Connection unit for the forming of a module for a piece of furniture, module and piece of furniture

Abstract

Connection unit (1) for forming a module (100) for a piece of furniture or a furnishing element (1000). The connection unit (1) comprises at least two joint elements (11, 12), each of which extends predominantly along a first extension direction (X) and comprises a male portion (111) and a female portion (112). The female portion (112) of a first joint element (11) slidingly accommodates, along the first extension direction (X), the male portion (111) of a second joint element (12) so as to form a central opening (90), which extends predominantly along the first extension direction (X). Furthermore, the female portion (112) accommodates the male portion (111) so as to prevent the movement of the male portion (111) in a second extension direction (Y) and in a third extension direction (Z). The connection unit (1) further comprises at least one panel (21) which extends in a panel plane (500) parallel to the first extension direction (X) and extends predominantly along the first extension direction (X) and along a second extension direction (Y) substantially perpendicular to the first extension direction (X). The at least one panel (21) is supported by a respective joint element of the at least two joint elements (11, 12). The connection unit (1) further comprises fixing means (900) suitable for engaging the central opening (90) of the connection unit (1) in order to stabilise the connection and reduce or prevent relative movements between the joint elements due to play or tolerances between the joint elements and to block sliding along the first extension direction (X).

Description

"CONNECTION UNIT FOR THE FORMING OF A MODULE FOR A PIECEOF FURNITURE , MODULE AND PIECE OF FURNITURE" DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection unit for the forming o f a module for a piece of furniture or a furnishing element . Furthermore , the present invention relates to a module comprising several connection units and to a related piece of furniture or furnishing element made by the forming of several modules .

[0002] Modular groups for the forming of modules j oined together to form pieces of furniture , such as bookcases or display cabinets for the home or office , movable walls , frames , are known in the art .

[0003] Typically, such solutions provide wooden modules that the end user or a specialised installer can j oin together to form the final piece of furniture or furnishing element .

[0004] However, the known solutions present some drawbacks .

[0005] Firstly, the forming of an entire piece of furniture or furnishing element requires modular panels of di f ferent si zes in order to meet speci fic forming requirements of the compartments of the piece of furniture .

[0006] Furthermore , once the type of piece of furniture or furnishing element has been defined, it is not possibleto rearrange the modular components to modi fy its final aesthetic appearance .

[0007] Moreover, the modular compositions of the known art often prove to be heavy, with considerable panel thicknesses , not suitable for creating pieces of furniture with a light and linear aesthetic features .

[0008] In addition, mass-produced systems of the known art do not allow optimal use of the space available in a room for a piece of furniture , due to the limited possibility of freely varying the positioning of the modules .

[0009] Furthermore , the assembly of the modules of the known art is often complex and expensive due to the di f ferent types of fixing between the panels . In particular, the assembly of such systems of the known art requires a high number of both parts and connection elements at the j oints .

[0010] It is also known to make modular groups for the forming of pieces of furniture made of materials other than wood, such as metal . An example of such modular groups is described in Italian patent appl ication 102019000021807 , having the same inventor as the present application . However, the solution described in thi s application presents the following is sues .

[0011] Firstly, the piece of furniture or furnishing element obtained from the repetition of a box-shapedmodule described in application 102019000021807 has a high weight due to the choice of material type and the modular and connection structure used .

[0012] The issue related to the weight was also linked to an instability of the structure itsel f .

[0013] In fact , the type of mechanical connection between the individual box-shaped modules was unstable due to the residual clearances in the connections , with consequent di f ficulties in creating complex structures that are stable and capable of supporting heavy loads .

[0014] There is therefore a strongly felt need to provide a connection unit for the forming of a module for a piece of furniture that is easy to assemble , even in the case of complex structures , having a reduced weight compared to known art solutions and with more stable mechanical connections .

[0015] This obj ect is achieved by means of a connection unit in accordance with claim 1 , a module in accordance with claim 18 , and a piece of furniture or furnishing element in accordance with claim 19 .

[0016] In addition, further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description given below of preferred embodiments thereof , provided by way of non-limiting example , with reference to the accompanying figures , in which :

[0017] - Figure 1 shows a piece of furniture made of a plurality of modules according to one embodiment of the present invention;- Figures 2a and 2b respectively show a front plan view and an axonometric view of the disassembled connection unit composed of four j oint elements and three panels , according to a first embodiment of the invention in which each panel is j oined in one piece to the respective j oint element ;- Figures 2c and 2d respectively show a front plan view and an axonometric view of the assembled connection unit composed of four j oint elements and three panels , according to a first embodiment of the invention in which each panel is j oined in one piece to the respective j oint element ;- Figures 3a and 3b respectively show a front plan view and an axonometric view of the disassembled connection unit composed of four j oint elements and four panels , according to a second embodiment of the invention in which each panel is j oined in one piece to the respective j oint element ;- Figures 3c and 3d respectively show a front plan view and an axonometric view of the assembled connection unit composed of four j oint elements and four panels , according to a second embodiment of the invention inwhich each panel is j oined in one piece to the respective j oint element ;- Figure 4a shows a sectional view of a panel having a smooth surface and connected to two j oint elements at two of its ends , according to one embodiment of the invention;- Figure 4b shows a perspective view of a panel having a smooth surface and connected to two j oint elements at two of its ends , according to one embodiment of the invention;- Figure 4c shows a sectional view of a panel having a wavy surface and connected to two j oint elements at two of its ends , according to one embodiment of the invention;- Figures 5a and 5b respectively show a sectional view of the disassembled connection unit and of the assembled connection unit composed of four j oint elements and four panels , according to a third embodiment of the invention in which each panel is slidably engageable with a respective j oint element in a respective fixing seat and, once inserted by sliding, is lockable in the fixing seat to prevent it from coming out of the fixing seat ;- Figure 5c shows a perspective view of a j oint element and a panel according to one embodiment , in which the panel is slidably engageable with the respective j ointelement in a respective fixing seat and, once inserted by sliding, is lockable in the fixing seat to prevent it from coming out of the fixing seat ;Figure 6 shows a front plan view of a furnishing element composed of modules having two j oint elements slidingly coupled to each other, according to one embodiment of the present invention;- Figure 6a shows an enlarged sectional view of a j oint element used in figure 6 , according to one embodiment of the present invention;- Figures 6b and 6c show a front plan view respectively of the disassembled and assembled connection unit composed of two j oint elements , according to one embodiment of the invention;Figure 7 shows a front plan view of a piece of furniture composed of modules having a hexagonal section, according to one embodiment of the present invention;- figure 7a shows an enlarged sectional view of a j oint element used in figure 7 , according to one embodiment of the present invention;- Figures 7b and 7c show a front plan view respectively of the disassembled and assembled connection unit composed of three j oint elements , according to one embodiment of the invention;Figure 8 shows a front plan view of a piece offurniture composed of modules having a square section, according to one embodiment of the present invention;- figure 8a shows an enlarged sectional view of a j oint element used in figure 8 , according to one embodiment of the present invention;Figure 9 shows a front plan view of a piece of furniture composed of modules having a triangular section, according to one embodiment of the present invention;- Figure 9a shows an enlarged sectional view of a j oint element used in figure 9 , according to one embodiment of the present invention;Figure 10a shows an enlarged sectional view of an insert element , according to a first embodiment of the present invention;Figure 10b shows a sectional view of two insert elements of Figure 10 arrange by an auxiliary panel .Figure I la shows an enlarged sectional view of an insert element , according to a second embodiment of the present invention;Figure 11b shows a sectional view of two insert elements from figure I la engaged by an auxiliary panel ;- Figure 12a shows a sectional view of a panel connected to two j oint elements at two of its ends , according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the panelis flush with one end of the j oint element ;- Figure 12b shows a sectional view of a module composed of two panels with a wavy surface from figure 4c and two panels with j oint elements from figure 12a j oined together by means of the coupling of a male portion and a female portion forming in each case a connection unit composed of four j oint elements ;- Figure 13a shows a sectional view of an insert element in the form of a tie rod, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;- Figure 13b shows a sectional view of a module from figure 12b having a square section in which, along the diagonal of the section, two tie rods are present j oined together by the coupling of four j oint elements forming a connection unit .

[0018] With reference to the accompanying figures , the number 1 denotes a connection unit for the forming of a module 100 for a piece of furniture or a furnishing element 1000 . The piece of furniture or furnishing element 1000 is , for example, a modular bookcase , or a shelving unit , or a frame , or a staircase , or a wall covering, or a partition wall , or a piece of furniture in general , formed by a plurality of repeated modules 100 .

[0019] The connection unit 1 comprises at least two j oint elements 11 , 12 .

[0020] Each joint element of the at least two joint elements 11, 12 extends predominantly along a first extension direction X. Furthermore, each joint element comprises a male portion 111 and a female portion 112.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the male portion 111 is provided at a first joint element end Illa while the female portion 112 is provided at a second joint element end 112a opposite to the first joint element end Illa.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the female portion 112 of a first joint element 11 of the at least two joint elements 11, 12 is suitable for slidingly accommodating (or slidingly accommodates) along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of a second joint element 12 of the at least two joint elements 11, 12 so as to form, once joined, a central opening 90.

[0023] The sliding coupling obtained between the male portion 111 of a first joint element and the female portion 112 of a second joint element provides that the female portion 112 of the second joint element accommodates the male portion 111 of the first joint element so as to prevent the movement of the male portion 111 in a second extension direction Y and in a third extension direction Z. Each of said second extension direction Y and third extension direction Z is perpendicular to the first extension direction X.

[0024] Advantageously, the sliding coupling allows for simple assembly of the furnishing element , suitable even for a non-skilled user . In other words , the assembly of the furnishing element by sliding is intuitively logical .

[0025] According to one embodiment , as shown by way of example in figures 4a, 4c, each j oint element develops in its cross-section, perpendicular to the first extension direction X, along a circular arc C .

[0026] According to one embodiment , when the j oint elements 11 , 12 are j oined together, the connection unit 1 assumes a semicylindrical shape .

[0027] The central opening 90 extends predominantly along the first extension direction X .

[0028] According to one embodiment , when two or more j oint elements are slidingly coupled to each other and form a central opening 90 , said central opening 90 assumes a substantially cylindrical shape in the first extension direction X, as shown by way of example in figure lb .

[0029] According to one embodiment , the male portion 111 o f each j oint element comprises a male portion head 1111 and a male portion neck 1112 .

[0030] According to one embodiment , the female portion 112 comprises a female portion head 1121 and a female portion neck 1122 .

[0031] According to one embodiment , the male portion head1111 and the female portion head 1121 have a circular cross-section . Preferably, the circular cross-section of the male portion head 1111 is equal to the circular cross-section of the female portion head 1121 .

[0032] According to one embodiment , the female portion neck 1122 identi fies a j oint element seat having a shape such as to accommodate the male portion neck 1112 when two j oint elements are coupled to each other .

[0033] In other words , when two j oint elements are slidingly coupled to each other, the female portion head 1121 of the first j oint element 11 accommodates the male portion head 1111 of the second j oint element 12 by means of a shape coupling, and the j oint element seat identi fied by the female portion neck 1122 of the first j oint element accommodates the male portion neck 1112 by means of a shape coupling . This procedure of coupling two j oint elements prevents the movement of the male portion 111 of the second j oint element 12 in a second extension direction Y and in a third extension direction Z with respect to the first j oint element . In particular, only relative sliding along the first extension direction X is allowed .

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment , each j oint element is obtained by extrusion . By means of the extrusion process , it is possible to obtain a length Lalong the first extension direction X even up to 40 cm .

[0035] According to one embodiment, the length L of each j oint element is between 20 and 40 centimetres , preferably between 35 and 40 centimetres . Obtaining an extruded portion having a length L of up to 40 cm along the first extension direction X allows for a considerable reduction in the weight of the individual j oint element and, consequently, in the weight of the module 100 as compared with the modular units of the known art . Moreover, a signi ficant reduction in weight results in a substantial reduction in the manufacturing cost of the piece of furniture or furnishing element 1000 .

[0036] According to this embodiment , the male portion neck 1112 extends in a first neck extension plane 300 parallel to the first extension direction X, for example as shown in figures 7a, 8a and 9a .

[0037] According to one embodiment , the female portion neck 1122 extends in a second neck extension plane 400 parallel to the first extension direction X, also for example as shown in figures 7a, 8a and 9a .

[0038] According to one embodiment , the first neck extension plane 300 relating to the male portion neck 1112 and the second neck extension plane 400 relating to the female portion neck 1122 intersect each other so as to form a j oint angle a . Preferably, the first neckextension plane 300 and the second neck extension plane400 are inclined to each other to form the joint angle a. In other words, the joint angle a is the angle formed by the intersection of the first neck extension plane 300 with the second neck extension plane 400, i.e. the planes in which the male portion neck 1112 and the female portion neck 1122 respectively extend.

[0039] The joint angle a is measured on a section plane K perpendicular to the first extension direction X.

[0040] As will be described in detail below, according to one embodiment, the value of the joint angle a determines the number of joint elements used to form the connection unit, that is, it determines the number of joint elements that must be slidingly coupled to each other to define the circular section of the central opening 90.

[0041] According to a first embodiment, for example shown in figures 6a-6c, the connection unit 1 comprises two joint elements 11, 12.

[0042] In the description given below, the numbering first joint element 11, second joint element 12, third joint element 13, fourth joint element 14 and fifth joint element 15 is used for greater clarity of exposition. This numbering is not binding for identifying the individual joint elements forming the connection unit.

[0043] According to this first embodiment, to obtain theassembled connection unit, the female portion 112 of the first joint element 11 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the second joint element 12, and the female portion 112 of the second joint element 12 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the first joint element 11. The assembly of the joint elements 11, 12 completes the circular section of the central opening 90.

[0044] According to said first embodiment, the joint angle a between the first neck extension plane 300 and the second neck extension plane 400 is substantially equal to 180°, or the first neck extension plane 300 and the second neck extension plane 400 are parallel and do not intersect, so that the connection unit 1 is composed of two joint elements 11, 12 slidingly coupled to each other .

[0045] According to a second embodiment, shown in figures 7, 7b, 7c, the connection unit 1 further comprises a third joint element 13 having the same shape as the first joint element 11 and the second joint element 12. In fact, the third joint element 13 extends predominantly along the first extension direction X. Moreover, the third joint element 13 comprises a male portion 111 and a female portion 112. The male portion 111 of the thirdj oint element 13 comprises a male portion head 1111 and a male portion neck 1112 . According to this second embodiment , the male portion neck 1112 extends in the first neck extension plane 300 parallel to the first extension direction X .

[0046] To obtain the assembled connection unit , the female portion 112 of the first j oint element 11 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the second j oint element 12 , the female portion 112 of the second j oint element 12 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the third j oint element 13 , and the female portion 112 of the third j oint element 13 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the first j oint element 11 so as to complete the formation of the central opening 90 .

[0047] According to said second embodiment , the j oint angle a between the first neck extension plane 300 and the second neck extension plane 400 is substantially equal to 60 ° so that the connection unit 1 is composed of three j oint elements 11 , 12 , 13 slidingly coupled to each other .

[0048] According to a third embodiment , shown in figures from 2a to 3d, figure 8 and figures 5a, 5b, theconnection unit 1 further comprises a fourth j oint element 14 having the same shape as the first j oint element 11 , the second j oint element 12 and the third j oint element 13 . In fact , the fourth j oint element 14 extends predominantly along the first extension direction X and comprises a male portion 111 and a female portion 112 . The male portion 111 of said fourth j oint element 14 comprises a male portion head 1111 and a male portion neck 1112 . According to this embodiment , the male portion neck 1112 extends in the first neck extension plane 300 parallel to the first extension direction X . Moreover, the female portion 112 comprises a female portion head 1121 and a female portion neck 1122 . The female portion neck 1122 extends in the second neck extension plane 400 parallel to the first extension direction X .

[0049] To obtain the assembled connection unit 1 , the female portion 112 of the first j oint element 11 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the second j oint element 12 , the female portion 112 of the second j oint element 12 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the third j oint element 13 , the female portion 112 of the third j oint element 13 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the fourthjoint element, and the female portion 112 of the fourth joint element 14 slidingly accommodates the male portion 111 of the first joint element 11 so as to complete the formation of the central opening 90.

[0050] According to said third embodiment, the joint angle a between the first neck extension plane 300 and the second neck extension plane 400 is substantially equal to 90°, so that the connection unit 1 is composed of four joint elements 11, 12, 13, 14 slidingly coupled to each other .

[0051] According to a fourth embodiment, as shown in figure 9 and 9a, the connection unit 1 further comprises a fifth joint element 15 and a sixth joint element 16 having the same shape as the first joint element 11, the second joint element 12, the third joint element 13 and the fourth joint element 14. In fact, the fifth joint element 15 and the sixth joint element 16 extend predominantly along the first extension direction X. Moreover, the fifth joint element 15 and the sixth joint element 16 each comprise a male portion 111 and a female portion 112. The male portion 111 of the fifth joint element 15 comprises a male portion head 1111 and a male portion neck 1112. The male portion 111 of the sixth joint element 16 comprises a male portion head 1111 and a male portion neck 1112. According to this fourth embodiment,the male portion neck extends in the first neck extension plane 300 parallel to the first extension direction X . Moreover, the female portion 112 comprises a female portion head 1121 and a female portion neck 1122 . The female portion neck 1122 extends in the second neck extension plane 400 parallel to the first extension direction X .

[0052] To obtain the assembled connection unit , the female portion 112 of the first j oint element 11 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the second j oint element 12 , the female portion 112 of the second j oint element 12 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the third j oint element 13 , the female portion 112 of the third j oint element 13 slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction X the male portion 111 of the fourth j oint element 14 , the female portion 112 of the fourth j oint element 14 slidingly accommodates the male portion 111 of the fi fth j oint element 15 , the female portion 112 of the fi fth j oint element 15 slidingly accommodates the male portion 111 of the sixth j oint element 16 , and the female portion 112 of the fi fth j oint element 15 accommodates the male portion 111 of the first j oint element 11 so as to close the central opening 90 .

[0053] According to said fourth embodiment , the j oint angle a between the first neck extension plane 300 and the second neck extension plane 400 is substantially equal to 120 ° , so that the connection unit 1 is composed of six j oint elements 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 slidingly coupled to each other .

[0054] According to one embodiment , the j oint element 11 comprises an auxiliary coupling seat 113 suitable for being engaged by an insert element 3 .

[0055] According to one embodiment , the connection unit 1 comprises at least one panel 21 .

[0056] According to one embodiment , the panel 21 extends between a first panel end 211 and a second panel end 212 along the second extension direction Y, and between a third panel end 213 and a fourth panel end 214 along the first extension direction Y .

[0057] According to one embodiment , the panel 21 constitutes one of the sides forming the module 100 .

[0058] According to one embodiment , the panel 21 extends predominantly along the first extension direction X and the second extension direction Y, substantially perpendicular to the first extension direction X . According to this embodiment , the panel 21 extends to a much smaller extent in a third extension direction Z . In other words , the panel 21 has a square or rectangularshape with a reduced thickness in the third extension direction Z, for example a thickness between one and seven millimetres, that is, the thickness of the panel 21 is at least twenty times smaller than the length and width dimensions in the first extension direction X and the second extension direction Y, respectively.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the panel 21 has a square shape.

[0060] According to a further embodiment, the panel 21 has a rectangular shape.

[0061] The panel 21 is supported by a respective joint element of the joint elements 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 at least one panel end of said first panel end 211 and second panel end 212.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the panel 21 is joined in one piece to the joint element 11 along the first extension direction X at the first panel end 211 so as to form the joint assembly 200 made in a single body. In other words, the panel 21 and the joint element 11 are made in a single body. Preferably, the panel 21 and the joint element 11 are extruded in a single body.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the panel 21 of the joint assembly 200 is joined in one piece to a second joint element 31 of a second connection unit along the first extension direction X at a second panel end 212opposite to the first panel end 211. In other words, as shown in figure 4a, the joint assembly 200 consists of a panel made in one piece with a first joint element 11 arranged at the first panel end 211 and a second joint element 31 arranged at the second panel end 212.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the panel 21 extends in a panel plane 500 parallel to the first extension direction X. The plane 500 identifies two half-spaces 501, 502.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the first joint element 11 extends in the first half-space 501. The second joint element 31 extends in the second half-space 502 so as to be mirrored and rotated with respect to the first joint element 11. In other words, the first joint element 11 extends predominantly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane 500 in the first half-space 501, while the second joint element 31 extends predominantly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane 500 but opposite to the direction in which the first joint element extends. The arrangement of the first joint element 11 and the second joint element 31 at the first panel end 211 and the second panel end 212 respectively, in a mirrored rotated manner, allows for the assembly of the connection units 1,1' in a simple way, minimising the risk of breakage of the jointelements. Moreover, the mirrored rotated arrangement of the first joint element and the second joint element with respect to the plane 500 allows for uniform distribution of forces during the coupling of the joint elements to form the connection unit 1,1' .

[0066] According to a further embodiment, shown for example in figure 5a, at least one joint element 11 comprises a panel seat 110 that can be slidingly engaged by the panel 21 along the first extension direction X and / or the second extension direction Y.

[0067] According to one embodiment shown in figure 5a, regardless of the number of joint elements that make up the connection unit 1, each joint element comprises a male closure portion 151, for example a protruding tooth, and a female closure portion 152, for example a cavity suitable for receiving the protruding tooth.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the male closure portion 151 is provided at the first joint element end Illa, while the female closure portion 152 is provided at the second joint element end 112a.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the female closure portion 152 of a first joint element 111 is suitable for slidingly accommodating along the first extension direction X the male closure portion 151 of a second joint element 12. Moreover, the female closure portion152 of the first j oint element 111 accommodates the male closure portion 151 of the second j oint element 12 so as to prevent the movement of the male closure portion 151 in the second extension direction Y and in the third extension direction Z . This allows for the j oint elements to be constrained more ef fectively and securely .

[0070] According to one embodiment , the male closure portion 151 extends in a first closure portion extension plane 600 parallel to the second neck extension plane 400 .

[0071] According to thi s embodiment , the j oint element 11 comprises a fixing seat 114 suitable for being engaged by panel fixing means 1141 to fix the panel once inserted into the panel seat 110 . In other words , the j oining of the panel 21 to the j oint element 11 to form the j oint assembly 200 may take place during assembly of the module 100 , that is , the panel 11 and the j oint element 21 are not made in a single body, but are manufactured separately and subsequently assembled during assembly of the piece of furniture or furnishing element 1000 . The fixing of the panel 21 to the j oint element 11 , once the panel 21 has been inserted by sliding into the panel seat 210 , takes place by means of panel fixing means 1141 that engage the fixing seat 114 .

[0072] According to one embodiment , the female closureportion 152 is provided between the male portion 111 and the fixing seat 114.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the fixing seat 114 is a threaded seat suitable for receiving a grub screw, that is, a headless screw, or a screw or a pin to fix the panel 21 to the joint element 11.

[0074] For example, the panel fixing means 1141 therefore comprise a grub screw, that is, a headless screw, or a screw or a pin, suitable for directly or indirectly securing the panel 21 inside the panel seat 210.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the male closure portion 151 comprises a closure surface 150 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first closure portion extension plane 600 so as to close, when two joint elements are slidingly coupled to each other, the fixing seat 114 engaged by the grub screw 1141. Therefore, when the at least two joint elements are coupled to each other to form the connection joint, the grub screw 1141 is not visible from the outside as it is covered by the surface 150 of one of the at least two joint elements 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. The use of a headless screw, or grub screw, covered by the surface 150 of the adjacent joint element offers an aesthetic advantage as it makes the panel fixing means to the joint element invisible. Moreover, this fixing solution provides greater stability to theassembled connection unit and makes the assembly easy and intuitive , even for an unskilled user .

[0076] According to one embodiment , the panel 21 has a smooth surface , as shown in figure 4a .

[0077] According to a further embodiment , the panel 21 has a wavy surface , as shown in f igure 4c, that is , the surface of the panel comprises a wave or surface roughness .

[0078] Advantageously, the embodiment of the panel with a wavy surface allows for material savings during the manufacturing of the product , without compromis ing on construction quality . In fact , making a panel having a wavy surface allows the thickness of the panel to be reduced and, at the same time , its strength and stability to be increased, since the force is concentrated at the crests of the waves .

[0079] Furthermore , the connection unit 1 comprises fixing means 900 , for example an expansion plug, suitable for engaging the central opening 90 formed by the coupl ing of at least two j oint elements 11 , 12 in order to stabilise the connection and reduce or prevent relative movements between the j oint elements due to play or tolerances between the j oint elements and to block sliding along the first extension direction X .

[0080] During the extrusion step of the j oint elements 11 ,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, consideration is given to manufacturing the latter in such a way that mechanical tolerances are present between two adjacent joint elements, that is, the sliding coupling of the male portion of one joint element with the female portion of the adjacent joint element provides for an acceptable play, still allowing the coupling to take place.

[0081] During the sliding coupling step along the first extension direction X of structures having a length substantially equal to 40 cm in the same first extension direction X, that is, during the assembly step of the furnishing element, if no tolerances were present, the individual structures might break.

[0082] Once the furnishing element has been assembled, the presence of tolerances makes it possible to minimise the likelihood of the connection unit breaking due to the expansion of the material used. For this purpose, in order to stabilise the connection unit, it is necessary to activate the fixing means 900, for example by inserting a screw, preferably an expansion plug, to stabilise the connection unit itself.

[0083] Advantageously, the fixing means allow the connection unit, once assembled, to be stabilised and minimise relative movements between two adjacent joint elements due to play or tolerances between said jointelements and to block sliding along the first extension direction X .

[0084] According to one embodiment , the fixing means 900 comprise a fixing element suitable for exerting an expansion force in a direction proceeding from the inside of the central opening 90 towards the j oint elements 11 , 12 . In this way, the correct interference between the j oint elements is ensured and relative movements are prevented . In other words , the expansion forces inside the central opening 90 exerted by the fixing means 900 allow the connection unit to be stabi lised .

[0085] According to one embodiment , the fixing means 900 comprise or are a plug, preferably an expansion plug, preferably made entirely of metal .

[0086] According to one embodiment , the central opening 90 has an internal surface comprising roughness or depressions , to allow better grip of the fixing means 900 .

[0087] According to one embodiment , the central opening 90 has a smooth internal surface .

[0088] According to a further embodiment , the panel 21 has a corrugated surface .

[0089] According to a first embodiment , the panel 21 has a curved section .

[0090] According to a second embodiment , the panel 21 hasan angled or corrugated section.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the panel 21 is obtained by extrusion.

[0092] The materials used for making the panel can be freely chosen, for example, among aluminium, plastic material — such as polyvinyl chloride, also commercially known as PVC — or even glass or wood, with a preference for aluminium.

[0093] When the connection unit is correctly formed, that is, when two, or three, or four or five joint elements 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 coupled together complete the formation of the circular section of the central opening 90, it exhibits structural instability due to relative movements or tolerances occurring between the joint elements. Therefore, in order to structurally and mechanically stabilise the assembled connection unit, it is necessary to engage the central opening 90 with the fixing means 900.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the fixing means 900 are inserted (and, in the case of the plug, screwed) into the central opening 90 in order to better secure the joint elements. That is, the fixing means 900 allow the connection unit to be locked so that it is mechanically and structurally stable for the creation of a piece of furniture or furnishing element.

[0095] The subject of the present invention is also a module 100 for the creation of a piece of furniture or furnishing element 1000. The module, or cell, constitutes the minimum unit which, when repeated in space, preferably in the first extension direction X, in the second extension direction Y and in the third extension direction Z, allows the creation of a piece of furniture 1000 or lattice structure. In other words, the piece of furniture or furnishing element 1000 is obtained by repeating the module 100 optionally in the first extension direction X and / or in the second extension direction Y and / or in the third extension direction Z.

[0096] The module 100 may have different polyhedral shapes depending on the value of the joint angle a characterising a given joint element. In other words, the shape of the module 100 depends on the type of joint element one intends to use, as the number of joint elements required to complete the formation of the central opening 90 changes accordingly.

[0097] According to a first embodiment, as shown in figure 9, the module 100 has a prismatic shape with a triangular base. In fact, to obtain a prismatic module with a triangular base, a joint element is used in which the joint angle a is equal to 120°, that is, five joint elements 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 must be used to complete theformation of the central opening 90.

[0098] According to a second embodiment, as shown in figure 8, the module 100 has a cubic shape. In fact, to obtain a cubic module, a joint element can be used in which the joint angle a is equal to 90°, that is, four joint elements 11, 12, 13, 14 must be used to complete the formation of the central opening 90.

[0099] According to a third embodiment, the module 100 has a polyhedral shape with a rectangular base, in which the long sides of the rectangle are made by using a joint element having a joint angle a equal to 180°, that is, to form the long side of a cell with a rectangular base, two joint elements 11, 12 can be used.

[0100] According to a fourth embodiment, as shown in figure 7, the module 100 has a polyhedral shape with a hexagonal section. In fact, to obtain a polyhedral module with a hexagonal section, a joint element can be used in which the joint angle a is equal to 60°, that is, three joint elements 11, 12, 13 are required to complete the formation of the central opening 90.

[0101] The module 100 can be completed with accessory elements that allow the user to obtain, starting from basic units such as the modules 100, pieces of furniture for various uses, such as indoor or outdoor furniture, display stands, wardrobes, coat racks, shelving forindoor and / or outdoor use , bottle holders , filing units or room partitions .

[0102] In fact , according to one embodiment , the module 100 comprises one or more insert elements 3 , 3 ' suitable for being coupled to the connection unit 1 and / or to the module itsel f .

[0103] According to one embodiment , the insert element 3 , 3 ' comprises a male portion of the insert element 311 .

[0104] According to one embodiment , the insert element 3 comprises a support portion 313 . The support portion 313 comprises a support surface 3130 suitable for slidingly accommodating, at least along the first extension direction X, an auxiliary panel 30 .

[0105] Preferably, the support portion 313 extends in a direction parallel to the second extension direction Y .

[0106] According to one embodiment shown in figure 11b, the connection module comprises a first connection unit 1 and a second connection unit 1 ' . The first connection unit 1 comprises at least a first insert element 3 , and the second connection unit comprises at least a second insert element 3 ' , in such a way that the support surface 3130 of the first insert element 3 and the support surface 3130 ' of the second insert element 3 ' slidingly accommodate the auxiliary panel 30 to form an interchangeable shel f .

[0107] According to one embodiment , the insert element3 also comprises a connecting portion 315 that connects the male insert element portion 311 and the support portion 313 . In other words , the connecting portion 315 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second extension direction Y so that the support portion 313 protrudes cantilevered from the connecting portion 315 .

[0108] According to a further embodiment , the insert element 3 comprises a male insert portion 311 and a female insert portion 312 .

[0109] Preferably, the male insert portion 311 has the same shape as the male portion 111 so that , like the male portion 111 of the j oint element , it is suitable for being received by the female portion 112 of the j oint element . Similarly, the female insert portion 312 has the same shape as the female portion 112 of the j oint element so that it can receive the male portion 111 of the j oint element .

[0110] According to one embodiment , the insert element 3 is a locking element comprising a male insert portion 311 suitable for being slidingly coupled to the female portion 112 of a j oint element .

[0111] According to one embodiment , two j oint elements , positioned respectively at the first panel endand the second panel end, each comprise an auxiliary coupling seat 113. According to this embodiment, each auxiliary coupling seat 113 is engaged by a locking element so as to create a support for inserting a cantilevered shelf within the module 100. In other words, each joint element comprises an auxiliary coupling seat 113 engaged by the locking element which serves as a support and guide for inserting a cantilevered shelf inside the module 100, functioning as a shelf.

[0112] According to one embodiment shown in figures 12a and 12b, the insert element 3 is a flush-joint panel. More specifically, the flush-joint panel is a panel that extends between the first panel end 211 and the second panel end 212 along the first extension direction X. The flush-joint panel has an inner surface 3000, i.e., the surface facing the interior of the module 100, and an outer surface 3010, i.e., the surface facing the outside of the module 100 and, consequently, the outside of the piece of furniture or furnishing element 1000. At each of the first and second panel ends, the panel is joined to a joint element in such a way that the outer surface of the panel extends in line with the circular wall of the joint element. In other words, the panel forming the flushjoint panel does not originate from the centre of the joint element, as in the case of the panel 21 describedin a previous embodiment . Preferably, the flush-j oint panel is made in one piece with the j oint elements 11 , 31 positioned respectively at the first panel end 211 and the second panel end 212 .

[0113] According to a further embodiment , the insert element 3 is a tie rod element . Said tie rod element is formed by a panel j oined in one piece to a j oint element 11 at a first panel end 211 . Moreover, said tie rod element comprises a male tie rod portion 41 at a second panel end 212 opposite the first panel end 211 , such that said male tie rod portion 41 is suitable for being slidingly coupled to the female portion of a j oint element 11 , as previously described .

[0114] According to one embodiment shown in figure 13b, two tie rod elements 3 , 3 ' coupled consecutively along a tie rod axis , inclined with respect to the second extension direction Y, allow greater stability and rigidity to be provided to the module 100 and, consequently, to the piece of furniture or furnishing element 1000 , especially in cases where it must bear high loads .

[0115] Innovatively, the present invention fully achieves the intended obj ective by overcoming the typical drawbacks of the known art .

[0116] In an innovative manner, the connection unitallows for the creation of a modular system that is easy to assemble and disassemble . Moreover, the use of fixing means to engage the central opening of the connection unit stabilises the connection while maintaining a very limited number of elements for the construction of the furnishing element .

[0117] The present invention makes it possible to obtain a lightweight , stable and easily customisable modular system that can be assembled and reconfigured by users without specialised skills , address ing the limitations of traditional heavy and rigid modular furniture systems . The possibility of extruding j oint elements up to 40 cm in length signi ficantly reduces the overall weight and cost of the piece of furniture, improving convenience and accessibility for the user .

[0118] Advantageously, the furnishing elements according to the present invention have a signi f icantly lower weight , allowing greater manoeuvrability by the user .

[0119] It should be noted that the known solutions , including those conceived by the inventor of the present patent application, are characterised by a high weight . In fact , the j oint elements of the known art solutions obtained by extrusion are strongly limited in their length L along the first extension direction X .Therefore , in order to obtain furnishing elements of the same dimensions as those obtained according to the present invention, following conventional processes of the known art , a large number of j oint elements connected to panels would be required, resulting in an overall increase in the weight of the furnishing element and its instability .

[0120] Advantageously, the furnishing element or piece of furniture according to the present invention features a lightweight structure , easy for the user to move .

[0121] Advantageously, by appropriately selecting the j oint angle , it is possible to obtain, using a single connection unit , a module with a triangular, square , rectangular, or hexagonal shape .

[0122] Advantageously, the furnishing element or piece of furniture according to the present invention is obtained by repeating a module of triangular, square , rectangular or hexagonal shape in three-dimensional space along the X, Y and Z directions .

[0123] Advantageously, with j ust a few j oint elements and a single fixing means , such as a plug, the module according to the present invention is suitable for creating furnishing elements in various sectors , such as indoor and outdoor furniture , for example , bookcases , shop furnishings , display units , wardrobes , coat racks ,shelving, raised floors , garden and vertical garden structures , single or double step staircases .

[0124] Advantageously, the furnishing element according to the present invention features an essential , variable and customisable design based on the user' s needs .

[0125] Furthermore , the furnishing element according to the present invention has a design that complies with modern eco-design principles .

[0126] It is understood that a person s killed in the art , in order to meet speci fic needs , may make modi fications to the invention described above , all of which fall within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connection unit (1) to form a module (100) for a piece of furniture or a furnishing element (1000) , for example a modular bookcase, said connection unit (1) comprising :- at least two joint elements (11, 12) , each of said at least two joint elements (11, 12) extending predominantly according to a first extension direction (X) and comprising a male portion (111) and a female portion (112) , wherein the female portion (112) of a first joint element (11) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion (111) of a second joint element (12) so as to form a central opening (90) , said central opening (90) extending predominantly along the first extension direction (X) , wherein the female portion (112) accommodates the male portion (111) so as to prevent the movement of the male portion (111) in a second extension direction (Y) and a third extension direction (Z) , said second extension direction (Y) and third extension direction (Z) being perpendicular to the first extension direction (X) ;- at least one panel (21) extending in a panel plane (500) parallel to the first extension direction (X) and extending predominantly along the first extensiondirection (X) and the second extension direction (Y) substantially perpendicular to the first extension direction (X) , wherein the at least one panel (21) is supported by a respective joint element of the at least two joint elements (11, 12) ;- fixing means (900) suitable for engaging the central opening (90) of the connection unit (1) to make the connection stable and reduce or prevent relative movements between the joint elements (11, 12) due to clearances or tolerances between the joint elements, and block the sliding along the first extension direction (X) .

2. A connection unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the male portion (111) of each joint element comprises a male portion head (1111) and a male portion neck (1112) , said male portion neck (1112) extending in a first neck extension plane (300) parallel to the first extension direction (X) , wherein the female portion (112) comprises a female portion head (1121) and a female portion neck (1122) , said female portion neck (1122) extending in a second neck extension plane (400) parallel to the first extension direction (X) , wherein the first neck extension plane (300) relating to the male portion neck (1112) and the second neckextension plane (400) relating to the female portion neck(1122) are inclined to each other to form a joint angle (a) .

3. A connection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel (21) is joined in one piece to the first joint element (11) along the first extension direction (X) at a first panel end (211) so as to form a joint assembly (200) made in a single body.

4. A connection unit (1) according to claim 3, wherein the panel (21) of the joint assembly (200) is joined in one piece to a second joint element (31) of a second connection unit (1' ) according to any one of the preceding claims along the first extension direction (X) at a second panel end (212) opposite to the first panel end (211) .

5. A connection unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joint element (11) comprises a panel seat (110) slidingly engageable by the panel (21) along the first extension direction (X) and / or a second extension direction (Y) , at a first panel end (211) .

6. A connection unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein the joint element (11) comprises a fixing seat (114) suitable for being engaged by panel fixing means (1141) to fix the panel once inserted into the panel seat (110) .

7. A connection unit (1) according to claim 6 or 7,wherein the panel (21) is slidingly engageable in the panel seat (100) of a second joint element (31) at a second panel end (212) , opposite to the first panel end (211) .

8. A connection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel plane (500) identifies two half-spaces (501, 502) , wherein the first joint element (11) extends predominantly in the first half-space (501) , the second joint element (31) extends predominantly in the second half-space (512) so that the first joint element (11) and the second joint element (12) mirror each other and are mutually rotated.

9. A connection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two joint elements (11, 12) , wherein the female portion (112) of a first joint element (11) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion (111) of a second joint element (12) and the female portion (112) of the second joint element (12) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion (111) of the first joint element (11) so as to complete the formation of the central opening (90) .

10. A connection unit (1) according to claim 9, wherein the joint angle (a) between the first neck extension plane (300) and the second neck extension plane (400) issubstantially equal to 180° or the first neck extension plane (300) and the second neck extension plane (400) are parallel and do not intersect so that the connection unit(I) consists of two joint elements (11, 12) slidingly coupled to each other.

11. A connection unit (1) according to claim 9, comprising a third joint element (13) extending predominantly along the first extension direction (X) and comprising a male portion (111) and a female portion (112) , wherein the male portion (111) of said third joint element (13) comprises a male portion head (1111) and a male portion neck (1112) , said male portion neck (1112) extending in the first neck extension plane (300) parallel to the first extension direction (X) , wherein the female portion (112) of a first joint element(II) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion (111) of a second joint element (12) , the female portion (112) of the second joint element (12) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion (111) of the third joint element (13) , and the female portion (112) of the third joint element (13) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion (111) of the first joint element (11) so as to complete theformation of the central opening (90) .

12. A connection unit (1) according to claim 11, wherein the joint angle (a) between the first neck extension plane (300) and the second neck extension plane (400) is substantially equal to 60° so that the connection unit (1) consists of three joint elements (11, 12, 13) slidingly coupled to one other.

13. A connection unit (1) according to claim 11, comprising a fourth joint element (14) extending predominantly along the first extension direction (X) and comprising a male portion (111) and a female portion (112) , wherein the male portion (111) of said fourth joint element (14) comprises a male portion head (1111) and a male portion neck (1112) , said male portion neck (1112) extending in the first neck extension plane (300) parallel to the first extension direction (X) , wherein the female portion (112) comprises a female portion head (1121) and a female portion neck (1122) , said female portion neck (1122) extending in the second neck extension plane (400) parallel to the first extension direction (X) , wherein the female portion (112) of the first joint element (11) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion (111) of thesecond joint element (12) , the female portion (112) of the second joint element (12) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion(111) of the third joint element (13) , the female portion(112) of the third joint element (13) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion (111) of the fourth joint element, and the female portion (112) of the fourth joint element (14) slidingly accommodates the male portion (111) of the first joint element (11) so as to complete the formation of the central opening (90) .

14. A connection unit (1) according to claim 13, wherein the joint angle (a) between the first neck extension plane (300) and the second neck extension plane (400) is substantially equal to 90° so that the connection unit (1) consists of four joint elements (11, 12, 13, 14) slidingly coupled to one other.

15. A connection unit (1) according to claim 13, further comprising a fifth joint element (15) extending predominantly along the first extension direction (X) and comprising a male portion (111) and a female portion (112) , a sixth joint element (16) extending predominantly along the first extension direction (X) and comprising a male portion (111) and a female portion (112) ,wherein each male portion (111) of said fifth joint element (15) and sixth joint element (16) comprises a male portion head (1111) and a male portion neck (1112) , said male portion neck (1112) extending in the first neck extension plane (300) parallel to the first extension direction (X) , wherein the female portion (112) of said fifth joint element (15) and sixth joint element (16) comprises a female portion head (1121) and a female portion neck (1122) , said female portion neck (1122) extending in the second neck extension plane (400) parallel to the first extension direction (X) , wherein the female portion (112) of the first joint element (11) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion (111) of the second joint element (12) , the female portion (112) of the second joint element (12) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion(111) of the third joint element (13) , the female portion(112) of the third joint element (13) slidingly accommodates along the first extension direction (X) the male portion (111) of the fourth joint element, the female portion (112) of the fourth joint element (14) slidingly accommodates the male portion (111) of the fifth joint element (15) , the female portion (112) of thefifth joint element (15) slidingly accommodates the male portion (111) of the sixth joint element (16) , and the female portion (112) of the sixth joint element (16) slidingly accommodates the male portion (111) of the first joint element (11) so as to close the central opening ( 90 ) .

16. A connection unit according to claim 15, wherein the joint angle (a) between the first neck extension plane (300) and the second neck extension plane (400) is substantially equal to 120° so that the connection unit (1) consists of six joint elements (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) slidingly coupled to one other.

17. A connection unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint element (11) comprises an auxiliary coupling seat (113) suitable for being engaged by a male insert element portion (311) of an insert element (3) .

18. A module (100) for a piece of furniture or a furnishing element (1000) , comprising at least three panels (21, 22, 23) joined together by means of at least three connection units (1, 2, 3) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A piece of furniture or a furnishing element (1000) , for example a bookcase, comprising a plurality of modules (100) according to claim 18 repeated at least in thesecond extension direction (Y) and the third extension direction ( Z ) , perpendicular to the first extension direction (X ) and the second extension direction (Y ) , and connected together by means of connection units according to any one of claims 1 to 17 .

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