WO2012062618A2 - Connection element having an integrated snap connection - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a snap connection for installation and removal without tools, in particular in furniture manufacturing, which enables two components to be rigidly connected without play by generating a pre-tension force, comprising a hollow dowel (1) for the captive insertion of a first object into a bore, wherein a second object is to be fastened to said first object, and wherein the hollow dowel (1) has a front and a rear axial end which, when the hollow dowel (1) is inserted in the bore, is not introduced as far into the bore as the front end. Furthermore, the plug connection is provided with a plug pin (11) for introduction into the hollow dowel (1), wherein the plug pin (11) has a front end, which cooperates with the front end of the hollow dowel (1) and is formed by a widened detent head. The front end of the hollow dowel (1) is longitudinally slotted and comprises at least two, preferably three, elastic circumferential sections having inwardly protruding snap projections (9) for engaging with the widened detent head (12) of the plug pin (11). An axial pre-tension force acts on the plug pin (11) in the direction of the front end of the hollow dowel (1) when the snap projections (9) of the hollow dowel (1) engage with and are seated on the detent head (12) of the plug pin (11), after a radially outwardly occurring elastic deformation of the circumferential sections.

Description

 Connection element with integrated Schnappyerbindung

The invention relates to a plug-in connection for tool-free assembly and disassembly, in particular for the furniture industry, which enables a firm and play-free connection of two components, generating a preloading force. Such plug connections are already known. A major disadvantage of all known connectors is the lack of axial preload in the mounted state. This has the result that the components to be assembled are not pressed together, whereby a gap between the components may arise. Such a gap is undesirable for safety reasons and optical reasons. The lack of an axial biasing force on connectors is to be considered as a reason for not enforcing this type of connection in dismountable furniture.

Accordingly, in furniture making for collapsible furniture, connecting fittings are based on the DIN standard 68856-1 for furniture locks and fittings. Among other things, this DIN standard includes eccentric connectors, screw-in bolts, trapezoidal connectors, screw connectors and wooden dowels. Furniture fittings according to DIN standard 68856-1 have the disadvantage that they are relatively labor-intensive and cost-intensive. The disadvantages arise already in the production by being several different drill diameters and several different fasteners. Furthermore, disadvantages arise in the subsequent assembly in that craft activities such as fittings must be used with the use of tools.

From EP 1 473 468 Bl a plug connection for fixing a furniture handle od. Like. Known on a furniture part. The connecting element consists of a hollow dowel with a central through hole, with its is used on outer side retaining teeth in a bore of the furniture part. The snap mechanism is triggered in which a handle with the furniture s od. Like. Connected plug is introduced. The hollow dowel has at its front end longitudinal sections and an inwardly projecting support collar, which springs in the mounted state in a circumferential groove of the plug pin and is positively supported with its frontal support surface on the rückwertigen annular Wiederl a gerfläche of the spigot. Consequently, this compound can not generate prestressing force on the spigot in the mounted state, whereby an undesirable gap can arise between the furniture handle and furniture part.

From DE 199 23 107 Cl a fastener is known, which connects a furniture part with a provided on a fastening pin component or on a weatherproof furniture part. The fastening element essentially has a cylindrical design with a passage opening. The snap mechanism is triggered by a mounting pin with bead, which snaps into the annular groove of the hollow dowel. Such a connection is cumbersome to use since the jointing force is many times higher than the releasing force. This fastening element can likewise not produce any prestressing force on the fastening pin at the end of the insertion position. Again, a gap between the components may arise.

From DE 199 15 119 B4 a Montageeiement for furniture construction is known, which consists of a mounting sleeve with an eischlagbaren connecting pin, which is inserted into a bore of the furniture part, wherein the retaining springs of the fastening sleeve braced in Einschlagstellung in the bore of the furniture part becomes. The locking surfaces are located at the front end of the mounting sleeve, which engage in the impact position in a circumferential circumferential groove of the connecting pin. In this case, the latching groove and / or Rastan- sets have a plurality of latching steps. This has the consequence that also here no biasing force can be generated on the connecting pin, whereby here also a gap between the furniture part and the Beschlagteii arise can. In addition, no connection between two plate-like furniture parts is provided in this mounting element.

From DE 2242981 AI a releasable connection of two parts is known, in which the connecting element consists of a hollow stopper with detents, in which engages a pin with counter-locking. While the variant of FIG. 1-3 represents a detachable connection for wood-metal parts, it is possible according to Fig. 4-7, only to connect wooden parts together. In both variants shown, the pin is divided by a flange in two areas. This has the consequence that also here no Vorspankraft can be generated in the axial direction, since the pin length is limited by the flange.

The object of the invention is therefore to improve the known connectors so that in the assembled state automatically creates an axial biasing force on the plug, so that undesirable gaps between two components eliminated and the quality of the connection is improved. In addition, according to the invention a simple and tool-free assembly and disassembly should be possible.

To solve this problem with the invention, a connector for tool-free assembly and disassembly, especially for the model, which allows the production of a biasing force a solid and backlash-free connection of two components, with

- A Hohldübei for captive insertion into a bore of a first article to which a second object is to be fastened, wherein the hollow dowel has a front and a rear axial end, which is less inserted in the bore hollow dowel than the front end into the bore is introduced

a plug-in pin for insertion into the hollow plug,

wherein the plug has a cooperating with the front end of the hollow dowel front end, which is formed by a latching head, wherein the front end of the hollow dowel is longitudinally slotted and at least two, preferably three, four or more elastic peripheral portions having inwardly projecting snap-action projections for engaging behind the widened locking head of the spigot, and

- Wherein acts on the plug an axial biasing force in the direction of the front end of the hollow dowel when the snap projections of the hollow dowel engage in radially outward elastic deformation of the peripheral portions of the locking head of the spigot and abut against this.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the elastic peripheral portions have the snap projections in the direction of the front end of the HohDübels upstream AusSenkvorsprünge, which in completely in the Hohldübe! inserted plug-in pin on the locking head for radial disengagement of the peripheral portions and the associated generation of the biasing force by the latching head engages behind and abutting thereto snap projections.

The above object is thus mutatis mutandis solved in that the plug-in pin in the last step of the joining process by the support collar radially narrowed and slotted circumferential sections at the front end of the hollow dowel far apart until pressed on the outer surface of the hollow dowel holding teeth pressed against the inner wall of the hole become. In this way, the peripheral portions are offset in the joining direction of the spigot in an inclined position, whereby the spigot is biased in the inserted position against the release direction.

The connector consists of a Hohldübei with integrated snapper, in which a plug pin with circumferential locking groove releasably engages and automatically generates the Vorspankraft in the final assembly position on the plug pin in the axial direction. The hollow doubule can be factory-pressed during production or subsequently during assembly into the bore of the furniture part, wherein the projections arranged on the outer circumference deform elastically and reinforce the frictional connection in the bore. By inserting the spigot in the hollow dowel preferably claws of the hollow dowel, which are separated by longitudinal sections, knocked out radially, so that they additionally cause a highly resilient anchoring of the hollow dowel in the bore of the furniture part, the snap mechanism is in the course of the joining operation by the spigot triggered with little effort. The spigot first prints with its locking head narrowed by the snapper inner portion of the hollow dowel at its front ends so far apart that the snap projections in z. B. engage a circumferential locking groove of the plug-in pin behind the locking head. The jointing and releasing forces can be adapted to the requirements by designing the snap and release angles of the snapper.

The prestressing force is generated in the last step of the joining process by the support collar, which is located at the front end of the hollow dowel. The plug pin prints with its locking head in the final assembly position by the nozzle collar radially narrowed central bore of the hollow dowel far apart until the attached to the outer surface of the hollow dowel projections are pressed against the inner wall of the hole. In this way, the snapper is offset in the joining direction in an inclined position, thereby the plug-in pin is pressed in the final assembly position like a lever against the release direction. The consequence of this is that the components to be assembled are biased against each other and thus "printed together". The support collar formed by the Auslenkvorsprünge at the front end of the hollow dowel is separated by the longitudinal sections and fulfills two additional functions in addition to the generation of Vorspankraft. On the one hand, this area serves as a boundary to prevent slipping of the plug-in pins from the cavity. to prevent bad. On the other hand, the support collar responsible for the spreading process at the front end of the hollow dowel, which additionally an interference fit of the hollow dowel is achieved in the bore of the furniture part. According to one embodiment of the hollow dowel is provided that the introduction into the bore of the MöbeSteils is limited by a retaining collar in a reduction, so that a smooth workpiece surface is ensured.

According to a further embodiment of the hollow dowels is provided that the introduction is limited in the bore of Möbelteiis by a stop ring.

According to a further embodiment of the hollow dowel the ausschlagbaren claws can be provided with an anchoring rib or more anchoring ribs,

According to a further embodiment of the hollow dowels, the knock-out claws can be provided with a cap made of soft plastic, in order to fix them in hard and smooth materials such. Plexiglass to allow. In the spigot is generally a cylindrical pin with circumferential locking groove, the Wirkfiächen the locking groove can be arranged orthogonal or oblique to the latching surfaces of the snapper. The shape of the active surfaces can be changed and adapted to strength requirements. The plug pin has an outer diameter which corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of the hollow dowel located in the central bore, and is inserted axially in the central bore. The spigot is formed at its end with a dome.

According to one embodiment of the plug-in pin for connecting two components of the plug-in pin can be provided on both sides with a circumferential locking groove. According to a further embodiment of the spigot for connecting a furniture fitting or the like. On a furniture part of the plug-in pin can be provided on one side with a circumferential locking groove and on the other side with an external thread or a threaded hole.

According to a further embodiment of the plug-in pin for connecting a furniture fitting, the structure can be made so that the plug-in pin is made with circumferential locking groove of one piece with the furniture fitting. Advantages arise over existing solutions by the generation of the axial preload force on the spigot. This eliminates unwanted gaps between two components and improves the quality of the connection. Further advantages can be subsumed under the categories of simplicity, new design possibilities, time savings and cost advantages.

The HohSdübel is z. B. made of a thermoplastic material using the injection molding process. The plug should also be made of a thermoplastic, the production of a plug of a metallic material is also possible.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. 1 shows the hollow dowel according to the invention and the plug-in pin in an isometric view,

Fig. 2 is a Schnitfcdarstellung along the line A-A at the front end of the Hohidübels

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the connecting element in the mounted

Condition with a pin with circumferential locking groove on both ends to connect two components, F g. a sectional view of the connecting element in the mounted state with a unilateral threaded pin for connecting a Beschiagteils to a furniture part,

Fig. 5 shows the connecting element in the assembled state with several

 Anchoring ribs on the claws,

Fig. 6 shows the connecting element according to the invention with a

 Piece manufactured Beschiagteil and spigot and

FIGS. 7-27 further embodiments.

As the drawings show, the hollow dowel according to the invention consists essentially of a cylindrical body 1, arranged on the outer circumference of the hollow dowel Haitevorsprüngen 2 for fixing the hollow dowel in a (receiving) bore z. The hollow dowel is longitudinally slotted along the cylinder axis over a part of its length 3. The longest slotted areas 3 are deformable and have at their ends outboard holding teeth 4, which are for an additional clamping the hollow dowels in the bore the furniture part 5 are responsible. The claws 6 are also separated by longitudinal sections 3 of the cylindrical body 1 and are in the state of delivery to the inside, printed in the direction of the cylinder axis, whereby the inner diameter of the central bore 7 of the hollow dowel 1 is reduced.

The arranged projections 2 may have a certain oversize relative to the diameter of the bore of the furniture part 5, which reinforce the adhesion when the hollow dowel 1 is pressed into the bore 5. The insertion of the hollow dowel in the bore 5 is limited by a retaining collar 8. The outer diameter of the hollow plug 1 can be reduced over at least part of its length and by at least as much as for the snap-action gearing and prestressing generation at diameter expansion is to be expected.

The snap projections 9 and the support collar 10, which serve in conjunction with the widened end (locking head) of the plug 11 of the generation of the axial biasing force, are integrated in the central bore 7. The nozzle collar 10 is located at the front end of the Hohldübeis and narrows the central bore 7 of the hollow dowel radially. The plug pin 11 is cylindrical and has at its end a dome 12 (locking head). The circumferential locking groove 13 provides the snap projections 9 for Vorspannkrafterzeugung mating surfaces. By inserting the spigot 11, the claws 6 are first fixed in the inside of the bore in the furniture part 5, next the snap mechanism is released with little effort and in the last step, the biasing force is generated in the axial direction on the spigot 11,

FIGS. 7 to 13 show different views of a plug according to the invention with a convex snapper, schematically and in the perspective view.

The dowel according to the invention consists essentially of a cylindrical body 1, with projections 2 and longitudinal cuts 3 arranged on the outer circumference of the connecting element. The anchoring areas 4 are likewise divided by longitudinal sections of the cylindrical body.

The dowel has a central longitudinal bore 5 for receiving and guiding of the snapper cooperating mating surface 6. Der

Snapper for generating shots, is integrated in the central bore 7.

FIGS. 14 to 20 show different views of a plug according to the invention with a concave snapper, schematically and in perspective view. The dowel according to the invention essentially consists of a cylindrical body 1 with projections 2 arranged on the outer circumference of the connecting element. The anchoring areas 3 are separated from the cylindrical body by longitudinal sections.

The dowel has a central longitudinal bore 4 for receiving and guiding the cooperating with the snap counter surface 5. The snapper for final production is integrated in the central bore 6- In the front area of the dowel are longitudinal sections, which are for a

Spreading the anchor are responsible 7,

21 to 27 show different views of a Dübeis according to the invention for the installation without anchorage with convex snapper, schematically and in the Perspektivdarsteffung,

The dowel according to the invention consists essentially of a cylindrical body 1, with arranged on the outer periphery of the connecting element projections 2 and longitudinal sections 3. The areas which can be used, inter alia, for adhesives 4 are also divided by longitudinal sections of the cylindrical body

The dowel has a central longitudinal bore 5 for receiving and guiding of the snapper cooperating mating surface 6. Der

Snapper for final production is integrated in the central bore 7. The invention is not limited to the variants given, but also extends to other preferred embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. The essential features, features and advantages of the invention can be summarized as follows: Plug-in connection for tool-free assembly and disassembly, in particular for furniture construction, which enables a firm and backlash-free connection of two components while producing a biasing force, wherein the hollow dubel essentially consists of a cylindrical body 1, with projections 2 arranged on the outer circumference of the hollow dowel. The hollow dowel is slotted longitudinally along the Zyiinderachse over a part of its length 3. The longest slotted areas 3 are deformable and have at their ends holding teeth 4, which are for an additional clamping of the hollow Dübe! in the hole of the furniture part 5 are responsible. The claws 6 are also separated by longitudinal sections 3 of the cylindrical body 1 and are pressed in the delivery state inward, in the direction of Zyiinderachse, whereby the inner diameter of the central bore 7 is reduced. The outer diameter of the hollow tube 1 can be reduced over at least part of its length and by at least as much as can be expected for the snap action and preload generation on diameter expansion. The snap projections 9 for Axialvorspannkrafterzeugung are integrated in the central bore of the Hohldübeis 7. The support collar 10 for generating the Vorspankraft located at the front end of the hollow dowel and narrows the central bore of the Hohldübeis 7 radially. The plug pin 11 is cylindrical and has at its end a dome 12. The circumferential locking groove 13 provides the snap projections 9 for final production counter-surfaces.

Plug connection according to paragraph 1, wherein the joining and releasing forces of the snap projections 9 can be adapted to the requirements by designing the joint and release angle.

Plug connection according to number 1 or 2, wherein the support collar 10 is separated at the front end of the hollow dowel by longitudinal cuts 3 and the central bore of the hollow dowel 7 radially narrows. The support collar 10 fulfills two additional functions in addition to the generation of Vorspankraft. On the one hand serve these areas as a limitation to slippage of the To prevent spigot 11 from the hollow dowel 1. On the other hand, the support collar 10 is responsible for the spreading process at the front end of Hohldübeis 1, which additionally an interference fit of Hohldübei is achieved in the bore of the furniture part.

Plug connection according to one of the preceding figures, wherein the introduction of the hollow dowel 1 is limited in the bore of the furniture part 5 by a retaining collar 8 in a lowering of the furniture part 5, whereby a smooth Möbelteiioberfläche is ensured.

Plug connection according to one of the preceding figures, wherein the introduction of the Hohidübel 1 is limited in the bore of the furniture part 5 by a stop ring 14.

Plug connection according to one of the preceding figures, wherein the deflectable claws 6 can be provided with an anchoring rib 15 or with a plurality of anchoring ribs 16.

Plug connection according to one of the preceding figures, wherein the extendable claws 6 are provided with a cap made of soft plastic, in order to fix in hard and smooth materials such. B. plexiglass to allow.

Plug connection according to one of the preceding figures, wherein the active surfaces of the latching groove 13 of the plug pin 11 orthogonai or obliquely to the latching surfaces of the snap projections 9 are arranged. The shape of the active surfaces can be changed and adapted to strength requirements.

Plug connection according to one of the preceding figures, wherein the plug-in pin 11 is provided for connecting two components on both sides with a circumferential latching groove 13. Plug connection according to one of the preceding figures, wherein the plug-in pin 11 or the like for connecting a Möbelbeschiags. is provided on a furniture 19 on one side with a circumferential locking groove 13 and on the other side with an external thread 17 or a threaded hole or other mechanical connection structure for the attachment of the furniture fitting odgl.

Plug connection according to one of the preceding figures, wherein the plug-in pin 11 can be made with circumferential locking groove 13 from one piece with the furniture fitting 18.

Claims

claims 1, plug-in connection for tool-free assembly and disassembly, in particular for furniture, which enables a firm and backlash-free connection of two components with generation of a biasing force with  a hollow dowel (1) for captive insertion into a bore of a first article to which a second object is to be fastened,  wherein the hollow dowel (1) has a front and a rear axial end, which is inserted less in the bore when inserted into the bore hollow nozzle (1) less than the front end, and a plug-in pin (11) for insertion into the hollow dowel ( 1), wherein the plug-in pin (11) has a front end cooperating with the front end of the hollow plug (1), which is formed by a latching head,  characterized,  the front end of the hollow dowel (1) is longitudinally slotted and has at least two, preferably three, four or more elastic peripheral sections with inwardly projecting snap-in projections (9) for engaging behind the widened latching head (12) of the spigot (11),  wherein on the plug pin (11) an axial biasing force in the direction of the front end of Hohidübeis (1) acts when the snap projections (9) of the hollow dowel (1) in radially outward elastic deformation of the peripheral portions of the locking head (12) of the plug ( 11) engage behind and abut this. 2. Plug connection according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic peripheral portions of the snap projections (9) in the direction of the front end of the Hohidübeis (1) upstream Austenkvorsprünge (10) which in fully inserted into the Hohidübel (1) plug-in pin (11 ) At the locking head for the radial disengagement of the peripheral portions and the associated generation of the biasing force by the latching head (12) engages behind and abutting this snap projections (9).