well as organic fillers, and various metals and metal alloys.

[0218] Preferably, the guiding device 70 is formed in one piece. However, it is also conceivable that the guiding device 70 can be formed from different parts that can be assembled to form the guiding device 70. For example, the guiding device 70 may be formed as illustrated in Figure 3H as a coupling device 806 having one element like the element of Fig. 3F for forming an elongated portion 74 connected to a base element like the element of Fig. 3E for forming a first end 71 of the guiding device 70.

[0219] Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 3I, the guiding device 70 may be formed as a coupling device 807 having a first end 71, i.e. element 872, attached to the elongated portion 74 by means of a snap-lock engagement e.g. a double-sided hook 871. The hook may be rounded so as to allow the first end 71 to rotate around its axis, as seen in relation to the base element, i.e. the elongated portion 74.

[0220] The guiding device 70 is configured to facilitate assembly of a furniture element 300 (shown e.g. in Fig. 19A, Fig. 19B and Fig. 20). The guiding device 70 comprises a first end 71 and a second end 72. The second end 72 is configured to be receivable in a second guiding device recess 111 in a first component 110 by relative movement between the first component

[0221] 110 and the guiding device 70 along a second end movement axis L2 of the guiding device 70. Preferably, the second end 72 is arranged and maintained in the second guiding device recess

[0222] 111 by a press-fit / interference fit in which the friction between the recess 111 and the second end 72 holds the guiding device 70 in place. It is however also possible that the second end can be arranged in the second guiding device recess 111 by a threaded connection, by means of adhesive, by a snap-locking connection or by another similar means for securing the second end 72 to the recess 111.

[0223] The second end 72 may further comprise an elongated portion 74 having an extension along the second end movement axis L2 and being configured to be inserted into the second guiding device recess 111 in the first component 110 such that at least a portion of the elongated portion 74 protrudes above a surface 113 (shown e.g. in Figure 21 A) surrounding the first guiding device recess 111. The elongated portion 74 may have a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of regular polygonal, circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular. Preferably, the elongated portion 74 has a circular cross-sectional shape as this is beneficial during assembly and from a manufacturing perspective.

[0224] The first end 71 of the guiding device 70 is configured to be receivable in a first guiding device recess 401 in the second component 400 by relative movement between the guiding device 70 and the second component 400 along a first end movement axis L1 . The first end movement axis L1 is configured to be controlled by a relative orientation of the first guiding device recess 401 and the first end 71 of the guiding device 70.

[0225] The second end movement axis L2 may be parallel and coaxial with a first end axis AT. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the second end movement axis L2 and the extension of the elongated portion 74 may be at an angle in relation to the first end axis AT.

[0226] As is illustrated in Figure 17B, the first end 71 may comprise a contact surface 73. The contact surface 73 may be at least partially spherical. The contact surface 73 is the peripheral surface on the first end 71 of the guiding device 70 which is configured to cooperate with the first guiding device recess 401. Preferably, the first end 71 has a pivot center XC around which the second component 400 is configured to pivot when the first end 71 is arranged in the first guiding device recess 401.

[0227] The first end 71 may further have a dimension D1 which is configured to essentially correspond to a dimension D3 of the first guiding device recess 401. The dimension D1 is preferably the largest peripheral dimension of the first end 71 . The dimensions D1 and D3 may be a diameter of the respective first end 71 and the first guiding device recess 401. Moreover, the dimension D3 of the first guiding device recess 401 may be configured to allow press-fit or interference fit arrangement of the first end 71 therein. As the first component 400 and / or the guiding device 70 may be formed from a material having an inherent elasticity and / or compressibility, having the dimension D3 being equal to or even somewhat smaller than the dimension D1 of the first end 71 will not prevent insertion but merely reduce the risk of gaps forming between the first end 71 and the first guiding device recess 71 which could reduce the accuracy of the alignment between the first and second components 110, 400.

[0228] The guiding device 70 illustrated in Figures 17A and 17B is provided with a first end 71 having a spherical contact surface 73, with the exception of an optional flat portion opposite the elongated portion 74.

[0229] The elongated portion 74 may be provided with a chamfered or curved edge 75 at its free end to facilitate insertion into the second guiding device recess 111.

[0230] The first end 71 may further comprise an undercut portion 77 being configured to accommodate a portion of the second component 400 adjacent to the first guiding device recess 401. The undercut portion 77 is preferably arranged near the elongated portion 74, proximally of the first end 71 , whereby during pivoting of the second component 400 in relation to the first end 71 , the undercut portion 77 allows a larger pivoting movement before interference occurs between the second component 400 and the guiding device 70. Additionally, or alternatively, the first guiding device recess 401 may be provided with a chamfered or curved opening effectively increasing the pivoting movement before interference occurs between the second component 400 and the guiding device 70.

[0231] The contact surface 73 may also have a circular segment shape with a curvature only in one plane, preferably in a plane parallel and coinciding with the first end axis AT. As such, the first end 71 may be semi disc-shaped with the curved portion facing distally away from the second end 72. Preferably, in such an embodiment, the first guiding device recess 401 has a corresponding shape allowing pivoting of the second component 400 around the first end 71 of the guiding device 70. Additionally, an optional combination with an elongated portion 74 having circular cross-sectional shape or another shape allowing the guiding device 70 to be rotated in the second guiding device recess 111 around a second end movement axis L2 / around the extension direction L8 of the second guiding device recess 111 is conceivable. Such an arrangement would allow further degrees of freedom to the movement between the first component 110 and the second component 400 even though the first end 71 cannot rotate around more than around one axis, i.e. around an axis being perpendicular to the second end movement axis L2 and through the pivot center XC of the first end 71, in relation to the second panel 400.

[0232] Further illustrated in Figures 17A and 17B, a first end connection angle a6 between the first end movement axis L1 and a first end axis AT being parallel with the second connection direction L2 is controllable between 0° and 90°, preferably between 0° and 50°. The first end movement axis L1 is illustrated in one plane, but it is to be realized that the first end 71 of the guiding device 70, or the entire guiding device 70, may be rotationally symmetrical around the first end axis AT, and thus that the first end movement axis L1 may also be rotated around the first end axis AT.

[0233] Preferably, the first end movement axis L1 intersects the first end axis AT in the pivot center XC regardless of rotation around the first end axis AT.

[0234] Figures 18A and 18B shows a further embodiment of the guiding device 70. Below will merely the features that are not present in the embodiment of the guiding device 70 shown Figs. 17A and 14B be described, it is to be understood that the description of the embodiment in Figures 17A and 14B is equally applicable to the embodiment shown in Figures 18A and 18B and vice versa.

[0235] The guiding device may comprise an abutment surface 76 formed by an increase in dimension of the elongated portion 74. The abutment surface 76 is configured to abut against the first component 110 when the second end (72) is inserted into the second guiding device recess 111. As such, the depth of the second guiding device recess 111 does not need to be adapted to the length of the elongated portion 74 which simplifies manufacturing. The depth of the guiding device recess 111 can thus be made deeper / longer than the length of the elongated portion 74, specifically longer than the part of the elongated portion 74 extending beyond the abutment surface 76.

[0236] Moreover, the peripheral contact surface 73 of the first end 71 may be provided with a partially spherical shape.

[0237] Proximally of the dimension D1, the first end 71 may be provided with an undercut portion 77. The undercut portion 77 having a smaller dimension than D1. A narrowing circumferential portion 78 of the first end 71 may be provided adjacent to and proximal of the contact surface 73. The narrowing circumferential portion 78 may further be arranged adjacent or form a part of the undercut portion 77.

[0238] Figure 17 shows a detail view of a furniture element 300. The furniture element 300 comprises a first component 110 and a second component 400. The first and second component 110, 400 may be formed by any suitable material, such as wood, plywood, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), HDF, particle board, laminate, veneer, plastic material such as polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride acrylic, which may be mixed with various fillers, and various metals and metal alloys. The components 110, 400 can be produced through sawing, cutting, milling, extrusion, casting, laminating, additive manufacturing, a combination of these methods, or through any other suitable manufacturing technique.

[0239] The furniture element 300 may form a complete furniture or a part of a furniture, for assembly with further components and / or furniture elements 300.

[0240] The guiding device 70 is shown received between the first component 110 and the second component 400.

[0241] As stated above, the first end movement axis L1 is configured to be controlled by a relative orientation of the first guiding device recess 401 and the first end 71 of the guiding device 70. In Figure 19A, the first guiding device recess 401 and the first end 71 are oriented such that an extension axis L6 of the first guiding device recess 401 is parallel with and optionally coaxial with the first end axis AT and the first end movement axis L1. The first end movement axis L1 is preferably configured to be essentially parallel with the extension axis L6 of the first guiding device recess 401. By the first end 71 having an essentially spherical peripheral contact surface 73 and the first guiding device recess 401 being correspondingly formed, e.g. having a cylindrical shape, the cooperation between first end 71 and the first guiding device recess 401 will allow pivoting of the second component 400 around the pivot center XC, as shown in Fig. 19B, whereby the orientation of both the first guiding device recess extension axis L6 and the first end movement axis L1 will pivot accordingly.

[0242] As is further shown in Fig. 19A and 19B, the contact surface 73 of the first end 71 preferably may have a spherical surface with a constant radius as measured from the pivot center XC that essentially corresponds to the radius of the first guiding device recess 401, the guiding device 70 will maintain circumferential contact with the recess 401 and guide any relative translational movement of the second component 400 in relation to the first end 71 in the direction of the extension axis L6 of the first guiding device recess 401 and thus along the first end movement axis L1.

[0243] While the first guiding device recess 401 is illustrated as having a cylindrical shape in Fig. 19A and 19B, it is conceivable that it may have e.g. a disk-shape, a conical shape, a semi- spherical shape, a frustoconical shape etc.

[0244] It is also conceivable that the first guiding device recess 401 may be provided with a tapered or rounded edge in the transition to an interface surface 403 surrounding the first guiding device recess 401 . Such a tapered or curved edge would further reduce the risk of the second component 400 engaging the guiding device 70 during pivoting, thus complementing and / or providing an alternative to an undercut portion 77 of the guiding device 70 to increase the degree of pivoting allowed.

[0245] The first component 110 may further comprise an interface surface 113 configured to face the interface surface 403 of the second component 400. The respective interface surfaces 113, 403 may be configured to abut against each other when the furniture element 300 is in a connected state, as shown in Figure 19A. The second guiding device recess 111 further comprises an extension direction L8. The extension direction L8 is the axis defining the extension of the second guiding device recess 111 in the first component 110. As is shown in Figure 19A, the extension direction L8 may be parallel with the extension direction L6 of the first guiding device recess 401. It is naturally also possible that the respective extension directions L6, L8 of the first and second guiding device recesses 401 , 111 may be arranged at an angle in relation to one another whereby the guiding device 70 is correspondingly shaped with a corresponding angle between the first end axis AT and the second end movement axis L2.

[0246] The second guiding device recess 111 further comprises a dimension D4 essentially corresponding to the dimension D2 of the second end 72, particularly the elongated portion 74 of the guiding device 70. As stated in the foregoing, the second end 72 may be configured for press-fit or interference fit arrangement in the second guiding device recess 111. Thus, the dimension D4 may be equal to or even smaller than the dimension D2.

[0247] Figure 20 further shows a furniture element 300 comprising a locking arrangement 30, 112. The locking arrangement 30, 112 is configured to secure the first component 110 to the second component 400. It is however to be understood that the guiding device 70 disclosed herein does not necessarily need to be limited to use with the locking arrangements 30, 112 exemplified herein but could be used also without locking arrangements and / or with locking arrangements in the shape of conventional fasteners such as screws, rivets, clips or even adhesives.

[0248] The furniture element 300 is shown in the connected state of the first component 110 and the second component 400, when the locking arrangement 30 has secured the two components 110, 400 together.

[0249] The guiding device 70 is arranged such that it is at least partially received in both the first and second guiding device recesses 111 , 401 during securing and / or releasing of the locking arrangement 30, 112. As such, the guiding device 70 facilitates the functionality of the locking arrangement 30, 112 and the assembly of the furniture element 300.

[0250] When the second end 72 of the guiding device 70 is arranged in the second guiding device recess 111 , the first end 71 in cooperation with the first end guiding recess 401 defines the alignment and relative positioning of the first and second components 110, 400.

[0251] Moreover, the first end 71 allows forming a pivot joint between the first and second component 110, 410 as illustrated by the curved arrow in Fig. 20. The pivot joint, around pivot center XC, facilitates assembly as well as disassembly of the furniture element 300.

[0252] The locking arrangement 30, 112 may be configured for releasing the first component 110 from the second component 400 by either a pivoting relative movement of the first and second component 110, 400 or a combination of a translational relative movement of the first and second component 110, 400 and a pivoting relative movement of the first and second component 110, 400. The locking arrangement 30, 112 may further be configured for securing the first component 110 to the second component 400 by a translational relative movement and / or by a pivoting relative movement of the first and second component 110, 400. Further, the locking arrangement 30, 112 may be configured such that releasing the first component 110 from the second component 400 by translational relative movement solely in a third direction (V) is prevented.

[0253] As is illustrated in Fig. 20, the furniture element 300 may comprise a first and a second locking arrangement 30 in each joint between a first and a second component 110, 400. Each locking arrangement 30 comprises a coupling device 80 as described in the foregoing being moveable from an unlocked position into a locked position by the relative movement of the first and second components 110, 400 into the connected relative position, which is illustrated in Fig. 20. The first and second locking arrangements 30 thus secures the first and second components 110, 400 to each other. Optionally, one or more of the locking arrangement 30 can be associated with a retaining device 90 (as is further described in the foregoing) configured to selectively release the coupling device 80 for movement out of the locked position such that movement of the first and second components 110, 400 out of the connected relative position is allowed whereby the released coupling device 80 is brought out of the locked position by the relative movement of the first and second components 110, 400. With one of locking arrangements 30 still in its locked position, the guiding device 70 allows movement of the second panel 400 out of the connected position as it allows pivoting around the first end 71 as indicated by the curved arrow in Fig. 20. The pivoting can be performed in combination with a translation movement between the first and second components 110, 400 along the first end movement axis L1.

[0254] The guiding device 70 thus enables guided assembly and disassembly of a furniture element 300 described above, while allowing one locking arrangement 30 to remain in its locked position. This facilitates a reduction of the complexity of the furniture element 300 as only one retaining device 90 needs to be provided for allowing disassembly of the furniture element 300.

[0255] As is illustrated in Fig. 20, the guiding device 70 may be arranged intermediately of the first and second locking arrangements 30. Naturally, more than one guiding device 70 may be provided for each furniture element 300.

[0256] The furniture element 300 may further comprise more than one second panel 400 and more than one first panel 110, e.g. forming a furniture such as a cabinet, wardrobe, shelf etc.

[0257] With reference to Figures 21 A to 21 D is a yet another embodiment shown of a first and second component 110, 400 and a furniture element 300 in increasing stages of assembly. Figure 21 A shows a first component 110 and a guiding device 70 of a furniture element 300. The furniture element 300 disclosed in Figs. 21A-21D comprises a locking arrangement 112 having a snap-locking functionality whereby the first component 110 and second component 400 are configured to be secured to each other in the connected state by mutual engagement of a male locking tongue 112a and corresponding female locking recess 112b. The locking arrangement 112 may be integrally formed with the first and second components 110, 400 respectively. It is illustrated that male coupling tongue 112a is arranged on the first component 110 and the female coupling recess 112b is arranged on the second component 400, it is however equally possible that the female coupling recess 112b is arranged on the first component 110 and the male coupling tongue 112a is arranged on the second component 400.

[0258] In Fig. 21A it is shown how a guiding device 70 is being moved along the second end movement axis L2 in order to arrange the second end 72 of the guiding device 70 in the second guiding device recess 111 , as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 21 A. It is shown how two guiding devices 70 are provided to the first component but it is to be realized that any number of guiding devices 70 can be provide to the first component 70.

[0259] In Fig. 21 B, the same first component 110 is shown with the guiding devices 70 received in the respective second guiding device recesses 111.

[0260] Fig. 21 C shows a second component 400 for assembly with the first component 110 of Fig. 21B. The second component is provided with a female coupling recess 112b into which the male coupling tongue 112a is configured to be arranged for securing the first component 110 to the second component 400.

[0261] Fig. 21 D shows how a second component 400 as disclosed in Fig. 21 C is assembled with a first component 110 as disclosed in Figs. 21 A and 21 B to form a furniture element 300. The first end 71 of the guiding device 70 protrudes from the surrounding surface 113 on the first component 110 such that it can be at least partially arranged in the first guiding device recess 401 in the second component 400 before the locking arrangement 112 is fully secured. This consequently allows the guiding device 70 to guide the movement and facilitate correct alignment of the first and second components 110, 400 before the locking arrangement 112 is secured, further facilitating provision of correct functionality thereof.

[0262] Additionally, and applicable to all embodiments disclosed herein, the locking arrangement 112 may be configured for connection by a translational relative movement of the first and second components 110, 400. The translational movement is performed in the direction V with the interface surface 403 of the second component 400 facing the interface surface 113 of the first component 110. During such relative movement, the guiding device 70 functions more or less as a regular dowel and provides guiding an alignment of the two components 110, 400. Further, as the guiding device 70 allows the second component 400 to pivot around the first end 71 of the guiding device 70 such that the interface surfaces 113, 403 can be arranged non-parallel with each other while keeping the guiding device 70 in engagement in both components 110, 400, the second component 400 can connected to the first component 110 a pivoting movement as well. For instance, one lateral side of the locking arrangement 112 can be secured at the time, which is desired for instance for longer components 110, 400 where it may be difficult to secure the entire locking arrangement 112 simultaneously in a purely translational movement with the interface surfaces 113, 403 being parallel to each other. Figures 22A and 22B discloses a furniture element 300 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 21A-21D during disassembly of the second component 400. The locking arrangement 112 may be configured for release by a pivoting relative movement of the first and second components 110, 400. For instance, snap-lock locking arrangements 112 may require to be released by some sort of release tool and cannot be released by purely translational movement without risk of damaging the locking arrangement 112. During such configurations, it is beneficial to the pivoting movement to be controlled as is illustrated in Figure 22B. The second component 400 can be pivoted in relation to the first component 110 as illustrated by the arrows in Figure 22B while the guiding device 70 is maintained in engagement in both the first and second components 110, 400.

[0263] The pivoting movement may take place essentially around the first end 71 of the guiding device 70.

[0264] The guiding device 70 may be configured to be arranged at a lateral side of the locking arrangement 112 as shown in Figs. 21 A to 21 D. I.e., the first and second guiding device recesses 111 , 401 may be arranged at the lateral side of the locking arrangement 112, 112a, 112b on the respective first and second components 110, 400.

[0265] As illustrated in Figures 22A and 22B, the furniture element 300 may comprise a release pin 301 being configured to at least partially release the locking arrangement 112 by insertion into a release pin opening 302 in the furniture element 300. The release pin opening 302 is preferably arranged on the opposite lateral side of the guiding device 70 whereby the remainder of the locking arrangement 112 can be released by pivoting essentially around the guiding device 70.

[0266] The release pin 301 is configured to engage the locking arrangement 112 and may further be configured to induce a pivoting movement between the first and second component 110, 400.

[0267] Figure 23 shows a flowchart of a method for assembling a furniture element 300 as disclosed herein. In the present disclosure, a furniture element 300 should be interpreted as either a part of a furniture or a complete furniture.

[0268] The method 1000 comprises:

[0269] - arranging 1001 the second end 72 of the guiding device 70 in the second guiding device recess 111 in the first component 110.

[0270] The method 1000 further comprises arranging 1002 the second component 400 in relation to the first component 110 such that the first end 71 of the guiding device 70 is arranged in the first guiding device recess 401. The method 1000 further comprises connecting 1003 the second component 400 and the first component 110 by applying a relative movement therebetween along the first end movement axis L1 into a connected state of the first and second component 110, 400.

[0271] The method 1000 may further comprise reorienting 1002a the second component 400 in relation to the first component 110 or vice versa when the first end 71 is arranged in the first guiding device recess 401. Reorienting may comprise a pivoting relative movement between the first component 110 and the second component 400 such that an interface surface 113 of the first component 110 surrounding the first guiding device recess 111 and that is configured to be arranged in parallel with and adjacent to a corresponding interface surface 403 of the second component 400 in the connected state of the furniture element 300 is not parallel with the corresponding interface surface 403 of the second component 400.

[0272] The pivoting relative movement in the reorienting step 1002a of the first and second components 110, 400 may be performed around the first end 71 of the guiding device 70.

[0273] The reorienting 1002a is performed simultaneously as the relative movement between the first and second component in the first end movement axis (L1 ).

[0274] As described in the foregoing, the furniture element 300 may comprise a locking arrangement 30, 112 configured to secure the first component 110 to the second component 400. The method 1000 may thus further comprise at least partially arranging 1004 the first end 71 of the guiding device 70 in the first guiding device recess 401 before the locking arrangement 30, 112 secures the first component 110 to the second component 400. The guiding device 70 will thus facilitate alignment and securing of the components 110, 400 to each other.

[0275] Fig. 23 further discloses a flowchart of a method 2000 for disassembling a furniture element 300 as disclosed herein. Naturally, the method 1000 for assembling disclosed herein can be combined with the method 2000 for disassembling.

[0276] The method for disassembling 2000 comprises:

[0277] - disconnecting 2002 the second component 400 and the first component 110 by applying a relative movement therebetween out of a connected state of the first and second component 110, 400. The method 2000 further comprises reorienting 2003 the second component 400 in relation to the first end 71 of the guiding device 70, and applying 2002 relative movement along the first end movement axis L1 to release the second component 400 from the guiding device 70. The first end movement axis L1 will follow the reorientation of the second component 400, which may comprise a pivoting movement around the first end 71.

[0278] The step of reorienting 2003 may comprise a pivoting relative movement between the first component 110 and the second component 400 such that an interface surface 113 of the first component 110 surrounding the second guiding device recess 111 and that is configured to be arranged in parallel with and adjacent to a corresponding interface surface 403 of the second component 400 in the connected state of the furniture element 300 is not parallel with the corresponding interface surface 403 of the second component 400. The pivoting relative movement between the first and second components 110, 400 as disclosed in all embodiments herein may comprise altering the angular relationship between the extension direction L6 of the second component 400 and the first end axis AT. It may further comprise altering the angular relationship between the extension direction L6 of the second component 400 and the second end movement axis L2 and / or the extension direction L8 of the first component 110. As described herein, the furniture element 300 may comprise a locking arrangement 30, 112 configured to secure the first component 110 to the second component 400. The method 2000 for disassembling may thus comprise at least partially releasing 2001 the locking arrangement 30, 112 that secures the first component 110 to the second component 400. At least partially releasing 2001 the locking arrangement 30, 112 may further comprise inserting a release pin 301 into a release pin opening 302 in the furniture element 300, the release pin 301 being configured to engage the locking arrangement 112, thus at least partially releasing the locking arrangement and wherein the release pin opening 302 is arranged on the opposite lateral side of the guiding device 70.

[0279] Further still, inserting the release pin at least partially may comprise releasing the locking arrangement 112 and inducing a pivoting relative movement between the first and second components 110, 400 around the first end 71 of the guiding device 70, as illustrated in Figure 22B.

[0280] Items

[0281] In the following, different configurations and / or different aspects are represented in itemized structure in addition to the subject matter of claim 1 and the dependent claims and in addition to the explanations and configurations given in the introductory portion of this specification. It is to be noted that the below specific feature combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure to such specific feature combinations. By contrast, the below feature combinations merely provide different examples having improved capabilities. Features and embodiments as defined in the itemized configurations may be combined with other features and embodiments of other itemized configurations, as well as with one or more of the features of configurations described in the summary section and the detailed description section.

[0282] 1. A coupling device (80) configured to connect a first component (10) to a second component (20), the coupling device (80) comprising a base element (83), a locking element (81 ) extending from the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a first groove (40) of the first component (10), and an actuator element (82) attached to the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a second groove (60) of the second component (20), wherein the locking element (81 ) is pivotably movable from an unlocked position in the first groove (40), to a locked position in the first groove (40) where pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ) within the first groove (40) is prevented, to thereby secure the first and second components (10, 20) to each other.

[0283] 2. Coupling device according to item 1 , wherein the actuator element (82) is configured to impart, via the base element (83), pivotal movement of the locking element (81) to thereby move the locking element (81 ) from the unlocked position in the first groove (40) to the locked position in the first groove (40). 3. Coupling device according to items 1 or 2, wherein the actuator element (82) is pivotably movable from an unlocked position in the second groove (60) to a locked position in the second groove (60) where pivotal movement of the actuator element (82) within the second groove (60) is prevented.

[0284] 4. The coupling device (80) according to items 1 or 2, wherein the actuator element (82) is pivotably attached to the second groove (60).

[0285] 5. The coupling device (80) according to any preceding item, wherein the base element (83) is located intermediate the locking element (81) and the actuator element (82) and has a width (w3) that is greater than a width (w2) of each of the locking element (81 ) and the actuator element (82).

[0286] 6. The coupling device (80) according to any preceding item, wherein the base element (83) has an essentially spherical shape, and each of the locking element (81 ) and the actuator element (82) has an elongated, cylindrical shape.

[0287] 7. The coupling device (80) according to any preceding item, wherein the locking element (81 ) extends along a main axis (A) of the coupling device (80) and is configured to move from the unlocked position to the locked position with a movement that comprises pivoting around a pivot axis (z) that is substantially parallel to a normal direction of said main axis (A).

[0288] 8. The coupling device (80) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the base element (83) is configured to be arranged in a third portion (50) of the first groove (40), the base element (83) guiding a translatory movement of the coupling device (80) along a third portion axis (A3) during the pivoting movement between the locked and unlocked position of the coupling device (80).

[0289] 9. The coupling device (80) according to item 8 when dependent on any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the base element (83) comprises at least one lateral protrusion (83a) configured to be arranged in the third portion (50).

[0290] 10. The coupling device (80) according to item 1 or 9, wherein the coupling device (80) comprises a locking contact surface (84a) for abutment against a locking surface (46) of the first groove (40) in the locked position of the coupling device (80) and wherein the locking contact surface (84a) is arranged at an angle (a8) in relation to a tangent (T) of a pivot circle (C1) centered around the base element (83) that is 90° or less.

[0291] 11. The coupling device (80) according to item 10, wherein the locking contact surface (84a) is parallel with the locking surface (46) in the locked position of the coupling device (80).

[0292] 12. The coupling device (80) according to item 10 or 11, wherein the locking contact surface (84a) is circumferentially provided around the locking element (81).

[0293] 13. The coupling device (80) according to any one of items 9 to 12, wherein the the actuator element (82) comprises a clearance recess (85) configured to be facing towards an engagement surface (69) in the second groove (60) such that, during pivoting movement between the locked and unlocked position of the coupling device (80), contact is prevented between the actuator element (82) and the engagement surface (69) adjacent a second surface (22) of the second component (20) into which the second groove (60) is formed.

[0294] 14. The coupling device (80) according to item 13, wherein the clearance recess (85) is circumferentially provided around the actuator element (82).

[0295] 15. The coupling device (80) according to item 13 when dependent on item 10, wherein the locking element (81) and the actuator element (82) are essentially identical.

[0296] 16. The coupling device (80) according to item 8, wherein the coupling device (80) comprises a release surface (86) configured to be arranged facing a support surface (49a) in the first groove (40), wherein the release surface (86) is oriented such that when a force is applied against the release surface (86), it forces the coupling device (80) to move along the third portion axis (A3) and thus out of the locked position.

[0297] 17. The coupling device (80) according to item 9, wherein two opposite lateral protrusions (83a) are provided.

[0298] 18. The coupling device (80) according to item 8, further comprising a support protrusion (87) provided on the locking element (81 ), the support protrusion (87) providing a resistance from being moved out of the third portion (50) to support the coupling device (80) as free-standing in its unlocked position. 19. A first component (10) and a second component (20) configured to be connected to each other by a coupling device (80) according to any preceding item, the first component (10) comprising a first groove (40) arranged to accommodate the locking element (81 ) of the coupling device (80), the second component (20) comprising a second groove (60) arranged to accommodate the actuator element (82) of the coupling device (80), wherein the first groove (40) comprises a first section (41) configured to receive and accommodate the locking element (81) in the unlocked position, and a second section (42) configured to receive, by pivotal movement of the locking element (81), the locking element (81 ) from the first section (41) to hold the locking element (81 ) in the locked position where pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ) within the first groove (40) is prevented.

[0299] 20. The first and second components (10, 20) according to item 19, wherein the second groove (60) is configured to engage the actuator element (82) to cause the actuator element (82) to impart, via the base element (83) of the coupling device (80), pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ) to thereby move the locking element (81 ) from the unlocked position in the first groove (40) to the locked position in the first groove (40).

[0300] 21. The first and second components (10, 20) according to items 19 or 20, wherein the first component (10) and the second component (20) are configured to be connected to each other with a first surface (11 ) of the first component (10) facing a second surface (22) of the second component (20), and the first section (41 ) of the first groove (40) is configured to hold the locking element (81) at a first angle (a1 ) relative to the first surface (11 ), and the second section (42) of the first groove (40) is configured to hold the locking element (81 ) at a second, non-perpendicular angle (a2) relative to the first surface (11).

[0301] 22. The first and second components (10, 20) according to item 21 , wherein the first angle (a 1 ) is within the range of 80° - 100° and the second angle (a2) is within the range of 35° - 65°.

[0302] 23. The first and second components (10, 20) according to items 21 or 22, wherein the second groove (60) is configured to hold the actuator element (82) at a third angle (a3) relative to the second surface (22).

[0303] 24. The first and second components (10, 20) according to item 23, wherein the third angle (a3) has the same angular value as the second angle (a2).

[0304] 25. The first and second components (10, 20) according to item 24, wherein the angle (a4) by which the second groove (60) is configured to hold the actuator element (82) is within the range of 40° - 70°.

[0305] 26. The first and second components (10, 20) according to any of items 19 to 25, wherein the first section (41 ) of the first groove (40) transitions into the second section (42) of the first groove (40), such that an open path (43) is formed between the first and second sections (41 , 42) to allow for pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ).

[0306] 27. The first and second components (10, 20) according to item 26, wherein the second section (42) of the first groove (40) comprising a recess (44) following an end of the open path (43), the recess (44) being arranged to receive the locking element (81 ) of the coupling device (80) and comprising a locking surface (46) arranged to prevent pivoting movement of the locking element (81 ).

[0307] 28. The first and second components (10, 20) according to item 20, wherein the second groove (60) comprises a guiding surface (61 ) that is inclined relative to the second surface (22) for exerting a force (F) on the actuator element (82) of the coupling device (80) when it is pushed into the second groove (60), such that the actuator element (82) imparts the pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ).

[0308] 29. The first and second components (10, 20) according to any one of items 19 to 28, wherein the second groove (60) comprises a recess (62) that follows an end of the guiding surface (61 ), being configured to receive the actuator element (82) of the coupling device (80) and comprises a locking surface (64) arranged to prevent pivotal movement of the actuator element (82).

[0309] 30. The first and second components (10, 20) according to any one of items 19 to 29, comprising a retaining device (90) configured to secure the locking element (81) of the coupling device (80) in the first groove (40), the retaining device (90) comprising a locking surface (91 ) arranged to fit in the groove (60), and an activation element (92) operationably connected to the locking surface (91) for moving the locking surface (91) from a retaining position to a releasing position, wherein the locking surface (91 ) is arranged to be in contact with the locking element (81 ) to prevent pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ) within the first groove (40), when the locking surface (91 ) is in the retaining position, and the locking surface (91) is arranged to allow for pivotal movement of the locking element (81) within the groove (40), when the locking surface (91 ) is in the releasing position.

[0310] 31. The first and second components (10, 20) according to item 30, wherein the locking surface (91 ) is located where the first section (41) of the first groove (40) transitions into the second section (42) of the first groove (40), wherein the retaining device (90) is configured to deflect for enabling the locking element (81) to move from the unlocked position (P1 ) in the first groove (40) to the locked position (P4) in the first groove (40).

[0311] 32. A coupling system (1 ) comprising a coupling device (80) according to any of items 1 - 18, and a first and a second component (10, 20) according to any of items 19 - 31.

[0312] 33. The coupling system (1 ) according to item 21 , wherein the locking element (81) of the coupling device (80) is configured to move from the unlocked position in the first groove (40) to the locked position in the first groove (40) by pushing the actuator element (82) of the coupling device (80) into the second groove (60).

[0313] 34. The coupling system (1 ) according to item 32 or 33, wherein moving first component (10) relative to the second component (20) in a direction that is substantially parallel to a normal direction of a first surface (11 ) of the first component (10) into which the first groove

[0314] (40) is formed brings the coupling device (80) from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0315] 35. The coupling system (1 ) according to any of items 32 to 34, wherein the first section

[0316] (41) of the first groove (40) is arranged to hold the coupling device (80) with the actuator element (82) of the coupling device (80) in a direction that is substantially parallel to a normal direction of the first surface (11 ) of the first component (10), such that the locking position (P4) is obtained by displacing first component (10) relative to the second component (20) in an assembly direction that is substantially parallel to the normal direction of the first surface (11) of the first component (10).

[0317] 36. The coupling system (1 ) according to any of items 32 to 35, wherein the coupling device (80) and the grooves (40, 60) in the first component (10) and the second component (20) form a first locking arrangement (130).

[0318] 37. The coupling system according to item 36, further comprising a second locking arrangement (130) that corresponds to the first locking arrangement (130) but being rotated relative to the first locking arrangement (130) around a normal direction (y) of the first surface (11) of the first component (10).

[0319] 38. The coupling system (1 ) according to item 37, wherein the second locking arrangement (130) comprises a coupling device (80) that is at least partially releasable from the first component (10), such that the first component (10) can be disconnected from the second component (20) by a turning movement that has its pivotal center at a point of contact (3) between the first component (10) and the second component (20). 39. The coupling system (1 ) according to item 38, wherein the first and second locking arrangements (130) are rotated to provide a self-locking function of the coupling system (1) when one of the first and second components (10, 20) are subjected to a force that pulls the first and second components (10, 20) from each other, unless the coupling device (80) of the second locking arrangement (130) is at least partially released from the first component (10).

[0320] 40. The coupling system (1 ) according to any of items 33 to 39, the second section (42) of the first groove (40) is configured to hold the locking element (81 ) at an angle (a2) relative to the first surface (11 ) that is different from an angle (a4) by which the second groove (60) is configured to hold the actuator element (82).

[0321] 41. A first coupling device (80) and a second coupling device (80) configured to connect a first component (10) to a second component (20), each of the coupling devices (80) respectively comprising a base element (83), a locking element (81 ) extending from the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a respective first groove (40) of the first component (10), and an actuator element (82) attached to the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a respective second groove (60) of the second component (20), wherein each of the locking elements (81 ) of the coupling devices (80) is pivotably movable from a respective unlocked position in the respective first groove (40), to a respective locked position in the respective first groove (40) where pivotal movement of each of the locking elements (80) within the respective first groove (40) is prevented, to thereby secure the first and second components (10, 20) to each other in a rotational direction (r).

[0322] 42. A first coupling device (80) and a second coupling device (80) configured to connect a first component (10) to a second component (20), each of the coupling devices (80) respectively comprising a base element (83), a locking element (81 ) extending from the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a respective first groove (40) of the first component (10), and an actuator element (82) attached to the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a respective second groove (60) of the second component, wherein each of the locking elements (81 ) of the coupling devices (80) is pivotably movable from a respective unlocked position in the respective first groove (40), to a respective locked position in the respective first groove (40) where pivotal movement of each of the locking elements (81 ) within the respective first groove (40) is prevented, and wherein the locking element (81) of the second coupling device (80) is configured to be rotated relative to the locking element (81 ) of the first coupling device (80) when the locking elements (80) are in the respective locked position, to thereby secure the first and second components (10, 20) to each other in three directions.

[0323] 43. A retaining device (90) configured to secure a locking element (81 ) of a coupling device (80) in a groove (40) of a component (10), the retaining device (90) comprises a locking surface (91 ) arranged to fit in the groove (40), and an activation element (92) operationably connected to the locking surface (91 ) for moving the locking surface (91 ) from a retaining position to a releasing position, wherein the locking surface (91) is arranged to be in contact with the locking element (81 ) to prevent pivotal movement of the locking element (81) within the groove (40) when the locking surface (91 ) is in the retaining position and wherein the locking surface (91 ) is arranged to allow for pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ) within the groove (40) when the locking surface (91 ) is in the releasing position.

[0324] 44. A method of locking a coupling device (80) configured to connect a first component (10) to a second component (20), the coupling device (80) comprising a base element (83), a locking element (81 ) extending from the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a first groove (40) of the first component (10), and an actuator element (82) attached to the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a second groove (60) of the second component (20), wherein the method comprises inserting the coupling device (80) in the first groove (40), and pivotably moving the locking element (81 ) from an unlocked position in the first groove (40), to a locked position in the first groove (40) where pivotal movement of the locking element (81) within the first groove is prevented, to thereby secure the first and second components (10, 20) to each other.

[0325] 45. A guiding device (70) configured to facilitate assembly and / or disassembly of a first component (110) and a second component (400), wherein said guiding device (70) comprises a first end (71 ) and a second end (72), the second end (72) being configured to be receivable in a second guiding device recess (111) in the first component (110) by relative movement between the first component (110) and the guiding device (70) along a second end movement axis (L2) of the guiding device (70), and wherein the first end (71 ) is configured to be receivable in a first guiding device recess (401 ) in the second component (400) by relative movement between the guiding device (70) and the second component (400) along a first end movement axis (L1), wherein the first end movement axis (L1 ) is configured to be controlled by a relative orientation of the first guiding device recess (401 ) and the first end (71) of the guiding device

[0326] (70).

[0327] 46. The guiding device (70) according to item 45, wherein a first end connection angle (a6) between the first end movement axis (L1 ) and a first end axis (AT) is controllable between 0° and 90°, preferably between 0° and 50°.

[0328] 47. The guiding device (70) according to item 45 or 46, wherein the first end movement axis (L1) is controllable when the first end (71 ) is received in the first guiding device recess (401).

[0329] 48. The guiding device (70) according to any of items 45 to 47, wherein the first end movement axis (L1 ) is configured to be parallel to an extension axis (L6) of the first guiding device recess (401 ).

[0330] 49. The guiding device (70) according to any of items 45 to 48, wherein the guiding device (70) is formed in one piece.

[0331] 50. The guiding device (70) according to any of items 45 to 49, wherein the first end

[0332] (71) is rotationally symmetric around a first end axis (AT).

[0333] 51. The guiding device (70) according to any of items 45 to 50, wherein the first end (71) comprises a peripheral contact surface (73) being at least partially spherical. 52. The guiding device (70) according to item 51 , wherein the first end (71 ) comprises an undercut portion (77) being configured to accommodate a portion of the second component

[0334] (400) adjacent to the first guiding device recess (401 ).

[0335] 53. The guiding device (70) according any of items 45 to 52, wherein the second end (72) comprises an elongated portion (74) having an extension in the second end movement axis (L2) and being configured to be inserted into the second guiding device recess (111 ) in the first component (110) such that at least a portion of the elongated portion (74) protrudes above a surface (113) adjacent to the first guiding device recess (111).

[0336] 54. The guiding device (70) according to item 53, wherein the elongated portion (74) has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of regular polygonal, circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular.

[0337] 55. The guiding device (70) according to any of items 45 to 54, wherein the guiding device (70) and the second guiding device recess (111) are mutually shaped such that relative rotation between the guiding device (70) and the first component (110) is prevented.

[0338] 56. The guiding device (70) according to any of items 45 to 55, further comprising an abutment surface (76) formed by an increase in dimension of an elongated portion (74), the abutment surface (76) being configured to abut against the first component (110) when the second end (72) is inserted into the second guiding device recess (111 ).

[0339] 57. The guiding device (70) according to any of items 45 to 56, wherein the first end

[0340] (71) is configured to be arranged in a cylindrical first guiding device recess (401).

[0341] 58. The guiding device (70) according to any of items 45 to 56, wherein the guiding device (70) is configured to allow pivoting of the second component (400) around more than one axis while the first end (71) is arranged in the first guiding device recess (401).

[0342] 59. The guiding device (70) according to item 58, wherein the first end (71 ) is configured to allow pivoting of the second component (400) around a pivot center (XC).

[0343] 60. The guiding device (70) according to item 59, wherein the first end movement axis (L1) intersects the pivot center (XC) regardless of the orientation of the first guiding device recess (401 ).

[0344] 61. A furniture element (300) forming at least a part of a furniture, the furniture element (300) comprising a first component (110) and a second component (400), the first and second components (110, 400) being configured to be connected to each other to form the furniture element (300), wherein the second component (400) comprises a first guiding device recess

[0345] (401) and the first component (110) comprises a second guiding device recess (111), the furniture element (300) further comprising a guiding device (70) according to any of items 33 to 48, the guiding device (70) comprising a first end (71) and a second end (72), the second end

[0346] (72) being configured to be received in the second guiding device recess (111) in the first component (110) by relative movement between the first component (110) and the guiding device (70) along a second end movement axis (L2) of the guiding device (70), and wherein the first end (71 ) is configured to be received in the first guiding device recess (401 ) in the second component (400) by relative movement between the second component (400) and the guiding device (70) along a first end movement axis (L1 ), wherein the first end movement axis (L1 ) is configured to be controlled by a relative orientation of the first guiding device recess (401) and the first end (71 ) of the guiding device (70).

[0347] 62. The furniture element (300) according to item 61 , further comprising a locking arrangement (30, 112) configured to secure the first component (110) to the second component (400) and wherein the guiding device (70) is arranged such that it is at least partially received in both the first and second guiding device recesses (111 , 401 ) during securing and / or releasing of the locking arrangement (30, 112).

[0348] 63. The furniture element (300) according to item 61 or 60, wherein the first end (71) of the guiding device (70) and first guiding device recess (401 ) are configured to define the desired relative positioning of the first and second component (110, 410) and to form a pivot joint between the first and second component (110, 410).

[0349] 64. The furniture element (300) according to any of items 62 to 63, wherein the locking arrangement (30, 112) is configured for releasing the first component (110) from the second component (400) by: a pivoting relative movement of the first and second component (110, 400) or a combination of a translational relative movement of the first and second component (110, 400) and a pivoting relative movement of the first and second component (110, 400).

[0350] 66. The furniture element (300) according to any of items 62 to 64, wherein the locking arrangement (30, 112) is configured for securing the first component (110) to the second component (400) by a translational relative movement and / or by a pivoting relative movement of the first and second component (110, 400) and wherein releasing the first component (110) from the second component (400) by translational relative movement solely in a third direction (V) is prevented.

[0351] 66. The furniture element (300) according to item 65, wherein a first and a second locking arrangement (30) is provided, each comprising a coupling device (80) being moveable from an unlocked position into a locked position by the relative movement of the first and second components (110, 400) into the connected relative position, the first and second locking arrangements (30) thus securing the first and second components (110, 400) to each other and wherein at least one locking arrangement (30) is associated with a retaining device (90) configured to selectively release the coupling device (80) for movement out of the locked position such that movement of the first and second components (110, 400) out of the connected relative position is allowed whereby the released coupling device (80) is brought out of the locked position by the relative movement of the first and second components (110, 400).

[0352] 67. The furniture element (300) according to item 66, wherein the guiding device (70) is arranged intermediately of the first and second locking arrangements (30).

[0353] 68. The furniture element (300) according to any of items 61 to 67, wherein the furniture element (300) comprises a first locking arrangement (30) and a second locking arrangement (30), each locking arrangement (30) comprising a coupling device (80) configured to connect the first component (110) to the second component (400), the coupling device (80) comprising a base element (83), a locking element (81 ) extending from the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a first groove (40) of the first component (110) or the second component (400), and an actuator element (82) attached to the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a second groove (60) of the second component (400) or the first component (110), wherein the locking element (81 ) is pivotably movable from an unlocked position in the first groove (40), to a locked position in the first groove (40) where pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ) within the first groove (40) is prevented, to thereby secure the first and second components (110, 400) to each other, and wherein the guiding device (70) is configured to guide the movement of the first and second components (110, 400).

[0354] 69. The furniture element (300) according to any of items 62 to 63, wherein the locking arrangement (112) comprises a male locking tongue (112a) arranged on one of the first and second components (110, 400) being configured for snap-locking engagement in a female locking recess (112b) arranged on the other of the first and second components (110, 400), thus connecting the first component (110) to the second component (400), wherein the guiding device (70) is arranged such that it is at least partially received in both the first and second guiding device recesses (111, 401) during connection of the first and second components (110, 400) before snap-locking engagement is achieved of the locking arrangement (112) for securing the first component (110) to the second component (400).

[0355] 70. The furniture element (300) according to item 69, wherein the locking arrangement (112) is integrally formed with the first and second components (110, 400) respectively.

[0356] 71. The furniture element (300) according to item 69 or 70, wherein the locking arrangement (112) is configured for connection by a translational relative movement between the first and second components (110, 400).

[0357] 72. The furniture element (300) according to any of items 69 to 71 , wherein the locking arrangement (112) is configured for release by a pivoting movement between the first and second components (110, 400) around the first end (71) of the guiding device (70).

[0358] 73. The furniture element (300) according to any of items 69 to 72, further comprising a release pin (301 ) insertable into a release pin opening (302) in the furniture element (300) and being configured to engage the locking arrangement (112), thus at least partially releasing the first component (110) from the second component (400) and wherein the release pin opening (302) is arranged on the opposite lateral side of the guiding device (70).

[0359] 74. The furniture element (300) according to item 73 when dependent on item 72, wherein the release pin (301) is configured to release the locking arrangement (112) and inducing a pivoting relative movement between the first and second components (110, 400) around the first end (71 ) of the guiding device (70). 75. A method (1000) for assembling a furniture element (300) according to any of items 61 to 74, the furniture element (300) comprising a first component (110) and a second component (400), the first and second components (110, 400) being configured to be connected to each other to form the furniture element (300), wherein the second component (400) comprises a first guiding device recess (401) and the first component (110) comprises a second guiding device recess (111), the furniture element (300) further comprising a guiding device (70) according to any of items 33 to 48, the guiding device (70) comprising a first end (71 ) and a second end (72), the second end (72) being configured to be received in the second guiding device recess (111 ) in the first component (110) by relative movement between the first component (110) and the guiding device (70) along a second end movement axis (L2) of the guiding device (70), and wherein the first end (71) is configured to be received in the first guiding device recess (401) in the second component (400) by relative movement between the second component (400) and the guiding device (70) along a first end movement axis (L1 ), wherein the first end movement axis (L1 ) is configured to be controlled by a relative orientation of the first guiding device recess (401 ) and the first end (71 ) of the guiding device (70), wherein the method (1000) comprises:

[0360] - arranging the second end (72) of the guiding device (70) in the second guiding device recess (111 ) in the first component (110),

[0361] - arranging the second component (400) in relation to the first component (110) such that the first end (71) of the guiding device (70) is arranged in the first guiding device recess (401), and

[0362] - connecting the second component (400) and the first component (110) by applying a relative movement therebetween along the first end movement axis (L1) into a connected state of the first and second component (110, 400).

[0363] 76. The method according to item 75, further comprising reorienting the second component (400) in relation to the first component (110) or vice versa when the first end (71 ) is arranged in the first guiding device recess (401 ).

[0364] 77. The method (1000) according to item 76, wherein reorienting comprises a pivoting relative movement between the first component (110) and the second component (400) such that an interface surface (113) of the first component (110) surrounding the first guiding device recess (111 ) and that is configured to be arranged in parallel with and adjacent to a corresponding interface surface (403) of the second component (400) in the connected state of the furniture element (300) is not parallel with the corresponding interface surface (403) of the second component (400).

[0365] 78. The method according to item 77, wherein the pivoting relative movement of the first and second components (110, 400) is performed around the first end (71 ) of the guiding device (70). 79. The method according to any of items 76 to 78, wherein the reorienting is performed simultaneously as the relative movement between the first and second component in the first end movement axis (L1 ).

[0366] 80. The method according to any of items 75 to 79, wherein the furniture element (300) further comprises a locking arrangement (30, 112) configured to secure the first component (110) to the second component (400) and wherein the method (1000) comprises at least partially arranging the first end (71 ) of the guiding device (70) in the first guiding device recess (401) before the locking arrangement (30, 112) secures the first component (110) to the second component (400).

[0367] 81. A method (2000) for disassembling a furniture element (300) according to any of items 61 to 64, the furniture element (300) comprising a first component (110) and a second component (400), the first and second components (110, 400) being configured to be connected to each other to form the furniture element (300), wherein the second component (400) comprises a first guiding device recess (401) and the first component (110) comprises a second guiding device recess (111), the furniture element (300) further comprising a guiding device (70) according to any of items 45 to 60, the guiding device (70) comprising a first end (71 ) and a second end (72), the second end (72) being configured to be received in the second guiding device recess (111 ) in the first component (110) by relative movement between the first component (110) and the guiding device (70) along a second end movement axis (L2) of the guiding device (70), and wherein the first end (71) is configured to be received in the first guiding device recess (401) in the second component (400) by relative movement between the second component (400) and the guiding device (70) along a first end movement axis (L1 ), wherein the first end movement axis (L1 ) is configured to be controlled by a relative orientation of the first guiding device recess (401 ) and the first end (71 ) of the guiding device (70), wherein the method (1000) comprises:

[0368] - disconnecting (2002) the second component (400) and the first component (110) by applying a relative movement therebetween out of a connected state of the first and second component (110, 400),

[0369] - reorienting (2003) the second component (400) around the first end (71 ) of the guiding device (70), and

[0370] - applying (2004) relative movement along the first end movement axis (L1) to release the second component (400) from the guiding device (70).

[0371] 82. The method (2000) according to item 81 , wherein reorienting comprises a pivoting relative movement between the first component (110) and the second component (400) such that an interface surface (113) of the first component (110) surrounding the second guiding device recess (111 ) and that is configured to be arranged in parallel with and adjacent to a corresponding interface surface (403) of the second component (400) in the connected state of the furniture element (300) is not parallel with the corresponding interface surface (403) of the second component (400). 83. The method (2000) according to item 81 or 82, wherein the furniture element (300) further comprises a locking arrangement (30, 112) configured to secure the first component (110) to the second component (400) and wherein the method (2000) comprises at least partially releasing the locking arrangement (30, 112) that secures the first component (110) to the second component (400).

[0372] 84. The method (2000) according to item 83, wherein at least partially releasing the locking arrangement (30, 112) comprises inserting a release pin (301 ) into a release pin opening (302) in the furniture element (300), the release pin (301) being configured to engage the locking arrangement (112), thus at least partially releasing the locking arrangement and wherein the release pin opening (302) is arranged on the opposite lateral side of the guiding device (70).

[0373] 86. The method (2000) according to item 84, wherein inserting the release pin (301 ) at least partially releases the locking arrangement (112) and induces a pivoting relative movement between the first and second components (110, 400) around the first end (71 ) of the guiding device (70).

[0374] From the description above follows that, although various embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, the invention is not restricted thereto, but may also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject-matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A coupling device (80) configured to connect a first component (10) to a second component (20), the coupling device (80) comprising a base element (83), a locking element (81 ) extending from the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a first groove (40) of the first component (10), and an actuator element (82) attached to the base element (83) and arranged to fit in a second groove (60) of the second component (20), wherein the locking element (81 ) is pivotably movable from an unlocked position in the first groove (40), to a locked position in the first groove (40) where pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ) within the first groove (40) is prevented, to thereby secure the first and second components (10, 20) to each other.

2. The coupling device according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator element (82) is configured to impart, via the base element (83), pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ) to thereby move the locking element (81) from the unlocked position in the first groove (40) to the locked position in the first groove (40).

3. The coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator element (82) is pivotably movable from an unlocked position in the second groove (60) to a locked position in the second groove (60) where pivotal movement of the actuator element (82) within the second groove (60) is prevented.

4. The coupling device (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (83) is located intermediate the locking element (81 ) and the actuator element (82) and has a width (w3) that is greater than a width (w2) of each of the locking element (81 ) and the actuator element (82).

5. The coupling device (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (83) is configured to be arranged in a third portion (50) of the first groove (40), the base element (83) guiding a translatory movement of the coupling device (80) along a third portion axis (A3) during the pivoting movement between the locked and unlocked position of the coupling device (80).

6. The coupling device (80) according to claim 5, wherein the base element (83) comprises at least one lateral protrusion (83a) configured to be arranged in the third portion (50).

7. The coupling device (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (80) comprises a locking contact surface (84a) for abutment against a locking surface (46) of the first groove (40) in the locked position of the coupling device (80) and wherein the locking contact surface (84a) is arranged at an angle (a8) in relation to a tangent (T) of a pivot circle (C1) centered around the base element (83) that is 90° or less.

8. The coupling device (80) according to claim 7, wherein the locking contact surface (84a) is parallel with the locking surface (46) in the locked position of the coupling device (80).

9. The coupling device (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (81 ) and the actuator element (82) are essentially identical.

10. The coupling device (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (80) comprises a release surface (86) configured to be arranged facing a support surface (49a) in the first groove (40), wherein the release surface (86) is oriented such that when a force is applied against the release surface (86), it forces the coupling device (80) to move along the third portion axis (A3) and thus out of the locked position.

11. The coupling device (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator element (82) is configured to engage a guiding surface (61) of the second groove (60) that is inclined relative to a second surface (22) of the second component (20) for exerting a force (F) on the actuator element (82) of the coupling device (80) when it is pushed into the second groove (60), such that the actuator element (82) imparts the pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ).

12. A first component (10) and a second component (20) configured to be connected to each other by a coupling device (80) according to any preceding claim, the first component (10) comprising a first groove (40) arranged to accommodate the locking element (81 ) of the coupling device (80), the second component (20) comprising a second groove (60) arranged to accommodate the actuator element (82) of the coupling device (80), wherein the first groove (40) comprises a first section (41) configured to receive and accommodate the locking element (81) in the unlocked position, and a second section (42) configured to receive, by pivotal movement of the locking element (81), the locking element (81 ) from the first section (41) to hold the locking element (81 ) in the locked position where pivotal movement of the locking element (81 ) within the first groove (40) is prevented and wherein the second groove (60) comprises a guiding surface (61 ) that is inclined relative to a second surface (22) of the second component (20) for exerting a force (F) on the actuator element (82) of the coupling device (80) when it is pushed into the second groove (60), such that the actuator element (82) imparts the pivotal movement of the locking element (81).

13. A coupling system (1 ) comprising a coupling device (80) according to any of claim 1 to 11 , and a first and a second component (10, 20) according to claim 12.

14. The coupling system (1 ) according to claim 13, wherein moving the first component (10) relative to the second component (20) in a direction that is substantially parallel to a normal direction of a first surface (11) of the first component (10) into which the first groove (40) is formed brings the coupling device (80) from the unlocked position to the locked position.

15. The coupling system (1 ) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the coupling device (80) and the grooves (40, 60) in the first component (10) and the second component (20) form a first locking arrangement (130), and wherein the coupling system (1) further comprising asecond locking arrangement (130) that corresponds to the first locking arrangement (130) but being rotated relative to the first locking arrangement (130) around a normal direction (y) of the first surface (11 ) of the first component (10).

Images