U.S. patent application number 14/367545 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-20 for glueless carcase.
The applicant listed for this patent is Guido Schulte. Invention is credited to Guido Schulte.
Application Number | 20150230600 14/367545 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48575727 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150230600 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schulte; Guido |
August 20, 2015 |
GLUELESS CARCASE
Abstract
A glueless carcase and method for glueless connection of wall
elements of a carcase, in particular a furniture item are
disclosed. The carcase includes at least three wall elements, which
can be connected via coupling means arranged at their end faces and
thereby form a closed frame. A groove and a tongue are arranged as
coupling means in the region of the end faces which can be brought
into engagement with each other in the interconnected state of the
wall elements. The tongues, which extend in longitudinal direction
of the end faces can be divided comb-like into individual tinge
sections which are arranged at a distance to each other. The method
for connection provides for a relative movement of the engaged wall
elements, wherein the wall elements are displaced in opposite
direction in a locking direction, which extends parallel to the
longitudinal direction of the end faces.
Inventors: |
Schulte; Guido;
(Ruthen-Meiste, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schulte; Guido |
Ruthen-Meiste |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
48575727 |
Appl. No.: |
14/367545 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2012/003038 |
371 Date: |
June 20, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/265.5 ;
29/450 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 5/07 20130101; A47B
96/201 20130101; A47B 2220/0052 20130101; F16B 2012/463 20130101;
A47B 2230/0081 20130101; F16B 12/46 20130101; Y10T 29/4987
20150115; A47B 47/0066 20130101; A47B 96/00 20130101; A47B 47/042
20130101; F16B 12/26 20130101; F16B 2012/466 20130101; F16B 12/125
20130101; A47B 2230/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 47/00 20060101
A47B047/00; A47B 96/20 20060101 A47B096/20; A47B 96/00 20060101
A47B096/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 23, 2011 |
DE |
20 2011 109 923.0 |
Dec 23, 2011 |
DE |
20 2011 109 931.1 |
Jun 15, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 105 219.0 |
Claims
1-27. (canceled)
28. A glueless carcase, in particular for a furniture item,
comprising: at least three wall elements each having end faces and
coupling means arranged in a region of each of the end faces, said
coupling means being configured as tongue and groove, said wall
elements being interconnectable via the coupling means to thereby
form a closed frame, wherein a connected state of the wall elements
the respective tongue and groove of one of the wall elements is in
engagement with the tongue and groove of a neighboring one of the
wall elements, and the tongues extend in longitudinal direction of
the end faces, wherein the tongues are each divided into individual
tongue sections which are arranged at a distance to each other,
said distance corresponding to at least a length of the tongue
sections measured in the longitudinal direction, said groves each
having recesses.
29. The carcase of claim 28, wherein at least one of the end faces
of one of the wall elements is slanted relative to a side surface
of the one of the wall elements at an angle, said angle being
different from 90.degree..
30. The carcase of claim 28, wherein at least one of the end faces
of another one of the wall elements is slanted relative to a side
surface of the other wall element at an angle of 90.degree..
31. The carcase of claim 28, wherein at least one of the coupling
means has a recess which corresponds with a projection of another
one of the coupling means so that in the interconnected state of
the wall elements the projection at least partially engages in the
recess.
32. The carcase of claim 31, wherein the projection is arranged on
the tongue, and wherein the recess is formed in the groove.
33. The carcase of claim 28, wherein the recess has a undercut,
which is formed inside the grooves only in a region of the tongue
sections.
34. The carcase of claim 28, wherein the tongues are delimited by
opposing flanks, wherein one of the flanks has an even extent, and
wherein the other flank opposing the even flank has a slant.
35. The carcase of claim 28, wherein the grooves and tongues are
spaced apart from respective border sides of the wall elements,
said border sides extending between the end faces of the individual
wall elements.
36. The carcase of claim 28, wherein the grooves have a first width
between the tongue sections which exceeds a second width of the
grooves in a region of the tongue sections, wherein the first width
of the grooves between the tongue sections corresponds at least to
a height formed by the tongue sections and the projections.
37. The carcase of claim 28, wherein the wall elements have another
groove (8), which respectively extends on an inside of the
assembled frame, said other groove being constructed for receiving
a rear wall.
38. The carcase of claim 37, further comprising a wedge element,
wherein the wedge element is arrangeable between a side surface of
one of the wall elements and the rear wall.
39. The carcase of claim 38, wherein the wedge element has a
latching nose which in an arranged state of the wedge element
engages behind the rear wall between the side surface of the one of
the wall elements and the rear wall.
40. The carcase of claim 34, wherein the even flanks of the tongues
respectively transition into even groove flanks of the grooves, and
wherein the even flanks and the even groove flanks extend in a same
plane.
41. The carcase of claim 28, wherein the grooves and/or the tongues
are inclined relative to the end faces to define respective slanted
planes, wherein a respective angle enclosed between the respective
slanted planes and the end faces is different from 90.degree..
42. The carcase of claim 41, wherein the respective angle between
the slanted planes and the end faces is smaller or greater than an
angle of a slant of one of the end faces relative to a side surface
of one of the wall elements.
43. The carcase of claim 42, wherein the respective angle between
the slanted planes and the end faces is greater or smaller than
twice the angle of the slant of the one of the end faces relative
to the side surface of the one of the wall elements.
44. The carcase of claim 41, wherein the respective angle enclosed
between the respective slanted planes and the end faces is smaller
or greater than an angle of the slant of one of the end faces
relative to a side surface of one of the wall elements.
45. The carcase of claim 28, wherein the tongue sections of two of
the end faces in an interconnected state of the two end faces are
inclined relative to each other, so that slanted planes
respectively defined by the tongue sections enclose an angle
different from 180.degree..
46. The carcase of claim 28, wherein the coupling means are
situated in different corner regions of the closed frame and define
respective sinated planes, said respective slanted planes enclosing
an angle between each other.
47. The carcase of claim 28, wherein the coupling means have a
recess and a projection arranged immediately adjacent the recess,
said recess transitioning into the projection, wherein the recess
and the projection of one of the coupling means correspond with the
projection and the recess of another one of the coupling means so
that in the interconnected state of the wall elements the
projection of the one of the coupling means engages at least in
regions of the recess of the other one of the coupling means.
48. The carcase of claim 47, wherein the recess and the projection
arranged immediately adjacent to the recess together form a contour
with an S-shaped cross section.
49. The carcase of claim 47, wherein the recess and the projection
(14b) arranged immediately adjacent to the recess together form a
contour with a Z-shaped cross section.
50. The carcase of claim 47, wherein a transitional region which
extends between a high point of the projection and a low point of
the recess intersects a respective plane of the end faces in an
intersecting point.
51. The carcase of claim 50, wherein the transitional region has an
even surface section, and wherein the even surface section and a
slanted plane defined by the coupling means enclose an angle
between themselves.
52. The carcase of claim 47, wherein even flanks of the tongues
which delimit the projection and even groove flanks of the grooves
which delimit the recess extend in respective planes, said
respective planes extending in different directions relative to a
slanted plane defined by the coupling means.
53. A method for the glueless connection of at least two wall
elements of a carcase, in particular a furniture item, comprising:
moving the at least two wall elements toward one another until
coupling means in the form of grooves and tongues arranged in a
region of end faces of each of the wall elements engage in one
another; and moving the engaged wall elements relative to each
other in a locking direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
end faces via a limited relative movement in opposite directions,
thereby connecting the at least two wall elements.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein during the moving of the wall
elements relative to each other in the locking direction a
projection arranged on one of the coupling means engages in a
recess arranged on another one of the coupling means and a
projection arranged on the other coupling means engages in a recess
arranged on the one of the coupling means.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a glueless carcase, in particular
for a furniture item according to the features in the preamble of
patent claim 1, and a method for glueless connection of at least
two wall elements of a carcase according to the features of patent
claim 28.
[0002] Pieces of furniture predominantly form a part of the
Interior design of mostly closed rooms within which they serve as
interior furnishings. Besides seating furniture and tables in
particular so-called container furniture items have an open carcase
which can be closed by a door when needed.
[0003] The carcase forms the mostly self-supporting basic element
of such a furniture item, which as basic structure is assembled
from individual wall elements. The individual wall elements include
the side parts and also for example the floor and the lid. In order
to stabilize the mostly instable form of the carcase the carcase is
provided on the rear side with a rear wall, which in form of a pane
defines the position of the individual wall elements relative to
each other.
[0004] Depending on the requirement, the carcase is either placed
directly onto a floor surface or is fixed for example on a wall
region. Hereby the carcase serves mostly for storing and receiving
items, wherein the carcase can for example be closed via a door
fixed on the carcase.
[0005] It is known in the state-of-the-art to join the individual
wall elements for example by gluing or in a manner allowing
disassembly. The end faces of the wall elements are connected by an
appropriate adhesive connection in most cases with a border-side
region of the side surfaces of further wall elements. This is
mostly accomplished by using wooden dowels. Similarly, the end
faces can also be connected via a miter.
[0006] On the other hand demountable constructions are realized in
that the individual wall elements are coupled with each other via
furniture connectors. Besides connecting fittings, which are used
in the internal region of the carcase, invisible carcase connectors
have become established. These have a threaded bolt which is
screwed into an end face or a side surface of the respective wall
elements via its threading. A threadless section of the threaded
bolt has a bolt head, which corresponds with a flat cylindrical
eccentric connector.
[0007] The eccentric connector is rotatably received in a further
wall element where it serves for receiving the bolt head. For this
purpose a bore, which traverses the wall element from its end face,
has to be arranged in a region of the wall element surrounding the
eccentric connector through which bore the threaded bolt is
inserted. Via a corresponding recess and a circumferential groove
of the eccentric connector the bolt head is engaged when the
eccentric connector is rotated, whereby the threaded bolt together
with the wall element coupled to the bolt is clamped against the
wall element, which carries the eccentric connector. If needed this
connection can be released again by rotating the eccentric
connector in order to disassemble the carcase.
[0008] Glued connections offer a very durable possibility to
interconnect individual wall elements. Due to the required
arrangement of wooden dowels for positional fixing and transmission
of thrusting forces and the required drying time, such connections
require a correspondingly long production time. In addition a very
thorough working is required in order to obtain a durable
connection without undesired contaminations of the visible surfaces
of the carcase with an adhesive for example glue. Moreover, the
carcase has to be destroyed when it becomes necessary to
disassemble the carcase.
[0009] On the other hand the use of furniture connectors offers a
simple possibility for the glueless production of such a carcase.
If needed the carcase can simply be disassembled via the releasable
connectors and can for example be assembled again at a different
location. However, such furniture connectors place corresponding
requirements on the confectioning of the wall elements and also the
additional effort during assembly of the carcase. In particular the
time required for assembly increases the costs for production.
Thus, an economic production of furniture items is hard to achieve.
In addition there is the risk of possible over-twisting of
connectors, which for example leads to stripping of an internal
threading within a wall element.
[0010] DE 20 2009 008 825 U1 discloses a possibility for assembling
two panel-shaped elements which can be interconnected via couplers
which are arranged at the end faces of the elements. One of the
elements includes a tongue arranged on the end face, which tongue
corresponds with a groove, which is arranged in the opposing end
face of an element to be connected.
[0011] In order to create a self-locking connection it is provided
to configure the tongue with a recess, which extends in the
longitudinal direction of the tongue so that at least a partial
region of the tongue can move elastically. The thus elastically
configured region of the tongue also has a coupling rail, which in
a connected state of the two elements engages in a channel, which
is arranged in the groove. The thus formed undercut prevents that
the two mated elements detach from each other.
[0012] This creates a glueless furniture plate connection, which
enables a fast mounting of elements to be interconnected. A
possible release of the connection, however, is only possible with
considerable effort, wherein the risk of destruction of the spring
elastic portion of the tongue cannot be excluded. Further, the
elements to be interconnected have to be configured with
corresponding effort and precision in order to create the necessary
tension between the elements to be connected, to realize a gap-free
connection as much as possible. In addition the respective end
faces have different connectors so that a defined order and a
coupling of predetermined elements must occur.
[0013] In light of the above, the glueless connection of elements
for producing a carcase leaves room for improvements.
[0014] The present invention is based on the object to set forth a
glueless carcase and a method for glueless connection of its parts,
wherein the carcase is to enable a simple production of its parts,
which can be connected in a very short time and can also be
disassembled easily if needed.
[0015] According to the Invention, the solution of this object is a
glueless carcase, in particular a furniture item with the features
of patent claim 1, and a method for the glueless connection of at
least two wall elements of a carcase with the features of patent
claim 28.
[0016] Accordingly, the glueless carcase includes at least three
wall elements, which can be interconnected via coupling means which
are arranged in the region of their end faces. In their
interconnected state, the wall elements form a closed frame.
[0017] According to the invention a groove and a tongue are
arranged as coupling means in the region of the end faces of the
wall elements. The groove and tongue which are thus arranged in the
region of a respective end face of each wall element are provided
to be connected with a groove and tongue arranged in the region of
the end face of a further wall element. The respective grooves and
tongues in the connected sate of the wall elements can be brought
in engagement with each other.
[0018] The coupling elements present in the region of the end faces
can for example be arranged directly on the end faces. As an
alternative thereto at least one of the coupling elements can be
formed on the end face or a side surface of the wall element in the
region of the end face. In a further embodiment, the coupling means
of at least one wall element can be arranged on a side surface of
the wall element in the region of its end face.
[0019] The particular advantage is a simple and robust construction
of the coupling means arranged on the wall elements. The coupling
means can be formed on the respective wall elements themselves.
Thus, advantageously the respective tongue can form a one-piece
integral component of the wall element, which is formed from the
wall element itself. In this context the groove can also be formed
by a corresponding material removal from the respective wall
element itself.
[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the coupling means can also be
formed by a material which is different from that of the wall
elements.
[0021] The term different material within the context of the
invention also means a same material, which however has different
material properties. Thus the material properties can for example
manifest themselves in different strength values. The wall elements
can also be formed for example from wood or a wood material while
the coupling elements arranged at the end faces of the wall
elements are made for example from plastic.
[0022] Of course it is also possible that only a portion of the
coupling means is formed from a material different from that of the
wall elements. Thus the tongue can for example be made of a
different material, which is subsequently connected with the end
face of the wall element, while the groove is worked out of the
wall element itself.
[0023] In particular in the case when the coupling means are formed
partially from the wall elements themselves, this creates a very
economic possibility of the glueless connection of wall elements to
a carcase.
[0024] A further advantage is that the wall elements are configured
mutually compatible. In other words, no attention has to be paid
during assembly that only certain end faces of different wall
elements can be interconnected. Thus advantageously all wall
elements have a unitary contour of their coupling elements in the
region of their end faces, which contour respectively is formed by
a groove and a tongue. Beside a very simple and economical
production, different wall elements can thus be interconnected in
the region of their end faces, wherein the respective grooves and
tongues come into engagement with each other.
[0025] The coupling means, which are arranged in the region of each
one of the end faces can have dimensions which are different from
each other. In other words, for example the groove can have a
depth, which is greater or smaller than the length of the tongue.
The length and the depth hereby depend in each case on the greatest
distance of the region of the coupling means to the plane of the
end face.
[0026] The same applies to the extent of the coupling means, which
extends perpendicular thereto. Thus the width of the groove
arranged in the region of the end face can be smaller or greater
than the height of the tongue arranged on the same end face.
[0027] The particular advantage of the different configuration of
depth and height and/or height and width of the coupling means is
that this allows precisely adjusting the coupling means to the
existing space conditions in the region of the end faces of the
wall elements. In particular in the case of an end face, which is
slanted relative to the side surface of the wall element, the wall
element extends wedge-shaped on its end side whereby the region
available for arranging the coupling element is reduced. In this
context only little material in which the groove can be formed,
remains for a groove, which is arranged close to the thus
wedge-shaped end region of the wall element. Here the depth of the
groove can be correspondingly adjusted to the space conditions in
order to enable an optimal use of the material strength of the wall
element.
[0028] Of course the length and depth and/or height and width of
the coupling means can correspond to each other if needed.
[0029] Wall elements within the context of the invention relate to
plate-shaped components, which in the interconnected state are
suited to form a closed frame for a carcase. Of course these
plate-shaped components can also have recesses and openings if
needed so that the component itself is limited to only some regions
of the wall element. Thus the wall elements can for example be
sidewalls and a bottom or a lid. In the case of a polygonal
carcase, which for example has five or more corners,
correspondingly more wall elements are interconnected so that they
enclose an angle of less than 180.degree. between themselves. In
this case multiple wall elements form a sidewall which is angled in
itself.
[0030] Of course as plate-shaped components the wall elements can
have a straight but also curved and stepped cross-sections. The
individual wall elements can also have at least one cross-sectional
thickness change, wherein the different cross-sectional thicknesses
can transition abruptly or via corresponding rounded portions into
each other.
[0031] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject
matter of the dependent patent claims 2 to 27.
[0032] According to this at least one of the end faces of the wall
elements is inclined relative to the side surface of the wall
element at an angle different from 90.degree.. The advantage is
that in this way two interconnected wall elements can enclose any
desired angle between themselves in that at least one has a miter
at its end face. Generally, both end faces of two wall elements to
be connected can have a miter, so that both end faces are inclined
at different angles relative to the side surfaces of the respective
wall element.
[0033] In the case of an incline of the end face relative to the
site surface of the wall element, the coupling means are preferably
arranged on the end face itself at an angle different from
90.degree..
[0034] As an alternative thereto at least one of the end faces of
one of the wall elements can be inclined at an angle of 90.degree.
relative to the side surface of the wall element. In other words in
this case the end face and the side surface of the corresponding
wall element extend perpendicular to each other.
[0035] The required coupling means can either be arranged on the
end face or on a side surface of a wall element. Preferably the
wall elements to be interconnected differ regarding the arrangement
of their coupling means. Thus the coupling means of a first wall
element can be arranged on the end face of the wall element,
whereas the second wall element to be coupled with the first wall
element has corresponding coupling means on one of its side
surfaces.
[0036] As a result of the perpendicular configuration between end
face and side surface of at least one of the wall elements to be
coupled, the end face of the wall element, which has the coupling
means can thus abut one of the side surfaces or on one of the end
faces of a further wall element. This depends on the arrangement of
the coupling means on the wall elements to be coupled. The end face
of the wall element to be coupled can also be inclined relative to
one of its side surfaces.
[0037] One of the wall elements can also have a perpendicular
configuration between at least one of its end faces and one of its
side services, wherein the required coupling means are arranged on
one of the side surfaces in the region of an end face. In this case
the wall element to be coupled would preferably abut with its end
face on the side surface of the thus configured wall element,
wherein it has corresponding coupling means on one of its end
faces.
[0038] Depending on the configuration of the coupling means these
can of course also be distributed to one of the interfaces and one
of the side surfaces of the wall element. In this case the coupling
means thus extend in the region of one of its end faces over two of
its surfaces, more particularly between an end face and a side
surface.
[0039] Further at least one of the coupling means can have a
recess, which corresponds with a projection of another coupling
means. It is provided that in the interconnected state of the wall
elements the projection advantageously can engage at least in
regions in the recess.
[0040] In an alternative configuration it is proposed that the
respective tongues each have a projection. The projection can for
example be a thickening of a region of the tongue. In this region
the respective tongue then has a greater height relative to the
surrounding regions which height can be configured as stepped for
continuous incline of the projection. On the other hand, the
respective projection can also extend over the entire length of the
tongue in particular over the entire length of the individual
sections of the tongue along their longitudinal extent, for example
in the form of a rail.
[0041] In this context it is further provided that the respective
grooves can have a corresponding recess. This recess can for
example extend over the entire length of the groove, which extends
in longitudinal direction of the end faces or it can also be only
formed in regions of the grooves.
[0042] The projections of the tongues are provided so as to
correspond with the recesses formed in the respective grooves. In
the Interconnected state of individual wall elements the respective
projection engages hereby at least in regions in the recesses
formed in the grove.
[0043] The invention provides that the tongues of the wall elements
can extend in the longitudinal direction of the end faces. Beside
the continuous configuration of the tongues the tongues are
advantageously divided into individual tongue sections, which are
arranged at a distance to each other. In other words a continuous
tongue is interrupted at even distances so that the respectively
remaining regions of the respective tongue remain in the form of
individual tongue sections.
[0044] The particular advantage is that the carcase, which is to be
completed from individual wall elements, can be assembled easier
and faster because for example the lid does not have to be inserted
over the entire depth of the respective wall element into their
coupling means. Thus the interrupted tongues which are thus divided
into individual tongue sections enable a comb-like joining of the
coupling means of the individual end faces which subsequently are
locked with each other by a displacement in longitudinal direction
of the end faces.
[0045] In this context it is particularly advantageous that the
distance of the tongue sections to each other corresponds at least
to a length of the tongue sections measured in longitudinal
direction. In other words a length of the tongue sections measured
in longitudinal direction of the end faces corresponds at most to
the distance of the tongue sections to each other. As a result the
respective tongue sections of a wall element can be passed between
the tongue sections of a further wall element without problems and
can be inserted into the groove of the further wall element. Of
course individual tongue sections can also have a smaller length
compared to their distances so that the tongue sections can be
passed through between the tongue sections of a neighboring wall
element without tension.
[0046] Generally the individual distances of the tongue elements to
each other and also the respective lengths of the tongue sections
themselves can differ from each other. Thus the length of the
individual tongue sections of a wall element can be adjusted to the
expected loads. The same applies to the distances of the tongue
sections to each other, which can differ from each other along the
end faces of the individual wall elements.
[0047] Besides the different configuration of the distances of the
individual tongue elements to each other and the respective lengths
of the tongue sections of an individual wall element, the tongue
sections may also only be configured differently per wall element.
In other words the coupling elements of two wall elements that are
to be brought into engagement with each other can differ from each
other so that for example the one wall element has long tongue
sections with respective small distances between the individual
tongue sections, while the other wall element has correspondingly
shorter lengths of its tongue sections, wile at the same time the
tongue sections have large distances to each other.
[0048] Thus the tongue sections, which for example are arranged in
the region of the border sides of the wall elements, can have a
different length compared to a length of the tongue elements that
lie between them. For example the outer tongue sections can be
configured longer while the remaining tongue sections have a
smaller length. In this way regions of the cross-section of the
tongue sections, which serve for force transmission between the
interconnected wall elements, can be adjusted to the expected
loads.
[0049] When the projection and also the recess extend out of the
plane of the individual coupling elements these come into a
securing contact with each other via a corresponding undercut. As a
result unintended pulling out of the tongue from the respective
grooves is effectively prevented or at least made more difficult.
When the tongues are interrupted into individual tongue sections,
the recesses preferably have such an undercut, which is only formed
in the region of the tongue sections in the grooves.
[0050] Because each of the wall elements has a groove and also a
tongue in the region of its end faces, this undercut is thus
limited to the sections of the grooves in the region of the tongue
sections. This allows for example moving the end faces of two wall
elements toward each other so that initially the respective tongue
sections are guided past each other comb-like and are introduced
into the groove of the respective opposite wall element. As a
result of the subsequent locking movement in the longitudinal
direction of the end faces, the individual tongue sections of the
wall elements to be interconnected come to be situated above each
other, wherein their projections respectively engage into the
recesses of the grooves and thus behind the undercut.
[0051] Depending on the configuration, the undercut can of course
also not be formed in the region of the tongue sections but instead
between the individual tongue sections within the grooves. As a
result, the assembly of the individual wall elements to a closed
frame of the carcase would occur such that the regions of the end
faces of two wall elements are moved toward each other so that
their respective tongue sections slide past each other. As a result
of the subsequent locking movement which occurs in longitudinal
direction of the end faces, the individual tongue sections are
displaced, wherein their projections engage respectively in the
recesses which are arranged between the tongue sections of the
opposite wall element and thereby behind the undercut of the
recesses.
[0052] The individual tongues are delimited by at least two
opposing flanks. Preferably one of the flanks has an even extent,
while the flank opposing the even flank has a slant. The resulting
advantage is predominantly a facilitated insertion of the
respective tongue into the groove provided therefore. The slant
which is preferably arranged head-side of the tongue, causes a
reduction of the cross sectional height of the tongue. As soon as
the tongue is at least partially inserted into the groove, the
slant serves as lead-in chamfer, which facilitates the overall
assembly of the carcase. The slant itself can for example have a
straight cross section or rounded cross section.
[0053] The flanks, which delimit each of the tongues, can extend
parallel to each other. As an alternative the opposing flanks of
the individual tongues can enclose an angle between each other. In
principle the respective configuration of the individual flank does
not have to extend evenly over the entire width of the tongue but
may also be limited to individual regions. In other words the
respective tongue can be configured to have a cross-section with
only a region of one of its flanks being straight, while the
remaining regions on the same side of the straight flank can for
example have round portions or steps. The round portions and steps
can for example be thickenings of the tongue, but may also cause a
thinning of the tongue in the opposite direction.
[0054] In order to enable a glueless connection of the wall
elements to each other which is as invisible as possible, the
coupling means arranged in the region of the end faces of the wall
elements are preferably configured so that they do not extend up to
the respective border sides of the individual wall elements. Thus
it is provided within the scope of the invention that the grooves
and tongues are spaced apart from border sides of the wall
elements, which border sides extend between the end faces of the
Individual wall elements. Thus the individual tongues and tongue
sections do not fully extend up to the border of the wall elements
so that the tongues and tongue sections are situated within the
region of the separating plane between the wall elements so as to
be invisible also in the assembled state of the carcase. In other
words the respective border region of the individual wall elements,
which remains standing in the region of the border sides of the
wall elements, serves for shielding the individual coupling
elements and with this the glueless connection from view, thereby
concealing it.
[0055] In order to cover the coupling means of the wall elements at
their respective opposing border regions in this manner, the
respective tongues are preferably divided into individual tongue
sections. The underlying reason is that for example a lid, which
completes the frame of the carcase, which is closed in itself,
cannot be inserted over the entire depth of the individual wall
elements into the wall elements, because for example the respective
groove is covered and with this does not reach up to the border
sides of the wall elements.
[0056] When the furniture pieces to be produced are not intended to
be freestanding, the covering of the coupling means in the
aforementioned manner may also be limited to a visible side of the
respective carcase. Hereby the coupling means in the form of
grooves and tongues are only spaced apart from one border side of
the individual wall elements, while they extend past the opposing
border side. This enables the complete insertion for example of a
lid from this side into the already interconnected wall
elements.
[0057] The locking movement mentioned in the context of the
invention means generally a movement of at least two wall elements
relative to each other which are in contact with each other via
their end faces and whose coupling means engage with each other at
least in regions. In the relative movement at least one of the wall
elements is displaced in longitudinal direction of its end face or
side surface which is in contact with the other wall element so
that the coupling means of the two wall elements which are in
engagement with each other slide past each other in longitudinal
direction of the end faces.
[0058] In order to facilitate the engagement of wall elements to be
connected to each other it is provided that the respected widths of
the individual grooves is adjusted at least sectionally to the
geometry of the tongues. Thus the grooves have preferably a width
between the tongue sections, which exceeds a width of the grooves
in the region of the tongue sections.
[0059] The width of a groove means in the present case the
distance, which lies between the flanks of the groove, which
delimit the groove.
[0060] In other words the width of the respective groove can
advantageously be widened between the tongue sections so as to
facilitate the reception of the tongue in particular the tongue
sections of a further wall element. The thus widened width of the
grooves between the tongue sections can correspond to at least a
height of the opposing wall element which height is composed of the
tongue sections and their projections. This ensures that also the
tongue sections that have a projection, which necessarily leads to
a thickening of the respective tongue section, can be introduced
into the groove of the opposing wall element without problems.
[0061] Because this widening of the groove relates only to a
subsection, the groove between these widenings has a
correspondingly smaller width. In exactly this subsection of the
groove, which is provided with a smaller width, the tongue section,
which has the projection is displaced via the locking movement of
the wall elements to be interconnected. Hereby the projection
engages behind the undercut, which is formed by the recess in the
groove, as already explained above.
[0062] As an alternative the width of the groove can of course also
be widened in the region of the tongue sections, whereas the groove
between the tongue sections has a smaller width. This is in
particular the case when the wall elements to be interconnected are
moved towards each other with their end faces so that their
respective tongue sections slide past each other when entering the
opposing groove. Also in this case the actual connection is caused
by the locking movement of the wall elements. Hereby the insertion
of the tongue sections, which have at least one projection, into
the groove of the opposing wall element is facilitated in the same
manner.
[0063] While the individual wall elements initially form the closed
frame of the carcase, the carcase can be closed at at least one of
its still open sides. In a conventional manner the carcase can in
this case have at least one rear wall, which besides fulfilling
functional tasks also improves the aesthetic properties of the
carcase. The purely functional tasks include predominantly the
protection of a wall region in front of which or onto which the
carcase, in particular the furniture item, is arranged at its site
of destination. Thus the wall region is prevented from being
damaged or contaminated when retrieving or introducing items or for
example clothing items.
[0064] Further the rear wall can be configured so that it serves as
esthetic element, which enables the freestanding installation of
the carcase, in particular the finished furniture item, in the
room. Hereby the rear wall also serves as visible surface when
looking at the rear side of the carcase, which visible surface has
to satisfy corresponding requirements.
[0065] In any case the rear wall serves for stabilizing the closed
frame of the carcase, which without the rear wall has an instable,
because pivotal, connection between the individual wall elements.
Use of the rear wall causes the individual wall elements to be
fixed in their position relative to each other. The rear wall
functions as a pane, which stabilizes and stiffens the otherwise
pivotal frame.
[0066] Thus the rear wall can for example be placed at least onto
regions of the border sides of the dosed frame of the carcase and
be connected via the border sides with the wall elements. Besides
an adhesive connection, the rear wall can for example also be
connected with the wall elements via pin-like connection means such
as nails or screws. Of course a combination of the mentioned items
is also possible.
[0067] Preferably the wall elements have a groove, which in each
case extends within the frame and within which the rear wall can be
arranged. The width of the groove is adjusted to the respective
thickness of the rear wall in order to receive the rear wall
without play as far as possible. The groove can extend as far as
into the corner regions of the dosed frame, so that a
circumferential groove is formed inside the carcase. Hereby it is
required that the rear wall is inserted into the present grooves of
the individual wall elements prior to closing of the frame, prior
to closing of the frame for example by a lid. The underlying reason
is that a retroactive insertion of the rear wall into this groove
would not be possible.
[0068] Of course the respective grooves can be spaced apart at
least in regions from the corner regions of the dosed frame on the
inner sides of the carcase, i.e., of the wall elements. Hereby the
rear wall to be used has at least one set back and with this not
fully formed, corner region, whose size depends on the portion of
the wall elements remaining between the grooves and the corner
region. This configuration enables to retain a corresponding
opening in the corner regions in the rear wall in which no
esthetically interfering groove is arranged in the wall
elements.
[0069] Principally the rear wall can be configured so that its
dimensions correspond to the inner dimensions of the carcase plus
the respective depth of the grooves introduced into the individual
wall elements. As a result, after closing the frame the rear wall
is guided almost without play with regard to a movement of the rear
wall within its plane.
[0070] As an alternative in the mounted state the rear wall can be
spaced apart from at least one wall element, i.e., it's side
surface. In this case at least one wedge element is provided which
can then be arranged between this side surface of the wall element
and the rear wall. The wedge element bridges the gap resulting
between the rear wall and the side surface of a wall element,
wherein the wedge element fixes the rear wall in its position which
is otherwise movable within the remaining grooves. In other words
the otherwise movable rear wall is fixed in position by the wedge
element and thereby spaced apart from the one side surface of the
wall element.
[0071] The at least one wedge element allows building up a
corresponding tension between the rear wall and at least two
opposing wall elements, which tension is transmitted into the
Individual corner regions and with this to the coupling means of
the interconnected wall elements. In particular the slanted
configuration of the coupling means relative to the end faces
strengthens the connection between the coupling means.
[0072] Principally at least one of the wall elements can be
configured shorter in the region of the groove provided for the
rear wall. Hereby this one wall element springs back behind the
plane of the groove of neighboring wall elements. The advantage is
that the rear wall can still be inserted into its provided position
inside the carcase even when the carcase has already been completed
to form a closed frame. The portion of the one wall element, which
springs back hereby provides access to the grooves introduced into
the remaining wall elements into which grooves the rear wall can be
retroactively inserted. In combination with the wedge element the
rear wall can then be fixed in its provided position within the
carcase.
[0073] When using such a wedge element it is considered
particularly advantageous that the wedge element has a latching
nose. The latching nose is provided for securing the wedge element
in its provided position against unintended falling out or pulling
out. The latching nose in the arranged state of the wedge element
engages behind the rear wall, while it is arranged between a
sidewall of one of the wall elements and the rear wall. Of course
the latching nose can also engage behind a region of the wall
element for example into a recess in order to be fixed in its
position. Depending on the configuration this recess can also be
the groove in the wall elements, which anyway serves for receiving
the rear wall.
[0074] Regarding the coupling means arranged on the wall elements
it is provided that in particular the even flanks of the tongues
can respectively transition into even flanks of the grooves. In
this way the groove and tongue arranged in the region of a
respective end face of the wall elements form a seamless transition
into each other, wherein the even flank of the tongue evenly
transitions into an even flank of the groove. Hereby the even
flanks and the even flanks of the caulking means extend in the same
plane relative to the end faces. Although the even flanks of the
tongues may be offset relative to the even flanks of the grooves,
the previously described even transition requires only a small
construction height of the respective coupling means and thus
simplifies production.
[0075] The grooves or the tongues can be slanted relative to the
end faces or the side surfaces of the wall elements. In other words
the respective groove and/or the respective tongue on the end face
or the side surface of at least one of the wall elements does not
extend in the direction of a normal of the end face or the side
surface, but are/is slanted relative to this normal. Hereby the
groove as well as the tongue extend respectively in a slanted
plane, wherein the groove and the tongue extend in a common slanted
plane. The groove and/or the tongues enclose between their
respective slanted plane and the end face or the site surface an
angle which is different from 90.degree..
[0076] The slanted plane of the coupling means on one of the
interfaces or the side surfaces is defined by the surfaces which
transition from the respective tongue, in particular their tongue
sections into the groove, i.e., by the plane in which they
extend.
[0077] In particular the slanted configuration of the coupling
means relative to the respective end faces or the side surfaces
results in the fact that the wall elements which are interconnected
to form a dosed frame are coupled with each other so that the frame
has a connection which is in itself dosed. Thus for example a
carcase, which is formed from four wall elements, can be produced
so that initially a bottom is connected with two sides. In order to
now complete of the latter to form a closed frame, a corresponding
lid is attached to the already interconnected wall elements in that
the lid is inserted from a border side with its coupling means into
the coupling means of the sides. Hereby the lid is placed with its
coupling means border side onto the already connected wall
elements, wherein it's coupling means are aligned with the coupling
means of the already connected wall elements. Subsequently the lid
can be inserted with its coupling means over its entire depth into
the coupling means of the already connected wall elements, wherein
all groves and tongues come into engagement with each other.
[0078] As a result of the slant of at least one of the coupling
means relative to an end face of a side surface, an economic and
durable use of the material strength of the wall element is
possible. In other words in particular as a result of a targeted
combination of slant and length as well as depth and/or width and
height of at least one of the coupling means the available space on
one of the end faces or site surfaces can be optimally used. In
particular an end face, which is slanted relative to a side surface
of the wall element, under certain circumstances only provides a
small wall thickness in regions.
[0079] As a consequence the targeted adjustment of the possible
configurations discussed above a durable and sufficient arrangement
of the coupling means can occur in spite of the small
dimensions.
[0080] Besides the slanted configuration of the coupling means
relative to the respective end faces or side surfaces of the wall
elements, the coupling means can have further features in order to
improve the coupling of the individual wall elements to each
other.
[0081] As already explained the respective slanted planes of the
coupling means can enclose an angle different from 90.degree.
between them and the end faces of the wall elements. In particular
when the coupling means are for example arranged centered on the
respective end faces, their slanted plane on both sides of the
coupling means encloses an angle between themselves and the end
faces. Because this angle is in each case different from
90.degree., this angle towards one of the sides has to be between
0.degree. and 90.degree., while towards the other side of the
slanted plane the angle is between 90.degree. and 180.degree..
[0082] Preferably it is provided that the angle enclosed between
the slanted planes of the coupling means and the end faces is in
each case smaller or greater than the angle which corresponds to
the slant of one of the end faces relative to the side surface of
the wall element. In other words it is provided that this slant of
the end faces relative to the side surfaces of the wall elements is
different from the slanted plane relative to the end faces.
[0083] As result advantageously a dependence is shown between the
slant of the end faces and the coupling means arranged on the end
faces, which dependence enables an ideal connection between the
wall elements that have been completed to form a frame.
[0084] An advantageous refinement provides that the angle enclosed
between the slanted planes of the coupling means and the end faces
is smaller or greater than twice the angle which corresponds to the
slant of one of the end faces relative to the side surface of the
wall element. In other words the slant of the respective slanted
plane is thus different from twice the slant of the end faces
relative to a side surface.
[0085] The advantage is a further improvement of the connection
between the wall elements that have been completed to form a frame,
which thus as a glueless carcase results in an easy assembly, while
at the same time providing the greatest possible holding forces
relative to each other.
[0086] In particular the slanted configuration of the coupling
means relative to the side surfaces results in the fact that a
corresponding tension between the side surfaces to be connected is
created, which leads to a most durable and almost gap free
connection of the individual wall elements.
[0087] In an alternative embodiment it is provided that the tongue
sections of two interconnected end faces are slanted relative to
each other. Thus their respective slanted planes enclose an angle
of smaller than 180.degree. between themselves. The slant of the
tongue sections relative to each other comes to bear when the end
faces of the wall elements to be connected are oriented parallel to
each other and lie above each other. In the thus coupled state of
the wall elements to be connected the tongue sections of the
respective wall elements have a slant relative to each other,
wherein the respective slanted plane of the tongue sections of the
one wall element encloses an angle between itself and a slanted
plane of the other tongue sections of the opposing wall element
which is different from 180.degree..
[0088] Of course the orientation of the slanted planes different
from each other so as to enclose an angle different from
180.degree. is not limited to a connection on the end face of the
wall elements. Thus the mentioned different slant of the coupling
means, which are in engagement with each other can generally be
present independent of the position of the coupling means on the
respective wall elements. If needed the coupling elements of two
wall elements to be brought into engagement with each other only
have to be differently oriented.
[0089] As a result the coupling means have already within one of
the corner regions of the carcase a different and with this
nonparallel displacement plane on which the respective tongue
sections can be introduced into the respective grooves. Of course
the grooves orient themselves so as to be oriented in
correspondence with the irritation of the respective tongue
sections.
[0090] The particular advantage is that the tongue sections of
neighboring wall elements, which are slanted in such a manner
relative to each other, engage behind each other already after the
locking movement so that when assembling the carcase a self-holding
coupling is established already when producing a single corner
connection. As a result of the orientation of the grooves in
correspondence with the tongue sections, the grooves are also
slanted relative to each other. As a result the grooves have
undercuts at least in regions, which correspond with the also
slanted tongue sections.
[0091] In an alternative embodiment of the general inventive idea
it is provided that the coupling means, which are situated in
different corner regions of the closed frame, enclose an angle
between their respective slanted planes. In other words none of the
coupling means has an orientation in the individual corner regions
of the carcase, which extends parallel to the orientation of the
coupling means in another corner region. Thus the respective
slanted planes of the individual coupling means have a nonparallel
extent relative to the coupling means situated in other corner
regions of the closed frame.
[0092] As a result none of the coupling means has a possible
direction of displacement for releasing the connection of the wall
elements, which corresponds to the possible direction of
displacement of the coupling means in other corner regions. Due to
the respectively slanted orientation of the individual coupling
means relative to the individual end faces in connection with the
respectively nonparallel orientation relative to each other a
connection of the wall elements is created which prevents an
unintended disassembly of the carcase after closing the frame.
[0093] Because each individual wall element has a predetermined
direction of displacement of its coupling means in order to engage
with the coupling means of another wall element, which direction of
displacement, however, does not correspond with the direction of
displacement of the other wall elements, consequently even a
combination of two or more wall elements cannot occur at the same
time out of the remaining frame which is composed of further wall
elements.
[0094] In an advantageous embodiment the respective coupling means
can have at least one recess which transitions into a projection,
which is arranged immediately adjacent to this recess. The recess
as well as the indentation in this case correspond with a further
recess and indentation of another coupling means. As a result of
this arrangement of projection and Indentation on the respective
coupling means, at least one projection engages in the
interconnected state of the wall elements at least in regions of a
recess. Preferably both projections of the coupling means to be
interconnected engage in respectively one of the two recesses.
[0095] The recess and the projection are respectively arranged
together on the respective coupling means. In this way the recess
and/or the projection can either be arranged on the tongue or in
the groove. Of course the indentation and/or the recess can also be
situated in a transition region between a groove and a tongue.
[0096] The arrangement of the recess and the projection immediately
adjacent each other are to be understood within the context of the
invention that these are not spaced apart by a web or an otherwise
configured region of the respective coupling means but rather
directly border each other and with this directly oppose each
other.
[0097] The particular advantage is a locking contour, which is
formed by a recess and a projection, and can be coupled with a
locking contour of a further coupling means which is also formed by
a recess and an indentation.
[0098] As a result of the coupling of the locking contours, which
are thereby in engagement with each other, the wall elements to be
interconnected are coupled with each other in the form of groove
and tongue so that an unintended release of this connection is
effectively prevented. Thus the recess has at least one undercut
behind which the respective projection engages at least
regionally.
[0099] Preferably the respective locking contours are configured
identical.
[0100] Particularly preferably the respective locking contours in
the assembled state of the wall elements are configured point
symmetric relative to each other. As a result the projection and
the recess of a locking contour arranged on a first coupling means
can be reflected via a point reflection by hundred 180.degree. onto
the locking contour of a second coupling means which is in
engagement with the first coupling means.
[0101] The locking contours, which are formed by a recess and a
projection, can be configured so that they already come into a
holding engagement by insertion of the coupling means into each
other in the direction of extent of the tongues, in particular of
the tongue sections. Hereby the wall elements can be connected with
each other against a resistance resulting from the locking
contours, which have been moved close to each other, which
resistance has to be overcome with a corresponding force. For this
for example a region of the respective projection for the recess
can be configured elastic or spring elastic in order to enable
mutual engagement of the locking contours. In this case plastic
deformation between the locking contours, which may lower or even
destroy the durability of this connection, should be avoided.
[0102] Preferably the locking contours from a projection and a
recess are configured so that they are connected to form a durable
connection by a relative displacement of the engaged coupling means
in the direction of the end faces of the wall elements. This
applies in particular to the configuration in which the tongues are
divided into individual tongue sections. Hereby the respective
projection of the coupling means is first brought into alignment
with the recess assigned to it by inserting the coupling means into
each other so that a relative sliding movement of the wall elements
in a locking direction, which extends parallel to the end faces of
the wall elements, is sufficient to laterally displace the
projection into the recess.
[0103] In a further embodiment the projection and/or the recess can
also have a slanted or wedge-shaped configuration. Hereby the
recess and/or the projection have at least one region with an
extent that is not parallel to the end face or the side surface of
the respective wall element. The advantage is that this results in
an increasing tensioning of the locking contours with increasing
insertion of projection and recess into each other, as a
consequence of which at least one end face of the wall elements to
be connected to each other is pressed against another end face or
side surface.
[0104] In an advantageous refinement of the locking contour the
recess and the projection can have a contour, which in
cross-section is S-shaped. The S-shaped extent has the advantage
that the rounded configuration of the locking contour resulting
therefrom does not pose increased demands on the materials used for
producing the wall elements. This applies to the manufacturing of
the locking controller triangular as well as to their intended
purpose because the loads resulting therefrom can in each case be
absorbed and transmitted over a large surface without tension peaks
which may overload or damage the locking contour.
[0105] As an alternative thereto the recess and the projection can
also form a contour with each other, which has a Z-shaped
cross-section. In other words the locking contour is in this case
configured triangular, wherein the projection and the recess have a
common slanted surface which transitions into each other. In
contrast to the S-shaped configuration, pointed tapered regions of
the locking contour result in this case, the advantage of which can
is a surface, which is preferably level and as large as possible
for forming an undercut. This places increased demands on the
material used for producing the wall elements to enable a durable
locking contour.
[0106] Of course the wall elements can have regions with increased
density and/or strength, which are preferably formed on the
coupling means in order to enable a most durable and if needed
finely structured configuration of the locking contours.
[0107] The locking contour, which is formed by a recess and a
projection, can be arranged on one side of the tongue or deeply in
the base of the groove. Preferably, the locking contour is
configured centered relative to the coupling means. In this
configuration a transitional region of the locking contour, which
extends between a high point of the project and a low point of the
recess, intersects the respective plane of the end faces of the
wall elements.
[0108] The advantage is a complete point symmetry of the coupling
means to be interconnected together with the locking contours. The
required point reflection corresponds to a rotation by 180.degree.
about a center of symmetry which lies in an intersecting point
between the end faces of the Interconnected wall elements and the
mutually facing abutting flanks of the tongues of the coupling
means.
[0109] The transitional region between the high point and the low
point of a locking contour can have a level surface section. The
surface section can in particular in the Z-shaped locking contour
reach exactly from the low point of the locking contour to the high
point thereof. On the other hand the even surface section in the
S-shaped locking contour may be limited to only the region between
its high point and Its low point.
[0110] The advantage of the even surface section is a plane contact
surface, which is as large as possible between the locking
contours, whereby the holding force to be transmitted can be
transmitted over a large surface and results in low surface
tensions. Also for the production of the locking contours the even
surface section offers a clearly defined region, which is
associated with high precision during manufacture.
[0111] Preferably the even surface section and the slanted plane of
the coupling means of a wall element can enclose an angle between
themselves. This ensures that the even surface section and the
slanted plane of the coupling means do not extend parallel to each
other.
[0112] The advantage is a correspondingly great undercut within the
engaged locking contours, which overall has a positive effect on
the durability and the load bearing capacity of the connection
between the wall element.
[0113] With regard to a cross section, the locking contour, which
has in each case one projection and one recess, is delimited by the
coupling means toward one of its respective sides by a flank of the
tongue and toward the other side by a groove flank of the groove.
In an advantageous embodiment the flank and the groove flank are
both configured even, wherein they extend relative to the slanted
plane of the coupling means in planes that extend in different
directions. Thus the flank and the grove flank extend on different
planes, which lie respectively on different sides of the slanted
plane.
[0114] The advantage in this case is that the respective locking
contour, which extends between the flank and the groove flank,
which respectively extend on different planes, is configured as
large as possible. Thus in particular the respective recess can
have a corresponding depth of its low point without weakening the
coupling means in an undesired manner. For this purpose the plane
adjacent the locking contour, which adjoins the recess, is
preferably elevated relative to the other plane.
[0115] The present invention discloses a very simple possibility
for producing a glueless carcase and it's required wall elements,
which can be produced and assembled and disassembled again in a
very short time.
[0116] In particular the configuration of the coupling means in the
region of the end faces of the wall elements, which remains the
same along the circumference, results in the fact that besides a
simplified production, the coupling elements do not require
attention to a particular sequence of assembly in particular when
completing the carcase. Thus the end faces of the individual wall
elements can be connected with all further wall elements provided
that these have the required dimensions for forming a dosed
frame.
[0117] The "mother-father-elements" known in the state-of-the-art,
which respectively have different configurations of their coupling
means on the individual end faces, have the disadvantage that
during their assembly generally the orientation of the respective
coupling means has to be taken into account. Wall elements that may
be held in the wrong orientation consequently first have to be
rotated into the right orientation in order to be able to be
connected with other wall elements. Beside the time required
therefore, production efforts are also increased.
[0118] The orientation of the individual coupling elements shown in
the invention in addition creates a simple connection, which is
produced during completion of the closed frame.
[0119] In the following a solution according to the invention for
glueless connection of at least two wall elements of the carcase is
shown.
[0120] The solution is a method for glueless connection of at least
two wall elements of a carcase, in particular for a furniture item.
Hereby the wall elements to be interconnected are initially moved
towards each other for example via their end faces until the
coupling means in the form of grooves and tongues, which are
arranged in the region of the end faces of the wall elements,
engage in each other. The wall elements that are in engagement with
each other are then displaced in a locking direction, which extends
parallel to a longitudinal direction of the end faces, via a
limited relative movement in opposite directions.
[0121] The advantage is that the wall elements to be interconnected
in this case do not have to be connected with each other via a
movement that is directed toward a slanted plane of the coupling
means. This measure known from the state of the art requires in
most cases overcoming a holding force, which subsequently secures
the interconnected wall elements against unintended release. In
other words a resistance has to be overcome first in this case in
which for example a region of the coupling means is elastically
displaced in order to correspond with an undercut after reverting
to its original shape in the connected state of the wall elements.
In order to release such a connection again correspondingly high
forces are required which regularly lead to the destruction or at
least weakening of the further connection possibility of the thus
disconnected wall elements.
[0122] In this context it is provided that during the movement of
the wall elements relative to each other in locking direction a
projection, which is respectively arranged on the coupling means,
engages in a recess which is also arranged on the coupling
means.
[0123] The particular advantage is hereby that the wall elements
are first moved in close proximity to each other without
significant resistance, whereupon the actual, in particular durable
connection between the wall elements occurs via the locking
movement in the locking direction. In this way the parts of the
coupling means, which have an undercut, in particular the
respective projection, only come into engagement with a
corresponding recess when the wall elements are moved relative to
each other. In this way initially no resistance has to be overcome
which overall enables a material saving type of connection.
[0124] On the other hand, the release of such a connection also
occurs via a movement of the interconnected wall elements relative
to each other against the locking direction, whereby the engagement
of the projection and the recess is terminated, whereupon the
grooves and tongues, which are in engagement with each other can be
pulled apart without problems.
[0125] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail
by way of exemplary embodiments schematically shown in the Figures.
It is shown in:
[0126] FIG. 1 a carcase according to the invention in a perspective
view;
[0127] FIG. 2 a partial section of a wall element with coupling
means according to the invention in a sectioned view.
[0128] FIG. 3 the wall element of FIG. 2 in the coupled state with
a further wall element in the same view;
[0129] FIG. 4 the wall element of FIG. 1 in a greater partial
section in a perspective view;
[0130] FIG. 5 the wall element of the preceding Figures in an
alternative configuration of its coupling elements in the same
view;
[0131] FIG. 6 a further configuration of a corner region of the
carcase according to the invention in a sectional view;
[0132] FIG. 7 a refinement of the wall elements of FIG. 6 in the
same view;
[0133] FIG. 8 an alternative configuration of a corner region of
the carcase according to the invention in a sectional view;
[0134] FIG. 9 a refinement of a corner region of the carcase
according to the invention in the same view;
[0135] FIG. 10 an alternative configuration of the corner region of
FIG. 9 in the same view;
[0136] FIG. 11 a further alternative configuration of the wall
elements of FIG. 3 in the same view;
[0137] FIG. 12 a detail of the configuration of the wall elements
of FIG. 11 in a perspective view;
[0138] FIG. 14 a further configuration of a corner region of the
carcase according to the invention in a sectional view;
[0139] FIG. 14 a variation of a corner region of the carcase
according to the invention in a sectional view;
[0140] FIG. 15 a section through a carcase according to the
invention;
[0141] FIG. 16 a schematic representation of an alternative
configuration of the wall elements in a perspective view;
[0142] FIG. 17 a further alternative configuration of the wall
elements in the region of the coupling means in a sectional
view;
[0143] FIG. 18 a modified configuration of the partial section of a
wall elements of FIG. 17 in the same view;
[0144] FIG. 19 a section of the wall element shown in FIG. 18 in
connection with other wall elements in the same view;
[0145] FIG. 20 a further embodiment of the wall elements in a
sectional view and
[0146] FIG. 21 a variant of the connection region of the wall
elements of FIG. 20 in the same view.
[0147] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a carcase 1 according to
the invention. The carcase 1 includes four wall elements 2, which
in the form of two sides as well as a bottom and a lid form a
closed frame. For reasons of clarity coupling means 3 which connect
the wall elements 2 in the corner region 1a of the carcase 1 are
shown, wherein the coupling means reach up to the border sides 2a
of the wall elements 2.
[0148] The wall elements 2 are in contact with each other in the
corner regions 1a of the carcase 1 via their end faces 2b. The
coupling means 2 extend in each case in a longitudinal direction x
of the end faces 2b, in a here not shown manner, so that the end
faces 2b as well as the coupling means 3 arranged thereon extend
between the border sides 2a of the wall elements 2. The predominant
visible portion of the carcase 1, which in the instant case is
open, is formed by the respective side surfaces 2c of the wall
elements 2.
[0149] FIG. 2 shows a border region of a wall element 2. This view
illustrates that the coupling means 3, which are arranged on the
end face 2b, are formed by a groove 4 and a tongue 5. The end face
2b itself is in this case slanted relative to it's side surfaces 2c
in the form of a miter at an angle which is different from
90.degree.. In the present case the angle is 45.degree..
[0150] The tongue 5 and has an even flank 5a which faces the groove
4, and which seamlessly transitions into a groove flank 4a of the
groove 4, which groove flank 4a also extends in the same plane.
[0151] The tongue 5 is delimited by the even flank 5a and a further
flank 5b. The flank 5b, which opposes the even flank 5a of the
tongue 5, has a chamfer 6. In the present case the chamfer 6 is
configured rounded so that the flank 5b, which has the chamfer 6
has overall an arched extent. The chamfer 6 in particular
facilitates the sliding into each other of two wall elements 2 to
be connected because the slant 6 causes a thinning of the tongue 5
towards its end 7.
[0152] FIG. 3 shows the border side section of the wall element 2
shown in FIG. 2 in connection with a further wall element 2 which
together form one of the corner regions 1a already shown in FIG. 1
of the here not further shown carcase 1. The coupling means 3 of
both interconnected wall elements 2 have the same configuration.
The difference between the coupling means 3 of the interconnected
wall elements 2 is that they are configured rotated by 180.degree.
about an intersecting point S of the respective plane of the
touching end faces 2b and even flanks 5a of the tongues 5. In the
present case the planes of the end faces 2b and the planes of the
even flanks 5a, which cross each other in the interesting point S,
form a right angle with each other.
[0153] In this view and when considering FIG. 2 it becomes clear
that the wall elements 2 can be interconnected so that their
coupling means 3, i.e., the respective groove 4 and tongue 5 of a
wall element 2, are in engagement with the respective other groove
4 and tongue 5 of the neighboring wall element 2. The shape of the
grooves 4 is fitted to the shape of the tongues 5.
[0154] FIG. 4 shows a greater section of a wall element 2 of FIG. 1
in a perspective view. This makes clear that the tongue 5 extends
in longitudinal direction x of the end face 2b. In contrast to the
simplified representation of FIG. 1 the here visible coupling means
3 are configured to be concealed when the wall elements 2 are
completed into a finished carcase 1. This is achieved in that the
groove 4 as well as the tongue 5 are spaced apart from the border
sides 2a of the individual wall elements 2, which respectively
extend between the end faces 2b of the individual wall elements 2.
As a result the coupling means 3 do not reach up to the border
sides 2a of the wall elements 2, wherein in particular the groove 4
does not break through the border sides.
[0155] With reference to the representation of FIG. 4, there is
shown a further groove 8 arranged on the upper side surface 2c,
which in the present case forms the inner side of the wall element
2, which further groove 8 extends along the right hand border side
2a of the wall element 2 and is spaced apart from the border side
2a. The groove 8 is already indicated in FIG. 1 in the rear region.
In the assembled state of the individual wall elements 2 the groove
8 extends within the carcase 1, within which a rear wall 9 is
arranged which in the present case is only outlined.
[0156] FIG. 5 represents an alternative embodiment of the wall
element 2 already shown in the preceding Figures in the form of a
further wall element 10. In contrast to the preceding wall elements
2 the tongue 5 of the here shown wall element 10 has a modified
configuration. Here, the tongue 5 is divided into individual tongue
sections 11. The individual tongue sections 11 are arranged at a
distance x1 to each other. In order to obtain the tongue sections
11 the tongue is interrupted comb-like. A length x2 of the tongue
sections 11 measured in the longitudinal direction x of the end
face 2c corresponds maximally to the distance x1 of the tongue
sections 11 to each other. Preferably the length x2 of the tongue
sections 11 is smaller than the distance x1 between the tongue
sections.
[0157] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of wall elements 12
in a sectional view. The present wall elements 12 only show their
sections in the corner region 1za of a carcase 1. The coupling
means 3 of the wall elements 12 for purposes of showing their
configuration, do not engage in each other. Each of the coupling
means 3 of the wall elements 12 includes a groove 4 and a tongue 5,
wherein with reference to the representation of FIG. 6 the upper
wall element 12, which extends horizontally, has a recess 13 which
is formed inside the groove 4.
[0158] On the other hand, the tongue 5 of the wall element 12,
which with reference to FIG. 6 extends vertically, has a
corresponding projection 14 in the region of its end 7. The recess
13 and the projection 14 are configured so that they correspond
with each other in the joined state of the wall elements 12.
[0159] In the interconnected state of the two wall elements 12, the
projection 14 engages in a not further shown manner at least
regionally in the recess 13. For this purpose the recess 13 has an
undercut 15 behind which the projection 14 can engage with a
partial region 16. Preferably the undercut 15 is in a not further
shown manner formed in the groove 4 only in the region of the
tongue sections 11 shown in FIG. 5. Depending on the configuration
of the coupling means 3 in combination with the recess 13 and the
projection 14, a bending-stiff corner can thus be generated in the
corner region 1a.
[0160] FIG. 7 shows a refinement of the wall elements 12 shown in
FIG. 6, wherein the respective coupling elements 3 are configured
identical. Thus grooves 4 arranged on the respective end faces 2b
each have a recess 13 with a corresponding undercut 15, whereas the
tongues arranged on the opposite end faces 2b each have a
projection 14. When the two wall elements 12 are joined together
the projections 14 engage with their sub-regions 16 behind the
respective undercut 15 of the recess 13.
[0161] Of course the recesses 13 as well as the projection 14 can
also be arranged in all coupling means 3, which in particular have
a continuous tongue 5 or individual tongue sections 11.
[0162] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a corner region 1a
compared to the corner region 1a already shown in FIG. 6. In
contrast to the representation of FIG. 6, in the present case the
two wall elements 12 are not shown in an exploded view but in a
state in which they are interconnected via their coupling means 3.
Further the coupling means 3, which are respectively arranged on
the end faces 2b of the wall elements 12, point into each other in
the form of grooves 4 and tongues 5, wherein the representation of
FIG. 8 differs with regard to the arrangement of the projection
14.
[0163] With reference to the representation of FIG. 8, only the
tongue 5 of the upper horizontally extending wall element 12 has a
projection 14. In contrast to the representation of FIG. 6 the
latter is not arranged on the end 7 of the tongue 5 but spaced
apart from the same.
[0164] In the present case the projection 14 is formed between the
end 7 of the tongue 5 and the plane of the end faces 2b of the
interconnected wall elements 12. The corresponding other wall
element 12 has for this purpose a corresponding recess 13 inside
its groove 4 into which the projection 14 engages. As can be seen
the recess 13 as well as the projection 14 are form fitted to each
other, wherein they have an angular, in particular rectangular
cross section.
[0165] FIG. 9 shows a refinement of the corner region 1a of FIG. 8.
Hereby both tongues 5 of the engaging coupling means 3 of the thus
interconnected wall elements 12 each have a projection 14 which
extends into the corresponding recesses 13 inside the grooves 4.
With reference to the flanks 5a of the tongues 5, which flanks
contact each other in a plane, the projections 14 which are
arranged on the tongues face away from each other. The same applies
to the corresponding recesses 13 inside the grooves 4 into which
the projections 14 engage. As already shown in FIG. 8, the recesses
13 and the projections 14 are form fitted to each other.
[0166] Generally the contact between the projection 14 and the
recess 13 can also be limited in a not further shown manner to a
sub-region 16 of the projection 14, which has a corresponding
contact to a undercut 16 inside the recess 13 as can be seen the
recesses 13 and projections are in the present case configured
angular, wherein their opposing sides are slanted toward each
other. As a result of the slant of the sides, the respective cross
section of the recesses 13 and projections 14 increases toward the
touching even flanks 5a of the tongues 5.
[0167] FIG. 10 shows a refinement of the corner region 1a of FIG.
9. While otherwise arranged in the same way, the projections 14 in
this case have no angled cross section but a dome-like rounded
cross section. The cross sectional contour of the recesses 13 is
form fitted to the rounded cross section of the projections in that
the contour is configured correspondingly rounded.
[0168] FIG. 11 shows an alternative configuration of the wall
elements 2 of FIG. 3 in an exploded view. Hereby the respective end
faces 2b of the wall elements 2 are shown spaced apart from each
other so that the latter are not yet connected to the corner region
1a. In contrast to the wall element 2 of FIGS. 2 and 3, the grooves
4 and the tongues 5 have in this case no transition into each
other, which extends in the same plane. In the contrary, the
tongues 5, in particular their tongue sections 11, of one of the
wall elements 2 are in this case slanted so that their slanted
planes B enclose an angle c3 between themselves and the plane of
the even flank 5a of the tongue 5 of the neighboring wall element
2, which is different from 180.degree.. In the present case the
angle c3 is 160.degree..
[0169] Further the groove 4 of one of the wall element 2 and the
tongue 5 of the neighboring wall element 2 corresponding therewith
are slanted relative to their respective end faces 2b of the wall
elements 2. Hereby an even flank 5a of the tongue 5 defines a
slanted plane B of the tongue 5. The flank 5a of the tongue 5
extends within the slanted plane B, wherein the flank 5a
transitions into a groove flank 4a of the groove 4, which groove
flank is not slanted relative to the end face 2b and does thus not
extend in the same slanted plane B.
[0170] In the present case the slanted plane B is thus determined
by the flank 5a, wherein the slanted plane B and the end face 2b of
the wall element 2 respectively enclose an angle c1, c2 on both
sides, which is different from 90.degree.. In the shown embodiment
the smaller angle c1 between the slanted plane B and the end face
2b is 75.degree.. On the other hand the thus greater angle c2
between the slanted plane B and the end face 2b is correspondingly
105.degree..
[0171] The angles c1, c2 enclosed between the slanted plane B and
the end face 2b differ from the angle a enclosed between the end
face 2b and the side surface 2c of the wall element 2.
[0172] Further the relation according to the invention between the
respective slants of the slanted plane B relative to the end face
2b and the end face 2 itself relative to the side face 2c of the
wall element 2 is maintained. According to this, both angles c1, c2
of the slanted plane B are to be greater or smaller relative to the
angle a enclosed between the side surface 2c of the wall element 2
and its end face 2b. In the present case the angle a between the
end face 2b and the side surface 2c of the wall element 2 is
45.degree., so that 90.degree. corresponds to twice of this angle
a. The respective angles c1, c2 which are enclosed by the slanted
plane B and the end face 2b of the wall element 2 are 75.degree.
and 105.degree.. In the present case these angles c1, c2 are thus
smaller or greater, i.e., different from 90.degree., which is twice
the angle a between the end face 2b and the side surface 2c.
[0173] The groove flanks 4a of the groove 4, which are inclined
toward each other, and the even flanks 5a of the tongue in
particular its tongue sections 11 of the wall elements 2 transition
into each other by forming a wedge surface 17.
[0174] The slant of at least one of the coupling means 3 relative
to its end face 2b of the wall element 2 has the effect that the
wall element 2 after its completion with further wall elements 2
into a dosed frame cannot be separated without more from the
further wall elements. Thus due to the slanted plane B, within
which the coupling means 3 extend, the wall elements 2 can no
longer be separated form each other in the direction of the normal
N to the respective side surfaces 2c.
[0175] In principal the embodiment of the coupling means 3, i.e.,
their grooves 4 and tongues 5, shown in the FIGS. 1 to 12 is not
limited to the shown shapes and positions. These are merely
exemplary embodiments, which enable an effective connection of the
individual wall elements 2, 10, 12 to each other. Thus the coupling
means 3 can for example also be arranged so as to be reflected
about their respective plane, in particular the slanted plane B. In
combination with their respective position in the region of the end
faces 2b thus an optimal use of the available cross section is
possible in the corner region 1a of the wall elements 2, 10, 12 so
that in spite of the presence of recesses 13 and grooves 4, the
wall elements 2 still provide sufficient material toward their side
surfaces 2c and end faces 2b to create a durable connection.
[0176] FIG. 12 illustrates in a schematic diagram the configuration
of the end face 2b of one of the wall elements 2 of FIG. 11, i.e.,
the wall element 2, which in this representation extends on the
right hand side. In this perspective view, which is rotated
relative to FIG. 11, the configuration of the respective coupling
means 3 becomes clear. Within the part of the wall element 2, which
is here shown as sub section in the region of is end face 2b, the
groove 4 which faces into the wall element 2 extends along the
longitudinal direction x of the end face 2b. The ramp-shaped wedge
surfaces 17 which were already indicated in FIG. 11, are in this
case only arranged in the region of the Individual tongue sections
11 of the tongue 5 within the groove 4, as a result of which the
respective cross section of the groove 4 changes over its extent in
longitudinal direction x.
[0177] Thus the groove 4 has a width b1 between the tongue sections
11, which due to the wedge surfaces 17 in the region between the
tongue sections 11 springs back to a smaller width b2 of the groove
4.
[0178] It is provided that the width b1 of the groove 4 between the
tongue sections 11 corresponds to a height of the tongue sections
11 of the opposing wall element, in order to be able to insert the
tongue sections 11 easily into the groove 4. The height of the
tongue sections 11 is hereby mostly determined by their slant
relative to the end face 2b. In other, the mentioned height is not
determined by the purely structural height of the tongue sections
11 but rather by the regions between the opposing flanks 5a, 5b of
the slanted tongue 5, which are spaced apart the widest as measured
parallel to the end face 2b.
[0179] Also in the case of tongues 5 that are slanted relative to
each other, i.e., their tongue sections 11 of two wall elements 2,
it is provided that the width b1 of the groove between the tongue
sections 11 is configured so that tongue sections 11 of the
neighboring wall element 2 can also be inserted into the groove 4
when their slanted plane B deviates from the Insertion direction
defined by the direction in which the wall elements 2 are joined.
In other words the respective end of the tongue 5, in particular
its tongue sections 11, would impinge in front of the otherwise
present border region of the groove 4, if the groove 4 had a
continuous small width b2 as in the region of the tongue sections
11.
[0180] The tongues 5 which are slanted relative to each other, in
particular their tongue sections 11, have the effect that the
respective corner region 1a of the carcase 1 is already durably
coupled after connection of the end faces 2b of two wall elements
2.
[0181] Tongues 5 which are slanted relative to each other are also
present within the framework of the invention when only one of the
tongues 5 is slanted relative to the end face 2b of the wall
element 2 on which it is arranged.
[0182] With regard to FIG. 12 it becomes clear that two wall
elements 2 are first inserted into each other so that their
respective tongue sections 11 extend in longitudinal direction x
offset to each other so that the respective tongue sections 11 of
one of the wall elements 2 can be passed through between the tongue
sections 11 of the neighboring wall element 2 and the wedge
surfaces 17 situated there behind into the groove 4. Subsequent
thereto the wall elements 2 whose end faces 2b abut each other are
moved relative to each other, wherein the wall elements 2 are
displaced in opposite direction relative to each other in a locking
direction x1 which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction
x.
[0183] Hereby the respective tongue sections 11 are displaced onto
the wedge surfaces 17 within the groove 4 of the neighboring wall
element 2, which form an undercut for the same. The tongue sections
11, which now rest on the wedge surfaces 17 with their flanks 5a,
are thus fixed within the groove 4 of the respectively neighboring
wall element 2.
[0184] FIG. 13 shows an alternative configuration of the coupling
means 3 on the end faces 2b of the wall elements 2 already known
from FIGS. 2 to 5. The predominantly rectangular configured grooves
4 and tongues 5 differ from the preceding configurations in so far
as they do not have identical dimensions. In other words the
tongues 5 which oppose each other on the end faces 2b of the wall
elements 2 and the grooves 4 corresponding therewith are of
different sizes.
[0185] As a result the coupling means 3 respectively arranged on
one of the end faces 2b are dimensioned different from each other.
Thus the vertically extending wall element 2 shown on the right
hand side with reference to FIG. 13, has a tongue 5 whose height b3
is below the width b2 of the groove 4 which is also arranged on the
same wall element 2. As a consequence the width b2 and height b3 of
the coupling means arranged on one end face 2b differ from each
other.
[0186] The same applies to their respective extents perpendicular
to the extent of the coupling means along the end face 2b. Thus the
tongue 5 has a significantly longer length l1 than a depth l2 of
the groove 4, which is arranged on the same wall element 2.
[0187] This different configuration of the grooves 4 and tongues
results in an optimal adjustment of the respective size of the
coupling means 3 to the cross section of the wall elements 2, which
remains in the region of the end faces 2b.
[0188] FIG. 14 shows a further variant of the wall elements 2
already shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, whose coupling means 3 have at
least one recess 13 and a projection 14 corresponding therewith. In
the present case the projection 14 and the recess 13 are both
arranged in a transitional region between the flank 5a of the one
tongue 5 and the groove flank 4a of the groove 4 arranged on the
same wall element 2.
[0189] As already shown in FIG. 13, the length l1 and the depth l2
of the tongue and groove 4 also differ in this case. In contrast to
this the height b3 of the tongue 5 and the width b2 of the groove 4
are identical.
[0190] Of course the respective dimensions of the coupling means 3
can also differ from each other in ways that are different from the
ones shown here. Thus for example the length l1 and the depth l2 of
tongue 5 and groove 4 can be identical, while the height b3 of the
tongue 5 differs from the width b2 of the groove 4. On the other
hand the height b3 of the tongue 5 and the width b2 of the groove 4
can be identical, whereas the length l1 of the tongue 5 and the
depth l2 of the groove differ from each other.
[0191] FIG. 15 shows a section through a carcase 1 according to the
invention. As already illustrated in FIG. 1, the carcase is formed
from individual wall elements 2, which thereby form a closed frame.
In order to obtain a particularly durable connection of the wall
elements 2 to each other, their coupling means 3 which are situated
in the respective different corner regions 1a of the carcase 1 form
an angle between their slanted planes B.
[0192] For clarification the respective slanted planes B of the
coupling means 3, which are situated in the corner regions 1a, are
displaced parallel into the center of the representation of the
carcase 1 in FIG. 10. This makes clear that all slanted surfaces B
encloses an angle c4 between themselves. In other words no slanted
plane B of the coupling means 3 located in the corner regions 1a of
the carcase 1 extends parallel to each other. In this way the
diagonally opposing corner regions 1a also form no common
displacement plane of their coupling elements 3 in the carcase 1,
because their respective slanted planes B are inclined against each
other.
[0193] FIG. 16 illustrates the position of the recess 13 in the
plane of the end face 2b of the wall element 12 as already shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14. This view makes clear that the required widening
of the groove 4 for receiving the tongue 5, which is provided with
the projection 14, only has to be limited to the region of the
plane of the end face 2b, when the corresponding projection 13 of
the neighboring wall element 12 is also situated in this plane.
[0194] FIG. 17 illustrates a further alternative configuration of
the already previously shown wall elements 12. In contrast to the
arrangement of dome-like projections 14 on the tongues 5 and
recesses 13 in the grooves 4, which recesses are form fitted to the
dome-like projections 14 the latter are now arranged in closer
proximity to each other. These form a common locking contour 18 in
the form of a recess 13a and a projection 14a, which is directly
adjacent the recess 13a.
[0195] In contrast to the representations in FIGS. 2 to 10, the
slanted plane B of the coupling means 3 is rotated clockwise so
that the groove 4 and the tongue 5 have a slight slant relative to
the side surface 2c of the wall element 12. This causes the tongue
5 to be oriented more in the longitudinal direction of a further
here not shown wall element 12 to be coupled.
[0196] When considering the locking contour 18 it becomes clear
that it's recess 13a and the projection 14a arranged immediately
neighboring the recess together form an S-shaped contour in cross
section of the coupling means 3. The recess 13a of the S-shaped
contour is located in the region of the groove 4, whereas the
projection 14a is arranged in the region of the tongue 5. The
projection 14a has at its highest point a high point O, while the
recess 13a has at its base a low point U. between the high point O
and the low point U a transitional region 19 extends, which
intersects the plane of the end face 2b in an intersecting point
S1.
[0197] The transitional region 19 further has a surface section
19a, which is located between the high point O and the low point U,
and which is configured even. This even surface section 19a and the
slanted plane B of the coupling means 3 enclose an angle a1 between
them. This angle a1 corresponds in the present case to about half
the angle a of the slant of the end face 2b relative to the end
face 2c.
[0198] The projection 14a and the recess 13a of the locking contour
18 are delimited toward one side by an even flank 5c of the tongue
5 and toward the other side by an even grove flank 4b of the groove
4. In contrast to the configurations above the groove 4 and the
tongue 5 are offset relative to each other. The even flank 5c of
the tongue 5 and the even groove flank 4b of the groove 4 extend in
different planes which extend in different directions relative to
the slanted plane B of the coupling means 3. As a result the groove
flank 4b of the groove 4 and the flank 5c of the tongue 5 do not
extend along the slanted plane B but rather in planes which are
parallel to and spaced apart from the slanted plane B and which are
located on respective opposing sides of the slanted plane B.
[0199] FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of the locking
contour 18 shown in FIG. 17. Here, a recess 13b and a projection
14b arranged immediately adjacent to the recess 13b together form a
locking contour, which is Z-shaped in cross section of the coupling
means 3. The Z-shaped contour is composed of the triangularly
configured recess 13b and the also triangularly configured
projection 14b. The even surface section 19a, which extends between
the high point O and the low point U of the locking contour 18,
thereby occupies the entire length of the transitional region
19.
[0200] FIG. 19 shows the wall element 2 of FIG. 18 in a corner
region 1a and with this in an already coupled state with a further
wall element 12. As can be seen, the respective grooves 4 and
tongues 5 are not completely contour fitted so that in particular a
slight play remains in the depth of the grooves 4. In contrast the
respective end faces 2b of the wall element 12 are situated above
each other in order to obtain a gap size, which is as small as
possible. The pressure force required therefore is generated by the
interlocking locking contours 18a whose transitional regions 19,
i.e., their surface sections 19a, are pressed against each other.
The tension between the surface sections 19a results from their
slant of the angle a1 relative to the slanted surface B of the
coupling means 3. The surface sections 19a, which are thus
positioned slanted relative to the slanted plane B, prevent that
the coupling means 3 are released from each other in the direction
of their slanted surface B.
[0201] FIG. 20 shows an alternative embodiment of two wall elements
20 to be interconnected. Both wall elements 20 have the same
S-shaped locking contour 18 as already shown in FIG. 17. In
contrast to the previous embodiments the present wall elements 20
have end faces 2b, which are slanted relative to their side
surfaces 2c at an angle a different from 90.degree. but rather are
configured overall rectangular. The side surfaces 2c and the end
faces 2b enclose an angle a of 90.degree..
[0202] In order to enable a connection between the wall elements
20, the wall elements 20 have coupling means 3 which are arranged
in the region of their end faces 2b. Considering the illustration
of FIG. 20, the coupling means 3 of the upper horizontally
extending wall element 20 are formed in the region of the end face
2b in the side surface 2c. Between the end face 2b and the tongue 5
of this wall element 20 a notch 21 is further located which is
provided for receiving a part of the end face 2b of the lower
vertically extending wall element 20.
[0203] In order to enable the coupling between the wall elements
20, in this case the lower vertically arranged wall element 20 also
has a notch 21a between its tongue 5 and its side surface 2c. This
notch 21a is configured significantly smaller relative to the notch
21 of the horizontally shown wall element 20.
[0204] FIG. 21 shows the wall elements 20 of the FIG. 20 to be
interconnected in the configuration of the locking contour 18a as
they are already shown in the FIGS. 18 and 19. Thus the coupling
means 3 can of course also have a contour with a Z-shaped cross
section in the variant with side surfaces 2c and end faces 2b which
are arranged perpendicular to each other.
REFERENCE SIGNS
[0205] 1--carcase [0206] 1a--corner region of 1 [0207] 2--wall
element of 1 [0208] 2a--border side of 2 [0209] 2b--end face of 2
[0210] 2c--side surface of 2 [0211] 3--coupling means [0212]
4--groove of 3 [0213] 4a--groove flank of 4 [0214] 4b--groove flank
of 4 [0215] 5--tongue of 3 [0216] 5a--flank of 5 [0217] 5b--flank
of 5 [0218] 5c--flank of 5 [0219] 6--slant on 5b [0220] 7--end of 5
[0221] 8--groove in 2 [0222] 9--rear wall [0223] 10--wall element
of 1 [0224] 11--tongue section [0225] 12--wall element of 1 [0226]
13--recess in 4 [0227] 13a--recess in 4 [0228] 13b--recess in 4
[0229] 14--projection on 5 [0230] 14a--projection on 5 [0231]
14b--projection on 5 [0232] 15--undercut of 13 [0233] 16--partial
region of 14 [0234] 17--wedge surface in 4 [0235] 18--locking
contour [0236] 18a--locking contour [0237] 19--transitional region
[0238] 19a--surface section of 19 [0239] 20--wall element of 1
[0240] 21--notch [0241] 21a--notch [0242] a--angle [0243]
A--distance [0244] b1--width of 4 [0245] b2--width of 4 [0246]
b3--height of 5 [0247] B--slanted plane [0248] c1--angle [0249]
c2--angle [0250] c3--angle [0251] c4--angle [0252] l1--length of 5
[0253] l2--depth of 4 [0254] O--high point of 14a [0255] U--low
point of 13a [0256] N--normal [0257] S--intersecting point between
2b and 5a [0258] x--longitudinal direction [0259] x1--locking
direction
* * * * *