Abstract:
An item of wall-like standing furniture, in particular in the form of a partition wall, is distinguished, inter alia, by the following features: —a hole ( 37, 39 ) is made in a central body section ( 21 ), in each case from the outside in the axial direction of the respective insertion limb ( 23 ), wherein the two holes ( 37, 39 ) intersect in a crossing section ( 40 ), —an intermediate anchoring element ( 43 ) can be or is inserted, by way of its insertion body ( 43 ), into at least one of the two holes ( 37, 39 ), the intermediate anchoring element ( 43 ) has a threaded hole ( 45 ) which rent transverse to the axial direction of the insertion body ( 43   a ), the intermediate anchoring element ( 43 ) can be or is positioned in the at least one hole ( 37, 39 ) such that the threaded hole ( 45 ) in the insertion body ( 43   a ) is aligned with the respectively other hole ( 39, 37 ) in the central body section ( 21 ).

Description:
This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2009/004012, filed 4 Jun. 2009, which designated the U.S. and claims priority to German Application No. 202008009270-1, filed 10 Jul. 2008, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The most varied embodiments of partition walls and partition wall units or modules which can be erected in different places in a room, particularly in an open-plan office, are known. 
     A partition wall element of this type as an example of an item of wall-like standing furniture usually comprises a modular frame, in particular a rectangular modular frame with two vertically extending lateral profile parts which are offset in the horizontal longitudinal direction and at least one upper and one lower connecting or terminal profiled part. The profiled parts which are arranged in the form of a rectangle are connected together at their corner regions by corner elements. Usually provided inside this modular frame is a wall surface element which can be constructed in different ways using a wide variety of materials (also depending on the different purposes of use). Differences also arise in respect of the thickness of a wall surface element of this type, since it is frequently also to be used for acoustic damping. 
     Wall elements of this type can be erected as individual modules aligned next to one another in the longitudinal direction or oriented at an angle to one another. 
     However, wall modules of this type are preferably also interlinked to increase stability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,002 discloses, for example a partition wall system in which individual wall panels can be interlinked while extending in the longitudinal direction or transversally to one another. For this purpose, accommodated in an integrated manner into the modular frame in the corner regions are specifically threaded apertures which can be screwed together with transversely extending threaded bolts. 
     Another example of an item of wall-like standing furniture using a wall module is also known, for example from DE 101 60 740 A1. In this case as well, a rectangular modular frame including associated corner angle pieces is described, the corner angle pieces being provided with projecting plug-in portions which can be inserted with one arm thereof into a corresponding cavity portion of, for example, the upper or lower terminal or connecting profiled part on one side and can be inserted with the other arm into the upper or lower receiving opening in a lateral profiled part on the other side. 
     It is possible to arrange next to a wall module a subsequent wall module which is connected thereto. For this purpose, so-called connecting blocks are used which can be pushed into the corner angle regions. For connection purposes, screws are used which are screwed into a connecting block of this type in the corner angle pieces from the inside of the frame (i.e. in the plane of the wall element to be inserted later on), it then being possible for a screw in this connecting block to also be screwed in at the same height from the next wall element. However, this is only possible when, in the modular frame, the inter-positioned wall surface element which is used for example for insulation has not yet been inserted. 
     An angular orientation of wall elements relative to one another is not possible with this system, or is only possible to a very limited extent. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore the object of the present invention, starting from the last mentioned generic prior art, to provide an improved item of wall-like standing furniture, in particular in the form of a partition wall module which can be easily linked with further wall elements, thereby providing a pleasing design. 
     The present invention provides an easy-to-handle connection element for constructing and interlinking items of wall-like standing furniture, in particular partition walls and partition wall systems. 
     A wall element according to the invention is characterised by corner elements which are not only used for connecting horizontal and vertical beams in corner regions, but which can also be used at any time, as required, for linking with further wall elements. 
     The high degree of stability is achieved in that, provided in the plug-in arms for connecting to an adjoining horizontal or vertical profiled part of a wall element are axial holes into which screw elements can be inserted in order to rigidly connect the corner element to the respective horizontal or vertical profiled part of a wall element. When used as a single wall element, a cover cap can finally be attached, as a result of which the openings provided below the cap for insertion of the screws are sealed in an outwardly aesthetically pleasing manner. 
     When interlinking is to be carried out with an adjacent wall element, the corner element according to the invention is characterised in that, inside, it has an intermediate body portion in which a vertical hole and a horizontal hole are made from outside. These vertical and horizontal holes are used first and foremost for inserting the above-mentioned fastening screws which extend in the horizontal and vertical directions, by which the corner element is connected to the horizontal or vertical profiled parts of a wall element. It is then also possible for an intermediate (preferably cylindrical) anchoring element to be inserted therein, for example through the elongated horizontal hole, such that a cross hole made in the intermediate anchoring element aligns with the hole, extending vertically downwards from above, in the intermediate body portion of the corner element. This then makes it possible to attach a rectangular connection element, likewise using screws, on the upper side of the corner element intermediate body portion for a longitudinal interlinking with the next wall. 
     If two wall elements are to be interlinked while extending in one plane, a rectangular connection member can also be used for this. Since the connection elements thereof are used at an angle of, for example 120° or 90°, a straightforward connection with the next wall element can be achieved in that a connection element at an angle of 120° or 90° is used. In this case, it is also possible in the same way to insert T-shaped connecting plates if, for example a wall element which extends transversely by 90° and a wall element which continues rectilinearly at an angle of 180° are to be assembled together. 
     However, the connection element can likewise also be used to build a wall-like construction element onto the top of an existing wall portion to increase the overall height of the wall element. In the simplest construction, this produces a high degree of flexibility with a pleasing design. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a detail of a partition wall according to the invention in the upper left-hand corner region; 
         FIG. 2  is a corresponding perspective view with the interlinking of three partition wall elements; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view through a corresponding horizontal or vertical profiled part, which delimits a wall element; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of the corner element according to the invention with an attached cover cap; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view of the corner element according to the invention without a cover cap; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view along the plane of symmetry through the corner element, shown in  FIG. 5 , without an attached cover cap; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view of an intermediate anchoring element which is used in connection with the corner element; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic plan view of a straight linking element; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of a linking element for interlinking second partition walls at an angle of 120°; and 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of a T-linking element for interlinking second wall elements standing adjacently in the longitudinal direction with a wall element aligned vertically thereto. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a detail of an item of wall-like standing furniture  1  according to the invention, which is also abbreviated in the following to partition wall, partition wall element or partition wall module. Partition wall elements of this type can be erected in suitable locations, for example to organise open-plan offices. 
     A partition wall module of this type comprises a modular frame  3 , for example with lateral profiled parts  5  which are arranged on the left-hand side and on the right-hand side, extend vertically in the illustrated embodiment and are thus offset from one another in the horizontal direction, and an upper and a lower terminal or connecting profiled part  7 . These two lateral profiled parts  5  and the two connecting profiled parts  7  are connected in the corner regions in each case via a corner element  9  to form a rigid, closed modular frame  3 . 
     Provided inside this modular frame  3  is a wall surface element  11  which can be formed from different materials. This wall construction can also be multi-layered, for example using different materials, in particular to realise optimum acoustic insulation values. In principle, the thickness or depth transversely to the plane of the wall surface element  11  including the associated modular frame and the profiled parts can be selected to have different values. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the mentioned corner element  9  can only be seen from outside, as it is employed when a single wall element is used in the manner of a partition wall. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic and perspective view of a detail when, for example, three such wall elements are to be interlinked. In this respect, in the embodiment according to  FIG. 3 , a first wall element  1   a  and a second wall element  1   b  are arranged in an extension of 180° to one another and a third wall element  1   c  is attached perpendicularly thereto. In this case, an upper connection or linking element  15  is screwed on, more specifically on the mentioned corner elements  9 , a more precise description of the construction and mode of operation being provided in the following. 
       FIG. 3  merely shows a schematic cross section through a lateral profiled part  5  or connecting profiled part  7 . This profiled part can vary in configuration. It is preferably produced as a continuous casting, for example from metal, in particular aluminium. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross section of such a lateral and/or connecting profiled part  5 ,  7  is approximately T-shaped, thus it has a T-shaped inner socket  17  which is also called a plug-in socket  17 . Furthermore, provided inside the plug-in socket  17  is also a longitudinally slotted screw channel  17   a , the significance of which will be explained later on. 
     The construction and configuration of the corner element will be described more precisely with reference to the following drawings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the corner element  9  is again shown separately, as it is incorporated in the wall element according to  FIG. 1 . In this respect, an assembly opening which is made in the corner angle and extends from the first, for example upper corner element portion  9   a  to the corner element portion  9   b  which, in the illustrated embodiment, is offset by 90° and extends vertically, is sealed by a cover cap  19 . This cover cap  19  can be removed by a type of catch or click connection or by compressive forces to be applied accordingly. 
       FIG. 5  schematically shows the corner element according to the invention when the above-mentioned cover cap  19 , has been removed. With the cover cap  19  removed, it is now possible to see in the assembly opening  18  a central body portion  21 , from which issues a respective plug-in arm  23  which is T-shaped in cross section and which protrudes with relatively small external dimensions on two mounting sides  25  which are offset by 90°. The cross section of the T-shaped plug-in arm  23  is adapted in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of the socket, i.e. of the plug-in socket  17  ( FIG. 3 ) for the lateral profiled parts  5  and the connecting profiled parts  7 . If the lateral and connecting profiled parts have a different cross section, the corresponding corner element  9  should also be adapted accordingly in respect of its plug-in arms. Thus, these plug-in arms can be pushed into the respective plug-in socket  17  to connect a lateral profiled part to a terminal or connecting profiled part  5 ,  7 , until the associated mounting side  25  rests against the end-face end of the respective lateral profiled part  5 ,  7 . 
     The width and height of the central body portion  21  is selected such that the front and rear lateral face, in particular the front and rear lateral face which, in the assembled state, usually extends vertically, merge directly into the lateral faces  5 ′,  7 ′ of the adjoining lateral profiled part  5  and the adjoining terminal or connecting profiled part  7  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     The further construction of the corner angle in question is illustrated with reference to the further figures. 
     As emerges in particular from  FIG. 5  in a schematic, perspective view and from  FIG. 6  in a cross-sectional view, after the cover cap  19  has been removed, the central body portion  21  located below the cover cap  19  can be seen in the corner element under the assembly opening  18 , in which central body portion  21   a  first axial hole  37  ends which, in the illustrated embodiment according to  FIG. 5  of the insertion opening  37 ′, is made downwards from above (namely in the immediate axial extension of the T-shaped plug-in arm  23  which projects downwards in  FIG. 4 ). In addition, a further axial hole  39  which extends perpendicularly thereto is made in the central body portion  21  and which, in the embodiment according to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , extends from left to right (i.e. extending in the horizontal direction) from the insertion opening  39 ′ also in the immediate axial extension of the second T-shaped plug-in arm  23  provided in the horizontal direction. 
     As shown by the cross-sectional illustration according to  FIG. 6 , the two axial holes  37  and  39  intersect in an intersection portion  40 . In this respect, it can also be seen in particular from  FIG. 6  that the two the axial hole  37 , extending vertically in the illustrated embodiment, merges from its opening side  37 ′ (i.e. below the intersection portion  40 ) downstream of the intersection portion  40  into a hole  137  which is narrowed with respect to the axial hole  37 . Likewise, the further axial hole  39 , extending in the horizontal direction, merges, seen from its opening or introduction side, downstream of or, in this embodiment, on the right after the intersection portion  40 , into a hole  139  which aligns therewith and also has a smaller diameter than the axial hole  39 . 
     This provides the opportunity, after a corner angle of this type has been driven into an adjoining lateral profiled part  5  or terminal or connecting profiled part  7  (indicated in dashed lines in each case in  FIG. 6 ), to fix the corner angle by screwing in screws. For this purpose,  FIG. 6  shows a vertical screw  137   a  and a horizontal screw  139   a , the end of which extends into the respective lateral or terminal profiled part  5 ,  7  where it engages in the appropriately provided screw channel  17   a  ( FIG. 3 ), thereby producing a rigid fixing with the lateral and terminal or connecting profiled parts  5 ,  7 . 
     Since the vertically extending hole  37  merges downstream of the intersection point  40  into a narrowed hole  137  and the corresponding horizontally extending hole  39  merges downstream of the intersection point  40  into a hole portion  139  narrowed with respect thereto, an annular shoulder or a stop  37   a  and  39   a  is produced in each case at the transition to the narrowed hole, against which annular shoulder or stop  37   a  and  39   a  the screw head  137   c  and  139   c  of the associated fastening screw  137   a  and  139   a  strikes when the screw is tightened. In the secured position, the screw heads  137   c  and  139   c  are offset in each case from the intersection point  40 , so that downstream of the intersection point  40 , part of the axial length of the holes  37  and  39  is always free. 
     The mentioned cover cap  18  then seals off the inner structure of the corner angle in an aesthetically pleasing manner if a single wall element  1  is to be provided, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     If, for example, two wall elements  1  are to be interlinked and joined rigidly together in a direct straight extension, the corresponding cover cap (which can be used in the manner of a clip cap) has to be removed from the corner angle, so that the mentioned assembly opening  18  is exposed. 
     When interlinking with the next wall element in a straight extension from the previous wall element, the adjoining corner element of the next wall element is also prepared by removing the cover cap  19  such that a cylindrical intermediate anchoring element  43 , shown in  FIG. 7 , can be inserted for the two corner elements in each case in a horizontal direction according to the arrow  52  via the axial hole  37 . This intermediate anchoring element  43  with the cylindrical plug-in body  43   a  has a cross hole  45  in the cylindrical plug-in body  43   a . In this case, this intermediate anchoring element  43  can be pushed into the axial hole  37  in the central body portion  21  of the corner element  9  until the cross hole  45  aligns with the vertical axial hole  37 . 
     When the two adjoining corner elements of two wall elements to be interlinked have been prepared accordingly, they can be erected next to one another and a plate-shaped connection element  47 , indicated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  and shown in compact form in a plan view in  FIG. 8 , can be inserted in the manner of a connecting plate into the region of the upper portion of the assembly opening  18  such that it rests on the upper side of the central body portion  21  of the corner element  9 . This connection element  47  also has holes  49  made therein which, when the connection element  47  has been accordingly correctly positioned, align with the axial hole  37 , respectively located underneath, in the associated corner element  9 . In this position, a screw  51  shown in  FIG. 5  can be screwed in through the hole  49  in the connection element  47  and via the following axial hole  37  aligned therewith in the central body portion  21  of the corner element  9  down into the cross hole  45  in the intermediate anchoring element  43  (the respective screw head of screw  51  can also be seen in  FIG. 2  in the assembled state). 
     Since the intermediate anchoring element  43  is held in the further horizontal axial hole  39  extending transversely to the vertical axial hole  37  in the central body portion  21  (which is an integral component of the corner element  9 ), and cannot be removed in the direction of the mentioned screw  51 , a rigid anchoring of the connection element  47  on the corner element  9  is ensured. 
     The plate  47  is attached correspondingly to the adjacent corner element of the next wall element by its further hole  51 , so that an interlinking is then ensured which continuously connects the two wall portions in an integrated manner. 
     At the same time, the connection element  47  covers the mentioned openings  31  in the corner elements  9  at the top. 
     To ensure a fixing construction which is as fixed and favourable as possible, the intermediate anchoring element  43  is provided on its end face  43   b , leading in the plug-in direction, with an insertion nipple  43   c . A corresponding central hole  137   d  and  139   d , i.e. in particular a blind hole, is made in the screw head  137   a  of the screw  137  which is arranged in the immediate axial extension to the axial intermediate anchoring element  43  inserted into the horizontal axial hole  37 . This makes it possible for the mentioned insertion nipple  43   c  to also engage in this blind hole  137   d  in the screw head  137   a  at the leading end face  43   b  of the intermediate anchoring element  43 . Consequently, when fitted, the intermediate anchoring element  43  is held in an improved manner and is braced against arising forces. In this respect, it goes without saying that the external diameter of the plug-in portion  43   a  of the intermediate anchoring element  43  is adapted to the diameter of the axial hole  37 , i.e. it is the same as the diameter or is only slightly smaller. 
     During assembly or disassembly of this intermediate anchoring element  43 , to be able to optionally remove it again relatively easily, if required, it is provided in the insertion direction on the rear side with a rectangular end plate  43   d  which projects beyond the axial hole  37   a  in the intermediate body portion  21 . 
     If, for example, two wall elements are to be interlinked at an angle of 120°, for example a connection element  47 , shown in  FIG. 9 , can be used which extends at a corresponding angle of 120°. 
     If, for example, three walls standing perpendicularly to one another are to be interlinked, i.e. two wall elements standing in immediate extension to one another with a wall element aligned perpendicularly thereto (for example, as shown in a schematic plan view in  FIG. 2 ), a connection element  47  can be used which is shown in a schematic plan view in  FIG. 10 . 
     In other words, the most varied interlinking elements can be employed for the most varied interlinking situations. 
     The corresponding interlinking is preferably performed not only on the upper connecting or terminal profiled part  7  of such a wall module, but also in a corresponding manner on the underside in the corner regions of a wall module. 
     However, an interlinking can also be performed in the described manner, for example with a described wall module attachment element which also comprises an identically constructed modular frame. In this case, only one corresponding rectangular connection element  47 , shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , would have to be attached to the corner module  9  on the left-hand lateral portion of the plug-in socket  17  extending in the vertical direction. In this case, the intermediate anchoring element  43  would be introduced through the vertically extending hole  37  in the central body portion  21  of the corner element  9 , so that a corresponding fastening screw  51  can be screwed in through the horizontally extending hole  39  into the appropriately aligned tapped hole  45 , (which is provided with a corresponding internal thread) in the intermediate anchoring element  43 . Consequently, the plate would be held on its corresponding corner element then extending in a vertical direction. The upper part of the plate would be attached accordingly in the same way to the adjoining corner angle, as a result of which a wail module can be constructed against or on a lower wall module in a vertical extension.