ITVI20090024A1 - JUNCTION GROUP OF A TUBULAR ELEMENT WITH ONE STRUCTURE AND CONSTITUENT ELEMENTS SUCH A JUNCTION GROUP - Google Patents

Description

GROUP FOR THE JOINT OF A TUBULAR ELEMENT TO A STRUCTURE AND ELEMENTS CONSTITUING THIS JOINT GROUP.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a joint assembly for connecting a tubular element to a structure, particularly suitable for the construction of exhibition structures and exhibition stands.

The present invention also relates to the elements constituting the aforesaid junction group.

As is known, setting up an exhibition stand requires the construction of various structures including, for example, the frame of the stand, as well as auxiliary structures for supporting lighting equipment, information panels and so on.

Given the rapid alternation of different trade fairs within the same exhibition spaces, it is necessary that the aforementioned structures can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily. Furthermore, it is also necessary that the joints are as least invasive as possible, avoiding the presence of protruding screws which, in addition to being unsightly, can also cause accidents.

According to the known art, the aforesaid structures are made by assembling a plurality of bars together by means of suitable joining means.

According to a first known embodiment, the bars incorporate the joining means at their ends, generally in the form of interlocking profiles.

Although the aforementioned known embodiment allows a rapid and robust assembly of the structures, it has the drawback of requiring the use of bars specially produced with the aforementioned joining means, which therefore cannot be reused in new structures having dimensions different from the original ones.

In fact, the length of a bar could be reduced only by cutting it at one end, with the consequence of losing the corresponding joining means and making the bar useless. A second known embodiment which overcomes the aforementioned drawback provides for the use of corner joints provided with projecting portions, developed from the center of the joint in mutually incident directions.

There are also intermediate elements, which can be pressed into the end of corresponding tubular elements and can be axially coupled with the projecting portions of the corner joint.

Therefore, this known type of corner joint allows the use of commercial bars without the need for special adaptations, as well as the reuse of existing bars in a structure of different dimensions than the original one.

Moreover, since the coupling between the projecting portion of the joint and the tubular element occurs in a completely axial direction, this second embodiment has the drawback of not allowing a robust coupling, as it is limited by the need to use pressure and / or pressure means. or snap.

A further drawback is the fact that each joint has a predetermined configuration and, therefore, is suitable for making specific joints, comprising a predetermined number of bars arranged according to predetermined orientations.

The present invention aims to overcome all the aforementioned drawbacks belonging to the known art.

In particular, it is a first object of the invention to provide a junction group suitable for connecting commercial tubular elements to a structure without having to subject them to particular processes, except for cutting to the desired size.

It is also an object of the invention to create a joint assembly to connect a tubular element to a structure in order to obtain a more robust joint than those allowed by known techniques. It is also an object of the invention that the same joint assembly can be used to realize multiple connection configurations between several tubular elements.

Last but not least, the aim of the invention is that the junction assembly has a surface which is continuously connected to that of the tubular element, in order to safeguard the aesthetic appearance of the junction and to avoid the dangers that would derive from the presence of protruding elements in the structure.

The above objects are achieved by a joining assembly according to the main claim.

Further detailed characteristics of the joining assembly of the invention are reported in the related dependent claims.

The aforesaid objects are also achieved by a connection device according to claim 17 and by a support element according to claim 18, belonging to the joining assembly of the invention.

Advantageously, the use of tubular elements available on the market allows you to limit the cost and time of procurement of materials and, therefore, the cost and installation time, which are particularly important for trade fair stands. Furthermore, the possibility of using commercial materials without having to subject them to particular processes allows, advantageously, to limit the assembly costs of the structure.

Still advantageously, the versatility of the joining assembly of the invention allows to realize different types of structure, reducing the types of components to be used.

Therefore, advantageously, the assembly of the structure is simplified, as each junction group can be applied to any joint of the structure.

Again advantageously, the same joint assembly also allows the structure to be fixed to the ground, further increasing its versatility.

The aforementioned purposes and advantages, together with others which will be highlighted later, will be understood during the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is given by way of indication but not of limitation with reference to the attached drawing tables where:

fig. 1 represents the joint assembly of the invention, in an exploded axonometric view;

- fig. 2 represents the group of fig. 1 assembled, in sectioned view;

fig. 3 shows some details of the junction assembly of fig. 1, in an exploded axonometric view;

fig. 4 shows the details of fig. 3 assembled, in sectioned view;

fig. 5 shows other details of the junction assembly of fig.

1, in an exploded axonometric view;

fig. 6 shows a structure employing the joining assembly of fig. 1, in axonometric view;

- fig. 7 shows a detail of the structure of fig. 6, in axonometric view;

fig. 8 represents a further detail of the structure of fig.

6, in side view;

figs. 9 and 10 represent two executive variants of the detail of fig. 8, in side view;

fig. 11 represents a different possible combination of the details of fig. 3, in an exploded axonometric view.

The junction assembly of the invention is represented in fig. 1, where it is generally indicated with the reference 1 and where it is observed that it comprises a first element 2 provided with a shaped body 3, one end 4 of which can be inserted into a tubular element T to be connected to a structure.

The aforesaid end 4 is configured to be inserted into the tubular element T according to the axial direction X of the latter and can be secured to the tubular element T by means of fixing means 5.

At the opposite end of the aforementioned first element 2 there is a flange 7, which can be conjugated to a counterflange 11 belonging to one end of a second element 8 of the joint assembly 1. The flange 7 and the counterflange 11 can be mutually connected by means of joining means 12, for example of the screw type.

As regards the second element 8, the end 9 opposite the counterflange 11 can be associated with the rest of the structure by means of fastening means 10, for example of the screw type, allowing the connection between the tubular element T and the structure by means of the interposition and mutual coupling of the aforesaid two elements 2, 8 of the junction group 1.

According to the invention, the flange 7 and the counterflange 11 are configured to be able to be mated to each other according to an incident coupling direction Y and, preferably, orthogonal to the axial direction X defined by the tubular element T.

With the aforementioned coupling, after having inserted the end 4 of the first element 2 in the tubular element T and having fixed it to the latter, the flange 7 can be approached to the counterflange 11 of the second element 8 according to a coupling direction Y independent of the axial direction X of insertion, as illustrated in fig. 2.

The coupling of the two elements 2, 8 in the transverse direction with respect to the tubular element T, or independently of the direction of insertion of the first element 2 to the tubular element T, involves fewer limitations on the joining means 12.

In particular, it is possible to use joining means 12 which are more stable and versatile than those used in joining groups of known type, achieving one of the purposes of the invention.

More in detail, the flange 7 and the counterflange 11 extend from the respective elements 2, 8 developing in directions parallel to the axial direction X.

Therefore, each of them identifies a corresponding coupling surface 13, 14 which can be conjugated to the opposite surface according to the aforementioned coupling direction Y.

The action of the joining means 12 is carried out through the aforementioned coupling surfaces 13, 14, without interfering with the fastening means 5 of the first element 2 to the tubular element T and with the fastening means 10 of the second element 8 to the structure. .

Advantageously, this allows to simplify the joining means 12 and their use, as will become clear shortly.

Furthermore, the fact that the flange 7 and the counterflange 11 extend in an axial rather than radial direction allows the two elements 2, 8 to be made with the same diameter as the tubular element T, thus preventing the joint 1 from having protrusions with respect to the element tubular itself.

Consequently, once assembled, the junction group 1 and the tubular element T appear as a single cylindrical body, to the advantage of the aesthetics of the junction and avoiding introducing protrusions on which one could trip over.

As regards the joining means 12, they preferably comprise a first screw 15, inserted passing through first holes 16a, 16b belonging respectively to the flange 7 and to the counterflange 11 and fixed with a nut 15b.

It is evident that, in executive variants of the invention, the first screw 15 can pass through a single element and be screwed to the hole of the other element, which in this case is threaded.

It is understood that the use of the aforementioned first screw 15 allows a more stable connection between the flange 7 and the counterflange 11 with respect to a pressure or snap connection, of the type used in known joints.

Furthermore, with respect to the snap means, the screw 15 has the advantage of allowing easy disassembly of the joint assembly 1.

Preferably, the first through holes 16a, 16b have axes orthogonal to the axial direction X, with the advantage of containing the length of the first screw 15, so as to improve its operating conditions and facilitate its screwing.

Preferably, the axes of the first through holes 16a, 16b pass through the centers of the respective coupling surfaces 13, 14. The aforementioned arrangement of the first through holes 16a, 16b confers symmetry to the joint 1, with the advantage of allowing the coupling also of two identical elements, as will be clarified shortly.

Preferably and as can be seen in fig. 3, the fastening means 5 of the first element 2 to the tubular element T comprise an expansion body 17, associated with the shaped body 3 by means of adjustment.

The aforesaid adjustment means define, for the expansion body 17 with respect to the shaped body 3, a direction of displacement orthogonal to the axial direction X.

The aforementioned mobility of the expansion body 17 allows to realize an expansion fastening of the insertable end 4 of the first element 2 in the tubular element T, to the advantage of greater fastening safety compared to the pressure one, of the type used in known joints. .

In addition, the expansion fastening from the inside of the tubular element T does not create any encumbrance on the outside of the latter, to the advantage of the aesthetics and safety of the joint.

Still advantageously, the aforementioned expansion fastening is particularly suitable for use in commercial tubular elements, without having to perform particular machining on them. Preferably, the adjustment means comprise a second screw 18, arranged passing through with play in the insertable end 4 through a second hole 19 and mordant coupled in the expansion body 17.

Always preferably, the surfaces 3a, 17a of mutual contact of the shaped body 3 and of the expansion body 17 are inclined with respect to the axial direction X.

When the second screw 18 is screwed in, the inclination of the contact surfaces 3a, 17a causes mutual sliding between the shaped body 3 and the expansion body 17 in a direction transverse to the direction of the second screw 18.

Consequently, the expansion of the insertable end 4 in the tubular element T is obtained, and its consequent locking, as can be seen from fig. 4.

Preferably but not necessarily, the insertable end 4 and the expansion body 17 both have a circular section, with a diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the tubular element T.

This advantageously favors the precision of alignment between the first element 2 and the tubular element T.

Evidently, in executive variants of the invention, the fastening means 5 can comprise several expansion bodies 17, even different from that shown in the figures, for example in the form of jaws adapted to widen radially due to the action on the adjustment means , or any other equivalent means of a known type.

As regards the fastening means 10 of the second element 8 to the structure, they are shown in fig. 1 and, in more detail, in fig. 5.

Preferably, they comprise a third hole 21 passing through the second element 8, to accommodate a third screw 20 which can be associated with a corresponding hole 24 of the structure.

Advantageously, the aforementioned third screw 20 allows a stable and removable coupling of the second element 8 to the structure.

Preferably and as can be seen in figs. 2, 3 and 5, the second screw 18 and the third screw 20 have their respective heads 18a, 20a projecting with respect to the abutment surface 22, 23 of the corresponding element 2, 8

Furthermore, each element 2, 8 has a corresponding seat 13b, 14b obtained on the relative coupling surface 13, 14, which accommodates the protruding head 18a, 20a of the screw 18, 20 associated with the other element 2, 8.

Preferably but not necessarily, the seats 13b and 14b have a semi-cylindrical shape, also acting as a guide for the screws during their insertion in the respective holes.

Advantageously, the coupling between the protruding heads 18a, 20a and the seats 13b, 14b prevents relative rotation between the two elements 2, 8 around the axis of the first screw 15, giving structural stability to the joint assembly 1.

However, it is evident that, in executive variants of the joint of the invention, the aforementioned rotational constraint can be achieved by means of interlocking means belonging to the coupling surfaces 13, 14 and which can be conjugated to each other according to the coupling direction Y.

As regards the coupling surfaces 13, 14 between the two elements 2, 8, each of them is preferably delimited in the axial direction X by a corresponding abutment surface 22, 23 which can be positioned close to the end surface 22a, 23a of the element opposed.

Advantageously, the aforementioned abutment surface 22, 23 facilitates the coupling between the two elements 2, 8, as it allows them to be arranged with the respective first holes 16a, 16b aligned with each other.

Still advantageously, the contact between the abutment surfaces 22, 23 and the corresponding end surfaces 22a, 23a prevents reciprocal rotation between the two elements 2, 8 with respect to the axis of the first screw 15 which joins them, cooperating in the stability of the joint 1.

Preferably, each coupling surface 13, 14 has one or more flat areas 13a, 14a in contact with corresponding flat areas 13a, 14a on the opposite coupling surface 13, 14.

In particular, the flat areas 13a, 14a of the first element 2 are aligned with the axis of the respective second hole 19, while those of the second element 8 are aligned with the axis of the respective third hole 21.

In this way, the heads 18a, 20a of the screws protrude half with respect to the corresponding flat areas 13a, 14a, while the other half is received in the seat 13b, 14b of the opposite coupling surface 13, 14.

Therefore, the coupling surfaces 13, 14 are specular, allowing also two identical elements to be coupled together, with the advantages highlighted below.

It is also preferable that the second hole 19 and the third hole 21 are coaxial to each other, so as to limit the overall dimensions of the junction unit 1 in the transverse direction.

Preferably but not necessarily, the end 4 of the first element 2 which can be inserted in the tubular element T is delimited in the axial direction X by a supporting edge 6, which can be positioned close to one end of the tubular element T to advantageously allow a precise coupling,

Preferably but not necessarily, the flange 7 and the counterflange 11 have respective housings outside the respective element 2, 8 and in correspondence with the first hole 16a, 16b, visible in the figures, to accommodate the head 15a of the first screw 15 or the respective nut 15b.

In this way, advantageously, the protrusion of the screw 15 and / or of the nut 15b with respect to the surface of the joint assembly 1 is limited.

The two elements 2, 8 can be made of any material but, preferably, of aluminum, to the advantage of lightness and ease of manufacture.

The operating procedures for mounting a tubular element T to the structure are evident from fig. 1.

First of all, the end of the first element 2 is inserted and fixed in the tubular element T by means of the screw 18 which causes the displacement of the expansion body 17, while the second element 8 is fixed to the structure by means of the third screw 20 with which it is equipped . The first element 2, already coupled to the tubular element T, is then connected to the second element 8, connected to the structure, by means of the first screw 15, which is inserted into the corresponding first holes 16a, 16b in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the 'tubular element T.

To make the connection between a plurality of tubular elements T at a vertex of the structure, a further polyhedral-shaped central element can be used, indicated in fig. 1 with reference 25.

The aforementioned central element 25 has a threaded hole 24 on each face, to accommodate the third screw 20 of a corresponding second element 8.

Therefore, the central element 25 allows you to connect together a number of tubular elements T equal to the number of faces of the central element 25 itself.

Preferably, the central element 25 has a cubic shape, so as to allow the connection of tubular elements T according to right angles, obtaining a structure schematically represented in fig. 6 and in the details of figs. 7 and 8.

As can be seen in the aforementioned figures, the structure can be fixed to the support base by means of the same central element 25, by inserting a support foot 26 in the hole in the lower face of the central element 25.

According to an executive variant, of which figs. 9 and 10 show two possible equivalent embodiments, the fixing of a tubular element T to the support base 27 can take place by means of the second element 8, associating the respective third screw 20 to a hole belonging to the support base 27 itself, with or without the interposition of a spacer element 28.

In addition, the first element 2 of the junction assembly 1 can be used to connect two tubular elements T to each other, as illustrated in fig. 11.

To make the aforementioned connection, each tubular element T is associated with a corresponding first element 2.

The first elements 2 are then mated to each other at the respective flat areas 13a, 14a and connected by means of a screw 15 arranged passing through the respective first holes 16a and associated with a nut 15b.

From what has been said so far, it is understood that the invention achieves all the intended purposes.

In particular, since the direction of coupling between the flange and counterflange incident with respect to the N axis of the tubular element, it is possible to connect the latter to the structure using more robust joining means than those allowed by known techniques, in particular screw means.

At the same time, the conformation of the flange and of the counterflange make it possible to give the joint assembly an external shape that is continuously connected to that of the tubular element, to the advantage of the aesthetic aspect of the joint and its safety.

Moreover, with the same elements of the junction group, various configurations of corner connections can be made or the structure can be connected to a support base.

During the execution phase, further modifications or variants may be made to the joint assembly of the invention and to each of its elements which, although not described and not represented in the drawings, should they fall within the scope of the following claims, must all be considered protected by this patent.

Claims (2)

CLAIMS 1) Joint assembly (1) of a tubular element (T) to a structure, comprising: - a first element (2) comprising a shaped body (3) provided with an end (4) which can be inserted in said tubular element (T) according to the axial direction (X) defined by said tubular element (T) and can be secured to said element tubular (T) by means of fixing means (5), the opposite end of said shaped body (3) being provided with a flange (7); - a second element (8) which has an end (9) which can be associated with said structure by means of fastening means (10) and is provided with a counterflange (11) at the opposite end, which can be conjugated to said flange (7) and can be connected to said flange (7) by means of union means (12); characterized in that said flange (7) and said counterflange (11) can be mutually conjugated according to an incident coupling direction (Y) called axial direction (X). 2) Joint assembly (1) according to claim 1) characterized in that said flange (7) and counterflange (11) extend in directions parallel to said axial direction (X), to define corresponding coupling surfaces (13, 14 ) mutually conjugable according to said coupling direction (Y) 3) Joint assembly (1) according to claim 2) characterized by the fact that said joining means (12) comprise a first screw (15) received in first through holes (16a, 16b) of said flange (7) and of said counter flange (11). 4) Joint assembly (1) according to claim 3) characterized in that said first through holes (16a, 16b) have axes orthogonal to said axial direction (X). 5) Joint assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3) or 4) characterized in that the axes of said first through holes (16a, 16b) pass through the centers of said coupling surfaces (13, 14). 6) Joint assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2) to 5) characterized in that said fixing means (5) comprise at least one expansion body (17) associated with said shaped body (3) by means of adjustment, adapted to move said expansion body (17) with respect to said shaped body (3) at least according to a direction orthogonal to said axial direction (X) to provide an expansion fastening of said insertable end (4) in said tubular element ( T). 7) Joint assembly (1) according to claim 6) characterized by the fact that said adjustment means comprise a second screw (18) arranged passing through with play in a second hole (19) of said insertable end (4) and mordant coupled in said expansion body (17). 8) Joint assembly (1) according to claim 7) characterized in that the surfaces (3a, 17a) of mutual contact of said shaped body (3) with said expansion body (17) are inclined with respect to the axis of said second screw (18). 9) Joint assembly (1) according to any one of claims 7) or 8) characterized in that said fastening means (10) of said second element (8) comprise a third through hole (21) in said second element (8) ), suitable for receiving a third screw (20). 10) Joint assembly (1) according to claim 9) characterized in that each of said coupling surfaces (13, 14) has at least one flat area (13a, 14a) which can be positioned in contact with a corresponding flat area (13a, 14a ) of the opposite coupling surface (13, 14). 11) Joint assembly (1) according to claim 10) characterized in that said flat area (13a) of the first element (2) is aligned with the axis of said second hole (19) and said flat area (14a) of the second element (8) is aligned with the axis of said third hole (21). 12) Joint assembly (1) according to any one of claims 9) to 11) characterized in that said second hole (19) and third hole (21) are coaxial to each other. 13) Junction group (1) according to any one of claims 9) to 12) characterized by the fact that the coupling surface (13, 14) of each of said first element (2) and second element (8) is delimited in said axial direction (X) from a corresponding abutment surface (22, 23) which can be positioned close to the end surface (22a, 23a) of the other of said elements (2, 8). 14) Joint assembly (1) according to claim 13) characterized in that the heads (18a, 20a) of said second screw (18) and third screw (20) protrude with respect to the abutment surface (22, 23) of the corresponding element (2, 8). 15) Joint assembly (1) according to claim 14) characterized by the fact that the coupling surface (13, 14) of each element (2, 8) comprises a seat (13b, 14b) to accommodate the head (18a, 20a ) protruding from the other of said elements (2, 8). 16) Joint assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said insertable end (4) of said first element (2) is delimited in said axial direction (X) by a supporting edge (6) which can be positioned at against one end of said tubular element (T). 17) Connection device (2) of a tubular element (T) to a structure, suitable for being used as the first element of a joining assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. 18) Support element (8) for a tubular element (T), adapted to be used as a second element of a joint assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1) to 16).