Alignment fitting, and wooden structure comprising said alignment fitting

Abstract

The invention relates to an alignment fitting (3) comprising at least two profile parts (4, 5) which are to be arranged in a dovetail groove or groove and are connected to one another at their ends, for example at an end piece (6) which has fixing pins (7). At least one first profile part (5) is adjustable in terms of its length or its position relative to the first profile part (4). For this purpose, an adjustment mechanism is provided, for example an adjustment screw (8). This allows the alignment fitting (3) itself to be bent or straightened. The alignment fitting (3) is retained in a dovetail groove or groove of the wooden structure by means of at least one formed portion or mounting device (14). An alignment achieved along the length of the alignment fitting (3) is transferred to the wooden structure without the alignment fitting (3) being anchored at its ends in the wooden structure. Consequently, the set alignment of the alignment fitting (3) is not affected by inherent movement of the wooden structure. Regular readjustment is unnecessary.

Description

[0001] Alignment fitting and wooden construction with this alignment fitting

[0002] The present invention relates to an alignment fitting. The invention further relates to a wooden construction incorporating this alignment fitting.

[0003] Wooden structures, especially flat wooden structures such as doors or sliding doors, are deformed by the effects of temperature or humidity. This means they warp or twist. To counteract these undesirable effects, alignment fittings are used. These are attached to a surface of the wooden structure in a groove designed as a channel.

[0004] The alignment fittings known to date are anchored at both ends in the respective wooden structure. This anchoring involves widening and / or deepening the cross-section of the fitting's end pieces to secure them firmly in a correspondingly shaped groove in the wooden structure, which is also widened and / or deepened at its ends. For example, it is common to shape the end pieces into a cup and anchor them in a bore in the wooden structure. See, for example, the alignment fitting according to DE 20 2009 013 538. Alternatively or additionally, the end pieces can also be screwed to the wooden structure. Each end piece terminates in a pull / push rod, which can be adjusted by rotation. This allows the alignment fitting to be shortened or lengthened as desired.Due to the firmly anchored mounting of the alignment fitting in the wooden structure, the shortening or lengthening of the fitting caused by tension or compression is transferred to the wooden structure, which is thereby bent. The wooden structure, for example, the door leaf of a door or sliding door, is thus straightened. Specifically, door leaves that have warped due to environmental influences, i.e., are undesirably bent, are straightened again by means of a counter-bend effect from the alignment fitting. Typically, two alignment fittings are arranged parallel to each other at a distance within a single door leaf.

[0005] Since the warping or bending of the door leaf depends on the prevailing conditions, the situation changes as soon as these external conditions change. This means that if a door leaf is straightened in summer using the two alignment fittings, it will be bent again in winter due to the wood's reaction to the elements. Therefore, it frequently happens that the door sticks again, leading to customer service complaints. The alignment fittings then have to be readjusted so that the door leaf is perfectly straight again. However, this only lasts until another change in temperature and / or humidity undoes the straightening, at the latest when summer returns. This means that dissatisfied customers repeatedly call out the customer service department.

[0006] Based on these findings, the invention aims to create an alignment fitting that holds the attached wooden structure in the desired orientation without requiring regular adjustments. Furthermore, a wooden structure with at least one alignment fitting according to the invention is to be specified.

[0007] The alignment fitting according to the invention corresponds to the characterizing features of claim 1. The wooden construction with at least one alignment fitting according to the invention is shown in claim 13. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are evident from the dependent claims.

[0008] The alignment fitting according to the invention maintains its set orientation, regardless of external influences on the respective wooden structure. This is because this alignment no longer occurs through the interaction between the alignment fitting and the wood, but solely within the alignment fitting itself. Adjusting the fitting does not directly bend or straighten the wood; instead, the alignment fitting bends inward, completely independent of the surrounding wood. The set bend of the alignment fitting therefore only indirectly affects the wood and will not change unintentionally. Undesirable warping and bending of the wood is thus effectively prevented.This eliminates the need for regular and tedious readjustment of the alignment fittings, and a sliding door fitted with them, for example, will always glide smoothly in its guides for a longer period of time without problems, to the customer's satisfaction.

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0010] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the alignment fitting according to the invention;

[0011] Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of the alignment fitting according to Fig. 1, embedded in a wooden construction; Fig. 3 shows a wooden construction, namely a door leaf, with two inserted alignment fittings according to Fig. 1;

[0012] Fig. 4 shows a view of an alignment fitting according to Fig. 1;

[0013] Figs. 5-6 show the bending of the alignment fitting achieved by adjusting it, once in one direction and once in the other;

[0014] Figs. 7-10 show a second embodiment of the alignment fitting according to the invention, from above, from below and in cross-section;

[0015] Fig. 11 shows a third embodiment of the alignment fitting according to the invention in an exploded view;

[0016] Figures 12-14 show an assembly device that is an essential component of the third embodiment.

[0017] In the first and second embodiments, a tenon groove 2 is provided in a wooden structure 1, of which only a small section is shown in Fig. 1. The alignment fitting 3 according to the invention is to be arranged in this groove. The tenon groove 2 is undercut. That is, the tenon groove 2 widens from the groove opening towards the bottom of the groove, so that the alignment fitting 3 can be inserted lengthwise into the wooden structure 1, but cannot pop out of the tenon groove 2 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The walls of the tenon groove 2 can, in cross-section, be dovetail-shaped, diagonally shaped, or preferably, as shown here, be stepped. The alignment fitting 3, in turn, has corresponding cross-sectional widenings, projections, or flanges extending along its length to hold it in said tenon groove 2.At its ends, the alignment fitting 3 has neither cross-sectional recesses nor cross-sectional widenings. For better understanding, Fig. 3 shows a wooden structure 1 in the form of a door leaf into which two alignment fittings 3 are inserted from one side, namely from the upper edge of the door leaf. The respective groove 2 is open towards this edge, so that the alignment fitting 3 can be easily inserted. There is no further fastening of the alignment fitting 3 to the wooden structure 1. The two alignment fittings 3 are held longitudinally movable in the respective groove 2 and are not screwed or fixedly anchored to the wooden structure 1.

[0018] This alignment fitting 3 is essentially two-part. It has a first profile part 4 in which a second profile part 5 is guided longitudinally. Since the second profile part 5 is guided in the first profile part 4 in a rail-like manner, the first profile part 4 can also be referred to as the outer profile and the second profile part 5 as the inner profile. The two profile parts 4 and 5 can be made of metal, for example, anodized aluminum. In any case, it is advantageous if both profile parts 4 and 5 are made of the same material and therefore have the same expansion properties.

[0019] These profile parts 4 and 5 are connected to each other at their two ends. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the two ends of the alignment fitting 3 are closed in the connection area with an end cap, which may be made of a rubber-elastic material. The 7 denotes fixing pins, for example in the form of threaded pins.

[0020] At least one adjusting screw 8 is used to adjust the alignment fitting 3. In the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1, a single adjusting screw 8 is sufficient, which is arranged in the second profile part 5, which in this embodiment consists of two longitudinally separated sections. The adjusting mechanism is arranged between the two sections of the second profile part 5 and is designed such that these sections can be moved towards or away from each other. In the drawing, the sections each form half of the second profile part 5. However, they do not necessarily have to be of equal length. Furthermore, more than two sections would also be possible, with an adjusting mechanism arranged between each of them. This is possible, for example, in the case of particularly long wooden constructions 1.The crucial point here is that the longitudinal distance between the two sections can be changed by means of the adjusting screw 8, so that the second profile section 5 can be lengthened and shortened. For this purpose, the adjusting screw 8, which is arranged perpendicular to the alignment fitting 3, is operatively connected to at least one thread running in the longitudinal direction of the second profile section 5, for example by a bevel gear drive. The exact function of the alignment fitting 3 will be discussed later.

[0021] As can be seen from Figures 7 to 10, another design of the alignment fitting 3 is also possible. Here, the adjusting screw 8 is not located in the second profile section 5, but in the end piece 6. Unlike in the first embodiment, the adjusting screw 8 can run longitudinally along the alignment fitting 3. Both longitudinal ends of the alignment fitting 3 can be provided with an end piece 6. Each end piece 6 can contain an adjusting screw 8, as shown here. Furthermore, the two end pieces 6 do not have to be identical in shape, because one end piece 6 rests at a closed end of the groove 2, while the other end piece 6 is located at the open end of the groove 2, from which the alignment fitting 3 is inserted into the groove 2.

[0022] The operating principle of the alignment fitting 3 according to the invention is the same in the variants proposed here. The first profile part 4 and the second profile part 5 are force-fitted together at their respective end regions. In the present embodiments, this is achieved by means of the respective end pieces 6. However, other connection methods would also be technically possible. As described, the length or position of the second profile part 5 relative to the first profile part 4 is adjustable by means of an adjustment mechanism. In the two embodiments presented here, this mechanism has at least one adjusting screw 8 that is rotatable in both directions, i.e., both clockwise and counterclockwise, in order to selectively exert either pressure or tension on the second profile part 5.

[0023] The basic setting of the alignment fitting 3 is shown in Fig. 4, which depicts the embodiment according to Figs. 1 and 2 with a central adjusting screw 8. Starting from the alignment fitting 3, which is initially straight according to Fig. 4, it can be curved upwards or downwards. If the adjusting screw 8 is turned in a first direction 9 according to Fig. 5, the alignment fitting 3 bends in the direction of arrow 11 into a first bend, namely upwards in the drawing, as indicated by the dashed line. By turning the adjusting screw 8 in an opposite, second direction 10, the alignment fitting 3 alternatively bends into a second bend, i.e., upwards in the drawing, as indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 6. In the second embodiment according to Figs. 7 to 10, with two adjusting screws 8, both adjusting screws 8, which run horizontally there, can be turned accordingly for the same purpose in order to bend the alignment fitting 3.

[0024] In the two variants described above, the inherent bending of the alignment fitting 3 is transmitted to the surrounding wooden structure 1 thanks to its lateral projections that engage in the groove 2. In these variants, the lateral projections of the alignment fitting 3 are either web- or flange-shaped. Naturally, any projection that increases the cross-section of the alignment fitting 3 in the relevant area and holds it in the groove 2 is suitable. This is achieved without the alignment fitting 3 being anchored at its ends in the wooden structure 1. Thus, the set bending of the alignment fitting 3 is not affected by any movement of the wooden structure 1. On the other hand, the alignment fitting 3, whose outer contours follow the straight form lines of the groove 2, is independent of the timber construction 1 in its longitudinal and bending movements, insofar as its function is concerned.

[0025] Since the direct insertion of an undercut groove 2 into the timber structure 1, potentially on-site, requires both specialized equipment that is not always available and a high level of craftsmanship, a third embodiment of the alignment fitting 3 according to the invention was developed, as shown in Fig. 11. This embodiment does not require an undercut groove 2. Instead, an ordinary groove 13 in the form of a simple channel or notch into the timber structure 1, as shown in Fig. 14, is sufficient. Furthermore, this groove 13 does not need to be widened or recessed at its ends. According to the invention, this is unnecessary. The required groove 13 can therefore be easily cut into a timber structure 1 anytime and anywhere using a suitable tool or a milling machine.

[0026] The most important additional component of this third embodiment of the alignment fitting 3 is a mounting device 14 for holding the alignment fitting 3 in the groove 13. Figure 11 shows two mounting devices 14. However, their number is not critical; there may be only one mounting device 14, but also three or more, depending on the size of the wooden structure 1 to be aligned and the corresponding required length of the alignment fitting 3. For example, in the case of sliding doors, six mounting devices 14 can be provided on each alignment fitting 3.

[0027] A cross-section of the alignment fitting 3, which is attached to a wooden structure 1 by means of a mounting device 14, can be seen in Fig. 14. The at least one mounting device 14 is designed and arranged such that it lies between the first, outer profile part 4 of the alignment fitting 3 and the two side walls of the groove 13 provided in the wooden structure 1.

[0028] In the example shown in Figures 11-14, the mounting device 14 has an approximately U-shaped cross-section that at least partially surrounds the first profile part 4 of the alignment fitting 3. Furthermore, the mounting device 14 has means for guiding the first profile part 4 on the mounting device 14 and for securing the latter to the wooden structure 1. These means are resilient webs 15 and 16 arranged on the free U-shaped webs of the mounting device 14. Specifically, there is at least one first web 15 for clamping against the first profile part 4, namely into a locking profile 17 of the same, and at least one second web 16 for engaging the respective side wall of the groove 13 of the wooden structure 1. For this purpose, this second web 16 has a locking lug 18. The said snap-in profile 17 can be a recess along the side wall of the first profile part 4, as shown in Fig. 11.This design allows the first profile section 4 to remain longitudinally displaceable relative to the at least one mounting device 14, so that deflection of the alignment fitting 3 is not hindered by the mounting devices 14 which are firmly anchored in the wooden structure 1. However, it effectively prevents the profile section from popping out of the groove 13 of the wooden structure 1.

[0029] The locking lug 18 can be a chamfer of the at least one, second web 16, wherein, in the illustrated example, this second web 16 tapers to a point at a free end, so that the locking lug 18 has a point that engages the wooden structure 1. Both the at least one, first web 15 and the at least one, second web 16 are connected at the top, i.e., towards the opening of the U-shaped mounting device 14, to the corresponding wall of the mounting device 14, while the remaining edges of the two webs 15 and 16 are free. The lower, free edge of the second web 16 extends further towards a central web of the U-shaped mounting device 14 than the free edge of the first web 15.

[0030] When mounting the alignment fitting 3 in the groove 13, one or more mounting devices 14 are first placed into the groove 13 from above. Then, the interlocking profile parts 4 and 5 of the alignment fitting 3 are also inserted from above. See Figures 11 and 14. This means that the groove 13 does not need to be open towards an edge of the wooden structure 1, as is the case with the groove 2 in the first two embodiments. When the alignment fitting 3 is inserted, the free ends of the webs 15 and 16, which in their initial position project towards the interior of the U-shaped mounting device 14, are pressed flush with the corresponding wall of the mounting device 14. The latter is then firmly secured in the wood of the wooden structure 1 by the locking lugs 18 of the second webs 16.The first web 15, which extends less far towards the central web of the U-shaped mounting device 14, springs back to its initial position as soon as it reaches the area of ​​the locking profile 17 of the first profile section 4 of the alignment fitting 3. This holds the alignment fitting 3 in the groove 13 of the wooden structure so that it can no longer spring out upwards. Nevertheless, the first web 15 can move along the locking profile 17. See Figures 11 and 14. It is advantageous if the first web 15, unlike the pointed second web 16, is rectangular in shape, so that a guide edge is formed against the locking profile 17, thus facilitating longitudinal movement.

[0031] The operating principle of the alignment fitting 3 according to the invention is the same in all three embodiments described here. The only difference is that in the first two embodiments an undercut groove 2 must be incorporated into the wooden structure 1, while the third embodiment manages with an ordinary, channel-shaped groove 13, in which the alignment fitting 3 then has an additional component, namely at least one mounting device 14. When the alignment fitting 3 is mounted in a wooden structure 1, the at least one mounting device 14 remains as a component of the alignment fitting 3 in the groove 13.

[0032] As a further special feature, the second profile parts 5 in the third embodiment are profiled as a cover at the top. This also applies to the two end pieces 6. In the area of ​​the adjusting screw 8, there is also a cover cap 19 that can be attached. As a result, after the alignment fitting 3 is installed in a wooden structure 1, only the outer surfaces of the covers, or the cover cap 19, are visible from the outside, while the sophisticated design of the alignment fitting 3 remains concealed.

[0033] The bending of the alignment fitting 3 is always self-contained in all versions, namely through the interaction of the at least two profile parts 4 and 5. The wooden construction 1 is then carried along and aligned accordingly.

[0034] The alignment fitting 3 according to the invention effectively prevents disruptive movements of the wooden structure 1. Furthermore, this self-adjusting alignment fitting 3 can easily be inserted into a wooden structure 1 that is already warped.

[0035] The three illustrated embodiments each offer an easy-to-use solution, with a version featuring only one adjusting screw 8 being preferable. Naturally, within the scope of the invention according to claim 1, the alignment fitting 3 and its components can also be designed differently than shown, and combinations of the described embodiments are also possible. In each case, the alignment fitting 3 is multi-part, comprising at least two profile parts 4 and 5. These embodiments also include smaller components, such as end pieces 6, along with at least one adjusting screw 8 and fixing pins 7. In the third embodiment, the alignment fitting 3 according to the invention also includes at least one mounting device 14. Reference numerals:

[0036] 1. Wooden construction

[0037] 2 grooves (in the timber construction 1 )

[0038] 3 Alignment fitting

[0039] 4 First profile part (of the alignment fitting 3)

[0040] 5 Second profile part (of the alignment fitting 3)

[0041] 6 End piece

[0042] 7 fixing pins

[0043] 8 Adjustment screw

[0044] 9 First direction of rotation (of the adjusting screw)

[0045] 10 Second direction of rotation (of the adjusting screw)

[0046] 11 Bending (of the alignment fitting 3 in a first direction) 12 Bending (of the alignment fitting 3 in a second direction) 13 Groove (in the wooden construction 1, in the third embodiment)

[0047] 14 Assembly device (component in the third embodiment)

[0048] 15 First bridge (of the assembly device)

[0049] 16 Second bridge (of the assembly device)

[0050] 17 Snap-in profile (4 on the first profile section, 15 for the first web)

[0051] 18 Resting nose (of the second bridge 16)

[0052] 19 Cover cap

Claims

Patent claims 1. Alignment fitting (3) , characterized by at least two profile parts (4, 5) which are guided longitudinally alongside each other and connected to each other at their ends, wherein the length or position of the second profile part (5) relative to the first profile part (4) is adjustable by means of an adjustment mechanism, whereby bending of the alignment fitting (3) can be effected in itself, and wherein the alignment fitting (3) has at least one projection or at least one mounting device (14) in order to be able to hold it in a groove (2) or in a groove (13) of a wooden structure (1) for the purpose of being able to transfer an alignment effected in the length of the alignment fitting (3) to the wooden structure (1).

2. Alignment fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that the first profile part (4) encompasses the second profile part (5) in cross-section and guides it in a rail-like manner.

3. Alignment fitting according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjustment mechanism has at least one adjusting screw ( 8 ) which is rotatable in both directions of rotation, whereby a pull or a push can be selectively exerted on the second profile part (5 ).

4. Alignment fitting according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one mounting device ( 14 ) is designed to abut a first profile part (4 ) which is to be directed towards a groove ( 13 ) of the wooden structure ( 1 ), wherein this mounting device ( 14 ) has means ( 15, 16) to guide the first profile part (4 ) longitudinally displaceably on the mounting device ( 14 ) and to hold the mounting device ( 14 ) firmly in the groove ( 13 ) of the wooden structure ( 1 ).

5. Alignment fitting according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one mounting device ( 14 ) has an approximately U-shaped cross-section which at least partially surrounds the first profile part ( 4 ).

6. Alignment fitting according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that resilient webs (15, 16) are arranged on the free U-shaped webs of the U-shaped mounting device (14), namely at least a first resilient web (15) for bearing against a locking profile (17) of the first profile part (4) of the alignment fitting (3), and at least a second resilient web (16) for engaging a side wall of the groove (13) of the wooden construction (1), for which purpose this second resilient web (16) has a locking lug (18).

7. Alignment fitting according to claim 6, characterized in that both the at least one, first resilient web (15) and the at least one, second resilient web (16) are connected at the top, i.e., towards the opening of the U-shaped mounting device (14), to a corresponding side wall of the mounting device (14), while these resilient webs (15, 16) are movable at the bottom and, in a starting position, project from the respective U-web towards the interior of the U-shaped mounting device (14).

8. Alignment fitting according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one, first resilient web ( 15 ) is rectangular in shape, while the at least one, second resilient web ( 16 ) is pointed downwards, wherein a chamfer of this point forms the locking lug ( 18 ).

9. Alignment fitting according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one adjusting screw ( 8 ) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the alignment fitting (3 ).

10. Alignment fitting according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one adjusting screw ( 8 ) is arranged perpendicular to the alignment fitting (3) and is operatively connected to at least one thread extending in the longitudinal direction of the second profile part (5), for example by a bevel gear drive.

11. Alignment fitting according to claim 10, characterized in that the second profile part ( 5) is divided in its longitudinal direction, wherein the adjustment mechanism is arranged between the sub-sections of the second profile part (5) and is designed such that these sub-sections can be moved towards or away from each other.

12. Alignment fitting according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the two profile parts (4, 5) are made of the same material, for example metal, in particular aluminium, and therefore have the same elongation properties.

13. A wooden structure (1) with at least one alignment fitting (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one alignment fitting (3) has at least two profile parts (4, 5) which are guided longitudinally alongside each other and are connected to each other at their ends, wherein the length or position of the second profile part (5) relative to the first profile part (4) is adjustable by means of an adjustment mechanism, whereby bending of the at least one alignment fitting (3) in itself is possible, and wherein the at least one alignment fitting (3) has at least one projection or mounting device (14) to hold it in a groove (2) or slot (13) of the wooden structure (1) without the alignment fitting (3) being anchored at its ends in the wooden structure (1), with the purpose of being able to transfer an alignment effected in the length of the alignment fitting (3) to the wooden structure (1).

14. Timber construction according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one groove (2 ) is provided on one side or edge of this timber construction, which is open towards this side or edge, for example the upper edge of a door leaf, wherein the respective alignment fitting (3) is inserted into the groove (2 ) and is held there in a longitudinally movable manner, without being screwed into the timber construction ( 1 ) or anchored in a fixed position.

15. Timber construction according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one groove (13) is provided in a surface of this timber construction (1), into which the respective alignment fitting (3) can be inserted from above by means of an associated mounting device (14), wherein this mounting device (14) engages in the side walls of said groove (13), while the alignment fitting (3) is held in the mounting device (14) by a snap-in profile (17) of the first profile part (4) in such a way that the alignment fitting (3) cannot jump upwards out of the groove (13), but is mounted longitudinally displaceable in this groove (13).

Images